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superb-fox · 6 months

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I wanna talk about how Sousou no Frieren treats heroes and demons, because in my opinion it's masterfully done.

We really only learn about one hero, Himmel. Sure there's the Hero of the South but what do we really know about him besides he had future sight and he died? I'll focus on Himmel. I think what sets Himmel apart is how he acts, in typical hero stories they're portrayed as kind, strong, willing to do what's right, all that nice stuff and while I do think those are good traits for a hero, Himmel is shown differently. We almost never see him fight, every time we see him it is in relation to an action he took that influenced people for the better. He takes on countless detours and quests because he can't turn down people in need, every where he goes he's doing good, when people talk about him they never talk about how strong he was or how cool he was it's always about how his act(s) of kindness changed their lives. They're happier, better people because he came through their town. He changes everywhere he goes for the better because of who he is and how he acts. He quite literally changed the world not because he killed the demon king, but because everywhere he went he improved people's lives, and those people because they are better change more people's lives and it spreads and spreads and spreads until the world is better. From random towns people to our main characters, everyone is better because of him. Look at Frieren for example, a complete stoic who before Himmel just was living her life in the woods doing whatever. But after? She takes on an apprentice, travels from place to place continuing the good Himmel did, she learned so much kindness from him in the relatively short time they spent together. Pre-hero party Frieren would have gone to a town, blended into the background, and moved on. But now? She's taking on quests, helping people, and making lives brighter. Why? In her own words it's what Himmel would have done. Fern owes her life to Himmel despite never meeting him because Heiter took her in because that's what Himmel would have done. Frieren looks after her after Heiter's passing because that's what Himmel would have done. Think of all the good she's doing traveling with Frieren just because of that! It ripples outward forever because of a great hero's influence. In other words, he's not a hero because of his great feats or his power, it's because of who he was and that's how you write a truly great hero.

Now let's talk about demons. People with third grade reading comprehension have made the comparison to real life peoples. That the text is saying that demons being just an irredeemable evil race is racist and compare it to how in real life people do that to justify genocide, but this cannot be further from the truth. Demons in this world are an offshoot of humans like elves and dwarves are. They're similar enough to look like humans, speak like humans, their magic is something special to them but similar enough that with study humans can use it just as well. However demons are truly the farthest thing from humanity you could be. The best way to describe them is how when you see two animals that look so similar but they're in entirely different evolutionary families. How a rabbit and a hare look similar but are so SO very different. Demons are closer to animals in that they do what they can to survive. They trick, they deceive, they hunt. These are not evil things, this is nature. A lion is not evil for hunting in packs to eat one antelope, a bird is not evil for walking a certain way to imitate rain and attract a worm. However when it's applied to something that looks and acts so incredibly human it can be seen that way. The lion ganging up on someone is not a fair fight, the bird is lying to and tricking the worm, these are absurd statements. Demons are a divergent evolution of humanity that cannot comprehend the traits that make us human but will use them to hunt us. They do not understand malice or bonds or guilt or love, they are solitary beings that understand power and magic. They biologically cannot understand it, them learning these emotions is like if a cat suddenly sprouted tentacles, it just can't happen. But because they lack the very traits that make us human while looking so human, they appear evil to us. How could something so human-like act so inhuman? Perform such evil acts without a seconds thought? But they're not evil, they can't even understand evil. Them using maternal love to have someone drop their guard and become easy prey is such a basic thing like waking up in the morning they cannot comprehend why people think it's bad. The problem isn't that one is evil and one is good, it's that evolution set these two species on such polar opposite courses that they truly can never understand each other. Yet they're still so close that there's always that feeling of that things could be worked out, that these two peoples can co-exist, but it is just biologically impossible. And that's tragic, that's heart breaking, for one species to exist peacefully the other must die. These beings so close to us yet so far must die. There's no way around it, no negotiating, no compromise, evolution and nature have played this sick dance to pit these two brothers against each other and it absolutely should hurt your soul, but it must happen.

#sousou no frieren #frieren: beyond journey's end #frieren at the funeral #frieren the slayer

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thecameronchronicles · 1 year

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Raw

TW: Smut. Unprotected sex. Smut. Language.

JJ Maybank x Kook Reader.

SUMMARY: Going bare with JJ!

WORD COUNT: 1500

REQUESTED

Could you write for JJ or Rafe (you choose) where him and reader always wear protection but she asks him to not wear a condom for the first time and he thinks it’s the best thing ever 🙏🏽

I love your writing so much I miss you and I can’t wait for you to be back

*THANK YOU SO MUCH! LOVE THIS! HOPE YOU ENJOY*

Raw

His toes anchored into the sheets just as your fingers had into his shoulders. His kiss alone enough to need every part of him against you. The claw made into the bare shoulders from an a nearly naked torso quick to validate this as he smirked against your neck.

"Slow down there, princess, we've got all night."

"I need to feel you, JJ..."

"I'm right here..." He pressed your hand over this heart, a jackhammer beat behind your palm. If this were any other moment, you'd count the pulse behind each breath as a reason you loved him. But it had been days since you last felt his touch and you were desperate enough to set all romance to the sidebar.

"All of you, JJ..." You explained, fingers already working his belt as he offered that wide smile that showcased his dimples.

"Well who am I to argue?"

"My boyfriend..." You lived to remind him of this. His eyes illuminated yet lowered to the title.

"All your little stalkers on Figure Eight know that?"

"Every one, JJ..."

"They know that you let me touch you wherever I want? Why you're always smiling like that when you go back to them?" He clenched his jaw at the thought of you leaving him, knowing you were returning to them. Those he could never be or even come close to comparing to. Yet, this was why you loved him. He wasn't predictable or set to follow any set of footsteps or reputation. In fact, he wanted to break that correlation between his father and him. Luke and JJ couldn't be any more different. Yet another reason you loved him.

"I don't hide you, JJ..."

"Well even if you tried, gonna be hard to explain all these little hickies and scratches...slap marks to this ass..." He took a sharp hold to the mass in his hand.

"Goddamn...this perfect ass..." He shook it for a moment as you gasped at the sudden act of dominance, certain to leave more than just slap marks, possibly even bruising.

"I mean it, JJ...I want all of you..." He leaned to the bedside table.

"No..." His focus shot to you, always an advocate for consent as he read your expression well. Taking in every detail of your body to ensure he hadn't crossed some line.

"I want to feel all of you inside of me..."

"Like from a different angle?'When he found the truth just out of reach, your impatience shown, you just took hold of his cock as it teased against you from behind his trunks.

"Please, JJ..."

"But what about a baby...Not sure you know this, sweetheart, but I am gonna end up marrying you one day...But I wanna do it right..." Your eyes swelled with his words. His compassion and care shown through every action since you made your relationship official just over a year prior. But until now you'd never been quite this vulnerable. Close. But not so...naked...bare...raw...

"I took precautions...I've wanted to without a condom-"

"I don't know if I'll be able to last as long as I normally would have..."

"Your mouth can make it up to me if you can't..." You turned with seductive eyes.

"You're sure?"

"More than I've ever been of anything..." You confessed as truthful a confession as ever as he nodded.

"I'm nervous..." He explained while fumbling for his pants.

"Just focus on me..." You kissed him, guiding his pants from his waist before exposing him to you. But as your hand wrapped around his shaft, he took hold of your wrist.

"If you do that, I definitely won't last."

"So choking on you is out of the question?"

"Goddammit, woman, what are you trying to do to me?" He chuckled.

"Trying to get you to come inside of me..."

"You really want me to?"

"Not sure how much clearer I can be, JJ..." He took your hands between his before pinning them abruptly beside your face. A gasp left from your lips parted just enough to hear this utterance.

"Are you saying I can have you anyway I want?"

"Is being naked and doing it without a condom not enough?" You chuckled as he rose over you and to the edge of the bed. A sudden grip of your ankles pulled you into your stomach. A single pinch of her suit tied behind her neck and it was discarded on the floor.

"John B is gonna kill me if you soak his sheets...."

"How am I supposed to- He answered by simply pushing your suit to the side. Somehow the exchange that much hotter as he slipped against you. Savoring just your warmth alone before teasing that point of entry he frequented in repetition.

"You already feel so good..." He began to ride into you from behind, your lower lips quivering to where you pulsated for him. His touch no longer enough.

"Please...JJ..."

"I can't wait anymore..." He hoped to tease you, to hear you beg as it made your privileged lips that much sweeter for him. And as you'd compromised enough, he sunk into you as you moaned.

He was completely exposed yet concealed within you. But in contrast to when even the thinnest of protection would wrap around him, nothing compared to how you felt now. It showed immediately in the way his kindness shattered and obliterated into pure carnality. The gradual snap of his hips kept your own pinned as his fingers intertwined with your as he fed your grip further into the sheets.

"Fuck..." He spoke into your shoulder as your nearly naked body accepted his as the glutton you were for him. Every inch of his perfect body in contact with yours as he was desperate for you. Until he slowed.

"JJ?"

"I want to take you in every inch of this chateau in every position..."

"I can't wait, JJ, please..." You groaned before those tense lips fell slack to the way his hand rode up between your breasts and captured one for stability. Your hand released to direct him to your clit.

"Please, JJ...I'll be so quiet, nobody will even hear us..."

"What's the fun in that?" He hoisted your hips to meet his, keeping his shaft in place, before he guided your hand around the headboard.

"I want everyone to know how fucking good I feel inside of you...all to know you're all mine." He slapped your ass.

"Only mine." Another swat made you whimper as he was unhinged behind you. The headboard sure to scar the wall at the mercy of each wave as it was impossible for the other pogues and invitees of the party to be unaware of why you slipped away.

"JJ!" You nearly shrieked as he thrust you harder into him, amplifying the sensations by further depth and speed as you continued to call out to him. But no matter the volume you pleaded, nothing silenced that of the rush of skin to skin contact.

"Last chance to change your mind, princess...I know you can be indecisive..." He teased, a hand to your hip sharpening its grip as he exhaled deeply behind you.

"Come inside me, JJ! I want to feel you come for me!"

"Yes ma'am..." He answered breathlessly before those final sets of thrusts ripped you through your orgasm. Your body not allowed to bask in the twitch of his cock before a second rush interrupted the bliss prior to overstimulation. Two orgasms side by side as you were shambles in his arms.

"Please tell me we can have it like this every time?"

"Only if you do THAT everytime..." He pulled you up to him, a whimper of his sudden absence making him smirk.

"My greedy little princess already want more?"

"I was promised your mouth..."

"That was if I disappointed...and with how wet these little bottoms are..." He traced your thighs."And how you're dripping, I'd say I didn't..."

"But what would John B think if you didn't clean up your mess?" He flexed his brow as you expected him to lie you flat. Instead, his breath was on your bawling lower lips.

"You make even more of a mess and you'll be the one explaining it to him."

"Gladly-" you gasped to the heat of his tongue as it made contact with the promise you held him to for a role he had certainly played. The softest whimper of his name left just prior to that final wave of pleasure that brought stars to your eyes and a new rush of ecstasy between your thighs. Setting him up for a new position himself as you were made well aware this was anything but over...

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very-lonely-ghost · 4 months

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Unexpected meeting

Parring: Mizu x G/n Reader

About: Mizu was in the forest when someone (you) Show u and you get into a fight. You both were in a beautiful dance of passion and pride. After the fight you become good friends... or maybe even more.

warning: swearing, not prof read

word count: 1k

A/N: HI!! This is my first writing so it may be bad but I hope you enjoys. THANK YOU!!! -^-

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Mizu sat in the middle of a forest. It was the middle of a cold and brisk day, but yet there was warmth of spring coming around. She sat here training for her quest of revenge.

They air around was thin. She concentrated hard on her training till she felt something watching her.... or more like someone.

She kept steady on her training waiting till they attacked. Soon enough she hear the shing of there blade in action. Though it wasn't a normal sound of a samurai's sowrd it was deferent?....

She ducked and got out of the way then looking at the person who attacked. They wore a mask covering part of their face. Their eyes were shown but they didn't have the anger or rage that most others she fought had. They seemed play fun with hints of boredom. The person stated to run to her again with there weapon in hand. Their weapon of chose was a scythe. She hadn't seen anything quite like it.

Her and the stranger stayed in this battle of glory and passion there was no threat see from the other person. She didn't know what to do. Usually she would just kill anyone who dared to attack her but you were different in her eyes. The fight when on till you both got each other to the point were nether of you could move.

Mizu was pinned to a tree with the handle of the scythe to her neck. For you the blunt side of her blade was to the back of your neck.

You broke the cool and silent air between the both of you

"So come here often," Your voice was breathy from the fighting and she could hear the smugness in your voice.

"Better question why did you fucking attack me!" She spat back.

"Don't act like you weren't bored plus, I need some training" You said getting closer to her face, but at the last moment ducking from here grasp with skill. 'Impressive' she thought.

---------- (time skip)

The two of you talked and started to travel together. Mizu shared her story of here adventure of revenge. She also trusted you with her secrete of her gender. Though when she asked you why you learned to wheeled your weapon but you always brushed it off and changed to topic.

Through the time the two of you spent together, no matter if it was through blood and dark nights or the hot and sunny days. A bond started to be created through the two of you. Something sparked and no matter how hared either of you tried the spark wouldn't go out. Though both of your sparks stayed both with your bratty attitude and Mizu's stubbornness neither of you dared to spill the truth of your feelings.

Though this night, a night of a full moon something happed.

"May.. I ask you a question?" Mizu asked, her eyes looking over to wear you sat looking at the fire you both sat around.

"Yeah sure." You said picking up how it seemed she forced out the question. You didn't break you stair at the fire though you could feel Mizu's blue eyes piercing into the side of your head.

"I've asked you this before, Why did you chose to wheeled your weapon?" She asked curiously looking over your body, but then back to your face which she could see without your mask. Mizu blushed lightly remembering you didn't wear it because you trusted her.

You began to open you mouth to brush of the question and chose a different topic but Mizu beat you to it. "Please don't change the topic I truly wish to know why you chose your path." She spoke softly.

You finally broke your stare form the fire to look at her. Her eyes look beautiful with the flames from the fire dancing in her eyes. You sighed and started to explain your story.

"When I was young my life... wasn't really the best. It was rough but i had to learned to survive. The closest person I to me was killed in an accidents and the only thing I had from them to truly remember them was the scythe. I was so upset with myself that I couldn't help or protect them so I trained and trained till my hands bleed to make sure I would never be the hopeless..." As you finished your tail a tear fell down your face, your eyes back on the fire to try and hide your weakness.

Mizu's heart ached at the thought of how long you held on to this burden. She shuffled over to you and wiped the tear from you face and tilled your head to her.

"It's ok you aren't alone anymore. I'm here I always got your back and i am by your side." She spoke with the most sincere and soft voice you had every hear her speak. Your eyes met with her icy but soft blue eyes. They made you feel safe and calm.

She brought her forehead to yours closing her eyes and you doing the same. The air around was silent but conferrable as you rested your head against hers. The fire crackled beside you both but nether of you cared. All that was on both of your minds was each other. You sat in this positions for a bit just enjoining it. Enjoining Mizu.

Mizu whispered something that you almost missed but you heard it

"I will always be by your side till death does us part. I will not let anyone hurt you as they have before.... I love you"

"Thank you Mizu.. I love you too." You spook back softly with a simile on your face and warmth in your heart.

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A/N : THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! thank you for reading this please tell me if there is anything I can fix or make better and in till we meet again. ^-^

#blue eye samurai #Mizu #Mizu x reader #gender neutral reader #love #lonely-ghost #new #first fanfiction #fanfiction #fluff #sweet #calm #comfort #cute

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dissonance-in-a-major · 15 days

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(hxh) PHANTOM TROUPE // KURTA CLAN theory

...debunking PT did it

So let me preface this by saying this was 100% inspired by a tiktok comment in a hxh phantom troupe's religious symbolism video back in 2021 (:/). The person who commented made such an impact I screenshotted their comments which unfortunately are not in correct order and messaged them this year (i just know they think im weird) but they never responded. I'd give their @ but its their government name (I take it) so msg me for deets. All credit goes to them as I'm just polishing and tidying these thoughts.

First op talks about Meteor City, a junkyard city inhabited by outcasts. People who live there do not exist on any official records and are treated horribly from the outside, people are taken from Meteor City for crimes, prostitution, slavery and no one's doing a thing to stop it. People go outside and face racism, like the one guy accused of a crime he didnt commit and when the truth is shown no one does anything (think op meant The Bum Incident, vol 11, Chapter 102). These people get no justice, they're just used and this is where the duality of Chrollo comes in, he is a demon to the outside world because he is challenging the gods but also a Jesus figure for the underprivileged Meteor City. Even his reverse St Peters Cross on his jacket means that he feels unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. Thats his way of saying he doesnt see himself as worthy of savior. His priority is the Troupe so they can together be seen to the outside world, they are literally a troupe of phantoms, trying to be recognized. This is why when he asks Neon if she believes in ghosts and she says no, she is the oppressor that doesn't understand the one hurt.

If you read the story w this idea in mind you start to observe that the Troupe only attacks people hazardous for the City (mafia, ants) or when they want revenge for one of them killed so its weird they are presented in a positive almost heroic light. Only exception that sticks out to the story? Kurta massacre.

The og commenter wondered why it was that the Troupe was always presented in a positive light. We've known the Phantom Troupe does acts of good alongside the bad but we also haven't seen anything entirely "evil" commited by any of them yet. Most of the legends surrounding them are hearsay. And though they could have easily killed Gon and Killua, they don't, twice. Also, Uvogin when taken by mafia/Kurapika says if freed, they wouldn't hurt them as they are not the target.

Op comments on how narrative should be filtered as its being commented via Gon- a non objective source, they claim that the 1st arc feels like a kid show whereas chimera arc feels dark, thats not to say it is actually like that but as Gon's perspective changes so does the narration. At first when innocent people die, he doesnt really care but in chimera we need a narrator to explain as Gon is too biased at that point. Regarding the massacre we only have Kurapika's word but what we are being told/shown about the Troupe is different. The characters talk about the Kurta massacre, how horrible and brutal it was but the narrative is keen and favors the Troupe, it paints them in a favorable light and why should the narrative do that, they don't become better people like the Ants after all.

From the moment they appear on screen, the narrative wants us to see them as underprivileged, both in York New and in the ship, even when they're fighting in Meteor City, they're fighting for injustice or when somebody hurts them. Then why justify their actions everytime they appear on screen if they massacred the Kurta Clan? If they are responsible for this why make them the underprivileged representation? Both Kurta and Troupe says the op are ostracized by the outside and seen less from people.

Say they did it. 3 ideas were proposed as to why.

1. for the eyes (Chrollo likes the eyes, like Hisoka said but Hisoka is a liar and also Chrollo has never shown interest in the show for them. For someone who steals things he likes, why make an exception and murder here?)

2. for money (that's not correct, we are told multiple times they don't care about it, neither money nor fame, they want to be recognized by the world but how would that work by killing a clan that's been hidden for 100 years, they dont get anything out of it.)

3. for revenge: Revenge for what? Kurta are a peaceful clan that hide for years. We know the Troupe left a note that is the motto of Meteor City (I'm adding here what op referred to: "we reject no one so take nothing from us"). Op says note means they serve justice to their city, when someone takes things away from them so what did Kurta take? From the thematic and narrative point they are not set up to have done it, op thinks thats 100% intentional.

Like said above, BOTH have the thematic of oppression from the outside world, they are a commodity for the rich and powerful (gods) but why is Phantom Troupe put in the light of both, the oppressor and the oppressed? Why would an oppressed group oppress another one for NO good reason? The Troupe doesn't kill innocent people if not necessary, they do NOT care about money or fame and the revenge aspect doesnt work because the Kurta were isolated from the outside.

If we look back at the York New Arc they never state the massacre, they simply suggest it and of course from a Kurapika POV they are guilty but if you look again you have to ask..are they really?

☆

this took ages for me to coherently formulate and ik it goes back and forth but bless op's heart because it changed my perspective completely (more than any yt analysis found online) !

#hxh #chrollo lucilfer #phantom troupe #kurapika #kurapika kurta #kurta clan theory #hxh chrollo #hxh 2011 #hxh kurapika #hxh hisoka #hxh manga #hxh spoilers #hunter x hunter #corolla/rants

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mrs-gauche · 1 year

Audio

...and also the only time that Solas of all people, is completely speechless, for once at a loss for words in response to an irrefutable argument.

Throughout the whole game (with a few exceptions in which he actually admits to having misjudged), whenever you get the chance to debate him on something you do not agree on, Solas, Mr “I’m a trillion years old, you know nothing, so listen carefully” will practically verbally jiu-jitsu you for every possible argument you might have, like, he’s an absolute master at playing Ace Attorney refuting any of your points, much like playing mind chess with Iron Bull, there is no chance to win an argument with Solas if he’s determined to have you recognize the flaw in your logic or at least understand his perspective, making you feel like this gif at the end of every debate.

But when Lavellan says “I would have had you trust me”, finally, there is no counter argument, no clever comeback, no objection... He has nothing. Because Lavellan is right and he knows. There’s just silence until he turns around and continues with the rest of the dialogue. And I think it’s interesting how this is kinda the culmination of all the little hints throughout the whole game at his ingrained distrust, leading up to this moment.

“An enemy can attack you, but only an ally can betray you. Betrayal is always worse.”

"The next time you have to mourn, you don't need to be alone." “It’s been so long since I could trust someone.”

“That’s when you should lean on your friends.” “Apologies, Inquisitor. I have learned not to do that.”

“I’ll rely on those I trust.” "You think to share your power, to avoid the temptation to misuse it. A noble sentiment... but, ultimately, a mistake." (...) "Because while one selfless man may walk away from the lure of power's corruption... no group has ever done so."

“You created a powerful organization, and now it suffers the inevitable fate of such. Betrayal and corruption.”

"I trust my friends." "I know that mistake well enough to carve the angles of her face from memory."

“She was betrayed as I was betrayed. As the world was betrayed!” - Flemeth about Mythal

You get the sense that him witnessing Mythal being betrayed and murdered by the Evanuris was probably the catalyst for his immense trust issues, so much so that it still has that big of an impact on him centuries later. And of course it has, when 1) it was this batrayal and power corruption that set everything in motion, it almost lead to the end of the entire world, which in turn lead to the creation of the Veil and finally the loss of his world and his people, 2) he has spent the last 1000 years walking the Fade, having to look at the ever present Black City in its center - their prison - as a constant reminder of what happened. (I know it’s not confirmed yet, but come on! 😂)

And then there is Lavellan (or any high approval Inquisitor for that matter) at the end of all this. Who proved him wrong with every action throughout DAI. Who has shown wisdom in their decisions and that the power they were given mustn’t corrupt them. That there is no reason for him not to trust them. And yet, he simply can’t, because the past still haunts him and centuries of history have taught him otherwise (and like a bunch of other reasons for him to not tell Lavellan the truth in that moment in Crestwood, but that’s beside the point here lol).

And then at the end of Trespasser, Lavellan finally throws it straight to his face, and while he could pull any of the excuses listed above, he simply can’t refute them anymore. Look at his expression as he just looks at them in response, at first still frowning for a second, as if he’s still about to argue them again, but then suddenly shifting into sorrow, slightly shaking his head in defeat. “I got nothing.” Solas, who easily managed to own you in any debate prior to this, is all out of arguments. It’s the final argument and the Inquisitor won.

(Well, technically, it even happens twice in this final conversation, if we’re counting Solas’ internal debate with himself. lol)

"We aren't even people to you." "Not at first. You showed me that I was wrong."

But going back to his distrust, it surely can’t be a coincidence that this whole issue was also topic in a recent interview with DA4′s Creative Director, talking about what defines a hero.

I’ve talked about this numerous times now, like here, here or here, but what it all comes down to is basically just one more penny for the “Solas needs to learn how to trust again in order to be saved from himself” jar. lol

“We will save our friend from himself… if we can.”

Like. It’s literally his name. Pride. Saving Solas from himself does quite literally mean to strip him off his name and the belief that, to quote John Epler again, “only he has the answers, that he is the only one who can solve this” and to accept the help of others. Which is why he has to get a new name by the end of all this. I’m dying on that hill. 😂

#solas #trespasser #solavellan #that's my read on the whole thing anyway lol #I love this little moment so much #and his facial expression tells you everything #I wonder if we'll get a moment like this in DA4 #''I would treasure the chance to be wrong once again my friend''#if we finally manage to prove him wrong once and for all #I would love the DA4 protag to be like ''Checkmate''#and Solas to acknowledge it respectfully #having to swallow his own pride #that's kinda my dream outcome I guess 😂#audio #language comparison #the biggest problem in all of this is just that.. Solas is quite literally the only one who's able to save his people (for now at least)#it's very much the ''Mordin Solus sentiment'' in ME3 in that he's like ''Has to be me. Someone else might get it wrong.''#which just so happens to be also written by Patrick Weekes lmao #like Solas IS the one who created the Veil so to him it's also his responsibility now to fix it again #like he's literally the only one with the knowledge AND the power to do this so.. no wonder he's trusting no one but himself lol

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purpleheartskies · 5 months

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"There's good in everyone"

"I know who I am. You're still pretending to be something you're not."

"I'm becoming someone I don't wanna be. [Robby fixing door knob] I'm hiding the truth from someone I care about."

I recently wrote a post about some of Robby's inherent qualities that show what a good, kind person he is. To go along with that, I want to talk a bit about Tory's positive character traits and about Robby and Tory's relationship. I'm going to focus on Tory outside of her rivalry with Sam because that is only one aspect of her character and arc.

One of Tory's positive and consistent character traits has been her loyalty to those she cares about. It's like Robby said about Tory:

"...'There's good in everyone.' She just needs to be shown the right way."

Tory and Robby both value loyalty. He was loyal to Sam in the probation office and rebuffed what Tory said about Sam not being loyal to him, but when Sam later proved Tory's words right, Robby believed Tory. The look they shared the next day at the CK dojo was telling.

Their convo at the probation office showed some similarities between them wrt their situations. They were "in the same boat". They had both been blamed in certain ways that weren't their fault: Tory was blamed for other Cobras starting a brawl (Tory had only attacked Sam), while Robby was scapegoated for his and Miguel's fight. Neither have adult support (they were each there alone), and both have unstable home lives. They had also both been cheated on. Tory is antagonistic towards Sam but Tory spoke truth about Sam wrt Robby, just like how Kreese and Silver drop truths about Johnny wrt Robby. People brush off the correct things the "bad guys" say about the "good guys" who they've hurt, but sometimes "bad guys" see things for what they are. (This of course doesn't excuse their wrongful actions against those "good guys".) Tory expressed empathy towards Robby here. Another good quality that Tory has. In s5, Tory also had empathy for Devon when Tory heard Devon's story about her mother. Tory may not show her empathy to everyone, but Tory is capable of empathy, unlike some other characters (Miguel, for example).

Some say that Tory isn't a loyal person because she didn't visit Miguel in the hospital. Tory expressed her guilt about what had happened to Miguel, but Tory not going to the hospital to visit Miguel is understandable. She wouldn't have been welcomed there. Everyone blamed others, including her, for what had happened to Miguel, but he was to blame for the situation he had put himself in, not Tory or anyone else. Miguel had assaulted someone, and that person had a natural "fight" response at the end, which was 100% provoked by Miguel only. Tory is not at fault for Miguel's actions in the school fight, nor anyone else's violent actions (aside from Sam defending herself against Tory). Tory didn't ask or encourage others to start fighting that day. She clearly announced her intentions to attack Sam only, and throughout that fight, she stuck to her intentions. Tory was absolutely wrong for attacking Sam, but blaming Tory (or Sam) for the violence of the others, especially her boyfriend, is the typical "it's the woman's fault that the men became violent" bs.

Miguel gaslit Tory at the sushi restaurant. I was proud of Tory for standing her ground because Miguel always tries to put his wrongful actions onto others or downplay those actions. He even lied to her face about only caring about her, acting like he hadn't cheated on her with Sam. (Later on, Miguel doubled down on his false version of the situation by telling Johnny that, unlike Johnny, Miguel is truthful with his ex. That is, Miguel continued his gaslighting narrative about his relationship with Tory.) In situations like the school fight, when someone chooses to become violent, that is 100% on them and not his/her partner's fault. Just like Miguel is not to blame for Tory attacking Sam, Tory is not to blame for Miguel attacking Robby. And to Tory's credit, she has never blamed her actions in the school fight on anyone, not even Kreese or Johnny who were also her senseis. Miguel in turn blamed Johnny completely (gaslighting him in their s3e2 hospital scene), in addition to acting like it was Tory's fault that he had gotten himself into that situation. Miguel said that Tory needs "help", but Miguel had acted violently that day by choice too: tackling Robby while he was stopping Tory, wildly swinging at Robby while Robby crawled backwards to get away from him, even choking Robby at one point, tripping him to stop him from stopping Tory again, purposely kicking Robby into the railing at one point, and then throwing Robby onto the ground and getting his arm in a hold to break it for no reason at all. Miguel may not have pulled out a spiked bracelet, but he'd acted extremely violent towards Robby for no justifiable reason. Miguel needs "help" too, it seems. People (fans and characters) give Miguel a pass because of his injury, but he is 100% accountable for what he did that day, and he has yet to take accountability. Tory has not taken accountability or shown remorse to Sam (yet), and fans correctly call her out for it. But, Tory at least doesn't act like it wasn't her decision or actions to attack Sam.

Many also blame Tory for Miguel using her to make Sam jealous. But just like how Miguel chose to cheat on Tory, he chose to use her in the first place. Tory never told or manipulated him to use her to make Sam jealous, like many claim. She already liked Miguel and wasn't interested in him to get back at Sam. In s2e5, she told him that his video made him look desperate and that girls don't like desperate guys. She told him to act like he was over Sam so that he wouldn't look so desperate. He asked how to do that, and she said to have a little fun. She took him to the empty playground, and they were just having fun (in a pg way) and talking. When he brought up Sam yet again, Tory called him out for it. He said sorry and that sensei told him to go all in and make a move and that he's still figuring out how to do that. She then said to do just that: "make a move". He then chose to kiss her. She never said or implied to use her or "make a move" on her to get Sam back. He chose to use her as his "move". And Tory thought that he was choosing her over Sam, hence her pointed question in the sushi restaurant in s3 about him actually using her when they had dated. (Miguel seems like such a "nice guy". Why would Tory in s2 assume that he'd be okay with the idea of using her? If she'd really offered that he use her, he would have turned her down if he were a sincere guy. It's only after he cheated on her that she realized that he had been using her.) The playground scene in s2e5 is interestingly followed by Robby and Sam's almost kiss, in which he stopped their kiss from happening because he finally had something good going for him after being in a bad situation for a long time and he didn't want to mess things up with her dad. After this, one day Sam purposely picked something cute to wear with Moon's help. When Moon mentioned Miguel, it was obvious from Sam's reaction that she still had feelings for him. Still, she later went to Robby's room and they kissed for the first time. Unlike Miguel and Sam, Tory and Robby didn't get into their respective relationships in s2 while knowing they still had feelings for someone else. Tory and Robby don't use other people like that and don't cheat on their partners.

When Tory was first introduced, she was genuinely kind to Aisha, who is mostly rejected and bullied by others. This tells us a lot about who Tory inherently is. This is also similar to how Robby was kind to Demetri, who's also rejected and bullied a lot. (Tory wasn't exactly kind to Sam when she first met her, but that was out of loyalty to Aisha.) Tory has a lot of trauma and is still experiencing trauma. She has a lot of anger due to her trauma and has a chip on her shoulder, both of which were shown in her first meeting with Sam as well as when she explained to Miguel about her mom getting fired for bringing home leftovers from work. Because of her trauma, Tory got taken in by Kreese's "no mercy" brainwashing. And in Tory's defense, Johnny was not paying attention and didn't really care to really protect any of his students from Kreese except for Miguel. After Johnny kicked Kreese out, Johnny told the students to "show mercy sometimes". What does that mean? When is "sometimes"? Although Tory is 100% at fault for what she did and still needs to apologize to Sam, Tory's primary influence in Cobra Kai has always been Kreese, and Johnny's "show mercy sometimes" lesson was ineffective because he was still advocating for "no mercy" sometimes and he didn't put in the same effort with his other students that he put in with Miguel. This isn't to excuse Tory of what she did in s2 or s3, but Johnny did fail her and his other students by bringing Kreese into their lives and then letting his guard down. At the end of s2, it was absolutely wrong of Johnny to leave his students with Kreese without warning them about the type of person Kreese is. Johnny knows that Kreese is a brainwasher and manipulator. It was obvious that they took Kreese's side because he'd brainwashed them. Johnny acted devastated by their "betrayal" and walked away, but he is the one who betrayed them, not the other way around, because he left them with a dangerous person without warning them about how dangerous he is. In s3, Johnny had shown no concern for Tory or the others still being taught by Kreese and only went to some of his former students when he needed students for his new dojo. Johnny never approached Tory about how bad Kreese is or about leaving Cobra Kai.

In s4, Tory mellowed out a lot. Losing her job seemed to make Tory more careful. Later, she started to get help in her home life and get therapy. She also found a good friend and boyfriend in Robby.

In s4e1, when he challenged the dojo to try to hit him, he'd kept his word when she did hit him even though he'd kind of won already. She then told him not to leave, so he stayed. She already knew that he's a loyal person because of his loyalty to Sam. Here, he honored his word.

At the drive-in, he showed concern about her bad day at her new job but also let her know that he respects her boundaries, which she appreciated. She'd told him earlier that her new job was none of his business.

"I'd ask, but it's none of my business."

At prom, he didn't just listen to her when she talked about why she wanted to win. He genuinely empathized with her.

Tory: "That's stupid." Robby: "No, it's not. I mean, I get it."

No doubt whatever attitude she had towards him in s3 and in early s4 was gone by now, as she'd gotten to know him and that he's not pretending to be something he isn't. Robby just is. Earlier, she hadn't really been interested in his plan to throw her opponent off balance at prom. She just used it as an excuse to ask him out.

Robby: "Did you just ask me to prom?" Tory: "Strictly a tactical move." 😏

They only got together after they both confirmed that they were over their exes, which is better than Sam and Miguel in s2, who started dating Robby and Tory respectively, despite knowing that they weren't over each other. To clarify, Tory and Robby going to prom together had been a mutual decision to throw their opponents off balance and wasn't about either of them using the other to get their ex back. This is different from Miguel choosing to use Tory in s2, without Tory realizing it, to make Sam jealous and get her back.

Tory and Robby are both supportive partners, which adds to them being the healthier couple. They supported each other at the avt, unlike Miguel and Sam. Tory had immediately gone to Robby after his match with Kenny, knowing that Robby would be worried about Kenny. She went to Robby again after he lost, and he came back out to support her, despite his loss.

"Robby... You okay."

"Hey... Good luck."

In s5, when they broke up because of Robby's ultimatum, it really came down to miscommunication between them. Tory shouldn't have used Robby's issues with his dad against him when he first tried to ask her to quit Cobra Kai, but that had been a defensive reaction on her part because she was hiding that she was helping Kreese. Robby in turn doesn't share much about his own issues because of his counterdependence, so it was notable that he'd told her about his issues with his dad. Though he still didn't really tell her much, so she didn't completely understand why he wanted her to quit Cobra Kai. (He had only mentioned that they should quit because of Kreese and Silver, but she had picked up that him quitting also had something to do with his relationship with his dad.) In s4, for example, he also didn't tell her anything about why he understood her reasons for wanting to win, even though he also had some deeply personal reasons driving him to win. (He does attentively listen to people, so maybe he didn't want to make that conversation about himself.) At one point, Robby told Tory that she won the tournament and everything's going good for her right now. This seemed to be a reference to their s3e8 conversation about the two of them still eating shit and everyone else being able to get back to normal, as well as their s4e8 conversation about why she wanted to win the championship. Between the two of them, she's no longer eating shit for the school fight and she'd won a championship (as far as Robby knew). (Throughout s5, there were numerous references to moments and events related to Robby's character story from s1 to s4. Robby's comment fits with those references.) As a couple, they need to and can grow to a healthier place. Robby actively tries to grow, and Tory's open to growing and has grown even though she doesn't actively try to grow.

Tory gets judged for her loyalty to Kreese, but he has been her main influence in Cobra Kai. Kreese had also come through for her in a very meaningful way. In s3, Kreese saved her from having to deal with her pervert landlord. This was an extremely huge deal, especially for a teenage girl in her circumstances. In s4, Tory may have figured out that Kreese had spoken to Amanda, but there's no indication of that. Regardless, he did support Tory in the avt when Silver was telling her to fight dirty. She, like Robby, doesn't have an adult looking out for her, but Kreese did look out for her and expresses empathy towards her. She doesn't know that his intentions are questionable.

Robby of course doesn't know what Kreese has done for her. Regardless, as soon as Robby found out why she was still in Cobra Kai, he made a low-key yet public show of support to her, starting with a sincere apology stating that he'd turned his back on her without understanding her reasons. Of course, she herself hadn't revealed her reasons to him so... yeah, a lack of communication was why they broke up... unlike Miguel and Sam. Sam specifically told Miguel why she wanted a break, but later Miguel admit he didn't understand her reasons and made her feel guilty about it, as usual.

In s5, Tory was juggling her loyalty to Kreese and his Cobra Kai with her loyalty to Robby. She had chosen to stay in the dojo over staying with Robby, but Robby now understood that her ultimate goal was to take down Silver. He had rejoined Miyagi-Do for the same reason. He and his "friends" were trying to take down Silver too. The stone-breaking scene was meaningful because it was about Tory's struggle between doing what she believed was right (helping Kreese take down Silver and take back Cobra Kai) even if it meant sacrificing her relationship with someone she cares about (Robby).

Tory and Robby also accept influence from each other in good ways (and not just in bad ways). In s3e8 and s4e1, Tory opened Robby's eyes about who Sam really is and that she had cheated on him and she uses him to get what she wants. tbf Tory had also been trying to get Robby to join Cobra Kai in s4e1. However, Tory's words were just words, and it was Robby's choice what he did with them. Both times, Robby did rebuff her, but both times, Sam herself proved Tory's words right. In s5, Sam technically proved Tory's words from s4e1 right again. Sam did use Robby to get what she wanted (her dad back as sensei and everyone together) while acting like she'd never betrayed Robby in the first place. At this point though, Robby had started fawning with almost everyone, so he gave Sam what she wanted. In a way, Tory encourages Robby not to be taken advantage of, while also not hiding that she's trying to peer pressure him. She's transparent abour her intentions. After all, she honestly admit to him in s3e9 that she does peer pressure people.

This is another thing to note about Tory. She doesn't like to hide her intentions and is mostly aware of how she treats others. Sam on the other hand uses Robby to get what she wants with zero thought about how it affects him. In s5e5, after Tory said that she's becoming someone she doesn't want to be, she listed the things she was doing that were deceptive: hiding the truth from someone she cares about (Robby), lying to someone she fears (Silver), and delivering anonymous notes that could put people in danger (Daniel).

In s5, Robby may have positively influenced Tory twice. Once was when it came to mentoring and looking out for the younger kids. At the waterpark, Robby had insisted to Tory that Cobra Kai wasn't the right place for Kenny. When Devon joined the flagship dojo later on, Tory immediately was concerned about her doing so. Before this, Tory never seemed to care who was in Cobra Kai, but she'd connected a bit with Devon and wanted to protect Devon from Silver and Kim. Second, in s5e9, although things may have gotten worse for Tory because Kim assumed that Tory was putting her loyalty to Robby over her loyalty to the dojo, Robby's support let her know that someone on the Miyagi Fang side was on her side. Would she have worked with Sam if Robby hadn't already shown his support to her? Sam had rejected Tory's attempt to talk to her the first time. Either way, when Sam came to Tory's apartment, Tory knew that she had Robby's support no matter what because he had gone to Cobra Kai and stood off against Silver for her (and others).

Tory is also open to accepting good influence from adult figures as well. I'm not going to talk about her interactions with Amanda in s4 because that relationship was purely transactional. It was based on "gives" and "takes", nothing more. In s5, Chozen's lesson about honor and winning the correct way influenced Tory's resolve to take down Silver and not accept the empty avt championship that he had bought for her. In the avt, she hadn't wanted to fight dirty and wanted a clean win.

Tory also has the potential to be a good leader. During the leadership training in s5e7, Tory defended Devon from Kim's attack and lost. Devon pointed out that Tory could have won if she'd let Kim get her. Tory said that she wouldn't been a good leader if she did. This was followed by Kenny taking charge with Kyler, fighting him, and then literally stepping on him in order to win. This was after Silver had talked to Kenny about being the leader and following his instincts. Kenny's instincts were to sacrifice his pawn (Kim's word for Devon) while Tory's instincts were to save hers. (This is interestingly followed a little later by Anthony coming up with the group strategy for protecting the egg.)

After Robby's speech at Cobra Kai, Tory and Robby continued to show support to each other. He was concerned about her injured hand, which hadn't been injured when he'd gone to the dojo earlier. She in turn wanted to make sure he didn't break his probation (so she suggested they use her key card). This was in contrast to her trying to peer pressure him into breaking probation in s3e9, which also shows how much she's grown to care about him. He gave her a slightly surprised smile. At this point in s5, no one shows that they genuinely care about what happens to him, but she did here.

They also stood up to Silver together and were the only students to address him in that final confrontation at the dojo.

She did shut Robby down, in a way, at the end when he tried to apologize, but she at least acknowledged that she probably owed him an apology too, which was more than he got from anyone else. (Daniel's apology was followed by him repeating exactly what he'd said in s3, and Robby diverted to talking about his own faults instead of accepting Daniel's apology.)

Tory is definitely one of the grayer characters in the show. Like Robby said about Tory: "...'There's good in everyone.' She just needs to be shown the right way." She has a lot of positive traits like loyalty, empathy, and kindness, but some of her actions have been horrible and inexcusable. She doesn't shift the blame for her actions onto others, but she has yet to take accountability with and apologize to the person she has hurt the most. Since the s4 avt, she's been trying for honest, honorable wins. She also has the potential to be a good leader. Overall, she has shown the ability to grow and has actually started to grow, which is much better than some characters (Johnny and Miguel) who have had no growth, despite having had opportunities to grow. In many ways, Tory is a genuine person in that she is honest even though she's not "nice". She is true to herself and upfront in her relationships.

Tory and Robby may not be at their healthiest as a couple, which of course makes sense given their age, experiences, and traumas, but they're relationship is healthier than Miguel and Sam's relationship, which is just a toxic relationship that should end.

Tory and Robby both value loyalty and are loyal to each other, empathize and genuinely care about each other, and are supportive of one another. Like with many relationships, they struggle with communication sometimes. Regardless, so far Tory has been better to Robby than Sam had been to him. Robby has also been better to Tory than Miguel had been to her (though Miguel sets a really low bar anyway).

I like that overall Robby hasn't been "fixing" Tory and Tory hasn't been "fixing" Robby. They each have "good" in them and have their own journeys that they're navigating. When they're communicating, they're there for each other and support each other, and even when they're not communicating, they respect each other's space and still care about each other.

I'm curious to see what happens with them, individually and as a couple, in the final season. Although I don't think they'll be together at the end of the series, I don't think that's a bad thing either. Tory and Robby need to grow up and grow as individuals first, but once they do, they could make for a healthy couple as adults. Kids like them are more than "lost causes who need wake-up calls". They both have lots of potential. By the end of the series, I would love for Tory to believe that she can be best at more than just karate.

#tory nichols #keenry #cobra kai is robby's story #robby keene

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thevulturesquadron · 5 days

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The truth is in TAS and Xmen97 (I'm talking about cartoons only) Gambit had never had eyes on anyone except Rogue. He was never married to Belladonna in TAS and never showed any signs that he still had feelings for her or wanted to come back to her (voluntarily). Rogue, on other hand, had almost run away with Cody (but didn't want to be a reptile in the end), had come to Magneto the first day he appeared in school, rejected Gambit for Magneto. Yes, Gambit and Rogue weren't official, they didn't own each other, noone cheated on anyone physically. But emotionally Rogue did, she did cheat on her feelings for Gambit.

With Rogue's fixation on physical contact (her ultimate dream and goal in relationship) her actions are quite understandable. It's just that it was badly executed. She was shown as ping-pong ball between men, who didn't know what she wanted. So frustration in her character is also quite understandable.

And, yes, Gambit shouldn't criticize Rogue for hiding her past as every member of the team has secrets, him including. But I couldn't find any other faults.

Howdy! ✨

Oh, that is a good point! I will admit I had my wires partially crossed with the comics on this one - in the TAS Gambit and Bella Dona weren’t married, they were engaged. And in all honesty, TAS (both the original series and ‘97) treated Gambit way better than the ups and downs he had in comics.

Even so, the full context is that they weren’t together, they weren’t committed to each other in any way. In the original series they flirted and entertained the idea of feelings but never sat down to decide if they wanted to be more to each other. He might have said ‘I love you’ and ‘Your powers are not a problem to me’, but his words are weighed against his actions. And I think that’s something people forget when judging Rogue’s situation. Gambit is afraid of commitment - most of the time he is afraid of being serious about the things he feels. And that leaves Rogue with a strange ‘we’re dancing around each other, but nothing is THAT serious.’ (regardless if it’s because he wants to give her space and not scare her off, or if it’s because he doesn’t want to catch himself with how much she means to him). So I would argue that Rogue is not only showing interest in someone that she can touch, but also in someone who looks at her with honesty when it comes to their feelings. (the case for both Cody and Magneto)

Another thing that I absolutely agree with is that, yes, the show is guilty of doing a poor job of balancing the way in which it portrays both ends of their struggles. Whatever Remy does is wrapped in a tone that makes the audience feel bad for him, and always focuses on his wish to be better and redeem himself. It's always in his service (also because it needs people to care about him so that his moment in Ep.5 can hit hard). When Rogue is shown navigating her emotions and insecurities the audience is told that she is in the wrong. THAT is what people should be taking out of it and should be talking about, not nodding their heads along and calling her a cheater.

Hope it’s ok for me to say it, but I completely disagree with your statement that she is cheating (and especially on her feelings). We need to step out of this internalised double standards we have when we talk about cheating. In Season 3 when she leaves with Cody there was no commitment so there is no cheating. In ‘97 she has feelings for both men and people need to accept it, she is not cheating on any of them and not cheating herself. She is trying to understand what she wants (under a lot of pressure based on how fast the events in episode 5 were unfolding) while also trying to be honest with both of them. She isn’t acting on her feelings until after she has spoken with both (and when it happens, layers of guilt are added to her confusion). Also I’d go one step further and say that no, she didn’t reject Gambit for Magneto. In Episode 5 she went to Gambit to tell him about her past and say that she wants to be part of the future, do something that is not just about herself in Genosha. I’d actually argue that he’s the one that’s making it about their relationship instead by asking her to pick on an emotional level. He’s the one calling it quits.

I guess the question that it all boils down to is ‘what are we calling cheating’, right? Having feelings for more than one person without acting on it - is it considered cheating? Not in my books. Emotions are not simple ‘white and black’ statements. They are messy and extremely difficult to navigate. And for some reason we refuse to understand that or allow female characters to navigate that without passing judgement. Because heteronormativity tells us that if you love someone you love only them, and at the same time male characters are allowed to have flaws while female characters aren’t. It’s what’s happening with Rogue. It’s what’s happening with Jean. Because in the middle of all the confusion, grief and pain she leaped at something that could give her comfort by trying to kiss Logan, she is held accountable for the smallest attempt to explore her emotions while being ridiculed for daring to be upset at Scott.

There is also much that I want to say in defense of both Gambit and Scott but the internet has that covered (and then some) so I will just continue to be bitter about how female characters are perceived. 🙃But also, to the last point that you brought up, there are things in the way he reacted to Rogue during the fireplace scene that should be seen through a critical lens: the fact that he refused to look at her while she went on her knees asking him to meet her half way, the fact that his ‘I played the swamp rat’ was thrown at her in a hurtful/guilt tripping way that absolved him of the consequences of his decisions in whatever game they were playing, that in the end he told her she chose ‘wrong’ and that she would suffer for it - ‘he’ll break your heart’). But all of those speak of his own hurt, regrets and low self-worth and I loved him SO MUCH for it in that scene because I love flaws and growth in a character. The problem is that those are all subtle things that get put under the umbrella of ‘love’ in media, while being insecure and coming to terms with the fact that we can love different people for different reasons is vilified.

Hope that my answer wasn’t too much of a turn off - I am guilty of starting a thought and writing a million words about it. And I am thankful for the ask because it opens up a conversation and corrects context that would otherwise be swept aside by us looking at just the parts of a whole.

#x men #x men 97 #x men '97 #rogue #gambit #remy lebeau #anna marie #marvel #x men the animated series #textpost #romy #fandom critical

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madcatlad · 9 months

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I doubt Jesson intended it but... why do I keep running into this really heavy theme throughout mcd.

Hear me out:

Children turning out to be monsters despite their parents efforts.

Let's start of with the obvious red flags

Zenix.

It is implied that he was very young when he was taken in by Garroth. It is also said outright that he was a shadowknight even before that. The dark implication of this is that Zenix became a shadowknight at a young age (children becoming shadowknights is rarely mentioned within mcd, it notably is only implied with Zenix, and Alexis.) Garroth took Zenix under his wing, so much so the kid was literally described as like a son to Garroth. But despite his efforts Zenix betrayed Phoenix Drop. The way they address this issue stands out to me as multiple characters seem to describe Zenix as "already gone" from his arrival to Phoenix Drop. Even Laurence. Now one could chalk this up to Jess being unable or unwilling to truly address Zenix as a tragic character, and simply paint him as the conniving villain the series needed at the time (before Zane). And i think there is some truth to that. However the fact that Zenix' motives have remained notably undefined and his actions seem to contradict from what we are told about him so insistently. Even for Jessica this is a clear sign that something is up. "Already gone"... because my writer brain loves parallels I automatically connected it to (again) the only place that this idea is brought up in the series: Zane.

Zane.

Zane in mcd is evil, his motives also seem a little unclear at times, but this is because he characterized to be power hungry, unpredictable, and- undeniably evil. But was it always this way? Zane would prefer to watch the world burn than rule it. He seems to just hate people, so what terrible event caused such a terrible person? Nothing apparently. As said by Zianna, he was "always that way".

Zenix' "Already Gone" hits far too close to Zane's "Always That Way" for me. And the parallels don't end there, Zenix and Zane mirror one another in interesting ways. Both have familial-like attachment to Garroth, and their nature/motivation seems to torment and confuse him endlessly. They both became shadowknights (both were chosen by the shadow lord despite being outside of his usual "type" - Zane:At twink, Zenix:A child.) And they both seem to be obsessed with power, yet both have some kind of trauma surrounding people in power (Zane:Garte, Zenix:Implied to have been wronged by a lord in some way.) All this being said I have to point out Zenix and Zane both start with Z. They are the only ones aside from Zoey with a Z starting name, and since they already share so many qualities I can see this being a way for Jess to foreshadow this.

Garroth, like he did with Zenix, he questions what led Zane on his path but Zianna seems to put this idea to rest entirely, and her word is taken as fact. Which is fair the idea isn't too shocking, considering the kind of person Zane was. But the fact that even Garroth thought to question the cause of Zane's nature and is immediately shut down by Zianna, and then it is never mentioned again. It's just to reminiscent to how Garroth compartmentalized Zenix' downfall and never mentioned it again. It's just too close.

Zianna at the end of the day is Zane's mother, which one could argue that she knows him best, however parents can be blind to the trauma that young children might face and the results that this may cause. Important to note is that Zianna is likely a victim. A constant state of fight or flight could absolutely block her from realizing or addressing the effects of prolonged trauma in her children. In her mind she was taking the blunt of the rather, a shield between harm and her children, but as in most cases, and as shown in both Garroth and Vylad this was not the reality, so it would be easy to connected that this would be the same with the middle son, Zane.

But in the misfortune of her situation Zianna did the best that she possibly could. But Zane ended up the way he did anyway. The way that Zianna is characterized in her short time on screen really encapsulates the backbone of this concept. Her guilt, and her grief are so compelling, and the manner in which she rationalize her traumatic experience is very believable... but identifying a child who was raised in a household that actively encouraged cruelty as just "always like that" is very suspicious to me. And the strong thematic intersections aligning between Zenix and Zane makes me believe that there is something going on here.

Brian

Last but not least.

This reveal was unexpected but impactful. It was shocking because of this concept. Despite Molly's best efforts Brian became a traitor anyway.

It came alongside Zenix' in a way which I think is interesting. It was implied that they had some kind of relationship. And they both ended up betraying Phoenix Drop.

I wonder where this guy is now...

But some honorable mentions since this concept is interesting to me. (Most of the arcs were put aside so it is interesting to think where they could have gone considering the circumstances, so I'm connecting it to this mini-theory.)

Season 1, when Baby Alexis was turned into an adult SHADOWKNIGHT! She was returned to normal of course but still... is that a possible destiny for her to be weary of?

Leona. Kiki is so sweet, and a great mom, bit... there is too much mystery and unanswered questions surrounding this child of her's. (Why did Zane even do this?) She is somewhat implied to kinda-but-not-really be Zane's? Regardless of the reality one way or another she is a result of Zane, a pawn in his plot, maybe one that died with him, maybe one that returned with him, we don't know.

Considering this thematic presence throughout MCD I wonder where this would have led in season three. It would be interesting if this heavier side to the series continued. Especially since Aphmau is raising the heir to a destroyer's relic. If this theme is to be believed then where would that lead to in Alina's destiny?

"Minecraft Diaries: Son and Daughters"

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46724815

#aphblr #aphmau #zianna ro'meave #zane ro'meave #garroth ro'meave #zenix mcd #brian mcd #leona mcd #shad the destroyer #mcd #minecraft diaries

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whateverisbeautiful · 11 months

Text

🀄️reflecting on richonne

Wordless Richonne Moments That Spoke Volumes

Honestly, Rick and Michonne’s relationship kept us so fed that even brief moments where not a word was spoken still communicated so much about the love they have for one another. Reminiscing about them (as is routine 😌) I thought about how many great and meaningful wordless scenes shed light on how important and special they are to each other, even apart from the always A1 hugs, kisses, and moments that will land on my top 30. Without even counting those, there is still so much powerful and heartfelt stuff captured in just quick wordless actions. And I just have to revel in some of my personal favorites. ❤︎

6.09

A personal favorite pre-canon wordless moment is in No Way Out. It’s the moment when Michonne helps Rick remove his blood-covered garment after Carl’s been shot. Up to this point in the series, it was clear that Michonne had become a mother to Carl, especially in moments like the one in the episode prior, Start to Finish, where she helped cover him in walker guts. So it made perfect sense to see her so panicked and doing everything she can to help Carl after he was shot. But that subtle act of her helping Rick with his clothes as he’s understandably too dazed to think straight...it was this exchange in 6.09 that really communicated Michonne isn’t just mom in this infirmary, she’s a wife too. Her concern was for Carl and Rick.

I so love that this exchange was included because in a moment of extreme crisis for them it showed how much Rick and his wellbeing was a priority to her. How much she loves him. From the second they realized Carl had been shot, Rick and Michonne both seamlessly went into protective parent mode and operated like a well-oiled machine to get him to the infirmary. And when Rick later walks out of the infirmary to take on the walkers, Michonne immediately knows Rick needs her and joins his side, even despite the danger and wanting to stay by Carl’s side. Seriously, when Michonne told Rick “either way, you need me” back in Season 3 it really remained the gospel truth throughout the series. So yeah there’s just something genuinely caring about that super quick poncho moment in the infirmary and it’s a nice effective way to show how much he means to her.

6.10

Another great wordless moment is in the next ep, 6.10, when Rick finds that toothpaste with Daryl. My absolute favorite aspect of this subtle moment is when Rick grabs one of the toothpaste boxes and checks to see which type it is. Y’all. 🤭 I love this. Because see, a man who is just getting toothpaste for his friend would see that they found a box of toothpaste and just think “oh good, my friend wanted that.” But a man in love, a man in love says yeah we found toothpaste but lemme check this box real quick and make sure it’s the exact type my woman said she wanted.👌🏽 I’ll always appreciate how this whole toothpaste/mints through-line during the day was used to show Rick’s feelings for Michonne before they got together romantically that night. Because it showed how it wasn’t just about getting the basics the group needs to get by, he wanted to give her what she wanted and to do something nice for her beyond bare-bones survival. Rick really stays remembering all the details about Michonne, including her favorite type of toothpaste. And when she blessed his life by being all glowy in that robe earlier that morning and told him what she likes, he wanted to be sure he delivered. Hence him later being shown pocketing those oh so special mints. Forever here for it.

6.11

Of course another top tier wordless moment is in 6.11 when Rick reaches for Michonne and she holds his hand in the RV the morning after they finally got together. Their energies in that RV were just flat-out adorable. 🥰 I love how bashful but happy Michonne is and how blissful and content Rick is. It’s so sweet how Rick can sense her without even looking and lovingly reaches for her, and then smiles wanting her to know how happy she makes him. The joy they bring each other and the perfect partnership they are is just so on display without a word being spoken. I love this as the first sort of private (despite a full RV and Jesus eyeing them lol) post-canon moment we get to see them share after that night. Rick and Michonne both fully aware they’re in love is just perfection. And again, this moment is so meaningful because this wordless handhold is really all they needed to assure each other and know they’re in it for the long haul.

6.16

Rick’s reaction to finding Michonne’s hair in the traumatic season 6 finale is such a telling wordless moment. It will always stand out to me how confident Rick had been at every turn in this episode, even as they began feeling cornered, and it wasn’t until finding his love’s hair that he began to really let fear and stress sink in. The way he still holds onto the hair even when they return to the RV and just seems completely distraught that she and some of his closest friends could be hurt somewhere. 😢 Indicating they have Michonne really was the Saviors most effective tactic that day cuz it shook Rick to his core and likely triggered the memory of only finding Lori’s hair hanging from that walker’s mouth after she died in s3. It was already so evident that Rick deeply loves Michonne but this moment in that RV just really hammered that point home. It also emphasizes that “you’re okay/I’m okay” thing R&M have cuz he now knows she’s likely not okay and that instantly makes him not okay. She’s his other half, and his world seemed to be feeling off balance without her. I appreciate that they let this moment with Rick and her hair linger for a bit as just how much Michonne means to him was made blatantly evident.

And that’s only Season 6. They have several more. So It wouldn’t be me if there wasn’t a part 2. 😋

#richonne #random revelings #twd

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skippyangel16 · 1 year

Text

My final post…

The Waypoint when ‘it’ was given life and perhaps they lost their way for good?

Three’s a Crowd…and it always appears there’s three in this ‘public marriage’. 2018…when they ALL took on their roles!

Whilst they could be contractually obliged to deny their relationship, no one could make them do what they have done.

They gave it life and it continues to grow…

We’re doing it now people, action!

The ‘directors’ direct…

Sam has his prompt, Cait guides Tony…oops nearly walks past🤣

Oh we’re doing this now, let’s make it look convincing…

#awkward 🫣

Tony has had a makeover ….Sam takes it all in… looks like he’s about to 🤮

👇What it could have looked like if authentic 🤪

Below👇Cait is talking. Sam replies ‘right, okay?’

Cait speaks again whilst giving him a reassuring arm rub 🥰 the love in that arm rub speaks volumes!

Sam asks (appears to say) ‘Do you get all this shite?’ eyes immediately looking at….🧐 whatever she replied his smile says it all. They are both happy together despite the shit show. Happy to deceive?

Let’s not ever forget just how staged this is!

How anyone can’t see the performance 🎭 is beyond me? Pure Hollywood…

Since then they have both actively supported the narrative more and more each year so whilst you can feel sorry for them back in 2016 (when they appeared to be pressured to go underground)today it’s harder. With every performance they do they make it more unlikely that they will come out anytime soon. His book reiterated Cait is the only woman but it also brought the brother/sister relationship to the fore again🤮. I’m afraid that’s pretty much made my mind up there’s no imminent plan to come clean. He has cemented his single commitment free life in black and white, any u turn on that now revealing a totally different version with his ‘perhaps sister’ would have a huge backlash from those who part with 💰 for his products. Alas although his alcohol business is growing it’s likely he is more reliant on fan sales than he would like to be. Maybe one day it won’t be so but perhaps single Sam will be around until the scales tip the other way?🤷‍♀️

There is no denying they actively manipulate all sides of the fandom…ours included, but the fact remains our side is basically them just being themselves and most of the time it just happens naturally! IMO 🤪

But it’s not all innocent …

Some wise words from Jamie.

When you have to sell your part truth…can’t imagine the stress and damage to your soul!

He (allegedly)is a good man leading a fake life and when you can’t have your truth, it will destroy you. Can you be a good man if you deliberately deceive, lie and manipulate?

Can you really feel 💯 % proud of it?

Someone recently said on one of my posts they have ended up with the ‘cover up’ book and will think twice about what they buy in the future. That’s a fair comment.

When I look at this card I have an overwhelming urge to add IT to his SH.

The shit show lives on…😢 I just wish they would stop feeding it!

Keep your secrets but tell us no lies…

Alas I am all done here, the book has shown a lost man. If anyone needs to pick a lane it’s Sam, he’s trying to be everything to everyone, so who looks crazy? Single Sam will never be convincing when all he talks about is his married co star and when in her presence looks at her as if she is the only woman on earth.

Lies are poison, a sure path to self destruction. I don’t wish to watch that happen or anymore cycles of this shit show. They are actually abusing their fans by doing this imo. Excuses will always be made for whatever Sam does by thousands here, his god like persona and charm are like a spell that keeps us all engaged. His ability to come out of everything smelling like roses is truly amazing. He knows exactly what he’s doing and what he will get away with. Denying his family as his truth ✅ yep seems there’s nothing he can’t or won’t do and yes fans have already excused him. JMHO.

Everyone will continue to make excuses for him until you can’t, my tipping point is him denying his family in his memoirs. Call it artistic license if it makes you happy, or blame the ghost writer, but I wouldn’t want to put that out into the universe.🤮

Sold it as His truth…totally supporting the narrative, nothing good about that.

I knew once I reached the point that I believe they are totally complicit in their fan manipulation for their own gain I would leave. They may not have started out that way or intended to reach the level they are at now but that’s how toxic Hollywood works. ‘It’ has become their normal. They are their own jailers and complicit in their own narrative imo. It’s their life and their choice on how they want to play/live it. I choose not to watch it any further. Sam has shown his true colours in this book, no one to hide behind. Who is Sam Heughan? Well con artist springs to my mind at this point in time but that’s JMHO. I no longer like what I see so therefore I just don’t care anymore. I still believe they are together but there is no joy in watching this farce, there are no winners here.

I came here for a love story but all I see is a public tragedy on display and a private tragedy waiting to happen as their lies engulf them…I hope they find their moral compass and follow it again soon. What could have been their best years have now gone by. No doubt they will one day cash in on their Hollywood love story, may even star in it as themselves…but that’s some way off imo. They are as free as they want to be, the only one that actually needs freeing is Tony but maybe he’s happy and got a job for life?

His book is my waypoint out of here. I can finally see them for who they really are, as I don’t wish to blog negatively I’m freeing myself of their lies and manipulation. They only have themselves to blame for what the fans believe here whatever side your on. It’s an ugly, sick game and a total turn off… it’s not good for anyones mental health!

Officially signing off from blogging S&C but I wish them nothing but happiness.

To everyone here thanks for making me welcome and all the discussions!

Wishing you all good health and happiness!

😘

Over and Out…

#@skippyangel16 #tumblr #samcait #final post #post Nov 2022 #waypoints don’t get lost #waypoints

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jaymicrosoft · 6 months

Note

A few more ideas:

The reader gets a bad nose bleed during a training session with Kylo and puts a stop to training so he could help stop the bleeding and makes her take the rest of the day to rest and resume training the next day.

#2 The reader was born with a heart condition, and she gets his reaction when Kylo finds out about it and the rest of her medical history.

#3 The reader is usually one not to use choice words and Kylo never thought he’d lived to see the day when she does. But it was unintentional as she had done it in her sleep.

Crimson Pause: Unexpected Act of Kindness

Stories are split!

In the midst of a rigorous training session with Kylo Ren, [Name] suffers a severe nosebleed, prompting a surprising display of compassion from the Sith Lord. He insists on her immediate rest and postponing their training until the next day. This short story highlights an unexpected act of kindness in the unforgiving world of the Sith, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's well-being.

----------------------------------------------------

The training room was cloaked in shadows, illuminated only by the crimson glow of Kylo Ren's lightsaber. The air was thick with tension as he sparred with his apprentice, [Name]. She was determined to prove herself, pushing her limits under his watchful eye.

But as the duel intensified, a sudden surge of adrenaline caused [Name]'s heart to race, and before she could react, a sharp pain shot through her nose. She felt a warm, metallic taste in her mouth, and to her horror, a torrent of blood began to flow from her nostrils.

Kylo Ren immediately deactivated his lightsaber and rushed to [Name]'s side, his concern evident in his piercing eyes. He took her gently by the arm and guided her to a nearby bench.

"[Name], are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

She managed a weak nod, dabbing at the blood with her sleeve. "I'll be fine, just a nosebleed."

Kylo didn't buy her attempt to downplay the situation. "You need to stop training for today," he insisted. "This isn't just any nosebleed, and I won't have you pushing yourself further. Rest is crucial now."

Reluctantly, [Name] nodded. Kylo helped her to lie down on the bench and fetched a clean cloth to stem the bleeding. He was surprisingly gentle as he held it to her nose, his actions a stark contrast to his usual intimidating demeanor.

"Take it easy," he advised, his tone softening. "I'll make sure you're comfortable, and we'll continue training tomorrow. Your health comes first."

As [Name] lay there, the bleeding slowly subsided, and Kylo Ren remained by her side, keeping a watchful eye on her. He had shown a side of himself she rarely saw, one of genuine care and concern for her well-being. Though the training session had come to an unexpected halt, it was a reminder that even in the darkest corners of the Force, a glimmer of humanity remained.

------------------------------------

Compassionate Revelation

In the ominous domain, [Name] reveals her lifelong heart condition to Kylo Ren, expecting judgment. To her surprise, Kylo's reaction is one of compassion and accommodation, promising to adapt her training to protect her health. This story unveils the unexpected kindness within the darkness.

The starship's cold metal walls seemed to close in on [Name] as she anxiously awaited her turn for a training session with Kylo Ren. She had always been discreet about her health, a heart condition she had carried since birth, and she had managed to keep it hidden from her master. But today, the truth was about to be revealed.

As she entered the dimly lit training room, her heart raced, and the room's gloom seemed to mirror her inner turmoil. Kylo Ren's presence was intimidating, his dark aura filling the space as he waited for her.

"[Name], we have much to accomplish today," he declared, igniting his crimson lightsaber.

But before she could respond, [Name] hesitated, her heart condition heavy on her mind. She took a deep breath and decided to confide in her master. "Kylo, there's something you should know. I have a heart condition that's been with me since birth."

Kylo Ren's mask hid his expression, but his voice held a tinge of surprise. "You've kept this from me?"

She nodded, feeling vulnerable. "I didn't want it to affect your opinion of my abilities or make you doubt my commitment to the dark side."

Kylo studied her for a moment, then deactivated his lightsaber and approached. He reached out, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder, a gesture of support she hadn't expected. "You should have told me earlier. Your well-being is important. What's the extent of your medical history?"

With a sense of relief that he was not reprimanding her, [Name] began to explain her condition and medical history in detail. Kylo listened attentively, absorbing the information. He didn't react with anger or disappointment, as she had feared, but with a willingness to understand and accommodate her needs.

"From now on, we'll tailor your training to ensure it doesn't jeopardize your health," he assured her. "Your condition won't hold you back. In fact, it makes you all the more unique. We'll find a way for you to harness your potential without endangering your well-being."

As they continued their training, Kylo Ren's demeanor remained surprisingly understanding. [Name] had braced herself for the worst, but her master's reaction had been unexpectedly compassionate. The burden of her heart condition had lessened, and she realized that even in the darkness of the Sith, there was room for empathy and support.

In that moment, [Name] knew that her path was not just one of mastering the Force but of discovering the complexities of the human heart, even in the company of the darkest of mentors.

------------------------------------

Sleeping Secrets: [Name]'s Colorful Dreams

Kylo Ren is surprised when [Name], usually reserved, unconsciously uses colorful language in her sleep. It leads to a lighthearted and endearing discovery about her hidden personality.

Kylo Ren's imposing figure loomed over [Name] as she lay asleep in her quarters, bathed in the soft blue glow of the chamber's lighting. He had grown accustomed to her quiet and reserved nature, a stark contrast to his own intensity. But tonight, he would witness a surprising change.

As he watched her, [Name] shifted in her sleep, her face contorting in a dream. Then, to Kylo's astonishment, a string of choice words slipped from her lips. It was unlike anything he had ever heard from her, and the words were as unintentional as they were unexpected.

A soft chuckle escaped him, and he couldn't help but be amused by the sudden outburst of profanity. He wondered what kind of dream had provoked this uncharacteristic response. Kylo had always seen [Name] as composed and level-headed, the yin to his fiery yang. Her sleeping expletives were a surprising twist in her personality.

The following day, Kylo couldn't resist teasing her about the incident. "I must say, [Name], you're full of surprises. Who knew you had such colorful language hidden within you?"

[Name] blushed, mortified by her accidental slip. "I didn't even realize I said anything. It must have been a really strange dream."

Kylo Ren chuckled again, but there was a warmth in his eyes that [Name] had rarely seen. "Well, it's good to know you have a hidden rebellious side, even if it only comes out in your sleep."

From that day on, a new layer of their relationship had been revealed. [Name] might be quiet and reserved while awake, but in her sleep, she was a whole different person. It became a humorous and endearing secret they shared, a reminder that even the most composed individuals had unexpected facets to their personalities. Kylo Ren had learned that there was more to [Name] than met the eye, and he cherished the moments that allowed him to see these hidden depths.

#kylo ren headcanons #kylo ren angst #kylo ren imagine #kylo ren fanfiction #kylo ren imagines

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magmas-stuff · 4 months

Text

Dr. Eggman: Full Delusion (character overview)

This post aims to analyze the main antagonist of the entire franchise, Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik, discussing the facets that make up this honestly really interesting villain. Hopefully it won’t come across as too surface level, since his character is one of key importance to the entire Sonic brand.

Ego City

A look into Eggman's mind from Sonic Dream Team concept art.

Eggman (especially Classic Eggman) is, at his very core, an extremely childish individual. He throws loud tantrums when defeated, and doesn’t hesitate to gloat when succeeding. He builds expressive, toy-like robots to make up his army. His goal in life is to transform the world into a theme park built in his image. The name “Eggman” was adopted entirely out of spite.

He has a clouded view of morality, operating under the strange notion that, somehow, under his leadership, the whole world would “magically” see an age of peace and prosperity (despite referring to his own actions as evil quite frequently). And most prominently, he thinks extremely highly of himself, if all the monuments of his visage didn’t make it clear enough.

I am genius. I am great. I am brillant. I am smart. I am wise. I am an emperor.

It’s not fully known what led to this sort of behavior, but some guesses can be made. Ivo, in his own recount, did not receive much attention from his family after the passing of his cousin Maria, whose death was covered up as an accident aboard the Space Colony ARK.

He resents her for this as, in his words, she received “all that love” that he deemed rightfully his, as he was actually alive ("Right! There!"). It’s also told that Ivo regarded his late grandfather, Professor Gerald, as his “true hero.” The young Eggman was inspired by him to become the scientist he grew to be and "do good for humanity," just as his grandfather before him. Despite how greatly their methodology differs, Eggman still seemed to think he was following Gerald’s footsteps, this being especially apparent when he learns about Gerald's final moments.

Translation by @browniestash!

In Eggman's mind, Gerald was a hero, one whose research did naught but benefit humanity. But, then and there, what he saw instead was a grieving, vengeful man with the dying wish to destroy the world that wronged him, moments before his execution. Despite this provoking him to briefly question his whole goal, it did little to halt the doctor’s conquest in the grand scheme of things. In fact, nothing seems to be able to crush Eggman’s spirit, as no matter how many defeats he faces, the doctor will always come back and ready to try taking over the world again.

Need to control

Seeing as he surrounds himself with robots programmed to answer to his every command, it’s no surprise that Eggman is something of a control freak. To maintain a position of power upon others, Eggman will employ all levels of manipulation and deceit to ensure his will is carried out, and seems to struggle to think of others as anything more than pawns to his plans. And he will not hesitate to discard his tools once they stop being of use to him.

This is in harsh contrast to Sonic, a free-spirited hedgehog who stands against opression and inspires others to live out their authentic selves. Perhaps Sonic being this untameable entity is one of the many reasons that leads Eggman to hate him as much as he does, even if there is a mutual sort of respect the two share. Because it has been shown time and time again what he does with those he does not respect.

Despite all this, this manipulation does seem to have a limit, most notably during the ending of Shadow the Hedgehog, where he admits to Shadow that he lied about having built him, given that there was a big chance that would be their last interaction. Somewhere, deep within his heart, Eggman felt some form of remorse or guilt over misleading Shadow and messing with his sense of identity, so much so that he needed to tell the truth even if it meant losing a pontential pawn for his future schemes. It seems it takes mankind being entirely controlled by an alien overlord to get that out of him. This more human side of Eggman’s is also further explored in Sonic Frontiers with Sage and the doctor coming to see her as family. Overall, the theme seems to be that hiding beneath all the narcissism and basic disregard for others lies something resembling some form of a decent human being.

Conclusion

And that's Eggman. An incredibly intelligent, incredibly immature, manipulative egomaniac who loves being in control and thinks that he and he alone could singlehandedly run the entire world with his wisdom better than anyone else. As a note to end on, it'd be wrong not to link an analysis by Voiced By Mandy that discusses the relationship Eggman and Shadow have, which I can't recommend it enough.

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lovestuckyhatemarvel · 9 months

Text

Let’s talk about cycles of abuse and how characters in Good Omens react to it.

Heaven and Hell in Good Omens are a true ‘both sides suck’ example. This isn’t news to anyone who watched the show either season. It’s made clear numerous times that they both have arbitrary evils that they commit, but only one side (Hell) actually admits that their actions are evil.

And so you get characters like Beelzabub and Gabriel who are both, predominantly, bullies. They have some power within the structures that they’re in and are some of the people spearheading the apocalypse. Other people pointed this out but neither were really afraid of their station so walking away from it, while definitely scary, wasn’t as scary as it would be for someone else.

And then you get people like Crowley and Aziraphale.

Crowley questioned Heaven thousands of years ago, learned they won’t ever forgive him for his existence. And Hell? Well Hell is only every happy if he’s pretending to be monstrous but he’s always one mistake away from being destroyed. He knew that. He’s known it for a long time. He ‘quiet quit’ (gag) before that ever became a thing. And he makes it clear what side he’s really on in season 1. He’d turned his back on his abusers ages ago. That’s not to say he’s thrilled about it, he still acts out his trauma in his plants and pulls away from love, but he’s given up on becoming something his abusers like. He stayed out of convenience but he asked his angel to run away with him years ago.

Aziraphale meanwhile has bought into the lie of Heaven this entire time. He has never once admitted that it’s an abusive system that has never cared about him. He thought the apocalypse was a misstep rather than emblematic. And that’s how he reacted every time Heaven was shown to be monstrous. And so he is the epitome of someone who believes a bad situation just needs new leadership. So when he’s given a chance to FIX Heaven, to make Crowley a ‘good guy’ again who smiles easy and calls the world gorgeous, he clings to it. Because this had to have been going toward something. Heaven has to be worth saving. Aziraphale has been telling us for thousands of years that he can’t admit heaven has always been fundamentally broken. And let’s be clear, that’s incredibly naive, but it’s a naive character. And also the thing that might have been able to convince him otherwise, his attempted execution, is something Crowley shielded him from. And that was good for his safety but he was never forced to confront that ugliness that Crowley could never forgive or forget.

And also I should have seen it coming with the arc that Nina goes through which I believe (and shout-out to @mywingsareonwheels for being lovely to talk to about this) was foreshadowing. Nina is in an abusive and controlling relationship with a character who is never seen. All we get to see are the hurtful messages and how Nina reacts. And the way Nina reacted was to alter her behavior in an attempt to save the relationship. The reason it ends, the reason Nina gets away, is because her partner dumps her. Not because Nina realized on her own that she deserved better. And also her arc still ends with her not being ready to do anything further with Maggie.

And I just don’t think it’s a coincidence that an abusive relationship only ends in season 2 because the abuser gets tired of the abused right when Aziraphel goes back to heaven. Mark my words, that angel is going to have to be forced to see the truth in season 3. And it’s going to be a long fall.

#good omens #good omens 2 #season 2 #spoilers #crowley #ineffable husbands #abuse #cycles of abuse #Gabriel #beelzabub #it took me ages longer to admit one of my parents was abusive than the other #and that’s because i believed my mom was good and loved me so I just couldn’t face both being awful #I don’t like what that angel did but Gdi I get it #aziraphale

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marisoft-paint-adventures · 1 year

Text

Pgs. 214-247

it’s her.

Rope Lalope.

icon for weird goths who for some reason decide to live in the Midwest, those who can somehow still enjoy Lovecraft while knowing the truth of his fucking cat, and

I don’t think WLW ships have ever been the same since the advent of The Rosemary from The Homestuck,

or if I want to sound like a fuckin goofy ass oldhead, femslash.

the thing is that I cannot identify any actual concrete change in general fandom and shipping post-HS, I just feel it. I can feel that something within the universe’s structure changed the moment grimdark gorl and sparkly gay vampire got together.

but I’m talking about a character that hasn’t even shown up yet.

also front facing Rose is fucking haunting stop please.

[insert dabbing joke here.]

the fucking haunting violin refrain flash is so good I love how her movements sync up with the song.

not gonna gush about Aggrieve the same way as Showtime because come on it’s fucking Showtime, but Aggrieve is still very much up there.

Since your good for nothing friend is obviously not going to bail you out in time, you issue words of parting fondness to dear, sweet Liv. Oh, if only Affleck could have been the one to make the final sacrifice instead of her stubborn, blue collar, salt-of-the-earth father. Then she would fall into your arms for consolation, and YOU would be the one to make the deceased Bruce Willis proud.

the crush on Liv Tyler is not explored enough in fandom, I need to know how much John imprints her on his other romance options. how much of a Liv Tyler is Vriska, these are the fucking questions people.

Your panoramic window offers a view of your yard below, and the mausoleum housing your dead cat, JASPERS, who died when you were young. Your MOM had the structure erected with a spirit of scornful IRONY in response to your youthfully innocent request to hold a funeral for the animal. At least, that is how you have come to interpret the gesture in retrospect.

compared to John’s struggle with the clownkind, Rose has a much more grounded strife with her parental figure.

I say that but Rose takes this shit to an 11.

regardless, a parent that constantly performs malicious compliance with a hint of irony isn’t unbelievable, neither is someone fooling themselves into thinking their guardian is operating as such due to a general disconnect and the feeling of not having enough attention.

with all of this established,

it’s still really fucking funny,

because Rose will stare down Mom with sheer contempt thinking “SHE’S FUCKING WITH YOU! SHE’S TRYING TO GET TO YOU! DO NOT GIVE IN TO HER GAMES!” as she stands around vacuuming jackshit, probably having no thoughts in her fucking head except for “I love household chores. :))))))”

WIZARDS.RAR.

genuinely the funniest story surrounding Homestuck, Andrew Hussie risked their entire PC for a bunch of fucking stupid wizard pngs.

the Egberts do high action cake forcefeeding, the Lalondes do drunken covert operations, the Striders DO MAD NINJA TRICKS.

GIRL IS DRENCHED.

early HS art is so fucking pretty. everyone’s always on about the kids looking like bobbleheads and that’s good but the environments are so fucking good as well.

iconic panel, banger panel. look at how her knees do the swirly thing.

CRINGE MAC USER.

you’re making the John nervous!!! Egberts only do this under high stress!!! help him!!!

TT: And the content of the card appears to be variable from session to session. TT: In one instance it was described as an "eggy loking thign" [sic].

presenting without comment.

“John: Take bite of apple.” is a really good ending flash in which John takes a bite out of an apple

and then gets fucking nuked.

the act then ends there.

a marvel that the only reason John lived was because he did what looked like the goofiest option ever. did the apple even taste good? what the fuck is cruxite made of???? I guess it’s edible??? might be candy, is it candy??? do they come in different flavors???

after way too long, Act 1 is finally fucking done, yet the more I read it, the shorter it feels. I can’t tell if it’s because I don’t need to absorb the tutorial stuff due to being familiar with the comic already, or because I’m anticipating when shit really goes crazy later on. maybe a bit of both. it certainly preps me for the art style, the flowery language, the weird humor, and so on.

I can say that Act 1 is

fine.

it is of good quality.

nothing groundbreaking and not the best,

but enjoyable nonetheless.

I get that it’s a bit slow and nothing really happens, but I’m able to entertain myself with the page to page shenanigans and good character interactions.

honestly I don’t understand how people skipped this act at all, how the fuck do you skip the start of the story??? don’t you want to like

understand

what is happening

and who these people are???

especially the later part, so much Homestuck skipping was for the sake of immediately getting to the character interactions, but

there are character interactions here,

and

you learn who the characters even are.

like what the fuck, the introduction to the characters and their dynamics should be key to being invested in them, but I guess not because some people were able to just jump in the middle and grow attached while not knowing what the fuck is going on.

in conclusion: people who skipped Act 1 are cringe, and have doomed themselves. Act 1 good.

#homestuck liveblog #hs liveblog #hs reread #liveblog #reread #live read #liveread #homestuck #hs1 #hs #home22tuck #Act 1 #Flash #john egbert #june egbert #rose lalonde #Beta Kids #end of act

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