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#maybe the problem is there isnt as much of a side cast in the later suicide squads from what ive seen.
themyscirah · 6 months
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Amanda... I miss her.
But I don't trust a single person to write her other than Ostrander/Yale. Like I don't trust them to do it right. Because like it's easy to write her being shady and manipulative and involved in secret government conspiracies. That's what she does. But it feels so hollow once you've seen her character in the way Ostrander describes it. Like she is a woman who is desperate and trying to do what she thinks is right. She has found a place of power (as a fat Black woman in the 1980s) and is doing anything she can to fight and hold onto it as powerful and ambitious men try and steal it from her. So she doubles down. She doubles down on the shady deals and the broken promises and the violence and she destroys her enemies, and loses a part of her soul in the process. And then some other ambitious politician rises up and the process repeats itself over and over and over again as each time she loses more of her morality and more of her soul and more of the respect her colleagues had for her. In place of that she gains more power, she gains fear, and an even more badass reputation. Until by the end of the book the villains begin to understand/sympathize with her more than the heroes ever will. Like THAT is who Amanda Waller is. It may happen subtly, it may happen over a longer period of time but that descent is a critical part of her character! She is a tragic character! And I feel like every perception of Suicide Squad I've seen outside of the original has her as this static villainous snapshot which is just untrue to her core imo. Like she is not a hero. But she is also not JUST a villain. She is a highly flawed character who is always descending farther and farther into villainy as she is led there by what she believes is right.
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moemoemammon · 3 years
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Ok. I need to get this idea out to someone. Solomon and mc are messing with potions for class and he accidentally gives mc a “youth” potion that makes you look younger. It turns mc into like a 4 year old for like a couple of days. What do you think would be the demon brothers (any) reaction to babysitting their master? What would they do? Idk i think it would be a little funny.
You’ve Gotta Be KIDding me, MC!
(Feat. GN!MC and the Demon Bros)
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Lucifer
He'll be exchanging words with that sorcerer bastard later. You can bet on that.
Lucifer doesn't take kindly to the idea of MC having run ins with magic in general, but at least this seems to be on the tamer side of the magical spectrum. And he had to admit, it's sort of amusing.
He intentionally watches you try to handle things on your own. Be it reaching for things too high up, stubbornly carrying things too heavy for your tiny arms, or making messes when you try to tidy up, Lucifer waits patiently until you ask for help (or until he can't take it anymore).
Treats you like he always does, despite your size. He doesn't talk to you like a child, or try to force toys and nap times onto you, but may or may not tease you when it's only the two of you. After all, you may look like a child, but that doesn't mean you are one. It's still funny to harass you a little, though.
"As independent as you may be, please refrain from trying to climb up onto the counter. If you need something, ask one of my brothers, or myself. If that isn't obvious enough, perhaps a 'time-out' is in order?"
Mammon
When Mammon recovers from laughing for twenty minutes, (and also making threats on Solomon's life) he then decides to take a billion pictures of you. Now calls you 'munchkin' and variations of it.
And if you thought he was clingy before, just wait till you see how he is now. You're ACTUALLY helpless and vulnerable. I mean, you'd hardly make an appetizer for a random demon! So Mammon's gotta keep an eye on you. Maybe even a toddler leash-
Unintentionally treats you like an actual child. His older brother mode kicks in, and he finds himself taking care of you as naturally as breathing. Mammon? Being responsible?? It's more likely than you think.
He hands you a cup of juice before you can say 'I'm thirsty'. He'll slide over some sliced up fruits before your stomach has a chance to growl. You're tired? No kidding. That's why he's got a blanket and pillow on the sofa for you.
"Where do ya think you're goin', short stack? Nowhere without ME, that's where! I already told ya, if there's somethin' ya need, just tell me!" "Huh? I'm spoilin' ya too much? S-so what if I am?!"
Levi
Solomon came in with a child in tow that looked a hell of a lot like MC, and this man nearly had a heart attack. There's no way... did those two have a secret love child?! Th-that's just-!! Oh, it's only MC.
WAIT A MINUTE...TH-THIS IS....! ISNT THIS JUST LIKE 'DETECTIVE C*NAN'? Uwaaah... Just look at you! You're still just as smart as before, but you've become super small! Talk about the ultimate gap moe!!!
Levi isn't a big fan of the idea of tiny, sticky hands touching his things, so he's glad you've still got your normal brainpower. That being said, he finds himself talking to you normally. Maybe even easier than before!
It kinda throws him off that you guys can't do the things you'd normally do together. Your fingers don't have their usual dexterity so playing games is a challenge, and your attention span is a little shorter so these TSL marathons are killing you. But have no fear, Levi knows a ton of other things you could do together! He won't let something like this spoil his time with his dear Henry!
"If you can't use the controller, let's try something that doesn't need one! I've got a new Ruri Hana VR game with REAL motion and voice tracking! If you say the spells out loud, you'll cast them in game! Ah, and it auto-adjusts to the player's height, so there's nothing to worry about!"
Satan
HES DOING HIS BEST NOT TO LAUGH. SATAN WILL HANDLE THIS WITH POISE AND GRACE, BUT MAN....
Watching you struggle to enter the House of Lamentation in your oversized RAD uniform nearly sent him to the stratosphere. He inhaled tea when you almost tripped over your blazer and had to get a couple of slaps on the back from Asmo.
Does his best to find a cure for your 'little' problem, but the most that can be done is waiting it out. In the meantime, would you like him to read you a story? Large books are probably difficult on your tiny hands.
Constantly catches himself treating you like a tot. He's not trying to, but he can't help himself when he sees your round eyes staring up at him, or when he watches you try to climb up onto an armchair.
"Up we go- There. It must be hard for you, having to climb up into the chairs like that. I've got a stool if you'd like to use it? Though, I don't mind if you sit on my lap, too." "Hm? I'm embarrassing you? I-I didn't realize how overzealous I was being. Ehem...."
Asmo
Oh that Solomon and his silly spells and potions, always making trouble! It's just one of his many charm points! And seeing as there are no permanent consequences from this harmless mishap, Asmo's enjoying it to the fullest.
Can you blame him? You're SOOOO cute~! So tiny and adorable! Why would've know that was possible?? Look this way, MC! He wants to take some pictures of you! Lowkey uses you as a photo op prop
He used to work part time at a daycare, you know? Asmo's great with kids! But that also means he's treating you like one. There's personalized snacks, cute little nicknames, and he's already gone and bought you a week's worth of clothes. Nobody tell him it'll only last a day-
He can be a little annoying with the baby talk and all the little activities he's planned for you, but you can tell he's enjoying himself.
"MC, look~! I've got plenty of ribbons to decorate your hair with! I'll let you choose your favorites, and then we can set out in town!" "Hm? Where are we going? To the playground, silly! You must be dying for a play date after being stuck in this dreary house all day, right?"
Beel
He was kinda teetering between whether or not he should throw Solomon across the yard like a football when he saw him carrying a teeny MC, but all was forgiven when he learned it was an accident.
Has now designated himself the permanent MC carrier. Your feet will never touch the ground so long as you're a child. And it's no problem for the likes of Beel, when you're as light as a feather! That makes him a little more conscious about being careful with you though-
Be it piggybacking or carrying you in his arms, he hasn't released you since he's spotted you. And don't think he's forgotten about feeding you. Beel's also taken your meal prep upon himself. You'll prefer things that've easy to eat, right? Though it kills gum to give you smaller portions than usual.... it feels cruel...
Somewhere between babying you and treating you as usual. He speaks normally to you as he always does, but prioritizes your needs over everything else. He wants to make sure you're well taken care of until this potion wears off.
"You're sure you've had enough to eat? I know I gave you a snack earlier, but... to think you really can't eat as much as before.. I'll talk to Solomon again. It must be torture to have such a tiny stomach, I'll do my best to get you back to normal."
Belphie
There's obvious opportunity here, and Belphegor won't let it go to waste. (No not for murder)
He's getting a kick about your new mini mode. How's the weather down there? Do you need him to pick you up so you can reach the high shelves? Don't worry, he'll get you a sippy cup.
When the teasing has settled down, he pays attention to a more pressing matter: you're now the perfect side for cuddling. You're a living hot water bottle, not too big, not too small, tiny and soft and adorable. Er, he won't mention that last part though.
Anyway, Belphie thinks a little kid like you should go on and take a nap now. It's exhausting having such short legs and wandering around the house all day, right? He gets it. You look tired and he knows the solution.
"Ah, you're just as cozy as I thought you'd be... Though, it feels kind of weird holding you like this. It's like holding a stuffed animal, but you're not nearly as cute." "Pfft, what's that face for? Sorry, sorry, I was only teasing."
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blkgirl-writing · 4 years
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"The One Where They Share" Zuko X Fem!Reader X Jet SMUT!
Summary: You seem to be friends with Jet. Zuko is jealous and slightly confused.
Warnings: jet is basically your dom, zuko is a bit clueless, fingering, but plugs, DPs, obviously characters are aged up, Zuko's called Lee out loud, because that's what the characters know him as.
A/N: Thank you all so much for waiting for this! As you know i took a well needed break, but i’m back with a boom! Any feedback is welcome. 
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"Admit it, I'm the best fuck you've ever had" you smirked, eyes glimmering with sin as you stared at Jet. His amused eyes scanned your form, fingering on your chest without any ounce of shame.
"Okay, fine, whatever. You're the best lay I've had." Jet shrugged, a light rose blush creeping to his cheeks. You, on the other hand, held back a big victory screech, settling for a quieter yell and big gestures.
"I knew it!" You laughed, biting down on your bottom lip to keep from laughing. It had taken days to get him to admit it, you'd almost got him to say it while you were giving him a blowjob, insisting that you'd not let him cum unless he said it, but he pulled your hair, and looked at you with that stupid fucking look, and you couldnt keep him from a release.
"You owe me, ya know." He muttered, leaning into the table the air between you suddenly getting thick. His stare was hot, his hand reaching for yours even hotter.
"I do...? Can't think what for?" You smirked, taking Jets hand in your own.
It was shameless, it was nearly all the time. Zuko stood behind the counter and watched helplessly as the woman who he had lusted over since she had starting coming to the shop. Always smiling at him, always kind, always asking if he could take a break and sit with you. He had, a few times. He learned that you were single, worked at night, loved music, and adored tea. Shrowded in mystery, he still fell. So it was a hard hit when you starting showing up with Jet, the man who had wanted him thrown in jail. A smug look on his face every single time he walked in. It was disgusting.
It was only when youd asked to sit with him one day, without Jet, that he asked what was going on between you two. Youd laughed, taking a small sip from your tea, glowing skin contrasting against the pure white of the mug.
"Fuck no. Jet's my friend. I can't bare to be around him for more than 12 hours, let alone be with him." Your eyes glimmered the the dull light, biting down on your bottom lip, a hint of seduction in your smooth movements. "Does it bother you?"
"No." Zuko snapped back, eyes widening at the 'accusation' as he saw it. Much less flirty than anything. Really, he did a horrible job masking his jealousy for the closeness of the pair. "I was just wondering. You just...seem happy together."
"Trust me, the only reason we get along is because we fuck out our problems." Zukos face grew hot, boiling hot. He wasnt used to women being so blunt around him, especially ones he liked. Especially when they stared straight at him, like you did.
Ever since then, youd seen the way Zuko looked at you when you were with Jet. Longing, desire, shyness.
Maybe that's why you sent Zuko a wink when you went to the bathroom, letting him connect the dots when Jet went after you a minute or two later. Maybe you wanted Zuko to discover you and Jet together, in a strange way, maybe you wanted him to join.
"You're filthy," Jet smirked, holding your hips to the wall, lips connected to your neck. "Eye fucking the tea boy. Teasing me. You dont deserved to be fucked."
"It wasnt eye fucking," you reply, suppressing a moan as Jets fingers dig deeply into your soft skin, forcing your skirt up. "And you want your dick wet, Jet. You know youd fuck me anyway."
"Mmhm, you do have a good pussy-" you ran your hands through his thick hair, tugging at the strands at the base of his neck. Jet smiled into the skin by your collar bone, letting out a small, breathy laugh.
"You make it hard for me to keep my mind clean when you talk like that out in public."
"We were having a simple conversation-" you couldn't help the moan that escaped your lips as Jet slapped your ass. "Be quiet." Jet hummed, drawing back to look at you, eyes blown wide from pure lust. His gaze was sinful, wraking over your body read hot. One of his hands followed his eyes, fingertips trailing down your wrapped shirt, untying the front easily, your chest exposed to the cool air. Jet couldnt help but smile.
"I love your tits." Jet brushed his lips across your nipple, licking and nibbling at the skin.
"Shut the fuck up and fuck m-" the creek of a door,
Zuko stood in the door, hand still on the handle, blinking away the surprise, of that's what he could call it. He heard you, he heard him, and zuko couldnt stop himself from bursting in, no plan in hand. Kick Jet out? Ask you to...
"Ah, Lee." You hummed, turning your head to look at Zuko fully. He was taking a step in, eyes never leaving yours. The door slowly clicked shut, and without a word, he took yet another step. Jet had made no move to let go of your form, but he did remove his lips from your nipple, casting a cocky grin to Zuko.
"We weren't quiet enough, huh? Want us to leave? Join?"
"Join." Zuko muttered, rolling his shoulder back, glaring at Jet. You surprised a wide smile, godsz this must have been a dream. The short haired tea boy was finally asking you. Youd thought it would be a date first, but this is just was just as good.
"Finally grew some, Lee?" Jet stepped back from your body, heat still radiating off of you from his touch. Jet settled by Zukos side, nudging his shoulder.
"Isnt she beautiful?" Jet asked Zuko.
"Yeah, she is." Zuko muttered, licking his dry lips. The two men stood there for too long, admiring your body, who you heavily breathed, your open chest.
"Is someone gonna come over here and fuck me? Or do I have to fuck myself." You groaned, crossing your arms under your chest. Zuko looked a bit flustered, like he didnt know if he should be the one to come to you, but he sure as hell looked like he wanted to.
"Go ahead, finger her." Jet nodded to zuko, or as he knew the man as, Lee. Zuko hesitated, buying down on his lower lip as he looked at you, lust rolling off of his body. His cheeks were flushed a light pink. Zuko nudged a bit closer to you, fingers dancing around your skin, trailing down to your bare pussy. A single finger curled into you easily, already wet from when Jet was teasing you.
"She lost a dare, she's already ready to take one of us up the ass. Shes been wearin' her plug the whole day-" Jet reached out, slapping your ass harshly, earning a gasp from you. Jet chuckled to himself and sent you a wink.
"Fuck-" zuko breathed out.
"Guess that's you, then." Jet licked his lips, sinful gaze scanning your half clothed body, watching as you bit down on Zukos shoulder, stifling a moan as he pressed another finger inside you.
"I've wanted to fuck you since you walked into the shop-" zuko muttered, finger fucking you faster and faster, thumb brushing against your clit. He was so quick to jump into you, so warm and pressing all of himself against you. You could feel his hard on flush against your stomach.
"I-wish you would have,"
Everything seemed to go so fast, his lips on yours, soft and calm, not rushed like how his fingers pumped inside you. His fingers were somewhat clumsy, he was clearly new at this, but his lips against yours, and his dick against your skin was enough to make you xum in no time.
"Did you finish?" Zuko asked, breath hot against your skin. His forehead pressed against yours, hands squeezing your thighs.
"Y-yeah, definitely." You replied, placing a small kiss on his lips. A small, intimate moment in a very rough night.
"Hate to break up your love fest, but do you have a bed, or even a couch?" Jet came up beside you, placing a kiss on your shoulder.
After that, Zuko lead you and (reluctantly) Jet to his bedroom, shutting and locking the door behind him. You gleefully watched as the boys shed their clothes,
"Come here, jet. Take off my panties for me." You winked, looking the man up and down, pausing at his well groomed, throbbing dick. Thick, just the right shape.
"Like what you see?" Jet said slyly, stepping towards your frame.
"Mmhm, I think I do." Jet unbuttoned your skirt quickly, taking your underwear with it. His hands traveled back to your breasts, neading and caressing you. Hos touch was always needy, harsh.
"Common, Lee, join in on the fun~" your voice was low, looking zuko deep in his eyes as you ground against Jets hard cock.
Zuko was fast to join, coming behind you to bite at the back of your shoulder, hands traveling from to your stomach, rubbing circles around your pouch, then down to your hips, grabbing them with care. Zuko nudged you to the bed, letting go of your body to lay down on his thin mattress. He propped himself up on his elbows, watching as you walked over to him, swaying hips and all.
Your back pressed against his chest. Your butt plug slowly being pulled out by the man you barely knew, just to be replaced by his throbbing dick, crecum already leaking from his tip. Zukos eyes fluttered shut, taking in the tight, warm feeling of being inside you. He stayed inside you for a few moments, still, worshiping the moment. Jet took his time to admire your open legs, spread wide for him, pussy glinting from your arousal. Be kneed between you, rubbing his cock against your folds, teasing your clit.
“you’re so fucking hot,” Jet moaned as he slipped inside of you, easily hitting the end of your vagina, pressure from his tip pressing against your curvix. 
They both pressed into you, pumping at different paces, but hitting all the same spots. Jets curved dick hitting your G-spot perfectly with every thrust, and Zukos long cock.
"Such a good slut, taking both of us at a time. So fucking good." Jet grabbed at your hair, tugging your head to his, roughly pressing his lips against yours. A wet, heated, sloppy kiss. "How do you like Lee inside of you, baby?"
"He's so good," you gasped, Zukos hand coming from your stomach up to your breast, squeezing and pulling at your skin. "Fuck, yes, keep doing that-you're so good, so so good, Lee."
"You're...really tight-" zuko moaned, his thrusts slowing as he spoke awkwardly. All of his words jumbled in his brain. "n' you're so soft."
Jet stifled a laugh at the other man, his constant blush, his lingering yet hesitant touch. It was clear Zuko had been dreaming of this moment, to be inside you, but didnt quite know what to do now.
Then, Jets hand came down to your clit, roughly rubbing circles around your sensitive bundle. You whined out at the new sensation. You scratched at Jets lower back, leaving a red trail where your nails dug into his skin.
It was a feeling like no other, their dicks brushing against each other inside you, an intense sense of being filled to the brim. Zuko moans quiet and right next to your ear, hot breath leaving a trail of bumps on your skin.
Jet came in a moaning mess, clutching your hips hard enough to leave bruises. He stayed inside you until zuko came, a minute or two later, his heavy breaths and slow strokes being the only reason you knew he had cum. So silent and gentle. Pulling out of you suddenly, pleasing you a bit empty.
"Come on, lee. Step back and look at how we ruined her." Jet smirked, pulling out of your throbbing pussy, white cum seeping out from both your holes. Pure and utter bliss wracking around your body, the after shocks of your orgasm
Zuko moved over to Jets side reluctantly. He still didn't like the other man, but he did just help zuko get the lay of his wet dreams, and now he was looking down at your sweaty form, glowing like a goddess.
It was unreal, the list in your eyes, your weak knees, messy hair, that not even an hour ago was neat and styled to perfection.
Zuko stepped forward, eyes gazing down at your body, butlingering on your lips. You smiled at him, his messy hair, histired eyes. He looked irresistible. His thumb grazing over your bottom lip, wiping away some lip gloss that speared down.
"I hope we can do this again. Maybe alone, sometime?" You whispered in his ear, far too quiet for Jet to hear. You didn't need the boy toy getting jealous.
"I'd... really like that."
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TAGLIST: @bucky-blogs​ @toomanydamfandoms​ @spookyeclipsecat​ @lexysclubhouse​ @intothebisonsmouth @mayalovesyou @shadowsandcoldwords​ @samvmgh​ @coffee-addicted-writer @veyloveszuko​ @liosilass​ @duh-dobrik​
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podcastlimbo · 3 years
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My honest honest opinion on second citadel season 3
Uhhhh... short answer? I didn’t like it much.
Okay wait before I go on to my long answer I need to say that this is all just my opinion and it’s all subjective. If you liked sc season 3 that’s awesome! I get why you do and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
But I really wasn’t a fan of where they went with it (even from episode 1), and I’m gonna go on a long rambly and repetitive rant about it.
I’m not gonna talk about the way the season ended and the setup for s4 because I haven’t fully formed my opinion about that - to form my opinion means to relisten to the season and i don’t really feel like doing that.
Anyways, these are my unfiltered 2am thoughts about the Rest Of It - maybe I’ll neaten it up later to make it more palatable but for now it’s wordy n messy and you can just. Not read it bc it’ll probably make you mad, or feel free to pick it apart and tell me I’m wrong, or unfollow me (and at least one person has already done so lmao) but like that won’t change the fact that I just wasn’t feeling s3 so uh. That said.
Long answer? I love the second citadel... at least the first two seasons
I love the world building, how the setting is such a unique, deliberate step away from eurocentric fantasy, how refreshing all that is! The Second Citadel (the place) is rich with culture and history from the brief glimpses we get of it (mostly in knight of the crown). Not to mention the monster society, with its own rules (or lack thereof) and environments and personalities.
I love the storytelling, how different mediums are woven into the way each episode is formatted. Rilla has her tape recorder, Damien his prayers, Caroline her letters, and each medium is so well suited to each character, and it truly lets us get a glimpse of what’s going on in their minds, and I find it utterly fascinating how a protagonist of one story could just as easily become an antagonist (or at least, an annoyance) in another
And the characters! Each one so compelling, with their own goals and motivations, their own intriguing backstories and potential.
Most importantly, the way these characters play off of each other is what makes second citadel amazing. Getting to see people with similar experiences but different world views clash (Caroline and Mira), people with fundamentally different beliefs reconcile and meet in the middle (rilla and arum), just, Kabert created so many interesting characters, and watching them bounce off one another is a joy.
And that’s what made season 2 so great for me. The exploration of each character, getting to see their good sides and bad, through either a medium tailored for them, or through interactions with others, as they explored a fascinating world.
The end of season 2 left me so satisfied, but still with so many questions and excitement about what was to come. I wanted to see Talfryn come into his own and step out of his brothers shadow. I wanted to see Damien, Arum and Rilla navigating their new relationship. I wanted to know more of the fate of Rilla’s parents, Damien’s past, the consequences Arum would surely face after defying the monster court. I wanted Marc to finally be recognized by his fellow knights, to watch as Caroline lead the journeymen knights, while learning to trust in others as she was beginning to do. I wanted Angelo continuing to unlearn the implicit biases that had been instilled in him as a result of his upbringing, or more details on Caroline and Quanyii’s relationship. I was also curious!! How would human and monster relations change after the events of the finale? And would we learn more of the past, when humans and monsters lived together in peace?
I was buzzing with excitement for season 3, and then.. it came, it aired, and then it went.
And I felt... meh?
Don’t get me wrong. There were moments that I liked. Some of what I hoped to see did happen (see the above paragraph lmao), getting a glimpse of the western wastes with its own culture a joy. The dynamics between Olala and some of the characters were really fun! And the direction the story took at the end was one I didn’t expect, but left me open to more.
That said,,, everything else about the season just. Didnt gel with me.
Everything I loved about second citadel pretty much wasn’t there??? Aside from Caroline, Angelo and Quanyii, all the characters they spent so much time introducing to us and fleshing out over 2 seasons were just relegated to the side??
I think my main problem with season 3 was that it felt like a completely different show. Characters introduced as part of an ensemble became side characters in (what was supposed to be) their own stories. Character arcs that got set up were dropped, and mysteries/backstories teased were forgotten. Heck, the monster court and senate wasn’t even brought up! The aftermath of the fear bugs attack ont the citadel went unexplored! It’s like nothing in the past season even happened!
And I’m sorry I gotta say this, but the problem is Olala.
I mean. Okay I don’t wanna be super mean- she’s perfectly fine as a character. We root for her, we cry when she cries, and we cheer when she wins the day.
But since all the episodes were centered around her, we didn’t get to see anyone else’s inner worlds. And like okay, yes, they did it for this season of Juno Steel too, where Juno, the previous POV a character for 2 seasons, became a part of an ensemble, and was a side character for many episodes. But this choice worked for Juno and not Second Citadel, because it was a natural progression for his story! We spent 2 seasons exploring Juno’s character, his backstory, his motivations, we saw him come to terms with his family history, grow and change as a person, and by the time he joined the Carte Blanche, we’d gotten to a point with Junos story where we’re okay to step away for a while, and see events through the lens of others.
But that just?? Doesn’t work in second citadel? Because unlike Juno, the characters introduced in s1-2 are virtually unexplored! There’s still so much about their stories we don’t know, and so many ways for them to progress.
But we didn’t get any of that! Stuff established in s1-2 barely got payoff in this season. Characters stagnated, and when previously it was amazing to watch them interact with each other? Having each episode throw different combinations of characters together and seeing how they clashed and came together? Yeah we didn’t get that, it was all the same characters bouncing off of Olala, which is fine at first, but honestly? After the first couple episodes, it got stale.
And remember how before, we would get to see the characters tell their story through a medium suited for them? Well I noticed that the format of this season was a lot moreee audio drama-y (basically a TV show but with no visuals) and while there’s nothing wrong with that, one of SC’s strengths was in using the medium in unique ways, presenting the episodes in unique formats depending on the POV character. And with the exception of a few moments, the season really lacked that!
I know there were episodes in s1-2, like caves of discord and the Janus beast which didnt follow that format, but I think it’s a fan consensus that the episodes that do (moonlit hermit, KOTC lots, lady of the lake) are favourites, because they fully embraced the advantages and limitations those framing devices offered, and were truly perfect for character exploration.
It’s like. Idk. Imagine wolf 359 s3 where the si5 were introduced, and there was like 1-2 episodes of them interacting with the rest of our cast, but then after that the rest of the season just completely focuses on Eiffel and the new characters, and everyone else just disappears n twiddles their thumbs and doesn’t even do anything during the finale. That’s what happened this season, and that’s the kinda weird vibe I’m talking about.
Since I’m already rambling, I might as well just say some more stuff. I was disappointed with the music this season. I can tell Ryan Vibert was trying to figure a way to make SC sound different from Juno, and he was getting there in s1-2! The pieces that stand out now are the soft, acoustic guitar pieces, like Rillas song, or the lone melody line of the guitar in the SC theme. I thought he was getting it with s3e1, when Marc fought the dinosaur while traditional Japanese instruments were playing!! But then for the rest of the season, it was just samey echoey ambient electric guitar, like how it is for Juno. There could’ve been so much potential to give this world its own musical identity, but in the end, that attempt was dropped (at least that’s how it come off to me), just like so many other elements introduced in s1-2!
I’ve gotten this far in my rant, and I haven’t even talked about the story. And the story is. Hmmmmm
Like. It’s completely serviceable? Kabert are good at what they do so the story is a okay I guess? But to be completely honest, the characters and story were so tied together in previous seasons, so much so that in this season, even though the plot was just fine, it stayed just that. Fine. it always felt like there was something missing because the characters were the story, and to have just. So many holes in that department meant that the story itself was fundamentally empty.
Anyways uh. All of this is to say that this all boils down to character. I had my nits to pick with other elements but the fact that Rilla, Arum, Damien, Marc and Talfryn got completely sidelined (Tal most of all) when so much of the previous seasons were spent setting them up- in favour of a completely new storyline featuring new characters and settings when there was still so! Much! Left! Unfinished! From unfulfilled arcs to dynamics left untapped, and creative potential lost, the essence of the show was watered down and it left me with the intense feeling of
:/
Idk. Season 3 felt like a completely different show. I liked s1, I loved a2, but s3 just. isnt second citadel for me. I’ll probably still listen to the next season out of loyalty, but I don’t think I’ll ever feel as passionately about the shows future as I do it’s precious seasons, especially if they continue this way.
Sorry.
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handonshipper · 4 years
Text
A Twist Through Time: Chapter One
Hope was usually a great fighter. An excellent fighter even. However, when it is her friend that is attacking her, she does not fight back as strongly. She doesnt use her strength. Which was why she lost the magic battle against Josie in which the dark witch used a spell the tribrid didnt recognize. Hope collapsed , feeling her energy leave her. When her eyes opened, she was in a bed. In a one room apartment thing. She blinked in surprise and confusion and slowly pushed herself up into a seated position.
Klaus Mikaelson walked closer to the door of Stefan Salvatore’s apartment with Stefan himself by his side after a long night at the bar. He sighed contently. “Can’t you hear that?” He smirked looking over at his old friend. “It is the sound of Rebekah not annoying us to death.” He said clearly happy his sister had stayed behind last night, doing more shopping no doubt. Truthfully he didn’t care, so long as she stayed away for most part. He was beginning to wonder why he chose to undagger her in the first place. “I never did understand what you saw in her.” He chuckled softly. “Then again, I suppose I wouldn’t. Seeing as though she is my sister.”
PMStefan chuckled a little at that. "No, I suppose you wouldnt." He said, thinking back to the memories he now had of a time he had thought he had mostly blacked out. He stopped as he reached the door and heard someone on the other side. "Do you hear that?" He questioned. He knew it wouldnt be Elena since that was earlier and he had scared her away. Finally convinced her that he didnt want her. Enough at least to keep her away.
Klaus frowned as he too suddenly heard the sound of someone inside the small apartment. He signaled for Stefan to be quiet for a moment and only after a few seconds, he forced the door open with no warning whatsoever. His focused and only slightly concerned expression soon changed into a smug one as he caught sight of a girl on Stefan’s bed. “Stefan.” He playfully scolded. “Poor girl. She must have been waiting here all night for you.” He chuckled. “Apologies. My friend here apparently does not remember when he schedules time with women. He’s charming like that.” He snorted looking the girl over a little. She did look a little bit younger than the girls his friend normally pursued. But he supposed he couldn’t really judge.
Hope inhaled sharply and froze at the sight of her father. She barely even heard the words that came out of his mouth. Her mind was turning on what could possibly have happened. How was he standing here right now in front of her? How did he not recognize her. Then she recognized Stefan. Two people who were dead.
"I've never seen her before in my life" Stefan said, defensive and concerned about the girl. He wanted to find out how he could help her. But he was ripper Stefan right now. Not good Stefan. "What's your name?"
"Hope" Hope said after a moment. "My name is Hope"
Klaus glanced over at Stefan curiously when he said he hadn’t ever seen the girl before. “Well she is in your apartment. And the door was not forced open...at least not prior to my doing.” He pointed out and then focused on the young girl who was apparently named Hope. Quite an unusual name. Not to mention she looked as though she had seen a ghost. “What are you doing here then? What do you want?” He asked taking a small step towards her. Although he didn’t appear menacing quite yet, it was clear the playfulness was gone from his eyes and was instead replaced with caution and hostility.
"I... I dont know what I'm doing here" Hope said finally. "I woke up on the bed, but I certainly did not fall asleep on it"
Klaus raised an eyebrow at her words, clearly not believing her in the slightest. “Right. You were randomly transported to an apartment.” He stated sarcastically. “Let me ask you again. What are you doing here, and what are you after? They are truly simple questions.” He smirked stepping closer to her.
"I dont know what I'm doing here. All I know is I was blasted with a spell I have never heard of and now I'm here" Hope said firmly, looking at him. She could let her pain and confusion hit her later. "And I'm not up to anything. You'd think I have some diabolical reason for being in his apartment?" She raised an eyebrow. "There isnt even much in here. What could I possibly be up to?"
Klaus frowned and crossed his arms as he listened to the girl. He definitely didn’t like her attitude. She sounded entitled and worst of all, she didn’t seem scared of him. Something that didn’t sit well with him in the slightest. “Spell. Alright, let’s say I am considering that insane explanation. Who cast the spell?” He questioned looking at her. “And more importantly, why? Surely you must have done something. Witches do not normally spell others for no reason, even as obnoxious as they are.”
"I was trying to get my friend back. Dark magic and her insecurities were controlling her" Hope replied. "As for who casted the spell, that isnt important" she said.
“Hm. Let’s see. You claim to have been blasted here with a spell. You look properly upset about it. Yet when I ask you to tell me the name of the witch who casted such spell, you claim it isn’t important.” Klaus said slowly. “Suspicious don’t you think?” He smirked and then glanced over at Stefan.
"Less about its importance and more about I dont want you to know about her." Hope said with a sigh
"You want to protect your friend." Stefan observed, watching her. "Even if she hit you with the spell that brought you here"
Hope nodded, her blue eyes lowering a little as she thought about her friend. About everyone really. It was true even if it wasnt exactly true. It seemed she was in the past somehow. But how far back?
Klaus frowned, now having realized that as well. Not that he truly cared. Unless she was there to plan anything against him, which he could tell she wasn’t. There was something going on, but it wasn’t anything he should be worried about. “Right. Well if you are through being transported to places, the door is right through there.” He said dismissively as he gestured towards Stefan’s apartment door.
Hope's heart ached at that. It felt as though she was being disowned, but that was ridiculous. He didnt even know who she was. Which hurt even worse. "Where am I anyways?" She wanted to ask the year.
But she didnt want him to look at her with even more confusion.
“Chicago.” Klaus answered observing her carefully. He could tell there were things on her mind, but he didn’t care enough to ask. “What was the last place you were in before?” Maybe he could get a car for her and she could be on her way.
Hope sighed and frowned a little at that. "I was in Virginia. But going there wouldnt change anything. I'm all alone now" She checked her pockets. "And cashless" she said, sighing. "Whatever. I'll figure something out"
Klaus rolled his eyes, the girl’s problems not affecting him in the slightest. He did have bigger things to worry about after all. Which is why he wanted to get rid of her as quickly as possible. “Here.” He said as he pulled out a couple hundred dollar bills from his wallet and held them out for her. “Now you have zero excuses in leaving my friend’s apartment.” He said with a sarcastic smile present on his lips.
Hope hesitated and took them. "Thank you" she said softly. She lowered her gaze a little and headed out of the apartment.
Once she was far enough away, her wall crumbled. She leaned on the wall in an alley, tears starting to spill. Her heart pounded a little as she struggled to breath. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly, struggling to collect herself. She could handle this. She was a Mikaelson witch. She was a tribrid. And despite all she had endured, she could continue fighting. She would find a way back to Landon. No matter how much she wanted to see her dad again. To see her mom. To change the future. If she changed the future even the slightest, things could change, and she might not even be born. But how could she do this alone? She had no spellbooks. No friends. No family. Was it not bad enough that she had to endure her friends and the boy she loved forgetting her whole existence? Now she had to deal with her father alive, in front of her, and looking at her like she was a stranger?
Stefan watched her leave curiously. "Did it seem like she recognized us?" He asked Klaus as he walked further inside and opened the secret door bookshelf. He added the name of a victim to the very long list from the 20s and then grabbed a bottle of Klaus' favorite drink before walking back over to him.
Klaus frowned at Stefan’s words, his gaze remaining on the empty space the girl had been standing in moments ago. “Slightly. I noticed it too. Though if she wanted revenge for something you or I did in our time here, she has a very poor way of executing it.” He chuckled softly. “Either way I’m not concerned. She looked more lost rather than angry. And regardless, I doubt a fifteen year old girl is any match for the legendary original hybrid and the ripper of Monterey.” He smirked."Oh I'm not concerned either. It was merely an observation. Look what I found" Stefan said, passing him the bottle, label side up.
Klaus grinned at the sight of the bottle of his favorite drink. He took it inhis hands and looked it over. “My. I haven’t seen one of these in a long time. Unfortunately it will have to wait. Possibility until we have something worth drinking to.” He sighed and carefully set it down, his mind now going to all his failed hybrids. “Come. We should see if the witch has made any progress.”
Stefan nodded slightly, knowing it was better not to argue. He needed Klaus to see he was on his side. Not to figure out that he wasnt. He glanced back around at the old apartment and memories before heading out.
Hope took a deep breath, thinking. She went and bought a cheap sketchbook, knowing drawing would help keep her control a little. And she bought cheap pencils. She would prefer better supplies, but she needed to save as much money as she could. Especially since she wasnt sure where she was going to go or how to get home.
Klaus headed out of the apartment as well. He hoped there was some type of solution already. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take. He finally broke his curse, only to not be able to make more of his kind. “I swear I am going to kill this witch if she still does not have anything.” He muttered.
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swiss-cheeze · 4 years
Text
Harry Hook || Maddening Future
Tumblr media
This is a MALE X MALE insert.
MALE PRONOUNS.
Harry x MALE! Reader.
MALE.
Okay now we got that out of the way, please enjoy and remember requests are always open.
———
“Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?” where the only words etched into Harry's wrist that Harry had not chosen to be there; the words your soulmate and true love would say to you where written on every prince, princess, king, queen, villian and villians child somewhere on their body. The thought that Harry even had a soulmate baffled the pirate every day, who could love a thief, pirate, criminal, betrayer and every other word you could think of, the sentence plagued Harry like a shadow over his shoulders with every minute he didn't have his soulmate with him, it felt empty but he didn't know why. Evie snapped her fingers in front of Harry's face to get his attention again.
“Harry! Hook!” Evie exclaimed, each words pronounced with a clap of her hands, Harry finally looked at the girl in front of him with wide eyes, “oh good, you're back” the girl said with a tight smile. Harry cleared his throat.
“Well lass, me thinks it’d be a good moment to take a breather dontcha say?” Harry said with a grin, hoping it would charm the blue haired girl, she only smiled tightly before moving to the front of the class. That was a no, Harry sighed as he wrapped his arms around his head on the desk.
“You get into a sword fight,” Evie started, Harry's head popped up quickly at the mention of a sword fight, “do you A, give up, B, try to work out the problem like civil people, or C, kill the person you are fighting.” Evie asked, Harry knew what answer the girl wanted.
“How about D?” Harry said rhetorically with a grin, “where you gut them with your hook and feed their insides to the crocodile!” Harry said a little too enthusiastically even for himself, Evie let out a soft sigh.
“Come on Har, what's got you like this?” Evie asked, the girl put down the pointer stick she had and walked over to Harry, pulling up a chair the girl sat in front of the desk as Harry put his head in his hands.
“Got me like what?” Harry mumbled into his hand, covering most of his words.
“You’re dissociating, you aren't paying attention, daydreaming.” the girl paused, “is...is it your soulmate?” Evie asked softly, the topic of soulmate was dangerous on the isle and for the isle kids even as most of them never believed they were ever going to find their soulmate or ‘true love’. Harry took a moment to consider his options before nodding softly.
“I just��” the pirate paused as he didnt know how to tell his feelings, “it’s so vague and I never know if ill ever be able to find ‘em,” Harry looked to Evie, “don't get me wrong i don't care who they are, daughter of Peter Pan or son of Pocahontas ,” Harry shrugged, Evie didn't want to seem fazed at Harry's swift coming out about dating a boy, she should have been used to it or at least known. Gil and Harry where always close, the same as Carlos and Jay, they had always been vocal that they would get together if they ended up falling for each other or the other was their soulmate and yadda yadda but Carlos found Jane, his soulmate as Jay was still searching but the pair is never one to shy away from a little bromance or male affection.
“May i ask what it says?” Evie said aloud, she saw Harry took a moment, almost taken aback by the fact that she wanted to see but nodded none-the-less as he gripped his right hand sleeve and pulled it off, his hook had been discarded to his left as he did this, trusting Evie not to go for it. Harry sighed softly as he saw the ink on his skin, it was a soft sigh that didn't go unnoticed by Evie, a sigh of content, almost like he couldn't wait for the day he found the one for him.
“I always wonder what it means to them,” Harry wondered out loud, Evie didn't stop him as she didnt want to ruin the perfect moment, “is it a motto? Something they live by? A lyric? Song? Title?” Harry sighed as he drifted his thumb over the words before he reeled his head from the place it was, tugging the sleeve back on as Evie quickly stood back up with a smile.
“Get this right and I'll let you out five minutes early,” the girl said as she turned back to the blackboard, Harry let out a bored sigh as he looked to Evie with a ‘you really want me to answer this?’ look, Evie grinned wider knowing exactly what was going through Harry's head. The pirate groaned.
“Fine! B! There, happy, can I leave now?” the pirate asked as he grabbed his hook and pointed to the door, Evie sighed softly but nodded.
“Go on, enjoy the woods and have a stroll Harry, clear your mind of seagulls” the girl called out to the retreating pirate.
“Only thing on my mind little lady is the one on my wrist!” the pirate called back before exiting the room and making his way to the enchanted forest; maybe a leisurely stroll won't be too bad to clear one's head, a berry bush along the way to keep up his needs and he’s set.
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A few people tried to stop Harry along his way simply to ask for him to sign their petition or to ask for an interview they needed for a class but Harry declined (surprising himself and the other as he declined with a ‘no thank you darling, maybe later’, before quickly realising and walking away). Harry sighed softly as he felt a wave of relief and calmness over take his body as he entered the enchanted forest, the forest always had a spell cast upon it that it would help anyone who entered it any bit it could, in Harry's case it was to just be calm and not worry so much. The leaves on the trees blew in the wind as the birds got carried through the sky, the leaves and sticks crunched under Harry's feet as he walked, his hook glittering when it hit the rays of sun poking through the leaves, a soft humming came from Harry, “as the world falls downnnnn” the pirate sung softly, “Are you, are you coming to the tree, where they strung up a man they say murdered three. Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be, if we met at midnight, in the hanging tree.” Harry sang his lullaby softly before continuing his humming of the song, that was until a soft tune caught the pirates ears, a high tune that was upbeat and lively, one that wanted the pirate to dance. A smile made its way to Harry's face as he walked closer to the music, a small blue gate stood in the way between Harry and the place he desperately wanted to be, the pirate unlatched the gate and stepped in as the dirt twisted beneath his shoes, lively music was something that always got Harry going. A long table faced Harry as he was at the end with no one around besides the voices he heard on the opposing end, a lovely voice filled with hope and cheeriness, it enchanted Harry as the pirate stepped forward.
“Would you like some more tea my dear?” a voice asked, a grin evident in the sound.
“Of course by dear but only half!” another voice answered followed by loud cackling, the air was soon filled with breaking china and a clinking of sorts, Harry cocked an eyebrow as he finally got close enough to see everyone occupying the table. A boy sat in the biggest chair at the head of the table, his hat reminded Harry of the Mad Hatter it looked almost identical, the boys coat had a large collar with one side sticking up to the brim of his hat while the other was laid down, his hands were encased in white lace gloves while a sewing pillow laid across the back of his hand, held on by a strap. The boys eyes had a brilliant blue to them that Harry could see from his place as his red painted lips and crazy eye makeup didn't do enough to accentuate his features, but from far away Harry couldn't tell all that much, around the boy was broken china, spoons, teapots, saucers, cups and all different types of cakes and desserts scattered on the table, ground and the boys own clothing and hat including his disheveled hair that poked out from under his hat. Next to the boy stood a small girl on a chair holding a sword, in front of her was another girl with a crazed look in her eyes, tattered clothing and large bunny ears plastered onto a headband. This crazy bunch intrigued Harry to no end.
“Darlings!” the girl with the sword yelled out, “we have company!” every pair of eyes turned to Harry as the boy paled for a moment before a grin overcame his features.
“Couldn't help meself love, heard such a beautiful sound and couldn't resist” Harry said as he bowed down, “‘arry Hook, at your service” the pirate grinned as he looked up, but his grin soon faltered as the group in front of him burst out laughing.
“ELLO GOV!” the girl with bunny ears yelled at as she stood on top of her chair and did a silly pose, “WELCEME TO OUR UN’BIRFDAY” she yelled in a weird accent.
“Unbirthday?” Harry asked softly as he took a seat next to the girl with ears.
“An Unbirthday is whenever your birthday, ISNT!” the girl cackled next to Harry.
“Ye a pirate aint ye?” the girl with the sword asked in a fake ‘pirate’ accent as she kept one eye closed and a weird grin on her mouth, Harry grinned as he held up his hook.
“On of the best lass” Harry said with a grin, at this point Harry realised the boy at the head of the table hadn't said anything and was simply sitting with his hands in front of him, fingertips against the opposing hand, looking through the brim of his hat gave Harry a demeaning look.
“Ain't ye meant ta be in scool?” the bunny eared girl continued the accent as she cackled, the girl with the sword threw a cup to the bunny girl who quickly dodged the china before cackling again.
“Could ask ye the same question” Harry mumbled as he looked around the table with a cocked eyebrow, the girl with bunny ears cackled softly as she held out a tea cup before pouring the tea from above before grabbing a spoon and dumping as much sugar as she could into the liquid.
“Spoon…” the girl gasped softly as she looked to the spoon in mesmerisation. The one with the sword rolled her eyes before walking across the table to Harry and holding her hand out.
“I’m Molly Mouse! Me mum is Mallymkun Dormouse, Mally for short” the girl said as she shook Harry's hand, the pirate had a soft grin on his face as Molly let go of his hand and the girl with ears turned to him holding out her hand as a teacup dangled from one of her fingers.
“Tussle Earwicket! Daughter of Thackery Earwicket the March ‘air!” the girl exclaimed as Harry took the girls hand cautiously before she ripped it away two seconds into the shake to throw the teacup to the boy at the head of the table who simply caught it with his hand, still in his position Harry saw him in; staring past the brim of his hat, this silenced the table as both girls seemed to almost cower into their seats and their eyes drifted anywhere but the boy.
“And ‘o may you be my dear?” Harry asked moving forward on his elbows with a grin as he chin rest on his knuckles. The hatted boy twirled the china around his finger before throwing it back to Tussle who dodged it yet again before cackling loudly, so loudly and full heartedly she fell off the back of her seat, this had not seemed to faze anyone as Molly went back to sipping her tea, however the boy caught Harry off guard. Standing on his chair the hatted boy stood on top of the wobbling table and walked to Harry's direction, kicking plates, cakes, tea sets, pots, spoons and anything else in his way as he finally stood still in front of Harry, the pirate was about to look up to the boy but before he could the hatted boy swooped down and leant on the balls of his feet, knees bent. His head was bent down and only his mouth could be seen, a dark demeanor seemed to cloud the table as Tussle slowly brought herself back to the table.
“Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?" the boy whispered softly, Harry's eyes widened as his breathing quickened and his throat closed in on itself all at the same time, the pirate was at a loss for words for a moment before getting pulled back into reality.
“Now why would someone like you, be asking someone like me why a raven is like a writing desk?” the pirate whispered softly, he had gotten closer to the boy and was now face to face. The boy wore brilliant eye makeup of blues, whites, yellow, orange and red as white and black mascara and eyeliner accentuated his features even more so then the white paint around his face, the boys red painted lips curled into a smile as he tipped his hat up with a flick of his finger to fully look at Harry.
“Terrence Hightopp, son of Tarrant Hightopp,” the boy paused as he took in all of Harry's face, the sharp jawbone, beautiful eyes, cheekbones and glorious black eyeliner, “also known as the Mad Hatter, the Hatter or just, Hatter” the boy spoke in a soft voice drizzled in caramel, “you, Harry Hook, have a very strange, unexpected and…” the boy paused as his smirk almost grew bigger as his eyes drifted over what felt like every inch of Harry's face and body, “mad” the boys eyebrows lifted as his eyes widened, “life ahead of you,” Terrence paused for a moment again, “since you are my soulmate” the boy whispered, Harry grinned as his eyes sparkled with mischief. Terrence grinned as he stood up to his full height, holding one hand on his shoulder as the other stretched out in front of him, he was about to declare something before a raspy voice cut through the air, it was at this moment Harry realised that the air had changed, the sky looked a little dimmer and Terrence had orange hair peeking out from under his hat.
“Down With the Bloody Big Head” the voice rasped softly, Terrence changed in that one fleeting moment as a body appeared at the opposite end of the table the hatter boy had previously sat at. Another beautiful boy with soft blue hair, large blue cat-slit eyes, black stripes, ears and a tail, his clothing seemed almost royal thought it had its rips and tears, the clothing seemed almost tiger like besides the blue and black accents. The new boy was looking at his nails in a poised femimine way, “I wouldn't suggest i ever got an invite now would i?” the new boy said softly, though he was a little ways away his voice came out as if he were in Harry's lap.
“We would suggest no invite, as you had just invited yourself” Terrence said raspily, as Harry looked up to Terrence the pirate realised his makeup had darkened to almost completely black and his eyes turned a bright vibrant orange, deranged.
“I always invite myself, you used to be the life of the party Hatter” the new boy grinned wickedly, he seemed to know the buttons he was pushing on Terrence, that was until the new boy seemed to finally realise it wasn't just the four of them and instead was five, “my my my Terrence, keeping a jewel like this to yourself; how selfish” the boy said before disappearing for a moment, a soft laughter floated through the air as Molly, Terrence and Tussle looked around hoping to spot the cat-like boy, that was before the boy appeared on Harry's lap, straddling the pirate to which his hands flew into the air and was almost terrified to touch the new boy, “‘ello lovely” the boy said softly as a finger made its way down Harry's jaw, a growl came from Terrence.
“You get your grimmy cat hands off my Harry, you guddler's scuttish pilgar-lickering, shukm-juggling sluking urpal. Bar lom muck egg brimni-!” Terrence started.
“HATTER!” Molly yelled, Harry quickly looked to the smaller girl who was standing on the table, from the distance she was at (which wasn't much compared to Terrence) she was only up to the hatters waist. Terrence turned to Molly as his eyes and makeup changed back to their original colours.
“Thank you” the hatter said in a strained voice, the cat-boy chuckled softly as he made his way off of Harry.
“You know im only ever teasing you Hightopp” the cat-boy said as he made his way to Terrences chair, he pointed a finger as an asking of ‘can I sit?’ to which Hatter nodded.
“Not this time Cess, our new guest here is son of Captain Hook from Neverland and is my soulmate, this is one you don't mess with” Terrence said, the hatter jumped down from the table and stood next to Harry, the pirate took this time to stand up, soon releasing his new boyfriend towered over him just the tiniest bit. ‘Chess’, or cat-boy Harry now dubbed the new boy nodded solemnly in understanding.
“Understood Terrence” Chess said before his eyes slid to Terrence’s hat, “you do know how much i love your hat” the cat-boy grinned with wicked sharp teeth.
“Not even if the Jabberwock killed me and my hat was the only thing that is left of me” Terrence said with a mad grin, Chess sighed softly before nodded.
“Yeah yeah” the cat-boy said sadly as he slumped in the chair, Molly and Tussle then began throwing more china at each other as Chess soon joined in; Terrence bent down ever so slightly to Harry's ear.
“Let's leave them as we get to know each other, hmm?” Terrence asked, Harry turned to the Hatter.
“Tell me about the hat” Harry said quickly, “then we walk” the pirate grinned as he knew the smile charmed the hatter.
“Fathers, family heirloom. Chess’ dad loved it and then the obsession got passed down to his kid” Terrence said with a shrug, “now let's go, the moon is out” Terrence pointed out. Harry looked to the sky and there in the middle was the biggest moon he ever saw.
“But...it was only midday when I left Auradon” Harry said as he and Terrence started walking, the hatter grinned and chuckled.
“You’re in Underland now darling,” Hatter said as he walked backwards with his arms over Harry's shoulders, Harry seemed a little scared at Terraces words but the hatter soon backtracked, “Hook, im kidding,” the Hatter said with a grin, “we get out of the forest and it'll only be like one, it a little part of Underland we have to ourselves without leaving the country” Terrence said, Harry nodded as he maneuvered the Hatter boy to his side, Terrence putting his arm over Harry's shoulder as Harry had his arm around the Hatters waist.
“I never thought I'd find my soulmate” Harry said absentmindedly, the stroll had only just started but he felt as if he knew Terrence his whole life.
“Neither did i,” Terrence said softly, “my father always loved soulmates and was thrilled when he found my mother, I was thrilled when I first read the words on my hip but I always thought I was too mad to be loved, i was a simple hat makers kid,” Terrence shrugged, “i didnt realise my dad was really famous until i was like ten, but I still believed I was too mad of a person to be loved” Terrence sighed softly as Harry turned the boy around and held the Hatters shoulders.
“Love you are amazing, i only just met you but i want to spend the rest of my life with you; im a lowlife criminal, thief, swordfighter, barfighter and chippe shoppe waiter. You are my soulmate and I am yours, i want to get to know you and I want to fall in love with you every day of my life and wake up to find your face next to mine in the same bed, holding you softly and making sure you’re okay” Harry took a breath as he looked into Hatters eyes with full generosity and honesty.
“Go on a date with me” Terrence said with a grin, “anywhere”
“I would be delighted darling” Harry said with a grin before bowing, his hooked hand was high in the air as Terrence curtsied with his coat, both grinning widely at the maddening future ahead of them.
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cryoculus · 5 years
Note
soulmate au wit oikawa where soulmates feel each others pain and oikawa isnt the one who hurt his knee, his soulmate is a soccerplayer and got slide tackled. i really love your work, tysm!!!! 💐
» Word Count: 6,080 wordsCross-posted on AO3
Omg i was looking for references on what to base the scene where the soulmate gets tackled from and this is what i imagined! Just scrub the video to 0:14!  I know jack SHIT about soccer though. Everything in this work was purely based off research, so feel free to leave me a message if you spot some errors!
And MAN this was meant to be a short scenario with quick transitions but it turned into a whole drama bomb. You can keep scrolling if you’re not up for a 6000-word oneshot ++ as usual, my shit is terrible on tumblr mobile pls bear with me.
Oikawa loved the thrill of the game.
The incessant beat of his heart against his chest, the adrenaline that surged through his veins, the buzz of confidence that washed over him as he hit powerful serves at the other side of the court – he was enamored with his own capabilities, so to speak.
Today was like any other day. Seijoh was hosting a practice match against Datekou and Oikawa was in top form. They were already down to a match point in the second set. But just before he could land the killing shot that would decide the winner, he halted mid-air as a searing sensation ripped through his knee.
The volleyball bounced aimlessly for having been forgotten. Oikawa fell on his side against the hardwood floor, clutching the afflicted knee to his chest as agony bloomed across his nerves. He bit his lip, not allowing himself to utter a single sound as everyone else on the court crowded around him.
“Coach, Oikawa’s injured!”
The sound of your knee popping from its sockets from where the enemy defender, Yamanaka, kicked you from the side was sickening. Even through the incessant cheer of the audience in the stands, you could hear it loud and clear. The moment the sole of her shoe made brutal contact with your knee, Yamanaka even brushed her torso against yours, roughly toppling you off balance and forcing your kneecap to absorb the impact of your fall.
For a moment, your vision darkened from the agonizing pain that flared up your right knee as you fell onto the grass. A scream ripped its way from your throat, your hands scrambling for purchase to alleviate the mind-numbing sensation that burned through your nerves. You’re sure that your leg was twisted in an unnatural angle, too.
The distant sound of a whistle rang in your ears. Even through your current state, you were hyper aware of everything that’s happening around you. Players from both your team and the opposition flocked around you with concerned stares. Your best friend, Harada immediately crouched beside you, careful not to move your injury.
“Hey, (Name)!” Her eyes were wide with dread. “Can you hear me? Can you stand up?”
You shook your head with minimal effort, groaning as you did your best to remain still to avoid inflaming your knee. A few moments later, a couple of medics arrived in the scene, telling the others to give you some space to breathe. You wanted to tell them that you could breathe fine, but your voice failed you.
As you were being carried onto a stretcher, you could see one of the referees giving Yamanaka a red card. She only shrugged, as if getting penalties was a regular thing for her. But before she could step off the field, she took the liberty to cast you a self-satisfied smirk.
A sob unknowingly made its way from your lips, gaining the attention of one of the medics that was about to bring you to the first aid station. He murmured something about everything being okay in the end and that you’d get to play with your teammates soon enough.
Today really wasn’t your day.
“So,” Doctor Yamano began, “what seems to be the problem here?”
Iwaizumi nudged Oikawa, who was fidgeting nervously under the professional’s gaze. For some reason, he harbored an inexplicable discomfort around doctors. Whenever he visited one, it was either because he was sick or sustained an injury. Frankly, he wasn’t a fan of both.
“While we were playing a practice match against another school earlier today, I…” His voice trailed off. How the hell was he supposed to explain it to him?
Yamano hummed. “Yes?”
He sighed. “…I felt my right knee give out.”
“Did you apply the proper first aid procedures, Oikawa-san?”
Oikawa nodded, recalling the urgency in Coach Irihata’s voice as they lugged him to Seijoh’s infirmary.
“Is it severe? It probably isn’t if you’re not in the emergency room, I presume?”
He scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. “It felt serious. I really thought my whole career was done for just because of a practice match.”
Yamano nodded in understanding. “Did you have your knee x-rayed already?”
“Uh, no.”
He sighed before lacing his fingers together. “Well, I’ll be needing a clear image of it so I can make a proper diagnosis, Oikawa-san. I’ll write you up a request form to show the radiologists.”
“Ah…” Oikawa wanted to tell him that it really wasn’t necessary. That maybe going here was a mistake because his knee still looked pretty much intact, save for the dull throb that pestered him throughout the day. Iwaizumi even jokingly berated his soulmate for getting such a severe injury. But Oikawa didn’t really know how doctors reacted to that.
So when he was given the green light to get an x-ray, Oikawa told Iwaizumi that he’d be all right on his own and that he should get going. There was obvious apprehension in his best friend’s eyes, but he indulged Oikawa’s request, regardless.
He was glad. If there truly was something wrong with him, he wouldn’t want Iwaizumi to be there to see how bad it was. He already worried about him far too much than Oikawa deserved.
“You go here often?”
You shot the guy that was sitting a few seats away from you in the waiting room a bizarre look. If you could recall perfectly, you were in a radiology center, not a bar.
“I’m not even from here,” you explained gruffly, pressing your legs closer together. They exchanged your uniform with a hospital gown to minimize the pressure on your knee as much as possible. The injury was beyond what the stadium’s first aid medics could manage, thus the impromptu trip to the Sendai Medical Center. But before the doctors could assess the severity of your condition, they needed a visual.
“Hmm, so am I.” The stranger sighed miserably. “I live in another district, but this is the only hospital that covers my insurance. So, where you from?”
Your brows scrunched up at his nonchalance. Did you not look distraught enough for him to just leave you to your own devices? Maybe he was just like that as a person?
You exhaled. “I’m from Hyogo.”
His noticeably brown eyes widened in surprise. “What’re you doing all the way here, then?”
“You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”
A soft-hearted laugh escaped his lips as he flashes you a cheeky grin. “When I see cute girls looking like their whole world just ended before their eyes, it’s kind of my thing to swoop down and comfort them.”
“Like a knight in shining armor of sorts?” you snorted.
He shrugged. “Take it as you like. All I’m saying is that I’m a pretty good listener. It’s not like we’ll cross paths again for me to hold anything you tell me against you, right?”
You managed to give him a lopsided smile. The gravity of everything that’s transpired today was slowly beginning to weigh down on your shoulders.
When the coach’s assistant arrived in the hospital, the game had already been concluded. Without their main offensive player, Mikage Shihan had to surrender their title to Aomori High for this year’s tournament.
When the news fell upon your ears, the sting of loss almost rivalled the throbbing ache in your knee. But before you could get emotional about your own hastiness, the nurse that attended to you in the emergency room informed that they needed an x-ray so the doctors could treat you accordingly.
Your eyes trailed back to the chatty stranger. He’s gazing at you expectantly and though there’s something about that sympathetic look he’s giving you that’s making warmth dance across your skin, you weren’t really the type to confide in people you just met.
Just as you were about to reject his offer, the door to the room where they conducted the x-rays swung open. The person inside called out your name, saying the machine was up and running. Talk about being saved by the bell.
You gave the stranger a curt nod as you tried to stand up from your seat, almost crumpling to the floor when the sharp pain from your knee shot up in your leg again, but you resisted it. Too many people have seen you in this sorry state already. You didn’t intend to add more to the list.
When the door closed behind you, you completely missed the way Oikawa Tooru clutched his own knee in a deathly grip as the pain, that he’s now realizing really wasn’t his own, came to life once more.
His knee was fine, but he’s pretty sure he accidentally stumbled into his soulmate in the process. At first, Oikawa didn’t know if Iwaizumi would understand, but thankfully he did.
“It happens,” he told Oikawa as they were heading home from practice. “Not everyone experiences it though.”
Iwaizumi told him about how Hanamaki and Matsukawa used their own bond to grate at each other’s nerves. Oikawa did a double-take on that one. He asked Iwaizumi why they didn’t bother telling him, their most trusted friend, about their status as soulmates. Iwauzmi smacked his head, reminding him how much of a chatterbox he was and that Makki and Mattsun wanted to keep it private.
“Ow!”
The woman that’s overseeing your therapy shot you a concerned look. You’re in the middle of doing the exercises that aid in rehabilitating the torn ligament in your knee, and you were on the last of your reps when suddenly, you lurched forward as if a ghostly hand had smacked you upside the head.
“You doing all right there, bud?” your therapist asked, placing a hand on your shoulder.
You rubbed the side of your head, still stinging from the contact (or lack thereof). “I feel like my head was spiked by a volleyball player.”
She laughed. “Really now?”
“Yeah, I’ve been feeling it really often. One time, I was eating and my face nearly pummelled into a bowl of ramen.”
“Your soulmate must piss a lot of people off, then.”
You stared at her, but laughed it off as one of her jokes. Surely, she didn’t mean you actually had a soulmate right? Only a few people were blessed enough to be given one. Besides, whoever got stuck with you as a soulmate would be damned to the achingly slow healing stage of your knee for an indefinite amount of time.
But a hopeful part of you wished that, if you did have a soulmate, they wouldn’t be an athlete like you. Your own tribulation would only weigh them down in ways you can only imagine.
Oikawa could bear with the pain.
On good days, it was just a faint throb in his knee that he could ignore for the most part. His performance wouldn’t be easily affected by a twinge of pain. He had a pretty high tolerance for it, after all.
But there were also times like these when he’d wake up in the middle of the night, clutching his leg as he stifled a scream. What were you doing in such an ungodly hour?
He laid in his bed until the agony subsided back into the usual telltale throb that reminded him that though it’s no longer volatile, the sensation was still there. You were still in pain. He didn’t like the idea; not one bit.
That was the first time he looked you up. He clumsily spelled out your name on the search engine in the way that he remembered the x-ray technician from nearly a month ago pronounced it. He expected to see links to social media accounts you probably owned, but instead he was faced with a bunch of news articles from online high school sports magazines.
Curious, he clicked on the first link.
“Hyogo’s Own (Surname) (Name), Out of Commision for Good?”
Oikawa vaguely recalled you mentioning that you were from Hyogo and nothing else. It was a district far off on the other side of the country. It would take more than twelve hours to drive there, yet he had  found you sitting in a hospital in Sendai with a dead look in your eyes. He always wondered how exactly you wound up waiting to get an x-ray of whatever was afflicting you so far away from home, but the pieces slowly came together as his eyes grazed every word in the article.
“The coach of Hyogo’s Mikage Shihan is yet to release a statement with regards to their star player’s condition. But from what we’ve gathered from the team’s captain, Matsumoto Hiyori, she sustained a severe injury in her right leg. Some speculate that it was a dislocation, but others insisted that it was just a torn ligament. Whatever the cause may be, the football scene would be having scarce glimpses of one of Japan’s top three high school strikers, both in the male and female divisions.”
Your back collided with the wall as Harada roughly pressed you against it, holding you by the shoulders as unveiled fury burned in her eyes.
“Do you really want to end your whole career because of your own stubbornness?” she spat.
You have half the mind to tell her that your career would end sooner if you didn’t practice, but Harada would only remind you that you were given a three-month probation from any sporting activities. You hated that your doctor was right, that Harada was right, but could they blame you?
Soccer was all you had – it’s all you’re good at. You wanted to feel the rush of running through the field, the sun glaring at your skin, and the sound of grass crunching under the soles of your shoes. You ached for it.
“Just one month more, (Name),” she whispered, her fingers trembling. “One more and you’ll be free to play again. But right now…your knee still needs to heal.”
You knew that. You knew it far too well more than Harada or anyone else could ever understand. The burden of waking up every morning, feeling like your knee was going to snap off its sockets at any moment was already fair enough of a warning. But you couldn’t help yourself. You needed to move, to constantly be doing something because you’d rather incapacitate yourself entirely than spend another second feeling worthless. Seeing everyone do their drills on the field as you watched them between the barrier of a chain-link fence ate away at your sanity more than you expected it to.  
The door to the locker rooms abruptly creaked open as your team’s goalie, Suzuhime, and your captain, Matsumoto, made their entrance, shattering the tension that nearly suffocated you.
Their gazes, oh how sick you were of those pitiful gazes they sent your way. Why did they always look at you like you wouldn’t be playing alongside them anymore? It infuriated you to no end and the frustration that’s been building up in your chest for weeks just…burst.
“Why does everyone have to keep deciding what I can and can’t do for myself?” you snapped. “It’s my body, it’s my career, why do you have to meddle with what I want to fucking do with my life?”
Poison might as well dribbled from your chin at the sharpness of your tone. The two newcomers shot you wide-eyed stares, unused to your seething behavior, but Harada remained unfazed. She’s known you since you were children and even if you were a collected person for the most part, she’s borne witness to your rage a handful of times. And she knew how to handle the situation accordingly.
You were armed with an arsenal of even more hurtful things to say, but before any of them left your lips, the sting of Harada’s palm smacking against your face snapped you out of your haze of indignation.
The frown you didn’t know you’ve been making loosens as your lips parted in surprise when tears fell from Harada’s eyes.
“You’re not the only one who’s hurt by this, you know?” she interjected with a shaky breath. “We hate seeing you in pain. We hate it when you try to push yourself to limits you can’t reach anymore. So please just–” she exhaled, “–try to understand why we’re keeping you from training.”
Matsumoto came forward, pulling the two of you in a tight embrace. Suzuhime muttered something about unwarranted affection, but joined in regardless. You couldn’t react. You never really thought of it that way until Harada slapped you with the truth (no pun intended).
“Can you promise me one thing, as your captain?��� Matsumoto pressed her lips in a thin line.
You nodded.
“Focus on getting better. The field won’t disappear, but your career can. Wasn’t that one big shot university in Tokyo eyeing you for a sports scholarship? You can’t lose that.”
And she was right. There was more to your life than this measly little slip-up. In five years give or take you’d be laughing at this whole thing like it was an inside joke. Everything was going to get better.
With that, you wiped the tears that ran across Harada’s cheeks, mumbling an almost inaudible apology.
“Man, you guys are too uptight,” Suzuhime whined. “Let’s all just get some pork buns like we used to!”
The idea never sounded better.
“What’s up with you?” Iwaizumi spared Oikawa a mindful glance. Their captain was rubbing his cheek instead of warming up for practice.
“I think she got slapped,” he muttered.
Hanamaki, having found out about Oikawa’s newly discovered soulmate bond, cackled. “You want to return the favor?”
“Shut the fuck up, Makki.”
“A soulmate?” Harada cocked her head to the side. “Don’t you have one, Suzu?”
Redness crept up Suzuhime’s face for having been singled out. “Um, yeah. It’s my childhood friend. You don’t know him. He goes to another school.”
Matsumoto scoffed. “That’s just high school girl-talk for ‘my soulmate doesn’t exist’.”
“Hey! He does, too!”
Harada waved away their impending banter, her attention solely on you. “So you think you have a soulmate?”
You nodded, eyes drifting towards your half-eaten pork bun. “They get hit a lot. I’m worried they’re in an abusive environment.”
“How sweet,” Suzuhime sighed. “My soulmate doesn’t care about his health at all. He always gets into scuffles and the bruises take ages to heal. When I talked to him about it, he just shrugged it off!”
“If he exists, that is,” taunted your captain.
“Matsu, I am going to tape your damn mouth.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
“Ignore them,” Harada told you. “So, what do you plan on doing about it?”
You’ve been asking yourself the same thing. Soulmate bonds are a surefire way of determining that someone was out there fated to be with you. But the tricky part was finding them. They could be anywhere in the world and the only means you had to contact them were the shared sensations of pain you felt on both ends of the bond.
Your eyes drifted onto the black knee brace you’ve been coerced to wear for the duration of your therapy. It served as a visual reminder of what had happened. But then again, the dull ache that made itself known every now and then still haunted you. Did your soulmate feel that slight ounce of pain, too?
“I think,” you sighed, “I’m just going to wait it out.”
This was bad.
Oikawa Tooru was known for his exceptional talent as a setter and a jump server. He wouldn’t have the audience from the stands hyping him up when it’s his turn to send a merciless blow towards their opponent. But jump serves were the only serves he made, since he refused to settle for anything less. This put an unnecessary strain on his knees that he knew, from the start, he would pay for when the time comes.
That time was now.
He hissed as Iwaizumi soothed the taut muscles in Oikawa’s legs. Matsukawa handed their ace an ice pack, which he placed over their captain’s aching knee.
“Is it yours?” Iwaizumi asked.
“I don’t know,” he admitted.
Matsukawa snickered at the side. “Of all the soulmates you could have ended up with, they just had to be an injury-prone idiot, too.”
Normally, he would’ve told Mattsun off for being mean, but honestly, he couldn’t have been more right.
“Shouyou’s playing volleyball now?” you clarified to your mother, who was giving you your afternoon massage.
She hummed. “Your aunt told me their school’s fighting to qualify as Miyagi’s representative for nationals. They got us tickets to watch their semifinals game.”
You couldn’t ever picture your little cousin, Shouyou, being able to touch the top of a volleyball net. He never even showed the vaguest interest in any kind of sport! Whenever his family visited yours in Hyogo a few years back, you always tried to get him into soccer one way or another. But he was as stubborn as an ox. Now, you’re hearing he’s playing to qualify for a national-level tournament for their prefecture?
“Miyagi, huh? That’s where I…” You frowned. No, you weren’t going to dwell on it any longer. “When’s the game?”
“This Friday, but we’re leaving on Thursday night. Your father’s driving.”
School wasn’t particularly hectic this time around, so you shrugged, agreeing with your mother to go all the way back to the place where some of your dreams were crushed. It wouldn’t do anyone harm, right?
Things were looking pretty dire for Seijoh. The little chibi – no, his entire team wasn’t letting up at all. It annoyed Oikawa more than it should. How did they still have that much determination left? 
Oikawa’s breath came out a little shaky as Mr. Refreshing and the little shrimp attempted to send the ball back to Seijoh. But Oikawa saw through the feint. Sugawara set it into the ace’s direction instead, who promptly slammed it down with unparalleled precision. Hanamaki was quick to react, diving for it without a second’s hesitation. The receive was off and it was flying away from the court, but Oikawa’s feet moved before he could even set a plan in stone. 
He forced his legs into sprints as he snapped his arm and pointed an index finger in the direction of the person he trusted most. His eyes flashed with fiery determination and the flames spread to Iwaizumi’s as well. It seemed impossible. It would be one of the riskiest sets he would have to make in his whole career thus far, but if he didn’t take it, he would just be admitting defeat. 
Oikawa launched himself into the air, twisting his torso in the direction of Seijoh’s ace and put the ball back in play all the way from where he set it from outside the court. Iwaizumi nodded in understanding, bending his knees for the sole purpose of connecting it. Naturally, the rules of physics still applied in a volleyball game and gravity eventually brought Oikawa back on the ground, at the cost of his back colliding with some of the metal chairs set aside. 
But Iwaizumi didn’t disappoint. He was already flying, arm pulled back in a spiking stance before the ball could even come to him. He trusted Oikawa’s accuracy enough to make this shot possible. There was no one else that could pull this off.
The captain grit his teeth, struggling to get back on his feet, but a sheet of black cloth was on the floor, making him lose traction in his shoes. The urgency in his action made him slip, his bad knee – your bad knee – colliding with the floor. The familiar sting in his bones flared back into life, but he couldn’t afford to pay it any mind.
He was running. Running even if his knee screamed for him to stop. Running even if his lungs burned for a breather. Running because even if Iwaizumi connected his set with a beautiful spike, that blasted Karasuno delinquent was definitely going to receive it–
A pained scream momentarily distracted him from everything happening on the court. It was strange. He never let what was going on in the stands distract him from a game, whether it be Seijoh’s supporters egging them on or some other matter than didn’t require his attention. 
But he could see it. The way you crumpled on the stairs a few levels above in the stands, clutching your knee to chest as you howled in agony. His heart stopped at the sight. 
What were you doing here?
“It hurts! It hurts!” you sobbed into your father’s shirt, fingers clamped around your aching leg. The all-too familiar pain erupted in your knee at the very same time that familiar face slipped on the court. You knew it wasn’t just a coincidence that the chatty stranger from a few months back was in the very same match as Shouyou. 
“Shh, we’re going to get your meds, baby,” your father cooed as he carefully hooked his arm under your knees and supported your back with the other. “Just hold out for a while.”
You could vaguely hear your mother apologizing to your aunt, but all your mind could focus on was how beautiful his eyes were. They were looking straight at you with crackling intensity. But before you could spend any longer drowning in those hazel eyes, your father carried you out of the stands, whispering words of consolation in your ear. 
“Oikawa-san!” 
Yahaba’s shout pulled Oikawa back into focus and he could clearly see Tobio running about on the court, going into position for their freak quick. A menacing smile graced Oikawa’s lips. That’s what he wanted – for his junior to use their ultimate weapon and fail. 
But something was wrong.
Iwaizumi, Kindaichi, and Kyoutani – the three of them, at the same time, lunged in an attempt to sully the ball’s trajectory. But they shouldn’t. The chibi’s arms were angled too obtuse. The shot was definitely going outside. He was about to bark at them to stop being a couple of idiots, but there was no reversing it.
Even if you can’t stop it, touch it, that’s what Oikawa always told them. He shouldn’t go back on his own teachings now. 
The chibi’s spike grazed Iwaizumi’s fingers. Out of instinct, Oikawa pulled his arms to the side in a pathetic attempt to receive, but he knew it was in vain. If only he stood a few feet at the back, maybe he could have had better odds. 
But fate has always been cruel to the ordinary. 
As all eyes were on the outplayed volleyball, none of the players dared to draw a breath. But seeing that Oikawa was already their last line of defense, it collided with the floor, the echoing sound imprinted in his mind for the rest of his days.
Seijoh had fallen.
“When I find that boy, I’m going to beat him to a pulp,” your father flatly proclaimed when you finished your story. The three of you were back in the Hinatas’ living room, your mother having soothed your knee with her otherworldly massage. 
“Dad, no,” you pleaded, but knew he didn’t mean the threat. At least, not entirely. 
“I’m going to have to agree with your father, sweetie,” your mother caressed your hair. “He must know what’s going on with you by now. He should be more careful.” 
You rolled your eyes. “Mom, I should have been careful. Who knows what he went through when I got slide tackled in the Aomori game.” 
She hesitated before sighing in defeat. Your parents then shared a look, presumably having a telepathic conversation as to what your next course of action should be. 
But before they could make that decision for you, Shouyou emerged from the hallway. 
“You’re…soulmates with the Grand King?” 
You didn’t know who this ‘grand king’ was, but he probably meant the chatty stranger turned volleyball player you met eyes with earlier today. You shot Shouyou a pained smile.
“Yeah.”
“Iwa-chan, I don’t get why we’re in rival territory. Why won’t you just tell me?” Oikawa simpered as Iwaizumi dragged him along further inside Karasuno’s campus. A few girls they passed by shot him knowing glances, which was odd. Most females would swoon at the sight of Oikawa Tooru.
“Shut up, Shittykawa,” Iwaizumi dismissed before letting go of his best friend’s collar when they arrive at the school’s gym. “Someone wants to see you.”
Oikawa narrowed his eyes. “If it’s Tobio-chan, tell him to forget it! As if I’ll let him gloat about their victory in my face.”
“Dumbass, it’s not him! None of the players are looking for you!”
“Then why are we even here in the first place?”
“Uhm, hello?”
It’s been months since Oikawa’s heard that voice, but even now, he could still associate your face with it. You peeked your head from inside Karasuno’s gym. The sound of volleyball shoes scraping against the polished floor spilling from inside almost made Oikawa nostalgic, but he was preoccupied with something else entirely.
You grinned at him, but your eyes held a hint of shyness in them. Oikawa didn’t know whose breath hitches, but he’s definitely having a hard time taking in oxygen at the sight of your face, more vibrant than the first time he saw you in Sendai. His eyes glazed over the knee brace slapped on your right knee – it looked painfully similar to the one he needed to wear in games. 
“I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time,” came your sheepish apology. “If I’d been more careful back then, you could’ve beat these guys… But I was rooting for Shouyou from the start, so…”
Oikawa didn’t know anyone named Shouyou, but he must have been someone close enough to you that you’d go all the way from Hyogo to watch their game against Karasuno. He made sure to shower whoever Shouyou was with infinite affection for finally, finally bringing you back to him.
Shit, he’s hot. 
You didn’t remember mister chatterbox from the hospital being this attractive. Maybe you just had such a terribly pessimistic view of the world at the time that you missed how unfairly good-looking he was.
You could feel the warmth spreading all over your face at apologizing profusely for your past mishandling of your current predicament. But he dismissed all of your concerns with a lighthearted laugh that sounded like a symphony in your ears.
“(Surname) (Name), Japan’s number three striker, is apologizing for an injury she didn’t even mean to get? You’re quite the saint, are you?” The way your name rolled off his tongue tugged at your heartstrings more than it should. Stupid soulmate bonds, making you lose composure all the damn time.
“You know who I am?” you queried, rather amused with this revelation.
He offered a nonchalant shrug. “I do my research.” 
The two of you stood there, carefully taking in each other as much as you could. You almost felt bad for the friend he brought with him, who stepped aside as to not interrupt your first meeting with your soulmate. But knowing that he’s the boy who’s always getting smacked in the head, the one that made you feel the sting of a service ace on the tips of your fingers, and the very same guy that powered through the burden you unknowingly shoved into his plate all with an award-winning grin on his face, it was all worth it. 
This was Oikawa Tooru, one of the most amazing setters in the high school volleyball scene.
But why did he look like he was about to cry?
Oikawa couldn’t help it. He threw his arms around you and took a long whiff of your scent. Ever since he ensured your identity, he couldn’t help but think of all the times your pain was transmitted to him. Those days were difficult for him, alone, already, what more for the person actually suffering the affliction?
Gentle fingers tangled themselves in your hair as he pulled you as tight as he could into his own body. His arms shook with the sheer emotions coursing through his veins and–
“Why are you crying?” 
He sighed, placing his hands on your shoulders. You eyed him bizarrely, but concern was lining your features, nonetheless. 
“I hurt you.” 
You snorted. 
“I’m pretty sure I’ve hurt you more times than the other way around,” you retorted, smiling up at him. “What kind of athlete would I be if I had a shitty pain tolerance?”
His eyes widened, taken aback with your reply. Admittedly, he already planned his first meeting with you in his imagination dozens of times. Only he didn’t expect for it to be in Karasuno, a day after his last volleyball game in high school. But he imagined himself letting his emotions lose, apologizing for hurting you, and you clasping his hands in forgiveness. He didn’t exactly write it in the script for you to take the blame, yourself, too. 
You were simply full of surprises.
You spent the rest of the afternoon talking and talking until the sun was beginning to bleed into the horizon.
Oikawa Tooru was an interesting person. He loved volleyball, had a penchant for milk bread, and admitted that he may be quite the narcissist at times. He told you that Tobio-chan, one of Shouyou’s teammates, was a junior that finally surpassed him. (There was a bitter undercurrent to his voice as he told that part.) He was going to Tokyo for college and–
“For real? I’m headed for Tokyo, too,” you chuckled, lacing your fingers together on your lap. 
Oikawa quirked an eyebrow. “Do you happen to be on a sports scholarship as well?”
You hummed, smiling playfully. “I dunno. Could the number three high school striker of Japan be able to land a scholarship even after this shitty injury?”
“Hmm…probably not.” Oikawa shook his head.
That reply garnered a pout. “Why not?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t seen her play yet. She’s seen me play, and we both know that my skill is already university-tier.” 
“Yet, you still lost,” you sighed dramatically.
The offended look on his face was priceless. “You didn’t have to go that far!”
You bellowed a hearty laugh, clutching your stomach at the puppy eyes he’s sending your way. Never could you have imagined that same boy from the radiology center being gifted with a whimsical persona so in tune with your own. Weirdly, you’re thankful for the injury that linked you to him. 
But as your laughter died down, the sun had already set. Your mother told you to be back with Shouyou and from the looks of it, the boys were already cleaning up inside the gym. 
You glanced at Oikawa, who was contently gazing at you with a small smile. 
“I’m going back to Hyogo tonight,” you imparted. 
He gave you a curt nod. “Have a safe trip.” 
“What, you’re not going to proclaim your love for me and force me to never leave your side again?”
Oikawa wrinkled his nose at such a bold statement. “You’re pretty, but not that pretty.”
“Hey!”
“I jest. I jest,” he chuckled, tucking in a lone tuft of your hair behind your ear. The graze of his fingers against the skin of your cheek made your lips part in a mute sigh. 
“All I’m saying is what’s there to fret about when we have–” he gestured towards your knee, “–this bonding us?” 
“You saying you want me to get injured again, Tooru?”
“Oh, say my name again.”
“Pervert!”
“No! It really sounded nice in your voice!” 
“(Name)-neesan!” 
Your heart almost sank at the sound of Shouyou’s voice. He emerged from the entrance with his gym bag slung across his shoulder. With a polite smile, he asked if you were ready to go.
You almost told him that, yes, you were, but that’s until Oikawa hissed at him like a cat.
“You’re the Shouyou that brought us together?” he accused with thinly veiled apprehension, to which Shouyou laughed.
“That’s right, Grand King! You owe me now!”
“I owe nothing to any of you Karasuno folk!” 
You rolled your eyes to pull Oikawa into an abrupt embrace, which effectively snapped him out of his hostility towards your younger cousin. He stammered with his words, but they remained forgotten when you whispered in his ear:
“See you in Tokyo.”
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missjackil · 5 years
Text
My 14x17 Opinion
Game Night
This was the first new episode since “The Announcement” and I have to say I was putting off writing it. I usually post these the day after, but I procrastinated so it’s a bit late. So forgive my butt-hurt tardiness and let's have at it.
I enjoyed this episode, though it wasn't without some issues. I must say that I was pleased that it wasn't as Sam-lite as I thought it would be from the promo pics, trailer, and knowing Jared didn't work a lot that week, I will always want for more Sam in an episode, but all his parts were necessary and high quality in this one, so I'm not angry at all. 
We start the episode with Donatello making cookies, singing Raindrops are Fallin’ on my Head, which made me smile. It made me think of Butch Cassiday and The Sundance Kid and I love that movie, and if J2 ever want to play the leads in a remake, I would be willing to pay for it myself! 
Donny gets interrupted by the door, and we know this is a problem because its the first 5 minutes of SPN, let's be honest. As soon as I see the bad guy’s wedding ring, I think “Shit... here comes Nick”. I thought he was gonna kill him and I'm glad he didn't. I like Donny, he looks like my dad. 😊
Back at the Bunker, the fam is getting ready for “Winchester Game Night” and Dean is playing Mouse Trap, and having no luck getting it to work. I had that game as a kid too and was never able to get it to work either, but it was fun putting it together! I did think it was a little sad but fitting, that Dean would have played that game as a 4 yr old, but leave it to John and Mary to give Dean a game made for older kids, that never worked out the way it was supposed to and had too many small parts he could choke on. (the irony is not lost on me)
Mary and Jack are in the kitchen. I could literally almost smell the Jiffy Pop popcorn. A Saturday night staple at my house growing up (any of you out there ever taste that greasy salt left on the sides of the foil pan? Good stuff!) and Mary starts in with the questions for Jack. I got a kick out of him telling her its annoying, and her face after. It’s ok Mary, he’s fine, he’s just a teenager now. Something I guess she never got to experience from the adult side. 
Sam is out getting pizza, and all the times they’ve had pizza, I never really saw what Sam likes on his. Apparently both he and Dean like lots of pepperoni. Good choice boys! The joy is short-lived (of course) by Donatello’s call, and Dean and Mary go off to help. I loved Sam sitting there researching. I have always loved his look of interest and concentration during these times. Smart!Sam moment #1 he figures out the language is ancient Hebrew, #2 he has the moment of realization that he knows it’s from the Bible, and knows what chapter and verse. (demerits for the writers though for not knowing Peter is in the New Testament and is in Ancient Greek, not Hebrew, but kudos for Sam/Jared for at least knowing the book is located near the back of The Bible)
Mom and Dean in the car. Now we have the talk about how wrong she knows she’s been but how appreciative she is to have this time with him and Sam. Uhoh... sounds like lines typically given to a character who is soon to be killed off? Hmmm we’ll see. Soon they arrive at Donny’s to find Nick. He says he's poisoned Donny and to save him, they have to help him. He wants to talk. 
Back at the bunker, violent rage!Sam awaits!! GOD that gave me tingles in the best way! I loved Dean leading Nick down the hall in cuffs, in slow motion as if leading him to his execution, and Sam standing there with his chest puffed out like a friggin’ bulldozer, and the snarl and slam attack against the wall!! (hand me that towel, please??) Dean backs Sam off, lots of brother touching going on, but we need intel, we can't kill him yet. 
Now Sam is in self-loathing mode.... he thinks everything is his fault. So many people dying because of him. This is gonna be a big issue soon, I promise. Mom talks Sam off the self-deprecating ledge and tells him he gave Nick another chance because he’s a good man and that's why she’s so proud of him. Sam softens up into the sweetest “aww shucks ma” smile and I want to hug him💕 also, still lines are being spoken by mom that are synonymous with being killed off.
Now, I procrastinated talking about Cas and Anael because the whole thing was boring. I'm not a wife hater but at least make her necessary if you’re going to cast her. I was ok about her role as Sister Jo for Devil’s Bargain but she hasn't been necessary since. Cas wasn't even necessary in this episode. We knew he was hiding the fact that Jack killed the snake, and there are probably 1000 other ways they could have reminded us that the Samulet is still around and maybe they can use it, than for him to find a similar one in the thrift shop or whatever that place was. I dug Methuzula though, he was the oldest dude in the Bible. He wasn’t an angel, for any of you worried about him liking lasagna or why he couldn't just smite Cas... its because he's HUMAN just extremely old. 
On to more interesting things. 
Nick wants to talk to Jack. I was not pleased with Nick referring to Jack as his son. Im not 100% convinced that the writer (and all involved really) remembered that Jack isnt Nick’s son, but added that as a note of empathy Nick has for Lucifer, you’d THINK someone, particularly Jack would say “Im not your son” ?? but anyway, he gives intel to Jack and also gets his blood (dun dun dunnnn) 
Sam is again a smarty pants and knows the antidote for Thalium is Prussian Blue (makes note) and figures he can hack the live feed (brains are so sexy) I also love that Sam’s word is the go word. So many more decisions are made because Sam thinks its the best option than he's ever given for in the fandom. So Sam and Dean take Nick with them to find Donny. 
I really love the broments in this part. Dean tells Nick if he tries anything funny, Sam will shoot him. “And if anything happens to me....” “Sam will shoot me”  “To start!” says Sam... because if he hurts Dean, Sam isnt letting him off that easy. But in true SPN form, as soon as Sam and Dean are separated, shit goes south.
Mom calls Sam and lets him know Donny was shot up with Angel grace, as Jack figured out, Nick was playing them. Now the fight between Sam and Nick ensues! Nick tells Sam why he used Donatello, which was to bring Lucifer back, “You can't, he’s dead he’s in the Empty” Sam says but this show’s self-awareness gets me sometimes lol Nick’s like “Cmon Sam you know no one stays dead anymore” and Sam starts kicking his ass. 
Now, I have already seen a million of you whine and complain that Sam didn’t kill Nick. It’s almost as though some of you have never met Sam Winchester. Of course Sam could have killed Nick, and most of us wish he did, but Sam has stopped himself from killing humans before. He stopped himself with Jake in AHBL and also with Toni in 12x01. Unfortunately it always bites him in the ass. Could it be that Sam thinks if he can kill a human with his bare hands that he’s a monster? This isn’t bad writing folks, this is Sam’s character. 
Nick takes advantage of Sam’s hesitation and starts nailing him with a rock. Spewing crap about Sam being Lucifer’s Perfect vessel and such.... this can only mean that issue will be coming up soon! Sam gets in the car and starts laying on the horn for Dean, calling out to him... Dean hears Sam is in trouble, enough playing around here time to kill some demons. 
When he gets to Sam. he sees he’s badly injured. Sam can hardly hold on to consciousness, protective!dean kicks in! Apply preasure to the blled, call 911, call mom. Now check for brain damage and play a counting game with Sam This hurt my feels so much, it made it feel so much more serious than all the other head injuries he’s sustained. Dean and his caring big brother smile and light hearted speech so Sam doesnt panic just kills me in the best way!! Sam tries to count with him a little and breaks into “You always put me first... your whole life” and manages to muster a little smile. Dean knows Sam believes he’s checking out, and you see the fear all over Dean’s face as Sam fades away. (OMG these 2!! Every freakin time!!)
Meanwhile, Mary and Jack found Nick and he has summoned Lucifer and just about to take him in again (Lucifer looked pretty cool,,, gotta say) and Jack zaps Lucifer back into the rift (no not forever guys... cmon) and starts torturing Nick. Mary kinda flips out telling Jack to stop. He’s contorting his hand, burning him from the inside out... not simply killijng him. Mary is full on worried now. Jack stops and Nick is laying on the floor. Mary is in shock and tells Jack to go help Sam, He heals him and Dean cant even hide his relief as he turns away to catch his breath. 
Now Jack returns to Mary who is more than worried about how Jack was torturing Nick. We know the Winchesters dont mind killing, but draw the line at torture. However, Mary stupidly poked the bear. She could have just kept herself and Jack calm and talked to the boys later, but she poked and poked till Jack freaked out. Though I am wondering if Jack was also hearing Lucifer when he was shouting “Leave me alone!!” But in any regard, he looked at Mary and something happened. Fade to black. 
Aside from the Cas/Anael part, I really enjoyed this episode. A few issues yes, but it hit most of the marks needed for me to enjoy an episode. Ive already rewatched it twice and will again and again. 
On a scale of Bloodlines to Lebanon, I give this a strong 7.5 without the Cas/Anael bit it would have been an easy 8.
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spidermanifested · 5 years
Text
not to do Universal Steve Discourse on main in 2019 but....... i did genuinely enjoy the season finale and i want to like. express the reasons why? in a really really really long drawn-out and needlessly convoluted manner probably because this is being typed on mobile and im tired
first of all i know the main thing people dont like about how things have gone in general is the fact that its less You Gotta Beat the Bad Guys and more You Gotta, Talk to the Bad Guys Until They Stop Being Bad, which is not very often a realistic approach to stopping actual horrible people in our real human society from doing actual horrible things
and i get it!! but honestly the way the finale goes about resolving conflict (or specifically how steven goes about resolving conflict), while flawed, feels more like. a mediatorial power fantasy id have as a kid than anything else. like....... for once, things not having to end with the strongest person coming out on top. making the other side just sit there and listen for a few minutes, and force them to realize that their actions have consequences for the rest of the world and the people they claim to care about. that no, their idea of whats best isnt always helpful! that theyre ignoring everyones actual needs in favor of an idealized and selfish narrative!
every time i would watch a show featuring superheroes or anything similar when i was younger id hate that it always had to resolve itself with violence instead of just TALKING to each other, and maybe su and the homeworld arc in particular isnt an accurate portrayal of successfully navigating interpersonal conflict with stubborn assholes or of fighting systemic oppression or a fascist government colonizing everybody else and suppressing all dissent through any means available or whatever but. sometimes metaphors dont work as a direct 1:1 comparison to things happening in real life, and thats, okay i think? sometimes? i dont know it just feels good to see everybody UNDERSTAND each other. it reminds me that its. actually possible once in a blue moon to convince someone to treat the people around them with respect. and it just feels good honestly. its a fantasy show and Everybody Goddamn Finally Getting Along is a Common and Valid Fantasy to Have Especially If Youre a Kid in a Bad Place
also: though in a lot of scenarios this way of approaching the diamonds wouldnt be feasible at all, steven in the show is not just a random human whos magically able to change the minds of alien dictators. hes the son of maybe the one person they had any compassion for, and they treated him like he was still her, which even then Wasnt Great because the diamonds were not a healthy familial setup by any measure. but at the very least they could SOMETIMES be swayed by pink. and he used that to its advantage by showing them how much they hurt her, and then by extension how much they hurt everybody else, even if they didnt particularly care about the rest of their “flawless” gem society. and maybe they still dont!!! maybe theyre just making reparations to honor pink. but when it comes down to it their feelings dont matter. their motivations dont matter. their ACTIONS matter. in stevens words: “you did this, and now you have to fix it”.
he used his foothold in their good graces (again, relatively) to make them take a closer look at their actions, and thats what makes it more rational to me. because of course they wouldnt listen if he was some random half-alien kid. if he really was unrelated to the diamonds he would have HAD to use force. you dont get people to listen to your viewpoint by just talking when theyve already convinced themselves youre below their consideration and itd be useless to pretend otherwise, yes!! but to use another characters metaphor- the best character in the whole show (bismuth)- if you are a lion, you can safely enter the lions den. use your respected-as-a-peer status to convince the people around you to be better. obviously everybody being affected by oppression can fight with everything theyve got and it makes a huge difference, but what also makes a difference is people in positions of privilege standing up for other peoples rights and magnifying their voices, and the burden of breaking out from an unjust system shouldnt NEED to be placed on the downtrodden. we should fight, but we shouldnt HAVE to fight. its not our fault things are this way
and giving up on galactic conquest doesnt suddenly make the diamonds good people. not once to my memory do they ever actually verbally apologize (at least white diamond definitely didnt) but like i said before, that doesnt really matter to the people they hurt. the damage is done and any apology offered would just look flimsy and performative. instead steven has them just shut up and fix the things theyre able to fix. nobody says “i forgive you”, they arent suddenly given tragic backstories to make the audience sympathize with them, theyre just... the same close-minded egotistical royalty, but being forced to look at everybody else from a different angle for the very first time, directly after coming to grips with the fact that their awful caste-based society pressured one of “their own” into faking her own death and later dying for real just so she could experience life outside of the constricting role she was born into. thats their thing. that isnt a redemption arc so much as a “hurray we made them pay for their reprehensible actions in a constructive and viable manner” arc
i think thats... cool? less focus on Punishing Wrongdoers and more focus on Fixing Problems. we need that. in a lot of ways
but yes i also wholeheartedly believe that you should not argue or debate or converse with fascists in real life unless youre somebody they have to take seriously. like. their dad, or something. and dont do it anywhere public where they can perform for the audience instead of addressing your words. and also dont do it on the internet where they can screencap and mock you with their friends instead of being serious. but if youre their dad i dont know why youd need to be doing that. anyways this post is long enough so thats the end of my ‘Punching Nazis is Very Morally Good and Also Fun and Im Not About to Say Otherwise in a Million Years’ disclaimer
the tumblrmobile refuses to post this so ive had to save it as a draft and come back on my laptop to add tags good website great design functions as intended
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cloudbattrolls · 5 years
Text
Coward Mont Blanc
Maidel Juzuxt | Present Night | Derevnya | Octavian Musical Arts Studios
Everyone calls it OMAS, or Oh, Masterfully Aimed, Shithead if they’re not fond of Treble. Even if they’re on the list of people who won’t kick him out of a room after ten minutes, they might still toss it off, teasing, but with an edge of bile.
It’s one of the reasons you get along with him, despite how different the two of you are. 
“So!” He says, plucking at his suspenders. “What’s got you in such a sulk, Maidel-girl? Or is it boy today.”
You’re in one of the studio’s dance rooms, one that’s empty at the moment since the next class won’t be for hours. Mirrors cover its walls, and overhead glowworm lamps dot the ceiling, giving off light even as they’re in stasis. Treble can feed, wake, and rearrange them at his will if needed for a choreography practice, as well as brighten them with the right formula. 
Right now they’re giving off a low yellowish glow as they sleep, clinging to the gray ceiling. It bathes your face in a sickly cast, or maybe that’s just your mood as you stare into one of the mirrors, clad in a suit that you look absolutely horrible in.
“Boy.” You say, but there’s not much spirit in it. Gender isn’t very important right now; it’s part of your bigger problem, but only in a small way. 
Sometimes you think it’d be easier if you just had no chest to worry about, and certainly sometimes you hate having to leave off your binder or worry about damage, the kind your psi can’t really repair fully. 
Other times you think rumblespheres at least give people something other to look at than your face or stomach. Not that they’re impressive, but at least it’s something. 
“What’s got you so down in the dumps, Maidel-boy? You nervous? Don’t be nervous, my cool cat! This joint will love you.”
That gets a small snort out of you, mostly because of Treble’s ridiculous speaking manner. It’s been perigees and you still don’t believe he can naturally talk that way, no matter how much he swears up and down he was hatched with it.
You turn a little, looking at yourself from another angle in the mirror, your hair pulled back into a ponytail so everyone can see your face. Great. You put a finger to one cheek, but lightly, to not ruin the makeup covering your freckles.
Treble leans in slightly, his eyebrows raised and ears flicking slightly. His aren’t nearly as mobile as yours, but you know what he’s thinking.
“I look better this way.” You say. “A little. Don’t try to tell me freckles are cute again, I’m not buying it.”
Not much you can do about your face in general. Your hair is okay. then there’s your body.
You’ve always been on the heavier side, and maybe that wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t look so stupid on you.
Highbloods being big fits them like a shell on a scuttlebeast. They have the tusks, the intimidation, the big sharp horns to go with it. Their fat doesn’t look like weakness; it only makes them look stronger, heartier, able to dominate.
You’ve been mistaken for blue twice, when you were wearing heavy clothing and goggles against the steam and snow. You were alarmed, then flattered, then a little depressed. 
Treble just clicks his tongue and shakes his head like you’re a silly, mildly disobedient lusus. “Maidel, Maidel, Maidel. Even if you don’t like them, doesn’t mean not a single troll in that joint won’t! You got to be honest about who you are! That’s the only way to make your brand.”
It takes a force of effort to not remind Treble that just because he keeps showing off who he is to the whole world, (despite getting laughed at and kicked out of multiple places) it doesn’t mean you want to go through the same.
That’d be cruel; Treble’s odd, but he’s been kind to you, and it’s hard to hate a troll who isn’t any more good looking than you but so much braver.
Even if sometimes you wish you could. 
“I don’t need a brand.” You mutter. “I just want to sing.”
When you’re finally on the stage, finally manage to forget where you and who you are and what you look like, that makes it all worth it. When you sing, you’re somewhere else, someone else. People have actually clapped for you before, and it wasn’t all just polite applause.
Treble loves to babble about how you could be the next big thing. All you want is to keep feeling that way for the rest of your life, even for little bits at a time. It’s enough.
He pauses, perhaps aware of the usual argument and realizing you don’t want to hear it. He almost chews on his claws, raising two to his mouth but he’s been trying to stop lately and drops them. 
“Maidel.” He says, gentle, which makes the hairs on the back of your neck prick up. “Singing aside, you really want to have this sort of bad juju brewing in you the rest of your natural life, my man?” 
“It doesn’t matter.” You say, trying to be dismissive, but dismissive from you sounds about as believable as a honk from a limeblood and Treble’s face is understandably if irritatingly skeptical. 
“‘Course it matters! You telling me you’re okay just going ‘aw, nuts, I hate how I look’ for all your sweeps? You gotta change yourself, or - ”
“ - change your bulbs, yes.” You sound a bit more testy than you’d like, but he’s told you this about ten times before.
“I tried to diet and exercise for a whole perigee, Treble. Aside from making me miserable, it barely did anything. I lost three pounds. Three pounds in that whole time! I don’t know what’s wrong with my stupid, garbage, messed up - ”
“Whoa! You really want to hate yourself that bad, man?”
You realize you’re breathing hard, eyes wide and - in the mirror - you see a hint of orange in them. 
Groaning, you cover your face with a soft palm, dragging your fingers through your curls.
“Olives are supposed to be lithe and muscular. Or else average looking, since everybody likes to say we’re the most boring caste.” You say, bitter. “Even being average like you would be better. Nobody thinks you’re ugly. They just think you’re normal.”
Maybe that’s rude, but you don’t care right now.
Treble plucks at his tie thoughtfully, but you can see a trace of pain in his eyes that wrenches your digestion sac. You’ll apologize to him later.
“Do people really tell you you’re ugly, Maidel-boy?” He says, curious. 
You snort. In a way, that’d almost be better.
“Hardly ever.” You admit, and he opens his mouth but you wave a finger and press on. “They don’t have to! They don’t even notice me, good or bad, compared to everyone else I know. They’re all pretty. None of them would ever consider a troll like me to be an option in any quadrant.”
You sound pathetic, even to yourself. It’s not like you expect the trolls you know to date you, or that you’d particularly want to date them in the first place. 
It’s how you’ve seen Riccin flirt, seen Pheres flirt, seen them have quadrants. Have people interested in them. Seen them know they’re beautiful, that they can get trolls just by being themselves.
Must be nice.
“So...what brought all this up from its deep dark spot, huh?”
You look at him blankly.
“Usually you’re a little down in the dumps, but not fit to yowl about it.”
You flush slightly. You guess you did raise your voice more than you meant to. 
“I’m sorry.” You say, throat tight. You shouldn’t even be talking to Treble about this. He has a moirail, a teal who works at one of the universities. You have no idea why he takes so much time with you to start with.
Especially if this is how you treat him.
You’d rather dive out the window than answer, but you owe him that much.
“I have an ash crush.” You admit, and it feels like a dirty word, a curse. Maybe it is. You have to be cursed if you’re stupid enough to have feelings for Riccin, who’s practically a clown, and who’s never cared about you.
Maybe it’s some messed up form of self-harm.
Treble looks puzzled, and for good reason.
“So why’re you all torn up about how you look?” 
Ash isn’t about that, is the clear implication. You almost laugh. If only he knew.
“Riccin wants pretty trolls in every quadrant.” You say, staring into the mirror at the disappointing image with a suit on a too-round figure. “Their kismesis and their ex ash are both little, skinny trolls, with pretty faces. And they’re close with Pheres, and he’s the same.”
Then there’s you, who’s as heavy as any two of them, not to mention that they think you’re dull as ditchwater. Even if you wanted to pursue this - if you were so blindingly stupid - how could you prove them wrong? You’d wear yourself out trying.
Not to mention that Vide would probably cull you. She seems like she’s still interested in them, and for all you know they might still be interested in her too. Riccin doesn’t give up easily.
“I think you’re feeling a bit too sorry for yourself, Maidel-boy.”
You glare at him, then sigh. He chuckles.
“So you got a hopeless crush. Happens to us all. Why let it mess your groove up so much, man? If there’s no worth wondering if you can, put your bulbs into what you are good at! Which is: belting out the tunes and making us both a little cash, hm?”
You snort. With Treble it all comes back to money or fame. Given how hard he works for it, you can’t blame him too much. The chances of an olive making it big - or even being an agent for anyone who does - are minimal. Somehow he still tries, still teaches and manages and performs, no matter who mocks him, no matter how many times he gets chased off.
“Okay.” You say. “Let’s go.”
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ecmlol · 4 years
Text
Atleast someone is happy.Jude thinks to himself.
The next day
Marshal and Chester are back at the hospital. Both are slightly hungover yet happy nonetheless.The first stop is the nicu. They find jude deep asleep on the couch in the waiting area.Jude is using his book bag as a pillow and has a devils throw over him.
“ Jude ? Son wake up we brought you breakfast “ chester says
Marshal is holding the bag of food for jude. Jude wakes up with a mumble.
“ food?” Jude says as he rolls his neck and stretches.
“ here there’s a sausage biscuit and a chicken biscuit and hash browns. We didn’t know if you wanted jelly or mayo so we brought you both.”marshal says
“ thank you “ jude say as he takes the bag.
Chester and marshal have a seat on both sides of Jude. Jude can feel them staring at him. He’s stops opening his first sandwich and looks to both of his fathers in law.
“ ah...”jude says
“ how did it go last night”marshal ask
“ please tell me Nono isn’t still being hardheaded “ Chester says
“ well he kicked me out of his room late night.”jude says
“ damn it “ chester says
“I will try and talk to him again.” Marshal says
“ can I make a suggestion?” Jude says
“Shoot “ chester says
“ I think I should leave him alone for now.He needs to deal with his new circumstances. He needs time to process it all. I’ll keep sending him things that will put a smile on his face so he knows I’m still here.”jude says
A part of Jude wants to know what’s wrong with noahs arm but he just didn’t want the answer right now but he knows he has to ask.
“ Any chance can you can tell me what’s wrong with Noah’s arm” Chester and marshal look at each other.
“ He doesn’t want us to tell you anymore about his medical issues”marshal says
“ it’s apart on the nerve damage he suffering from. You don’t have to be dramatic about something that he already knows about.”
“Just honoring our sons wishes,I hate that he doesn’t want anyone to help him.”marshal says
“Well I’m not going to push him. He knows I’m here .”
“ Jude’s right you can’t push Nono.”chester says.
“ that doesn’t mean I won’t go and visit him on the regular bases.” Jude says with a small smile.
“ good don’t let him forget that you are here for him”chester says
“ maybe we should go home” Marshal says to Chester
“Do you think leaving him by himself is a good idea?” Chester says
“ well he would be alone and Jude would be their to pick up the pieces.” Marshal says
“Well we do have to go back next week” chester says
“ don’t cut your trip short for me.”jude says
“ we would be doing it for our granddaughter too.” Marshal say
“ our granddaughter needs a two parent home” chester say
Jude couldn’t agree more.
“Well I have atleast 3 month before she comes home.”
“We like to talk to you about that.” Marshal say
“ alright sure “ jude says
“what’s going to happen if noah doesn’t remember you and you won’t have help at home.what if he doesn’t ever come home.”marshal ask
Jude notices that Chester doesn’t like where this conversation is going and at the moment jude isnt to sure if he gets where this is going.
“ she will be with me I have lionel I’m sure I can ask for help and my assistant also. She has a very clean record. I have already checked her out.”
“ oh all right we just want to let you know that if anytime you have a problem or become too busy or can’t handle her we won’t mind care for her until after the season is over with or until noah come to his senses.” Marshal says.
“ Jude you know me I run my own business I can fly back and stay as long as you need me too.”chester says.
Marshal doesn’t look happy with the offer that was made.
“ ah thanks I’ll sure I’ll be fine.” Jude says as he looks from one father in-law to the other .
By the time jude finishes his first sandwich it dawns on jude what marshal was suggesting. Jude is now in defense mode when it comes to his in laws.
As Jude thinks he is finishing his breakfast. Jude watches his in laws get up and walk to the window to watch Jax.
“ I’ll be back I need to use the restroom “
Jude gets up with his backpack and heads to the family bathroom for some privacy.He finds his phone and calls noah.
Noah’s room
Noah isn’t feeling very wel but he doesn’t know what the problem is.
“ how are you feeling today noah ?” The nurse ask Noah as she checks his vitals. Noah’s tempature is a little higher then normal. A second later Noah’s cracked iPhone starts to ring. It’s Jude’s ring tone “baby” by Justine Bieber.Noah’s ear buds are sitting next to his phone thanks to pop digging them out of his belongings.
“ wow it works. Any chance you could put my ear buds in please”noah doesn’t want to seem to eager about the phone call plus he doesn’t have the strength anyway
“ of course can’t miss a call from your baby”the nurse say before giving noah his phone and ear buds.
Noah doesn’t say anything but smile’s.
“Hello?” Noah says. It takes everything in noah to not get excited about it . Noah misses jude so much it hurts and it doesn’t help his current situation.
“ Noah can you talk?”
“ sorta” noah say as he tries not to smile.
Noah watches the nurse as she checks his Ivs and changes a empty bag of fluids.
“ what’s up?”
“ I think your dads or maybe just your dad is trying to take Jaxy from us. I don’t think I’m over reacting .”
“ there is no us jude” noah say with a broken heart.
“ I know but In a few month there will be.”
“ I want nothing to do with this or her. I’ll be filing divorce papers and I’m not going to sign the birth certificate so don’t ask.”
“Wait I didn’t plan on taking this that far noah”
“ you have no proof she’s even mine she could be the milk mans baby for all we know.”
“ wait if you don’t claim her then your parents have no claim to her then.”
“Exactly“
“ I’m still not signing anything. Why can’t I just sign her birth certificate by myself.” Jude says
“ well..“noah say
“ we aren’t getting a divorce we agreed on that when we got married”
“I’ll think about that”noah says
“Please do that“ jude says
“I have to go”noah say as the nurse decides to change his catheter. There is no way noah can talk to jude and have someone handle his junk at the same time .not happening
“ love you”
“ right back at you 100 times.”
That made jude smile.
Noah ends the call by a simple finger tap that shouldnt have too take five seconds but his good ahand is in a cast.
Noah thinks this is the only way to make sure Jaxy stays with jude. The idea of get a divorce just pissed noah off but he figures if he doesnt claim Jaxy and they are divorced then his parents can’t take her.Noah hopes jude is wrong and his parents are just trying to be helpful and not threatening.
At the nicu Jude has changed into something more comfortable.jude comes out of the bathroom and sees his in-laws in the nursery and they are about to hold Jaxy.jude walks over to the nurse station and ask to fill out Jaxy birth certificate. The nurse smiles and gives Jude the form to fill out. As Jude walks to the couch he just finished sleeping on something accords to him. He needs to think about the devils.jude doesn’t need a full scale war with his in laws in the press because this is were it is heading.There has to be a peaceful solution to this. Maybe jude was wrong about this.Jude decided that he is going to take a deep breath before doing anything rash.
K
Jude walks over to the window to watch his in-laws with Jaxy.
In the nursery
Marshal is holding Jaxy while sitting in the closes rocking chair near her incubator.
“ you wouldn’t mind living in New Jersey would you for a while, while your daddy’s get back together.”
“ marshal why are you even thinking about this?”
“ you have talked to our son he doesn’t even want to talk about jude or the baby.Do you think he’s going to want to get close to jude with her being around if she’s the problem?”
“I don’t think she’s the problem I think he’s just confused right now.he can’t remember his life he can’t walk or even whip his own ass.you can’t blame him for not wanting to talk to us.He is dealing with a lot.”
“ so does jude .He has the devils, a baby in the nicu ,and a husband in the hospital that is rejecting him .What about him. He’s hurting too.”
“ you think taking his baby away will help him right now.”
“ yes just for a little while”
“ just because we have a empty house and your about to retire doesnt mean you need to fill our home with someone to care for. If you want you can ask to come to la and do a series on the la food scene as your last couple of articles. I’ll miss you but I want you to be happy and if it helps jude and Noah then you should do it.i think you should apologize to jude too”
“ why would I apologize for? I suggested something that could help him in the long run.”
“ he would missed months of her life and that’s not fair to jude.”chester says.
“ what about noah he has missed everything already yes it’s only been two days but by the time he’s out of the hospital it will be weeks that he has missed being apart of her life”
“ what does that have to do with keeping Jaxy for the season“chester uses air quotas around keep.
“I figured we could ask noah to come back with us to New Jersey with us “
Chester crosses his arms across his chest.
“ marshal...”
“Why wouldn’t I ask him to come home? He doesnt know most of these people in his life.there is no way he can take care of himself chester.”
“ so you wanted to have the baby and Noah together with us until the season is over and then what?”” Then jude can come to Jersey for a week or two and then bring his family home.”
“ I don’t think that’s a good idea.” chester says
“ If it makes you feel more comfortable we can ask noah what he wants.”
In Noah’s room
Noah is taking a nap when he is woken up by his two new “ best friends”
“ we should go and let the man sleep” Johnson says.
“His appointment with his therapist starts in 10 minutes we can be quite for a few minutes.” Ritter says
Ritter takes a seat next to Noah’s bed. Johnson walks behind him and rest his head on his husband’s head.
“ perfect head rest shortie” Johnson says as he leans over to hugs Ritter from behind.
The couple quitely cuddle as noah gives in and starts to wake up.
“Hey” Ritter says
Noah nods. Johnson stands up and playful give Ritter head a shove. Ritter smile and sticks his tougue out at him.
Noah smiles and then yearns.
“Ready for some hard work today.”ritter says
“ I need the use of my arm back. I can’t
Even wipe my own ass right now”
“Well I’ll try my best to get you back to wiping and wacking.” Ritter say
Noah and Johnson couldnt help but to smile and chuckle.
A few minutes later the physical therapist arrives and Noah starts his first session.Ritter stands off to the side to watch. Noah informs the therapist that Ritter will be helping him with his therapy.
Jude comes off the elevator and heads to Noah’s room.jude left his in-laws downstairs because they forgot something in the rental car. Jude sees that noah has company again.
Jude passes the therapists as he enters the room.
“ excuse me” jude say as he passes the therapist who is a 30 something white guy that looks like the same height as his dad with red hair.
When jude sees noah , he sees Ritter showing noah something on his phone and he’s sitting on the edge of his bed.
“ sup jude”Johnson says from his chair by the bathroom.
“Hi”jude says with a small wave and smile.
Noah looks ups and smiles and then it fades.
“Hey boss how’s it going.”ritter says
“ it’s going. I hate to break up this little... gathering but I need to talk to noah privately please.” Jude waves his finger around as he talks.
“We are out “Johnson say as he get up.
“ we will see you tomorrow.”ritter says in a way too cheery voice for jude.
Jude crosses his arms as he watches his players leave his husband’s hospital room.jude closes the door behind his player.
“ you didn’t have to run them out like that.why are you acting jealous for? Not that I don’t mind the messiness of it”Noah ask with a smile
“Because they get to stay and talk with you and you let them help you when it should be me. I’m your husband not them.Im the one that should be feeding you pizza and helping with your therapy.” Jude says
“ you know you can’t right now plus Ritter is getting his degree physical therapy.
“Noah why can’t this be where I show you how I feel so you know that I love you. This can be part of me whowing you back.”jude says softly.
“ no it can’t be!”noah says firmly.
Jude takes a seat next to Noah’s bed.they don’t speak or look at each other.
“ I’m sorry I raised my voice at you”noah say
“ I’m not sorry I got jealous.”jude says
“ Jude they are just looking for friends. Nothing more. There just kids”
Jude smiles.
“Kids .” Jude smile and chuckles to himself
“They are to me” noah says
There’s a knock on the door they both look up and and see marshal and Chester at the door.jude waves them in.
“ we will talk later” jude says before his in-laws walk in.
“ it’s good to see you too talking” chester says.
“ I’m glad you’re here jude.”marshal says
“ he forgot your gift in the car”chester says.” Marshal takes out a gift bag out of a paper bag and hands it to jude.
Jude looks and sees it’s a bottle of bourbon.
“Thank you”
Jude shows noah the bottle.
“Score!”noah says
“Glad you like it” marshal say
“ this will come in handy”jude says as he sits back down and places the bottle in backpack.
“ we would..”marshal starts to say.
“ no he would like to talk to you too about something.marshal I love you but I want no part in this.” Chester say.
At this point noah is wondering if jude is right about the conversation he had with his dads.
“ Chester” marshal says with his arms crossed and a straight back.jude and Noah look at each other and then back to the embattled couple. Noah is surprised that his dad isn’t backing down.now the suspense is killing both Jude and Noah.what is this about.the silence conversation between Noah’s fathers end with chester walking away to stand behind jude. Jude looks to noah and he shrugs the best that he can.
“Alright. Noah I want to invite you home until you can get back on your feet. I don’t care how long it takes. I want to make sure you recovering quickly”
“ I have a spine specialist coming in a few days to see if there a any treatment that can help him.”
Noah looks to his parents them back to jude.
“Most specialist are in Cleveland or new York.Noah’s aunt lives in Cleveland and we are close to New York I think it’s best that noah comes back to New Jersey with us. What do you think noah?”
“ my star reporter isnt going anywhere” everyone’s attention turns towards Lionel at the door.
“ the show must go on”lionel says
“ I adore you but who is going to take care of him when he goes home?”
“ Jude you are going to hire a nurse for your husband right?”
“Of course I’m looking into making the house ascessible for a wheelchair later today and then I’ll look for a nurse next”
“ that really not nessary Jude”noah says
“Why isn’t it?” Jude ask
“ I’m going home for a well”
“ what? What about your job”Lionel says
“ I won’t be able to work until my wrist heals up”
“ how long did the doctor say it should take”Lionel ask
“ about 8 weeks”
“ then fine I’m giving you 9 and a half weeks to get back to la”
“Yes mama”
“ Noah..”jude says
“I don’t know you jude” noah says
“ How are you going to get to know me if you don’t stay in la?”
“ FaceTime?”
“ are you sure you want to do this noah” chester ask before jude could do it.
“Yes I’m sure I think it’s for the best”noah says
Jude sighs.
Why is he doing this jude thinks to himself.all jude could do is just stare at noah from his seat by noahs bedside.
Jude gets a sudden urge to see their daughters.
“Excuse me”jude gets up and heads to the door.
“ Jude?” Chester says.
Chester follows jude out.
“Jude!”
Jude stops and turns around.
“ you have to know that I have nothing to do with any of this.”
“ I believe you” jude say
Chester hug jude.
“. I Just need to see Jaxy right“ jude says
“ I get it I don’t want to deal with my husband at the moment. I don’t want noah to leave his life here.hw is he suppose to remember his life her if he isn’t here.”chester looks sincerely concerned about Noah leaving his life in la.
“I feel like I can’t say anything right now .i want to but I don’t think I can make a difference.” Jude says
Jude walks away and gets in the elevator.
Chester watches him leave before heading back to Noah’s room.
The walk to the nicu pissed Jude off even more then he was.Jude needs the weight of his daughter in his arm to calm him down. Right now Jude feels like it just his little devil and him against the world.jude doesn’t like it one bit.
When Jude finally gets to the nicu he is disappointed to find out that she was taken for some kind of testing and will be right back.After talking to the nurse jude leave to wait in the waiting area of the nicu until Jaxy comes back when he notice a few familiar faces at the door ,waiting to be buzzed in .
“Larosa?” Jude says to himself before walking over to great his player and wife.
“Mr kinkade James jude told me what happened.” As soon as she was close enough she hugs jude.Katie says.
she has brown hair down to her shoulders and a thick New Jersey accent.
“ your father was so kind to us when our jessica was born early 4 years ago.”Katie say
She keeps talking and jude can’t get a word in edgewise.he wonders how larosa handles it.she finally lets jude go.
“ our little jessica was only 24 weeks. I’m amazed she made it. I was such a wreck but your dad sent his private plane to Utah to pick my James up after the game so he could hold herI really didn’t think she was going to make it. I don’t care what anyone say your father is a wonderful man.” Katie says
“ ah thank you” jude says
Larosa nods and smiles at jude and shrugs.
The two have a moment where they agree that letting the women tell was the best thing to do.
This goes on for 20 minutes,after a while jude fines that constant chit chat of the women is calming.
Jude looks up and sees a two nurse pushing Jaxy back to the nursery.
“ thank you so much for the kind words but I have to go my daughter just got back from testing.” Jude says and gets up and heads to the nursery. Jude stands back so he’s not in the way.
“ guess whose getting there first milestone sticker”jude turns and it the first nurse he meet a few days ago jessica.
The two nurses gets out of the way and jude can sees what’s going in.jaxy isn’t on a ventilator a anymore.
“ congratulations do you want to add the sticker?”the nurse says
Jude smiles and takes the reusable stick and places it on the top of her incubator. Jude texted Murray last night and asked her to take pictures and finds picture of anything devils related, the house and of jude and Noah so he could decorate the incubator like the rest of the babies in the nicu. After jude is done jessica takes Jaxy out of the incubator and hands her to Jude.
“ wasn’t that so much easier?”jessica says
“Look at you your doing so good my little devil.”
“Little Devil ?that a little odd for a nick name for such a beautiful little girl.”Jessica say
“ oh well my basketball team is called the devils”
“As in the la devils”jessica says. She s looks at jude like she has never seen him before.
“ yes one and the same” jude say
“Wow my kids love to watch them on tv”
“That’s awesome I’m glad they enjoy them”
“ my sons are really happy that Derek is back. It’s a shame about the scandal with that reporter and dancer. It all seem just weird. That reporter seems so nice too. I like his smile and he’s pretty hot to. he has such a gentle and kind face”
“ yes he does”Jude’s says to himself out loud.
“I never knew how all of that end.”
“Well I kept my team then I married the reporter and had a baby”
Jessica looks to the baby then to jude then back to the baby.
“ seriously?”
“ yes I’d show you pictures but my hands aren’t free” jude say
“ Get out of town my sons said he was gay but I didn’t believe them.” Jessica say as she walks away to talk to a coworker that waved her over.
Jude watches the nurse walk away and notices a man carrying a insulated box and a package. Jude shrugs and goes back to rocking in the rocking chair. All jude need right now was to hold his baby girl close. Jude closes his eye .
“ you know what she’s right your papa.” Jude frowns
Jude doesn’t think papa is right .
“ daddy?” Jude frowned s again
“ dada?”jude turns his nose up to that name too.
Jude has to stop talking and think why is he is having such a hard time picking a name for himself. It’s not that he has a problem with being a father but jude is starting to think that it has to do with his daddy issues.
Jude frowns and than sighs
“ you know what my cuddle bug we can figure out my name later ok?.”jude smile asJaxy stretches into his chest.
“ oh you approve huh. So your cuddle bug your...papa ?”jude waits to see if she has a reaction.
Jude feels Jaxy toes wiggle
“ ok your papa is my love bug and I’m your papa’s dane. Not sure if that a acceptable name for you to call me but I’m sure we can figure something out. I promise you that you won’t be calling me jude ever no you won’t my little cuddle bug. “ Jude kisses the top of Jaxy head.
“ Mr Kinkade Medeiros?”jude looks up and sees the nurse in front of him.
“ this came for you?”
“ ah thank you” Jessica lays the package on Jude’s lap
“ you know when you start getting mail some place you know you’re there a little too much” Jessica say jokingly
“ well my husband is here and my daughter where else should I be?”
“ I completely understand.i would be the same way”
Jude has no idea what the package could be.
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ACT OMEGA PART 8
THE 24/10/16 UPDATE
Woow, another liveblog from your favorite act omega liveblogger. Are there any other livebloggers out there i need to know.  So yeah, here we are with part 8! Big Vriska number for the win. Also only two updates away from double digits! Yeah, I’m not sure I thought this through with the whole update-update format, this might take a L OT of posts to get caught up. Luckily, I have no problem with making a fuckton of posts. Anyways, I think we left off with the kids, so lets hurry up and get back to them!
(Cant post the image. Here’s the link. http://mspfanventures.com/?s=16414&p=47)
GASP, IS thIS SOME MULTIPLE CHOICE SHIT? Well considering I’m forever going to be staying chronological, I suppose I should start with the one on the next page! 
A CHARACTER SELECTION MENU appears through the power of NON-LINEAR STORYTELLING. You know the drill by now, have some free will! Or just go in this order, if you think agency is overrated
ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE
Oh, that’s helpful. Great, I’ll start with ONE then.
The fact that you are a dedicated and loyal reader is obvious and indisputable, so of course you won’t be moving on ahead without having taken a gander at all of the options presented to you.
Obviously! what kinda brainless CHUMP would move on without you explicitly stating to? NOT ME.
Anyways, starting with ONE.
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PFt, woah their eyes. 
KANAYA: (Hey) ROXY: oh heeeeey! KANAYA: (Hey To You Again Except Slightly More Quietly) ROXY: (oh sorry)
It seems they gotta be quiet for reasons. H  m m M..
ROXY: (why r we whispering) KANAYA: (I Am Not Entirely Sure)
So they just need to be miss zuipPer lips for no reason then?
KANAYA: (That Just Seems To Be What Everyone Has Lapsed Into Doing) KANAYA: (And Now Speaking In A Normal Volume Will Draw More Attention Than Desired Especially When Attempting To Have A Private Conversation) ROXY: (im lovin this private convo already but you might need to make it snappy)
so everybodys just whispering? do they all got SECRETS? Also, what’s the hurry Roxy?
ROXY: (john looks about ready to get down n dirty with some srs leadership biz)
Oh yeah.
KANAYA: (Alright Then I Will Attempt To Be Brief) KANAYA: (I Wanted To Thank You Again) KANAYA: (For The Matriorb Certainly)
Alright cool! It seems that this Kanaya does remember Roxy giving her the good ol’ matriorb. 
KANAYA: (But Additionally For Everything Else You Have Accomplished Today) KANAYA: (I Know Being The One To Strike The Final Blow Against Our Shared Enemy In The Midst Of Battle Does Not Necessarily Warrant Gratitude But I Thought It Might Be Nice For You To Hear That What You Did Was Appreciated)
What she DID, was prove herself to be a goddamn BADASS. But honestly everybody here’s a badass one way or another. 
KANAYA: (At Least By Me) KANAYA: (On Behalf Of My Species As Well As All Those Who Suffered At The Behest Of The Condesce) KANAYA: (And All Those That May Now Be Born And Live Free Of Tyranny) KANAYA: (You Did Good)
Pft, nice. “Ya did good, kid.” 
ROXY: (omg i am cri)
goddammit these lines always manage to be fucking perfect.
ROXY: (that wasnt brief @ all but twas so so bootiful) ROXY: (gdi cmere moms big loveable space gf)
OK this doesn’t need to be stated, but I fucking love roxy.
KANAYA: (Um I Would Prefer It If We Saved The Hug For Later Maybe) ROXY: (aww ok thats cool)
nO FUCKING HUG NOW
KANAYA: (Anyway I Have Only Just Met You But You Have Already Proven Yourself To Be Just As Extraordinary An Individual As Your...) KANAYA: (Uh) KANAYA: (Rose)
Nice Kanaya.
ROXY: (as my rose?) KANAYA: (Yes Your Rose) ROXY: (;D)
ITS CONFIRMED, Rose is Roxy’s Rose. this conversation is so cute.
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See you’re still over there TZ. Whatcha lookin at? The uh... oh youre blind. what are you doing terezi?? come on girl, celebrate!
ROXY: (okay looks like john got distracted by somethin) ROXY: (so since we got a little more time to chat it up) ROXY: (and so long as were exchangin bomb as FUCK felicitations) ROXY: (youre not so shabby yourself yknow) ROXY: (like damn i was absolutely right youre one deadly customer)
Yeah no fuckin kidding, this girl knows how to kick ass.
ROXY: (seeing u whip out that BEASTLY CHAINSAW) ROXY: (was a sight to behold)
PFt, that was nothing. You should have seen when she single handedly put three of the most dangerous characters on the meteor out of commision. 
KANAYA: (I Really Did Not Do All That Much Surprisingly) KANAYA: (Or Perhaps Unsurprisingly) KANAYA: (I Am Not Sure If I Was Erring On The Side Of Caution After All) KANAYA: (Out Of Consideration For The Gift You Gave Me) KANAYA: (Or If Perhaps I Was Simply Unpracticed)
Well yeah, she didnt do as much in this battle as the others.  But like she said, she had the matriorb to keep safe. PLUS, she wasnt godtier. So yeah Kanaya, you’re excused from doing your makeup during the final epic battle.
ROXY: (who cares??) ROXY: (we WON) ROXY: (gave that witch what was COMING TO HER) ROXY: (and thats the end of that no point gettin our knickers all in a twist over it no more)
Roxy’s got the right idea. There doesn’t gotta be any more “proving yourself.” You did the battle, and you came out on top!  JUst be done with it.
KANAYA: (Yes I Suppose Youre Right) KANAYA: (Though I Do Wonder How Things Might Have Gone If I Had Attempted To Dust Off One Of The Old Fraymotifs)
Oh shit, Kanaya’s got fraymotifs? And also, you can use fraymotifs without being godtier?
oh. wait. terezi isnt godtier is she? Yeah, you totally can use fraymotifs without godtier.
ROXY: (no kidding!) ROXY: (yeah that woulda been pretty badass) ROXY: (we could have had a sick combo) ROXY: (void and...) ROXY: (uh) KANAYA: (Space) ROXY: (right yeah space)
Well too bad you’ll never have the opportunity to USE that sick deadly combo!
I am ONE HUNDRED percent sure that will be the case
i am SO SURE
nobody has to die anymore
so
completely sure.
KANAYA: (It May Have Indeed Been Sick But Upon Further Reflection Perhaps Not)
No kanaya, it would be SUPER fuckin badass dont even give me that shit.
ROXY: (wait rly) ROXY: (how come?) KANAYA: (I Dont Feel Like I Ever Got The Opportunity To Truly Get In Touch With My Aspect Like You) KANAYA: (It Has Never Seemed Pertinent That I Be Able To Cast Some Sort Of Spacey Enchantment) KANAYA: (In Fact I Have Yet To Stumble Across A Scenario I Could Not Handle Through More Traditional Methods) ROXY: (u mean a deadly body slam full a sharp metal teeth twice the length of your head) KANAYA: (Yes Precisely) KANAYA: (That Tends To Cover The Bases Pretty Well)
WELL, Chainsaws do seem to cover many different issues. Mainly the ones which involve somebody needing to be cut the fuck in half. But I dont know if being “In touch” with your aspect was ever really a thing. I mean, when did John become “in touch” with his aspect? He just sorta got the powers and did shit with them. i dont really know what that has to do with it- wait a goddamn second. People always associate the wind aspect with like independence and shit, right? And.. the last thing that happened before John went godtier, was a choice. Given to him by Vriska, who for the first time decided to step back and let him decide what to do on his own. Whether or not she would have owned up to what she said about letting him decide how to fall asleep, he still made the choice and went with it on is own. So maybe that’s got something to do with it.
Or maybe I’m just an idiot.
ROXY: (well you know what thats cool) ROXY: (u do u) ROXY: (besides) ROXY: (hopefully there wont be any more reason for you to wreck shit)
GOddammit stop saying shit like that
KANAYA: (That Would Be Ideal I Suppose) KANAYA: (However It Is Always Wise To Be Prepared) KANAYA: (Just In Case) ROXY: (ofc!) ROXY: (and hey) ROXY: (just cuz we won the game doesnt mean there wont be any more opportunities to like) ROXY: (explore yourself and your aspect) ROXY: (our cool powers are too friggin handy for them to just stop bein relevant once we walk thru a magic door)
SPeaking of which, can THEY HURRY UP AND WALK THROUGH THE MAGIC FUCKING DOOR YET IM GETTING ANXIOUS.
ROXY: (maybe someday youll get the chance to blitz ur chakras and get spacey w it) ROXY: (and itll be at your own pace instead of having to rush it for the sake of fixing some giant spacetastrophe) KANAYA: (That Does Sound Nice)
YES IT DOES NOW HURRY UP THROUGH THE DOOR SO THAT BECOMES A REALITY COME THE FUCK ON JOHN
KANAYA: (Considering Right Now I Am Very Unsure Of How To Even Begin Blitzing Those Particular Chakras) ROXY: (i bet u can ask john) ROXY: (hes rly good at givin advice for stuff like that)
YES HE IS BUT HE ISNT GOOD AT OPENING DOORS AAAAA
ROXY: (tho he probably doesnt even know it pffff) KANAYA: (You Are Also Very Good At Giving Advice) KANAYA: (That Was Not Necessarily A Request I Simply Thought I Should Point That Out) ROXY: (TOO BAD youre gettin some anyway ;P) ROXY: (rly tho ive hardly even begun to wrestle my voidy powers into submission) ROXY: (still got a loooooong way to go on that front) ROXY: (but thus far most of my blitzing has just been like) ROXY: (being around the thing) ROXY: (and letting myself embrace this like) ROXY: (natural synergy i got going w it) KANAYA: (When You Say) KANAYA: (The Thing) KANAYA: (Do You Mean Nothing) KANAYA: (Considering Your Aspect Presides Over Literal Nothingness)
Yes Kanaya, this is exactly what she means.
ROXY: (pffft) ROXY: (yes thats what i mean :p) KANAYA: (Okay I Was Just Attempting To Clarify) KANAYA: (How Does One Surround Themselves With The Concept Of Nonexistence) ROXY: (i dunno!) ROXY: (when u put it that way it does sound pretty mind bending) ROXY: (i guess ive just been lucky?) ROXY: (or maybe the nothing is naturally attracted to me and lucks got nothin to do w it)
WELL YEAh, what isnt naturally attracted to you? Guys i just really love roxy help
ROXY: (but yeah i got that voidy ring @ one point) ROXY: (and when john started getting to fixing the timeline he took me to a place that felt like) ROXY: (the nothingest nothing to ever unexist) KANAYA: (That Sounds Interesting) KANAYA: (What Was It Like)
Probably nothing.
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THATS a cool panel right there.
ROXY: (well it was) ROXY: (white) ROXY: (but not pure white) ROXY: (just slightly off) ROXY: (and) ROXY: (it was super vast) ROXY: (but not like regular outer space where you can actually see stuff like stars stretch on and on til you cant see it anymore) ROXY: (which at least gives u a sense of distance) ROXY: (but instead it was almost claustrophobic) ROXY: (cuz there was nothing there) ROXY: (you and all the other somethings just completely enveloped by a shrink wrap o absence)
HUmm.. thats pretty interesting to say the least. Not really sure what to think of it though! Just pretty nifty.
KANAYA: (Hmmmm) ROXY: (never really tried putting this into words) ROXY: (i think the thing about it was that the void sort of) ROXY: (changed) ROXY: (depending on how i chose to perceive it) ROXY: (cause the whole point is that its kinda like) ROXY: (idk) ROXY: (maybe a little like binary) KANAYA: (Binary?)
too bad sollux is dead he’d get a kick outta this.
did anybody make this connection. computer hacker guy who likes two’s. Binary. man. i feel like everybody did.
ROXY: (yknow binary) ROXY: (computer language) ROXY: (0011101100101001)
TRANSLATOr HELP
“;)“
omfg she just winked in binary.
KANAYA: (Oh That) ROXY: (the way that works is basically) ROXY: (you have a bit) ROXY: (like a computery bit) ROXY: (and it can say either 0 or 1) ROXY: (and dependin on which it is the computer displays the info differently) ROXY: (but the void is like a completely blank bit) ROXY: (there isnt a 0 or a 1 written on the bit yet but thats all were programmed to understand yknow) ROXY: (like 0 is technically nothing but whats important is that theres something there for you to see) ROXY: (but what im gettin at is that really void is just blank space waiting to be written on) ROXY: (by somebody like yours truly) ROXY: (im the computer and youre the person reading the display)
Oh. That’s pretty cool and shit. 
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OH shes gettin all magicky here
ROXY: (and my whole voidy thing) ROXY: (is that i gotta figure out the code for whatever i wanna make exist) ROXY: (and write it on the blank bits) ROXY: (then) ROXY: (i snatch em outta the void!)
Oh AGAIN. YEAh, roxys power seems a lot cooler now.
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ROXY: (yoink!!!)
*gasp*
nice lipstick yo
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Kanaya is so fucking cute oml. She looks kinda dumbfounded by this lipstick.
KANAYA: (Wow) KANAYA: (That Was Really Quite Insightful Roxy) KANAYA: (I Think I Am Already Beginning To Understand Things Better) KANAYA: (But What Is This) ROXY: (p sure its lipstick!) ROXY: (and its 4 u) ROXY: (i dont rly know if pinks ur color but) ROXY: (here it is anyway!)
Oh god help me im already starting to ship it.
KANAYA: (Another Gift) KANAYA: (Why) ROXY: (daaaaw i dunno) ROXY: (i mean its actually kinda cool i was able to make this at all) ROXY: (i bet it must be bc of you somehow) ROXY: (you like lipstick right?) KANAYA: (Yes) ROXY: (i dont know if this is just me but i bet this is totes a thing w space players) ROXY: (like i get the vibe that u guys r more in touch with the objects around you) ROXY: (specially the ones thatre important to you) KANAYA: (I Suppose...)
HMm.. Interesting bit of aspect analysis. That could possibly be a thing.
ROXY: (well?) ROXY: (ru gonna take it or what) KANAYA: (I Really Cant Accept This) KANAYA: (I Was Attempting To Alleviate The Debt Of Gratitude I Have Already Been Accumulating Towards You) KANAYA: (A Measly Thank You Is Hardly Enough) KANAYA: (And Yet You Present Me With Even More To Be Thankful For)
COme on Kanaya dont be like that. Just take the thing and be hAPPY! you dont gotta prove yourself for a gift.
ROXY: (man thats not how this works) ROXY: (you dont owe me nothin) ROXY: (but heck if it makes u feel better) ROXY: (the space egg wasnt rly 4 u it was 4 all the little trollings that need to be born) ROXY: (skewering the batterwitch was definitely 4 me and earth and stuff) ROXY: (and the lipstick is to thank u for takin such good care of my mom :D)
Dont you mean your Rose?
KANAYA: (... That Does Make Me Feel Slightly Better) ROXY: (so youll take it??) KANAYA: (Okay) ROXY: (hella) KANAYA: (Thank You) KANAYA: (Again) ROXY: (dont mention it!)
She will likely mention this many times.
WEll that was the end for their interaction I suppose, so it seems like we get one page of another interaction then? I guess Dirk and Jake.
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Ohp, yep. Jeez they look awkward.
DIRK: (... So.) JAKE: (...) DIRK: (...) DIRK: (That was some fight, huh.)
Goddammit this is awkward. 
JAKE: (Oh yes that sure was a doozy of a brawl we all just participated in.) JAKE: (Or rather multiple brawls.) DIRK: (I think you’re probably up to speed on exactly how well mine went.) JAKE: (Um.) JAKE: (Should i be?) DIRK: (Nevermind.)
Just another beheading of good ol’ Dirk. Seems like that’s a common thing for him. 
((OhOFOHSANSIJFN  HOLY SHIT I PRESSED A BUTTON AND FOR A SECOND I THOUGHT I ALMOST DELETED EVERYTHING I WROTE DAMMIT TUMBLR GIVE ME WARNINGS))
JAKE: (Sorry... its just difficult to, uh...) DIRK: (Don’t be sorry. It doesn’t actually matter.) JAKE: (The important part is you won right?) DIRK: (Yeah...) DIRK: (How did yours go?) DIRK: (If you feel like sharing, that is.) JAKE: (Oh i won too!) DIRK: (Well. Obviously.) DIRK: (I meant... like.) DIRK: (Specifically, HOW you won.) DIRK: (I’d be down to hear some details of all the kickassery you've been dishing out.) DIRK: (That must've been pretty crazy solo.)
Come ONNNN guys, quit dancing around the topic here. Somethings bothering you and its making everything shitty.
JAKE: (Oh.) JAKE: (Well i wasnt alone for long actually.) JAKE: (In fact it was quite the clusterfuck of skeletons sprites and green goblin brutes!) JAKE: (That crabby troll fellow even showed up at one point.) JAKE: (He seemed to be having a difficult time with one of the tinier rascals but i was up to my ears in fracas and fisticuffs myself and couldnt really lend him a hand.)
Dammit Karkat. I love him, but god he’s adorably pathetic in fights.
DIRK: (It looks like he’s alright, so no harm done.) DIRK: (How many of those green dudes were there again?) JAKE: (Im fairly certain there were 14.) DIRK: (And you trounced all of them?) JAKE: (Actually k...carat dealt with one of them i think.) JAKE: (They were small but a decidedly tricky foe. It was scurrying around so fast i dont think a single one of my bullets even grazed it!)
He has ALLLL the luck Jake, ALL of it!  Honestly, can we get a Vriska/Clover battle?
DIRK: (Well, shit. Sounds tough.) DIRK: (Still, my score reads "Jake: 13, Goblins: 0".) DIRK: (Oh, and I’m pretty sure the name you’re looking for is Karkat.) JAKE: (Is that so?) DIRK: (Yup.) JAKE: (My mistake then...) DIRK: (Don’t worry about it.)
Dammit Jake, don’t be so fucking hard on yourself. I feel bad for him now. Like, he’s beating himself up over not knowing a complete strangers name.
JAKE: (Have you spoken to him at all yet?) DIRK: (Nah.) JAKE: (Would you like to?) DIRK: (I guess? Sure.) DIRK: (He and Dave seem to be in the middle of something, though. No point in interrupting.) DIRK: (Besides, I’m talking to you right now.) JAKE: (...) DIRK: (...)
(...)
Alright dammit, I guess we’ll see if they get over whatever’s bugging them in the next update, because that’s the last page. Seeya next time and whatnot folks.
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sigmaoath · 5 years
Text
I have left the hell I was imprisoned in only to place myself in a prison that has become hell. There is no escape. I try to do right and end up in the darkness every time. Soothing words and cute cliche phrases that are the verbal comparison of a kitten hanging from a tree with an uplifting phrase fall deaf on my ears. I have tried. I have tried again. Then I tried again.
and again.
and again.
and again.
and every time it ends in a moment of success followed by much more failure.
I receded into the shadows and let others lead the journey but I see now that I must step forward and be the captain of the ship.
I cling to values and ethics but am quickly realizing the futility in this. I must tear the neck from those around me and take the feast I want from this world. Too long I have been “the nice guy” and overly patient. Too long I have allowed others to spit in my face. Too long I have listened to others tell me I am the bad guy or it is my fault when life chooses to batter me to the ground. Somehow it is always my fault. Too long I have sacrificed. Too long.
No more.
Nice guys truly do finish last. You cannot be “nice” and win a comfortable position in this life. What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? I do not want to lose my soul, but I cannot believe that to have that I must suffer horribly every single day until my final breaths. I cannot buy into the vision that God would play such a cruel joke. The joke of suffering sadness, loneliness, depression, financial despair, and struggle and being totally miserable during ones entire life just to finally reach the Pearl Gates and then be happy. I do not seek debauchery and indulgence on this earth. I simply seek happiness and the feeling of being safe and sound. The feeling of knowing I am financially covered, that I have a group of like minded people I enjoy being with as friends, and that I am truly living life to its fullest and making great memories. Nothing more than any of us want. Yet so many of us are denied this, no matter how hard we “try to do the right thing”. I am one of those. I always have been. I have fleeting moments of joy and brightness, always followed by crashing despair and depression. I have things happen that give me the false sense of “maybe things are finally turning around for me” and every.single.time. it is followed by failure and situation and humans who dash it to the ground with laughter.
So I’m done. I’m done trying to “be a good little boy”. I am not evil. I don’t seek harm on others. However, I no longer play by the rules and regulations forced upon me and ground into my brain all of my life. This time I have to do whatever is good for me. This time I have to go for what I want and leave everyone else in the ditch on the side of the road. I am not here to help. I am not here to be a hero. If it does not benefit me somehow, I am not interested. I always make everyone around me mad when I do anything. Now I do not care. I literally do not care what anybody thinks of me anymore. I have ALWAYS been a disappointment to others around me, so why should this be anything new? I keep trying to APPEASE everyone around me and it always ends in being taken advantage of, being spit at, being yelled at, and being cast out. So if that is the game and that is the way it is, then I will no longer take my beatings and just “try again the next day”. No. No more.
I am disgusted by society. I am disgusted by how humans act. The moments of kindness and love I see are always a drop in the ocean compared to the tidal wave of rotten, selfish, insensitive, and evil things I see people doing more and more every day. The lawmakers have gone insane. The world is changing for the worst. People have become nasty and vile little demons who commit the most heinous acts of villainy every single day and then broadcast it for the world to see. The world laughs, applauds, and shares it with others. It’s all a big joke to them. People are being destroyed and the world just laughs.
So while I do not seek to be EVIL by any means, I will take what I can from these people. I do not know how. I have no master plan of financial success. I have no path to changing how I feel and how I get treated. All I know is no more. It’s my turn to reach my hand in the cookie jar and TAKE, TAKE, TAKE. No more giving. I am taking. I have done nothing but give all of my life. Now it is time to be ruthless, cold, and driven to do what must be done. By any means necessary. Good boys don’t win. Good boys end up in dead end jobs being abused by their superiors because they know how desperate you are for a job to pay your bills and survive. They know they have you by the balls. Good boys end up in debt trying to stay ahead because they dont make enough to survive on, even if theyve worked as hard as they can and followed all the rules. Good boys end up alone with no real friends. Good boys end up going to sleep by 9pm on a weekend every time because even their partner isnt interested in them anymore. Good boys end up being forgotten in a nursing home because they ended up living an unspectacular life leaving no mark on the world. Good boys die with regret. Many will rail against this statement and call it false. They will give examples of good people that were successful. I can almost guarantee that those “good people” did less than savory things no one knew about to get an extra edge here and there in their climb to a comfortable place in life. Regardless, that is their life. Not mine. Kudos to them. It never worked for me. And all I care about now is ME.
i used to despise the “mememe” people. But those are the people that get the jobs. They get the promotions. They get the money. They get the awards. They get the free rides and winnings. They get the opportunities. They get the first place in line.
I have always given of myself and I always end up last. lost. disrespected. unappreciated. cheated on. cheated in general. laughed at. mocked. left out. held back as the toilet cleaning chump while everyone else is pushed forward to success with a letter of recommendation.
No more.
Yesterday while at work I finally just snapped. It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t even noticed. But in the middle of conversation about my situation, something in me broke. Usually I feel this way when I’ve just had enough, and I always come around later that day or by the end of the week. I felt it break this time. Whatever singular cord that remained that kept me a decent person just frayed and frayed and yesterday that final thread just quietly popped loose. I lost myself. Everything that I am is dead. It happened in a split second. I stopped the conversation, said, “it doesnt even matter”, and sat down. I took about 3 breaths and realized I was no longer the same. i will appear the same. I will still carry myself very similar to how I always have. I’m pretty sure of that. But I’m not the same. And no matter how much people are “worried about me”, this time I don’t care. OH WELL. People had ample opportunity to treat me decent and show me some common courtesy and respect. Don’t back pedal now that I’ve crossed over. It’s too late.
I broke yesterday and it changed me. I cannot survive like this. I wish a quiet and quick death every single day. I am not the type to bring it on myself but I wish for it. I see now that I am in the dark despair and hole I’m in for only a couple of reasons. One, I am sick and tired of struggle and that means I am tired of not having more than enough money to cover all of the pitfalls and problems that keep showering down on me. Secondly, I am tired of the disrespect. I am tired of being an outstanding human being who has given so much to others only to be pissed on and laughed at. All of my life. I am tired of working so very hard to finally do the right things and “be a responsible adult” only to have it go unappreciated when it is for others and marginalized when I announce my successes and goals reached. Truly, I have learned that most everybody out there are, well, selfish axxholes. I have been trying to please self centered narcissistic shxtheads. I have given and given and given to these parasites who will continue to take, take, take until they drain the very will to live from me. Because thats exactly where I am at. And if I dont change and become someone else, and walk a different path, I will be dead before long. I cannot take much more. I really cant. This life has been horrible. This life has been fleeting flashes of joy and happiness smothered by horrible situations and outcomes. People have become awful, gross, and disgusting things to me. I used to be so very outgoing and now I just want to shut the world out and have everything I need delivered just to avoid being in society. The ugliness of people has become a sickly, sweaty, acne covered, mucus dripping hug that wont let go when I step out into it. I watch people and I am physically sickened by how they act, how they treat each other, and how disgusting their mannerisms are. I am equally disgusted by how I personally get treated. So no, I dont believe I can survive here much longer if I don’t do something different. Because the old ways did not work. I am in pieces and have lost my will to live. I have lost my desire for hobbies, adventure, and laughter. I feel like the walking dead and the only emotion I have left is anger and rage. So no more. I don’t know how this is going to go.I don’t know “what to do”. I just know that yesterday I snapped and something that cannot be fixed and replaced broke. Today I realize I have to become a wolf among wolves. I have to fight my way to the front. No rallying battle music. No hero shot. No mighty knight overcoming his enemies for the win. Not that kind of fight. I have to rip the necks of those around me out. I have to do whatever is necessary to win. I have to start doing my own taking from people until i see what I want from this life. I have to stop worrying about other people and their feelings. I have to stop PROTECTING everyone around me. You’re on your own. Nobody ever reached a hand out for me when I was drowning (well, twice to be fair, but 2 out of THOUSANDS? Horrible odds.) so I am not here to save anyone else. Actually, most anytime I HAVE reached out to save others, somehow, yet again, I became the bad guy and people hated me. So sink for all I care. I am here for me now.
I will either win or I will die. One must come soon.
I’m tired. I’m exhausted. I’m done.
I’m finished with being nice. The line from the Batman movie rings so amazingly true to me today - “You either die the hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”. I cannot sum it up any better. We grow up wanting to be Batman. When grow up though and go through dealing with people and life - we really start to sympathize with the Joker.
“ The Joker: Don't talk like one of them. You're not! Even if you'd like to be. To them, you're just a freak, like me! They need you right now, but when they don't, they'll cast you out, like a leper! You see, their morals, their code, it's a bad joke. Dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these... these civilized people, they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve.” I’m not crazy. I’m not “emotional”. I’m not a monster. I’m just tired of letting all of these “civilized people” eat me and my soul for their own worthless gains. Time to catch up and then get ahead of the curve. I have figured people out. And the result was not comforting or good. Humans are awful beings with sparks of decency, if at all. I’m tired of the bad guy always winning and I am left losing. I have zero agenda other than me winning. And I will take it by force if necessary. I will burn those around me if they deserve it (Again, I’m not evil. I’m not out to hurt innocent people). I will throw people under the bus. I will not be loyal to people who could care less if I died today. I am going to get what I can. I will be first in line. I will be first in life. I will snatch the candy from the baby if thats what it takes. Death to the paladin. It is time for the rogue.
I’m tired of being shxt on. No more.
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survivorwakea · 5 years
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Episode 4: “WHO MADE THE FUCKING ALLIANCE?” -Chloe
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We just won another challenge here on Huamea which is lit. I think we are going to swap soon, but if not and we go to tribal with this tribe I think I’ll be fine. I’m still set up with randy Elmo and Ian well, and I think we could successfully target Joey if needed
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Well another sit out for me but I’d say it was a good decision. We got 1st place and I don’t think I would have been the most helpful in this one. Really appreciate my tribe mates for coming through tho. Now I’m just wondering if there is going to be a swap. If there isn’t then we have to sit out three people on the tribe. Aka sitting out pretty much everyone who did the last one. As per usual, I’m very busy this week. Hoping I can find enough time to help in the challenge so that we can win or at least not come in last. I still have no alliances...but I think that’s okay for now. I think I’m in a good place with Jared and Elmo. We had each other’s backs if we went to tribal after the music video but we didn’t have to go. Joey also told me before results that he wouldn’t vote for me if we lost. Hoping that these promises or positive thoughts will continue farther into the game. At least until we get to jury. I also want to publicly own up to the fact that I still don’t know how the idol system works and I just don’t have the energy for it. So I’m just gonna pretend it doesn’t exist. Yep. That’ll do.
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I was going to do a video confessional, but I high key got lazy and dont have too much to say
we won again which is great. I truly do feel like I kinda carried the team in a challenge I wasn't that great at, but it was really an all around effort and I'm glad we stayed.
I really do think I am in everybody's top 1-2 on this tribe except for the potential of Zack as well, but I like him a lot so I wouldn't want to see him go.
Nothing makes me want to win like when I have a tribe full of people I genuinely like. If I can help it, i really want to get to the merge without having lost another challenge due to my lost vote that I still haven't had to use yet, so I need those to be as spread a part as possible, and I don't want people to suspect me
those are kinda my only thoughts for now. hoping we don't swap until 14 and we get another round in these tribes, then a swap at 14 and merge at 12 (since my legacy advantage basically tells us we're merging at 12)
justin said he feels like a double might be happening sometime soon, but I'm not so sure about that just because of cullan getting expelled, and I feel the hosts would now elongate it a bit, but we'll see
im chillin for now
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anna is ab to check confessionals and i can’t remember if i made one so this is my confessional.... johnny is rly nice to me and it scares me bc what if he is PLAYING ME.... and zack is also rly nice to me and that scares me TOO.... justin don’t fuckin talk to me and bodhi and asya barely do..... u know what 15th looks kinda cute rn bc i think that’s my destiny..... we floppin 🤪
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Well, it’s still pretty quiet over at the Haumea camp. My tribemates kicked ass at the immunity challenge (sometimes, it pays to submit early), and I’m still getting along with everyone very well. I have suspicions that we could be switched up again next round, but hey, what do I know?
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not much game development, im still attempting to keep my connections afloat in my tribe, i think ive now talked game with everyone and generally im in a rly good position, i dont wanna get too cocky bc that could lead to my downfall. I think that after this round we could potentially swap again to 2 tribes of 8. That would be kinda wild and I'm here for it
sry for a short one
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I don't know if I should be sad, disappointed, angry, or all of the above. Losing this challenge was rough, and it's pretty evident the majority of the effort came from Adam, next would be myself. Clohie and Tom put little to no effort in the challenge. As stated before Tom's approach to the game has been pretty lackadaisical. He has hardly put any effort into not only the challenges but just his day to day interactions with the castaways. When I wanted to form the alliance with him and Clohie, he didn't relay the information to Clohie. And when Clohie indirectly asked him he didn't even acknowledge the possible alliance then either. I guess what I'm saying is...I want Tom out! Since this swap I have had my best relationship in Clohie, I like Adam, but I can tell he's a smart guy...so I'll keep him at a distance for now. I really do want to try and get Tom out though as a test of Clohie's loyalty to see if she would vote out one of her own. I think I have put myself in the situation where everyone feels comfortable with me moving forward, so I don't foresee my name being written down but I could be wrong, it is Survivor after all. I'm assuming we're coming to another swap, I just hope I'll have allies going into it, and if not allies, challenge beasts please. 3 out of 4 tribals isn't a good look😬 And can we talk about the idol system, all I have to say is: I HATE ALL OF YOU (to whoever helped put it together) G'Day.
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Haha idk what the fuck is happening right now. So Tom can go and talk about our alliance with Taylor, with Adam. But still hasn’t mentioned it to me? Ok 🙃 I could easily vote Tom out here but idk I feel like he’s loyal? Maybe?? But then again I know him more than Adam and Taylor and that’s maybe why I wanna keep him even if I know he’s probably trying to fuck me over rn
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hiii! this round went so quick?? idk it just zoomed by in my opinion haha. listen.. we won immunity and i’m grateful. another week safe with my idol so i’m just getting closer and closer to merge. i’m hoping for a swap soon and i’m expecting it. i would love if me elmo and justin got on a tribe together that way we can start to actualllllly work together and show eachother our trust that way once merge comes we can just kill it! not much happened this round but i’m just feeling grateful and wanted to let you all know! y’all are great host and i’m having so much fun. Xoxo
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Heading into this next challenge, I feel great. I have a tight bond with Jared, Lily and I just so happen to be in the same friend group chat, and have been talking alot, Elmo is awesome, but the two that worry me are Ian and Ben. Ben and I haven’t talked much, and once again, Ian is preventing me from trying to build a bond by just building a ridiculous wall up. Maybe he isnt cut out for these games tbh.
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Well it's either Adam or Taylor. Chloe wants Taylor to stay. I don't really care who stays xD I'm probably gonna random.org this vote, I do not know to if I want Adam or Taylor here. Plus that random ass alliance chat doesn't help
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tribe assessment:
jared - out of everyone i get probably the most loyal vibes from him, idk what it is. he's rly genuine whenever i talk to him. i think the fact that we played a game like over 3 years ago means a lot to him. i wouldnt be v shook if he somehow schemed against me at some point at early-mid merge or something. right now i think he wants to work with me for the long term
ben - ive been talking to him a lot from the beginning. i think that he's with me for now, i for sure think that he's going to make a move on me later on though, im not sure when but for now i trust him and i think i can work with him. I think if numbers r close at the merge he'd want to side w me. I'm not sure how well connected he is. I like talking to him but he works a lot (what a king tbh) so that probs hinders his ability talk a lot
lily - she is not the most active, which is sad because she is a kickass player. If she gets too far in this game, that could potentially be a problem, if we are not working closely together that is. She's EXTREMELY loyal and i think that if i keep talkin to her, she'd want to work with me for the long term. Potentially I think that she should be in my end game but obvs its way too early to say that
ian - he is one of the more quieter ppl but the more u talk to him, the more u get out of him and I'm starting to notice that. I think that we have a pretty solid connection over all and I rly like talking to him! he is p different than I am so that gives me good perspective. game wise, i havent had a lot of discussions with him yet but im working on it a lot bc i think he could be someone i have potential with
joey - hes nice. he doesnt talk a lot which is kinda weird. he said that he has my back but im not sure if he said that out of keeping himself away from my radar or if he actually meant it. I am not really sure? I wouldn't be very surprised if Jared hinted to him that I could potentially be lookin to vote him out. I think that there is POTENTIAL of me working with him but i think if i had to choose someone who i'd want to vote out, it would probably be him.
i could be totally oblivious about my situation but i genuinely think that im in a v strong position in this tribe. I believe i have potential (i think) to work with everyone on our tribe which i really like.  This is all based on intuition though so i could be TOTALLY Wrong. The fact that we never lost just means that I have no solid proof or claims. Only my own perceptions. Idw be cocky in this game, it has been my downfall before. I want to be in a mindset that people are against me.I thrive when I'm under pressure. I kinda wished that we went to at least one tribal just to see how everyone here was game wise. Oh well!!
if i was going to be the boot on our tribe i look like a total clown rn.
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Besides the fact that I’m leaving tonight, yeah not much is going on! I’m so disappointed that this is how my game is coming to an end. I’m at a loss of words so I’m sorry if you want more I just don’t have it in me
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i’m.... goin thru a lot of emotions. for no reason. idk
at the last tribal council the person who i was least happy to be cast with was voted out so that was one less thing to worry about. then we won immunity. which is nice. but also i get lazy premerge when we keep winning immunity. it doesn’t help that my social battery is currently at %10 and i have a broken charger. but. oh well.
i have to play in the next immunity and idk. if there’s only 3 of us competing and two of them are me and justin then maybe we really Will be going to tribal next round who knows.
also i’m really bad at idol hunting. i didn’t give enough birth. the lizard goddess has no interest in making an appointment w me. i killed myself one time and got nothing for my troubles. i feel like something’s definitely been found by now, aside from johnny’s legacy advantage. idk it’s feelin a little bleak bc i figured my best shot at finding an idol would be premerge and i know we still have a ways to go probably but if the idols are found then that’s it on that.
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This is literally going to be the most gut wrenching vote. Clohie and Tom will not budge, or even fathom the idea of voting out the other. I'm under the impression they want Adam out, but I'm also afraid of the possibility of a vote against me....so I have to contemplate if it's smarter to tie the vote 2-2 first and then vote out Adam, or to just trust that they are in fact voting Adam. Something else I'm praying on if I survive this round, is for a swap. Because without one, I'll be on the bottom of the 3 with Clohie and Tom obvi sticking together since their original Kanaloa. And our challenge record is not the best. Adam is probably our strongest challenge performer so that's another reason I'd hate to see him go. Tom and Clohie are just so mysterious and vague, and Adam has been nothing but upfront with me. Ugh, just the thought of a tie vote or drawing rocks makes me so sick...I honestly don't know what I'm going to do.
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This has been the most stressful vote I have had to deal with, EVER. Taylor is a snake but Chloe wants to keep him and I get better vibes from Adam. I am considering doing a 2-2 if Chloe votes Adam and if it goes to rocks, so be it.
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https://soundcloud.com/bodhi-small/week4/s-94KbM
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Taylor is voted out 3-1.
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spkdnailbats · 5 years
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Hyper-fixations!! (aka- my stan list)
yo so I've realized I always hyper-fixate on characters in media that I either relate to, wish to be like, or draw comfort from.... so bc I'm bored here's some peeps in this category:
•Taako (The Adventure Zone Balance) - want to be like - openly himself, multidimensional, fully realized creation, loved by many, charismatic, in a good and healthy relationship (thats also so supportive and cute and god wheres my gf version of kravitz???), unapologetic, went through some shit and came out different and with issues but is still just good, loves family, passionate
•Angus McDonald (The Adventure Zone Balance) - comfort character - hes just a sweet lil guy who just loves his weird found family and is just so smart and precious and i love him with my whole soul and being, makes me smile whenever he pops up
•Magic Brian (The Adventure Zone Balance) - comfort character - can never fail to make me laugh and smile
•Hurley (The Adventure Zone Balance) - relate to - a small ball of energy, typically a rule follower but likes to stray away sometimes, a gay!!, lowkey likes to race in my jeep (its only with my one friend and its not a legit race but we say it is and its v fun)
•Carey Fangbattle (The Adventure Zone Balance) - relate to / want to be like - tiny but big personality, a gay!!, fiesty, sneaky, tough cookie, loves a tall butch girl (i do not have a tall butch girl to love but maybe someday!!), badass little rogue (i wish)
•Virgil "Anxiety" Sanders (Sanders Sides/Thomas Sanders) - relate to - anxious ball of something, many people consider cute although deny it / dont believe it, self deprecating!!, needs a hug, tries to be intimidating but fails, the mom™ friend
•Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) - relate to - felt lost, felt ostracized from friends (sometimes true sometimes not - gee, cognitive distortions are a bitch), found people and felt comfortable and at home with them, found family, self deprecating, separates self to not get hurt, wants to protect but also avoid, sad™
•Peridot (Steven Universe) - comfort character - had genuine growth as a character which is nice to see, is silly but also can be serious, makes me smile whenever i see her
•Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle) - relate to / want to be like - very much himself, overdramatic af (drama queen and a diva), sees the best in people, cares based on personality rather than looks (calls an old lady beautiful bc she has a good heart), a versatile lgbt (looks and acts like a gay but dates a pretty girl, the dream ngl), fashionable af and dyes hair fun colors
•Calcifer (Howl’s Moving Castle) - relate to - sassy little bitch, underappreciated until absolutely needed, small and typically seen as tame but can have a big personality at times
•Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle) - relate to / want to be like - the odd one out, seen as ordinary, never the pretty one but always the average or forgettable one, always someone better and not often liked, when liked its always true and based on a beautiful personality, finds real love in an unlikely situation (wheres my love in life?), makes own path and doesnt care what people say/think, ambitious, does what needs to be done even if its hard, comforting maternal presence but also dominant and assertive when needed, gets shit done
•Kiki (Kiki's Delivery Service) - relate to / want to be like - is an outsider but finds her place eventually, inexperienced but trying her best, works hard in all she does, makes something of herself (i hope someday thats me), makes the best out of a bad situation
•Stitch (Lilo & Stitch) - relate to - lost, searching for home and family, feel constantly different from everyone else, runs away from problems before finally solving/fixing them
•Baymax (Big Hero 6) - comfort character - was there for hiro and did whatever possible the whole movie to help him (learning about grieving, sacrificing, etc), and there was a time in my life that I really needed that presence and didn’t have it that way at the time, but now 14 years later I’m in a much better state mentally but baymax still makes me cry bc he reminds me of stuff™, (tbh i got to “meet baymax” at disney when i was 16 and lowkey was so excited and cried a bit, and my friend bought me a stuffed animal baymax that afternoon for my birthday and i sobbed and carried it around in my bag for the rest of the trip)
•Hiro (Big Hero 6) - relate to - ((this is gonna get sad sorry ://)) so like hiro i lost a sibling (however i was much younger than hiro and my sibling was younger than me) in a way that it was inflicted by someone else but was “unintentional/collateral” and i didnt really deal with it for a while until i actually got help and started doing things again to get back into normal life. i sob beginning to end during bh6 bc i feel for hiro and i know what hes going through and what its like and it sucks
•Alice (Alice in Wonderland) - relate to - gets lost in own head a lot, kinda a wonky imagination, doesnt follow own advice (”i give myself very good advice, but i very seldom follow it”), happy doing own thing until lost or lonely which then leads to fear and anxiety, doesnt know who to trust, trying to find something that isnt easily found
•Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (Disney) - relate to - ((please look up oswalds story if you dont know who he is- in brief terms, he was a cartoon walt disney made and abandoned when he made his own studio (c. 1920s) and was replaced by mickey and was forgotten about until 2006)) cast aside, forgotten about, replaced, wants to belong
•Carson Phillips (Struck by Lightning) - want to be like / relate to - snarky and sarcastic bitch, does what he needs to in order to get shit done, a “penetrating personality” (literally a quote from the mf book), ambitious, goals bigger than anyone thinks they should be, makes morally ambiguous decisions to get what he wants
•Veronica Sawyer (Heathers) - relate to / want to be like - got some shitty friends who we dont really like but stick around with for convenience or something, has ambitions in life, stands up for what she believes in and for injustice and is generally a brave badass (i wish i was)
•Heather McNamara (Heathers) - relate to - lost, follows “friends”, tries to fit in with those around, sad™
•Elizabeth Swan (Pirates of the Caribbean) - want to be like - brave, stands up for what she believes in even if it might get her killed, tough (literally the pirate king), does what she wants cause she a bad bitch, tough, literally so pretty??, found true love in an unlikely place at an unlikely time, literally got married while fighting next to her true love vs the undead fish pirated while the ship is stuck in a whirlpool, badass af
•Kurt Hummel (Glee) - want to be like / comfort character - open about who he is, fashionable af, in the actual cutest couple on glee yall can fight me about it, learned to love himself then never stopped, a sassy queen always (i have so many of his mannerisms smh), went from cute twink to muscle boy and wow we love a glow-up, went from being bullied into submission and scared to being open and standing up for others even if he gets hurt, always made me smile, first real lgbt person i saw in the media and helped me embrace myself fully
•Klaus Hargreeves (The Umbrella Academy) - relate to - outcast, lotta mental health issues, music lover and bad dancer, headphones always on, bad experiences and trauma formed self, kinda lazy
•Vanya Hargreeves (The Umbrella Academy) - relate to - pushed aside, never a priority, taken advantage of, has own skill no one acknowledges, sad™
•Elphaba Thropp (Wicked) - relate to - cast out, different from everyone else, unique in own way, never the pretty one
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and some honorable mentions of real people I connect with comfort and strive to be like in my day to day life (like ive taken on a lot of their mannerisms or sayings):
•Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) - literally the sweetest person ever, super talented in so many different ways, so positive and inspirational (esp about mental health)
•Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance, Umbrella Academy) - always accepting of people (esp lgbt!! gay rights!!), multi-dimensional, versatile talents (singer, song writer, artist, comic book writer)
•Mitch Grassi (Pentatonix/Superfruit) - so openly himself, genuine, verbal about mental health (esp anxiety and depression), phenomenal singer, so kind to everyone, unique, fashionable, sassy as hell, lgbt!!, shows dreams can come true
•Chris Colfer (Glee/Author) - super talented (singing, acting, writing), lgbt!!, snarky as hell, super sweet but also super funny, (tbh ive stanned him since like 2012 and hes the only celeb ive ever met and i will always stan that man)
•Hayley Kiyoko (Singer) - lesbian jesus, came out even though she was told it could ruin her career, so truly herself, open about lgbt issues and mental health, positive towards everyone, encourages everyone to open up and be unapologetically themselves
•Eugene Lee Yang (Try Guys) - authentically himself, isn’t afraid of what people thing, does his own thing even if its different and odd to some, lgbt!!, a shady bitch in the best way, has his own style and kills it always
•Daniel Howell (Youtuber) - open about mental health and most recently his past as well as lgbt experience, can make you laugh and cry at the same time somehow, more talented than he thinks he is, shows you can get through anything
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mattgambler · 5 years
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My mixed feelings on Pathway
After playing the game for 4 hours I got bored and stopped playing. I talk about what I liked about the game and what I consider it’s biggest problems.
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Pathway is beautiful, and if I were to make games myself I would want them to look like this. Pixelart is not for everybody and doesnt fit every game equally well, but personally I am happy that games with this kind of aesthetic are still being made and they usually get me at least curious instantly. You control a diverse cast of adventurers in a setting that perhaps isn’t new, but which still feels refreshing as it isnt nearly as oversaturated as your everyday Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Postapocalyptic / WW2 scenario. But Matt, technically speaking this is World War 2 as well, arent you fighting nazis? And zombies arent exactly the most original opponents either... True perhaps, but it still feels more like an Indiana Jones setting than anything else and I can appreciate that as an attempt to do something different. With that being said, it is not the setting or the graphics that quickly had me lose interest, but rather a couple of specific design decisions. 1) Roguelite Progression? I love good roguelites and I can sink weeks into them once they have me hooked, dying my way from unlock to unlock while I develop my skills until Im finally ready to face the final boss for the first time, every run feeling different because of different characters, different upgrades, etc.  Replayability and difficulty are king here and when I looked at all the playable characters that I could unlock I got excited and was reminded of what it felt like when I played Dungeon of the Endless for the first time. Pathway, however, chooses a somewhat untypical format for it’s actual missions (or adventures, as they are called). Each one of them has a wincondition that seems easily achieveable, and unlocks a completely different mission once it is done, which is only connected to the one before via story and nothing else. You can switch characters inbetween, you cannot build up a reserve of ammo or fuel, and if you fail adventure 3, you simply retry that one instead of the earlier ones. On top of that characters gain experience and become stronger, but after they die progress is not lost, similar to leveling up gods in Thea - The Awakening. Characters are different from each other, but also rather restricted in what they can and cannot do, with most characters only being able to wield one type of weapon and having perks that for the most part are only relevant in specific textbased events. For example you may find a sick camel and if you have a character with medical skills you can choose to try and heal it. Otherwise, keep moving, nothing to do here. 2) Interesting choices? Levelups are similarly uninspired. Yes, your heroes have a skilltree, but almost all of the possible choices are bland stat increases, so you may have the choice between slightly more movement, slightly more accuracy or a slightly higher critchance. Endurance is the worst example of this, as it only increases the time that a character can survive unconscious after they have been downed. That, combined with a levelcap of 5 per character and the fact that your heroes remain leveled up for all future runs as well, turns character progression into something that is not only rather boring, but also eventually completely removed from your games altogether. Personally I fail to see the appeal of this method and I would have probably enjoyed the game just as much (if not more) if levelups were completely absent from the game. The few skills that are not stat increases are usually unlocking a different weapon or armor type, so your character might be able to now wear light OR medium armor instead of only light armor. Usable abilities do not exist apart from that, they are exclusively tied to what weapons and armor you have equipped and there is one ability per weapon. A shotgun can fire at all enemies in a cone, a sniper rifle allows a person to go into coneshaped overwatch. Light armor lets you sprint, medium armor allows you to duck so you are harder to hit and heavy armor allows you to hunker down so you take only 50% of the damage you otherwise would have taken. It is all very basic and for people that have played the XCOM games, Battlebrothers, or really any game with a skilltree, there isn’t much to see here. What makes this even worse is that you can find weapons, but often you can’t use them eitherway because the vast majority of characters are shackled to only their one preferred weapon and armor type so they will always have the same weapons, therefore weaponbound abilities and because of the levelup system even stats. All of this denies meaningful choice (apart from what team of characters to send in together) and shackles replayability completely needlessly. 3)Enemy variety and combat The first adventure features nazi dogs, nazi troopers and nazi shocktroopers. I believe the final fight of the map has a first medic. Troopers and shocktroopers use rifles, the dog bites, the medic can heal and uses a pistol. Enemy numbers vary between 3 and 5 in all fights. On its own that doesnt sound so bad yet, and later adventures introduce new enemies, most notably zombies but also nazi snipers, officers, medics, I stopped playing there but there’s probably more later, right? So what am I complaining about? This is a rough guess, but I would say in order to beat the first adventure you have to go through about 7-10 battles. Each one of them uses the same three enemies. Some might not have shocktroopers, some might not have dogs, but it will always be 3-5 enemies either in a procedurally generated ruin, or a procedurally generated desert base, or maybe a desert bunker if or desert oasis. Hell, even writing this is boring. The biggest culprit here is probably not even enemy variety, but the fixed numbers. Battles happen quite regularly and they all feel pretty much the same. Sometimes it’s an ambush and you have to deploy your heroes in the center of the map, other times its not and you deploy on one side, but at the end of the day these fights all feel the same and I found myself hoping everytime I would move my people that I would find nothing again, instead of another fight. This, combined with all the other things I mentioned before basically results in a gameplay experience that is always the same. Your characters are the same (but hey, at least there are many different ones to choose from, I count that as a big Plus), your enemies are the same, the maps are the same and the abilities your characters as well as the enemies can use are always the same. A shame really. The Saving Grace However I want to note that it is not all bad. While combat itself gets repetitive rather quickly, the overworldmap and resource management in general are pretty great. One run you might run out of ammo very quickly, on another you might trigger a trap or 2 early and struggle with healing supplies and in the next you wont have enough jeep fuel. (Im kidding you never have enough jeep fuel) This, together with the fact that characters do not only use up bullets as a ressource, but also do not heal inbetween fights, gives the game a sense of lasting attrition that you need to fight against, which felt a lot deeper and had me more engaged than for example running out of fuel in FTL in comparison. One of the things that I was worried about most in combat was not the battle itself, but how I could get by without using too many bullets. How many enemies could I shank or knock out instead? At the end of the day there wasnt enough to keep me busy however. Games like The Binding of Isaac or Enter the Gungeon have me excited about what weapon I will unlock next or how different the next run will play out. What bosses will I have to fight this run? If Pathway has bosses, then I stopped playing before encountering teh first one, I was deep into adventure 2, on its 3rd map to be specific. The game seemingly doesnt want you to have too many options, doesnt give you a sufficient amount of skills to choose or other choices to make and basically falls flat when it comes to replayability. A shame, because music and graphics are beautiful and the overworld map hints at what potential there was. If I ever run into Pathway 2 I will try it, but in the first 5 minutes of the game I will look at the skilltrees and keep an eye out for abilities like “allows character to use shotguns” and hope that I dont find anything.
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