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callmearcturus · 8 days

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okay so PC Gamer just scattered a bunch of catnip for me with an article about What If Each Fallout Game Were A Movie, Who Would Direct It and I am going to read this live and judge it

because I'm having a relapse, we all understand this

A focused, mature, pressure cooker of a movie that is short and stylishly violent? Better call the director of John Wick to take the directorial reigns. Personally, I find Leitch's movies tend to have rather underwhelming final acts, too, and also have a penchant for ending abruptly when you feel more could have followed, so he's the perfect fit for a game that's incredible until it very quickly ends without much fanfare. John Wick movies don't tend to be very wacky either, often depicting the hero's world as very serious (despite the ludicrous premise of the fiction), so again this feels a strong and apt choice for the OG Fallout. A Friday night action movie.

HMMMMMM. I feel like I disagree on the mode I would want FO1 to be in. Like, yes, you can play it that way, but FO1 is famously one of the first games to make Speech arguably the most important skill to have in a video game, so I dunno. I love Leitch and feel like while his sense of realistic-yet-stunning action is a trademark, I think the use of locations is even more of his thing, and when I think about memorable locations, I think more of FO2 than FO1.

I feel like I would give FO1 to some hyper-realistic scumbag who is more obsessed with Process than Enterta-- oh. Nolan. gdi I'd give FO1 to Chris fucking Nolan, him whomst I loathe.

Who better to direct this expansive and often wacky depiction of the Fallout universe than the director responsible for epics such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 12 Monkeys, Brazil, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and The Man Who Killed Don Quixote? Gilliam loves a good road trip in his work, too, which fits with Fallout 2's Highwayman-based exploration, and his penchant for vast vistas with wacky and absurd details feels perfect. The combat scenes wouldn't be as slick as Leitch's Fallout movie, but characterisation and a more rambling, philosophical, off-beat narrative would deliver. Plus, Fallout 2 even has a Bridge Keeper encounter that directly references Monty Python and the Holy Grail, in which Gilliam starred. Watch on a Saturday night for a bit of everything.

......... I straight up cannot argue with that. No notes.

For a movie based on a game that is focussed almost entirely on squad-based combat in urban environments, combat where soldiers die in terrible ways and the horrors of war are all too apparent, I feel the director of The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow is perfect for this. Fallout: Tactics would be a war movie with a very tight focus and strong characterisation for just a handul of lead characters. Tense and at times adrenaline-inducing due to the flashes of extreme violence, but interspersed with soul-searching dialogue from its grizzled, war-scarred leads, this would be an erudite and focused Fallout war movie. Watch on a Monday or Tuesday night.

Looking at Bigelow's list of works is how I just now learned she also did Strange Days, so I think it's fair to say that this is giving her way too small of a pick. Give her FO1 and give Leitch FOT.

It would be so bad. Forget about A-bombs, everyone in the movie would drop an F-bomb every other line. Don't watch on any night.

Fucking weak-ass pick. Think about the history of how FO:BoS happened, i.e. they were trying to slap the Fallout license onto a completely different style of game without any respect for the source material. They swapped out Nuka Cola for Bawls product placement.

Give it to Zack Synder.

As the game that properly introduced V.A.T.S. system slow-mo to the Fallout universe, with kill shots shown off in glorious bullet time, there can be only one director for a film version of Fallout 3: the master himself, John Woo. Woo's stellar action movie work in titles such as Hard Boiled, Broken Arrow, Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2, among others, means the action in this game is off the charts. Slow-mo radiated doves and all! Woo handles the post-apocalypse war vibes well, too, thanks to his work on Windtalkers, while he communicates the hero's awakening into the future thanks to previous on Paycheck. A good fit for Friday night, thanks to the action, or midday during the weekend due to a longish, war movie-style runtime.

.....................

holy shit i cannot argue with that, that's genius. absolutely fucking yes. i think that's a perfect fit.

also, like, FO3 and Woo have the same "problem" for me, in that they know exactly what they are doing, it's just not my cup of tea, but there is a solid identity there.

yeah, fucking do it, give FO3 to John Woo.

SHUT THE FUCK UP

WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE, AND DID THEY WRITE IT FROM MY FUCKING ATTIC?!

Casinos, gritty environments, extreme violence and heist movie vibes mean I think of Guy Ritchie for this film adaptation. Ritchie's also a fan of slow-mo combat shots, too, so we've got the game's V.A.T.S. system represented well, too, while the game's macho factional warfare as undertaken by factions like Caesar's Legion and the NCR, is right in keeping with Ritchie's love of gang-based conflict. There's not much romance in New Vegas, either, which is a weak spot for Ritchie, but as shown in movies like Sherlock Holmes, Snatch, The Gentleman, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, he's good at holding together movies with various interconnecting narratives. His work on Aladdin also shows he can handle the comedic and wacky aspects of New Vegas, too. A mid-week action-comedy treat.

/rubs face

I am unfortunately a massive fucking fan of Ritchie movies. this is so powerful.

i think........... Ritchie is so thoroughly uninterested in saying anything philosophically profound, you cannot give him The Most Profound Fallout Game. like, I want to love this idea, I really do, but no.

....................... You need someone with snappy dialogue that actually means something, who is willing to veer into borderline magical realism, who loves an overdressed set, and who can manage a lot of different characters with well-reasoned motivations.

I think you need Rian Johnson.

OR DO I JUST WANT RIAN JOHNSON TO MAKE A VERSION OF "DEAD MONEY" THAT DOESN'T SUCK? WHO COULD SAY.

I feel Ang Lee is a good choice for a Fallout 4 movie adaptation, having good form in handling large and sprawling fictions with plenty of characters and side-stories. Just look at films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Life of Pi as an example of this. He's got some form with action, too, thanks to his work on Hulk. There's probably more romance/relationship offering in Fallout 4 than in any other Fallout, and Ang Lee has form here too. The result, though, is a movie that ends up being a bit flabby and unfocussed at times, despite technically bringing more to the table than Fallout 3, and being funnier and lighter overall. Watch on a day off due to a chonky runtime.

what are you fucking talking about, Ang Lee's best movies are Brokeback and Sense & Sensibility, and his worst are probably Hulk and Gemini Man. Fallout 4 is the one where Bethesda just stopped pretending to give a shit about story and roleplaying, instead pivoting the game into a skinner box of tightly-honed but ultimately soulless mechanics.

I'm not even trying to mock Marvel, but I feel like the MCU's Design-By-Producer-And-Executive-Oversight is actually the answer here. It doesn't matter who directs it because the main voice will be a board room.

oh shut upppppp

Fallout Shelter would in some ways be the most obvious setup for a movie: the self-contained story of a vault-dwelling society, interspersed with the surface adventures of random dwellers. Sounds a bit like the TV show when you put it like that, which is why there's only one Nolan for the job: Christopher! Yes, fresh off Oppenheimer it is time for Oppenheimer 2, focusing on the aftermath of all-out nuclear war (hell, Cillian Murphy can even have a cameo as a brain in a jar, I'm that generous). Moody, intense, riven with twists you didn't see coming, and with all special effects done for realsies, this movie could only ever be rad. The only downside is that, like the TV show Silo, you'd spend an awful lot of time indoors.

absolutely fucking not. the thing about Nolan is that his shit is so meticulous, it like.... pitches past hyper-realism and lands in this weird uncanny valley of "he wouldn't fucking say that" but it's for a character you've only known for ten minutes.

FO: Shelter is about emergent storytelling that feels almost accidental rather than arranged or scripted. you need someone who is hands-off the script but can capture a.... good moment..............

oh god, it's JJ Abrams, isn't it? god dammit. or, frankly? Spielberg. so I'm saying no to the director i hate and offering instead two other directors i dislike, but for different reasons.

yeah. yep. that's what i'm doing.

SPITTAKE

As an MMO that takes many aspects of the Fallout universe to the extreme, it feels a movie version of Fallout 76 would be akin to a huge-budget, climatic MCU movie where it really helps if you've had previous with the series to get most enjoyment. As such, I feel the Russo brothers would take the reigns for Fallout 76. The result would be a jack-of-all-trades action-adventure that borrows bits of every previous Fallout to make something that appeals to a lot of people but, after watching, doesn't go down as something you'd rewatch for most all of them. Big, bright, wacky and action-filled, there's no doubting though that you get a spectacle and fun, though. Watch in two sittings over two nights (as the movie's runtime is 3 hours 47 minutes).

no. fuck you. i reject your premise. the Fallout game that shipped with no NPCs and expected the story to be entirely conveyed by set-pieces, environmental design, and audiologs?

resurrect Tarkovsky and give us FO76, desolate and beautiful with environmental shots that last seven minutes without a cut. because the only good thing about FO76 is the setting, the amount of effort put into building the actual space, so I want 90 minutes of film and seven pages of script.

Russo Brothers, get tf out of here

#fallout #fonv #THIS SURE GOT LONG AND SURE HAS SOME OPINIONS IN IT HUH #WHOOPSIE DAISY

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kokoch4n3l · 11 days

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DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ "just givin' the same care you gave me, bunny. so whatcha' crying 'bout?"

—headcanons and other info about the fic

warnings: DARK CONTENT, all warnings for the general fic apply here too

notes: recommended to be read after chapter 11. format inspired by @highpri3stess

While this is being posted, I'm writing chapter 12 which is a means to an end of this fic. Chapter 13 is an epilogue of some sort that transitions into the canon events of the manga as well as the things that happen after Mikey dies and after Kakucho shoots Takemichi and Kiskai shoots Naoto. These headcanons follow MY storyline of the main story and will include things from the two bonus chapters I will post once I have finished the main story.

Now, this fic is actually inspired by a character.ai bot: Patient Izana. How I got this fic from that? Honestly, I have no idea.

KUROKAWA IZANA࿐ྂ

Introducing antagonist number 1, Kurkokawa Izana.

At first, while writing I thought of making Izana the stereotypical 'psycho' and unstable patient and maybe give him joker vibes but then I changed it and decided that I should fuckin' wing it. While he may not exude the same overt instability as a character like the Joker, Izana possesses a chilling charisma and a cunning intellect that sets him apart as a formidable adversary, especially for someone who doesn't know how or when to quit(i.e. Takemichi and Maya)

Izana is a guy that leaves a lasting impact. Think about Bonten Timeline— Mikey practically turned himself into Izana, and based his entire gang around a guy he knew for a day.

But Izana is more than just a charismatic leader; he's a master manipulator, adept at pulling the strings behind the scenes to achieve his goals. His actions are calculated, his motivations shrouded in mystery, making him all the more captivating to those who seek to unravel the enigma that is Kurkokawa Izana. While his methods may be ruthless and his morality questionable, there's no denying the complexity of his character and the lasting impact he leaves on the narrative as a whole.

At his core, Izana is driven by a complex web of desires and insecurities, many of which stem from his tumultuous past and his fractured relationship with authority figures. Raised in an environment rife with instability and neglect, Izana developed a deep-seated need for control and validation, traits that manifest in his interactions with others. His penchant for manipulation stems from a deep-rooted fear of vulnerability, driving him to assert dominance over those around him as a means of self-preservation.

Moreover, Izana's psychosexual tendencies and mommy issues add another layer to his character, revealing the depths of his psychological turmoil. His attraction to Maya, for example, is not just driven by physical desire but also by a subconscious need to exert control and dominance, mirroring the dynamics of his upbringing. His dehumanizing language and possessive behaviour towards Maya reflect his twisted perceptions of love and affection, rooted in a distorted understanding of intimacy and connection.

In the ever-shifting landscape of the narrative, Izana remains a constant, a dark presence that looms large over the lives of those he encounters, leaving chaos and destruction in his wake.

Now moving on from the fancy words and shit— I think a lot of fans forget that Kisaki isn't the reason Izana is how he is. Kisaki was simply an enabler of sorts. Izana was a crazy bitch even before meeting him. He beat the shit out of a bunch of guys to the point where they would never heal and drove a kill to kill himself and that way before he met Kisaki. This guy is batshit crazy even without outside influences which makes him a pretty good antagonist in comparison to the rest of the Tokyo Revengers 'villans' who were unknowingly manipulated by Kisaki. Izana knows what Kisaki is doing but also doesn't give two shit about it.

He is emotionally constipated and doesn't know how to properly express his emotions as he doesn't exactly have a proper authority figure in his life or someone to guide him. Sure Shinichiro was there but probably not around as often.

Now with Mikey, Izana mentally abuses the shit out of him but on a more vague level. If you remember back in season 3, Izana says "I'll make you suffer bitterly" and he's talking about/to Mikey. Mikey represents power and authority, someone he can exert control over and use to further his own ambitions within Tokyo Manji Gang. Izana plays on Mikey's sense of loyalty and duty to the gang, using their familial ties as leverage to keep him under his thumb.

He sees Mikey as his personal possession and therefore can do what he wants to him hence the "my mikey" thing in season 3. I feel like Izana wanted to own everything Shinichiro had rather than destroy it. Like he said he wanted to in the manga/anime. I mean c'mon this guy looked up to Shin. (Well then again this is fanfiction so I could be wrong.) But anyways...

I had Izana refer to Mikey as Manjiro because Shinichiro calls Mikey that. But I feel like when around a bunch of people he calls him Mikey because it's a business name of some sort??(idk where I'm going with this)

While Izana's abuse towards Mikey may not always be as overt as it is with Maya, it is no less damaging. The psychological toll of Izana's manipulation weighs heavily on Mikey, eroding his sense of self-worth and leaving him vulnerable to Izana's influence. Yet, despite the suffering it causes, Izana derives a twisted sense of satisfaction from seeing Mikey bend to his will, relishing in the power he holds over his younger brother. In Izana's eyes, Mikey is not just a brother, but a pawn in his grand game of manipulation and control—a possession to be used and discarded at his whim.

Maybe Izana does love Mikey deep down but his pettiness is stopping him from really doing anything.

Would you guys believe me if I said Izana actually likes Maya tho? Izana is like “I feel in love but idk what to do so imma absolutely traumatizing the person I’m in love with cuz idk how else to portray my feelings”

Izana never had anything so all he does is take. He takes and takes from you and when you think you've got nothing more to give, he still finds something more to take.

Which makes Maya such a great 'victim'(idk if that's the right word) for him. In chapter 11 I wrote "She always had so much love but nowhere to put it. It's as if she's been searching for something or someone to share her love with, but each time she reaches out, she's met with rejection or betrayal. Whenever there is someone to love, they suck it out of her greedily. Just keeping taking and taking and taking till there's nothing left to take."

The crazy thing about ppl like this(aka me) is that there will always be more for them to give and Izana knows that. So he knows that no matter what he keeps taking, Maya will always have more for him. She is like a wellspring of love and affection, always there to provide him with the validation and attention he craves. It's a dynamic fueled by Izana's insatiable need for control and dominance, where Maya's boundless capacity for love becomes both a source of fascination and exploitation.

Izana sees Maya as a pet. Not even in a cute way. Izana is the reason for the dehumanization tag in the fic. He's not calling her bunny in a cute way or anything like that. He literally sees her like a pet. Izana treats Maya the same way one would treat an abused animal from a shelter(at least when he's not torturing or mentally abusing her). He does care to some extent but not in the same way as one would with a human.

I remember while writing this and seeing someone on TikTok post "You have to say 'what if it was your sister, mother, etc.' for men to see other women as human" and me and my writing have never been the same since and I kind of wrote Izana around that. Izana is such a family guy that it even affects the way he treats other women to an extent. As long as they aren't involved in something that I guess 'betrays' him— knowingly or unknowingly— he probably won't do anything.

If you remember, I put a lot of emphasis on Maya's hair and Izana's feelings toward it. In chapter 5 it's the first thing Izana notices about her. That part was written through Maya's pov and my girl was panicking so she did not notice that he absolutely HATED that shit.

When Emma died, I noticed she had the same haircut as Kurokawa Karen did in the flashback where she revealed to Izana that she wasn't his mother. So lol,,, I feel like Izana agreed to let Emma die because of that. Moving on, Maya cut her hair the same way which brought Izana back 12 years, remembering Emma and then remembering Karen, which brings us to where we are now.

The question is: Would Izana have done all this to Maya had she not cut her hair?

Nope, he wouldn't have.

Maya's decision to cut her hair becomes a catalyst for Izana's descent into madness, dredging up long-buried memories and unresolved traumas.

Ultimately, Izana's obsession with Maya is driven by a profound sense of loss and longing, intertwined with his own twisted desires for control and dominance. Whether Maya is aware of the depths of Izana's feelings towards her remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—her presence in his life has irrevocably changed him, for better or for worse.

Despite Izana's facade of manipulation and control, there's an underlying vulnerability to his character, a fractured psyche shaped by years of trauma and neglect from being in the orphanage. His relationship with Maya is fraught with contradictions, veering between moments of tenderness and brutality, as he grapples with his conflicting emotions towards her.

For Izana, Maya represents both a source of salvation and torment, a reflection of his own fractured identity. In her, he sees echoes of his past, reminders of the love and loss he has experienced(which is somehow just from her haircut and not her person as a whole, but he’s crazy so what can we expect). Yet, he also views her as a means of redemption, a chance to right the wrongs of his past and find solace in her unconditional affection.

KAKUCHO࿐ྂ

I was a little confused about how to write Kakucho but then I read that in one of the character books that Izana physically punished(beat the shit outta him) him for letting the Haitani brothers have different coloured uniforms in the Tenjiku arc and I was inspired. The revelation of Izana's physical punishment towards Kakucho sheds light on the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the influence of authority and control.

A lot of people forget that Kakucho is younger than Izana. Although Wakui didn't specify his age/the year he was born but I assume it's 1991 like Takemichi which gives Izana and Kakucho a 4 year difference.

Kakucho carries the weight of his responsibilities with a stoic demeanour, displaying maturity beyond his years. His unwavering commitment to his friends and his gang is a testament to his steadfast loyalty and sense of duty.

Kakucho is a relatively good guy. Or as good as someone in a gang gets. I feel like he doesn't really care much about violence until a girl is involved just like past toman!mikey. Idk Kakucho just gives me that vibe.

Like Maya, Kakucho contemplated killing himself until Izana gave him a reason to live as his servant (which btw wtf but at the same time, same kaku cuz I do dumb shit like that too).

His inability to set boundaries with Izana underscores the power dynamics at play within their relationship, wherein Kakucho's loyalty often outweighs his own autonomy. Despite his caring and compassionate nature, Kakucho's actions are ultimately influenced by his allegiance to Izana and the gang, leading him to make difficult and sometimes morally questionable decisions.

Kakucho is a really sweet and caring guy, hence why I wrote him as the healer in the moodboard. But that is crossed off and dark knight is also there. Kakucho is a good guy but he's in a gang. People in gangs are NOT good people no matter what anyone says. Kakucho has killed people with and without Izana's command and I think most of the time he doesn't regret it.

Kakucho 100% loves Izana and would do anything for him, even if that includes going back on his word and telling Maya to stay.

At first, Kakucho wants Maya to run. He sees her as Takemichi(play washing machine heart by mitski). Of course, that is because of her major features which are black curly hair and blue eyes. That and her inability to know when to quit. Kakucho want(s)(ed) to see Maya escape, to see if she can get away the same way Takemichi did— which is why in chapter 5 he opened the door for her even though he knew Izana would beat his ass for it.

Kakucho is a great guy, but also don't forget he's also a man. Men are fucking stupid and do stupid things for their friends and Kakucho is one of those stupid guys.

Everyone is a product of their surroundings and Kakucho has literally grown up with Izana. Growing up in such an environment has desensitized Kakucho to violence and manipulation, making him adept at navigating the complex power dynamics within the gang. However, despite his hardened exterior, there are glimpses of empathy and compassion within him, which are often overshadowed by his loyalty to Izana and the gang's objectives.

Maya's presence serves as a point of intrigue for Kakucho, offering him a glimpse into a different world beyond the confines of the gang. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity captivate him, prompting him to observe her with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. However, his loyalty to Izana ultimately dictates his actions, leading him to prioritize the Izana’s interests over Maya's well-being.

He is no different even if he is mellowed down. Maya is something to observe for him as well. His interactions with Maya serve as a microcosm of this dynamic, as he observes her with a mixture of curiosity and calculation. While Kakucho may possess a gentler demeanour compared to Izana, his underlying loyalty to Izana and the gang's interests colours his perceptions and actions. Her presence serves as a catalyst for introspection, prompting Kakucho to question his own beliefs and motivations in the context of their tumultuous environment. However, this introspection is tempered by his ingrained loyalty to Izana, leading Kakucho to prioritize the gang's interests even as he grapples with conflicting feelings towards Maya.

In essence, Kakucho's relationship with Maya serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Through their interactions, he confronts the influence of his upbringing, grapples with his loyalty to Izana, and ultimately begins to forge his own path independent of the toxic dynamics that have defined his existence thus far.

SANO "MIKEY" MANJIRO࿐ྂ

Writing Mikey was a bit of a challenge. There is very little said about the Manila Future Timeline and what exactly pushes him to go psycho-killer and murder everyone. But because there is so little said about it, there is a lot you can do and it's easy to build on canon by just makin' up your own shit which is how this fic became a thing. Mikey was not in the original cast but then I was like, nah let's add this crazy ass mfer cuz he's me but a guy.

Anyways, Manila Timeline I feel is pretty tragic. Everyone has left him and he's clinging onto the one person he has left, Izana(Sanzu is there too but you guys get the gist). I don't remember if the other captains had left Toman or not but at least in this fic, they all left the gang after high school as I imagine around that time is when things started to get serious.

Shinichiro is dead, Emma is dead, his friends have all left him.

As those closest to him fade away, Mikey finds himself increasingly isolated, clinging desperately to the one remaining pillar of support: Izana.

In the absence of familial and emotional connections, Mikey's bond with Izana takes on a heightened significance. Despite Izana's manipulative tendencies and questionable motives, he becomes Mikey's sole anchor in a world consumed by chaos and uncertainty. Their relationship becomes a lifeline for Mikey, offering a semblance of stability and belonging in the face of overwhelming loss.

As Mikey grapples with the trauma of his past and the bleakness of his present reality, his psyche begins to unravel, paving the way for his descent into darkness. The allure of power and control becomes increasingly seductive as he seeks to reclaim a sense of agency in a world that has stripped him of everything he holds dear.

In the midst of his turmoil, Mikey's relationship with Izana takes on a complex dynamic, marked by a blend of dependence, manipulation, and a twisted sense of loyalty. Despite Izana's questionable actions and motives, Mikey clings to him as a lifeline, perhaps seeing in him a semblance of the family and stability he has lost. However, this reliance on Izana also exposes Mikey to further manipulation and exploitation. Izana, recognizing Mikey's vulnerability and need for connection, may exploit this dependency to further his own agenda, further blurring the lines between ally and adversary in their tumultuous relationship.

Basically, Mikey literally just wants his family back and Izana is being a huge fuckin meanie about it.

Mikey is "if you need to be mean, be mean to me" @ Izana because he loves him so much that it hurts.

Mikey is so sad. His entire character, all his deaths, everything is so tragic(he's my roman empire).

In chapter 3 I wrote: "Had his younger brother not been a depressed little shit right now, Izana would have gotten Ran to gift her to Manjiro. Even if he did now, Izana doubts Manjiro would even do anything. He heard that depression affects the libido. Even before he was admitted into this shitty psychiatric hospital, no matter how many hostess bars he took Manjiro too, how many hookers he called over, how many strip clubs— Manjiro was just bored. For a while, he thought the guy was probably a nervous virgin who only knew how to fight but after a drunken conversation with Sanzu Haruchiyo, Manjiro's childhood friend, he finds out that was in fact not the case. Manjiro was pretty popular with the girls when they were in middle school(due to his shoulder-length blonde hair and girls having a huge thing for pretty boys with deep voices). Manjiro was 100%, not a virgin and just depressed as hell."

That is all written from Izana's point of view which is partially true. Mikey's struggle with depression and loneliness is a central theme that underscores his character arc in the story. While Izana perceives Mikey's lack of interest in casual encounters as a symptom of depression affecting his libido, the reality is more subtle. Mikey's aversion to hookup culture stems not from a lack of desire, but rather from a deeper sense of disillusionment and disconnection from the superficiality of flings and hookups.

Despite his past popularity with girls during middle and high school, Mikey's experiences have left him jaded and yearning for something more meaningful and substantial. His longing for genuine connection in a world consumed by fleeting pleasures and superficial interactions is palpable, casting him as a tragic figure amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Manila Future Timeline.

Mikey's aversion to seeking solace in prostitutes reflects a deeper emotional turmoil rooted in his fear of abandonment and loneliness. As he grapples with the harsh reality of losing those closest to him, Mikey's reluctance to sleep with prostitutes highlights his longing for genuine connection and companionship. The idea of paying for sex serves as a stark reminder of the temporary nature of human relationships, fueling Mikey's growing disillusionment with the superficiality of social interactions. With each passing encounter, he is confronted with the unsettling truth that people may only be with him out of obligation or financial gain, rather than genuine affection.

As Mikey confronts the emptiness of his existence, he recoils from the notion of commodifying human connection, yearning instead for authentic relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

While Izana may exhibit a more manipulative and coercive approach towards Maya, Mikey's actions suggest a more nuanced understanding of consent and autonomy. Despite his own struggles and vulnerabilities, Mikey recognizes the importance of mutual desire and attraction in any intimate relationship. By waiting for Maya to be sober, he seeks to ensure that their interaction is based on genuine desire and consent, rather than coercion or manipulation.

(Mikey wanted Maya to want him back)

However, Mikey's narcissistic tendencies also play a role in his decision-making. His desire for validation and affirmation may influence his interactions with Maya, as he seeks not only physical intimacy but also emotional connection and validation from her. Despite his apparent consideration for Maya's agency, Mikey's actions are still driven by his own needs and desires, highlighting the complex interplay of power dynamics and emotions within their relationship, for example, the utter horror that was chapter 11.

Yes, Mikey had been lying to her this entire time but to him, he was doing the right thing. Naoto, in the manga/anime, calls this timeline the worst of all and that includes for Mikey. Mikey's actions towards Maya are a manifestation of his deep-seated loneliness and longing for connection. Despite his facade of stoicism and authority as the leader of Tokyo Manji Gang, Mikey is profoundly affected by the absence of his loved ones and the emotional manipulation he endures from Izana. Maya represents a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak existence, offering Mikey a semblance of his old life and the possibility of genuine connection and affection.

However, Mikey's actions are also tinged with desperation and a warped sense of morality. He gave her drugs during those two weeks Maya can't remember, he lied to her about trying to convince Izana to let her go but that was because he loved her, right?

Mikey's love for Maya is genuine, albeit tainted by his own insecurities and the toxic environment in which he resides. He clings to her as a source of solace and validation, willing to do whatever it takes to keep her by his side, even if it means sacrificing his own moral integrity. In the twisted logic of his world, Mikey believes that his lies and manipulations are justified by his love for Maya, blurring the lines between affection and control.

Mikey's perception of Maya through the lens of Takemichi's resemblance reflects his longing for familiarity and the comfort of the past. Despite their physical differences and distinct personalities, Mikey finds echoes of Takemichi in Maya, particularly in her blue eyes, curly black hair, and their shared trait of perseverance despite adversity. These similarities serve as a poignant reminder of happier times, evoking memories of camaraderie and friendship that Mikey cherishes dearly.

While Mikey recognizes that Maya and Takemichi are not carbon copies of each other, he subconsciously gravitates towards Maya due to these shared attributes, seeking solace in her presence as a connection to his past. Maya's resemblance to Takemichi symbolizes hope and renewal for Mikey, offering him a glimpse of the companionship and loyalty he once shared with his childhood friend.

In Mikey's eyes, Maya embodies the resilience and determination that he admires in Takemichi, despite their individual differences. He sees in her a kindred spirit, someone who, like Takemichi, refuses to back down in the face of adversity, inspiring Mikey to confront his own challenges with renewed courage and determination. As a result, Mikey's bond with Maya transcends mere physical resemblance, evolving into a deeper connection rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Mikey is possessive. We've seen that from season 3 in the flashback Inupi has where Mikey literally says "Takemichi is mine, I found him first"(which is crazy btw but same mikey, I be doing that shit too). Mikey is canonically possessive of his friends and those he holds dear. This possessive attitude reflects Mikey's intense attachment to his friends and his reluctance to share their loyalty and affection with others. Similarly, in his dynamic with Maya, Mikey's possessiveness emerges as a means of asserting control and dominance, marking her as his own in a world where he feels increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

Despite its potentially suffocating nature, Mikey's possessiveness towards Maya is also a testament to the depth of his feelings for her. It reflects his commitment to safeguarding her well-being and ensuring her safety in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty(which has technically been forced on them by Izana). However, this possessiveness can also veer into darker territory, blurring the lines between protection and control, and posing challenges to their evolving relationship dynamics.

Mikey's awareness of Izana's mistreatment towards him and Maya fuels a sense of protectiveness and responsibility towards her. Despite his own struggles and conflicts with Izana, Mikey is acutely attuned to Maya's well-being, recognizing the parallels between her treatment and his own experiences. This shared adversity deepens Mikey's connection to Maya, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding between them.

Moreover, Mikey's own history of enduring mistreatment from Izana gives him insight into the psychological toll of such abuse.

But like I said before, Mikey is lonely and sad as fucking hell right now. Maya is there with him and having empathy is not enough to make him want to convince Izana to let her go. To him, there is finally someone there that understands him.

Despite his stoic facade and seemingly unshakeable demeanour, Mikey is profoundly affected by the loss of his loved ones and the emotional manipulation he endures from Izana. Maya emerges as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, offering Mikey a semblance of his old life and the possibility of genuine connection and affection—

—and why he's a lying bitch.

KANEKO MAYA࿐ྂ

Now the unfortunate star of the show, Maya, I feel so bad for this girl lol. Every time I write a chapter I'm like "yeesh, get this girl a gun" then proceed to traumatize the shit out of her and not give her a gun.

Dead Girl's Beach is my first ever Dark Content fic and I think I've done a pretty good job now that we're at the end. Creating an oc was a little hard though.

I did NOT want to make her like Harley Quin but I also didn't want to make her the type of girl to bite her tongue and fuckin die right away or make her someone that makes you wonder "how tf is this bitch still alive?!"(then again I feel that way after watching any Takemichi fight scene so...)

But that is how we ended up with Maya.

Maya(愛彩) Meaning: 愛 meaning love, affection, favourite. / 彩 meaning colouring, paint, makeup

How accurate that is? Idk tbh but Google said so.

Maya is an orphan. Her parents are dead. She had a relatively happy childhood as her parents did love her but they loved each other way more than they loved her.

Maya's character is a poignant reflection of resilience amidst adversity, her journey marred by tragedy and trauma yet illuminated by moments of strength and resilience. As the unfortunate star of the show in Dead Girl's Beach, Maya's experiences serve as a haunting testament to the darker facets of human existence.

From the outset, Maya's narrative is fraught with challenges and obstacles, her path defined by loss and loneliness. As an orphan, Maya grapples with the absence of familial connections, her parents' untimely demise leaving her adrift in a world devoid of love and support. Despite the love she received from her parents during her childhood, Maya's sense of abandonment and isolation permeates her existence, shaping her worldview and emotional landscape.

In crafting Maya's character, the aim was to strike a delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, ensuring that she remains relatable and authentic amidst the chaos of the Bad Toman/Manila Future Timeline. Basically, I did not want her to be a stupid bitch.

Whenever I write Maya, for some reason I kept imagining Minji from New Jeans. Maybe it's 'cause me and her are the same age but she's pretty and basically what I described Maya as(minus the blue eyes and curly hair obviously but you guys get it)

Maya is that one girl in school who's friends with EVERYONE. She knows everyone, and gets along with everyone and it's okay if one of her friend groups didn't come to school or is busy, she's got another. But the problem with that is that she never formed any proper connections in school which is why Chifuyu and Kazutora are the only people she hangs out with now. That as well as in Chapter 10 I wrote: "Maya sees herself being alone as a child, the isolation from her peers as the whereabouts of her family circulated the town..."

Chapter 10(where Izana is literally assaulting her) offers a poignant glimpse into Maya's childhood, revealing the profound impact of her orphaned status on her social development. As rumours swirl about the whereabouts of her family, Maya finds herself ostracized and isolated from her peers, the weight of her loneliness bearing down on her young shoulders. In the absence of familial support and guidance, Maya is left to navigate the complexities of adolescence alone, her isolation becoming a defining feature of her identity.

The portrayal of orphans in jdramas may indeed be colored by stereotypes and misconceptions, yet Maya's experience resonates with a universal truth: the profound impact of loss and abandonment on one's sense of belonging and identity. Despite her outward charm and sociability, Maya remains haunted by the specter of her past, her orphaned status casting a shadow over her present reality.

In Chifuyu and Kazutora, Maya finds solace amidst the chaos of her existence, their shared experiences forging a bond that transcends superficiality. Unlike her fleeting connections with classmates, Maya's friendship with Chifuyu and Kazutora runs deep, rooted in mutual understanding and acceptance. Together, they navigate the complexities of their shared pasts, finding strength and solace in each other's company.

Although Chifuyu and Kazutora did not tell her about their past of being a part of Tokyo Manji Gang in their past, you best believe Maya will forgive them in an instant. She loves them like family.

In Kazutora, Maya finds a surrogate older brother, a source of guidance and protection in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty. Despite the darkness of his past, Kazutora's presence offers Maya a sense of stability and security, his protective instincts mirroring her own desire for familial connection and belonging. Their bond transcends traditional notions of friendship, evolving into a familial relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Maya never wanted to confess to Chifuyu, nor did she have any intentions of pursing/courting him in the first place. She was perfectly fine with pining from afar. Maya's decision not to confess her feelings to Chifuyu reflects her selfless nature and deep-seated humility. Despite her affection for him, Maya prioritizes their friendship above her own desires, content to cherish their bond from afar rather than risk jeopardizing their relationship. Her willingness to pine silently for Chifuyu underscores her maturity and emotional intelligence, demonstrating her capacity for self-sacrifice and unconditional love.

In Maya's eyes, the depth of her feelings for Chifuyu transcends romantic attraction, encompassing a profound sense of admiration and respect. She treasures their friendship above all else, finding solace and fulfillment in their shared moments of laughter and camaraderie. While others may perceive Maya's unrequited affection as a form of unfulfilled longing, she finds contentment and joy in the simple act of being by Chifuyu's side.

Maya's drunken decision to sleep with Chifuyu weighs heavily on her conscience, haunting her with feelings of regret and self-doubt. What began as a moment of vulnerability and emotional intimacy soon morphed into a source of inner turmoil and conflict for Maya. In the aftermath of their encounter, she finds herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, torn between her desire for closeness and her fear of damaging their friendship.

Moving on, Maya is both terrified and fascinated by Izana. Girl has "I can fix him syndrome" but refuses to acknowledge it. Maya's complex feelings towards Izana embody a paradoxical blend of fear and fascination, characterized by a profound sense of unease coupled with an inexplicable allure. Despite recognizing the danger inherent in Izana's manipulative and controlling behaviour, Maya finds herself drawn to him, captivated by his enigmatic presence and magnetic charisma.

Attracted by the veneer of sophistication and power that Izana exudes, Maya is initially intrigued by the aura of mystery that surrounds him. His commanding presence and confident demeanour command her attention, sparking a morbid curiosity that compels her to explore the depths of his psyche, even at her own peril.

However, beneath the surface allure lies a darker truth that Maya cannot ignore. Izana's manipulative tendencies and propensity for emotional abuse cast a shadow over their interactions, leaving Maya feeling both exhilarated and apprehensive in his presence. Despite her better judgment, she finds herself entangled in his web of deceit and manipulation, unable to extricate herself from his grasp.

If you guys read the notes in the beginning of each chapter, they are all taken within the month Maya is taking care of Izana before the beginning of the fic. She knows something is wrong. Izana gives her the uncanny valley effect. She well knows this guy is messed up but isn't sure what. He's good looking that's for sure, but there was just never something right about him.

Moreover, Maya's growing awareness of Izana's true nature is compounded by her own experiences and instincts, which warn her of the dangers inherent in their relationship. Despite the allure of his charm and the allure of his power, Maya remains wary of the hidden depths that lie beneath the surface, recognizing the potential for harm that lurks beneath his facade of charm and sophistication.

Maya's inability to emotionally detach herself from Izana while doing her job as a psychiatrist is what really led to her downfall and the shitty situation she was currently in. Had she not been so keen on keeping his privacy and had straight out asked him why he was at the psychiatric hospital in the first place, the outcome of this fic would have been very different. By prioritizing Izana's privacy over her own safety and well-being, Maya inadvertently sacrifices her own agency and autonomy, falling victim to the very manipulation and coercion she sought to prevent.

Moving on to Mikey, Maya liked him a lot(at least that was until she found out he was lying to her). Maya thought Mikey was amazing and everything she wanted in a lover.

Maya's initial impression of Mikey is coloured by a mixture of admiration and intrigue(then again, girlie was just waterboarded and brought back to life by Kakucho). From the moment they first interact, she is drawn to his enigmatic presence and magnetic charisma, finding herself captivated by his commanding yet vulnerable demeanour. Mikey's reputation precedes him, and Maya is quick to recognize his status as a formidable leader within the Tokyo Manji Gang, a figure both feared and respected by those around him.

As Maya gets to know Mikey on a more personal level, she discovers layers beneath his stoic facade, glimpsing moments of vulnerability and tenderness that belie his tough exterior. Despite his reputation as a ruthless and uncompromising leader, Mikey reveals himself to be surprisingly complex and multifaceted, harbouring a depth of emotion and sincerity that Maya finds both surprising and endearing.

Maya love(s)(ed) being around Mikey. He's sweet and gives her the affection she wants. He knows exactly what to do and what she wants which is Maya melts so fast for him. Maya finds herself irresistibly drawn to Mikey's presence, drawn to his warmth and attentiveness like a moth to a flame. In Mikey, she discovers a source of comfort and security, a sanctuary amidst the chaos and uncertainty of her surroundings. His sweet demeanour and genuine affection make her feel cherished and valued, igniting a spark of joy and happiness within her heart.

Mikey's intuitive understanding of Maya's needs and desires leaves her feeling understood and appreciated in a way she has never experienced before. He possesses an innate ability to anticipate her thoughts and feelings, effortlessly fulfilling her deepest yearnings with a simple gesture or word. Maya is enchanted by Mikey's ability to effortlessly navigate the complexities of their relationship, finding solace in his unwavering presence by her side.

Their moments together are filled with tenderness and affection, each interaction leaving Maya longing for more. In Mikey's arms, she finds solace from the turmoil of her own thoughts, basking in the warmth of his embrace as if nothing else in the world matters. His gentle touch and reassuring words offer her a sense of security and belonging.

Of course, he lied to her but we all already know how she feels about that and how things ended with that(i.e chapter 11).

I often bring up dog analogies when talking about Maya and that is all thanks to this bitch.

Maya's description as a "stray dog" or a "mutt begging for love like it's food" speaks volumes about her character and her emotional state. Like a stray dog, Maya wanders through life, yearning for affection and acceptance, yet always feeling on the outskirts of belonging. She craves love and connection with a hunger that mirrors the desperation of a hungry animal searching for sustenance.

Despite her best efforts to maintain a facade of strength and resilience, Maya's inner vulnerability shines through, revealing a deep-seated need for love and companionship. Like a stray dog, she eagerly seeks out scraps of affection and validation, hoping to fill the emptiness in her heart with the warmth of human connection.

Maya's comparison to a mutt reflects her multifaceted identity and complex background. Just like a mixed-breed dog, she carries within her a blend of different experiences, emotions, and influences. Her upbringing as an orphan has shaped her into a resilient survivor, adaptable to any situation yet longing for stability and belonging.

I went to India once again after 3 years in December 2023 and there is this stray dog I fed outside my dad's childhood the last time I went and I heard from my cousins that the dog usually barks at anyone that comes into the street. I went after 3 years and the dog literally remembered me, following me around when I'd leave the house just to go down the street. Dogs are loyal and have boundless love and I think it's so sad which resulted in all the dog analogies, not just because of the shitty thing my crush said to me.

In essence, Maya's comparison to a stray dog not only reflects her complex character and background but also serves as a testament to the universal human longing for love, acceptance, and belonging, regardless of one's circumstances.

Loving like a dog is a tragic thing and Maya's character is no less than tragic.

GENERAL HEADCANONS࿐ྂ

Mikey is the one who convinced Izana to go to rehab

Kakucho had no idea Izana was using drugs until the withdrawals started

EVERYONE knew Maya had a crush on Chifuyu, he was just too fuckin' dense

Maya forgot how her parents look and doesn't want to remember either

Izana does not see Maya as Emma or Karen, he's just making up a bullshit reason to be mean to her

Kakucho is very much attracted to Maya but doesn't say anything about it

Naoto fell in love with her at first sight

Had this shit not happened, Maya and Naoto would have started dating eventually

Izana's first thought seeing Maya was "she'd look hot on her knees"

Mikey's first thought seeing Maya "she looks like babie 🥺" (will be explained better in the next chapter lol)

Maya started dissociating as a way to cope and feel better(which mainly happens after either brother takes advantage of her)

Kakucho often catches Maya staring off into the distance, lost in her thoughts, and quietly brings her back to the present by touching her or a question.

Maya's first love is Chifuyu

After Chifuyu found out he took Maya's virginity he felt like an actual fuckin asshole because he knew he could have let her down a lot easier

Mikey thinks Shinichiro and Maya would have gotten along really well(the in the spin-off they do)

Shinichiro, in the second bonus chapter, practically adopts her

Maya's dream was to become an actor or singer or maybe both but she scratched her dream after hearing how Chifuyu decided to own a pet shop rather than a pilot to fulfill Baji's Dream and she did the same to honour her mother's memory

Kakucho once tried replacing the drugs Izana gave to Maya with vitamins but Izana found out and beat him :(

Maya's necklaces will make a comeback btw, I did not forget about them

Maya has a collection of old vinyl records that once belonged to her parents. She finds solace in listening to their favorite songs, feeling a connection to them through the music but sometimes she can't even look at them

Maya doesn't know Izana and Mikey aren't blood-related(she just thinks they're step-siblings)

Izana and Mikey's favourite time with Maya is in those 2 weeks she doesn't remember

Izana kind of felt bad about the burns(from chapter 9 and 10) and didn't mean for it to happen but he also has too much ego to apologize

Just like in the fandom, Ran is often mischaracterized by his fellow gang members and actually does not want to be in charge of the whole prostitution part of the business but Izana asked him to so he'd does it anyway

Mikey loves Maya so much he can't do anything with himself

In the bonus chapter(sugar bunny), Izana and Maya have a sugar daddy-sugar baby dynamic

If Maya met Izana instead of Chifuyu at the park in middle school, she would have been in the same situation as Kakucho

Despite the underlying tension, there are fleeting moments of harmony between Mikey, Maya, and Izana, where their guard momentarily drops and they allow themselves to relax in each other's company(lolll not that Maya remembers any of this)

Betrayal is a recurring theme in their relationship, with each member of the trio betraying the others at various points in the story.

The main song for the last chapter is Can't Catch me Now by Olivia Rodrigo and the ending of this fic is heavily influenced by The Hunger Games: The Ballad of The Songbird and Snakes

Izana is inspired by Snow

Mikey is inspired by Lucy Grey

Maya is inspired by Sejanus and Katniss(and Lucy Grey)

Kakucho is inspired by Tigress

If you have watched that movie, then you know exactly how this fic is about to end

taglist: @highpri3stess @maraya-007 @firstdivisiongirl @dolfiins-art @short-cxke @mysouleaten @reiners-milkbiddies @tenjikusstuff4

#DEAD GIRL'S BEACH

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greenmeanqueen · 2 years

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A D*ny stan called Sansa a "heartless and cruel villain" and grouped her with Joffery, Ramsay and Aegon wtf

i… actually thought this was a joke at first, but nope, this person seems to be genuinely serious.

so as a “fun” little activity, i looked at the australian red cross’ lovely little list of the war crimes committed by GOT characters! the results will surely shock you, anon.

obv this was done for GOT and not HOTD, but many of the same acts that aegon commits were also committed by ramsay and joffrey.

and as for sansa? two, notably taken against undeniably cruel people and players who have made it their mission to mistreat her (i.e. ramsay and littlefinger, in show canon).

oh, and what about d*ny, you may ask?

now, one does not have to agree with everything on these lists, but i decided to compile them together as a refresher for who actually has the penchant for doing certain things that could be considered heartless and cruel in this series.

thank you for your ask!!

#sansa stark defense squad #pro sansa stark #sansa stark #anti dany stans #anti daenerys #anti daenerys targaryen #anti targ stans #ramsay bolton #joffrey baratheon #aegon ii targaryen #asoiaf #got #hotd #ask a gal

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purely-interests-here-not-much · 7 months

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Absolutely amazing piece of art of my Digimon OCs I requested from the ever-so-lovely and pleasant, @makkiah-draws (seriously you have no idea how happy this made... (❁´◡`❁)❤️🌟🍎🐧), please give them a follow and like on their respective platforms to show them your support! Anyways... these are my OCs from my own little Digimon AU/story, Akasa Oginome 「赤佐荻野目」 and her "partner", Kiran the Impmon 「キラン」, or in my case for him, my little fan-variant of him, "Impmon Rascal" 「インプモンラスカル」 (basically, a little sword-wielding Impmon, or a toy sword that he's wielding based around the Long Sword from the Digimon World 4/X game), I do have a whole fan variant evolution-line made up for him! Strangely... he remembers that he has a name, but nothing much else... he's just one of the Digimon that follow her around the "Digital World", as I have few more but I kinda wanna make this short and simple. ^^'

Kiran may still keep some of the traditional quirks of an ordinary Impmon, but he usually likes to playfully pretend to be a "Noble Knight", protecting the weak and his Princess/Prince, though he can be a bit of an cowardly lion and a crybaby, I.E going against a bigger Digimon, knowing full well that he might get his butt handed to him, but he doesn't let that stop him from protecting Akasa and friends! Little tidbit, even throughout his evolution line, ending at my variation of an certain tall (albeit... "big 💪"), dark, and handsome biker... Kiran is more so a sweet-tooth than an meat eater, and secretly likes to be held, or digivolves to flip it around to hold you. u///u Which Akasa (+CO.) usually likes to poke fun at him for, teasingly calling him her "Little Prince"... u///u She may not "show" much, but she secretly has a penchant for pranks, even so more than Kiran, but ones that borderline on the surreal/absurd (I.E, like Mai Minakami's pranks for Nichijou). Usually to get a reaction out of them for fun... ^^'

Decided to include the original just cause, made through an old flash game of an Digimon character creator, as I really can't draw worth jack... (wish I could -.-') Her Digivice would be based around the Smartphone Digivice from Last Evolution Kizuna, her smartphone having changed into a Digivice upon waking up in the Digital World.

Akasa's name and outfit drawing some inspiration from a multitude of sources I love, her last name, Oginome, in particular being from an anime that's near and dear to me... Mawaru Penguindrum, with her outfit bearing some similarities to Heather Mason from Silent Hill 3. In some ways, her outfit sharing a somewhat-similar color scheme to both her and Ringo Oginome's respective outfits? Though "shorts" underneath are supposed to be black leggings under her skirt, considering the flash game was from all the way from 2012 (feel old yet?)... had to make some adjustments. >>' I kinda originally imagined her with lavender hair, à la Rika Furude from Higurashi, but thought this made her stand out a bit much, as I wanted her to seem... "normal" to say? Kiran in the pic is wearing a small black, sleeveless hoodie and shorts his size, with his neckerchief being a red scarf he covers himself with, underneath it as bears similar scars/markings like Beelzebumon/Beelzemon from Xros Wars. As he would state, saying he felt a little... "naked" for some odd reason.

Anyways, this post is long enough as is, just wanted to share this and the artist here, once again, please give them a follow to support their work! ^u^

#digimon #digital monsters #digimon fanart #not my art #デジタルモンスター #デジモン #oc #original character #tamersona #i guess?#impmon #インプモン #digi oc #digifake #well sorta #digimon oc #digisafe #hope i'm doing this right

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pottedplant53 · 1 year

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Silly Little Theory About Heartslabyul (Contains Mild Spoilers!)

Hello again :3

So I had this thought the other day after writing my theory about Cater (which you can read here if you're interested) about who the Heartslabyul characters are based on.

So all of the Heartslabyul kids (with the exception of Riddle) at first glance seem to be the card soldiers and nothing else – but I think most (if not all of them) have secondary inspirations on top of that, which is what I’ll be speculating on. It seems kind of unlikely that they would base an entire dorm, the largest and first one in the story no less, around what was essentially one ‘villain’. Because let’s be real, no one can name their favourite card soldier.

So in summary, this post is just Heartslabyul brainrot and some observations I've made - Note that I'm pretty far from a Disney expert, and this is all just speculation. Take it with a pinch of salt and enjoy :)

Trey Clover - King of Hearts

The reason that the King of Hearts comes to mind is because of the sort of mediator role both he and Trey play. In Alice in Wonderland, the King is very timid against the Queen and tries his best to calm her down without ever fully standing up to her. It’s clear he cares about her a lot, but is unwilling to call her out on her behaviour, only ever managing to barely fan the flames and clean up her messes (i.e. convincing her to hold a trial for Alice instead of outright beheading her).

This reflects most of Trey’s interactions with Riddle in chapter 1; He cares about him a lot (whether that be platonically or romantically, whatever floats your boat), but is too afraid to confront him about his actions. He tries his best to keep the dorm running smoothly under the oppression, always baking Riddle tarts and trying to talk him out of unnecessarily punishing students who break absurd rules. Don’t quote me on this because I can’t really remember, but I think he also tried to convince Riddle not to behead Ace at one point too???

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Ace Trappola - Alice

A lot of people seem to agree that Ace draws some inspiration from Alice. From their names sounding similar, to their shared disregard for things and people they find annoying or unfair, it isn’t difficult to see why so many have come to this conclusion.

What’s more is that they both stood up to their rulers (The Queen and Riddle) and both have a penchant for sneaking off and getting into trouble. I’m referring to Ace’s ceremonial vignette, in which he grabs Epel and sneaks out of orientation in case that wasn’t clear. It’s also mentioned repeatedly that Ace has an older brother who teaches him a lot of things, much like Alice’s older sister does. They both do whatever they can to get out of things they don’t want to do – Alice snuck away from her lesson and Ace refused to clean windows. There’s probably a lot more, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.

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Cater Diamond - Cinderella

Most people have already heard of this one before, so I’ll keep it brief. Cater shares some major parallels with Cinderella that aren't too hard to spot. Like I mentioned before, I wrote a small theory about Caterella which I linked earlier for anyone who wants to read it :D

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Deuce Spade - I honestly have no idea

I’ve thought about it for ages and aside from his card soldier counterpart, I can’t think of anything that makes sense (T⌓T). If you have any theories or even any nonsensical, unorganized thoughts about who Deuce might be based on, please let me know :3

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. I've finally found a medium to share my brainrot (tumblr) on and I'm never stopping so prepare yourself for an onslaught of shitty TWST theories with minimal organisation-

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst theory #twisted wonderland theory #heartslabyul #cater diamond #cater diamond theory #deuce spade #ace trappola #ace trappola is alice #trey clover #twst brainrot

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chenria · 5 months

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For the artist ask meme: 3, 6, 20, 26! ♥

💙 Thank you so much for the ask!!

3. What ideas come from when you were little?

Considering I started my "creative career" when I was 15... (I am now nearly 39...) I can count my teenage years, right? Then it would be Eferia and Alani. They used to be more or less one character back then - Eferia. But they split into two characters... Eferia's background as a pirate with a penchant for adventure is now my FFXIV WoL who is also named Eferia. The flirty and somewhat hedonistic side of her became my OC Alani.

6. Anything that might inspire you subconsciously (i.e. this horse wasn’t supposed to look like the Last Unicorn but I see it)

Hmmm... interesting question. I am not sure I am very aware of my subconscious influences? :P But I think ... actors influence my art. I often draw characters in a way that I think "who would I cast if I was to make a movie with said character"?

20. Something everyone else finds hard to draw but you enjoy

I think I am average in the things I enjoy and don't enjoy... when my mood strikes me I enjoy drawing background (I am just too lazy most of the time) and it sometimes feel like many people don't enjoy drawing them?

26. What’s a piece that got a wildly different interpretation from what you intended?

This one? But I have myself to blame... I wanted to somehow show her longing and loneliness for her loved one to return. But most people seem to see it as a rather hopeful piece... (but considering my color scheme I can see why... I should have colored it differently to make my point XD)

#thank you for the ask #artist ask

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irafuwas · 1 year

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Bat Imagery in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty

I watched Sleeping Beauty last night for the first time in a few years, and I wanted to see if I could spot any bats or bats imagery in the film. I did this because I've always been so curious about what the source of all Lilia's bat imagery is (his weakness to sunlight, the bat pattern on his bedsheet, his love of tomato juice, his penchant for hanging upside down, the little bats that accompany him in flying class, and the bats on his Union Birthday Card). Despite all those references to bats that he has, I couldn’t really remember that animal playing any prominent role in the movie. So I made sure to pay close attention during last night's viewing and jotted down any bat references I did notice.

1. The only time an “actual" bat appears is when Maleficent curses Princess Aurora

In this scene, a bat flies out from her staff towards the viewer as her spell radiates across the screen. Aside from this scene, I did not see any other actual bats, (i.e., the animal, and not some feature of the architecture or costume design) in the movie.

(gif by Tumblr user davisbete from this post)

2. There is (possibly) bat imagery in Maleficent’s castle and on her throne

After Maleficent kidnaps Prince Phillip, the Three Good Fairies decide to brave Maleficent’s keep on the Forbidden Mountain and try to rescue him. At the entrance to her fortress is a large gateway that appears to be sculpted in the shape of a bat. I couldn’t find online any official sources from Disney that confirm what the animal is supposed to be, but it looks a lot like a bat to me.

The only other bat imagery I spotted in the movie was Maleficent’s throne. Again, I could not find a confirmation from any official Disney sources on whether the animal at the top of the throne is indeed a bat, but it looks to me like one. I found a figurine that shows the throne from the movie in good detail, please see the image below. It looks to me like a fearsome vampire bat with its wings spread apart.

3. Maleficent’s design is inspired in part by bats

After I watched the movie, I did some cursory searching online for mentions of bats with Maleficent’s name. By doing so, I found out that the design of Maleficent herself also incorporates inspiration from bats.

A passage from Elizabeth Bell’s book Somatexts at the Disney Shop states the following (emphasis mine):

“Marc Davis, chief animator of Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, explains that “she was designed like a giant vampire bat to create a feeling of menace.””

And on the Walt Disney Family Museum’s website, Marc Davis is also quoted as saying the following (emphasis mine):

“I sat down and went through a lot of material I had, including a book of Czechoslovakian religious paintings. There was this figure with the red and black drapery in the back that looked like flames that I thought would be great to use. I took the idea of the collar partly from a bat, and the horns looked like a devil.”

Here I found a prototype Maleficent design from Davis, where he went for a more blatantly bat-themed look. Especially note the wings on her robe.

I find it interesting that all the references to bats in Sleeping Beauty are with Maleficent herself: from her fatal curse to her indominable stronghold, and from her seat of power to the very cloak she wears. I’m not sure what implications any of this might have on Lilia’s character vis a vis his potential Unique Magic and whatnot, but I thought it was interesting and wanted to share.

#lilia vanrouge #twst theory #twisted wonderland #twst #i was surprised both at the lack of bats in the film and by how often they are associated with maleficent herself #tiny bat dad what secrets do you hold #i enjoyed the movie a lot. i remember thinking it was boring as a kid but for some reason i like it more as an adult #absolutely gorgeous artwork and animation and music

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writerofcrazydreams · 7 months

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Butterfly effect of the Reversal Salt AU

First thing first, I'm not bashing Adrien, Marinette, or anyone. However, the narrative is mostly from Lila's POV so, of course, she'd throw insults like candy, undermine everyone's worth (such as calling them by a superficial attribute instead of their names), and exaggerate their flaws.

On a related note. ML's characters are flawed. Marinette has creepy stalker tendencies, Chat Noir is a dogged nice guy, the class takes advantage of Marinette (even if unwittingly), and Mme. Bustier is an enabler for bullying. I'm not willing to overlook those flaws but seeing most of the characters are teenagers, I think they have room to grow and all of them deserve a chance for redemption. Yes, even Lila, loath as I am to say it. Most of the kids have also virtues worth of notice.

Secondly, this is a writing prompt. After reading too many Lila Salt Fics and a Lilanette one I stumbled upon by accident, my brain decided to wonder how would a Salt Fic be if Marinette and Adrien's roles were reversed.

For want of a nail (i.e., transferring six months later in the year), Lila has set her sights on budding fashion designer Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Because Marinette is infatuated by Adrien Agreste, Lila needs to get him out of the way. As a result, she plans on ostracizing him from the class and demonizing him so Marinette would lose interest. Lila's actions have some unexpected positive side effects. She's possessive, so everything Marinette does has to be to Lila's benefit which leads Lila to shame the classmates on how much they take Marinette for granted. Whether Lila successfully traps Marinette in an abusive romantic relationship it's up to whoever wants to continue this thing. More impactful is the fact Lila was never akumatized into Volpina or Chameleon, thus preventing Heroes' Day from happening. This means that Hawk Moth achieved the mass akumatization and discovered the temporary heroes' identities in another way or didn't do it at all. Another ripple effect is Lila getting a Miraculous by virtue of being on Ladybug's good side. I don't think Rena Rouge will be replaced, so no Volpina, but I'm betting she gets one of the Zodiac Miraculous or the Peacock if the heroes manage to retrieve it from Mayura.

In spite of a nail, Lila still eventually associates with Gabriel Agreste to manipulate his son into doing her bidding. And I can assure you she's still the cause of several akumas (the shaming part). She will still wrap Damoclès and Bustier around her little finger by claiming she's being bullied by a fellow student. Furthermore, it's still well in the realm of possibility Lila gets akumatized at some point. The girl' still has a penchant for holding petty grudges, so it's bound to happen. Maybe she does get turned into Volpina or Chameleon, but it will be later and in different circumstances. "The Collector" still happens more or less the same as Gabriel will akumatize himself to retrieve the Grimoire and get the heroes off of his trail, though there's the chance the middlewoman (Ladybug) is cut and Chat Noir gives the book directly to Master Fu, causing him to meet the guardian. Will that make Adrien a more responsible hero and prevent his tantrums from being locked out of the loop? It depends. If somehow Ladybug and Chat Noir go together, Ladybug will still be Fu's successor but Chat Noir will know more things from the get-go. If it's only him, either the guardian contacts Marinette later or starts training Adrien. Keep in mind, though, that his packed schedule won't allow him to visit Fu as frequently as Canon!Marinette could.

Whether she starts working for Hawk Moth is uncertain, though. It depends on your take on this prompt so nails don't have a say in this matter. Or not an obvious one, at least.

In the third place, this is a writing prompt and, as such, people have utter freedom to make of it what they want. Wanna bash the hell out of Adrien? Of Alya? Mme. Bustier? Chloé? Even Marinette? Go on. I think the kids can grow into better people, but if other writers disagree, have different stories in mind, or are simply salty over someone, I won't be the one to put limits to their creativity and desires. The same applies to whomever you choose to redeem. That's why I left it very ambiguous throughout the prompt on whether Chloé is working towards her Redemption or following her canonical Damnation. She defends Ladybug because she loves the heroine, she snickers when Alya has to change seats because she feels vindicated ("Origins" episode), and she stands for Adrien because he's her childhood friend. In the former case, both the vindication and the insults are little steps backward, especially considering Chloé knows how much Adrien fears conflict (he won't and doesn't defend himself that much).

Having said that, for all I respect freedom of speech, that doesn't mean I'll condone or agree with everything people write inspired on this prompt. Have fun, but it's not my responsibility if we end up with a "Dead Dove: Don't Eat" kind of fic, okay?

Fourth, here are some of my ideas about this Reversal Salt AU.

Lila's mother, here dubbed as Signora Rossi (Signora means Mrs. in Italian), is not an abusive parent but possibly a slightly neglectful one. That doesn't mean she's a bad person or that she loves her daughter any less. It just means she's caught up in a very demanding job either because she's ambitious and wants to succeed in her work field (which is fine) or because she's a single mother and thus is stretching herself thin to fulfill her daughter's physical and emotional needs. Or maybe she just wants to believe the best of her daughter and turns a blind eye to Lila's misdeeds. Despite that, she's caring and loving. I'm not keen on demonizing Signora Rossi because of these reasons but it is clear she ought to pay a little bit more attention to what her daughter is up to and is likely she for some reason failed to instill integrity in kid!Lila. An excellent take on this matter can be found in this fanfic: "A mother's love".

On the other hand, it's also entirely possible Lila was born a psychopath. I've been researching and some psychologists hold that a sociopath is made through trauma and a psychopath is born, but the result is the same anti-social tendencies. Though if you want to make her a sociopath and give her a traumatic past, go on. Canon!Lila not only scores high in psychopathy but also Machiavellism and Narcissism.

In regards to her other parent, I left their gender ambiguous because there are some fan theories that Lila has two mothers. Or it's maybe just an animation error, but I don't like to throw the chance out of the window. Now, in the case it wasn't a mistake, both mothers are what I described a paragraph ago but fanfiction exists to explore different scenarios anyway, so... Maybe this other parent influenced Lila to become who she is now.

About Adrien. As I said above, the kid does have some nasty flaws. What he does to Ladybug at the very least verges on sexual harassment and he's proven to be manipulative (throwing tantrums when rejected). In this AU, said flaws are at play as much as Marinette's flaws were in canon. She partially misused her powers out of jealousy (partially because she had a point in that Lila was making herself a target) and her reasons to eavesdrop on Lila and Adrien are definitely not pure. Here, it's her tendency to obsess over and idealize her crush what is going to be her downfall. I'm not victim-blaming, but abusers prey on their victim's weaknesses and those just happen to be Marinette's. And that's not counting how Marinette's yearn for control was aggravated since the "Chat Blanc" incident (it happens later, but the base is already there). Nonetheless, I'm of the idea that Lila opened Marinette's eyes a little when she attacked her crush on Adrien (like pointing out being a stalker is not healthy) and that's going to bite her in the ass later on. Marinette being a doormat to her friends is more tricky since Lila made it as to ensure Marinette will remain a doormat to her but not anyone else. It's workable when the time to heal comes.

By contrast, Adrien's doormat policies, pushiness, obliviousness, and social ineptitude are still going to be rocks in his path. He's now crossed at Lila for several reasons. The obvious is her "bad-mouthing" Chat Noir, but there's more. Up to this point, Lila has consistently stirred trouble in the classroom, menacing the peace he values so much. It's Lila's fault (or that's how he sees it) Marinette is "abandoning" her friends and being "mean" to them. His upbringing has left him rather unable to understand that kindness is not a synonym of "absolutely catering to someone's wishes" (as he often does with Chloé and always with his father) and that this behavior is not healthy. His obliviousness comes into play in regards to just how much Marinette means to him (platonically or romantically). Lila has been monopolizing Marinette all to herself even when the class hangs out as a group, which severely cuts the already scarce time the two interact. He's jealous without being aware of it. It doesn't help how touchy-feely Lila and Marinette are because it sometimes causes discomfort to the latter, which Adrien picks up and not only notices Lila's hypocrisy but also rubs him in the wrong way as it mirrors his behavior as Chat Noir. Now, don't get me wrong, the least he wanted was to cause a scene but couldn't help but glare and Lila capitalized on that.

What does Lila think of Ladybug? "Volpina" never happened and this Lila only intended on pursuing Adrien before discovering Marinette's promising career, so neither hates the other one nor harbors a grudge. In fact, I doubt this AU would last much if that were the case. I left open the possibility of Lila being the anti-Chloé (hates Ladybug, loves Marinette) with that part of suspecting Marinette is crushing on Ladybug (*laughs in Plagg*), but I have to note that the hatred cannot be mutual for this to work. Canon!Lila loathes Chat Noir and it's likely that will remain the same, just less vocal (Marinette admires Ladybug and has a way of contacting the heroine, so Lila won't bad-mouth Chat Noir in front of Ladybug).

What roles would Luka and Kagami play in this AU? Obviously, the love-dodecaedron has shifted. There are at least three people after Marinette/Ladybug's affections: Chat Noir, Luka, and Lila. And whoever you ship Marinette with. And, now, there are only two girls wanting to date Adrien/Chat Noir: Kagami and Marinette. Chloé is uncertain because it was stated at some point she wasn't in love with Adrien, she was just possessive for some reason (fanon says it was to protect him from fangirls and fanboys). One possible scenario in this AU is that Marinette's feelings towards Adrien fade for the most part (maybe they will resurge later or shift to return Chat Noir's), depending on how efficient you want to portray Lila. Getting back to the point, Luka still has a crush on Marinette as revealed in "Silencer" and Kagami on Adrien but the events of "Oni-chan" developed differently and it's as equally possible that she confessed her crush on him/was akumatized than it hasn't happened yet. If Lila somehow catches wind of Kagami's crush, she will set the two up to force Marinette to move on. She might even encourage Marinette and Kagami's friendship to bind Marinette to obey the girl code and support Kagami. If she learns of Luka's crush, then she'll either play the card that "he's too old for Marinette" (if we disregard the retcon) or try to exclude him from the class' activities. Taking more extreme measures will tip Marinette off of Lila's true nature. As I side note: I like this more than canon because I'm TIRED of watching four girls fighting over a guy.

How will Alya and Nino react? Without the jealousy component, what are the grounds to dismiss his warnings? Well, Adrien still takes the high road so he won't publicly confront Lila on her manipulations. He dreads conflict too much and if he finally does it, it will be too late — either Lilanette is official or everyone else believes so, therefore the class will be prone to believe Adrien is jealous. The lack of public accusations also rob Lila of one of her primary strategies: turn on the waterworks. Consequently, everything will be much more underhanded. Lila's association with Gabriel will result in Adrien spending far less time with his friends and maybe even pulling the same stunt of threatening them in the hopes of creating powerful akumas (again, "Chat Blanc" episode). But I digress, Lila will relentlessly target Alya and Adrien for supporting LadyNoir. Maybe Alya will learn her lesson but as Adrien already sees Lila in a bad light, he will take longer to budge or won't do it at all. Nino will try to change Adrien's opinion and that'll cause a gap between the two. Nino is very laidback, so he won't push as much but will be vulnerable to Lila's poisoning. Alya will remain Marinette's friend but butt heads with Lila as the latter tries to correct her occasional forcefulness. Marinette will intervene and either Alya regards Lila in a positive light because she did help Marinette (in a sense) or by holding onto her stubbornness will have a fallout with Lila and seek flaws on her. All in all, Alya and Nino's behavior are wildly variable. The only secure thing is that Lila is as capable as in canon of swaying them to her favor and making them unwittingly throw a friend under the bus, just in a different way.

I don't know if you've noticed but there's a theme about how holding onto flaws can sometimes yield positive results, often aided by virtues. In canon, it was how holding onto virtues can sometimes yield negative results, often exacerbated by flaws. Marinette's hatred of liars and loyalty to her friends are virtues but landed her on a bully's bad side and got isolated. Her jealousy and stalker tendencies (both flaws) didn't help matters at all. Meanwhile, Adrien's desire to see the best in everyone and give second chances are virtues but they made him act in the wrong way and fail to support a friend. His learned fear of conflict and submissiveness only made things worse. Lila has the virtue of being charming (for the wrong reasons, but still) and knowing her way with people which would turn her into a fine leader. Yet, she causes mayhem and destroys people's lives by using those virtues along with her fatal flaws — narcissism and vindictiveness.

In the Reversal Salt AU, however, most of the positive results stem from holding onto one's flaws. If Alya remains stubborn, she eventually learns Lila's nature aided by her reporter abilities and determination. If Marinette refuses to let go of her obsessiveness and refuses to think the worse of her friends, she forces Lila to ditch subtlety and thus expose herself. If Adrien continues walking the high road and keeps being nice, he provides Lila with far less ammunition against him. Nino has proved to be distrustful (dismissing Marinette in the Lila ordeal and believing Alya is two-timing him in "Rocketear") and if he does that here, he'll catch on to Lila's manipulations and even call her out given his outgoing nature.

This brief interpretation is merely a suggestion and, again, you are not obliged to use it as the central theme of your story. Personally, I'd use the whole "holding onto flaws gets better results" as a temptation in the characters' arcs whereas the "working on my flaws unwittingly aids the villain" as an angst-fuel when the characters learn of Lila's manipulations. One of the traits of an abusive relationship (romantic or otherwise) is how much the victim struggles to stop believing their abuser's words. Nobody is always wrong, so if my abuser was right about/helped me with this thing, would they be right about/had helped with this other one? Often, it comes down to finding a balance: you keep whatever good things you got from the relationship while discarding the harmful ones. Naturally, this is a lengthy, stressful process that Lila can very well exploit to blackmail her victims, make them second-guess themselves, or just make them miserable.

Last but not least, I want to comment on two Lila Salt Fics that depict similar ideas, although I only found them after crafting this AU. Little spoilers warning about them. The first is "Liar's New BFF" and delves into the idea of Lila being the anti-Chloé. After having her lies exposed at the end of "Volpina", she starts regarding the classmates as vermin and genuinely falls in love with Marinette because of her kindness. She then proceeds to create a riff between Marinette and them by pointing out how much they take advantage of her. In this case, Lila is partially redeemed and doesn't seem to hold a particular grudge against Adrien. The Reversal Salt AU can follow a similar path if you want to, but the idea is to not shy away from Lila's many shortcomings as a human being and how that would affect Marinette and Adrien in an alternate scenario.

The other is "Jerk in Sheep's Clothing", where Lila's spear counterpart, called Henri, acts pretty much as I described Reversal Salt!Lila. He gets infatuated by Marinette and after threatening Lila, makes a deal with her so it's easier for both to accomplish their goals (Lila: get Adrien and be popular, Henri: get Marinette all for himself). He exploits Marinette's broken trust in the classmates to bully them and get away with it, collaborates with Hawk Moth at some point, and even gets a Miraculous. The difference between them is that Reversal Salt!Lila doesn't have the benefit of Marinette being emotionally vulnerable due to Canon!Lila's bullying, nor her faith in her friends is weakened. This means this AU's Lila must resource to more deceptive tactics to get what she wants (she can't blatantly lie).

#reversal salt au #miraculous ladybug #lila rossi salt #canon divergent au

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nappybones5 · 11 months

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A Terminal Redditor’s Interpretation of Team STRQ

Got rambly on Reddit about my interpretation of Team STRQ and again, thinking it might be fun for people into them. First sentence of second para is rehashing some of what was said in my last post, but everything after is all original thinkin’ thoughts. Without further ado!

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Does it count as a rarepair if it already happened in canon, i.e, it sunk before it even sailed? Because it sure feels like it. Anywho, reading my fellow Phoenix fics on AO3, and even a few Rosebird ones when I’m feeling desperate, I get the impression that my interpretation of Team STRQ is an outlier.

I don’t like to imagine Summer as Ruby lite, so I’ve written her as a woman on a mission, desperate to kill Salem for making a sole survivor of her. I’m surprised no one’s ever thought of the idea that Ozpin might’ve raised Summer, and I’ve got a lot of headcanons bouncing about in my head about the kind of person she might’ve been, raised that way. A high tolerance for eccentricity, a penchant for overly formal speech (I have had for weeks the idea of her saying ‘dross’ in front of Team STRQ and them looking at her like she’s a fucking alien), and loyalty towards Ozpin to a dangerous fault. And her having an initial approach to Team STRQ like ‘great, more meat for the grinder’ before she genuinely starts to grow to care for them, and her relationship with Ozpin starts to sour-by the time of the volume nine flashback, it’s her inability to sacrifice (what’s left of) her team, as well as her lost faith in Ozpin over the years, that leads her to go rogue, bringing Raven along as the only person she is comfortable sacrificing in a possible suicide mission.

Tai, on the other hand, I often see getting depicted as a fuckboy, end sentence. I find it the least interesting way to characterise him, although I suppose I can’t blame people considering canon gives very little to work with (why is he just SITTING there?????). My take: a neurotic mess who signed up for the Huntsman/Huntress gig to…place himself in a four-man situation in which some form of relationship is inevitable. In other words, to make friends, something that Raven immediately recognises and disdains because-this is my favourite part-because they have more in common than they think, because they are both desperate and idiots and cringe, because the fundamental distinction between them is that despite everything Tai is still holding out hope, and Raven thinks he’s an idiot for it, but if he’s right? If victory is in a simple soul? The more I think about it the giddier I get. Especially all the angst and hurt/ironic-comfort potential aaaaa

My personal interpretation of Qrow isn’t too different from other STRQ fics, I don’t think. Probably the two significant differences are that (1) his relationship with Raven is far more abrasive, they are more often than not indulging in each other’s misery. The bandit life wasn’t great on their conduct or morals, why would they be picking each other up? And consequently (2) Qrow finds a lot of refuge in Summer as a partner, developing a sibling-like bond with her that drives Raven up a wall. Raven is terrified that Qrow’s getting roped into all this “magic-maiden-relics bullshit” (her words not mine) without hesitation. He’d do anything for a sister that cared.

No one is writing these characters quite the way I write them. Which sucks, it makes me feel like the weirdo reading too much into the cutouts, but it‘s kind of a relief too. No ‘competition’, no rush.

#summer rose #taiyang xiao long #raven branwen #qrow branwen #rwby #strq #rwby phoenix #fanfiction #headcanon

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acacia-may · 8 months

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Do you have any songs for Hero from Omori for the game? Thanks

Oh my goodness I have so many songs for Hero from OMORI that it'll honestly be hard to narrow it down 😅, but I'll share a couple of my favorites plus some related Hero post-"Truth" headcanons! Thanks for playing my song + headcanon game and for the chance for some Hero appreciation (he really deserves it 💙).

I've put your songs and headcanons below the cut because of MAJOR OMORI spoilers (and warnings for the heavy themes & subject matter (i.e. grief, death, mental health issues) that go along with that).

There really are so many songs out there that remind me of Hero (who is probably tied for the title of my favorite OMORI character), and honestly, I didn't know how angsty you wanted to go with this ask so I've chosen two songs: a sad one and a less sad one.

Sad Song Choice: "Older Than I Am" by Lennon Stella

I feel like this just might be the ultimate Hero song. I mean with opening lines like "My heart's seen things I wish it didn't/Somewhere I lost some of my innocence, and I miss it" how could it not be? There's something so hauntingly tragic about this song, and I think it just fits Hero so well given how he has been through so much in his life and how he has had to grow up far too quickly. He prides himself on doing everything right, on taking care of everyone else around him and never wanting to be a burden on anyone ("I do all my own healing/Manage all of my feelings/I don't ask for help, no/'Cause I don't need it"), but sometimes it does get to be a lot for him: leaves him faking happiness and contentment while really he is breaking inside and feeling lonely and listless as he tries to keep up this charade of being "fine" ("Why am I always the one making decisions?/How do I handle the pressure?/I do my best to fake it, but honestly I hate it").

There are probably times when he wishes he "could do something stupid" and "be kinda reckless." There is probably a part of him that wishes he could "just say to hell with all [his] plans"--could "say I don't give a damn," but the problem is he does give a damn--he cares too much. He's too responsible, too dutiful, too conflict-avoidant, and too worried about hurting and burdening everyone else. Ultimately, he would never do those any of those things because just like the singer in the song, he would stop himself and be forced to admit that no matter how much he wishes he could just throw in the towel, set aside this "perfect" facade for just a minute, he won't--he can't because he's Hero and there is always that voice in the back of his head reminding him "But I'm older than I am" and stopping him.

Lennon Stella - Older Than I Am (Lyrics) - YouTube

Less Sad Song Choice: "Two" by Sleeping At Last (A/N: it’s not really that sad of a song but the Hero context makes everything sadder)

I'm not even sure where to start with this song since there are so many lines that make me think of Hero starting not least of all with the very first: "sweetheart, you look a little tired--when did you last eat?" Beyond just his penchant for cooking for his loved ones, Hero really wants nothing more than to take care of people. He has such a genuine generosity and selflessness that he truly "will love you without a single string attached" and would not hesitate to put someone else and their needs in front of his own--bending over backwards to help them or make them happy, even if it is at his own expense or to his own detriment ("you know I’ll take my heart clean apart, if it helps yours beat" and "you can take the oxygen straight out of my own chest.").

While he would be the first to offer help, support, even the shirt off his back to someone who needed it, he struggles with asking for help himself, can't stand being the center of attention, and does not like talking about himself or his own problems because he deeply fears being a burden to others ("no, I don’t want to talk about myself—tell me where it hurts."). After he begins to heal from that period of deep depression he experienced immediately following the loss of Mari, Hero consistently buries his own pain, grief, and sadness--deeply afraid of hurting or burdening his family, friends, or any of his loved ones like that again (even though, of course, the ones who love him want to be there to support him, no matter what he's going through).

He knows he's wounded and hurting, but he pushes it aside in favor of helping others. When Sunny finds him at Mari's piano in the middle of the night, for instance, Hero is "fine"—immediately jumping into trying to support and comfort Sunny, but if you go back into the room immediately afterwards, Hero is crying by himself, just unwilling and unable to express his own pain and sadness to someone else. It's absolutely that "I just want to build you up, build you up ’til you’re good as new, and maybe one day I will get around to fixing myself too" sentiment.

Finally, the line "I just want to love you, to love you, to love you well. I just want to learn how, somehow, to be loved myself" in the bridge just gives me chills when I think about in the context of Hero. He is such a big-hearted, empathetic, and sincerely loving person, but he deeply struggles to accept the love and support from others that he gives away so generously.

Sleeping At Last - "Two" (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

Here Are Some Hero Post-"The Truth" Headcanons Inspired by These Songs:

When Hero learns "The Truth," he quietly excuses himself from the room to deal with and process his emotions alone. He feels overwhelmed, hurt, upset, angry, heartbroken and so many other stormy, complicated emotions, and despite (perhaps) wishing he could unleash that whole internal turmoil, he stops himself--recalling with a painful regret that one (1) time he lashed out at Kel after Mari's death and knowing that he is not that 15 (or 16) year old boy anymore. He is an adult (albeit a 19-year-old adult but still an adult), and he will act like one, regardless of how he feels on the inside because he really is older than he is.

After crying bitterly alone and trying his best to make sense of the Truth and of everything he is feeling, Hero experiences a moment in which it really just "clicks" in his head that even if he has complex feelings about Sunny and Basil right now, Sunny and Basil are suffering in a similar way to how Hero himself suffered for years. Hero has blamed himself for what happened to Mari all this time--mentally beating himself up for not even knowing she was depressed and driving himself in painful circles wondering if he had just reached out to her, had made sure she understood she could aways open up to him, had been more of a support to her, had better expressed how much he cared about her, had held onto her tighter, had loved her better--had loved her more would things have been different? He has carried that weight around for 4 years--blaming himself for her death, and now he sees Sunny and Basil doing the same thing--granted under wildly different (more culpable despite it being an accident) circumstances but the feelings & pain of that overwhelming guilt are very similar, and Hero knows how painful and what a heavy burden that is.

In the end, it's almost like the complicated feelings he might have about Sunny and Basil due to the truth get overshadowed by Hero’s empathy and the fact that he cares for them deeply as if they were his own little brothers, and that is what finally gives him some clarity.

He returns to the room and actually apologizes himself both for suddenly disappearing and for the fact that this has all happened the way it did. He starts to tear up again as he hugs Sunny then Basil, reassuring them that Mari would want them to forgive themselves.

This is not to say that Hero doesn't still have some serious inner turmoil and angst surrounding "The Truth" and all the pain it and its cover up has caused. He does wrestle with complicated feelings towards both Basil and Sunny for some time afterwards (he is only human after all); however, this remains internal turmoil, as Hero absolutely sees it as something he needs to work through on his own with time (and hopefully, eventually, some desperately needed therapy). Additionally, having matured and learned from his one (1) fight with Kel after Mari's death, he does not take this out on Sunny or Basil--not wanting to have to repeat what is one of the greatest regrets of his life (lashing out at his brother).

Even if it takes him a little time, Hero ultimately is one of the most empathetic to Sunny and Basil's feelings surrounding Mari’s death—particularly their guilt, and it is in recognizing a lot of himself and his own grief, pain and guilt in Sunny & Basil that he finally reaches a place of healing and forgiveness with them.

Additionally, in reconciling himself to the situation and making peace with that happened, Hero ultimately blames Mari’s “bad knee”/knee injury for her death more than Sunny, choosing to believe that Sunny didn’t push her that hard so it was really the fact that her bad knee gave out that made her fall down the stairs, whereas an uninjured person wouldn’t have fallen. This inspires him to take a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency when he graduates from medical school, and he becomes a pediatric physiatrist: treating injured children and coordinating rehabilitative medicine after their injuries. He sees it as his way to give back (in a healthy way, of course) and finds a sense of purpose in trying to prevent another tragedy like that from happening by helping other injured children in their recovery.

#hero omori #omori hero #hero omori headcanons #hero headcanons #hero character analysis #hero deserves to be happy #poor hero #he needs a hug #i love him so much it breaks my heart #hero appreciation 💙#this is so self indulgent ngl #song + headcanon game #omori spoilers

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