#i already am not sure about the ranking hhh

[depoteka]

my ranking and review of all eurovision 2023 songs

(don't expect any intellectual deep dives, i just tried articulating my feelings the best i could but it was hard bc i'm so lukewarm on so many songs. if the reviews don't make sense it's because i wrote them before i used the esc gerbear to sort the places hhh)

37. iceland: diljá - power

it definitely is a song that is competing in eurovision this year and i've listened to it. it doesn't make me feel anything so i don't know what to say. it's a fast pop song but i'm not even vibing to it :( i just don't like it

36. switzerland: remo forrer - watergun

oh switzerland, just because sad boy gjon worked in 2021 doesn't mean you need to keep sending sad boys now... a really boring attempt at an anti-war song

35. cyprus: andrew lambrou - break a broken heart

i don't think i'm really into men singing some heartbreak songs tbh i don't like those howls in the song and the rest sorta sounds imagine dragons-ish to me, the verses at least

34. greece: victor vernicos - what they say

it's cool that he's playing bass in the music video but the song isn't making me feel much. ain't gonna really talk shit about it bc the dude's just 16, i hope he has fun at eurovision

33. italy: marco mengoni - due vite

i like to think italy is my fave eurovision country and then they send a ballad….. i actually watched sanremo (tho i haven't seen any of the nights till the end bc i'm not that strong Yet) and marco wasn't my favourite at all, i was actually surprised how crazy the audience kept going whenever he was performing. of course i can see it getting some good result because it's a classic italian ballad. just not for me

32. ireland: wild youth - we are one

we've got u2 at home/the u2 at home:…. this song has the most generic love love peace peace lyrics ever and whatever unity they are singing about i don't want to be a part of it

31. poland: jann - gladiator blanka - solo

baybeh….it's kinda crazeh… allegedly it was a big radio hit before "winning" the preselections but imma be real with you, i'd never heard it before. it's a harmless pop song without any substance and if it was selected internally i'd be like meh but all the bullshit that went down at our national final makes me mad. i hope we flop hard

30. portugal: mimicat - ai coração

something about it to me feels like early 00s eurovision and i must admit, i don't really like it. though the performance in liverpool might be quite fun

29. romania: theodor andrei - d.g.t. (off and on)

the national final performance of this song is a state of mind. to be frank i feel like the esc fandom is overhating this song, it's not That bad. am i a fan of this song? no. would i like it to see it in the final with the same staging just for laughs? yes

28. israel: noa kirel - unicorn

israel i'm so sorry 0 points……. this song is a disjointed mess to my ears, i think it would've been better if they stuck to just one of the styles they used in this song. all the mentions of unicorns in this song make me cringe. not to mention the "you wanna see me dance?" bit which um, also makes me cringe. no problem with a dance break but why did she have to announce it like that out of nowhere. my favourite part of the song is probably the "u-ni-corn" chant at the very end but other than that eh. this song was written to make the staging crazy and exciting but as a song it doesn't work for me

27. azerbaijan: turalturanx - tell me more

brave of azerbaijan to send two dudes with their song that sound like it teleported itself from an early 00s shitty british movie. that rap part sounds like it's from a corporate song targeted at a young audience to idk make them stop smoking asdfadsf there's something endearing about this song tho

26. uk: mae muller - i wrote a song

i recognize that it's a step in the right direction for the uk and it's a rather fun song but tbh i just don't connect with it. i really liked sam last year and sadly in comparison mae's song seems quite weak to me. though i hope that the (de facto) host country curse doesn't work on the uk this year tho and they don't end up on the very end of the board

25. the netherlands: mia nicolai & dion cooper - burning daylight

ngl i forgot about this song after the first listen. i don't even know what to say about it really, it's just really underwhelming to me. i think i don't actively hate it but i also don't really like it

24. georgia: iru - echo

english grammar rules have left the chat. i'm baffled by the lyrics. but the song overall (along with the video) feels like something from outer space or the future. not in a crazy way tho. i think it has some potential

23. denmark: reiley - breaking my heart

bts are on hiatus so it's his time to shine. no but seriously, there's something so kpopy about this song? i defo like it more than the other "breaking heart" song this year but still. the dude gives me some uncanny valley feeling, especially considering he allegedly pretends to be 5 years younger than he actually is? i love eurovision drama

22. estonia: alika - bridges

we have very few true ballads this year but i think this one's ok!! not a ballad girl myself but i don't mind this one, i like her voice. gives me adele bond theme vibes. i've seen people say alika isn't really selling this song but i saw her national final performance and it seemed fine to me? not much you can really do when you're singing a ballad tbh

21. armenia: brunette - future lover

imma be real with you, i laughed out loud when i first listened to this song because of the lyrics. but i think the song is kinda nice anyway? not a fave but it's nice enough

20. malta: the busker - dance (our own party)

they got sax and in theory i should like it. but i'm not a fan. the whole "ooh i wanna stay at home in my sweater" shtick doesn't work for me. i can see why some people are vibing to this song but it's not doing it for me

19. sweden: loreen - tattoo

i'm a noted hater of sweden at eurovision so don't expect me to say anything nice hhhh the song is rather fine and loreen is fantastic but at the same time i feel like the entire song is just one idea repeated over and over without any sort of variation. her staging at melfest seems quite interesting but overall i don't think this has a potential to win? especially if the people watching in may remember euphoria. tattoo pales in comparison

18. san marino: piqued jacks - like an animal

hear me out………i don't hate this song. yes maybe it's cringe but somehow it keeps getting stuck in my head because it's catchy asdfasdfadsf i'm waiting for the studio version bc it's hard to properly judge it based on the shit sound mix at san marino nf

17. ukraine: tvorchi - heart of steel

was kinda surprised watching vidbir when this won! but then again ukraine keeps giving us different things constantly. i quite like this song but it's also too lowkey for me, nothing to go crazy about. still, it's a vibe

16. norway: alessandra - queen of the kings

ngl when i first heard the song i couldn't understand why people like it so much. now i enjoy it more but i wouldn't say it's a fave of mine? i can see it getting a good result though, there's something very eurovision about it

15. serbia: luke black - samo mi se spava

i feel like technically i should like this song but i….don't. i think the music itself is quite fun but…..the performance makes it seem like it was written for the netflix eurovision movie. something about this guy's voice bothers me. the nail to the coffin for me is the fact that the title of this song sounds close to "samo mi się spawa" in polish which means "it welds on its own for me" instead of "i just wanna sleep" which is what the title actually means 💀 i can't shake this association off and it doesn't help me like this song more

14. slovenia: joker out - carpe diem

at first i wasn't impressed but overall i think it's quite a fun indie/pop rock song!! and it's always nice to hear a native language instead of english

13. lithuania: monika lynkytė - stay

it's a pleasant song and the lithuanian bit is my fave part of the song. overall i don't mind it, but also i'm not crazy about it. sort of disappointed because i really loved sentimentai last year :(

12. belgium: gustaph - because of you

i haven't watched the belgian nf so i don't know what the other options were (that people are so mad about not winning) but i quite like this one!!! it's a bop, makes me wanna dance. i hope gustaph brings some voguing to liverpool

11. moldova: pasha parfeni - soarele şi luna

the only true folk influenced song we have this year, i like it!! it's a banger, it has some sort of flute going on, from what i've seen the lyrics refer to a folk legend? we love it

10. australia: voyager - promise

banger!! pleasantly surprised because i don't think i've ever really really liked any of australia's entries in the past. thought the random high note in the second verse is quite funny to me tbh asdasdfds

9. croatia: let 3 - mama ŠČ!

i think it's more of a whole package where the song doesn't really make full sense without the performance but in some strange way i enjoy the song anyway. the lyrics also are quite understandable in polish which probably also makes it easier for me (and i imagine other slavic people as well) to understand the message without feeling confused about what's going on

8. albania: albina & familja kelmendi - duje

the drama?? i love it. i saw somebody say it feels like a turkish telenovela and they've got a point. it makes me feel something (unlike some other entries) and i appreciate it. plus the instrumental absolutely fucks

7. spain: blanca paloma - eaea

when i first heard the song i didn't understand it at all. i feel like i still don't fully Get it but there's something so fascinating about it to me that i can't stop thinking about it. i'm so confused? but i think it means i enjoy it. definitely something i like more than slomo last year

6. germany: lord of the lost - blood & glitter

yell heah!! germany finally sending something worthwhile. i keep listening to this song on loop, i wanna twerk to it. love the combo of metal AND glitter <3

5. france: la zarra - évidemment

i already liked it at first listen and it keeps growing on me! not a big fan of chanson type of songs but this one is a banger + her look in the music video is gorgeous, i hope she keeps it for liverpool

4. czechia: vesna - my sister's crown

liked it before it was chosen at czechia's national final and was happy when they won but i kinda got bored of it after a month or so? i still think it's a good song (even tho i know people have some issues with it) and i love the mix of three different slavic languages. i think with the right staging they can win me back

3. latvia: sudden lights - aijā

OK OK… when i first heard it i was like ok. but then one evening i randomly found myself watching the moldovan nf and they were guests there and when they played their song in this shitty studio i was like omg it's actually really good?? obsessed with the lullaby bit at the end. i hope to god they qualify, they need to bring justice to latvia after citi zeni's nq last year

2. austria: teya & salena - who the hell is edgar?

what a surprise?? adored it at first listen. it both manages to be a bop while also trying to say something. i loved in corpore sano last year, i love who the hell is edgar this year

1. finland: käärijä - cha cha cha

what can i say......i usually don't really listen to any of the national final songs and just wait for the winner of each one but the thumbnail for cha cha cha music video on yt intrigued me so i watched it. and immediately i wanted käärijä to win eurovision weeks before he even won the finnish nf. the song is sooo addictive and his entire look/performance is hypnotizing. i know he's a favourite to win rn but if he somehow flops in may i'm gonna be really really sad. come on, it's crazy it's party. i think this finnish win would be a really fitting addition to lordi's win in 2006

#eurovision #i already am not sure about the ranking hhh #but like. more or less...

[radramblog]

Rating the letters of the alphabet

I feel like part of my style of comedy is just rambling about shit and making loose connections between things as part of an overall bit. I think. I’m no expert on myself, unfortunately.

The inspiration for the following absolute load of shite is trying to search Tiermaker for nothing. Like, no characters in the search bar. Didn’t come up with anything. Did a search for just a space. No dice. What about just a? Surely that’ll bring up everything with an A in the title. But it didn’t, and I was somewhat disappointed.

Then my head started writing bits about letters and that’s how we got here. This is probably really stupid, but maybe it’ll at least be fun. Wordplay is cool, though maybe not my strong suit? Anyway.

A: A is one of the two letters that’s also just a word, as you’ve just seen, giving it a necessary promotion in rank. Not a lot of things get to double up like that, though with the “an” ligature maybe it’s actually a double or nothing. But because of the confusing common connection crossing contexts for the character, it gets somewhat awkward to talk about the letter in conversation. An A, in my opinion, A does not get. 4/5.

B: B is also just a word letter but unlike A when you write it out you have to stick a few extra letters on to make it work, making it not as good. But B’s association with bees isn’t enough, because in the year of our lord, like, 2019 or something, it would become inextrixably linked with shite memes as the B emoji became king. And I just don’t respect that. It’s otherwise a fine letter, dragged down by its company. 2/5.

C: Oh come on now, the word doesn’t even have a C in it anymore! You can sea the see without any of our tertiary letter’s involvement whatsoever. Not to mention how its two main sounds are just copies from other letters wholesale. C must be confusing to non-english speakers, I’d imagine. C as a grade gets what C as a grade typically entails for many a schoolchild. 3/5.

D: It would be remiss of me not to give a sterling grade to the D. Why, none of us would be here without it. While many a youth may find the D to be quite a humourous subject, I assure you I’m taking it with the gravest of sincerity when I say the D has got to be one of the best letters of all.

And by D I mean deity, of course. Wait, what did you think I meant? 5/5.

E: The absolute absurdity that is the E meme elevates E efficiently enough to excel beyond many another vowel. However, it is also the single most common letter in the English language, going so far as to open the damn name. It’s to the point where someone made a point of writing an entire book without using it, and I think Gadsby is cool but mayhaps avoiding fifth uncial was a bit showy. I can’t help but mark it down for the sake of hipster cred. 3/5.

F: F is for Fuck. I like the word Fuck. F is for paying respects. I think the military-industrial complex has poisoned our cultural landscape to the point that a reference to one of its most prized productions’ awkward moments has become one of the most colloquially used meme letters in existence, And That’s Terrible. 3/5, I’m conflicted.

G: Man literally who the fuck cares about G. What is it even good for. Just an absolute waste of a letter, total shithouse. It’s NATO equivalent is Golf, the Worst Sport, too. Who asked for any of this? Just use a J instead, it’s cooler. 1/5.

H: I’ve seen “Hhh” used enough times in written forms of pornography to not consider it a Horny Letter. That and it, being short for Hentai, is often used to denote adult material in Japan. Basically what im saying is, I think this gets worse the less sex-positive you are. 6/9.

I: I think I’ve said enough about letter words already, but I is another high-tier one because like A I is just it’s own thing. It can also, however, be a bit confusing, looking just like an l a lot of the time, and having to constantly capitalise it is a pain in the ass. I also don’t have a particularly high opinion of myself, so a high opinion of I seems disingenuous. 3/5.

J: Clearly the best letter, hands down. I’m definitely not biased. There are so few letters as underappreciated by J- a fact many a person who’s had to do that “assign yourself an alliterative adjective” icebreaker game has had to reckon with. Because it appears to be a lot more popular with names than with words, and that just kind of sucks. 6/5.

K: K has in some circles managed to bump off its partner to become yet another letter word, though in a very informal abbreviated sense. However, when you’re looking into scientific fields, eventually said partner returns, having lost some weight on the trip down to absolute zero. This all makes complete sense in my head, and I’m sure is a lot less funny to anyone who doesn’t live there. 4/5.

L: I’d argue that L doesn’t cop its namesake. It’s a really useful letter, loads of words use it, especially in pairs, and my ADHD-brain thought it was fun to just say LLLLLLLLLLL for a bit while I was thinking about this so I guess that’s staying in now. Put me down as an L Lobbyist. 4/5.

M: Mmmmmm. M&Ms. But also it’s kind of a pain to write. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. 3/5.

N: I’d like to fight whoever decided we should have two letters that sound so similar right bloody next to each other in the alphabet. Actually, who the fuck even decided the alphabet’s order to begin with? Maybe it should go M to N, that’ll bloody show you. 2/5.

O: Our fourth vowel, and perhaps one of the underappreciated ones. O is similarly a letter word, but a much more common one considering its use as an interjection. It’s also one half of a very powerful letter combo, as we’ll see. 4/5.

P: There’s the other half. Many a joke involves OP as a phrase, whether it mean overpowered or original poster, and the letters’ adjacency is a lovely bit of serendipity. Whenever I say P out loud, on its own, I have to resist the urge to do some incredibly shitty beatboxing, which may or may not be a good sign. 4/5.

Q: I was going to write some very harsh words about Q, and its dependency on U, but then I realised that that is probably hate speech against the disabled. It still sucks, though. 0/5.

R: R is the one I am most struggling to think of things to say about. R is another letter that’s just kinda there. I’m sure the Roberts and Rachels of the world would disagree with me, though. It’s also the name of a program that I know has traumatised a lot of young biologist wannabes, slapping us with a whole pile of maths and statistics when we just wanted to look at cool plants and shit. Or in my case, cool cells and shit. 2/5.

S: The most overrated consonant, but also the thing that makes plurals not a pain in the ass. However I’m going to lean towards giving S a positive rating, if only because it’s associated with snakesssss (and serpentine characters who can talk) and I like those. 3/5.

T: I don’t think T gets enough credit as one of the pillars of the English language. A lot of very common words feature it, and yet it feels like it never gets the same level of credit as big shots like S or half of the vowels. T is like the character actor of the alphabet, is basically what I’m saying. 4/5.

U: Ah, the letter Americans hate for some reason. I think this is actually commentary on the history of American politics. Because throughout history, America has been extremely selfish and self-centered, while attempting to present a positive image that people are finally seeing past. They only entered WWI and WWII when it was convenient for them, they started wars and initiated coups in even their allies for petty ideological reasons, and they’ve gone to war with several countries and funded wars with several others seeming just for shits and giggles. Because apparently if you’re not an American, then you’re not one of them, and that means they hate U. 4/5.

V: I actually think V is underrated. It’s a fun sound. That’s it, no joke here. It’s neat, I like it. 4/5.

W: This may come as a shock to you, but double-u over here is actually two Vs! unless you’re writing in cursive, but fuck cursive. The French actually have it right on this one, naming it double-v (pronounced doobleh-vay). Add in the fact that it’s literally just M upside down, and you’ve got a pretty shite letter. 1/5.

X: There’s a reason literally every “A is for Apple” thing you see made for kids uses Xylophone for X, and that’s because there are no commonly used words that start with it. Seriously, it’s all just scientific terms- I’d argue X-Ray is more common than Xylophone in common parlance, but also, who wants to explain imaging to a kid. It doesn’t even get a second page of words on Dictionary.com. X also has implications as a letter word, that I’d rather avoid at the moment. 2/5.

Y: Ah, Ygreck, everyone’s favourite “what the fuck, France?” moment. Between that and being sorta kinda not really a vowel, Y prompts its own question more often than I’d care to admit. 2/5.

Z: As a (technical) member of the generation associated with this letter- on the one hand, I’m sorry, on the other, y’all have it coming. The final letter of the alphabet, one of the other ones worth 10 in scrabble (and yet X isn’t???), and one we probably got pretty sick of in the early 00s when it was everywhere- ironically, when most of the generation was getting born. 2/5.

And that’s the lot of them. I hope this didn’t alienate any non-English speakers too hard. It’s probably fine.

Join me for more bullshit next time I have another stupid idea. I mean, tomorrow.

#ramble #nonce shit tbh #remember when I made good content? yeah me neither

[chronicbatfictioner]

Exchanges and Compromises - Chapter 12

It was decided then that the Talon - Dick Grayson - should accompany Jason to the Wayne Manor. The Oracle has decided that being the only one without 'attachment', i.e. normal people's identity that could be used against them.

The pretty little kitten's name, Jason eventually found out, was Tim Drake. And he would be providing one of the exit strategies. His home, apparently, was right next to the Wayne Manor. His words about knowing of losing parents through violence only made sense after Jason googled the name, and discovered the news article on the kidnapping and murder of Jack and Janet Drake, Tim's parents. It was apparently quite a news back then, only Jason never heard of it since he was already residing in Eth

He was right when he guessed - mostly through his manner and speech - that Tim Drake was rich. The Drake House - although smaller than the Wayne Manor - was still bigger than most homes in the suburbs that Jason knew of. Plus there was a massive yard, sky-high fence, several garages, a greenhouse, and a garden.

And then there were the tunnels.

Tim said that according to the Waynes' side of the architecture, the tunnels tend to lead to nowhere, and were not sturdy enough to be explored. Tim, however, had explored the tunnels when he was really little - as in ten-year-old 'little' and discovered that most were natural tunnels and have exits.

"I hope you've explored with someone who's like, my size." Jason reminded him just as they laid down the plans to him.

Tim glared at him top-to-bottom and then glared at Dick.

"Yeeeah... he's definitely not my size." Jason pointed out. Dick might have been muscular, but more on the lean side. Jason was built like a brick house and a few inches taller and wider than Dick.

"If it's any consolation, I didn't need to squeeze through anything when I went," Dick told him.

"I'll map the dimensions of the exits, anyway, just in case. We went with cameras back then." Tim said. "And now that we've covered the exits, how about the entrance? Would you rather walk right up there and say something along the line of, 'hey, I'm here to deliver the next Wayne heir. And by the way, you owed Talia Al Ghul some child support, but on the bright side, you won't need to pay 'em anymore,'?"

"Yeah, that sounded like a really quick way to get into an altercation." Jason retorted.

"I advise you, Tim, to take them there. Sort of like safety in numbers scenario - whatever happened, the Waynes won't be able to... make Jason and Damian 'disappear' because someone else already knew of their presence in Gotham." Barbara advised. "I've put the articles on stand-by, and shall have Vicky Vale start sniffing around by one week."

"We've got Grayson here as an extra pair of watchful eyes, so to speak. I don't think they'll do anything dramatic." Jason reminded. "Also, if they think they could kill me and take Damian just like that, they might be in for a surprise. Damian isn't... easily persuaded through blood and gore." He stopped short of accidentally revealing that the 'training' he and Damian returned from when they discovered the death of Ra's and Talia at the Algol Island had been Damian's 'training' in death and destruction. Colloquially referred to as the 'Year of the Blood', Damian was sent to retrieve a number of relics from around the world; most held in private collections by colonists who had acquired said relics from native people by force. Combine 'acquisition' and 'force', it was safe to reason that said 'colonists' would have had armies protecting the relic. And Damian had gone through them fairly easily.

And bloodily.

But that was not something Jason would reveal. It would be up to Damian's discretion - later or never - to tell his father. Surely he would not wish to have such thing revealed to a group of people calling themselves 'heroes'.

"I'm in favor of the more the merrier, really. In spite of me being the so-called 'extra' pair of eyes, Tim Drake has higher visibility when it comes to... well... the common people..." Dick remarked. "There might not need to be blood and gore in the immediate future. Plus, I'm not there as a Talon."

"You're there as Damian's guard, the White Ghost. Anyone familiar with the lores surrounding the Al Ghuls would not suspect a thing..." Jason started.

"Can I be the blue ghost, instead?" Dick wanted to know, grinning impishly.

Tim, too, was grinning impishly.

"What," Jason growled, suddenly realized that he was being played.

"I kinda liked blue better than white, y'know?" Dick replied.

"You're not taking this seriously, are you?"

"Oh, I am. I mean, there's a kid's life on the line; a lot more money than I'd ever seen if they were in the form of unpopped corn kernels; heritage; people of Gotham, etc, etc... why wouldn't I take this seriously?" Dick replied as he walked away from the table. "But I still think I look better in blue, right?" he added, pulling out a set of costumes from the cabinets. It was modeled after Jason's costume - "to have a more cohesive look between us," Dick had said. And it was in blue, whilst Jason's was in green.

He groaned exasperatedly. "There is no blue ghost in our ranks..."

"Well, they don't need to know that, do they?" Dick reasoned.

Jason glared at Tim for help. But the boy shrugged, "he's had that made since the day you came. He actually has several sets of those... He said your outfit made for pure awesome day clothes. I, too, worry about his fashion sense."

"Why." Jason partly wanted to know, partly wanted to know what the hell he'd done in the past that landed him with the Marx brothers right there. His costume would work well for the desert - where the Al Ghul's strongholds were mostly at; the jungle surrounding the Al Ghul Island where Damian and Talia would reside during the summer months; or in combat. For daily use, however, Jason would have worn normal suits. "For the love of all things mighty, you folks didn't look through my suitcase, did you?"

"Oh, we know of the suits. The normal people suits, don't worry. I have those made for Dick, too - in blue as per his insistence." Oracle intoned. "And no, Richard, you are not wearing costumes when you walk to the Waynes' front door."

Thank god for the voice of reason.

"Aww... buuuut, it will be more impressive!" Dick wailed, dead-set looked crestfallen, and gave puppy-dog eyes toward Oracle. Jason sighed again. For what seemed like the umpteenth time of the day.

"No means no, Dick. Now, if you'd come up straight from the desert and whatnot, that wouldn't be so strange. But you - and by 'you' I meant Jason and Damian - arrived in Gotham more than a week ago and stayed at the Ritz, 'fer cryin' out loud!" Oracle snapped back.

"Ritz this ain't, but I agree, if we've stayed at the Ritz, there would be questions as to why hasn't anyone seen us. My costume isn't exactly made for urban living." Jason pointed out. Dick was still sulking, but it looked like he - thankfully - finally conceded.

"Fine, I'll wear the monkey suits..." he grumbled. Jason mouthed a 'thank you' toward the projection.

"Okay! Next, backstory excluding the fact that... Talia and Ra's' being murdered and stuff - that what you're planning to say right, Jason?" Oracle continued, ignoring Dick's whines.

"Yes, there's no point in hiding it since Wayne would want to know who the mother was, and we have set out news stating Ra's and Talia Al Ghul being killed in an airplane crash," Jason told her.

"I've seen that news and marked all the news portals that mentioned them. I would like you two to keep an eye on Bane's reaction, as minute as they might be. Dick?"

"Got it. If he as much as breathe wrong in Damian's direction, we kill him." Dick replied. To Tim's and Jason's withering glare, he demanded, "what?"

"Why can't we just have Tim accompanying me, anyway?" Jason finally blurted. "He could jeopardize the whole thing."

"No, he's not. He's just pulling that one out of his ass. He's not gonna kill anybody, right Dick?" Oracle prompted. "Plus, it would be fairly odd if Tim Drake accompanies you, as he himself is quite a well-known individual within the city."

"Hhh... alright..." Jason still grumbled but decided to let it go for now. There were far more important objectives to be had.

"I much prefer Grayson to be with us as well, Jason." Damian suddenly piped up. He has been sitting there, at the head of the table, watching the processions. "With most adult's predisposition to undermine non-adults, Grayson's presence there could deter anyone from trying mischief right away." he reasoned. "Timothy, while I daresay have sufficient combat skills when required, has the benefit of being a public persona while being a child and thus would not come across as strange that I - as a child as well - should come to him first and foremost for assistance."

"Why, thanks, Damian. I think..." Tim replied.

"That is... quite an interesting psychological insight, and validated our plan, I think," Oracle remarked after a few seconds of silence. "Okay, gentlemen? Shall we get the plan rolling, then?"

"We shall," Damian replied. "I cannot wait to see how my father will react."

#Jason Todd #Tim Drake #JayTim #Red Ghost!jason #Stray!Tim #Talon!Dick #Damian Wayne #Damian Al-Ghul #Dick Grayson #Barbara Gordon #Oracle!Barbara #Batless!AU

[johnhaos]

mot:7 album breakdown!!! give me all your long rambles and thoughts/rankings bro!!

hhh ok this is super late i’m so sorry so this is going to be a few initial thoughts that i /did/ note down but then mostly how i feel about the songs after ~a week i guess (also some of this is probably similar to stuff you said sorryyy, it just took me f o r e v e r to put my thoughts somewhere other than a computer file oops)

going to skip the songs from persona but wow am i mad they sacrificed mikrokosmos and home for make it right :/

anyway!! thoughts on the songs below the cut!!

interlude: shadow - sigh i do this every time but i wish i’d noted down some thoughts on this (& black swan and ego) when they first came out because now i don’t know what to say rip, i love the instumentals at the start of this wow and then yoongi’s voice !!!! the lyrics on this are just a lot emotionally gosh, and it’s a lot of stuff that we’d heard yoongi talk about before, i’m thinking especially of his poem in that run episode, but it still hits hard. G O D and then when the beat gets heavier (is that the right word) and his flow completely changes - i remember just staring at the screen when the mv came out oh my life

black swan - i really liked this when it came out, it was so different and hauntingly beautiful. i didn’t have the same instant love for it as i did for boy with luv but i really love it now, i think seeing that first stage of it on james corden really helped tbh because WOW. hobi’s verse into yoongi’s is such a GOOD part of this song i love it. you can tell how personal the lyrics are to them but at the same time it’s so relatable ;;;; i think that can apply to lyrics in a lot of their songs tbh and it’s one of the things i really love about them, that their music can be an outlet for their own thoughts/experiences/feelings while also calling out to the fans and /their/ thoughts/experiences/feelings

filter - killed me from the first listen oml, my mind immediately trying to imagine what kind of choreo this could have hahahh it’s fine. i adore the warm comfort of serendipity and promise but i also LOVE how different this is. jimin’s voice is just beautiful and he sounds gorgeous in his higher range but OH MY GOD those moments when his voice just goes so much deeper - the ‘yeah’ at ~2:09 Gand the 'ay’ near the end GOODBYE

my time - again so different from jk’s previous solo stuff, i love the way they’re exploring different sounds on this album. his vocals sound so beautiful on this track. i love the change in lyrics in the final chorus from 'i can’t’ to 'will you’, the song is so emotional the whole way though but i like that shift into a more hopeful/optimistic view ;;; and ahhh the vocalising at the end YES JK

louder than b/mbs - AHHH we really got a bts/troye sivan collab i’m so happy about this and oml the track is beautiful not that i’d expect anything less from that combo wow. i really love the way the vocal lines voices sound in this song and their high notes YES. namjoon’s voice in this oh my G O D and yoongi’s verse is amazing omg. i love when the rap lines parts all follow on from each other because it really lets you see how different they are but also how damn well they work together. this was probably one of the songs that i liked most on first listen and i still really love it CHILLS

ON - ahhh i hadn’t listened to the teaser for this beforehand so i really had no idea what to expect when i started the mv but wow this goes OFF, it’s got such a powerful performance value i really cannot WAIT to see what they do with this for tour oml. the drums!!! HOBI’S VERSE YES i love it ahhh and yoongi repeating the last line of hobi’s verse at the start of his SO GOOD. and not to sound like literally everyone but JK’S BRIDGE oh my god OMG?? he really did that he sounds incredible. an amazing title track oml

ugh! - *confession time* (why do i always do this for one track every album istg) i really wasn’t sure about this one for a looong time…. i’m not really sure why tbh because the beat is great, their flows are great and i could already sense the amazing energy it would have live from the first listen but for some reason i just wasn’t feeling it. it’s grown on me a hell of lot since, not one of my faves from the album but i definitely like it a lot more now. namjoon’s verse and the start of hobi’s are probably my favourite parts. GAH the bit at the end really goes off!!!

zero o'clock - ohh this is beautiful, vocal line tracks are always gorgeous ;;;; also i am very glad that i didn’t do a listen with lyrics until a few days after it dropped, it made me sob anyway when i did but oml if i’d looked up the lyrics on release day when i still felt /awful/ after my terrible week i can’t even imagine how i’d have felt…. 'and you gonna be happy’ artists for healing indeed ;;;

inner child - the instrumentals are so beautiful and tae’s voice is so beautiful and the lyrics are so beautiful and ahhh gosh i love this and him a lot ;;;; another one that made me cry when i listened with lyrics, the 'you’re my boy’ bit always gets me

friends - MY HEART this is the cutest damn thing just them reminiscing and showing their love for each other they’re so precious ;;; i love the inclusion of tae’s 'hey jimin, oneul’ from when they were recording it’s such an adorable personal touch. and when they call each other soulmate PLS. ahhh and i love the bit at the end with the gang vocals and the clapping it’s such a good end. i can’t wait to watch them be soft af with each other on stage performing this oml

moon - the first thing i wrote about this on first listen was just 'JIN’S VOICE ahhhh’ and i stand by that!! he really does sound amazing and i love that it’s upbeat, we know jin can kill it on a ballad but hearing him do something different is so nice as well. i really love the melody for this song so much it’s so lovely and the lyrics are so sweet i love it, i love JIN ;;;

respect - i love the beat for this so much oml, the AYO SUGA pls ;;; best throwback, god i’m so unbelievably happy to have a yoongi and namjoon subunit song and they really just bounce off each other so well. and i love the bit of satoori dialogue at the end!! this is such a JAM

we are bulletproof: the eternal - my first listen notes: 'oh nooo, this is the sad emotional one isn’t it ;;;; 'yeah we have you’ pls stop i can’t deal with this’, i really did expect this to have a similar vibe to the other we are bulletproofs hhhh, should have seen this coming with it being the second to last song though rip, but wow this song is beautiful and will 100% make me cry live ;;;; i love hobi’s verse in this, there’s always something about his verses in the slow, emotional concert ending-type songs that really gets me. gosh i just love them all so much and i’m so so glad that i found them

outro: ego - sdfgfa the mood change here, they said no more tears time to BOP. as i said for shadow i really wish i’d written down thoughts about this when the mv came out sigh. but it’s just so beautifully hobi and ahh it’s been 2 years since hope world so i’ve listened to that a lot today as well and it fits so perfectly with that vibe!!!

so yeah overall i really love this album, yay!!

#finally answered!! #q and a #clockworkswans #i did not read this back through so sorry for any mistakes or if it doesn't make sense #kpop asks

[merchantoflamejokes-blog]

Let’s take some time to rank all six Halloween Heist episodes of B99. If you haven’t seen them, spoilers ahead, also what are you doing with your life? WARNING: Opinions below that may not be agreed with.

6) Halloween IV

Okay, all of them are really good, but there’s something about this one that doesn’t make me feel so great. Maybe it’s too chaotic, and the end result (while unpredictable) isn’t the best one they could have done. After three times, it was getting a little obvious to get that there’s always more than one twist. But the highlights? Gina’s fake front teeth, Bill (the definitely a male prostitute), and Rosa just going all in.

5) Halloween I

Simply known as Halloween, this one started it all. This is the epitome of unexpected, smart endings. But this isn’t the best one because it’s not only the heist. There’s a rather weak subplot about Boyle trying to get Amy to like Halloween. The Halloween Heist itself is one of the best, but it’s weighed down by the subplot. Highlights? Jake explaining his master plan, Randy the Janitor, and the birth of the “Title of Your *** Tape” jokes.

4) Halloween II

Okay, now contrary to popular opinion, I really like this one. Sure, the subplot isn’t GREAT, but the Heist is actually really good. It’s okay to be predictable as long as it’s done well, and I think this was. Highlights? Holt’s explanation and how everyone agreed to help him just to humiliate Jake, everything at the car tow place, Floorgasm (Dancy Reagan) is AWESOME in general, the party bus.

3) Cinco De Mayo

Okay, this one is really good, because this is actually really unexpected. Sure, you may have thought Terry won before they revealed it, but how he did it is amazing. Second best plan in Halloween Heist History (HHH). No one really thought he became a Lieutenant already, right? Highlights? Kevin showing up and doing some stuff, Cheddar, literally all the taser gifts, our gift that is Bill. This was a very well plotted one.

2) Halloween III

This is not really many people’s favorite, it is the favorite of two kinds of people. Big-time Amy fans, and people who rewatch these episode millions of times to see how well plotted it is. I am both of those things, so naturally I love this one. Amy is just great in this episode, and even though it’s expected, it’s done EXTREMELY well. It’s tightly plotted, and it’s the first Heist episode to focus on the heist and only the heist. It’s the best plot in Halloween Heist History (HHH) but it loses points because the end result was predictable. Highlights? Janitor Al turning out to be Amy, the whole plan, “Wrong vent, Charles!”, Sharon’s return as a part of Holt’s plan.

1) HalloVeen

Was it really a surprise? Written my Dr. Goor himself, (Not A Doctor. Shhh.) this episode is great because it’s well plotted AND extremely unexpected. From the very beginning, with Wolf Gina, to that excellent proposal, this episode is not only the best Halloween Heist episode, it’s one of my top three overall. The resolution makes sense, because overshadowing Jake and Amy’s engagement would be a BAD move. Also, it very nicely sets up a good part of Halloween VI (Cinco De Mayo). Highlights? The proposal (duh), the cummerbund/belt, Wolf Gina, Ya Boring, Bill, The Tramps, “It’s right here!” (Takes off Holt’s shirt).

[darkballsofsight]

If two ride on a horse, one must ride behind

PI 03/08/2019

Your name is Pembrooke Ingleton and by the bequest of the equestrian sort, you're on your way to the Church of the Mirthful in the hopes of seeing if any of the goers there have any insight to the whereabouts of one Gamzee Makara.  The friendly baker, who you really do hope nothing bad has befallen him.    Which is likely why you offered to be the one to speak to the Baron.

Admittedly you are a bit worried about your backup. Not out of anything personal. Just that well, the Baron certainly had a sway of his own when it came to your troll inclined officers.    And you haven't had much a chance to see Darkleer in action on the field.

Still, Redglare has full confidence in him so you stand by her, and as you make your way up to the churches door...you are standing by him as you knock. Or ring a bell. Or honk something. Whatever this church has for their door alerting of guests device.  Not that you're really too concerned...the way you feel watched gives you the impression he likely was alerted to your approach before you made it up the steps.  Also gives you the heebie jeebies.

Creepy creep clowns.

GHB 03/08/2019

Sam was notified when they were about two blocks out. The clown had been...restless. His hier hadn't come to church, hadn't spoken online. For some time...

Others of the church suspected foul play. Sam suspected a bender. Which happens to the young ones, here and there. But.

But.

There had been other dissaperances too. Other derse borns who had come. That do not any longer. If it is a Challenger in his own ranks, he would accept it. But the sneaky sneak of slipping away doesn't sit well.

Silently the churchlings had begun a recovery mission earlier in the week, finding little. But still they search.

Azriphale opens the doors, eyes Byzantine bright purple as he assesses the visitor. He recognizes the inspector ...less so his tall companion. But he has suspicion.

Wordlessly he turns from the door, beckoning them in.

There's prayer, quiet and whispered that feels like it's coming from nowhere and everywhere, candles and inscense rising and guttering with the sound rhythmically. The walls are painted...in paint. Maybe blood, the tang of it heavy in the air. Skulls and bones tinkle in chimes, crunch underfoot...

Then they hear the growls, rattling the windows, echoing off the walls. The throne was empty, but bright eyes flashing purple hung in the shadows of the rafters. Sam's voice sounded like an angry tiger trying to speak, wrath tinging his words.

"Why is you desecrating my sanctum, Expatriate." They can hear claws scratching on wood, but can't see it, fear wreathing around them.

Darkleer 03/08/2019

You've been uneasy since the moment you heard 'clown church'. Purple bloods on Derse you could deal with. Even with the Makara heir, the very same that went missing now. But to know that they dragged their whole faith here... You have a lot of thoughts, and none of them positive. Most of all though, you're concerned about the influence they may have on this city.

But you don't back down from the assignment. After all you want to prove your capability for this job. And you don't want to let this puny human your boss walk right into the clown's den alone and unprotected.

You follow Lt. Ingleton, as quiet and stoic as the Zahhaks tend to do, and you follow inside when the clowns invite you. When you left Alternia, the inside of a clown church is the last thing you ever expected to see again. And the stench.. you're far too familiar with the smell of troll blood. How can this even be tolerated on Derse?

You can hear him before you see him, a still far too familiar voice. The Grand Highblood. That, in their language, motherfucker. Of COURSE he'd be here. Your concern for the planet just increased tenfold.

You don't flinch. Even with his overdramatic greeting, he doesn't scare you. The mind games his ilk can do are not a concern. You have fiddled with your brain long enough so that no one else could. And gone are the times where he is part of the royal caste you have to bow to. He doesn't have power over you, not anymore.

You have a healthy amount of respect, sure. He's still a dangerous individual. But you're more concerned for your company than yourself.

A displeased puff escapes you. You wanted to leave the talking to the Lieutenant, but that ass decided to adress you personally. Oh, how you want to tell him there's nothing sacred to be found in these halls. No, you're on duty and in fact not here to pick a fight with the second-biggest tyrant of old Alternia.

"We are investigating the missing report of a purple blood, Gamzee Makara" you state factually.

PI 03/09/2019

Oh.  There's that sensation again, as you feel your heart start to race and a shivver go up your spine.  The Baron certainly had...something about him didn't he.  Sort of an aura that certainly instilled a fight or flight into a person.    Cold and bone chilling indeed.

You inhale slowly, and exhale as well.  Logically, you know this is an unnatural sensation...but not that it really helps in regards to lowering the emotional hackles that are now raised and screaming in your nerves.

If there was a history between these two, you'll get to that later.  For now, you inhale again and nod as you refocus on the task at hand.  "Indeed.  According to close friends, he has vanished and in a manner unlike himself.  Officer Darkleer and I were tasked to come by to see if you could ask a few questions about when you saw him last."

Glancing up at the rafters, you frown ever so slightly as you briefly recall the last time you were in this building during the whole Trickster fiasco...

"If you would prefer an interview off church grounds, we'd be happy to oblige."

GHB 03/10/2019

He bloody well should be uncomfortable with the clown church. The bright eyes extinguish over the throne, and the fear dissipates. There's silence for a few moments, save the chanting of the Mirthful themselves, ever in crescendo or diminuendo in strange, dysphonic  patterns.  Sam is moving silently in the rafters, considering how to respond...

He's an asshole, choosing to drop just behind them -Out of reach with the Expatriate- with a Blazing Fear designed to shock and cower.  They only hear the softest of footpad falls when his feet connect to the ground, as he stands his full regal height of...not taller than Margrave... Shirtless, polkadotted pants neat andd trim,, but bones and beads threaded together in necklaces and bracelets. Blood maybe crusted under his claws. The glow of his eyes is enough to cast a shadow of the two over the throne. Paint crisp and terrifying as ever.

Sameadi bares his teeth, snarling. "And you bring an ingrate to my church. I am being thankful of the offer, Inspector...but you is already here." Perhaps there's enough to strip the calf from the herd, bring him to his rightful motherfuckin slaughter. He sizes them up out of habit...the only back exit is a hidden door--perhaps perhaps. Give it time, old man. He'll finally reign himself in-giving the impression of instability is always useful.

"You investigate but do not give information, Darkleer. Your report is motherfuckin incomplete, yo work below par. Motherfuckin expected of a traitor and coward." ...Okay he can't help but instigate a bit. Ooops~ A sneer is directed breifly at Darkleer as he turns his attentions to Ingleton.

"We is take care of our own, brother. I is appreciating of yo offers, but our people are our people. Iffen you find them before we does--perhaps it be better for they." He lets that sink in as he pauses. "But We's been searchin fo th boy, being finding little  as of yet. His scent been grown dark and cold. There is been others. An I is motherfuckin disappointed you ain't been made th connection. Derse borns not of th church, but come and praise. Gone an missin. Or gone an returned by fire. Do you think not we want vengeance an justice?" His wrath is ticking up juuust a bit.

Darkleer 03/11/2019

He finally deigns to come down. A wave of something washes over you and tickles something in the back of his head. His vile magic doesn't affect you, but you're aware what he's trying. Curse him.

You turn around towards him, making a small step to the side to position yourself between the Baron and the Lieutenant who is probably not as unaffected. While you try to make yourself as small as possible around everyone else, being faced by him, you straighten your back to reach your full height. Taller than him, you'll have him know. Not by much, admittedly, but the point is being made.

You try to keep the thoughts running through your mind low and listen to hi- Incomplete. Did he just. Hr. You huff. He may call you all kinds of names, but to call your work inadequate. No, of course you don't bring information, you have none yet. You came here to get some you have JUST started the work. He ought to know this. How DARE- Hhh.

You choke down so many unnecessary angry retorts and chastise yourself for lowkey wishing to find the heir dead. For all you know, the boy may not actually deserve that.

He doesn't know anything and even if he did, he wouldn't tell you, the Baron made that much clear. "He is not to be found under this roof" you state, for the Lieutenant, most of all, but also as the probably most single weakest jab you could make at the Baron.

Though, the remark about the Derse born. Your ear flicks when he mentions that. That may be a thing worth investigating. "You have no right to take justice into your hands. Not on this planet. You need to desist from action." You're aware what kind of vengeance purplebloods are out for. He won't stop, you know. Part of you hopes. A reason to bring him down for good.

PI 03/11/2019

Despite your frame and average jitters, you aren't what would be defined as weak-willed.  One really can't be in this line of work where you're at.   But, that doesn't necessarily make you immune to emotion, even when you know something is amiss. And even if you're not cowering, the wave is enough to cause you to find yourself unable to breathe as your legs lock up, freezing you in place as you try to regain your breath.

Inwardly you are thankful for Darkleer stepping in front.  Outwardly, you're slowly replacing the pale shock with an agitated expression.  You are indeed well aware of the burned bodies, half the reason you came here personally is because you had a hunch perhaps there was a connection.

"That is the problem with making a connection, sir.  When people don't take the time to inform us people have gone missing because they're too busy trying to handle it themselves...lo and behold we miss a detail.  It would have been nice to know there had been others vanishing, versus discovering this fact after so many others had gone missing."  Your stance straightens as you straighten your coat, breathing returned to normal.  "We came here to help, so your aggressive posturing and....whatever it is you are doing...is rude.  And the implications of vigilantism is noted."

Your nerves are screaming, but you stand ground since you all know if you two were to vanish right here and now that it would be a mess that the Baron and ultimately the Crew would not want to deal with. Especially on a cusp of a gangwar brewing.

"Is there any other connections than Derse born?  How is someone able to differentiate a Derse born member of your church from offworld?"

GHB 03/11/2019

That doesn't mean that Sammy isn't thinking on it mightily. His scelera flash red briefly, a low grumbling snarl under his breath.

That puny human is fodder. Darkleer is. Again. On the wrong side. How frustrating. Sam tilts his head to the side, a too wide smile draping over his face lazily.

"S all bout presentation, brother inspector. " He steps around them easily, a sashaying stride back to the throne.

"An you is dismissed, Darkleer. 'd rightly prefer speakin at yo superior." His wave is as condescending as his tone >

But at least he's focusing on the Inspector alone. For now. Darkleer is going to be noted and dealt with later, if his scathing expression relates anything.

"It ain't uncommon fo those who ain't been grown in th church to come an go 's they please." His voice takes a wounded tone when he looks over the inspector. "Were I knowing earlier I woulda said sommat earlier. It were part of us lookin this here week, so's sommat coul be said 't all." If he had had his way, he'd merely point him at the corpses of the desceased and say they came to an unfortunate end.

His head rests on his palm, watching the two of them intently. "Cain't rightly say. Sometides they ain't wear th paint an protection. Th gods cain't see they wi'out 't. Were there of the church bretheren missin I woulda raised th alarm 't a mo punctual tide t yo likin. We is tight knit, we is alway on guard." We're always ready to kill is unsaid.

Darkleer 03/11/2019

Your gaze stays fixed on him as he walks past the two of them. Nothing about his attitude and unnecessary pompous act has changed. The only thing that has changed is that you don't need to bow to him anymore. And yet..

"You are not the one dismissing me" you reply with a snarl. If the Inspector wants you to leave, you will. But it wouldn't sit well with you to leave anyone alone in this place.

PI 03/11/2019

This marks the second time the Baron has pulled rank on of your officers in front of you.  Well, in this instance tried to.  God...damnit you swear the powerful players of this city are singlehandedly having a contest amongst themselves of who can dance the longest on your last nerve with their flaunting.

You inhale.

Despite your utmost desire, you will not poke this bear.  It's tempting to, there's certainly a few choice words and barbed sentences you could respond with...but you have a job to do.  A job where someone's life is potentially at stake.

You exhale, and put a soft step on your bubbling pride internally.

"I see." you say, acknowleding Darkleers comment but choosing to ignore outright as you stay on task.  Though you mentally note to have a talk with all your blue blooded officers later.  Turning to the Baron you continue.  "A list of names of those missing would be appreciated, as well as the names of any deceased.  We may be able to uncover an unexpected link your own have missed in our teams."

Folding your arms, you give him a somber expression.  "We all want to get to the bottom of this, and save those gone missing.  Find out those responsible.  The more hurdles set up, the longer it takes, and the higher the odds of Mister Gamzee being the next body found increases."

You've already prepared for him to refuse or to continue his focus on Darkleer, which is fine.  You've gotten enough information from this meeting as is.

GHB 03/12/2019

Sam has a smug smile on his face as Darkleer is summarily dismissed regardless. The foal could pretend Sam didn't have pull, but clearly Sam is still higher on the food chain.

His fingers snap and there's a wordless whisper, a paper appears in his hand. "Considerin you done notified me a one, this shouln't be necessary. These is ones what haven't come, though they names coul be assumed an not original. Derseborns are...not as strict with names an titles. They's not as often named in records nuther. Sommat I's been tryina address wi th council here."

The thought of these tech phobic fools being able to find something the Alternians could not is a fantasy. Clearly. Hmph.

"An 's Mr. Gamzee Makara. A brother of high birth an accord. An heir to th head of church, should he take ambition." Sam shifts, standing up with an unnerving grace.

"Iffen 't all possible, 'd prefer you t be workin th case, Inspector. Yorn insight an diligence---is far superior. " that's mildly directed at Darkleer.

Darkleer 03/12/2019

The Lieutenant isn't dismissing you, so you stay, though quietly. It's somewhat of a relief that the Inspector has taken over the conversation now and the Baron actually makes a pretense of cooperation.

Your lip twitches a bit at his comment, but you don't let him drag you down on his level anymore. The sooner the two of you can get out of here, the better.

PI 03/12/2019

Gamzee being a potential heir was something you weren't aware of, so huh...another thing to factor.  "It would not be my first rodeo when it comes to aliases and I expect it will far be from my last. Still, I've yet to have a case where I had too much information so the list is appreciated."

The possibility someone is targeting purple blooded individuals is unsettling, but that they're somehow able to target specifically Derse-born is peculiar.  Perhaps there is a secondary link involved that hasn't made itself aware.  You have a few hunches, but that will take work to follow them.

"I fully intend to.  He's a good sort, a talented baker.  I've had the fortune to meet him before so I'd rather see nothing ill befall him."  You stand proper as the Baron rises.  "If you discover any further things, it'd be appreciated if you let us know."  Appreciated, but frankly not expected.  The internal clock in your mind has already set this as a race to solving this before the Baron and his men get their claws on whoever is responsible and then...well you expect everything is going to hit a not mysterious at all dead end.

GHB 03/12/2019

He makes point to note it due to the fact it could give a greater possibility that Gamzee survives. He hands over the paper easily, the ink is of a questionable nature. "Th list ain't complete by far, but these is th missin we've associated wi."

He wouldn't know the secondary link, but he'll gladly postulate on one. "I ain sure whyfor th church folk is targeted, but I am wondering if 't is political in natures. There are many that would be of a dislike of me fo former days--" Pointed look at Darkleer.

"But I's got faith you is in th right in yo search, brother. Iffen you is need any 'll be glad t lend towards 't. " His desire for additional information...mmm. "I'll does mah best if by an large I's come by sommat else. Be looking you on the toolmarkings of th dead, they is alway tell us stories."

He pauses, glancing at a middle distance as whispers of magic float his way. "Our words is alway carried somewheres."

Darkleer 03/12/2019

What. Is that look supposed to mean. Well, yes. You dislike him for former days. And current ones. He's not implying you would have it out for him and his church, is he? You wouldn't sink so low. You're intending to act well within the laws of this planet.

You let out another irked snort, jaw clenched tightly. You're not going to respond to his prods. Not today. You have weathered enough insult and ill demeanor from your superiors over centuries to build enough patience to deal with his.

PI 03/13/2019

Looking down at the paper, the names listed don't give an immediate ping of recognition. But then again names are what they are.  Still...it is something to lead onto.  Though the realization this could be part of a serial killer or targeted attack is still settling into the equation.

"The help is noted and appreciated Baron." you say aloud, remembing that right...courtesy and protocol. This man is still very much an ambassador for Alternia after all.  "I think we can all agree that getting to the bottom of this is in everyone's best interests. And I fully plan to do just that."

There is a pause, as you glance from Darkleer...to the Baron...then back.  There's a history there, and as much as you'd like to know it, time and place.  "Thank you for your time and assistance. And this information.  I'd say we shall no longer darken your doorstep...but..." turning back you look at...well you just wave your hand in the direction you assume the door is in.  "...I honestly expect I'm going to bang my shins on every object on the way to the door at this time.  Next time I'm bringing a flashlight."

GHB 03/15/2019

Yeah he definately means he thinks Darkleer would sabotage something. Sam's voice rumbles with a growl as the candles in the church grow brighter. In a few padded steps, he's turning the inspector in the correct direction with an amused smile. " D ast tha certain parties being not included in th investigation, but I is thinking that is an ast too far. Th door 's t th right, brother."  He straightens again, smoothing down his hair quickly.

"An I knows you is will do yo level best, as I would. Be sure t keep a brother updated some, yeah? I ain't much like t be out th loop in such things."  Eyes shine in the shadows as they trace the procession, breaths held in anticipation. Surely the Highblood would spill the blood of the offender. The sancrosanct demands it. He waves off unspoken pleas for blood with a wave of his hand.

Darkleer 03/16/2019

You will personally make sure the Grand Highblood will hear as little about this as possible. Or you will at least advice the Lieutennant of as much, since you are not the one to decide these things.

At least you're leaving now. During the talk your gaze has been fixed on Samedi the whole time. You're only hesitantly turning your back towards him, but you're not granting him even a second of attention morer than absolutely necessary.

You did take notice of the Inspector pointing out his apparently insufficient eyesight. Right, humans don't see as well in the dark. You would offer to guide him or even carry him, but considering your rank, you're not sure if that would be compatible with his pride. You still go ahead, some of your technological parts on your head and under your shirt lighting up just a tad more to help him find the way.

PI 03/16/2019

Curse your Prospitian totally human eyesight.  How nice it must be to be a troll or Dersite in the sense of being able to see in the darkness easier.  Probably saves a doozy on the electric bills as well.

"Of course." you say, then note the candles light raise. Ok...that was actually pretty impressive presentation.  What you'd do to have an ambience like that when officers came into your office. "I'll keep in touch."

You follow Darkleer and graciously manage to avoid dinging into several objects thus allowing you a graceful departure to the door.  "Take care, and talk to you later."  Even if not about this, you doubt it will be the last time you speak to the Baron.

As you make it outside the door, you give a sideways glance to Darkleer to gauge his disposition.  Not really wanting to speak up just yet until you're well out of any remote earshot of the church.  This place you swear. The heebies AND the jeebies.

Darkleer 03/16/2019

Your face is hard and grim. This has been a frustrating and frankly mildly shocking encounter. You're not going to speak up about this unless PI asks you.

PI 03/16/2019

After a few blocks, you finally speak up.

"Are you doing alright?"  you say with a concerned tone. Now that the pressure of keeping things proper and official is off, you find yourself more worried about how the interraction between the two had gone down.  "I apologize for not acknowledging the dismissal commentary.  At the time, I felt it would turn the discussions focus on that rather than the task at hand...but I did not want to give the impression that I was ignoring you."

Darkleer 03/17/2019

His question takes a moment to register, so deep into thought and frustration you are. But you stop to look at him.

"You did absolutely nothing wrong, sir. He did, that. Wretched. Two-faced. Pisspoor excuse of a-. Hrhk, pardon the language." You give an angry snort.

"I did not.. expect him to be here. But that explains the presence of his violence-thirsty church."

PI Last Monday at 12:12 AM

"Mmm...my apologies. He has been here a time, somewhat of an ambassador representative to Alternia, or so the cover be."  You give a glance around, making sure you're both well out of earshot of anyone and you suspect Darkleers hearing is good enough to catch your quietest mumbles.  "All but confirmed to have Crew ties, would not be surprised if his church operates alongside gang activities."

You give him a sympathetic look as he apologizes.  "Is it wrong of me to assume the two of you have history? Or is this just an idealological difference in a very severe way?"

Darkleer Last Monday at 9:35 AM

You catch his look around and try to keep your own voice low, even if the anger is boiling up inside you. "I.. served as the Executioner under the Alternian Empire, and he the judge. It was my task to bring down anyone he wanted to see dead - if he didn't choose to take care of it himself. I deeply regret my actions back then, even when I believed I had no other choice."

You had no intention of keeping any secrets, but just as well you didn't expect this to ever be a matter of concern on this planet. Obviously, thinking for yourself has never been your strength.

"He is one of Alternia's most influental figures besides the Empress, much to the chagrin of every other seadweller.. and the cost of everyone below. An embassador he may be, but he cares little for anyone not sharing his color. That he is here.. I am not sure if he would do less harm here or on Alternia.. Best would be neither."

PI Last Tuesday at 8:57 AM

A solemn nod is given.  Some of these things were things that you had pieced together, but there was something to be said for having suspicions confirmed and to hear it from the individual themselves.  A notch of respect given...goodness knows he isn't the first person on the force who has had a dark past.

"It always baffles me why some of the more...influential individuals would have an interest in Midnight City.  It's not even like there is...a lot here?  Pardon my rudeness and racial insensitivity here, but I would figure they'd have more important things to do than run a church and petty mobster crimes on a backwater planet....so says the hypocritical man working as an officer on said planet."

Darkleer Last Tuesday at 8:06 PM

You fall silent for a moment as you think about that. That is a good question that you're not quite sure you got the answer to. You have a hunch... a terrible one.

"The Alternian Empire was built on the discovery and... conquest of other planets and their residents. A small planet this is, but a planet regardless." As you try to explain this, another idea creeps up on you.

"Another terrible reason may be that the Empire's control of its people has been gradually slipping since the rebel movements have risen up. A lot of the more.. free-thinking trolls seem to find their way to this planet. Should they ever decide to return, they could bring some radical changes with them."

You haven't gotten to spend much time with the trolls of this city and precinct yet, but considering the fact that trolls of all castes work together and with such a different hierarchical structure was proof of that enough. Putting that thought into words makes you realize though... should the baron choose to influence or cull any of these young trolls, be it your own descendants, the young Peixes or any of the lowbloods, there is very little standing between him and them that can take him on.. besides you, maybe.

PI Last Tuesday at 10:20 PM

That was not something you had considered, but it would make a decent amount of sense if it was the case.  From what you've gathered, the trolls born on Derse have already shown radical differences than those who were born under Alterian influences.  And who knows...if they were to show that such a life is inherently better, yeah you could see how that would affect a word such as Alternia.

Your frown deepens.  "I do...worry for officer Piexes.  From what I've gathered, her blood type is royalty. Meaning from old system standards with there being a lack of empress, she would have means to attempt to claim said throne.  Considering her connection to Ampora and Amporas connection to Dualscar and..." you take a breath. Curse you connection chain.  "Dualscars connection to the Baron...I have no doubt the Baron could see her as a very tempting target to pull under his sway..."

Mm. Yeah no. You don't like that.  No sir ree bob. Maybe your just feeling overprotective cause you fed her fish as a grub or something. But mmm...yeah no. No like.  Adjusting your coat, you shake your head.  "I suppose we'll have to keep alert."

Darkleer Last Wednesday at 9:37 AM

You just give an agreeing grunt. Though you hadn't realized she was connected to.... "Dualscar." That is a name you didn't hear in a while. Not someone you ever got to interact with, but yet another old troll on a planet full of unsuspecting young ones. Hhn.

"We do." Maybe you should talk with the young Peixes about that? She seemed to innocently unaware and unaffected by all of Alternia's system and her heritage and you'd hate to ruin that, but you don't want to have her stumble into the hands of people that might use or hurt her.

PI Last Wednesday at 7:35 PM

"We do." you echo as you bundle yourself up, the biting cold outside suddenly feeling more intrusive than before.    "As an aside, thank you for your assistance earlier and for coming along with me for this."

Darkleer Last Wednesday at 10:08 PM

You nod. "No thanks needed. It was my job to accompany you." And you're glad for it. There's a good chance the Baron had no intentions to hurt him, but.. he is still a dangerous and unpredictable man. "If you need assistance in dealing with him in the future, let me know."

PI Last Thursday at 5:41 AM

"Hehe..." you chuckle. "Here I was about to offer the same to you."  It's true, you lack the...well beyond obvious physical clout that most trolls boast much less those of Darkleer or the Baron.  But you were not without your own authority and connections in this city.

Not that you really expect a lot of legislation and regulations would necessarily stop the Baron from popping your head off your body like a dandelion should he feel inclined. BUT NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CONSIDER THAT.

"Let's get back to the precinct. We have a lot of investigating and work to do."

Darkleer Last Thursday at 9:22 AM

"I will keep that in mind." You didn't expect him to be of much help to you for dealing with the Baron, especially with him being someone that has grown up outside of Alternia. You might peruse his advice so you don't act against Derse's law. Though admittedly, he dealt with the clown fairly well back then, and especially with his outsider's view, he might open a few new perspectives.

You give him another nod. With all said and done, you quietly follow him back.

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