Tumgik
#i would say the same goes for kris. i love that they’re mysterious but i don’t think they’re “evil”
evenmywordsare · 3 years
Text
just because ralsei is mysterious doesn’t mean he’s “evil” and just because he’s nice and cute doesn’t mean he’s 100% innocent. ralsei is a sweetheart but it’s also pretty clear at this point that he at the very least knows more than he says. we might not know his exact motives, but his loneliness and pacifism are genuine. it’s the combination of all these traits that gives ralsei depth and intrigue and makes him such an interesting and loveable character. theories are important as we try to work out what his role in the story may be, but there’s no need to jump to either extreme.
596 notes · View notes
bigshotautos · 2 years
Text
need 2 get words out of my head or my head will explode like a confetti party popper. thinking about potential jevil / spamton meetings based on the scraps we know in canon
so the way i see it, there’s a couple of paths ways their previous canon interactions can go. since we know spamton has at least SOME knowledge of jevil, we can think about to what extent he knows about jevil, and how they were involved. like obviously im a biased party and a Win scenario for me is them being aggressively married in such a sickeningly loving way that people around them cant stand them, but even non-romantcially there’s plenty to think about
1) Spamton and Jevil knew each other mutually in some form. Can postulate just HOW, maybe as Jevil acting as a physical intermediary for their mutual contact. At some point, Jevil gets imprisoned and Spamton sees Jevil’s spiral into his warped worldview as something he wants to avoid at all costs, maybe even envies Jevil for the power he has but isn’t using ‘properly’. This one makes sense since Jevil alludes to Queen, and Tasque Manager comments on the Jevilstail / Devilsknife, implying she knows him (potentially, Jevil being in contact with Spamton while he was at the peak of his career in the mansion). In this scenario, Jevil probably likes to fuck with Spamton because he’s an easy target and has an ego the size of the mansion, and Spamton can’t stand Jevil but can’t do anything about it because he’s the only real physical contact he has with his mystery benefactor, and on a one to one fight he’d get curbstomped. Further evidence for this is the fact that its hinted at that Spamton lobbied against merry go rounds as public transportation because he doesn’t like clowns, lines up pretty well that exposure to a certain clown would bring that on.
The events of Deltarune go down like usual, and they’re forced to be around each other after Spamton gets turned into the Dealmaker or Puppet Scarf.
2) OFFSHOOT of the first one, except instead of being catty with each other, they’re actually pretty good palz. Spamton and Jevil knew each other previous to the events of the game, but were allies rather than enemies. Partners in crime. Menaces. In cahoots. Since the Dark Worlds are implied to have been way different before the events of the game (with free travel between kingdoms somewhat hinted at with Queen able to the King, Dark World characters in general knowing each other between chapters), they could have been brought together in the same way as scenario 1. EXCEPT shit goes down on Jevil’s front, like, say, him taking his games too far for the liking of the kings, and then getting put in the slammer. Likewise, things start to rapidly go downhill for Spamton, and he makes a bunch of calls that no one answers. Definitely not Jevil, who’s been locked up by his closest friend in his native Dark World. (In my personal headcanon, thinking of the outside world as a prison is something he cozied up to some time into his confinement as a coping mechanism that he bought into HARD).
At that point he could develop the grudge against Jevil, and as his life continues to spiral, twist that into hatred born from abandonment, especially right as shit hits the fan and he’s uniformly left by everyone important to him in his life. Game happens as usual, when they reunite in Kris’ inventory they’re both much worse off than when they had last seen each other and Spamton has to reconcile the years of feeling discarded with the reality of Jevil going through their own shit and not being able to see him anymore.
3) Jevil does not know Spamton physically and they’ve never met, though Spamton has heard a lot about Jevil. Basically, in this situation Jevil is living rent free in Spamton’s head and Spamton is so fucking mad about it and builds up a complex around it that’s twisted as his life goes to shit. It could be kind of a scenario 1 thing, where Jevil is an example of being corrupted and something to be avoided, being jealous of the praises people sing to him, etc. This idea of Jevil being this lesser, underachieving failure of a person could come from him being locked up and Spamton hearing about it.
Game goes on, they meet up in Kris’ inventory and Spamton has SO much baggage involving him and Jevil literally does not know him at all, or if he had known of him he’s long since forgotten because he just wasn’t remotely on their radar and wasn’t worth the brain space. Looney Tunes antics here, where Jevil has a TON of fun fucking with him and Spamton basically gives him the reaction he wants every time because he hates the shit out of him and is also scared of clowns. Canon backup is Spamton alluding to Jevil, Jevil not mentioning Spamton once.
OK. i think that about does it. the hardest one for them to become friends in would probably be the third scenario, where jevil doesn’t see common ground between himself and spamton at first. easiest is obviously 2, where they were pals beforehand. REALISTICALLY its probably something along the lines of 1 but who knowz, when ch 3 and on come out all of this speculation could be for Naught. happy to let this shit stew in my head though. so basically they go from rocky acquaintances to friends to besties to Married.
120 notes · View notes
lipstickchainsaw · 3 years
Text
Kris...?
I finished Deltarune chapter 2 a couple of days ago, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since, so now you all get to share in some of those musings!
Spoilers for Deltarune chapter 2, naturally.
The situation surrounding Kris is a little complicated, because we, as the player, as explicitly possessing them against their will, which means most of the actions they take are not theirs, they are ours.
This dichotomy is present in each of the protagonists of this series, but Kris is most clearly unhappy with our presence. Frisk seems to have very little of an opinion on our actions (to the point where them not being us is a reveal), and Chara’s relationship with the player is too complicated to really delve into here, but there’s some mutual egging on happening in that relationship. (I doubt I will be able to avoid Chara as a subject entirely, given the similarities between them and Kris, but this isn’t primarily about them.)
But our control over Kris is not absolute. Kris is able to assert themselves in various ways, most prominently by literally ripping the player out of themselves, by ripping out the SOUL, but this is where the interesting things start:
For one, the battered birdcage suggests that Kris has ripped their SOUL many times already, which means they’ve done so before the player turned up to take possession of them. This would imply that someone else has take possession of Kris before. The first save we override when playing Chapter 1 is Kris’, which means that they resisted that possession and took control over themselves back before we showed up.
Secondly, Kris willingly puts the SOUL back in in chapter 2. This is either because Kris recognises that they need that SOUL, even if it comes with possession, or because it offers some other advantages that make the possession worth it in some sense, but we’ll get into that later.
 Who is Kris?
So, we know Kris does not like the possession (his response to the Spamton fight makes this exceedingly clear), but beyond that, there are a lot of details we can fill in about who they are.
For one, Kris has really grown to like Susie. They protect her entirely of their own volition when fighting the King, and the Susie Tea heals Kris the most (Ralsei Tea notably does not, but we’ll get to that). Maybe it’s because Susie gets to be as rebellious as she wants, and Kris appreciates having someone around to call out the bullshit they see around them that our control doesn’t let them comment on, maybe it’s something else. It’s hard to tell, because Kris’ relationship is filtered almost entirely through us, but their other relationships aren’t.
Berdly acknowledges that Kris is the third-smartest person in class (which means Kris is the second-smartest, depending on how much help they’ve received from Toriel), and we know from basically everyone that Kris has been a little creepy, unsettling and quiet for a good long while now. They used to do a lot of mean pranks (especially targeting Noelle). One could argue that these pranks went a little too far, but Noelle doesn’t seem to be that upset about those pranks anymore.
This is made more interesting when looking at that moment in chapter 2, where you, as the player, can prank Noelle on the forcefield puzzle, but then, when Noelle pranks Kris back, Kris looks very upset about this. This either means that Kris has gotten over their pranking days, or it’s the unfairness involved that makes this specific instance unpleasant.
We also know that Kris really, really loves Asriel, and wanted to hang out with Asriel and his friends a lot as a kid, even if that meant people like Catty and Bratty taking advantage of them, and we know Kris studied the occult with Catti at some point. Kris also likes to play the piano, and is very frustrated that we don’t know how to.
Oh, and there’s that weird (bomb?) shelter to the south of town that Kris apparently has a history with.
 What’s up with that?
The sound coming from that shelter is plenty ominous already, but Monster Kid and Snowy’s conversation in chapter 2 makes it very clear that Kris has gone in there, and the minor interaction with Susie afterwards indicates that this is not something that Kris likes to talk about.
Now, that shelter is pretty clearly associated with Gaster, and Gaster has been known to experiment with souls, so I do not think it’s much of a stretch to suggest that this is where Kris was first possessed, and things turned for the worse for them.
Kris and Noelle have also gone through something pretty traumatic, possibly involving Noelle’s sister Dess (likely short for December), and the location mentioned for this event makes it very likely that these are the same thing.
So Kris explored that shelter (with Noelle and December, perhaps), stumbled across something bad, and likely got possessed, which they struggled with for a while (turning quiet and strange in the meantime, and alienating the people around them), before fighting the possession off and being left depressed and exhausted, almost perpetually.
But then, there’s another side to Kris.
 The Knight
In chapter 2, we learn that Kris is the Knight, who has created at least two dark worlds, and creates a third at the end of chapter 2. Kris either cannot do this, or does not want to do this, while we’re possessing them, but what’s left of Kris after they rip their SOUL out is a shambling mess of a person, which goes some way to explaining why they accept the SOUL back after they’ve done their thing.
Now, we don’t know Kris also created the original dark world in the supply closet (and we know that one existed before the one in the abandoned classroom), since Ralsei never mentions the Knight creating that one, but, well, Ralsei has been keeping his information close to his chest.
It is interesting, however, that Kris created the dark world in the abandoned classroom before we showed up to possess them, so clearly we are not the (only) reason they’re doing this, but if we aren’t, then what is?
 Ralsei
Ralsei is always incredibly supportive of Kris, to the point of seemingly crushing on them over the course of the games, but Kris does not seem to quite return those affections (given the lukewarm response to the Ralsei Tea compared to the Susie Tea), regardless of whether we do.
Ralsei is also very mysterious, and has, so far, not shared everything he knows about what’s going on. There’s also some hints in the Snowgrave route that Ralsei knows the player and Kris are not the same person, and that he’s using our ability to switch perspectives to actually talk to Kris, which means he isn’t necessarily hiding things from Kris as he is hiding things from us. Just look at how quickly he tells Kris not to think about the Spamton fight, after Kris has their outburst (if you choose to let them say ‘no’).
So, I think Ralsei may be making plans with Kris behind our backs, which makes it very possible that Ralsei knows Kris is the Knight, and is creating these new dark worlds, which would seemingly contradict his desire not to blanket the world in darkness, but, well, there could be a lot he’s hiding from us still.
Does that mean we’re the bad guys? Does it mean Kris and Ralsei are the bad guys? Either is possible, I suppose, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable of Kris and Ralsei to keep information hidden from the powerful entity possessing Kris. We could be nice, sure, but at any point we have the power to do something awful (a fear the Snowgrave route proves to be very real), so I can hardly blame the two of them for not telling us everything immediately.
So maybe Ralsei’s relentless encouragement and pushing for pacifism is meant for us? To make sure our possession of Kris is as easy on them as possible? And on those occasions where our possession gets to be too much for Kris, they can rip their SOUL out and deal with all the bubbling anger and frustration by unleashing it on some tires, and creating a dark world, before putting the SOUL back and go on with whatever plan Kris and Ralsei have going on?
Do their choices matter, in the end? Do ours?
 I have another thing I want to write about that theme, but it’s not entirely related to this one, and this is long and rambling enough already, so let me know if that’s something you’re interested in and I might put it together.
79 notes · View notes
profoundnet · 4 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Header by @cryptomoon and is available on merch from her redbubble store. You can use all those fancy emojis (and more!) on our Discord server!
The masterpost is open for all creations by ProfoundBond members which are posted in their entirety during that month.
MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR JUNE 2020!
Featuring works by @blueraven06, @castielslostwings, @delo0821, galium, @goldenraeofsun, @imbiowaresbitch, @jemariel, @masterofevilmonkeyness, @multifandom-fanatic, ravens_tell_stories, @saywhatjessie, @shadowkat-83, shikaro, @spnsmile, tiamatv, @thefandomsinhalor, @vulfmert, and @wookieefucker under the cut.
Redamber79 - @imbiowaresbitch - Redamber79
Free Hugs (E, 2.6k)
Castiel is moving into his dorm for his first year when his older brother Gabriel trips him into the arms of a half-naked hunk holding a sign reading FREE HUGS. Then Cas meets his roommate...
Tags: No Archive Warnings apply, meet-cute, explicit, roommate AU
The Fall of Castiel (E, 5.8k)
Another fight, Castiel's blue eyes flashing as he pinned Dean to a wall for his stubborn refusal to accept his role. A desperate attempt to convince the angel to join Team Free Will. Dean could never have anticipated how well it would work.
Tags: no archive warnings, explicit, canon-adjacent, wing king, grace powered orgasms, claiming, confessions
“Yes, Sir.” (E, 3.8k)
Dean's earned himself a spanking, but keeps losing the count. Cas decides it's time to up the ante for his punishment.
Tags: no archive warnings apply, bdsm, explicit, safe sane consensual, safewords, top cas/bottom dean
Pizza Man (E, 3.4k)
Dean and Castiel are roommates in their third year of college. Cas frantically shows his best friend a horrible typo on the latest ad for the pizza place where he works, just knowing it's going to ruin his night.
Tags: no archive warnings apply, roommates au, explicit, PWP
Grow For Me (E, 20k)
Dean is desperate for a housemate after Charlie moves out. After interviewing several potential tenants with near disastrous results, he meets Cas. Can the lawyer with the strange habit of talking to plants fit into Dean's life?
Tags: no archive warnings apply, omegaverse, POV Dean, explicit, Roommate AU, Complete, Happy Ending, mating cycles/in heat
FriendofCarlotta - @delo0821 - FriendofCarlotta
Adventures in Demon Summoning (E, 10k)
When Dean's friends get high and decide to summon a demon, it seems like a monumentally bad idea. Of course, even Dean couldn't have guessed that the whole thing would land him with a grumpy, sarcastic angel who seems dead-set on following him around.
Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University, First Time, Meet-Cute, Soft Boys
JessJesstheBest - @saywhatjessie - JessJesstheBest
Five Times Dean felt Out Of His Depth and One Time He Definitely Was (G, 10k)
It was with a sore shin and a broken model P-51D Mustang that Dean began to consider he wasn’t quite ready to be a foster parent. Or it's exactly what is says in the title.
Tags: Human AU, Fluff, Parenthood, foster parent au, Established Relationship, 5+1 Things
castielslostwings - @castielslostwings - Castielslostwings
Fire and Ice (E, 165k)
Firefighter Dean Winchester has somehow tumbled headfirst into a whole new kind of relationship with his quirky paramedic best friend, Castiel Novak. What was only meant to be mutual relief from their high-stress jobs is quickly developing into something more, but with all the missed signals and crossed wires, can these two ever figure out that they're so much closer to being on the same page than they think?
Tags: Firefighter Dean, Paramedic Castiel, Dom Castiel, Sub Dean, Friends to lovers, mutual pining, angst with a happy ending, BDSM, all the sex.
multifandom-fanatic - @multifandom-fanatic - multifandom_fanatic
We Can’t Keep This Undercover (T, 5k)
Cas and Dean have been dating for a month, but Sam is clueless, despite the fact that they haven't been hiding that they're together. Or so they thought. After reflecting on Sam's obliviousness, Dean deviously suggests he and Cas try to be as obvious as possible to see how long it’ll take for Sam to realize. Cue Dean and Cas' escalating attempts to prove they're together, and Sam mistaking every scenario until Dean just can't take it anymore.
Tags: Oblivious Sam Winchester, Clueless Sam Winchester, Fluff, Feels, Teasing, Idiots in Love, Sneaky, Flirting, Domestic Fluff, Plotting
Put a Ring on It (T, 3.2k)
After non-stop researching, Cas is in the Bunker's kitchen making Dean lunch with the radio on when he hears Single Ladies by Beyoncé. Suddenly he's stuck by the lyrics and realizes just how much he loves Dean and therefore needs to put a ring on him. Cas goes out and buys a ring, and a week later he proposes to Dean in the library of the Bunker. Will Dean say yes?
Tags: Marriage Proposal, Proposal, Engagement, Castiel Proposes Marriage to Dean Winchester, Inspired by Beyoncé, Crack, Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Romantic Fluff, Love, Fluff
galium - galium
scents & sensibility (M, 5.7k)
There are three things Dean knows about betas: (1) Betas are boring. (2) Betas can be passive. (3) Betas have a mediocre sense of smell (well, unless you're Cas).
Tags: AU, A/B/O
ravens_tell_stories - ravens_tell_stories
i’d rather drown (E, 3.7k)
Was there anything weird that you noticed?” “Weird? Other than the fact that I could see you while you were several states away?” “Yes, Dean,” Cas sounds impatient now, which is never a good sign. “Weirder than normal.” Dean tilts his head, weighing his options, then sighs and scrubs a hand over his face. “Yeah, I, uh… I could see your wings.” ~~ wing!kink destiel oneshot.
Tags: No archive warnings apply, smut and a little fluff, pwp, handjobs, set season 8
Jemariel - @jemariel - jemariel
Cas is a Tummy Sleeper (T, <1k)
A short fluffy ficlet. Cas is sleepy and snuggly. Dean is smitten. Everything is beautiful and nothing hurts.
Tags: Cuddles, bedsharing, human!Cas, fluff
MasterOfEvilMonkeyness - @masterofevilmonkeyness
“Ah yes. Me. My brother. And his Angel who sneaks in his bed when they think I’m asleep” (SFW)
Art created for Meme about Sam, Dean and Cas.
Vulfmert - @vulfmert
Ghost Road (SFW)
Art created for the fic Ghost Road by Kris-Kenobi in the Bottom Dean Big Bang and it’s lovely.
Tags: Michigan, Canon Compliant, Human!Cas, Only One Bed, Case Fic, Post Series. Collaboration with fic by Kris-Kenobi.
spnsmile - @spnsmile - spnsmile
Undercover in the Bunker (M, 3.5k)
Castiel invites an angel to the Bunker to 'observe' the Winchesters in order to change Heaven's view about his charge, only to end up making Dean just a little miserable and himself a little jealous.
Tags: Domestics,  Castiel in the Bunker
Devastatingly Yours (G, 3.9k)
When almost everyone—demons included— all but told Dean that his angel is the hottest, most devastatingly handsome angel in the face of the seven seas, he not only believed them, he’s secretly and most exclusively Cas’ number one fan. So when the angel is recruited as a model in the middle of a case, what is Dean to do?
Tags: Established relationships, domestic, fluff
Saved by a Stranger (E, 43k)
Rule One: Never change the deal. Rule Two: No names. Rule Three: Never look in the package. Ex-Special Forces operator, Alpha Castiel Novak adheres three strict sets of rules, which he never breaks as a mercenary "transporter" who moves goods—human or otherwise— from one place to another. No questions asked. Until his new delivery contains a deal-breaker pretty face hot-headed Omega—who turns out to be his true mate— Castiel knows rules have to be changed especially with a dangerous group intent to get their hands on his Omega. Castiel wants to see them try. Destiel x The Transporter AU
Tags: Non-con,  Graphic Depiction of violence
The Room Service (E, 39k)
‘Hands off, Pants on!’
Dean Winchester has groomed himself to be a professional room service staff providing hotel guests with all the necessities they need while catering to all mundane whims and complaints except one: keep hands off the staff. Until a mysterious blue-eyed guy enters the 7th heaven floor and shakes Dean’s steamy dreams. And after saving Dean from one dangerous stalker, it seems like the restriction is practically flying off the window for his grumpy blue-eyed hero.
Hotel x Destiel AU
Tags: Romance,  Fluff,  First meeting,  Jealousy,
Baby Plushie (G, 1.1k)
A Baby. Who says Dean doesn't need it?
Tags: Romance,  Fluff. Inspired by art by @gabester-sketch.
Shadowkat83 - @shadowkat-83 - Shadowkat83
Better Than I Know Myself (T, 1.1k)
He had to make a choice; he didn't want to. The choice was between the two people he cared about the most: Cas and Sam. They both knew him so well but on different levels. How could he possibly go through with this?
Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Songfic, Fluff, Love, Confessions, Mutual Pining, Ambiguous/Open Ending
Shikaro - shikaro
Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome (E, 1.5k)
the one where Dean comes untouched for the first time
or the one where they meet at a bar
Tags: PWP
blueraven06 - @blueraven06 - blueraven06
College days (G, 1.2k)
It's Castiel's first day of college and he is already late.
Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University
goldenraeofsun - @goldenraeofsun - goldenraeofsun
Magic Quarantine Ride (M, 1k)
“Cas,” Dean growls as he stalks past the hospital's general information desk. “What the hell are you doing here, you psycho? Go home - where it’s safe!” Cas whirls around. “You forgot this,” he says hurriedly as he rushes forward with the necklace he made for Dean. “I told you, it will provide protection.” He waves it in the air like a crazy person trying to ward off demons. “You are insane,” Dean says flatly.
Tags: They were quarantined, witch!cas, college nurse!dean, fluff and angst, mentions of COVID-19, mutual pining, emotional hurt/comfort, discussions of PTSD
thefandomsinhalor - @thefandomsinhalor - thefandomsinhalor
A Driver Worth His Salt (E, 68k)
Twenty-year-old Dean Winchester hates fixing up stolen cars on the side for Gordon Walker. But with his grandfather’s dry-cleaning business slowly dying, medical bills piling up, and his younger brother Sam abandoning the prospect of attending college because of their grim situation, Dean convinces himself that it isn’t as reckless as it seems.
When everything goes belly up, leaving him in a troubling position with the wrong people, a representative of the Garrisons, the city’s most powerful and notorious family, offers Dean to help him with his situation in exchange for his employment.
The job is simple: drive the passenger a few times a week to yet-undisclosed locations and return with said passenger without fail. Don’t ask questions. Be on time. Be discreet.
And never interact with each other outside of work.
Shady, but simple.
So, he accepts.
But once he meets the passenger in question—the sharply dressed and rough-looking Castiel Novak—Dean finds that abiding those rules may be more complicated than he had anticipated.
Tags: Graphic Depiction of Violence, Alternate Universe - Modern Settings, Crimes & Crimes & Criminals, BAMF Castiel, Slow Burn, Hurt Sam Winchester, Trauma
wookieefucker - @wookieefucker - wookieefucker
The Eye of the Storm (T, 8.5k)
“Only fifteen miles to the highway,” Dean said cheerfully, reading from a sign on the side of the path. Bobby groaned loudly. “Shoulda known I’d get my body back only to put it through its paces right away.” Amara left with Chuck, promising that she was going to give Dean what he needed. Maybe what he needed was different than her first impulse.
Tags: eventual Castiel/Dean Winchester, season 12 AU, canon AU, canon-typical violence
tiamatv - tiamatv
Spicier Ginger (G, 4k)
Kevin held out a flat piece of dough and spooned in a teaspoon of pork mixture. “You can’t put too much in them or leave any air bubbles inside," he explained, folding up the dumpling. "‘Cause they’ll explode.” “So kind of like packing shotgun shells,” Dean joked. “Uh, yeah. Sure, Dean,” Kevin agreed, very dubiously. “Sure.”
Tags: Cooking, Domesticity, Kevin Tran Lives!, Winchester Family Fluff
To Sleep, Perchance (T, 3.4k)
Dean wasn’t used to good dreams. But he was used to taking what he could get—so when he dreamed of a lean, compact body pressed against his back, an arm heavy over his waist, he settled into it, hazy and comfortable.
Tags: Canon Temporary Character Death, Canon Compliant, Dreams vs Reality, Mark of Cain
Ephelis (E, 1.8k)
“I think someone has sent me a picture of their genitals.” Castiel looked down at his phone. “Erect.”
Tags: AU-Canon Divergence, Dick Pics, Plot What Plot, Fluff and Crack, Season/Series 09
Phaleonopsis (E, 4.8k)
“Here, let me.” Cas’s long fingers plucked away a dead leaf from a calathea, and Dean watched helplessly as Cas rubbed the bare spot where the leaf had come away with a fingertip. “See? Isn’t it nice to let someone touch you now and again?” “Goddammit, Cas ain’t the creep, I’m the creep,” Dean muttered, and put his head down on the desk.
Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Gardening, Roommates, Fluff And Smut, Alpha Castiel/Omega Dean
(Atypical) Love Story (E, 13.k)
“Are you… scenting me?” the man in an oversized beige trench coat asked, suspiciously, in a deep gravel voice that ran down Dean’s spine. "Why? I really don't smell like much." Dean’s mouth sagged open. “Dude,” he answered, honestly, “You smell amazing.” He’d never seen anyone look so shocked at a compliment before. “O-oh.”
Tags: Non-Traditional A/B/O Dynamics; Scenting; Top/Bottom Versatile Dean/Castiel; Alpha Dean/Omega Castiel; Enthusiastic Consent
Pigment (G, 1.6k)
Dean wasn’t ashamed of what he was doing or anything. He didn’t think he had any reason to be, hell. So what if he liked to spend a little of his downtime just putting little blobs of paint inside neat little lines?
Tags: Canon Compliant, Hobbies, Painting, Fluff
36 notes · View notes
emblemxeno · 5 years
Text
(3H SPOILERS) Analysis of Main Characters in FE and the Western FE Community’s Perception of Them
In the midst of all the Three Houses hype, there’s a lot of contention with Edelgard as a character as well as her route in general with how it plays out.
With this, it’s given me some perspective on how the community feels about main characters and whether or not they are liked and/or well written. Since I am a Westerner myself, please always assume this is in the context of the western FE audience, as I don’t know enough about the JP audience to do comparisons or whatnot.
Now with this, there’s more or less a pattern with some main characters in how they’re received by western fans. (Sigurd, Seliph, Leif, Roy and Kris won’t be covered in this since I haven’t read enough of their games’ scripts to get a grasp on them)
The most contentious main characters by far are Eirika, Micaiah, Corrin and Celica (when I say contentious I don’t mean unpopular as they have many fans; however, though popular, they also have the most detractors). 
These characters all have very defined flaws that get them in trouble in their games, are peace seeking in general and look for peaceful ways unless there is no other choice, and all do questionable things in their stories that call for doubt, discussion, and criticism. Most of their development comes from making mistakes and learning from them. They are also all known for getting into situations where they either need rescue or because of something they fucked up.
The least contentious main characters (compared to the four above, I might add) are Hector, Ephraim, Ike, and Alm. 
They may or may not have noticeable flaws, but they hardly ever cause trouble for them. They may or may not seek peace at some opportunities, but are always willing, with no hesitation, to fight. They are all blunt and speak their mind, and though sometimes that poses situations where they could get into trouble, but they never really do. Most of their development comes from growth after bad things happening to them rather than something that they messed up.
In this, realize that main characters are the ones that people identify with the most, therefore, there’s a reason for certain characters to be less contentious than others. In particular, the reason for FE main characters?
It’s probably a little bitchy to say it like this, but it’s kind of power fantasy esque. 
Hector, Ephraim, Ike, and Alm all have great authority/renown within their groups or territories and are always seemingly in control of the situation. They are hardly questioned, and when they are they are almost always proven right. In short, the players like these characters because they are validated as strong, intelligent, and almost always in control of the moment. Since these are the characters players identify with, the players themselves feel validated.
In contrast, compare to them Eirika, Micaiah, Corrin and Celica. They hold little authority (compared to the other four), are questioned and not always proven right, doubted at some points, they question and doubt themselves, they’re not as notably strong in various fields like the other four so they don’t get validated as the other four. Being main characters, these are also characters that players are to identify with, but since they have unattractive/undesirable qualities to them, (and because FE players always believe they themselves have the perfect solutions to everything) they are instead cast aside as being badly written, stupid, incompetent, and the oh so misused moniker, Mary Sue. 
(Well, Celica doesn’t really get called that, but that’s because she wasn’t known by the audience that uses it frequently, and Echoes came out at a period when people stopped using it wrongly)
Again, I don’t wanna sound condescending, but power fantasy is really what I get from this.
Now there is sort of a problem with this theory, and that’s Ephraim, because he’s contentious in his own right because of the shit he pulls in FE8, but he gets less flack than his sister, Corrin, and Micaiah, so...
Anyway, besides the characters I intentionally left out because I didn’t know enough about them, there remains Marth, Lyn, Eliwood, Chrom, Robin, and the 3H Lords.
What’s notable about Mar-Mar is that his Shadow Dragon interpretation is very well received over here in the west. Marth in Shadow Dragon is written as being more blunt, and not really questioning himself, his actions, or anything that happens around him. Notice how this is very much unique to SD, as the original Dark Dragon script as well as Mystery and New Mystery portray softer, more idealistic Mar-Mars. Heroes also takes after those portrayals. Yet the audience here likes the SD portrayal the best; the one most similar to Hector, Ephraim, Ike, and Alm.
Lyn is in an interesting situation; she’s very much in control and she’s not as unimportant in the story as some say, but it’s still very much Eliwood’s story. Which makes it all the more weird that Hector shines over poor Eli. Had Lyn not been many players first Waifu FE lord, Hector would no doubt be the most popular one. Compared to Hec, Eli is peaceseeking and idealistic, though not to the point of the more contentious lords, so he gets passed on compared to his friends, but not to the point where people think he’s badly written.
Chrom and Robin are in an interesting situation as well, as the story is Chrom’s and then gradually become’s Robin’s story as it nears the end. (Some say they stole it from Chrom, but I would say it’s like the spotlight slowly drifted from him to them) 
Chrom doesn’t have a notable flaw that gets him into danger, and is in control/has authority throughout a good deal of the campaign, but also very emotional and starts looking for peaceful solutions more often than say Hector, Ephraim, Ike, and Alm. Chrom tries to reason with Walhart, even, and those other four would never. So he’s kind of at an in between. Robin... is kind of hard to discern. They are supposed to be the character the player identifies with more since they are the avatar. We do see that they are in control as well and never makes to many mistakes. But they’re also batshit crazy for setting fleets on fire and fighting in a volcano. Having the player suspend their disbelief like that isn’t the best thing for identifying with a character, but it seems people like them enough for other reasons so indirect validation isn’t as prominent a thing with them.
Then come the 3H lords, and oh my, they do not fit into any sort of mold whatsoever; not perfectly anyway.
Byleth being a complete blank slate means they are truly in the middle on things; despite being the least customizable in appearance, they are the most avatar like of the FE avatars. The player can feel true, direct validation from the 3H cast as you get to pick which dialogue choices you want, and do other things at your own pace. (Unless you care about support points) As a character they’re not anything too special, but since they are a true avatar, they’re not seen as bad as say, Corrin, because the player can literally be who they want through Byleth and be validated by the story at the same time.
Edelgard, (the most discussed of the lords) is also unique. Never has a main character been so extreme in how they accomplish things. From what I’ve gathered from FE4, she’s Arvis like. And yet, she’s a protagonist in one possible outcome. She has the attractive qualities of protagonists like Hector and Ike, (being in control/having authority, speaking her mind) yet she’s contentious because unlike them her morality is very grey. The very definition of the ends justify the means. There’s a reason her title in Heroes is ‘The Future’. Because her goal and ambition is for the future, with no limit on what she’ll do to get there.
Dimitri is unique because he starts off as model prince, honor loving, sweet boy with bad hair. Then you gradually notice strange things about him, then Remire happens, then you learn he’s at the academy for revenge, then he goes feral at the Holy Tomb, and descends even further for 5 years, until he’s a revenge obsessed beast. He then begins his ascent back to being a proper king for his people (he’s more deserving of the title Restoration King than Ephraim, but that’s just me). There’s never been a main character in FE that falls so low and then climbs back up like that.
Claude himself is unique as well. Besides being the most well adjusted of the three lords, he’s actually pretty idealistic compared to them. He has big dreams and ambitions for Fodlan, and his main concerns are with the world at large, and his story doesn’t end with the major war among the 3 factions. He’s intelligent enough to not be blinded by emotion like Dimitri but also keen enough enough to realize that pure brute force isn’t the only option unlike with Edelgard. He’s very much a middle ground, but a middle ground that’s like a bell curve instead of a straight line, since Edie and Dima both fall hard and do messed up things, but are still not completely terrible people, whereas Claude is nowhere as extreme as they are and feels like a true balance.
If nothing else, 3 Houses achieves something very different with all of its main characters for once.
Anway, that’s kind of all I have. Sorry for the long post, but Fire Emblem is my #1 game series for a reason, so I get big into these passion analyses sometimes.
132 notes · View notes
Note
for the prompts, kris exploring castle town?
If Kris asked Ralsei nicely, they know he would be more than happy to give them a tour. He's spent so long alone. It would make him overjoyed to have someone to talk to. He probably has a lot of interesting things to say about Castle Town and how it came to be. He might even answer some of their harder questions about the nature of the Dark World, even though he'd probably keep a few secrets from them. It would make him happy. More than happy.
But they don't trust that he wouldn't try to talk them into giving up their free will again.
And if he has an answer about how to stop the Player entirely, they know he won't give it to them outright.
So, with a prickle of guilt, Kris heads in alone.
It's the middle of the night. They don't know how day and night works for Darkners, but it does work, there's a good chance Ralsei's currently sleeping. Susie certainly is; she rarely, if ever, texts them this late. They're glad for it, in a guilty way. She'd be sure to notice that they're purposely avoiding Ralsei, and that's not a conversation they want to have with her, either. They don't like lying outright. It's easier to keep everything a secret and hope that things continue without blowing up.
And how well is that working out for you? a little voice in the back of their mind says as they slide down a waterfall. It's not the best long-term strategy you could have come up with.
They try to ignore it. They've gotten good at that.
It feels strange to be slipping through the shadows of Castle Town in the middle of the night. The deserted streets and buildings have always felt uncanny to them, but the knowledge that it's nighttime lends the location an extra layer of spookiness. It's as if they've been dropped into one of the ghost stories they loved as a child. It both invigorates them and unsettles them. They're fully alert as they begin to explore.
Shops, houses, inns, storehouses. All are unlocked. All are empty, swept clean of any identifying marks. They're built of solid stone and wood and mortar and tile, but if anyone ever lived here, any trace of it is long gone. Kris searches every single building in the small town, looking over every single room and every plot of land. The same result greets them every time. It is a faceless town, and there is nothing to scar the perfect stillness. There aren't even any loose stones on the ground. The only sign of comes from the fountain reaching up from Ralsei's castle, arcing endlessly into the blackness above. Eventually, once their search has ended with nothing, they stand in the courtyard, staring up at it.
For a moment, they hesitate. It already feels like a breach of privacy to be in this town at all. Entering Ralsei's castle would be another level of intrusion entirely. They don't think that he would mind very much, but even still…
I'll just look at the library he mentioned, they decide. It still feels wrong, but the decision mitigates that wrongness just enough for them to keep moving. I won't look at anything else. I'll see if he has any answers about this in there, and if he doesn't, I'll just go. I'll ask him for a real tour later to make up for it later. 
Their heart pounds a heavy rhythm in their chest. They open the door as quietly as they can. There's only darkness in the room beyond. Nobody there.
Kris can't exactly be silent, with the way their feet habitually shuffle. But they can be quiet. Quiet is good enough. They don't open any of the doors, since one of them could be Ralsei's bedroom, but they do look through any entrances that are open. The walls and floor are as eerily featureless as the rest of the town was. There's the occasional tapestry bearing the Delta Rune, and each of the rooms they see have some furniture, but it's all so clean that it feels like nobody actually lives here. The more they look, the more the absence of life unsettles them. Why aren't there more people here?
Another question for the library, they think. I should have gone earlier in the night. The way things are going, I won't be back by sunrise. There's so much I need to see before I leave.
As they're resigning themself to another school day fueled by excessive coffee, their eyes catch on something. Through a nearby archway, there's a courtyard, with one entrance from each direction. Unlike everything else, it's not featureless. The fountain is there. And in the area all around the fountain's stone base, tiny blue flowers peek up from tufts of black grass. It's the first non-Ralsei life that they've seen in the town in the time they've been here.
As carefully as they can, they step onto the grass. They half-expect alarm bells to ring out, but there's nothing. As forbidding as this place feels, it seems that there's nothing to protect the fountain. They're fine.
Still, they're cautious as they approach. The fountain -- so impossibly black, as if the world's darkest shadows were made liquid -- is humming with power. The closer they get, the more they can feel it. It doesn't seem to be sentient, but there's so much magic that they can feel it buzzing in their teeth. Kris can't decode what the magic is being used for. Is it just an inert energy source, or is it a conduit powering something they can't see?
They've touched a fountain before. It probably won't hurt them. Just as their possessed soul being thrown into the other fountain opened a portal home, touching this might have an interesting effect. They can just yank their hand away quickly if anything goes wrong. They raise their hand --
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Kris."
The hairs rise on the back of their neck. Slowly, fighting the urge to bolt, they turn around.
Ralsei's wearing the cloak they first saw them in. The hood is down, but even without shadows obscuring his face, they can't read his expression at all. "You don't have the Player to give you extra resilience. It would hurt you."
"How did you know I was here?"
"I didn't. I couldn't sleep." The barest hint of a smile crosses his mouth. They still can't read it. "Fate works in mysterious ways."
They say nothing.
"Come with me. I have cake in the kitchen. It's not exactly polite to break into your friends' places of residence in the middle of the night, but it's okay if you didn't know that."
"I needed answers."
"You won't find them here."
They don't move.
After a long moment, he exhales. A tiny, weak smile spreads across his face. "I apologize. It's late, and I've had a difficult few days, but that's no reason for me to be rude. I promise I'm not angry with you, Kris. It makes sense that you would go looking for ways to escape what you see as a horrible fate. But you don't have to be afraid. Everything is fine."
Still, they don't move. The initial fear has worn away, giving way to guilt. Despite how complex things are with Ralsei, they do still consider him a friend. They aren't sure which fact makes them feel worse: the fact that they knew breaking in was morally questionable and they did it anyway, or the fact that he forgave them so easily for it. Their stomach is hurting.
They search for something to say. The only thing that comes up is "Why have things been difficult?"
"It's not something for you to worry about, but I appreciate that you care."
"I want to know."
"No. It's a personal issue. Really, I'll be fine. Sorry for worrying you."
"Ralsei, if you're not okay--"
He holds up a hand. "With all due respect, Kris, I'm supposed to be helping you, not the other way around. You'll be happier if you don't know this. I understand why you wouldn't trust me, but let me handle this on my own. Please."
They stare at him. He stares back. The tiredness that they've been ignoring hits them all at once, blunt as a brick thrown from a freeway overpass. They hadn't thought he would be a secret-keeper like them. It's… strangely upsetting to see that trait in him.
Finally, he looks away, dropping his hand. His cheeks turn slightly pink. "It's late. I'm… neither of ourselves are really ourselves at this hour. You should go and get some rest. We'll both feel better after a few hours of sleep."
They don't argue. Their hand rises to their collarbone, tapping out a self-soothing rhythm. Slowly, they nod.
"I'll walk you to the town gates. You can get home on your own, can't you?"
"I guess," they mumble. If they get too tired on the way back, they suppose they can just fall asleep in a bush or something. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Okay." He inhales, exhales again. "I'm sorry again."
"Yeah. Me too."
They follow him. As always, his strides are purposeful where theirs are not, his motions graceful where theirs are clumsy. He doesn't say anything more during the walk to the gates. They're grateful for it. They aren't sure how to make conversation with him right now. Or ever, if they're being honest.
The gate is open, as it always is. They step out onto the field. The air is fresher here, and it injects a little life into them. Their shoulders lift from the defensive hunch they'd taken on. They can breathe a little easier. 
"Wait," Ralsei says.
They turn back.
Before they can really process it, he's hugging them. They freeze instinctively, unprepared for the sudden contact. He doesn't hug them very tightly, but they can sense desperation in it.
Part of them wants to shove him away. They don't like being touched without permission, even when the person in question is someone they care about. The other part wants to soothe him. They don't know what's going on with him, but he's clearly more upset than he's letting on. He needs a friend right now.
Kris doesn't do either of those things. They simply stand where they are, waiting for him to let go. They don't have to wait long. It's only a handful of seconds later when he steps back. "Sorry. I should have… sh-should have asked permission."
"Please do that next time."
"I know. I know. I'm just-- I'm s-sorry."
They study him, the way he pointedly does not look at them, the way his expression looks like a jigsaw puzzle put together wrong. He looks like he's about to cry. It twists their heart. 
He was right when he said they're not meant to play emotional support. They don't know what to do with this. Whatever's plaguing him, it's obviously much deeper than they know how to handle. He looks like he's on the verge of tears. Like they're the last contact he'll have for a hundred years.
Carefully, they say, "Are you sure you'll be okay alone? I can send Lancer to stay with you."
He shakes his head. His voice is thick. "J-just go. Forget about it. The next time you see me…  the n-next time you see me, I'll be better. I promise I will."
They don't want to go. But a single look at his face tells them that this is something else they can't fix. If they were more like him, better at being what someone else needs, they could figure it out. Maybe they could fix it if they were the Player, even, but they're just Kris right now.
So they turn around. They obey his wishes, much as it bothers them. It's awful, but they know they can't do anything for him without knowing his secret.
They'll apologize to him tomorrow. They'll ask him for a proper tour, and let him feed them cake. If he's still upset, they'll send Lancer his way to cheer him up. It's not much. Simple, feeble gestures, temporary bandages for him. Not enough to make up for upsetting him.
It's been a weird night. They'll chalk their persistent dread up to that fact and put it out of their mind. They don't want to look at it any longer.
28 notes · View notes
fuyumiworld · 4 years
Text
The EℓyXiOn : Chapter 0 : The Prophecy
The prophecy :
When the skies and the grounds were one
through legends, through their twelve forces,
nurtured the tree of life.
An eye of red force created the evil, which
coveted the heart of tree of life and the heart
slowly grew dry.
With tend and engrace for heart of tree of life,
the legends hereby divide the tree in half and
hide each side.
Hence, time is over-turned and space turns a skew.
The twelve forces divide into two and create two
suns that look alike into two worlds that seem
alike.
The legends travel apart.
The legends shall now see the same sky but shall
stand on different grounds, shall stand on the
same ground, but shall see different skies.
The day the grounds be kept a single file before
one sky in two worlds that seem alike, the
legends will greet each other.
The day the red force is purified,
and the twelve forces reunite into one perfect
root,
a new world shall open up .
Chapter 1 : Part 1
at the begin there was nothing and everything, I was no one and everyone. But then I became two, me and her, two halves of the same whole. We were the same in every way, but then we became different, in theory we were becoming the perfect complement of the other. I was becoming good and full of light, while my other half was becoming evil and full of darkness. I became The Tree, The Light. She became The Storm, The Darkness. As the space around us filled with galaxies, stars and planets we began to search for a home and we both knew where we belonged, The earth second moon, it was prosperous and full of life but most importantly whoever ruled The EℓyXiOn -we called it- ruled the universe. Until one of us truly ruled the universe there would be both joy and sadness, good times and bad times. I want to make the universe a happy place to live, where nothing ever goes drastically wrong. I give power to the planet,protect it by the unrealistic power of my heart. that is why I fight The Storm to keep the peace. I created my twelve protectors to help me prevent the universe from falling into my sisters hands, Each protector has a power unique to them, they live in perfect harmony with each other. my sister created warriors of her own to fight my protectors,they are called the Eye of the red force.Every one of her warriors is skilled in all forms of combat and has powers intended to help fight or confuse their enemy.
But neverless light can't exist without darkness.
I never thought that vice-versa was possible.
Earth may have once had two moons, but one was destroyed
In a slow-motion collision that left our current lunar orb
lumpier on one side than the other, scientists say .
Source : National Geographic
Chapter 1 : Part 2
Twelve young Guardians live in an abandoned and calm area next to a lake amidst impressive scenery. The Tree of Life presents itself in the middle of the lake, soaring powerfully. It’s been 100 years since the group lives in the lake house, facing their destiny as guardians of the mysterious force.
Of course they had scrutinized their destiny, tried to find answers to their questions so they know why they had been chosen
The tree needed help when the evil force would try to attack anew and the group would try their best to protect the Tree.
There was no light without darkness. They had to exist side by side, balancing the world out.
The group never saw the evil of the red force in its true form, just knowing it through madness, sickness, catastrophes and darkness. The only thing they knew is that the evil needed a trigger to attack the light.
The trigger was a certain Prophecy.
When the light would became vulnerable and weak, when the
darkness came over the earth like a big shadow.
When the sun would lose against the moon.
When the day turned to night.
It happened two times since the group was determined. They fought against it, saved the nature and all living creatures nearby before thered force could spread out their darkness further. It had come from below, sneakily like a predator who was approaching its prey. The group knew that something was living under the earth, under the Tree of Life, but they didn’t dare to attack it. Their task was to defend, not to attack.The tree had told them to be careful and that now was not the right time to face the evil.
So they waited.
It had been over 10 years already and they got used to their new life and surroundings. They grew up together and time passed.
Kids became young adults.
some Friends became lovers
A group became a family.
A group of supernaturals
These powers were beyond humans abilities. Something supernatural. Something great.
Junmyeon was their leader, armed with the power of water.
Fuyumi was the oldest member and female capable of freezing everything.
Althea took care of everyone’s injuries, blessed with the power of healing.
Baekhyun could light up the darkest places, not only with his ability but also with his kind heart.
Bronte was able to control thunder and electricity, being energetic like a lightning.
Chanyeol was the tallest of them, being on fire – literally.
Kris ,The tallest after chanyeol,The only one with a pet,a Dragon-yes you heard me right- and he had the power of flight
Kyungsoo might look angry, but was very rooted to the soil, able to bend the earth.
Kai was the grown up kid with a contagious laugh, teleporting from place to place.
Noa ,Laasya older sister,Is graced with Telekinesis.The ability to bend and move object to her will but also ppl hearts with her cuteness.
Tao ,The quietest one,the most "Normal" one of the guardians and the least to use his power which is Time control
Laasya was their youngest, a bit too spoiled and sassy in the others’ opinions but loved, endued with the power of wind.
It was not easy at the beginning. They had to get used to each other, understanding the others’ thoughts, fears and worries. There were fights, quarrels and tears, but their bond got stronger and stronger with every passing obstacle. The fight against the evil force made them realize that they had to hold together as a group. Their powers were strong, but alone you were helpless against such a strong opponent.
They had responsibilities due to that powers and the Tree of Life armed them with it to defend the good. They had to learn to use it, to control it, to live with it. It wasn’t an easy commission, but they managed to train them as good as they could.
Five rules should remind them what they were and what task they had to fulfill:
1. Never use your power against humans or any EℓyXiOn citizen
2. Never show your powers to anyone except the group.
3. Don’t lie to the group, be honest.
4. Never fight alone. If your partner is disabled, join another team.
5. Be always reachable.
Those proved to be incredibly hard in the present time
A partner.
Everyone had one. A counterpart. since they are twelve, there are six duos.
Junmyeon and Fuyumi
water and ice.
Chanyeol and Kris
Fire and flight
Baekhyun and Althea
light and healing.
Kai and Noa
teleportation and Telekinesis
Kyungsoo and Bronte
Earth and Thunder
Laasya and Tao
Wind and Time control
P.S: Duos dosent mean soulmates
P.S 2: When one of the duos die.His counterpart heir his powers.
Chapter 1 : part 3
With that, the group called Themselves EXO, lived their daily lives, having hobbies, work and duties. Little did they know that the red force was going to strike again real soon, coming out of its hiding with new energy, presenting with darkness that would hide the sun:
The solar eclipse
Big sacrifices should be made.
The war between the red force and EXO was vicious.Blood was spilled and none of both parts wanted to give up. The red force and Elyxion cyitizens wanted to take over the tree and it's heart. To finally control the universe.
The tree was dissapointed of the ignorant,Selfish and greedy citizens it protected.
So it decided to put and end to everything.
The EℓyXiOn crashed into the moon,The earth moon.
Two moons colliding into one
The world is dark and barren, no signs of life as far as the eye can see. Twelve men woke up in a sunless sky, confused and lost. One of them takes the lead and walks towards a tree that is withering. Following him, they form a circle around the tree, and the leader touches his hand on the trunk.
"Legends, you have finally awaken." A solemn voice speaks to them, as they glance around and look at each other. Their world is destroyed, Now where could they run? Was there any place on the planet where they were safe? There had to be...there just had to be.
Earth...of course
"Divide me into half and hide me, so that the Red Force will never succeed." they did as they were told, two men stepping forward as leaders and each holding a half of the tree. Before they could speak to each other, a blinding light makes them civer their eyes. When the light fades, the leaders find themselves wih five others, separated into two worlds.
The legends shall now see the same sky but shall stand on different grounds, shall stand on the same ground, but shall see different skies
They’re twelve—they’ve always been twelve. To not be twelve is unfathomable. Their lives before each other are difficult to remember, difficult to think how they could’ve gotten by without each other. To be without each other—it’s unnatural. And the gaping hole in their group right now—it’s driving them insane.
They had never imagined it could go wrong like this. Never in their wildest dreams did they picture the scene that spread out in front of them—the carnage, the heart ache, the sheer disaster of a trip.
It was a red moon,The sign from Althea to indicate their meeting. They meet once a year. 24 hours to share with each other their news.to crack jokes.to have this sweet lie.to feel that life is back to normal before they seperate again . across the earth and it's parallel version.
But that year,They never expected to loose everything all at once.The red force took them by suprise,attacking them so suddenly they couldn't even comprehend what was happening.
In seconds Tao,Althea and Kris were gone.died in front of the other Guardians eyes.In the middle of it all The half of the tree of life was stolen.The red force dirty hand were on half of the tree of life.God knows what she was going to do with it.
Things couldn't get any worst
Or maybe It could
ATTENTION! This is an important public
service announcement. South Korea has
joined the coalition of nations dedicated to
eliminating the threat of persons with
unnatural abilities. Anyone who has
information is urged to call this number:
9-325-6439. May the world remain forever
safe.
The red force turned the tables on that again.Humans always feared the unknown, and The red force used that weakness for its advantage . And now humans turned against the same people that protected them.
Ripped from their homes and wiped of who they once were EXO are left to fight for their survival but in an ungrateful world, it is no mean feat
"Will we ever be happy, hyung?"
"Given the circumstance, I don't think we ever will."
End of chapter 1
Tumblr media
3 notes · View notes
Text
EXO Reaction to You Confessing
So an anon requested this❤️ thank you guys this was really fun to write please request more!
Chanyeol-
Giddy. It sounds weird but you know it’s true. He has been waiting for this for forever but didn’t want to say anything cuz he didn’t really know you and thought how the heck can I like her she probably doesn’t even know my name when in reality you’ve been science partners three times and you sit behind him torturously in English. And now, not only did he like you but you were taking this initiative because you liked him back just as much. He’d say “yes i like you too” like three times really loudly and everyone would hear it in he courtyard and then they’d keep hearing about it for weeks after because “oh my gosh y/n likes me can you believe it me neither”
Kris-
He’d feel kinda stripped of his manhood. Like shouldn’t I be doing this? He’d get shy and you would crack his shell and make him super bashful. He’s pretty quiet usually, but you’ve seen him with his friend when he really kinda lets loose and let’s his dork side come out and you were like Now Thasa Man. But he’s also kinda oblivious so you knew you had to make the first move but that’s when he comes to his senses and realizes he should be doing this. Thats when his cool comes back.
Sehun-
“Uhhhhhhhhhhhh.....” he just goes blank. You caught him while he was with Kai and Luhan and you were like “hey Sehun I really like you and...” and the other two are just kinda like clapping him on the shoulder like nice going man and he’s still kinda clueless but then you wave your hand in front of his face and he snaps it of it and is like, “wait can you repeat that.” “...I like you Sehun” “cool” awkward silence “well like I like you too though!”
Luhan-
“I know” *flips his hair* which kinda made you want to punch him in the gut, but not the face because you still want him to look good. But now you’re like wow okay and he’s just smirking and you’re not sure if he’s gonna say he likes you back or if you just made the biggest fool of yourself for no reason even though your friends told you not to because look at him, he looks like a smug jerk. So then you’re gonna turn away and he’s like hey! Aren’t you gonna ask if I like you back. And you’re like no I think I know the answer and he’s like “so dinner” and you’re just shell shocked like “yeah okay”
Baekhyun-
BFFL Baekhyun would just melt right there. He’d known you for so long, for like forever, and suddenly you’re telling him this in the middle of a conversation about which movie goes best with which take out place and on which day of the week and you couldn’t hold it in. He didn’t really notice his feelings for you until you up and said something. He loves his friends right? his brothers? And so he was just thinking this was a strong bond that came with how long you two’d been friends and then you open up and he’s like “Oh. So this is what that feeling was.” And the rest is history.
Xiumin-
What a coincidence he was literally about to come find you and say the same thing. His social circle is pretty close knit and so they’re all trying to give him that little push but woah you were already one step ahead of him. You’re confessing and he’s just staring intently and smiling but you’re not looking at him so you just hear his laugh. You look up at him so fast it gives you whiplash and he’s smiling and laughing and you’re *offended* because hello I’m spilling my feelings to you and you’re quite Literally laughing in my face “why are you laughing” “because I was coming to find you to say the same thing”
Chen-
So Cute! You couldn’t wait for him to say anything you had to come and tell him yourself. You two weren’t exactly buddies but you’ve know him for a long time and you’ve worked together on a couple assignments and so you were like hey we graduate soon, then if worse comes to worst I’ll just remove myself from the picture and we’ll never see each other again. So here you are and he’s smiling so big and you’re like wow phew that’s a relief and dang he likes me too that’s awesome yay me
D.O-
Quiet, he’s not mysterious he just wants a serious and focused environment and that’s kinda hot because who doesn’t love a dedicated man? Problem? You only used to work together. Like once when a dodgy internship made you wind up in the wrong building and think oh that’s the guy. When you finally had the sense to look at the nameplate on his desk and you’re like OH MY GOSH IM WORKING FOR THE WRONG MAN. And he’s like laughing but trying to not look like it and so of course you were fired. Then he hired you and you had to say something because he not only got you hired but also listened to you babble a confession Then proceeded to say he liked you too, but don’t tell his boss because office relationships are not allowed
Kai-
Not surprised. Have you seen him? Everyone likes him! He was mom’s handsome son and the typical class heartthrob. Everyone knew him and liked him. But he still was always a little shy. But when you would walk by his group of friends and he was smiling all big and absolutely laughing his head off at these upperclassmen. In all the classes it had together he was quiet and reserved so you knew, you couldn’t talk with his mob of friends there and needed to see him alone and when you did. You lost it all, your whole planned spiel and you both for quiet and shy and then he was all super big smiley and giggled because that just who he is when he’s nervous and “yeah I like you too”
Lay-
Also very blushy. You looked so cute and sweet and he just...he just...aw. His dimple makes a special appearance and he’s smiling and that makes you smile and you’re gaining confidence because it’s Yixing and he is the sweetest person on earth so you’re like “do you feel the same way?” And he’s just so smiley all he can do is nod like he’s dumb off of this and you’ve got this huge problem relieved and BAM “I’m about to leave do you want to get dinner” and you just about got whiplash cuz dang that was fast but I mean carpe diem right “yeah I’d like that” and he’s a gentleman the rest of the night because whether or not you think that, you deserve one sis, and whatever you need he will supply because he wants to take care of his girl and like that’s you now get used to it.
Tao-
He was talking. You two were sitting the library and he was talking about his stupid professor that really didn’t know how to grade and yes his paper was flawless and even it was a controversial topic he was right and- “Hey Tao I think you’re really good looking and I like you and I’ve been wondering if you like me too.” *blank face* if you had interrupted him for any other reason he would’ve been upset and he was just ranting to you and what did you think that was hot or something? *soft smile* “yeah I like you too”
Suho-
Of course you liked him. He was Kim Junmyeon, Junmoney, $uhot. Basically you two worked together and he was really successful and you were really new and like all the high school interns obviously had a thing for him (so even tho you weren’t one why wouldn’t you) and he saw you first and thought you looked really nice so he put in good words for you here and there when you realized it’s the higher up guy pulling the strings like he owns them and he totally likes you because he does that Suho thing where he smiles then looks down and tries to cover his mouth you know what I’m talking about but in the end you made the first move because he’s a shy boy
11 notes · View notes
Stars and Stories
Tumblr media
Stars and Stories
Reader x Namjoon
Genre: Fluff, Some Angst, Smut (in future chapters)
Fire and water don’t mix, in fact they are complete opposites. So, when you a fire witch, taking powers from the sun, meet a masked water witch, taking powers from the moon, you don’t think that you’ll get along. And you were right you both fought like, well, water and fire. But when things start getting out of hand with a mysterious force threatening to unveil the hidden world of magic, you and water boy have to work together as you’re both the coven individual leaders of your groups. Will you survive the threatening figure, your crush on a cute international student, college, work, and life in general? Or will you ultimately sink and drown, or crash and burn.
Chapter 1
     The open window letting in the sun rays and the lit candles are the only light sources in the room. Looking around and making sure that everything is in its place you sit in the middle of the circle made up of red candles and pink sea salt and start the incantation.
I call upon the powers of the mighty sun.
In order for this spell to be over and done.
With this morning’s lovely light and the candles that burn bright.
This day I need to be clear and focus.
From inside my mind and all that’s bogus.
With this liquid pure and true, and the smell of morning dew.
Drink for my body’s satisfaction.
And clear my mind for its education.
This spell for my mind of ease, if it could be granted please.
Now for the bless sun that has fully raise.
I thank thee truly and always give praise.
With that said you take a sip of the purified water beside you and sit in silence -minus the traffic of cars and people on the street outside. You meditate for 10 minutes before your friend burst through the door and the wind of it blowing out all the candles ending your meditation.
“Sorry!” Kathleen says “Didn’t know you were doing a spell, but we need to leave now or risk being late.”
You sigh and clean up quickly grabbing your back pack. You honestly wouldn’t have been late since you live close by to the university plus there is always the teleportation spell. Kathleen and Victoria don’t like you using it since it’s not “safe” but you’ve been using it since childhood as your grandma liked to joke “You’re a daughter of the sun, but live like a daughter of the moon.” Basically, her saying that you’re a night owl which is true.
You walk beside Kathleen on the way to the bus stop across the street from your house. Where you get picked up and meet your friend Victoria on the bus and like always the two “random” people sitting beside her leave giving you their empty seats. Kathleen always acts out saying “Oh my gosh, can you believe that Y/N? Two empty seats beside our friend here. Ah, amazing!” You roll your eyes at those two and mind speak to them.
Y/N- We could just stand you know.
K- Yeah but it’s nice to sit beside Vicky, don’t you think so?
Y/N- You know that’s not what I mean. I just think that we should let other people have a chance at the seat.
V- Yeah…… NO! I don’t want to sit beside random people I don’t know! And how many times do we have to argue about this, because we’ve been doing this shit since high school.
You sigh out loud and the person standing in front you looks down confused at you and you avoid all eye contact. The bus arrives at the school and everyone gets off. The three of you make your way to the library where your group of friends hang out. There you meet up with Charlie, Abbi, Kris, Joy, Kim, Patrick and Matthew. These are the friends you made in high school and the first year in college. You guys talk about random stuff and what your schedules are till you, Kris, Kim and Joy have to get going as you all are second years and have class whereas the others just have orientation. You say your goodbyes and split up.
Your first class today is Linguistics. You took it in high school and first year of college because you like learning about new cultures and languages. You learned how to speak French, Korean and now Japanese. You walk in and say hi to the professor as all the linguistics and culture study teachers know you, as you are always willing to help them with any new international students. You sit at the front of the class and get set up. Each class is shorter today as it’s the first day and each class is just going over the introduction and what materials you’ll need.
The class begins and just as quickly ends, and now you’re on your way to the next class which happens to be your favourite -Culture Studies. You again go to the class and turn to say hi to the professor but they’re not there, so you go to the desks only to find that each one has a name on it. You find yours quick since it luckily is in the front row and sit down and grab out your notebook and pencil case. And wait for the teacher. Soon all the seats are filled except for the ones beside you, feeling kind of anxious you grab the name tag of the would-be person beside you and read their name. Kim Taehyung- sounds like a nice person of course you’re only saying this to reassure yourself as you don’t think you’ve ever met this person before. You put that name tag back in place and grab the name tag on the other side of you which reads Min Yoongi again you make the same assumptions and put the name tag back.
One of the great things about being a witch is the ability to mind speak, especially in school when phones aren’t always allowed. You send a signal wave out to your coven and wait till some one answers you back.
??- Hey is something wrong!?
The worry in the voice tells you it’s Joy.
Y/N- No nothing’s wrong just waiting in class for the teacher to arrive and the people beside me who are a no show.
J- I thought we were to only use the mind speak for emergencies?
Y/N- Yeah you are supposed to do that IF you aren’t a full power witch yet, but as I am the coven leader it doesn’t waste my power to send links out. Also, before you freak out since I’m the one who started the “call” it doesn’t drain who ever answers.
J- Alright then. Also, I’m the only one you can talk to now as if you checked the group chat like a NORMAL PERSON you would see that a lot of people are in classes that don’t allow phones and need focus.
Y/N- Okay so 1) YOU DON’T HAVE TO YELL. And 2) speaking of focus I used the Ease of Mind spell this morning and it really worked.
J- I highly doubt that.
Y/N- Woah is Joy giving me shade. I can’t even. Dramatic sigh.
J- Did you just say dramatic sigh I don’t unde---
Y/N- Have to go I hear the teacher coming and unlike you I’m a good student. Bye.
J- Bitch you started the convers-------
The teacher is coming closer to the class but you hear him talking to other people. The door opens and your teacher Mr. Yeon walks through with good looking guys following behind. They stand at the front of the class while Mr. Yeon tries to get the rest of the class that have started talking loudly to each other attention. Once he does he introduces the men before you as international students from Korea and as this class is mainly focusing on Korea and other Asian countries they’re your classmates. Mr. Yeon tells them to take there seats and goes into the introduction and the materials you’ll need. You listen and stare at the board intensely as you feel the guys take their seats around you and stare at you. You ignore them till the end of class when Mr. Yeon dismisses it and just as you’re about to leave the class Mr. Yeon calls you to stay after class for a while. You mentally cuss at him but comply as he is a great teacher, and wait till everyone leaves the room except for you, Mr. Yeon and the international students.
Mr. Yeon starts “Y/N these are the new international students from Korea as you heard. They all speak conversational English but only a few are completely fluent, so I would like you to be their guide as you also have some classes with them.  Introduce yourselves to Y/N.”
One by one they say their names; Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook, and Kim Namjoon. The one named Namjoon caught your eye as he was the tallest of them and had these eyes that sent chills down your spine. Mr. Yeon was saying something but you honestly weren’t even paying attention and just really internally freaking out. Cause sure you’ve shown 1 or 2 international students around and then the one group of 5 which you had another student help with, but SEVEN all by yourself. Shaking yourself out of your inner freak out you focus back on Mr. Yeon and the seven guys in front you. As you’re about to ask why only you Mr. Yeon says that he needs to leave for his next classes and hands you the guys timetables.
Taking the leader position as you have to do in these situations you tell the guys to sit down in a circle. “Okay, so I’m kind of bad with names so if I get it wrong don’t sue me.” You say jokingly but some of the guys look to the one you know as Namjoon and he replies in Korean reassuringly “It’s just a phrase they use here.”
Feeling embarrassed you just hand out the timetables and luckily to the right people. You grab a notebook from your bag to take notes as to which class you have with who.
Culture Studies = All        Human History = Hoseok and Taehyung
Mixed Media Art = Jimin and Jungkook           Business = Jin                  
Linguistics = Namjoon       Sociology and Psychology = Yoongi and Namjoon
Now having a sense of what you’ll be looking ahead with, you feel a bit calmer also the fact that this was your last class of the day. The guys have to go to their other classes so you just give them your full name and phone number.
Thinking that you’re done with them for at least today you leave and go to your favourite coffee place on campus that you also work at and grab a coffee before going to the library to pick up some books to read also known as “reading your spell books”.  You get to the library and stake your claim on a desk and begin to pull books out that will help you at the next coven meeting. You stay there for pretty long so long that your coffee cup has been emptied and refilled again so many times -thanks to your friends for visiting you with coffee before they leave- deciding that you’ve done enough today you gather the books you have finished and put them back on the shelf where they belong. Then you get all your stuff together and the books that you want to take home and go towards the librarian but before you make it to the desk someone calls your name you turn towards the person and it’s Namjoon.
He half jogs up to you and says in Korean “Hey, I didn’t know you were still here as I thought your classes finished early? But since you’re here do you think you could help me get a library card as I’ve been trying to figure out how to ask in English for a while and was actually contemplating texting you.”
You agree since you’re not in a rush and have nowhere to be truly. You get Namjoon all setup with a library card and get the books you wanted check out. You leave the library and are on the way to the bus terminal when again you hear someone calling your name. You expect this time to be Namjoon but it was actually the youngest members of the group. They come up to you and ask why you are still there, if you were leaving now, and other questions of course in Korean. You feel your phone vibrate in your sweater pocket and ignore it since you don’t want to be rude as Jimin is happily telling you about the class he went to by himself and spoke English to his classmates. Again, the phone vibrates and you contemplate whether to look at it or not but when suddenly the rest of the group is surrounding you, it takes you off guard for a second as it almost seems like they appeared out of thin air.
“Hey since we’re all together right now why don’t we go get dinner together and get to know Y/N better of course only if she wants to?” Jin says and the others quickly agree. You’re about to say yes since again nothing going on that night and free food but you get a headache and immediately know that one of your coven is trying to reach you. You pull out your phone and see the 911 messages and emergency texts. Your eyes must have widened in shock as you got a chorus of “What’s wrong?” and “Is everything okay?” Making up an excuse about your non-existent room mate in crisis you quickly leave and get on the next bus that comes.
Y/N- Okay I’m listening what’s wrong?
K- Moonbin was practicing magic and someone saw him, so Moonbin tackled the person to the ground and tied them up then called everyone because he didn’t know what to do.
Y/N- That’s okay just tell me the location and I’ll be there in a few.
You tap the stop button for the bus and get off and go to the nearest dark alley way to teleport to the location Kathleen gave you, which was an area with a lot woods. When you arrive, you see your whole coven with some of them bruised up and three people blind folded, gagged, and tied up to a tree. Gosh this is going to be a long “fun” night you think to yourself.
13 notes · View notes
brajeshupadhyay · 4 years
Text
Solving the mystery behind the disappearance of Kelly Dwyer
Produced by Susan Mallie and Josh Gelman  
[Originally broadcast on November 2, 2019; updated on May 16, 2020]
When Kelly Dwyer didn’t show up for work on Oct. 12, 2013, her co-workers were the first to respond by calling her cell phone and checking social media. Investigators would learn her phone was dead, her social media was down, and her debit card hadn’t been used.
“In an age of an electronic footprint, if you will, it’s not there,” Assistant District Attorney Sara Hill tells “48 Hours” correspondent Peter Van Sant. “It’s like she just isn’t anymore.”
Investigators would learn that Dwyer had been last seen alive on a date with Kris Zocco, whom she had been dating for about a year. Police initially think Zocco had something to do with Dwyer’s disappearance – which he denies. But then, Zocco was arrested for drugs that police found while searching for clues to Dwyer’s disappearance. Investigators also learn Zocco had a long-time girlfriend who didn’t know about Dwyer and that Dwyer was dating others she had met through dating websites. Friends also told police they occasionally noticed bruising on Dwyer’s wrists and neck, something they say she laughed off as a crazy night.
It’s a case about a young woman with a promising future cut short. The investigation raises questions about the risks of online dating, risky sex and the hidden double lives unknown by those who loved them.
“There are some evil people out there,” says Katherine Spano, who was a detective with the Milwaukee Police Department when Dwyer went missing.
Where does the twisted tale lead?
  WITHOUT A TRACE
Like the rest of Milwaukee, Assistant District Attorney Sara Hill found Kelly Dwyer’s sudden disappearance in 2013 baffling.
Sara Hill: It’s like she vanishes. … Her social media goes dead … Her debit card goes dead. … The phone is dead.
The night of October 10 started out like any other for Kelly. She’d been on a date with a man named Kris Zocco.
Sara Hill: Kelly came to Kris’ apartment building. … They go to get a few drinks and have a nice night out at a place called Allium … a cute little bar that was kind of across the street from the apartment building.
Chanell Royston was at the bar that night. Kelly told her what she planned to do the next day.
Chanell Royston: I remember her and I having a small conversation of “so what do you have to do tomorrow?” And she goes “I actually have off. … I want to wake up in the morning. I want to do yoga. I want to do laundry and just have an easy day.”
Sara Hill: They picked up a pizza from Ian’s, a little pizza place that’s like a block away, brought it to the bar.
Chanell Royston: We were all sitting outside on this very long communal picnic bench. … We were all nibbling on the pizza. You know they’re sharing it with us.
Kelly and Kris decide to call it a night. 
Kelly Dwyer and Kris Zocco are seen on security video entering the lobby of his apartment building after their night out.
Milwaukee Police Department
Sara Hill: A little after two in the morning … they head back to Mr. Zocco’s apartment building across the street.
Kelly and Kris had been dating for about a year after being introduced through a mutual friend. Kelly had moved to Milwaukee in 2008 and gone to college.
Sara Hill: When we’re in our early 20s that’s definitely a time of exploration when you’re trying to find your own footing as an adult.
Kelly’s journey of self-discovery had led to yoga class, and instructor Ryan Hader.
Ryan Hader: She always greeted me with a hug.  … She was always excited to see me and excited to get her butt kicked in my class. … And her energy was just infectious.
Kelly worked part-time as a nanny and as a salesperson for an athletic apparel store where her tight-knit co-workers were the first to sound the alarm when she missed a shift.
Ryan Hader: They worked together. And they played together. … It’s like she found her tribe.
Peter Van Sant: When was the last time that you saw Kelly Dwyer?
Ryan Hader: It was just before her birthday … She was like, “Something big is going to happen. I can feel it. This feels really important to me.”
Kelly Dwyer and Chris Zocco
Facebook/
  Kelly had just turned 27. And her relationship with 38-year-old Kris Zocco seemed to be taking on greater meaning for her.
Sara Hill: Based on what her friends said it certainly appeared to me that she was extremely interested in him, maybe even in love with him.
Kris’ mother, Joyce Frye.
Joyce Frye: He was always into sports. He always had a lot of friends. … He was a very good golfer. … My dad took him out to the driving ranges. … I think he put a golf club in Kris’s hand when he was about 3.
Kris graduated from Boston University with a degree in international business, but his love of sports led him to his dream job.
Joyce Frye: He was a major Yankee fan. … And they did hire him in their IT staff. And he just thought that was — there could never be anything better.
Peter Van Sant: And where was his office.
Joyce Frye: It was at the ballpark.
Peter Van Sant: At Yankee stadium? That’s where his office was? So, he was in heaven.
Joyce Frye: Yeah, he really was.
But Frye says Kris left New York in search of new opportunities, eventually landing in Milwaukee in 2009, and winding up at the relocation management company where she worked.
Joyce Frye: He was the CIO. … The chief information officer.
Det. Katherine Spano: I became involved in … Kelly Dwyer’s missing person investigation.
Katherine Spano, then a detective with the Milwaukee police department, would learn about Kelly and Kris’ relationship. She says Kelly’s reasons for dating Kris were obvious.
Det. Katherine Spano: He was educated, he was bright, he was smart. … He had a job that paid him well. … He had a nice car, a beautiful condo down on the east side.
While some friends thought Kelly might have been in love with Kris, it seemed Zocco might not have been on the same page.
Det. Katherine Spano: Kris Zocco described his relationship with Kelly Dwyer as friends with benefits.
But it did seem Kelly was keeping her options open.
Sara Hill: Mr. Zocco didn’t make promises to her that he was being exclusive with her, and she also dated some other people.
Royston recalls another time, not long before Kelly went missing.
Chanell Royston: It was a very easy night here at the bar.
Royston was out at the Allium bar when Kris and Kelly invited her back to Kris’ apartment at closing time.
Chanell Royston: I went across the street with them for a nightcap … walked out to the balcony to smoke a cigarette. Kris then joined me. He was smoking marijuana. Kelly was inside. I don’t know exactly what Kelly was doing.
Royston says she got a bad feeling.
Chanell Royston: I just had this urge that I needed to leave.
Though she’d just arrived, she told Kris and Kelly she’d suddenly realized how late it was and that she had to work in the morning.
Chanell Royston: I looked at Kelly. I said, “I need to leave.” And she looked up and said, “Are you sure?” I said, “Yup, it’s OK. It’s just late — later than I thought. I need to go home.” And I walked out.
Peter Van Sant: What was it? What was your sixth sense telling you?
Chanell Royston: I don’t know. It just — you weren’t supposed to be there — bad space, bad juju, you don’t need to be here.
Royston wasn’t the only one to get the sense that all might not have been right in Kelly’s world. Kelly, like many women her age, had been active on several dating websites.
Chanell Royston: Even though she was seeing Kris and I’m thinking that that was the main person she was seeing, she was dating other people. There were other people and other men involved.
And her friends were concerned.
Sara Hill: She made a few statements … they were usually prompted by the friends observing bruising on her wrists or her neck and wondering why she has those bruises.
Peter Van Sant: She told one friend she kind of laughed about these bruises on her neck and wrists and laughed it off as a crazy night –
Sara Hill: Right.
Peter Van Sant: — and changed the subject.
Sara Hill: Yes.
As police faced the daunting task of finding Kelly, would her love life provide their first clue?
WHERE’S KELLY?
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: So, on Monday, October 14, I started my shift at 4 p.m. I learned that Kelly Dwyer, a young woman, had been reported missing and had not been seen or heard from since the previous Friday.
As Kelly Dwyer’s family and friends continued to search for her, Milwaukee Police Detective Tammy Tramel-McClain arrived at the scene of Kelly’s last known whereabouts three days earlier – Kris Zocco’s apartment building.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: They come right through this door. And he actually holds the door open for her.
Peter Van Sant: You can see that on the video.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: Yes.
Sara Hill: You see two people that are chatting. … Walk past that camera, then there’s another camera that catches them turning the corner to the elevator. And you can see Kelly in her typical, I think, outgoing fashion. … She’s gesturing with her hands a little. … They bend the corner. And then that’s the last time that she is ever seen alive by anyone.
Kelly Dwyer is seen for the last time rounding a corner as she heads to Kris Zocco’s apartment.
Milwaukee Police Department
Now it was time to talk to the other person in that video. Tramel-McClain sat down with Zocco in his 18th floor apartment.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: He came off as a pretty nice guy.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: He said … she would hang out with him a couple of times a week. … He used the word “party.” They party together.
Somewhat shockingly, Zocco didn’t hold back — telling police exactly what he meant by “party,” as he described how he and Kelly had ended their evening.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: They walk back. And they do … lines of cocaine. They have a couple more drinks. He says there was sex, and they both passed out on opposite ends of his couch.
Zocco said Kelly left around 9 a.m. the next morning, adding that he heard the front door click shut behind her. There was only one problem with that.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: While I’m speaking with him, I get a text message from one of the other investigators who have been watching video downstairs with the manager. … And he simply just says in the text “she doesn’t come out.”
As Tramel-McClain focused on how Kelly could have slipped out of this high security building undetected, Zocco seemed more interested in shifting focus away from himself.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: “Well, you know, she’s messing around with a lot of other guys. … There’s some other guy.” … You know, kind of trying to take the attention away from himself.
That may have been Zocco’s intention, but that’s not what happened.
Peter Van Sant: In your bones, in your gut based on your instinct and your training and experience, you felt like you were looking at a suspect.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: Yes.
Police needed a way to search Zocco’s apartment for evidence. Because he had told Tramel-McClain he’d used drugs there, they were able to get a search warrant.
Peter Van Sant: What did you find?
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: Lines of cocaine on top of a magazine. … Some canisters of marijuana in the refrigerator. Painkillers, pills and marijuana pipes, smoking pipes.
Zocco was arrested for drug possession. During his interview, he seemed flip — even when asked routine questions about his medical history:
DETECTIVE: Anxiety? Nothing like that?
KRIS ZOCCO: I have anxiety when they brought me in.
DETECTIVE: OK. But no, uh?
KRIS ZOCCO: No, I’m not taking anything for it.
DETECTIVE: OK. No problem. But no bipolar? Schizophrenia?
KRIS ZOCCO: I suppose that’s all open to interpretation by somebody.
Zocco’s interrogation finishes abruptly:
KRIS ZOCCO: I’d like to call my lawyer.
Calm and cool or overzealous? Listen to Kris Zocco’s interrogation with detectives
But while they had Zocco in custody, police get a warrant to search his cell phone, hoping to find clues in Kelly’s disappearance. They were stunned to find a video of Zocco and Kelly Dwyer engaged in a sex act where Kelly appears to be in distress.
Sara Hill: She can’t breathe. She’s … straining for breath.
Peter Van Sant: When was this video taken?
Sara Hill: That video was taken approximately three weeks before she went missing.
And there was more incriminating evidence: disturbing pictures of Kelly on Zocco’s phone.  
Sara Hill: Still photographs that are very concerning as well because she appears to be unconscious on his bed.
Kris Zocco was arrested for drug possession on October 17, 2013.
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
But police could not link those images to Kelly’s disappearance. And despite Zocco being a person of interest, they could only charge him with drug possession. But that search of his apartment led police to a bizarre discovery in his bathroom.
Sara Hill: During that first search warrant the police observe the shower curtain hooks with the torn fragments of shower curtain.
Not knowing what a torn-down shower curtain could mean, and concerned that Kelly is never seen exiting the building —
Sara Hill: They then bring in a canine to conduct a sniff for the odor of decomposing human remains.
And that police cadaver dog, Molly, would deliver some stunning results.
Sara Hill: There’s an indication at the outside of the apartment door. … In the parking garage on the level he parked his car. … On the dumpster door on the 18th floor.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: Molly alerted on the hallway, guest bedroom, guest bathroom. …  She went on to the master bedroom, got up on to Kris Zocco’s bed.
Sara Hill: She seemed to be sniffing vigorously on top of his bed and gives her final formal trained alert.
For police, that moment changed this case forever. They now believed Kelly was dead and her final moments had been in Kris Zocco’s apartment.
Peter Van Sant: And if Kelly died on that bed … where did the body go?
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: That’s what we needed to find out. And Kris Zocco had those answers. And at that point, it was turning into a homicide investigation.
Not having enough to charge Zocco, and not knowing where Kelly’s body could be, police search Zocco’s home electronics for more clues.
Sara Hill: They examined an external hard drive and some disks that were found in his spare bedroom.
Peter Van Sant: What’s on that hard drive?
Sara Hill: That hard drive has a number of hardcore child pornography videos. Very extremely, extremely disturbing.
Zocco disavowed any knowledge of the child pornography police found.
Joyce Frye | Kris Zocco’s mother: If you’re an IT guy, you collect stuff. So, you collect old hard drives. You collect disks. You collect, you know, you just collect IT equipment. And that particular hard drive was from his former place of work in Boston. … He didn’t know it was there.
Peter Van Sant: And you believe him?
Joyce Frye: I do believe him. Yeah.
It had been two weeks since Kelly disappeared. Zocco was arrested again, this time for possession of child pornography. By early November 2013, he was out on bail and awaiting trial on the drug and child porn charges.
DETECTIVE: Girlfriend?
KRIS ZOCCO: Uh, no. I mean, I date multiple people.
But before Zocco had lawyered up in that first interrogation, it would turn out he’d said something that would come back to haunt him:
DETECTIVE: OK, so nobody you consider your girlfriend right now?
KRIS ZOCCO: No. There is a couple of girls that I would like to be my girlfriend, but it hasn’t been that seriously [sic] yet, I guess [laughs].
Det. Katherine Spano: He began dating a young woman in 2009.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: He was living two different lives.
THE OTHER WOMAN
According to Chanell Royston, before Kelly Dwyer disappeared, it seemed her relationship with Kris Zocco was evolving.
Chanell Royston: Towards the end … there was more touching. … and more of the smiling towards each other. There was more affection there than there had been towards the beginning.
Peter Van Sant: Did Kelly ever tell you that she was falling in love with Chris?
Chanell Royston: She never told me. But you could tell, you know … how she would look at him that she was looking for something more. And I think … that she did love him at that point.
It turns out Zocco may have been in love as well — with someone else.
Sara Hill: He was in a very serious relationship with a woman … who he was dating at the time that he was seeing Kelly. And this young woman knew nothing about the relationship with Kelly.
Peter Van Sant: And did Kelly have any idea about this other woman?
Sara Hill | Assistant District Attorney: Absolutely not.
And neither did investigators until this “other” woman’s brother, after seeing Zocco arrested on the news, reported to police that his sister, Meagan, had been dating Zocco for more than three years.  
Det. Katherine Spano: When I went to interview the long-term girlfriend, Meagan … I had a lot of photographs from the search warrants with me. And I was able to … have her identify different objects within the apartment.
Sara Hill: They learned that a number of things were missing … She described that that guest bathroom … there should have been a shower curtain. There should have been a little rug and some matching decorative towels.
Det. Katherine Spano: All of those things were gone, and she was surprised to see that. She identified the shower curtain hooks … that were bent and torn, identified the fact that they were not like that when she had last been in there.
Peter Van Sant: And it’s in that very bathroom where the sniffer dog had alerted — detecting human remains.
Det. Katherine Spano: Exactly. Exactly.
Meagan also identified one more missing item.
Det. Katherine Spano: There had been a large travel golf bag lying in front of the TV that had been there for weeks and weeks, that they literally would have to step over to get into the bathroom and that was missing.
A travel golf bag is commonly used by golfers to protect their clubs.
Peter Van Sant: It’s all padded … very large.
Det. Katherine Spano: Very large. … It was padded. It was silver. And she thought it was maybe two, two-and-a-half feet wide.
Detectives wondered if Zocco had a more sinister use for the bag.
Peter Van Sant: Could Kelly’s body have fit inside that travel bag?
Det. Katherine Spano: Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely.
But how did Zocco get that bag out of his apartment? There is no video of Zocco leaving on any of the 28 surveillance cameras in the building.
Sara Hill: There is no camera on the elevator. … So, he could take her body in the travel golf bag out of his apartment, into the elevator, down to the first floor and out to the garage without being captured on any cameras.
But there are cameras inside the garage and yet no image of Zocco with that bag.
Sara Hill: The garage is the only area where the cameras would be motion activated. … Some of the investigators think he just got lucky with it.
It took months of painstaking work for Milwaukee Police Department investigators to piece together Kris Zocco’s movements on the days after his date with Kelly Dwyer. Lt. Erik Gulbrandson worked the case as both a homicide and cold case detective.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 10:06 A.M.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: At 10:06 a.m. …  we have Kris Zocco standing by the driver’s side door. … When he leaves that building at 10:08 a.m., Kelly Dwyer’s phone — it goes dead.
Peter Van Sant: What do you think happened to the phone at that moment?
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: Broken, powered down, thrown in the water.
Det. Katherine Spano: The river is very close by.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 10:22 A.M.
Zocco is next seen back in his garage 16 minutes later standing by the trunk of his car.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: If you look closely in that image … there’s … a gray or silver object lying in the vehicle above the trunk level. … I think that’s consistent with the travel golf bag.
Surveillance video shows Kris Zocco at the trunk of his car.  Detectives say  a gray or silver object lying in the vehicle above the trunk level “is consistent with the travel golf bag.”
Milwaukee Police Department
Peter Van Sant: So, you believe Kelly Dwyer is in the trunk of his vehicle?
Det. Erik Gulbrandson:  I do.
Investigators believe that because the cadaver dog, Molly, told them so.
Det. Katherine Spano: The cadaver dog not only hits on all of those things in the apartment, but … the dog hits on the car also and the trunk and on the door handle … and inside the vehicle.
Over the next eight hours, video shows Zocco coming and going several more times, loading items into his car before finally leaving for the day at 6:16 p.m. 
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: He said … he decided to take … his summer sports equipment to his mother’s house.
Peter Van Sant: On a Friday night around 6:30.
Det. Tammy Tramel-McClain: Sure. Yes.
Joyce Frye | Kris Zocco’s mother: He came over to drop off some golf clubs and his baseball equipment.
Peter Van Sant: And, so, there’s nothing in your mind unusual when he showed up with this sporting equipment at your place?
Joyce Frye: Not at all.
Peter Van Sant: There’s a golf bag that investigators say went missing, a bag that they claim … Kelly Dwyer’s body was in. Did you ever see this golf bag?
Joyce Frye: Never.
It’s 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11 and Zocco is now due at his girlfriend’s house for a Friday night dinner, but investigators learn he didn’t arrive until about 8:45 p.m.
Sara Hill: There’s time that’s unaccounted for. … We believe he was possibly looking for areas to dispose of the body during that time.
Unfortunately, detectives weren’t able to trace Zocco’s movements from his phone records.
Peter Van Sant: Was his cell phone on or off?
Sara Hill: It was off.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 8:45 P.M.
When Zocco did finally arrive for dinner, his girlfriend told investigators he wasn’t quite himself.
Sara Hill: He was quite late. And he seemed a little bit ruffled, a little bit nervous. He’s fiddling with his phone, claiming it doesn’t work.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: When they went to bed, she described him as being restless. She described him as sweating profusely, to the point where she actually had to change the sheets. … She found that very unusual.
And Zocco may have had a very good reason to sweat that night.
Sara Hill: His car is parked near his girlfriend’s house overnight. We believe that body is absolutely in that trunk locked inside that golf bag. 
Det. Katherine Spano: He could not have left that body in his apartment because that’s the first place everybody went to look for Kelly.
The following morning, investigators say, Zocco rose with the sun — still faced with a nightmare.   
Det. Katherine Spano: He was desperate. By Saturday he had to get that body out of that vehicle.
CREATING AN ALIBI
One day after Kelly Dwyer disappeared, Kris Zocco left his girlfriend’s apartment and hit the road. Where he went that morning would be the first in a series of clues as to what may have happened to Kelly Dwyer. 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 7:30 A.M.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: Kris Zocco had gone to a place called the Mousehouse.
Peter Van Sant: What’s the Mousehouse?
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: It’s a cheese place.
The Mousehouse is 80 miles from Milwaukee, near Madison, Wisconsin — one cheese shop in a state full of cheese shops.
Peter Van Sant: Why would he drive up toward Madison to buy cheese?
Sara Hill: It’s a very good question. A very good question.
Investigators caught a break when they learned Kris Zocco took a 160-mile roundtrip the day after Kelly Dwyer’s disappearance to go to the Mousehouse, near Madison, Wisconsin. 
CBS News
Zocco says he drove 160 miles roundtrip to buy a half pound wedge of cheese for his girlfriend’s parents. But the investigators say that he did it to finally dispose of Kelly’s body somewhere in the rural Wisconsin farmland between Madison and Milwaukee.
Peter Van Sant: In case he was spotted, do you believe Zocco … actually went to the Mousehouse to create an alibi of sorts?
Det. Katherine Spano: I do. I certainly do.
Police believe that after dumping Kelly’s body, Zocco made his way to a shopping center on his drive to Milwaukee. Investigators say that he walked into a “Sports Authority” and used his credit card to buy a brand-new pair of sneakers.
Peter Van Sant:  Why is he buying new sneakers?
Sara Hill: He might have purchased those sneakers to replace ones that he used in — in dumping the body … like he might have been concerned that evidence got on those sneakers, so he had to have new ones to put on.
Sara Hill: Here’s the slip up. I don’t know if maybe he just had a momentary lapse of judgment … but that created a paper trail for him.
That paper trail was a single credit card receipt, which gave detectives a critical piece of the timeline. 
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: We know, through the investigation, that he purchased the cheese at 9:55 a.m. and we know that he purchased the shoes at 12:11 p.m. The distance between the Mousehouse and Sports Authority … is 54 miles. And it should take 47 minutes to get there, but yet we have 90 minutes unaccounted for at that time.
Ninety minutes — certainly enough time, detectives believed, for Zocco to locate a secluded spot off the highway. But for them to find that spot would be like finding a needle in a haystack. And without Kelly’s body, there was no physical evidence of a crime to charge Zocco with — only circumstance and suspicion. 
Peter Van Sant: Did you want to take it to trial then?
Sara Hill: It was tough.
Peter Van Sant: What was missing?
Sara Hill: What was missing was her body.
Eventually, Kris Zocco did go on trial, in November 2014 — not for murder, but for the child pornography possession uncovered with the initial investigation search warrants. 
Peter Van Sant: What’s the result of that trial?
Sara Hill: He’s convicted of all but one count.
One month later, Zocco pleaded guilty to additional drug charges and was sentenced to a total of 19 years.      
Peter Van Sant: So, are you done with Kris Zocco? Is that it? … Or is the … potential murder investigation still hanging over his head?
Sara Hill: It’s still there.
Det. Katherine Spano: We still wanted to be able to find out what actually happened with Kelly.
MAY 1, 2015 | LOCAL NEWS REPORT: Breaking news tonight. Authorities have just identified the remains of 27-year-old Kelly Dwyer.
Peter Van Sant [standing in field]: Detective, where are we?
Det. Katherine Spano: We are on a dead-end country road and we are … about 45 miles west of Milwaukee. … And it’s quite overgrown here, but this is the specific area where Kelly Dwyer’s body was found.
Detective: Killer picked the “perfect spot” to get rid of Milwaukee woman’s body
For a year-and-a-half, Kelly Dwyer had been hidden under trees just six miles from busy I-94 before her remains were discovered by local man out for a walk.
Sara Hill: He catches a glint of light hitting off of something that’s whitish in color. … And when he takes a closer look, he sees what appears to be a human skull. 
Six days later, using dental records, those remains were confirmed to be Kelly Dwyer. What could not be confirmed, though, was just how she died.
Sara Hill: There was nothing on that skeleton to tell us what the cause of death was.
There was no physical evidence found at the scene, either.
Det. Katherine Spano [standing in field]: No shower curtain. No cloth. No towel. No clothing.
And no travel golf bag. But detectives say there was one clue left behind: the position of Kelly’s skeleton. 
Det. Katherine Spano [standing in field]: Her feet and legs were more over in this area with one of her legs completely turned … very contorted. Same thing with her left arm, it was behind her back as if she had been scrunched into some kind of a container.
Peter Van Sant: Like a golf travel bag.
Det. Katherine Spano: Like a golf travel bag. Exactly. Exactly.
It would appear that police now had enough evidence to bring Kris Zocco back to court for the death of Kelly Dwyer.
Sara Hill: It is just too much of a coincidence that her body is found somewhat near … where he was shopping on the day after she goes missing.
But Assistant District Attorney Hill wanted more than coincidence to build an airtight case.
Sara Hill: We wanted to make sure … that we had uncovered all of the evidence we would be able to uncover. … When you have a case that’s going to be largely circumstantial, it’s absolutely essential you do that.
And with Kris Zocco already in prison, there was no rush. It took another two years of investigative work before the state of Wisconsin charged Zocco in the death of Kelly Dwyer — and another year-and-a-half to bring the case to trial.
SEEKING JUSTICE FOR KELLY
Almost five years after Kelly Dwyer went missing, Kris Zocco goes on trial for her death. But surprising to some, it’s not for murder.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: Kris Zocco was charged with first-degree reckless homicide, hiding a corpse and strangulation, suffocation.
With the media restricted behind courtroom security glass, prosecutor Sara Hill presents the state’s theory of how they believe Kelly died.  
SARA HILL | ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY [opening statement]: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. This case is about a young woman named Kelly Dwyer.  … You will hear evidence that the defendant Mr. Zocco … was basically having sex with Kelly Dwyer and … he winds up killing her.
Det. Katherine Spano: I think Kris Zocco enjoyed taking women to the brink of death for his own sexual gratification.
In fact, investigators interviewed several women who said that Zocco engaged in this type of behavior as far back as high school.
Sara Hill: It was that reckless conduct that wound up killing Kelly Dwyer. And then // Mr. Zocco had to do something about it.
Det. Erik Gulbrandson: Kris … uses that shower curtain and wraps her up … puts her into the golf bag and goes down to his parking garage.
Craig Mastantuono: The police have no evidence to believe that Ms. Dwyer exited the apartment in either a shower curtain or a golf travel bag.
Kris Zocco’s defense attorneys Craig Mastantuono and Rebecca Coffee say the state has it all wrong.
Craig Mastantuono: Someone did kill Kelly Dwyer, but it wasn’t Kris Zocco.
REBECCA COFFEE | DEFENSE ATTORNEY [Opening statement]: This case is more about the State wanting Mr. Zocco to be guilty than having the evidence to prove it.
Peter Van Sant: Is there any eyewitness to this alleged crime?
Rebecca Coffee | Defense attorney: There was no eyewitness. No.
Peter Van Sant: Is there a CSI moment, some definitive piece of DNA?
Rebecca Coffee: There was no DNA evidence.
Almost five years after Kelly Dwyer went missing, Kris Zocco goes on trial for her death, charged with first-degree reckless homicide, hiding a corpse and strangulation, suffocation.
Facebook
The prosecution contends that while the security camera video clearly shows Kelly walking into Zocco’s building, she is never seen walking out.
Craig Mastantuono | Defense attorney: She very well could have left the building in a way that wasn’t reviewed.
The defense argues there is video from several cameras they never had a chance to examine, because it was not preserved as evidence.  
Craig Mastantuono: When the defense went to review all of the video evidence … that video was missing.
And what about that missing travel golf bag police insists is in the back of Zocco’s car?
Rebecca Coffee: We’ve looked at that picture. There is no silver bag in his trunk.  … There is no video of him … carrying a bag that would have been a very large bag to fit a woman who is 5-foot-7. … There was no video of that because that didn’t happen.
Peter Van Sant: The cadaver dog evidence seems significant.
SARA HILL [Opening statement]: Canine Molly alerts on the bed in the master bedroom and she also alerts in the garage.
Craig Mastantuono: There’s no way whatsoever to verify what the officer says this dog alerted to. It wasn’t even filmed. And, so, it’s entirely dependent on a police officer describing what she believes her dog was alerting to.
And the defense also has an explanation for that video from Zocco’s phone, where Kelly appears to be in distress:
REBECCA COFFEE [Opening statement]: The government found a video that Kelly Dwyer and Kris Zocco made together. … They are calling it strangulation or suffocation. A consensual sexual act is what it depicts.
Craig Mastantuono: That type of sex is depicted in mainstream motion pictures like “50 Shades of Gray” as being engaged in with two consensual adults.
Peter Van Sant: If Kris Zocco did not kill Kelly Dwyer, who did?
Craig Mastantuono: I don’t know. I don’t think that we know. I think that we know that it could have been a number of other people.
The defense says that’s because Kelly dated men she had met online.
Peter Van Sant: And is this suggestion … that perhaps … she met up with one of these individuals … and that that could be the cause of her disappearance?
Craig Mastantuono: Yes. 
Rebecca Coffee: Yes.
Craig Mastantuono: Yes. 
To support that theory, the defense presented a witness who says that he saw Kelly after she was reported missing.
Craig Mastantuono: Someone who credibly said I saw her that weekend in the car of another individual.
Sara Hill: His observation of this individual was very brief at a stoplight.
FORTHUNE HASAN | WITNESS [testifying]: I was sure it was her. It looked exactly like her.
Craig Mastantuono: He went to the district station and said, I saw the woman that is being looked for, that’s on the posters, that’s on TV.
REBECCA COFFEE: Did anyone ever follow up with you about that information?
FORTHUNE HASAN: No.
Peter Van Sant: You think he’s just mistaken?
Sara Hill: I think he’s mistaken. I don’t think he was is trying to mislead anybody. I just truly believe he’s mistaken.
After nine days of argument and testimony, the case seemed to rest on one thing: the quality of the evidence:
SARA HILL [Closing statement]: Ladies and gentlemen, the defendant killed Kelly Dwyer. Every piece of circumstantial evidence supports that.
CRAIG MASTANTUANO | DEFENSE ATTORNEY [Closing statement]: Despite the tragedy of Ms. Dwyer’s demise, it’s not justice to find Kris Zocco guilty based on conjecture. It’s justice to find him not guilty.
Sara Hill: All of the factors pointed to him. … There’s no other person that could have done it.
It took the jury only three-and-a-half hours to reach the same conclusion:
JUDGE: We the jury find the defendant Kris Zocco guilty of first-degree reckless homicide as charged in count one …
Finally, after five years of waiting and wondering, there is justice for Kelly Dwyer. As for Kris Zocco …
Kris Zocco is escorted from court followng his guilty verdict.
Pool
Joyce Frye: He did look at me when he was being removed.
Peter Van Sant: What did you see?
Joyce Frye: He was devastated.
Peter Van Sant: And what was Kris’ sentence?
Joyce Frye [crying]: Thirty-one years.
Peter Van Sant: Is that on top of the 19 years?
Joyce Frye: Yes.
Sara Hill: Kris Zocco is a person who’s demonstrated that he poses a danger to society … particularly to women.  … And someone is dead as a result.
Meet the women who solved Kelly Dwyer’s case
That someone was a vibrant and trusting young woman just beginning to find her way in the world.
Chanell Royston: She was a loving person who … truly cared about people and loved so much that she didn’t really find much fault in anyone.
Sara Hill: There’s this sense of profound loss, loss for her family … Her friends, you see a loss of a light … because of one person’s selfishness … And that’s a tragedy — tragedy is the best word for it.
Kris Zocco will be eligible for release in 2065. He will be 90 years old.
Zocco plans to appeal his homicide conviction.
https://ift.tt/2Asikh5
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3czP2vc
0 notes
bjkimber · 6 years
Text
The [False] Gospel According to Moana
If you have young children or are a Disney fan, then it’s likely you’ve seen Moana (2016). Quite a few people in my life have brought up their love for the ending scene where Moana restores the heart of Tafiti because it reminds them of the Christian gospel. On the surface level I would agree that there are similarities; the imagery of an evil monster transforming into something beautiful can be compared to the doctrine of regeneration (what Jesus calls being “born again”). But if you dig a little deeper into the details you’ll see that this aligns more with the false gospel coming out of Word of Faith or NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) theology. I noticed a lot of similarities in the phrases and imagery used, so I decided to make a quick edit. I used clips from William Paul Young (author of ‘The Shack’), Oprah Winfrey, Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church), Todd White (Lifestyle Christianity), and Kenneth Copeland. Checkout the clip and then my explanation below. 
vimeo
1. Deifying man, demoting God
In the film, Moana (the human) is playing the Christ/savior role:
”I have crossed the horizon to find you. I know your name.”
She’s the hero who restores (or transforms) the heart of the monster. The goddess is playing the role of the monster (or sinner). This flip in roles is what first grabbed my attention and made me realize that this wasn’t like the true gospel at all. If you’re familiar with some of the Word of Faith/NAR teaching (Kenneth Copeland, Bethel Church, Todd White, William Paul Young, etc.) you’ll see some striking similarities; they demote the deity of God (by teaching that Jesus did not live as God, but only as a man. They don’t deny that Christ was eternally God prior to His incarnation, but claim that in His incarnation “He laid fully God aside”. This is called kenotic theology- a Christological heresy. The miracles that we see in scripture were signs that pointed to, or proved Christ’s deity, and showed that he had the authority as God to forgive sins:
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins”- then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” (Matthew 9:6)
NAR theology flips this upside-down, claiming that Christ’s miracles were merely an example of what we can do and the power we can have. This view is problematic because if Christ had no power within Himself to physically heal the sick, then how would he have the power to provide our spiritual healing (forgiveness of sins)? Scripture teaches that Christ could only do this because He was fully and truly God, and fully and truly man while He walked the Earth. 
This theology not only diminishes the deity of Christ, but it elevates and deifies man by claiming that we’re ‘little gods’ with ‘divine DNA’ who can do greater miracles than Jesus did.
Copeland: “You don’t have a god in you. You are one.”
Todd White: “You have the divine DNA of Abba!”
Copeland: “You have the exact same spiritual DNA as Jesus! You are a twin to the Master Himself!”
For more examples of Copeland and White’s view on this, checkout this video: 
vimeo
In sum, this view of God and man is directly connected to the first lie in the Garden of Eden, “...you will be like God” (Gen 3:4)
2. The nature of man: Are we sinners because we sin? Or do we sin because we’re sinners?
William Paul Young (The Shack), Oprah, and Todd White all teach a similar self-esteem message; they diminish the seriousness of sin and reject what the Bible teaches about man’s nature.
WPY: “I think the lie is that all we are is a piece of crap.”
Oprah: “That’s a lie some religions tell people. You are born in sin.”
WPY: “You’re depraved. You’re worthless.”
Todd White: “The cross isn’t just the revelation of your sin, the cross is the revealing of your value. Sin was an issue, but something underneath that sin was of great importance for heaven to go bankrupt to get you back.”
Let’s compare these idea about the nature of man to scripture:
But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)
“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” (Matt 15:11)
“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
“So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins...” (Ephesians 2:1)
“...we were by nature children of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3)
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:11-12)
3. The gospel call: Knowing who you truly are? 
Moana: “This is not who you are. You know who you are. Who you truly are.”
If you are familiar with Kris Vallotton or Todd White, you’ll recognize that this “knowing who you are” is the foundation of their evangelism methods and their teaching on sonship (“knowing who you are”, “sonship”, “seeing your value”, etc.). When Todd speaks to an audience of struggling Christians (and even in speaking of non-Christians) he says that their problem is that they just don’t know who they are. They don’t know that they’re a “son” or that they’re amazing or valuable to God. 
First, what does the bible mean when it talks about being a son? In scripture all those who have been born again are called adopted sons and daughters of God:
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14-16)
Jesus says those who are not Christian are sons of the devil:
”You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44)
Essentially Todd and Kris are saying that the way for a sinner to be made right with God is just give mental assent to knowing that they are born again. It doesn’t work like that; just thinking that we are born again doesn’t make us born again. The act of regeneration is a mystery and a work done by the Holy Spirit through the hearing of the gospel. Jesus compares this work of the Spirit to the wind (something we can’t see, or have control over): 
“Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:7-8)
In evangelism, the first thing someone needs to hear isn’t “God thinks you’re amazing and you have a purpose! He’s so in love with you and thinks about you all the time!” (If you’ve ever watched a documentary by Darren Wilson- Holy Ghost, Furious Love, Father of Lights, etc.- this is the extent of the content of their gospel). A person who is not a Christian doesn’t need a boost in their self-esteem, but they need to understand that they have broken the law of God and are currently under His wrath (an enemy of God). The biblical call of the gospel is to repentance (which is granted by God), or turning from sin towards Christ, and trusting in His finished work alone. 
If you never tell people this bad news about who they truly are apart from Christ, then the good news is meaningless and has no power (it’s just news). If your message is all about boosting the ego/self-esteem instead of calling people to “die to self” and turn from their sin, then you aren’t preaching the biblical response to the gospel. 
4. Regeneration: An unveiling or transformation?
WPY: “I think the process of transformation is not about becoming something that we weren’t, but unveiling what we were the whole time.”
Oprah: “So there’s nothing to transform, but all of this to uncover.”
Todd White: “Something underneath that sin was of great importance for heaven to go bankrupt to get you back.”
Sin isn’t just something that is external that covers us, it actually flows out of our corrupt hearts (see verses in #2 above). Our hearts don’t just need a cleanup or a makeover, but they need to be replaced or resurrected. 
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
I believe scripture says the process of transformation IS about becoming something that we weren’t (a dead sinner, now made alive in Christ).
5. What is God’s motivation for saving man? 
All of these details may seem unimportant, but they have a huge impact on how someone responds to the gospel and our understanding of why God loves us. If we look to God’s relationship with Israel we can get a better picture:
The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh kind of Egypt.” (Deut. 7:7)
God loves Israel (and us) because He loves us. He doesn’t love us because of our value, but He loves and has compassion on us in spite of our lost value. Yes, we were created in the image of God and have inherent worth and value because of that. But after the Fall we lost our value in our sin. And now apart from Christ we are described as worthless (Romans 3:11-12), tares to be burned (Matthew 13:29), branches to be burned (John 15:6), deserving of hell. 
If I believe that God’s motivation for saving me is because of my value or how amazing I am, then my self-esteem or pride is fueled. I now have something to boast about before God. Grace is now seen as something I deserved because of how amazing I am. It’s all about me. But if I see that God, out of His compassion and love for a people who didn’t deserve to be loved, chose to love us because He chose to love us, then I am deeply humbled. There’s nothing in me that is worthy, and therefore my focus is fixed on Christ and His worth and value- not my own. Remember this isn’t about whether or not we’re valuable to God. This is about WHY we’re valuable. God doesn’t love me because I am valuable. I am valuable to God because He loves me.  
0 notes