#i love a redemption story as much as the next but even though it's possible to understand afton that doesnt make him sympathetic

[dimonds456]

Hey, y'all?

Making a character's motivs understandable is not the same as making them sympathetic.

Making a character's motivs sympathetic is not the same thing as making them redeemable.

Making a character's motivations redeemable is not the same thing as making them understandable.

From a writing perspective, you want to strive to make your characters understandable, yes, but that does not mean they have to be sympathetic, redeemable, or even nuanced at all. It might be good to have those things, but ultimately you just want your character to be understandable. The audience should be able to explain why your character does what they do in your work once they've seen/read/listened to it. That's it.

It depends on what your story needs and the tone you're going for, of course, but people seemingly have been confusing these things a lot. A character can have a sympathetic backstory and we can go "aw that's sad :(" but. Rachel, he still killed people. A lot of people. For no good reason. Sympathetic, not redeemable.

And even then, some people have been assuming that understandable = sympathetic, when this simply isn't true either. You should want your character to be understandable! You should be able to follow their train of thought, no matter how rocky or unstable it is, to see how and why they came to the conclusions they did about the world and thus why they took the actions they did. Doesn't mean they have to be #relatable or sympathetic in any way. It just means they are a consistent character with their own wants and desires.

And from an audience's perspective, this also means that RACHEL, HE KILLED PEOPLE FOR NO GOOD REASON, HE'S NOT REDEEMABLE-

#i like the jokes about it the jokes are fine this isn't about the jokes #this is actually about the people who try to justify and 'redeem' william afton's actions specifically #but this was written in a way that it doesnt have to be about fnaf which is why i didnt bring him up #i love a redemption story as much as the next but even though it's possible to understand afton that doesnt make him sympathetic #like straight-up he's NOT a sympathetic antagonist and *that's the point* #if you wanna write fiction about william getting a redemption arc you can. it's possible. i also love springtrap and deliah #(i think. it's been a few years since i've read it so i'd need to reread it now as an adult to really judge it if you asked me.) #HOWEVER: if you *genuinely* defend william's actions and then retroactively try to make him a 'bad but sad boy' or something #um. no. #please think for 2 seconds #feel free to rb this btw i made it vague on purpose #and yes you can blorbotag it #dimond speaks

[loopy777]

Spoiler Thoughts & Reactions: Azula in the Spirit Temple

This is the stuff I had to leave out of my other post because it's spoilery, mostly concerned with Azula's character arc. It seems the fandom is having mixed reactions to this, but I think it moves Azula forward in a big way as a character, even though very little changes about her general situation.

The thing I'm most struck by is that this thing has the exact same character arc as the 2-chapter vision question I sent Zuko on in Traitor's Face, complete with the protagonist seemingly rejecting redemption at the climax by attacking the spirit in what is actually a symbolically self-destructive reaction to becoming consciously aware of the abusive they experienced from Ozai- an awareness that may lead to better choices in the future.

I love that Azula actually talks about Ozai here, and the flashback to her discovering her Firebending is perfectly illustrative of her dynamic with her parents. During her spirit visions, Azula claims to no longer support Ozai because he failed and lost his Firebending, which seems to be a change from how she was still taking his orders in 'The Search.' After 'Smoke & Shadow' was loudly silent on the matter, we see that she's truly taken a step forward in her characterization and is no longer consciously trying to win his approval. I had suspected as much, considering her obsession with Zuko, but it's good to see it given confirmation and focus.

At the start of this story, Azula is definitely diminished, though, running around the fringes of the Fire Nation committing petty acts of sabotage, no longer attempting any grand plans to manipulate Zuko but rather just generally antagonizing him. This is a change from her professed mission in S&S to supposedly make him a better Fire Lord by teaching him the power of fear over love.

My own speculations are that that she either wasn't serious about her true motivations in S&S (which I think would be a retcon), she's now lashing out at him in revenge for his rejection of the lesson, or she's just taunting him with her own continued survival and freedom in order to show him that his belief in love can't accomplish everything.

Getting back to Ozai, I was stunned to find that this comic actually has her admitting that her father abused her and she feared him. That is a huge step forward for her, acknowledging the part he played in her troubles. And yet, at the story's climax, when she goes to attack the spirit who has been troubling her and giving her visions, she proclaims herself the daughter of Ozai (not Ursa, unlike Zuko at the climax of 'Zuko Alone,' despite Azula also admitting some real truths about her mother), gives him the title of the Phoenix King, and uses it as proof of her claim to the Fire Nation throne. That seems to be a huge reversal from the earlier acknowledgements, and she explicitly frames it as a rejection of the possibility of redemption- a rejection even of the need.

This would seem to be a rather meta sign of what we should expect next for Azula, that there will be no Redemption Arc and she will remain a villain. But I'm not so sure.

Because Azula is not being honest.

The spirit, after it takes its final monstrous bug-like form, describes itself as a mirror of Azula's inner-self, a monster just like her, and the consequence of rejecting redemption. Azula attempts to destroy it with her lightning, a symbolic act of self-destruction. She seems to once again be embracing Ozai's worldview that human connections are a weakness. And the symbolic self-destruction seems to indicate that this will not end well for her.

But I would say that the final pages are not definitive about what is next for her.

For one thing, the spirit is not destroyed. When Azula continues her journey through the forest where she found the spirit temple, the first panel puts an insect of the same type and color as the spirit's final form in the foreground. So she's mistaken about that, and if we continue to say that it's a symbol of her inner-self, she didn't succeed in destroying it.

When she finds the Fire Warriors -- who she initially said she would hurt for leaving her to go rescue a captured member she had given up on -- she observes their close friendship and chooses to walk away. She covers this by saying, out loud to no one, that they are unworthy of her leadership. Who is she trying to convince? This directly parallels the feelings about Ty Lee and Mai that were explored in her visions. So clearly she's in denial about what she's feeling, attempting to talk herself into a more palatable justification, and has grown from wanting to hurt the Fire Warriors for their disobedience and having what she wants.

Then, interestingly, as Azula walks away, she says she'll find a new place to rule and new followers, and that she always does. This is despite her earlier talk about being the rightful heir to the throne.

I've long said that the dumbest, least interesting way to use Azula in any AtLA sequels (including fanfic) is to have her trying to usurp the title of Fire Lord from Zuko. It plays into the rivalry taught to them by the way Ozai played them against each other, but in the context of the setting, it's a fool's errand. Even if the Fire Nation accepted her, the rest of the world wouldn't, not if she's going to antagonize them. Restarting the war is a no-go, as the Fire Nation has lost its colonies and captured territory in the Earth Kingdom, and now it no longer has a military or technology advantage. I can't buy that someone as smart as Azula would want to put herself into an career dead-end like that.

But it seems, thanks to those final pages, this comic has advanced Azula enough that even though she wants the throne, she recognizes that it offers her nothing in either real power or personal satisfaction. If she really is looking for somewhere else to rule, she's no longer interested in fighting with Zuko over a token that their father had dangled over them all their lives. She doesn't even care what Zuko does with it.

(That's not to say she won't fight with Zuko over other things! Which I would be fine with.)

And she's off to find something worth fighting over, even though she's still very flawed and in denial about a lot of it.

So I think this comic opens up a lot of possibilities for Azula. Maybe she'll continue being a villain, but for smart stakes. Maybe she'll eventually work her way to a true redemption. (I especially like that the dialogue ties redemption with apologies; it's not enough to stop being bad, a true redemption requires acknowledging past wrongs and attempting to make up for them.) Or maybe the continuing AtLA story will do what I like to play with when I write Azula:

Just find a way for her to achieve peace with herself.

Anyway, the more I think on this comic, the more I like it. I'll be crushed when the animated Aang movie makes her a generic villain again. XD

#azula #azula in the spirit temple

[totaleclipse573]

If you could have continued Eclipse's story in the archie comics (and staying within the parameters already set in his first two arcs) what would you have done with him next?

Ooh, this is an interesting one, since the redemption arc I gave him in my own little universe goes A BIT off from those parameters (and by a bit I mean he teams up with Mephiles and Infinite of all characters in the beginning, so...not a bit lmao) But if I were to stay within said parameters and make it as "post-reboot archie" as possible? (Apologies for what will probably be a horrible summary bc I've thought more about my current version than this one, this might flop but idc lol)

KINDA LONG POST WARNING!

I think I'd have him stumble into Sonic somehow, since it was heavily implied that he was going to meet Sonic anyways. Of course they'd probably fight at least once in the beginning, because I'd think by then Eclipse is more paranoid and basically on survival mode again. Sonic has no idea WHY this guy just started fighting, but after a good while of it, he's just trying to explain that he only wants to help and isn't going to hurt him, or the wisp thingies it looks like he's trying to protect. Eclipse pauses for a moment, but doesn't let his guard down too much. After a little silence he sourly corrects the blue hedgehog, telling him they're not "wisp thingies," they're Dark Arms. While still suspicious of Sonic, the Dark Arms start "talking" to him (those noises they make,) telling him Sonic doesn't seem to be a bad person. They have a weird ability to sense those kind of people. He may not trust this "Sonic," as he calls himself, but Eclipse DOES trust the Dark Arms. Sonic extends his hand forward to show Eclipse that he wants to help him. Eclipse doesn't grab it, he just sighs and reluctantly agrees. After all, he doesn't SEEM to be like Shadow...Sonic seems to be the exact opposite, actually. Maybe that's a good thing? (Then Sonic asks him his name and all that stuff, but of course he doesn't reply instantly.)

So Sonic would probably take Eclipse to introduce to Tails' first, to which Eclipse is also naturally pretty paranoid about, though he won't voice that openly. Sonic assures Eclipse Tails is a good person too, though. "He's my little buddy and bro! Smartest kid you'll ever meet." (Yes I do see Sonic and Tails as reverse Shadow and Eclipse what of it-)

Tails immediately takes great interest in Eclipse and the Dark Arms. He's amazed by them, what are they? Where did they come from? How come the little creatures look so much like wisp? But different too? And Eclipse doesn't look like any mobian he's ever seen either-

Sonic has to take a second to tell Tails to maybe calm down on the questions after noticing Eclipse looking a bit uncomfortable with the amount of them he was receiving. Tails sheepishly apologizes, instead offering to show Eclipse around his little lab (or wherever it is he is right now, that's a small detail I've forgotten about archie.) They can't do much though before they hear someone outside, someone yelling Sonic's name, saying something about "knowing they have him in there," and how they can't hide him in there forever. Eclipse of course immediately recognizes who it is, due to a certain connection, and starts to panic, looking around for any possible way he and the Dark Arms can escape.

Tails takes notice, alerts Sonic, and they try to figure out what's going on. But before they can, the front door is forced open. Shadow's there, and he looks even worse than usual (as noted by Sonic.)

"So? Is he in there or not?" Eclipse hears another familiar voice, that of one of "Shadow's minions" (I love when he calls them that lmao. Also Omega is here too, I just can't find any clear way to explain that rn.) He knows he should probably just leave with the Dark Arms now, but he can't. He can't move. Why can't he move? Why is he AFRAID of them? He even fought them before and WON.

But that was before. Things were different now and everything was painful and scary.

(I'm so going to regret typing out more dialogue but here I am doing it anyway)

"Yeah, he's there, and these two are protecting him."

"Protecting him? We don't even know what's going on here!" Sonic turns back to Eclipse. "You know Shadow?"

"He's part of the Black Arms. The last one left. And I need to be the one to make sure he can't be around cause the same harm to the planet they did."

"Wait, the Black Arms?" Tails chimes in. "But...I thought you had already destroyed them all, Shadow? We all saw you destroy the Black Comet that day!"

"He did." Eclipse glares at Shadow, and he shoots one back.

"Then how could there be any more?"

Then Shadow goes on to explain the events of Shadow Fall, and to add to it, the events of Total Eclipse to explain more about the things Eclipse has already done to nearly put the planet in jeopardy. (I could imagine Omega is outside boosting all this, he wants vengeance on the small alien who maimed him. But could still defeat. His words.) This of course gets Eclipse pretty angry. He was only trying to restart the species SHADOW destroyed! The one he himself was a part of too! It was absolute betrayal, and yet he still had the audacity to pin it all on his own brother?

So yeah they end up fighting outside until Sonic and Tails manage to break it up. They need to work this out. Shadow and Eclipse are absolutely appalled. They both think the other is in the wrong, why on earth would they ever "work this out?"

I'm going to start summarizing even more now for the rest bc this is getting to be a bit long (Ik it takes place over a long series of events but yeah.) Basically Sonic and Tails want to put Shadow and Eclipse through some Steven Universe ass bonding to get them through their differences, while also being sensitive to what happened to both of them. (I think after a while even Rouge would start to see this would be good for the both of them, even IF Eclipse broke her shoulder. She'd still be kind of bitter about that btw and probably mention it even once. And Omega is naturally Omega.)

Also Shadow and Eclipse go through a bunch of stuff together. And they start bonding? And maybe Shadow was being kind of harsh on him? Maybe he shouldn't be so hard on this kid JUST because he's a Black Arms. Shadow wasn't raised like Eclipse was...maybe that has something to do with his reluctance towards them? They're actually pretty similar to each other in other ways, it seems. Hey, Shadow's actually a pretty decent person once you get to know him. And it turns out Eclipse isn't such a monster after all? He's not like Black Doom at all...that's what Shadow always saw the Black Arms as in general anyways. But Eclipse has a heart. He's pretty annoying, but in a weirdly endearing way? Holy shit, maybe this could ACTUALLY work. Maybe they could be brothers. For real this time.

Not sure what much else I could write, but there's something. I just had to make it a redemption arc for the bros didn't I.

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic fandom #sth #shadow the hedgehog #eclipse the darkling #archie sonic #ask #thanks for the ask! #i just love them so much oh my god #maybe he'd meet the freedom fighters at some point? #i didn't know how to incorporate them into this

[wof-reworked]

thoughts on the transfem winter hc??

OOOOOH it's never crossed my dash but I'm very intrigued :0

I've written a long post abt a possible transfem Turtle hc (lbr borderline au), so that's somewhat the lens I'm going thru for most of the jade winglet. I'm always hesitant abt trans aus that go against the canon genders of the characters for,,, semi obvious reasons of the implications??? but that hasn't stopped me before and it won't stop me again baybeeee

but Winter tho,,,, idk I think his story has A LOT of like. repression themes and self hate, but unlike Turtle I think you can see how much of it is more directed at like. his failure to be a Proper Icewing and how being a Proper Icewing basically stands in total opposition to his natural identity and beliefs (very much "good dragon born into bad society" kind of angle). I also really like the way Hailstorm and Winter are set up as foils so hrm,,,

I think for me it's 50/50 + has some funky nuances. I def love nonbinary Hailstorm a lot (gender identities informed partially by trauma woooooo !!!!) and I feel like that then gives me a fun leeway into transfem Winter and what about that hc does appeal to me. They have an underrated sibling dynamic tbh especially post-Pyrite bc like. Winter's always been the black sheep of his family next to Hailstorm and Icicle fall apart in their respective ways,,,, there's like a fascinating smugness and bitterness mixed in with like. feeling awful that his siblings are suffering and also guilt for being anything other than upset for them even though like. it's awful but for one precious moment HE isn't the fucked up one. HE'S the one that's going to win the day and prove to his family he isn't totally irredeemable. Their whole family is like so fucked up in such a real way it's actually wild to like pick apart. And then Hailstorm being the one to struggle to integrate back into Icewing society being what helps Winter realize the whole system is rotten and cruel, and how he's able to sort of develop empathy for himself thru the way that he recognizes when Hailstorm is being hurt and how that's not ok even if he can't quite recognize that it's not ok that he's also being hurt.

But like. I also think I like the way that ties into Winter being a boy. I feel like him being a prince specifically is important because it gives him even "less to give" to his family (especially compared to Hailstorm) and then makes his "redemption arc"/character growth even more compelling because he's learning to love himself wholly. I also recognize being transfem ≠ being a transwoman, and I do like the idea of like. bigender Winter tbh. give the boy a little he/she pronouns. as a treat. He's definitely got like some gender swag I'm always a little willing to get into, idk though I think it's not quite for me in how I view him n think about him.

I tend to settle on writing him as like. GNC. I do think by Icewing beauty standards he is a very androgynous/pretty dragon and I think it's funky if that's another thing between him n Hailstorm that's like. unspoken but relevant in how they're treated. He's just like a gay GNC man to me at the end of the day.

#winter wof #wings of fire #sunny rambles #thx for the ask !!! I love it when ppl send me asks abt characters they feed me >:3c

[juliedrawz]

Just a quick info for those who'd been asking me when my book will be finished.

Even though I can't give you an exact date, I really strive to finish it by the end of next year [ 2024] That's because I'm not giving myself a timelimit. Also because I travel a lot ✈️ and do some other creative projects.

How will you be able to get the book once it's done?

I will make a post and everyone who will want a copy just needs to write me and then decide if they want the physical hardcover one or the E-book.

What exactly is the book about again?

Well, Coco. Generally speaking. Or better said, it's a veeeerrryyyy very detailed mix of a prequel and a sequel 😂 The very main characters are Héctor and Ernesto, then Imelda and Ceci. Second comes Miguel and a few of my Oc's.

The book beginns where the movie stopped. In the middle you'll get to read a lot about the past of the beloved squad. There are also seperate parts that focus on one or two characters specifically. Ernesto for example.

The second half of my book will have a 3 to 4 years jump into the future. This time Miguel's little sister manages to get herself cursed to the other side and so he and Sara (I already introduced her) follow to get her back. This will also eventually lead us to the big climax of the whole story and the ending. (The ending which won't really be an ending either but much rather a new beginning 😉)

Actually, there is SO much going on in my book, I can't tell everything here. Not to forget it would be a spoiler.

What are the themes/topics targeted in the novel?

Trauma/Ptsd, violence and abuse, human psyche, loss, hurt/grief, healing, romance/Love (soulmates, one true love) friendship, forgiveness, family relationships, faith etc.

(This is basically one of the big WHY'S my book is not for children but for older teens/adults 😅🫴) you will have mild spice here and there, yes, but if you expect detailed stuff, sorry amigo 🫡 that's not my territory.

What will be the litte "addings" ?

Since I was totally free to bring my very own ideas and thoughts into my novel, I spent some good amount of time building up and exploring the world of the Land of the dead and all it's magical possibilities even further🤗 I wanted the movie to feel like the last marveling gaze you take at the glittering ocean and the horizon, and the big breath you take before diving down to the big colorful coral reef with thousands of beautiful fish.

💔⚠️The book isn't for you if:

You don't like the concept of soulmates and one true love.

You don't like exploring deeper topics

You don't like redemption arks

If you're very sensitive to strong topics such as PTSD

You're not a fan of Ernesto

If you expect smut/ premarital sex

Can't accept the fact that I bring my christian faith into the story and writing fantasy fiction my way.

🎉❤️ The book's for you if :

You love slow burn romance

Believe in one true love - soulmates

Love Fluff

Love deeper topics

You can't get enough of Imector 💞

You are in for drama

You can handle teasing of your heartstrings

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #coco hector #héctor rivera #coco fanfiction #ernesto de la cruz #coco imelda #imelda rivera #coco ernesto #coco miguel #pixar coco oc #my novel #frequently asked questions

[lokigayforhela]

your stories make my day! could you please do another baby fic, ty!

TW: None

WC: 1640

Rating: G

A/N: A bit unlike my usual baby fics. I tend to go straight for a good birthing scene, when I think of baby plots, but I opted for a soft little post-birth moment instead. I hope you enjoy it!

Hela couldn’t seem to look away from you as you settled the baby against you so that the both of you could settle more comfortably as she nursed, and though the attention wasn’t unwelcome, you could ignore it no more.

“You know, if you take a picture it’s going to last a lot longer,” you teased, voice weary with exhaustion from spending the last seven hours in labor. You’d always heard that giving birth was one of the most painful things someone could do, but actually going through it had been another thing entirely.

Hela didn’t even flush at being caught, only smiled all the more as you looked up to meet her gaze. “Excuse me for being so incredibly in love with my wife and my new baby girl.”

“Mm…” You pretended to think for a moment, but you couldn’t stop smiling, either. “I suppose I can forgive you for that.”

Hela hummed out a soft laugh and leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got hit by a train. And then it reversed and drove over me again, for good measure.” You carefully laid your head back against the pillow, looking back down at your daughter, who seemed to be well on her way to nursing herself to sleep. “She was more than worth it, though.”

Hela pressed another kiss to your temple, and leaned her head against your shoulder, so that she could be closer to you and the baby. “She is perfect, isn’t she?”

“The most. I can’t believe she’s finally here.”

“And it only took about nine months and seven excruciating hours of labor.”

“I may be tired, but I can still throttle you, just so you know,” you warned, though there was no bite in your tone whatsoever. You were far too tired, and far too in love, to hold any capacity of anger or unhappiness.

“Oh, I’m sure you could,” Hela played along, reaching up to brush your hair out of your eyes. “I texted my brothers. They should be here within the hour, if you’re ready for guests.”

“Mm. In a little bit. I still want her to myself for a little while longer.”

“Well, you did do all the work, so I wager I can agree to those terms.”

You felt a small wave of guilt, though, when you realized what you had said, and looked back up at her. “I didn’t mean just myself. That… came out wrong. I just want her to be just ours for a little while longer.”

“You don’t have to apologize, darling. I knew exactly what you meant.” She kissed your shoulder gently, and sat up a bit as you did the same, carefully shifting your now fast asleep daughter to lay against your chest, tiny head nestled against your shoulder as you sighed softly, unable to tear your gaze away from her still.

“I can’t get over how small she is… Like a little porcelain doll.”

“Mm. And she looks just like you.”

“I wish she looked just like you.”

“The next one will,” Hela promised, reaching to brush the gentlest finger down the baby’s little cheek.

“Do you want to hold her again? She’s asleep now, so she can’t start crying.” You smiled gently at the memory of the baby wailing as soon as Hela had gotten her cradled in her arms, a reaction she had clearly not been anticipating, given the way she’d looked more nervous than you’d ever seen her in your life as she looked to you for help. It had been endearing, that she was so worried that the baby didn’t like her already, and you’d reassured her that she was only crying because she was small, and had just had her entire world turned upside down.

“Ugh, please. You needn’t remind me of that so soon,” Hela lamented, though she was already reaching for the baby, eager for redemption.

You carefully handed her over, not so much picking her up as simply shifting her from your shoulder to Hela’s, jostling her as little as possible in the hopes that she would remain peaceful and sleeping. Hela expertly situated the baby with the bare minimum of movement, seeming to hardly even breathe as the baby nestled against her shoulder with a quiet little coo. Once it became clear that the baby wasn’t going to wake up, she relaxed, and looked up at you to find that you were already watching her with a gentle smile, so completely in love with your wife that you couldn’t bear it.

“It suits you. Motherhood.” You carefully shifted to lay on your side, grateful that it hurt less to turn than you thought it might. “She loves you so much, I already know.”

“How can you tell?” Hela asked, with an edge of such earnest curiosity that it made your heart flutter as you only continued to smile.

“It’s just something I know. Something I can see.”

Hela considered that for a moment, all the while cradling the baby with a gentleness that seemed so rare for someone so hotheaded as she was. “And what do you see?”

You smiled softly. “I see a mother who loves her baby more than anything. And a baby who loves her mother the same. I can see it in the way you hold her, in the way that you can’t even take your eyes off of her while we’re talking. Which is adorable, by the way. No wonder you couldn’t stop staring at me. And I see it in the way she’s so calm and peaceful.”

“Well, that’s because she’s asleep,” Hela reminded you, but you shook your head.

“No. It’s more than that. I can see. She trusts you. You’re her mother. And just because you didn’t carry her nine months or give birth to her doesn’t lessen that bond at all.” You looked at her a little more intently, despite her still looking at the baby. “You know that. Right?”

“It won’t be the same bond,” Hela stated carefully, and though her expression didn’t show it, you could hear the lament in her tone.

“It won’t be,” you admitted, reaching to cup her cheek so that you could turn her to face you gently. “But you will have a different bond, one unique to you and her, and your relationship. And I love that so much. I love seeing you together like this now, and I can’t wait to see the way you bond in the future, as she grows up and finds her way through the world, with you right by her side the whole time.”

Hela sniffled quietly, and you realized that she was crying. “You’re not allowed to make me cry twice in one day.” She gave a tearful little laugh, but was back to smiling again, and you couldn’t help the way your heart soared at the expression.

“Well, then you’ll be just about even with me.” You brushed your thumb along her cheek, wiping her tears away, before leaning up to kiss her softly. “You’re doing an amazing job. And so what if it’s only the first day? It’s the first day of the rest of our lives, and hers, and if today has been any sort of indicator of how it’s going to go, then I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”

Hela considered that for a moment, and then her gaze fell back to linger on the baby, who was still fast asleep with one little hand curled in the fabric of Hela’s shirt. “…I don’t know what I’m doing. I never knew my mother, and so… I lack that bond, that… knowledge… of how to handle having a child. I’ll do everything all wrong.”

“So what if you do?” You smiled softly as you tucked her hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “We both might. Raising a child is one of the most difficult things two people could ever do together. We’re bound to make mistakes, you and me both. But we’ll learn. Together. And I look forward to it so much.”

Hela hummed out a quiet laugh, and despite not seeming to be convinced, nodded, turning to look at you softly. “I hope you’re right.”

“I always am.” You grinned, and kissed her one more time, unable to resist the urge when she was so close, and looked so soft. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She nuzzled her nose against yours briefly, and then looked back down at the baby. “And I love you, too, little one. More than anything. I’ll do my best to be everything that you need me to be, today and every day after that. I promise.”

The baby stirred slightly, and for a fleeting second you worried that this quiet moment between the three of you would have to be over. But all she did was coo softly and smack her little lips, and settle right back against Hela’s shoulder with a sleepy little curve of her lips that left you falling in love all over again.

“See? She believes you. That was her way of showing it,” you insisted in a quiet voice, desperate not to wake her up.

“You made that up,” Hela shot back with a playful roll of her eyes that left you smiling.

“Did not.”

“Yes, you did, Y/N.”

“I carried her for nine months, I think I know how to interpret my own daughter, thank you very much.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Hela gave in, but she still had such a lovestruck smile that all you could do was sigh happily and settle in with the two loves of your life, content to just linger in this overwhelming peace for as long as you could have it.

#Hela x reader #Hela Odinsdottir x reader #Hela #Hela Odinsdottir #Marvel #mama!reader #mama!Hela #soft Hela is Soft #and i Love Her #fluff #baby fluff #anonymous #ask #answered #thank you for the prompt!

[fuckyeahgoodomensfanfic]

Good Omens Fic Rec: It's Not the Fall (It's the Landing)

To save each other from Heaven and Hell, Aziraphale and Crowley become human. Things, predictably, do not go as planned. Crowley thought about what he’d come there to do. He thought about what it meant, in the context of God’s warning. Really thought. There wouldn’t be hopping from restaurant to restaurant with his best friend for the next six thousand years (give or take). There wouldn’t be any more miracles, or tempting. There wouldn’t be any skirting Hell’s wrath for eternity. And when it was over, the deepest, darkest, horriblest pits would be reserved for him. Crowley said, “Will you make me human, too?”

Length: 66,731 words

AO3 Rating: Explicit / Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Best for: At Home, One Sitting, Angst, Canon AU

Triggers: Temporary Character Death, Alcoholism

Read it here, fic by Ginger_Cat

*Minor Spoilers* Alright buckle up, this one is insane! This has to be the craziest, most unique plot I've read for Good Omens. Every moment just punches you into a different direction. I found myself just going, "what the fuck? what the fuck?? WHAT THE FUCK??" I'm not even going to try to summarize the plot, there's too much to say and I think you should go in as blind as possible. Just trust it, let it whisk you away on this journey.

This isn't a dark fic necessarily, it ends in a very good place, but there are moments that were pretty brutal. It pushes Aziraphale in particular to places we don't usually see him. He is the reckless impulsive one here. At first his actions seem super out of character for him, but trust the process. There is more under the surface and an explanation for his behavior. By the end I was so excited about this characterization for him. Crowley, poor dear, goes through the ringer here. He slips up and confesses his love and suddenly his entire life is flipped upside down. Kind of literally? At any point he could have just said, fuck you guys I'm done, but he doesn't. His love for Aziraphale and humanity keeps him in the fight, even though I wouldn't blame him for turning to resentment.

Excellent dialogue, it really brings a lightness and humor to scenes that keeps everything balanced. The side characters are also top notch. Even Gabriel get's his moment of redemption. Pacing is lightning fast. You have to pay attention and keep up or you will get left behind. I think this could have used a little more breathing room in some areas, but it's a want more than a need. It's not a negative that it moves fast is what I'm saying. If I could have added time anywhere it would be to Chapters 15 and 16 because I am so intrigued by the concepts there. I could read an entire story of Aziraphale in those conditions (I really don't want to spoil).

I think based on how fast paced this gets, it should be read at home. There are a couple smut scenes, but it's really an at home read for the plot. And I would make the time to read it in one go. There's just a lot of threads that I think would make it difficult to leave and come back to. Plus you aren't going to want to stop! I didn't! I only planned to start it, but suddenly it's 3 AM and I've finished it. What a wild ride! A joy to read for that alone, but it's an excellent work of redemption and the lengths they will go to for love.

Read it here, fic by Ginger_Cat

#good omens #good omens fanfiction #good omens fanfic #fanfic rec #aziracrow #good omens fic rec #aziraphale x crowley #It's Not the Fall (It's the Landing) #Ginger_Cat #canon au #reverse au #temporary character death #angst #at home #one sitting #four flames #turning human #this is a hard one to characterize #just fuckin read it

[earnestly-endlessly]

Hey there! Thank you so much for your recs, I have a request. Coul you rec crack fics or funny cherik fics? I need a bit of that in my life.

Hi anon, thanks for your request. Who doesn't need some good old crack fic once in a while? Even though this fandom loves allll the angst, there is a surprising amount of funny fics in this fandom. These are not all of the fics, but these are those who I enjoy thoroughly and I hope you do too.

Funny/Crack Cherik Fics

Humane Society – smilebackwards

Summary: Once Erik finally allows himself to decide that Charles is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread, he spends the next week being incredibly bitter that he's Charles' cat and not his boyfriend.

Scenes from the wild – nekosmuse

Summary: Erik Lehnsherr, world renowned wilderness survivalist, alongside his husband, Charles Xavier, survive the perils of the wild in order to bring you, Two Men, One Knife, an award winning reality survival series, available only on the Discovery Channel. Follow Erik and Charles as they travel to the world's most remote locations with only the most basic of supplies. Pitted against nature, this husband-husband team struggle to survive in some of the world's harshest climates while battling the planet's fiercest predators. Can they survive the Canadian North? Find out next season, on Two Men, One Knife

Now with additional scenes.

Order Up - ikeracity

Summary: Charles has a terrible habit of multitasking, and that is probably why he absentmindedly tells the pizza man that he loves him when hanging up. 

Then the pizza man says it back. And Charles is pretty much smitten from there.

Conspiracy of kisses – Alaceron

Summary: Seven-year-old Erik needs to keep his telepathic best friend Charles from finding out that he wants to kiss him. But that's okay, because he has a plan - he'll put on a tinfoil hat.

In Plain Sight –arcapelago (arcanewriter)

Summary: A story where Charles and Erik have basically been together from the first time they met. The whole fate, wow we found each other thing. Now I would like the others not to know and try to bring the two 'oblivious' guys together. They of course enjoy this quite a lot 

Don’t fuck with people who can do it better – orphan_account

Summary: Erik and Charles loudly pretend to have sex in retaliation for innuendo made by the kids.

In the moonlight, on a joy ride – scarlettblush

Summary:Librarian AU. Charles is the young librarian and Erik is the college student who is completely besotted with him. 

I ♥ NY (It’s My Friends I’m Not Sure Of) - oddegg

Summary: Erik is a single, successful man who likes quick sex with no strings attached. Then, he meets college professor Charles and it's love at first sight, at least for him. Charles, who heard of Erik's notorious ways, wants nothing to do with him besides being friends. Cue Erik bending over backwards to steal Charles' heart.

This Crazy Game Called Life – chiasmus

Summary: Raven declares game night in the mansion. Sean finds an elephant, Erik inherits one hundred unwanted cats, and Charles scars Hank for life with misdirected dirty thinking. 

5 Ways Logan Fixed Everything (Like a Boss) – Starlingthefool

Summary: What would have happened if Charles and Erik had managed to recruit Logan?

(In which Logan solves everyone's problems through snark and BAMFery.)

Magneto’s Redemption – Ook

Summary: Kink meme prompt response. Prompter wanted Erik to lose his evil, harsh reputation as a mutant terrorist by accident. 

Well, what can you do, with a prompt like that, except inject it as full as possible with crack and pad it out a bit with some fluff?

Erik’s Very Good ™ Foolproof Plan - BrightTerror

Summary: Erik has a habit of speaking and thinking in german when he is thinking about Charles so that even if he reads his mind he won't know he is thinking about him. Its a foolproof plan. 

Problem is, Charles can speak perfect german and no one thought to tell Erik this crucial fact.

One Hundred One Night Stands – Sophia_Bee

Summary: Charles has a rule. Never fuck the same guy twice. When he refuses to see Erik again after a one night stand, Erik goes about trying to get Charles to violate that rule using accents and disguises.

As foretold in the stars – alexavindr (orphan_account)

Summary: When Charles receives news from his Divination teacher that he's going to find the love of his life, Erik tries to talk him out of it. 

Unfortunately for both of them, someone—Raven, obviously—decides to orchestrate a cruel prank, including the most popular girl at Hogwarts, and an incredibly potent love potion.

Erik Lehnsherr’s Guide to Parenting – keire_ke

Summary: Alex chalks up his grudging love for his dad to Stockholm Syndrome. He’s not going to stand idly by while Erik harvests Mr. Xavier’s innocent soul, however. Human AU.

The Amazing Adventures of Cat-Man - so_shhy

Summary: Charles is the non-powered, butt-kicking, high-tech teen sidekick of a cheesy superhero. Erik is the sidekick of the corresponding cheesy supervillain, and makes Charles's life even more complicated than it already is.

Se

Omega Online – miss_aphelion

Summary: Newly imprinted Charles is having trouble dealing with his overly protective alpha—so in desperation he seeks advice in an omega chat room. Emma Frost is more than happy to help, Raven isn't helping at all, and Erik can't stand to be out of touch with Charles for more than five minutes at a time.

Surely shifted my way – Traincat

Summary: The one where Erik and Charles get engaged, Raven is an x-treme wedding planner and the kids get way too involved. Oh, and there are doves everywhere. Modern slightly!AU, where everyone is together and alive and happy because it's weddingfic and weddingfic is allowed to do that.

The Holiday Lights Battle – so_shhy

Summary: Some people take their Christmas lights a little too seriously. Erik is one of those people.

So is his new neighbour, Sebastian Shaw.

Abduction Seduction – TurtleTotem, luninosity

Summary: "Seriously," Charles said, and stared at the alien. "Seriously. No."

"A successful mating demonstration will earn you food," the alien reminded them helpfully, from the other side of the clear glowing door.

How to Get a Midgardian Boyfriend: a Guide by Charles Odinson – cachinnation

Summary: The king of all Asgard had three sons, and of the three Odinsons, one was golden and tempestuous and kingly, and the other two were right headaches. After Charles, Odin stopped bringing children home.

We Welcome Our New Sexbot Overlords – professor

Summary:Robot!Erik falls in love, takes over the world, and keeps Charles in a giant birdcage. And then, it gets complicated. 

My Barbaric Darling – baehj2915

Summary: Erik is revivified caveman. Charles is the anthropologist(?) taking care of him. This is as ridiculous as it sounds. Romcom misunderstandings and prehistoric wooing ensues.

Eucalyptus leaf of my soul – kageillusionz, ourgirlfriday

Summary: Zookeeper Raven at Taronga Zoo keeps having ideas on how to capitalize on interest in the zoo mascots, Koala Charles and Drop Bear Erik (the only drop bear in captivity!), who have captured the hearts and minds of the public. First it was to introduce prospective mates (It’ll generate attention, Hank. People are perverts. They’d love to see koala porn.). This idea was not effective the first through fifth attempts, as Erik and Charles seemed to show at best polite interest in the newcomer before resuming whatever marsupial debate they had going. However, the resulting lesbian koala orgies did indeed generate interest. Then Raven unveiled the Hug-A-Koala program, which was successful, as the public showed great interest in hugging Charles, and Charles seemed to enjoy being hugged. 

Then Raven unveiled the Hug-A-Drop Bear program, and Hank, not for the first time, wished he had a flask handy.

Other Crabs Cannot Be Trusted – groovyphilia

Summary: Erik is a hermit crab and proud. He is also stalking a shore crab named Charles.

In which everybody in XMFC is a crab.

#cherik #cherik fic recs #fic recs #asks #earnestly answers #crack fics #funny fics

[wastedlychee]

CW: DEATH BATTLE SPOILERS, FIRE EMBLEM THREE HOUSES SPOILERS AND SEMI-SPOILERS FOR BERSERK.

For people who don’t know me, I’m a loser who absolutely loves Three Houses and Berserk. I'm going to take time to talk about Dimitri VS Guts, because holy fucking shit I love this Death Battle so goddamn much. I was going to make a prediction blog for this fight but didn’t really see the point as Dimitri stomps being brutally honest.

I want to talk about Guts VS Nightmare first before talking about Guts VS Dimitri, as this is the only time I'm probably ever going to mention it: I genuinely dislike the episode.

When it originally came out, how they portrayed Guts wasn’t right at all; the thing I find

genuinely annoying is how is how after that Death Battle was released, people formed this thought that Guts was this Doom Guy/Doom Slayer-type character who slaughters demons for nothing more than sheer hate, which is true… at least at first. But then later on, Guts became-

much more than that due to his hate making him do nothing more than just become a hollow shell who fights only for his selfish desires to fight Griffith and protect Casca, even letting people into his life again and becoming friends with other people.

The story of Berserk went from being about an angry nihilist who fights just to fight, into a story about broken people helping each other in any way they can. So what did Death Battle do for Guts VS Nightmare? Make him just his angry, nihilistic self and not mention how he has changed.

There was also some research-related stuff that had issues, but to be blunt I don’t personally care about if either Guts or Nightmare should have won. If you want the truth of how I feel, Nightmare is so much stronger that the argument of “Guts beats people stronger than him everyday” isn’t really a good argument - not when unlike everyone Guts has ever fought, he's thousands of times stronger than the strongest person Guts defeated.

But that’s the main reasoning on why I don’t personally like Guts VS Nightmare - despite thinking it was okay animation-wise.

Now let's talk Dimitri VS Guts… well kind of.

I wanted to talk about my attraction towards this matchup; as mentioned before, I love both Fire Emblem and Berserk.

Starting with Dimitri: I got into Fire Emblem around the time the GBA games came out, and while I did fall off the games, I got back into them when Awakening was released.

With Berserk, I got into the manga around middle school after I was talking to a friend that I absolutely loved Hellsing and Black Lagoon. To be blunt I didn’t like Berserk at first because I disliked Guts until the time he changed, and to me changed for the absolute best. (I still wouldn't recommend Berserk tho cause....yeah)

Dimitri himself is a character that I absolutely fell in love with, from his story of mental health problems to his desire to change after the events of the timeskip as the redemption arc of sorts

happens. I’ve been wanting to do a "Who’s My Personal Favorite Characters of All Time" list, but I haven’t found any personal time to do so.

Now onto the actual episode with the analysis of Guts- this time, the episode did Guts legitimate justice as a character, as he is treated to much more than his past. With Dimitri, it also did pretty well as there’s not really anything I personally disagree with.

I know there were some people who took issue with the analysis, starting with the fact Dimitri was stated to have magic; however, they also were factoring in Three Hopes, which in that game he was able to use magic. To briefly touch on the animation, I can understand the issue of Dimitri stomping should have ended the fight with the lightning attack shutting down Guts’ armor, though I dislike that possible ending and you'll see why when I get to the actual ending.

Next, let's talk about those who disagree with the Rhea thing- you need to realize something with Death Battle as it's clear you guys don’t do VS Debating stuff: scaling is important, and Dimitri should get the scaling considering Edelgard and Byleth did kill Rhea in Edelgard's route.

There's also the fact that Dimitri kills Edelgard in his route, and also fights a powered-up version of her anyways. Scaling matters in these match-ups.

But onto the animation itself: I absolutely loved it - the back and forth with them becoming more bloodied and hurt, but neither caring due to how they fight. I especially loved the "voices in their heads" scene before Dimitri and Guts power up again. Plus, holy fuck the music is so good,

Brandon Yates did an amazing job with God's Hand.

Now the ending: if the voices scene didn't happen, this would be my favorite part. Dimitri thinks Guts is dead, then all of a sudden he gets up and breaks his lance, but ends up dying because he fought until every drop of his blood was gone. I also love the touch that the Berserker Armor is the reason why he is still standing despite dying. Dimitri realizes Guts fights for those who lost their lives too, and then decides to fight for Guts. Holy fucking shit man, this may be one of my favorite Death Battles of all time.

Closing thoughts, I absolutely loved this episode of DB and the team did an amazing job with it.

#death battle #fire emblem #fire emblem 3 houses #berserk

[putonmyfavoriteshow]

I finished Papás Por Encargo s2 this weekend. Spoilers beyond the cut for review/thoughts on this season💭 Non-spoiler: Morgan's homemade videos continue to slay 🤭

I'm glad they had them back on the road this season, since that's partly what made s1 so fun. A tour was a perfect excuse and I liked the stakes of them trying to grow the band.

Itzel isn't a very likable character. And I think this is partly why this season struggles a bit. She needed to be integrated with the boys and California but it still felt very her vs. them especially with her pushing California to move away from them

I was skeptical at Paulina's return since I really didn't like her in s1, but I thought her redemption arc was done well and I have to say she's MORE likable than Itzel. I'm glad that it was mostly about her and California forming a bond as opposed to just winning back Miguel. And I was relieved that she didn't end up back with Miguel. I thought one of the sweetest moments in the season was when she told California that him rejecting her was like "[cough] syrup" - tastes bad going down but ultimately good for you 🥺

Diego not winning over Itzel was also a shock, but also respect the show averting expectations and having the characters face rejections instead of winning over the object of their affections. I do wonder if I'm reading into a possible Miguel/Itzel relationship in a possible s3? Especially since Paulina and Morgan had that surprise kiss AND Diego referenced calling Denisse in the last episode - the boys just swapping their love interests lol.

I didn't really care much about California's love interest but it was cute seeing her have her first crush and see Paulina try to help her but ultimately give her terrible advice, but Miguel sort of step in. Though it might have been more fun to see all the dads try to help her here.

Once again, I'm not really interested in any of the love stories in this show. The strongest relationship in this show is between the dads and California, as well as the boys in their friendship/band. I really loved seeing the boys back together and their relationship and protectiveness of California, but they had trouble juggling Itzel and Paulina's return.

Morgan continues to be my favorite. He's just such a lovable goofball, and it was sweet to see him try to be the best manager he could be even if he tripped up quite a bit. Morgan scenes just tended to my favorite throughout. Michael Ronda just channels that golden retriever energy so much.

My favorite episode was "Discord" I think Diego and Morgan have a really fun dynamic that was explored here and the shenanigans of them trying to escape the townspeople after trying to help them was fun, and it was nice to see California work things out with Paulina. California definitely has a mischievous side, and it was fun to see that here, but still her goodness win out and admit what she did to Miguel and Paulina cover for her.

I really enjoyed the music this season! And the music videos as expressed above are all so good.

The court stuff was a bit predictable and I felt like they were just dragging out s1s plot, and it felt a bit repetitive. It really wasn't that exciting last season, and felt even less interesting s2. Enough with this weird man and his turtle eggs!

I'm curious if the show will get renewed. I feel like it ended at a good spot but it would be interesting to see where they take the story next with them all living together. I would hope that a possible 3rd season would open possible fresher storylines and of course more ridiculous music videos directed by Morgan.

#papás por encargo #d+la #i feel like this season got less hype but I still think it was fun #def not as good as the first #but i would still love to see at least one more season #Youtube

[ben-talks-art]

Why I like Jaden

"As long as I'm here... As long as we duelists are here, we can continue to believe in our possibility!

Your turn will never come."

One trope in storytelling that I tend to really enjoy is the "reaching your lowest point" trope. I know, shocking, the guy that loves stories about struggles, relationships with misery, and fighting back to earn your victories... Who would have imagined it!!

Things like" The Empire Strikes Back" from Star Wars, "The crossroads of Destiny" from Avatar, the fight against Scar from Fullmetal Alchemist, the season 2 finale of Reboot, basically every episode of Arcane, the entire final arc of Cahinsawman part 1...

I just love when the heroes get their asses kicked super hard, take some time to lick their wounds, and then return even stronger than ever after going through some spiritual or emotional journey so they can get back to the fight, except this time you, the audience, is even more pumped than ever to root for them because now we have a score to settle!

And I feel like the character that left the first big impact on me with this trope was Jaden, from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

What's funny is that, even before his "fall from grace" moment, Jaden was already a character that I liked a lot.

I was super into his cheerful and upbeat attitude while playing the duels. This was a small thing that kinda bothered me about characters like Yami or Yusei, they never seemed like they were having fun while playing. I like that Jaden would look like he was having a blast even when the opponent was winning because just enjoyed their cool boss monsters or weird strategies that much.

Even when he lost he would just be like "Man... That was still awesome, though! Let's do it again sometime!" He was just such a chill dude, the kind you want to hang out and play with.

I also was a huge fan of his deck. "Elemental Heroes" was an archetype that mixed a ton of things that appealed to me in particular. The use of superheroes reminded me of Marvel and DC movies, the use of the elements reminded me of Avatar and Xiaolin Showdown, and the use of fusion reminded me of Dragon Ball Z, Digimon Adventure 02, and Megaman: Battle Network.

A big part of why I liked the duels in GX was that it always felt exciting to see what fusion he was going to use next, which heroes would he combine, and what they would look like. It was like in Ben 10 where part of the fun was finding out what new alien would be used next. It just brings a very kid-like joy.

Although I really wasn't a fan of the whole animal alien thing they tried to do later... To me it felt like fixing what wasn't broken.

But yeah, the real thing that made Jaden stand out so much was his journey back from hell.

I think this was probably a common thing at the time, have a character fall so they can rise back again, but this was my first time seeing it done in such a way. It wasn't just that he took a hit, it was that the hit itself was his own fault.

Jaden often receives negative comments from the fanbase that he is too cheerful, too upbeat, and that he doesn't take things seriously enough (because God forbid we have someone actually enjoying playing card games... ), so it was interesting to see him going through an experience that makes him completely question his life choices and wonder if he needs to change before progressing.

Like I mentioned in my Zuko post, I love when characters look back at their own actions and try to wonder if someone's getting hurt because of the way they live their lives, and this is exactly what Jaden goes through.

His arc isn't just a "reaching my lowest point" moment (they did that in season 2 already), it's also a "reality check" combined with a "redemption arc" where he needs to look at his own flaws and grow from it so he can make up for his mistakes.

And what I really appreciate is that his mistakes aren't just boiled down to "don't have fun playing." His mistake was that he didn't take into consideration that there is a time and place for everything.

It's not that he should be always serious or always cheerful, it's that he needs to know not to live under extremes and realize when to be serious, when to be cheerful, and especially, when to consider the situation of those around him and their own struggles as well.

This is one of the few series that actually feel like they make use of the "power of friendship," because a big problem Jaden was also having was that he was starting to get too strong for his own good and ended up relying on his friends less and less, and it was that reconsideration that caused his downfall and only when he realized that someone was suffering more than he was that he started his journey to truly maturing.

Whether it is kid-like Jaden or adult-like Jaden, there is always something about him that brings a smile to my face.

I feel like Jaden is one of those characters where you can analyze and take away tons of interesting themes and messages. Loss, growth, friendship, learning to enjoy life, knowing how to enjoy life, sympathy, support, sacrifice...

Favorite character list>>

#jaden yuki #supreme king judai #yugioh gx #judai yuki #yuki judai #yugioh

[redstonedust]

I noticed in one of your tags earlier that you found it more likely that Empires False will just be mind wiped again? I actually feel like this the least likely of all options, because it would effectively be backsliding on at least one element of the story being told so far.

Even if things change for amnesiac Empires False because of interactions and how people see her or something, she would still be asking herself questions we the audience already know the answers to. What we need now are the answers to the questions we still have, and I feel like it would be really unsatisfying narratively to make us wait even longer artificially for those answers.

Ever since hermit False revealed that she was the one responsible for the other's amnesia, it feels to me like this story has been about the consequences of both Falses' past actions, especially with how the hermit wants to avoid those consequences, and I feel like the only fitting ending would be that there is no way back, only forward.

I think if there is a confrontation between the Falses somehow, it will hopefully reveal most if not all of the mystery between them and the lab they were involved in, and even if we don't get all the answers before the end of the crossover, I don't think Empires False will go back to her old normal, at least definitely not for too long.

...Actually now thinking about it, it does sound likely at this point that the crossover might end in a confrontation where the hermit thinks she's re-applied the amnesia and goes home feeling like all the loose ends are tied up, only for the next Empires episode to show that False gradually remember everything again and become a proper villain!

Though there have been several times with False this crossover where it's seemed possibly predictable how it might go and then every single episode has had some kind of plot twist so we'll just have to see!

HMMMMMM yeah you do have a point about the narrative backslide i just find it hard to believe that false would want to keep playing e!false as evil as she is right now-- but at the same time if she DOES then its a ballsy decision and i respect it fully.

i just tend to keep my expectations for mcyt plotlines kind of low but my ideal would definitely be the 'no way back only forward' ending. especially if it allows e!false to grow in a better person from the starting point of '''''evil'''''' without needing to be memory wiped. like she's already been seen second guessing her kill instincts with her meeting with sausage y'know. redemption arc....

or hell if it turns out theres a third element we don't even know about with the lab backstory then im even more intrigued. i love this storyline so much i cannot stop thinking about it aughUHGH

#asks #empires spoilers #long post

[smallestapplin]

Hey, about MC (or s/o) saving Volo

May I request he finally passed redemption arc and got accepted by MC, but there's another challenge. MC's two warden children, who knew well what he did, and won't even hesitate to break his neck. Slowly making himself into their hearts and in the end... They became a family! (And expect a baby sibling)

He's a menace but I'll shoot my shots

I simp for him too don’t worry. So same

Reader is called mom but uses they/them pronouns.

-

-

Volo knew he was forgiven.

You forgave him for everything, you two worked through all the issues he could possibly think his betrayal caused, even working through his own issues in the process.

He wouldn’t say perfect, but he does notice a calmer change, and being with you and dating you has helped. You both have a truer much stronger bond, Volo would do anything for you.

But your kids are a different story.

Yes he was fully aware of the two youngest wardens taking a liking to you, you spoke very highly of them a lot before, and after your banishment, and presently. Hell he was even there holding you while you cried happily cause they called you mom for the first time.

He is aware you’ve taken them in as your children, and they love you like their parent. The issue? Your children are protective of you.

Sabi plays dumb and sweet, that’s what she wants everyone to think, they’ll never believe him if he said she’s threatened him and move chairs from under him. The green haired warden made it her goal to teach him his place.

Volo is highly impressed though, her mini manipulation tactics to make sure he gets the hint are truly works of art.

Next is Lian, your eldest, and arguably the most upfront about his dislike of Volo.

Lian gets in between you and him quite often, blocking Volo from getting to you, and sassing him every chance the cowboy gets. What is usually reserved for Melli is thrown right to Volo almost twice as more vicious.

Volo has called Lian an ankle biter on several occasions because of this.

They trusted him vaguely once, but after his betrayal at the Temple of Sinnoh, and seeing the pain you tried to hide after that. The kids vowed to make him pay.

Sure you forgave him, but they didn’t, they didn’t like that he hurt you.

You try to calm Lian down the times he does talk back or insult Volo, but nothing you say calms the boy down.

You aren’t even aware of Sabi’s doings.

But Volo had an idea, he couldn’t win the kids over at the same time, he needed to get to know them one by one and little by little.

He started tagging along with you and Lian to caves for rocks and ore. Letting his knowledge of the area and the minerals be his way to Lian.

Sometimes it was just the two. While Lian has trained with you for his Pokémon to be stronger, he doesn’t keep them in pokeballs, so they aren’t all by his side.

Volo does however, which is why you asked him to go with your son, silently hoping the two would have some break through.

“Ya know I don’t like you.”

“I’m aware.”

“Then why are you coming with me?”

“Your mother asked me to, while they trust you and your pokemon’s abilities you only ever have one with you at a time, which can spell disaster against certain kinds of pokemon and swarms. So they asked me to tag along to make sure you don’t get hurt.”

Volo’s long explanation made the young warden huff and rolls his eyes.

When digging around around the cave Lian could hear Volo humming in thought before the blonde spoke.

“These markings are intriguing, with how the look I’d say this cave came to be over time a few hundred thousand ago at most, these markings however are more…Pokémon made, so I’d say it wasn’t originally thins big before Pokémon came around it.”

The boy looks at Volo confused, wary, but curious.

“You can get all that from the markings on the walls?”

“Why yes of course! If you know what you’re looking for it becomes easier to find. Here let me show you.”

Lian approaches cautiously, keeping a stern eye on the blonde before his attention is brought the cave walls. Volo wipes it down lightly before pointing at the markings.

“See? You can see where the limestone was washed away and dissolved over time by the weather.”

Volo fights his ecstatic smile while Lian ‘ooo’s at it all.

The man points to another set of markings.

“And see how this one is much different than the limestone ones? They one is a set of claw marks, and I’d say from how the highlands are, it was most likely a dragon type. They are usually the most territorial.”

The trip continues on even when finding rocks. Lian is in awe when Volo breaks open a few revealing amethyst clusters, fossils, and sometimes just rock patterns.

Volo is beaming with success, Lian wouldn’t stop asking questions, which Volo was happy to teach the boy.

Lian only swapped back into being stand offish when they returned. But this was an absolute win!

Next was Sabi.

Unlike her brother, she doesn’t go anywhere for trips, usually staying in the icelands and playing around.

It gives him memories of when you two were first dating, Sabi had him convinced there had been something between you and Gaeric. How she’d always run over to him and have you two talk like a split up couple coparenting.

He still chuckles at your shocked face when he asked.

But she is more energetic and wild, maybe he can appeal to that side of her? A snow ball fight maybe? Or tag? He isn’t sure. She’s the one child he has the most difficulty pinpointing things about.

In the Icelands he isn’t quite sure what to do with her. It’s not like she’d happily play games with him.

“What are you doing here?” Sabi tilts her head, eyes narrowing at him in suspicion.

“You left the house before taking a packed lunch with you, so m-..your mother asked me to bring you one while they worked.”

Sabi takes the bag and starts opening.

“I did pack something extra, you need to keep your energy up after all.”

Sabi glances at him one last time before opening the bag.

“You…packed me extras of my favorite sweets? And give me a few extras of my favorites?”

“You have a lot of energy and food is fuel for that, enjoy!”

Volo knows she’s going to be a much slowly process to work towards her kindness but he is willing to work with both kids.

He just wants them to trust him, he wants to be able to have an argument with you without them thinking he’s going to hurt you. You two don’t argue often anymore but still.

But walking away from the youngest warden while thinking wasn’t a good call. Not if the cold snow breaking against the back of his was to saying anything.

Turning around he sees Braviary holding the lunch box and her holding another snowball.

“Come on old man, are is the cold too much for your bones?”

“Oh, it’s on.”

Volo wastes the day away dodging her snowballs and tossing his own. The two bob and weave to avoid the incoming attacks even taking to hiding behind trees.

He completely forgot to track the time and they two ended up covered head to two in snow as the sun was setting.

“You’re very skilled at throwing.”

“Thanks, mom taught me.”

“Ah that explains it, they do have a good arm.”

Volo internally cheers when she smiles at him.

“Come on, I’m sure your mother is worried about is, it appears we will be a little late for dinner.”

The little warden nods and walks along side him back to the village. She doesn’t speak but grabs his hand as they walk.

While Sabi doesn’t talk most of the way home Volo is more than happy to walk in silence, he is just happy she’s warming up to him. Even if they both are freezing from the snow melting on them.

Volo continues this for he doesn’t even remember how long.

Join Lian on his cave trips, talk about rocks and ores, repeat.

Take Sabi lunch, have a snowball fight or plau tag, go home for dinner, repeat.

You’ve picked up on what he’s trying to go and give him pointers or little inside secrets to help him, he’s so happy about that.

He wants to marry you but wants your kids to like him before he does so.

“Hey pops where did you put my obsidian rock?”

“Uuhh it should be on your shelf by your bed.”

“Oh! Thanks.”

Volo goes back to cutting vegetables, a smile threatening to form on his face as you look between him and Lian in surprise.

“Hey dad, can we have a snowball fight later? I wanna kick Lian’s butt.”

“Sabi! You know better than to plan someone’s downfall out loud.”

The two giggle before she runs off.

“They seem to have grown to like you.”

Volo looks at you with a soft smile.

“Isn’t it great? I’m glad my hard work has paid off, they are good kids. I can see how you got roped in.”

You laugh “yeah well, they make it difficult, hopefully our other child doesn’t have their hardheaded ness.”

Volo stops preparing lunch and looks at you, eyes scanning every part of your face to find something.

“Though they’ll have your genes, so I’m almost certain they’ll be as stubborn as you are.”

“My angel, are….are you saying you’re-“

“Am I saying that in like eight months we are having a baby? Yes, yes I am, Pesselle said I’m a month along. Volo?”

You watch the merchant bounce on his heels before lunging at you, a smile splits on his face as he smothers you with kisses.

“Oh we got to tell our children! Kids! Kids!”

You try not to laugh at the sight of Volo running in your apron yelling for your children.

He’s going to be a good dad, you can tell.

#long post #pokemon #pokemon imagines #pokemon x reader #pokémon #pokemon fanfic #pokemon fluff #pokemon volo #pokemon volo x reader

[wondereads]

May Reading Wrap-Up

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (10/10)

I love this book so much! I reread it for my book club, through which I recruited to of my friends to the cause. This was my first time rereading since reading The Golden Enclaves, and the foreshadowing is just so insane. El and Orion drive me nuts, I can't possibly be normal about them. This has to be one of my favorite fantasy worlds with tons of great worldbuilding and an incredibly interesting language and physical effort-based magic system. READ THIS BOOK!!

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (7/10)

It took me a while to finish this book, but I got through it. It was a solid 7 for me, which is what I typically give average books. I think it moved way to slowly, and really could not have cared less about Dorian's whole thing, but there were parts I liked. I really enjoyed Manon's perspective—the wyverns are just so cool—I liked Aedion, and Aelin's finale was pretty good, even if I wasn't a huge fan of the build-up. I like that the romance seems to be taking a turn towards a slow burn, which I prefer infinitely to the meet-and-get-together-in-one-book approach that Maas often uses.

Broken Bonds by J. Bree (7/10)

This is technically a reread as well. I really enjoy the premise of this story, even though the plot isn't very strong. It's a great wish-fulfillment romance, especially for anyone who likes a heaping dose of angst. The substance is...nonexistent, but I still enjoyed it and sped through it.

Savage Bonds by J. Bree (8/10)

The second in the series, this one gets into it a little more. It feels like things actually happen in this book, and the cliffhanger is much better! There's significant developments in the romance, and a lot of the previously one-dimensional characters get some death. There's definitely still a lot of round-aboutness and frustration, but it's improving.

Blood Bonds by J. Bree (8/10)

I pushed through this one last night so I could include it in the post. I will say that I hit a block with this one. It starts out with a ton of action and then it just kind of stalls in the middle. Oleander expresses frustration about being protected and doing nothing, and I was right there with her. Honestly, a lot of the action is starting to feel recycled in this book; the Resistance has like one plan of attack. The huge upside is Oleander's bonds. We're finally getting to properly know them, and North in particular has a miraculous redemption arc. As of right now, my favorites of them are Gryphon and Atlas. The reason this book is an 8 instead of a 7 is an absolutely crazy, jaw-dropping, insane plot twist at the end.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (7/10)

Suzanne Collins really wrote a book from the perspective of her most horrible villain and it worked. Collins does a great job of balancing reader investment with reminders about Snow's true personality, and it was so interesting to see the Games be shaped to what they are in the original trilogy. That being said, I did find it very slow; there was a lot of unnecessary detail that really slowed down the plot, especially in the third part.

Island of Silence by Lisa McMann (8/10)

The first book of The Unwanteds is firmly average. It's fun to read, but it lacks something that makes it stand out, especially considering when it was published. That all changes in Island of Silence. While the first half of the book is just okay and there are some character choices that irk me, the second half is just batshit insane. All sorts of things are happening, including some great worldbuilding developments, and there's a huge plot twist at the end. It definitely makes you want to read the next book!

Code by Kathy and Brendan Reichs (8/10)

I really enjoy the Virals series. It's a candy series for me; not exactly great quality but so much fun to eat. The mysteries in these books are always so well-planned and researched; it's obvious the Reichs put a ton of effort into writing these. If you ever want to know some facts about Charleston, just read these books. I'm a fan of Tory Brennan, she's a relatable and likable protagonist, and I loved that the romantic subplot was getting more attention in this one. My one major complaint is that Tory seems to be shifting more and more in not-like-other-girls. In the first book, she at least had one other girl she was friends with/looked up to. Now most of her female interactions are limited to her dad's well-meaning but frankly idiotic girlfriend and her school bullies, which doesn't really make for an incredibly feminist narrative.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System Vol. 4 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (10/10)

This book is after the main story has ceased and is a collection of short stories and extras that are basically just fanfiction. I loved it. It was cute, silly, and...steamy at times. I feel like after the third volume, which while great doesn't really have the time to delve into the main relationship, it's the perfect addition. It's pretty adorable to watch them become more comfortable around each other, and there's also some development for the secondary relationship and some side characters such as Liu Qingge and Yue Qingyuan. I enjoyed myself supremely.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (9/10)

This book has been hyped up to the moon and back, so I was a little nervous going in, but I really enjoyed it! This book was packed to the brim with action, and I loved the romance. It is fundamentally a fantasy romance with the romance taking precedence over logic occasionally, but it was just so enjoyable to read. There's always something going on, I absolutely loved the worldbuilding, and the dragons, both their magic and personalities, were engaging and likable. Also, Yarros does a great job foreshadowing twists without over-compensating, which is an issue I run into frequently. I refrained from giving this book a 10/10 for two reasons. First, it is pretty cliche, and second, while I liked Violet and her skills, her personality is kind of cookie-cutter for NA romantasy protagonists.

#books #monthly wrap up #reviews #a deadly education #heir of Fire #the bonds that tie #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #the unwanteds #virals #svsss #fourth wing #naomi novik #sjm #suzanne collins #mxtx

[luckyqueenreign]

Hey, hun!

Rant incoming 😅 I apologize in advance!

is it possible to be disappointed even if you expected it? i mean I definitely love they gave us an option to tell Meera "screw you!" and Suresh's apology was not bad, but still.

i kinda thought Finn's speech will be more about hos feelings for MC but he downplay it to "i wanted everyone on your side". what's wrong with FB's pixel men who go for different girl behind their partners back? I didn't like it with Jake behind Cherry's back (but he at least wanted to make an "official relationship" with MC), I hated it with Noah behind Hope's back (cuz it made him sneakiest boy in entire season 2 despite the fact that he's supposed to be a loyalest person!), I didn't like it with Youssef. and now they doing it with Finn? why can't we have one boy who wants only MC and showing his intentions for everyone? you know like Rafi from s4. This man actually chose to walk from Villa cuz he came with his eyes only on MC!

So now I'm really considering choosing money in final (if FB will give us this opportunity!)

I would like to be with Finn if he actually made it clear to Kat before proposing MC to take his eggs, if you know what I mean.also! it's quite suspicious when he said he didn't do bits with Kat when she said opposite. So there isn't any complete trust in him.

I don't fancy Alfie as a love interest. So he's just a friend for my MC. And he disappointed me too! I mean there was a girl who fancied him greatly, he brought her back and didn't regret it (he made MC vulnerable!), he chose to marry her in SMP and he chose not to go with her because what? MC (who by the way he cheated on with Kat)?? I actually felt bad for Meera in this moment even though I hated her. So... this is definitely is not a man for my MC.

I'm too straight to go for a girl even though Lulu is lovely! So it's not an option for me😃

And Suresh... Well, it's complicated. I'm not forgiving person - not sure I can move past cheating in real life. And I probably wouldn't got together with Suresh if I eas MC - I couldn't forget a betrayal and there's no point in relationship if you don't trust your partner.

But I did like his apology! finally we have something sincere!

and still - kissing your mistress in SMP challenge is a really next level cruelty. I can understand when you want to see if there could be anything but you don't have to do it when a person (who you clame you care about) can see this.

also! His actions do make sense when you shutting his flirting at every opportunity - so he could have a doubts about his chances. but when you flirted with him even on double date, when you kissed him - it should have been a sign for him! His actions are cruel when you trying to actually romance him.

and I still don't have enough emotions from MC! I want some good drama - when she don't want to love her ex but can't help herself but love him. When she wants to move on and struggling with her feelings because he is her first and only love. She tried so hard to rebuild herself after his betrayal and when she's finally go to Villa he showed up. and all her "work" to forget about him eas pointless. I want her tears and his vulnerability (and tears) damn it.

overall S5 is the only season where I don't find a good boy (without any red flags). It's a shame, there was do much potential!

Ahem... I didn't mean to rant so much, sorry! Feel free to ignore this bedsheet of text😅

bestie you're so right...s5 has literally the worst men in the entire series...the least complicated LI in all of S5 is Lulu and thats awesome for players who want wlw route but I wish wlm route got at least one uncomplicated man as well. dont get me wrong I love a redemption story, but not all of them needed to be one. Also why theyre now making Finn a cheater is beyond me?? it literally makes no sense. And I dont understand why all of his confessions lowkey back pedal every week. I like u MC ALOT!! but I also like Kat too! not very reassuring since thats what u did literally ALL SEASON and still chose her at every turn. I agree with u on the Rafi thing, I wish Finn's declaration had been more all or nothing. He needed to break up with Kat for it to mean more.

#luckyqueenreignask

[tintysun]

Sweet Home [Season 2] └ Moments

EPISODE 1 • I suffer sooo much when monsters that are or would be benign are harmed or even killed... T-T • Yep. Let that be a warning. Trying to possess characters as hardcore as Pyeon Sang-wook might not go smoothly. You'd assume he's tough on first impression but there are even more layers of badassery underneath that you wouldn't expect. • Jung Wooi-myung seems to have gotten the humbling and humiliation of his life. I don't know if he's paying past along with present karma but... cutting words were spoken. There's a (IMO, wide) degree of shamelessness and mischief that I can be comfortable with, but he exceeded it and just puts me in a bad mood. But whatever, if shaking up the story is what he's there for, so be it. Would like a redemption arc, but won't be hung up on the possibility of it. This might be my last mention of him, too, as I'm only irritated by him.

EPISODE 2 • When Yoon Ji-soo said "You are hideous as hell." You can bet she wasn't referring merely to the physical! Luv, luv, luv that punk! But daaang. She sacrificed her hearing? Despite being a musician?! Nuuu... Don't be so noble. D: • I refuse to believe that that child is dead! And I'm relieved that that cop is alive and with them...

EPISODE 3 • OMG!! Huge sign of Park Chan-young playing at the stadium as a pitcher. How did he end up in the military, anyway? Great at it, though! The world would be a better place with more people having civic responsibility like him! • Pregnancy is scarier than all this apocalypse combined. @_@ Lee Si-young has been off on her own for a while now. I hope she's well and returns well.

EPISODE 4 • Egotistical idiots are the worst to have in a survival situation. If that makes me sound ableist or elistist, so be it, but it's the truth. I see it over and over, in different stories. Gotta have that ego in check and use your brain. • How many times do you think Lee Eun-yoo has already begged and cried out for them to show up? At what point would she go, "Okay, so this is my life. There's an overpowered entity watching over me who either likes video games too much or has an undying love for me. Maybe both. And I may never see them. But hey, at least I'm not completely alone." :T

EPISODE 5 • This episode felt kind of slow to me. Maybe because I wanted to see more of the characters I've been wondering about? And go different places too.

EPISODE 6 • This show putting romantic tension between Park Chan-young and Lee Eun-yoo. And came across something suggesting there would be a love triangle with him in the next season. I don't ship them romantically, though. I just very much appreciate his kind ways in such a harsh world and don't want him to die. • Park Chan-young is indeed suffering more than it's apparent due to being avoided... :( She's still a tough cookie, though.

EPISODE 7 • All these people being so defensive and hostile, can't quite blame them. D: EPISODE 8 • I don't know what beef the author or whoever's in charge had with cowardly people, but that character surely got the worst angles all through the show. • I'm mad that they basically left everything that had me looking forward to season 2, for season 3. I'll now again have to forget this series exists so I won't live in torment waiting for more episodes...

#sweet home 2