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earthstellar · 2 years

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Transformers Deviations, aka “Hot Rod is Depressed”

I’ve been reading over some of the older IDW Transformers comics because I need them in the way land-dwelling mammals require oxygen

And I dug up Transformers: Deviations, which, there’s a lot to go over here lmao

No really, like this story ends on such a fucked up note.

So there are gonna be some panel screenshots etc. because I gotta talk about this shit!

Strap in for another long post, let’s gooooo:

Basic Info on the Deviations Comics

The premise of the Deviations line was that IDW would publish a single issue what-if type story for various major franchises which they had the rights to, with each one covering a major scene or event and how it would have turned out if a critical action was or wasn’t taken.

(I think I have the Ghostbusters: Deviations one as well, although I could be misremembering that lol)

With the Transformers Deviations comic, the premise is “What If Optimus Prime Never Died?” In reference to the 80s movie (because I have to specify, because Optimus dies fairly frequently, lmao)

But the way this is approached is extremely direct, quite possibly because there was really only one comic book’s worth of pages to tell this story lol

In the Transformers issue, it focuses almost entirely on Hot Rod being the “action which changes” -- Essentially, what if Hot Rod didn’t interfere, and Optimus was able to destroy Megatron outright?

and I’m just gonna say now, I understand why this was the most obvious and easiest/quickest way to handle this “What If” concept, and I get that it was necessary because you can only go so deep in a single one-off issue and most readers (even those who aren’t major TF fans) would likely recognise the scene because it’s so iconic, so focusing on this scene makes a lot of sense in general

but hooooooly shit does Hot Rod get trashed in this issue

so let’s start looking at this situation but fair warning if you vibe with Hot Rod/Rodimus this is probably going to be emotionally a little difficult because truly he gets obliterated in this issue

like this is not a joke, I literally mean that. that’s what happens. IT’S WILD

TF Deviations: How It Starts

Right from the opening pages, we get these two panels to drop readers right into what the hell is going on:

right away the emphasis has to be on the “one point which changes everything”, because this is the singular Deviation, so we just get this super straightforward “if Hot Rod didn’t fuck up, things would have gone THIS way”

which, okay, yes. but also, jesus lmao something about how direct that is, is so wild. like “this space robot equivalent of a teenager got wrestled to the ground by his not-dad and as a result the God Pope of their people survived and triumphed over villainy” is, I mean, yeah... but damn lol

again, I understand why this is being set up like this. but I mean, there were other factors involved; other elements were in play which led up to the fight between Optimus and Megatron going down at all, regardless of outcome. since this was intended to be more accessible to a broader readership, I get why they didn’t focus on any other minutia etc. that could have changed things, but this whole issue reads like “fuck Hot Rod specifically” and it’s BRUTAL lol

I do appreciate the intense dad energy of Kup here, though. love a good space robot dad <3 sometimes you need to wrestle your space robot son into the fucking dirt so they don’t die, understandable tbh

TF Deviations: How It Goes

So, immediately, Optimus takes out Megatron. Of course.

But then, we see Kup, Hot Rod, and Ultra Magnus on board the Arc, with their deceased comrades lined up.

Optimus says a few words, after which Hot Rod speaks up, and IMMEDIATELY gets fucked up by a still-grieving and frustrated Ultra Magnus:

way to threaten a teenager with violence there, Mags, damn. it’s not like your frame type and armour class is multiple times more powerful than a LITERAL SPACE ROBOT TEENAGER

of course, Magnus is upset and reasonably so, but it’s still rough to see Magnus taking out his grief/anger on Hot Rod like this-- it’s not a reasonable way to deal with the situation.

which is obvious, and yes drama needs to happen lmao, but I mean I’m trained in safeguarding so like I read this and immediately think “intervention point” lol

anyway, Optimus does sort of tell them to knock it off, although I feel like maybe that should have been a little more directed at Magnus than Hot Rod??? like okay it’s not great timing for Hot Rod to start making suggestions and that’s fair

but I mean Magnus is a fully grown adult, and as an adult and MILITARY OFFICER it might be worth asking him to not threaten teenagers, especially ones who are quite possibly under his command (assuming Hot Rod counts as a junior officer/soldier/etc.)? maybe talk to both of them a little bit separately after this, Optimus? IDK

I feel like it’s clear that Hot Rod was at least trying to be helpful here and use his grief constructively, which I’m not sure warrants getting told off for, but maybe I’m just sensitive to this because safeguarding is something I do as part of my actual job and I have also very much seen interactions like this IRL go seriously poorly very quickly so it gets me in a very specific part of my brain lol

I think it’s the fact that Magnus is clearly using his comparative stature to physically intimidate Hot Rod here, which is making me enter safeguarding mode so hard right away; like, look at how he’s leaned down and closing in on Hot Rod’s personal space in that second panel-- I don’t like that shit, Magnus!!!

so full disclosure, I inherently Do Not Like seeing adults go off on younger characters like this, especially in a grieving sequence after said younger character just watched the leader of their team take out the leader of the other team at point blank range while being wrestled into the dirt by their not-dad while under some pretty serious stress. he’s a fucking teenager, this is traumatising shit, and he’s trying to be helpful. there are better ways to address him in this moment than threatening to beat his ass!!!

like IDK why this is specifically making me enter safeguarding mode so hard but it super is, lmao Hot Rod’s a fucking teenager, Mags behaves like this then everyone always roasts Hot Rod for doing out of control shit in general, as if they themselves were ever under control so who’s the role model here!!! BUT ANYWAY

Optimus, famously, is not so great with soft skills when it comes down to it lmao so the scene sort of ends there

no wait actually Kup smacks Hot Rod across the back of the helm for blaspheming about the Matrix

like listen it was the late 80s/early 90s and we all got smacked by our parents so this is relatable to the intended reader demographic of “people who were kids in the 80s and had issues with Hot Rod and the death of Optimus in general” so okay, Kup is Robot Father, typically this is excellent and good

but I mean lmao give Hot Rod like TEN SECONDS to recover from literally any of this, lmao.

(also I mean I grew up with an Army dad and it’s hard for me to believe Kup would give a fuck about blaspheming about the Matrix because my dad always encouraged me to actively create new bad words LMAO but idk)

and what an asshole line from Mags there, just like “fuck them kids we gotta go” like my guy! Magnus! leave Hot Rod the fuck alone! IDK it seems like a wholly unnecessarily aggressive response to me, and it’s rude to Kup, too.

I have always felt like the Autobots desperately needed more soft skills / coping skills training as part of whatever boot camp / recruitment process they go through and this is absolutely proving me right once again lmao

We’re Only On Page 9: Hot Rod’s Assignment

so Hot Rod and Magnus start to walk away, but Optimus-- god dammit-- informs Hot Rod he’ll be on Magnus’ team

AS IF HE WASN’T PRESENT FOR THIS WHOLE INTERACTION FIVE SECONDS AGO-- I already ranted about safeguarding I have to get through this post lmao but just let me say that this is not adequate!!!! don’t assign a lower ranked TEENAGER / YOUNG ADULT to a mission under the command of a superior officer who just threatened to get violent with them for trying to be helpful, it’s not constructive and actually is fucking concerning!!!

I know it’s space robots lmao but my brain is just like this!!!

Magnus continues to be super down on Hot Rod, but Optimus at least is like “you know, I was a dipshit teenager not so long ago, myself” lmao SIGH PLEASE MAKE A WELLBEING PLAN FOR YOUR TEAM, YOU ALL NEED IT SO BAD. I guess because Ratchet’s still dead in this comic, nobody is around to give a shit about team welfare??? this is bewildering to me but entirely on brand for Autobot bullshit????

So What Are The Decepticons Doing?

Starscream is Starscreaming it up, and approaches Unicron with a proposal to do a bunch of evil shit for Unicron as long as Unicron gives him a frame upgrade

Unicron agrees but is already sick of Starscream’s shit so we’ll see how this goes lol

You Ruined A Perfectly Good Boy: Hot Rod Vents to Daniel

entirely predictably, Magnus’ little freak out makes Hot Rod feel like shit, which he expresses to a human child because again, Autobots have no wellbeing training whatsoever and obviously Hot Rod is feeling isolated and generally unwanted by his teammates (Optimus sending him away to go with Magnus almost certainly did not get interpreted positively by Hot Rod)

so he talks it out a little with Daniel, a literal human child, which also isn’t great but I mean Hot Rod is war forged so it’s not like he has any formative experiences other than getting shit dumped on him which he shouldn’t have to deal with, and combining that with how shitty he feels after all this, I mean, yeah

Daniel deals with it like a champ, love this little dude <3

also Hot Rod mentions having Matrix-proximity induced hallucinatory visions, which seems like it might be fucking significant!

but Magnus, once again, is wildly out of hand in this issue and insinuates this is treasonous, rather than, you know, something probably fucking significant!!!!

(I promise I usually like Ultra Magnus but he’s such an asshole in this issue, oh my god)

like come on Mags, are you for real lmao

anyway the ship gets hit with something, oh fuck, we’re under attack

turns out it’s Megascream, which is basically just Starscream but with Megatron’s arm mounted cannon as applied via Unicron lol

Hot Rod immediately makes some suggestions about how to evade Megascream’s attacks, but Magnus is once again a fucking asshole and straight up calls him an idiot twice in one page, like this is getting to the point where it’s bordering on straight up out of character shit lmao, I feel like Magnus would be a little more reasonable about this given the situation! damn

but then Magnus gets fucked up and Hot Rod, after Perceptor points out the statistical probability of success (not great, not terrible), implements his plan anyway

brief kinda sad interlude where Optimus and Kup are watching Magnus’ shuttle (which Hot Rod etc. are currently onboard of) starting to falter under enemy fire

they jump, and evade death (for now), while Optimus’ squad ends up on Junkion for repairs and run into the Sharkticons / Quintessons

meanwhile, the crew on board Magnus’ shuttle are fucked, and Springer dumps hard on Hot Rod even though you know I mean it’s not really Hot Rod’s fault that Megascream opened fire and nobody else had a plan but OK:

jesus, Springer.

anyway, Magnus states all the other escape pods are fucked, so he instructs Hot Rod to bail out with Daniel in the last remaining option to survive

the shuttle crashes, and everyone dies except for Hot Rod and Daniel

they have a short conversation before being picked up by Optimus’ crew, which is really sweet but also emotionally devastating because I mean holy shit Hot Rod is DEPRESSED and also Daniel is a good kid, aww

but then I mean Hot Rod is fucking depressed so we get a wham line of depression before we get everyone together back on board Optimus’ ship

Optimus I’m serious please you need to go to some trauma aware emotional sensitivity training or something, anything. nothing you are saying is going to be helpful to Hot Rod here, holy shit I’m trying very hard not to need to use certain content warning tags on this post but there is some dangerously negative ideation going on in the panel above

pretty sure Hot Rod is just internalising Optimus’ advice as “I’ll never be good because I can’t help but feel shitty and bad and Optimus Prime can deal with it because of course he can but I can’t” and that’s not fucking helpful for him right now, or kind of ever!!! the Autobots as a whole have just the worst track record with team wellbeing LMAO god dammit

like yes what Optimus is saying here is understandable if someone is in a mindset in which this will be interpreted as intended, but Hot Rod is Not Okay in the moment and I get it, Optimus is busy here, shit is happening, but come on

idk it’s so wild to me that Optimus Prime is a great mission oriented leader but nooooot very good at being a team oriented leader... when he’s depicted like this, at least, he just totally fails to comprehend that perhaps his team mates are not quite on the emotional endurability scale of a Prime like he is (as we know it has been heavily implied that the Matrix has the potential to impact a wielder’s expressive capacity etc. although that is not universal), and this is a very solid speech that might have been better received if had it been delivered to the right audience / at a more appropriate time

but speaking to the equivalent of a teenager / young adult who is obviously seriously traumatised and developing some serious guilt and self-loathing after he just lost his teammates and closest peers in battle after being verbally lambasted literally all day is not the time to say shit that will inevitably be interpreted as “lol just don’t feel that way” LIKE, THAT’S NOT HELPFUL OPTIMUS

Final Act: Megascream vs. Optimus, Goes About As Well As Expected

so alright, finally Optimus is just like “I accept death, I must battle Megascream” and everyone is just like yeah alright there’s not really a better plan lol

so Megascream kicks his ass, and Hot Rod shows up to beam Optimus over to Moonbase-Two for medical attention, stating the Matrix is calling to him

Megascream kicks his ass now that Optimus’s ass is no longer around to kick

but he does indeed manage to open the Matrix...

..which releases a surge of power which destroys Megascream, Unicron, and Hot Rod himself.

I’m not shitting you.

The ending of this story is that Hot Rod, in a depressive state, claimed the Matrix in such a way that essentially made it a “nuclear option” and surged enough power through it to compromise Unicron’s frame, thus taking out Hot Rod along with Megascream.

THE OBVIOUS IMPLICATION OF WHAT HOT ROD DID HERE, GIVEN HIS MENTAL STATE WHILE DOING IT, IS NOT GREAT.

holy shit.

The Ending: What the Fuck is Wrong With the Autobots????

so, you remember how Magnus was so affected by the loss of their teammates on board the Arc that he flipped out on Hot Rod way harder than was ever necessary or appropriate?

yeah, Optimus announces Hot Rod’s death / the end of the war to a crowd of smiling and cheering Autobots / Dinobots

somehow this doesn’t feel quiiiiiiite right to me, I mean, take a look:

LISTEN, OKAY.

I understand that the war ending is naturally going to be celebratory

and everyone is only just starting a long journey towards processing incalculable loss and trauma

but it fucks with me that this is framed as a public celebration and that you can actually see Kup smiling after his not-son just fucking died???? in a self-sacrificial battle against esoteric cosmic evil????? with the Matrix?????

what the fuck??? this whole story has been wildly hating on Hot Rod beyond what is probably considered reasonable and it’s so bizarrely intense how blatant it is, like IDK I feel like at least Kup would give a shit, and maybe that should be shown a little bit?

I understand there’s only a certain number of pages/panels to work with in a single issue one-shot but I mean for real though, it’s not just me right? lmao jesus

this story is so uncomfortable to read especially in the final couple of pages because the whole story comes across as so pointedly mean and the ending is just, like, a little too upbeat? a little too short? there’s definitely pacing weirdness here which I think is just attributable to a lot going on in a single issue comic story

but really, so much time and space was dedicated to everyone shitting on Hot Rod, then a few action scenes, a couple pages with Megascream to set all of that up, and then the ending all happens within two pages as well

so IDK maybe it’s just the fact that this all had to be crammed into a single issue which is the root cause of most of this seeming just ridiculously down on Hot Rod because if this were spaced out / contextualised a bit more, maybe expanded into a 4 issue mini-series or something, there would have been more of an opportunity to maybe flesh things out a bit and space things out a little more, which I think may have made it come across as slightly less “fuck Hot Rod” even if the same key scenes were still included

but I mean, it is what it is

and ultimately, the implication is that Hot Rod took himself out possibly intentionally while in a depressed state of mind, claiming the Matrix and saving Optimus in the process of doing so, and the reaction of literally everyone to this is to have a street party celebration

that doesn’t feel super good!

like, there are ways to hold public celebrations after serious incidents that are a little more tonally appropriate in consideration of the fact that literally millions of people have died in this conflict etc. and yes OK so they might be doing this on the fly immediately after Unicron was destroyed, event planning isn’t necessarily a priority lmao

but still. especially after the mourning scene earlier in the same story, I get that the end of the war is absolutely something to celebrate but the vibe of this is so incredibly off to me

like, the war came to an end because a young adult sacrificed themselves after being treated extremely poorly by at least half of the leading / commanding officers of his faction

and nobody feels like shit about that? a single panel or two couldn’t have been spared here for maybe, idk, a brief couple of lines with Kup, who effectively just lost his not-son as the final casualty of a centuries long war-- which is just so fucking painful and bitter, jesus

but nope, he’s there in the street crowd, smiling! this is somewhat baffling to me! IDK like I really don’t know!!!

this is a weird one, tonally. and in general, but the tone of this is WILD

the fucking implications with Hot Rod and how that all goes down is potentially genuinely upsetting!

BONUS: The Last Panel, Holy Shit

what???

maybe you SHOULD question the ways of the Matrix you asshole LMAO, look at your life and the past several centuries of war!

does this not inspire any level of spiritual reflection or any other reflection at all??? you’re the fucking Prime???? IDK I mean I know I keep saying that but I mean, this is such a weirdly confident and definitive statement for Optimus to make at this point

for so many reasons, too. oh my god

also, can we check out the fucking narration bubbles there?

“the ultimate reward of eternal peace is bestowed upon those willing to stand against the forces of darkness”

UHHHHHH

NO WAY is this suggesting Hot Rod’s self-termination via Matrix power surge was totally fine and actually cosmically predetermined in this alternate universe specifically and therefore this warrants no further examination and it’s totally fine that a depressed teenager was obliterated at least in part due to self-loathing and an acceptance of death because evil was destroyed too so that’s all good ???

WHAT

here are some fucking questions!

do we know if there may have been other options? was the power surge inevitable / predetermined (YIKES) or were there other possible actions which could have been taken (if Optimus had his shit together / if Hot Rod’s emotional state had been more stable would that maybe have registered differently with the Matrix or something etc.)

would Optimus have any insight, as a Matrix wielder, to at least partially determine what happened here (even though he didn’t witness it, he was present in the first half of the fight and might be able to give some kind of suggestions or brainstorm some possibilities)?

was Hot Rod’s death strictly necessary? (it wasn’t in other universes!!! but in other universes he also wasn’t thoroughly miserable going into battle hating himself like this, once again, awful implications)

are the Autobots not willing to review any of this shit because they all totally failed to address Hot Rod’s concerns or distress in any way and they know it and feel shitty about it and don’t want to ruin the good vibes of the end of the war?

is the end of the war such a deliriously positive occasion that they’re just shelving any kind of further investigation into wartime fuckery until they feel more stable as a post-war people, which would be the only remotely sort of okay reason for not at least asking at some point “hey what the fuck happened here”? ??? ? ? ? ?

obviously, Hot Rod had been treated like shit this whole time, and we know the Matrix reacts to the wielder of the Matrix in somewhat esoteric ways... is it possible the Matrix released the energy surge because Hot Rod did not intend to survive, or no longer had a desire to do so (given his depressive statements earlier / throughout the story), and the Matrix responded in kind to achieve the shared goal of “destroying Unicron” in whatever it sensed the most effective and appropriate way would be-- how discerning is the Matrix?

I have NO IDEA. the ending of this is so rushed, or at least, it feels like it to me? fair enough it’s a single issue story but yikes, this is a hell of a note to end it on????

In Summary: Now I Remember Why I Haven’t Re-Read This One Until Now, It’s Pretty Dark Actually and Not in a Fun Way

I don’t know what the deal with this story is; There’s so much to pick apart here.

Obviously, I don’t want to make anyone feel totally awful, so I didn’t get too much into the whole Hot Rod / Matrix / Destroying Unicron stuff in this comic because honestly that would require many content warnings and it’s Friday lmao, I don’t want to depress people just before the weekend

eventually I might get into it in a future post (probably as part of the Hot Rod and the Matrix post I’ve been thinking about for a while which would also include other stuff to balance out all the depressing stuff)

But I’d love to hear about other people’s takes on this one, because it’s just...

This story is one of the rare ones which is just sort of uncomfortable, mostly because it is so over the top in berating Hot Rod

and it’s genuinely not great that they set up this horribly depressed mindset for him to have going into battle; we know the Matrix does (to some degree at least) interact with its wielder in certain ways which make the implication there very, VERY dark in this scenario and SIGH

anyway, I hope this wasn’t too overbearing, I really tried to avoid making it any more depressing than the actual story itself is! lol

gonna add some content warning tags just in case because... yikes

also, in case it needs to be said for anyone out there, because this was a heavy story:

if you are a young person (I’m middle aged so most of you probably count as this to me lmao) and any adults in your life have made you feel shitty like this, I want you to fully internalise and understand that it is not your fault-- it is a sign that the adults who made you feel shitty were not handling whatever the situation was appropriately, and this is on them and not on you.

there are ways to address problems or concerns with younger people that do not result in making someone/everyone feel fucking terrible, and more well-adjusted adults in the vast majority of situations can understand this and act accordingly.

if the adults in your life cannot act right, or if they don’t know how to address your concerns or the situation at hand whatever it may be, this is not your fault and doesn’t indicate anything about you personally or the situation in and of itself.

it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you, it doesn’t mean you are inherently “bad”, it doesn’t mean your problems are insurmountable or impossible to resolve, and if one adult or authority figure fails you, it is always worth remembering that you are not a failure or a fuck-up and you deserve real support-- and you can find that support from another more helpful or appropriate source, even from other peers if/when appropriate or possible, even when it can be extremely difficult to attempt to reach out after having received an unhelpful or even harmful response after initially trying to do so.

everyone makes mistakes, everyone misses the mark sometimes, situations get shitty sometimes, bad things happen, and it can be easy to internalise negative experiences or interactions or situations in ways that are hard to sort through and deal with-- and it can feel really awful and bad and overwhelming, but it is not your fault. <3

you are always, always, ALWAYS worth at the very least ten times more than what you think or feel you are worth at any given moment. even if authority figures or any adults in your life or respected community members or whoever else might not see it, you always have inherent worth, because you are a person, because you are you-- and you are valuable, even when things might get a little fucked up.

tl;dr Hot Rod deserved better and a lot of us do, too; I realise this story might resonate with some people out there and I know that might not feel too good (let’s just say my own teenage years were not really a positive experience in most ways), so I just want to say I love y’all and nobody deserves to get berated like that, especially not by people you’re supposed to be able to trust or rely upon <3

---

Huge thanks to anyone who read through all this! <3 I hope it wasn’t too upsetting, and I will pick a less depressing story to review next time!!!! <3

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lockwie · 2 years

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I don't know who needs to hear this but a lot Shakespeare plays are basically just fanfiction

and that's not a bad thing btw

#transformative fiction is just a subcategory of fiction #it's not inherently better or worse than anything else #also nothing is ever original #tropes are not a bad thing either

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slayingfiction · 3 months

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Unlocking the Power of Dialogue Tags in Fictional Writing

In the realm of fictional writing, dialogue is not just about what characters say; it's also about how they say it. This is where dialogue tags come into play. Often overlooked, these small phrases can dramatically transform your storytelling, offering readers insights into your characters' emotions, intentions, and personalities. Let's delve into the art of using dialogue tags effectively in fictional writing.

What are Dialogue Tags?

Dialogue tags are brief phrases that accompany dialogue, identifying the speaker and often describing how something is said. Classic examples include 'said', 'asked', and 'replied'. However, the world of dialogue tags is vast and varied, allowing writers to add depth and color to their conversations.

The Importance of Variety

While 'said' is a workhorse in dialogue tags, being unobtrusive and easily overlooked, overusing it can render your writing monotonous. Introducing variety is key. Consider using tags like 'whispered', 'shouted', 'murmured', or 'exclaimed' to convey emotions and volume. But beware, overuse of overly descriptive tags can distract the reader. The trick is to strike a balance.

Conveying Action and Emotion

Dialogue tags can do much more than identify who is speaking. They can also convey action and emotion. For instance, 'she said, slamming the door' instantly tells the reader about the character's emotional state. Using action-oriented dialogue tags can also help in reducing the adverb usage, which often clutters writing.

The Subtlety of Beats

Sometimes, it's effective to replace dialogue tags with action beats. Action beats are small actions or descriptions that interrupt dialogue. For example:

"Are you okay?" John leaned forward, concern etching his face.

Here, 'John leaned forward' acts as a beat, breaking up the dialogue and adding a layer of description.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

One common pitfall in using dialogue tags is redundancy. Saying 'she yelled loudly' can be tautological since yelling is inherently loud. Additionally, avoid overly creative dialogue tags that can confuse the reader. Stick to simplicity where it adds value.

Using Dialogue Tags for Pacing

Dialogue tags can also control the pacing of your narrative. A quick back-and-forth conversation with minimal tags can speed up the pace, making the scene feel urgent or intense. Conversely, adding descriptive tags and beats can slow down the dialogue, allowing for deeper emotional impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dialogue tags are a powerful tool in a writer's arsenal. They provide clarity, convey emotions, and enhance the rhythm of your narrative. By mastering their use, you can elevate your fictional writing, creating stories that resonate deeply with your readers. Remember, in the dance of dialogue, tags are your rhythm - use them to make your story sing.

Don’t forget our Grand Opening Giveaway starts February 1st/24 on Tumblr, Instagram and slayingfiction.com! You don’t want to miss it!

Happy Writing!

#novel writing #tumblr writers #writing advice #writing #writeblr #creative writing #fiction #writer #writing community #dialogue #writing dialogue #dialogue tag

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leliosinking · 1 month

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“Marius and David not welcome” is sort of funny to me in the grand scheme of this series, like I get the basis of this argument is “well they’re both creeps” but to that point I’d recommend a reevaluation of the entire series, particularly its cast of characters.

They are all guilty of some manner of abuse. They all commit horrific atrocities. And they moralize over these atrocities. Like. That is the principle upon which the entire series is built. Can these literal monsters ever be redeemed?

When you read Interview with the Vampire did you feel some extreme discomfort with the father/lover dynamic between Louis and Claudia? (which was excised from the show I might add) That locked-door uneasiness is the essence of southern/gothic fiction. Read V.C. Andrews. Read Shirley Jackson. Read William Faulkner. The taboos, the ick if you will, is the foundation of gothic horror. You are meant to feel this. It is an essential function of the genre.

Like- every one of Anne’s books that followed IwtV had to essentially compete with the gothic genius that is the invention of Claudia and the sickness that is her story. It’s not all effective, but it’s there in almost every work. TVL has Lestat and Gabrielle’s incestuous relationship, QotD has Armand’s abuse (yes, abuse) of Daniel. For god’s sake, TTotBT features Lestat committing a rape, and I know that you all know this. Yet no matter how you try to headcanon that scene away, it will always be significant because its very function is to service the larger themes of bodily autonomy and consent within that specific novel.

Killing in fiction is benign. We are desensitized to it. And we know this. Killing means nothing, so the narrative must work harder to find a violence that can demonstrate evil to a desensitized audience. There is a reason that these books are shelved in fiction as opposed to genre. By design, their difficulty is inherently literary. You’re uncomfortable? Good. Then Anne achieved her goal.

But if you’re looking to proselytize and transform the work into something with a black and white morality system then you have come to the wrong series. You are gatekeeping yourself from a nuanced understanding of the material. David and Marius are as bad as everyone else. The main trio are not exempt from this reading. That was the point. They are all bad. They are all complex. It is meant to be difficult to parse. Engage with it or don’t, but you are deluding yourself if you think that these two main characters are somehow going to vanish from the tv show.

(And again, AMC is going to strip away the most challenging character traits anyway)

#interview with the vampire #iwtv #anne rice #lestat #amc iwtv #vampire chronicles #amc interview with the vampire #the vampire chronicles #tvc #armand #louis de pointe du lac #marius de romanus #david talbot

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penny-anna · 1 year

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you do not have to like fanfiction. if you think fanfiction is cringy & annoying you can just Say That. but any attempt to argue that fanfiction is inherently inferior to other types of writing falls apart under scrutiny.

'most fanfiction is badly written' sturgeon's law is an adage that states '90% of everything is crap'. this was first coined in defence of science fiction, a genre often maligned as inherently inferior to 'real literature' (sound familiar??)

'oh but most fanfiction is worse than published fiction' yes; this is because pro published books go through a heavy selection and editorial process before the public see them. when it comes to quality of writing you are not comparing like to like. the appropriate 1:1 comparison would be fanfiction & amateur original fiction.

i have hung out in multiple online writing spaces & in 'anyone welcome' RL writing groups and can say with reasonable confidence that most original fiction getting produced is just plain mediocre. there's so so much bad original fiction being produced every day. u just never see it.

'you have to wade through so much garbage to find anything worth reading' you ever hear like. a fiction magazine editor describe what their slush pile experience is like??

'ok but fanfiction is bad because it lacks originality, it's better to come up with your own story & ideas' nobody actually thinks this!! people trot this out about fanfiction but like pro published literature is full of retellings of public domain stories and no-one ever argues that they're inherently worse or less creative than works with original plots.

the dividing line between fanfiction & 'original' fiction generally isn't actually originality, it's whether or not it's transformative of a text that's currently under copyright. & i would hope it's self-evident that the copyright status of the text a work is transforming shouldn't have any bearing on its literary merit. why on earth would it??

'but most fanfiction is trope-y and formulaic' yes this is true and yes i do think there's an argument to be made that a work of fiction that's interchangeable with thousands of other works of fiction is lacking in 'literary merit'.

however this is also true of a lot of pro published literature. whole swathes of genres like eg crime & romance exist to give readers the same experience over and over again. are these books bad? maybe! does their existence mean the entire genre they belong to should be written off? obviously no.

'but fanfiction is all about shipping' yeah a lot of fanfiction belongs to the romance & erotica genres. you do not have to like this. but disparagement of romance as a genre has its roots in the fact that it's mainly written & enjoyed by women. its just sexism lads. :(

'fanfiction encourages bad habits in writers' there's some merit to this argument IMO (that's a different rant) but see above re:90% of everything is crap; the presence of bad writing in a genre doesn't mean that the whole genre should be written off.

'what so you think fanfiction is as good as *insert classic novel here*' nobody is saying this; if you see someone arguing that fanfiction is real writing and jump to 'this person thinks MCU coffee shop AUs are culturally significant works of literature', to be blunt, that is a you problem.

'fanfiction just isn't real literature' ok so fiction divides into 'real literature' and 'not real literature'. got it.

[ID: screencap of a tumblr post by user theislandofmisfittoys:

Okay… nice dichotomy, IDIOT ‼ what lies outside it???]

(OP)

#i realise i am preaching to the choir but i wrote this out so u guys have to read it

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saraswritingtipps · 6 months

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Developing Characters in Different Genres:

1. Understand the genre conventions: Familiarize yourself with the key characteristics and expectations of the genre you're working with. Each genre has its own tropes, themes, and narrative styles. Knowing these conventions will help you develop characters that fit within the genre while also providing opportunities for unique twists and originality.

2. Establish the world-building elements: In genres like fantasy, science fiction, or historical fiction, the setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters. Develop the rules, limitations, and unique features of the world in which your characters exist. Consider how these elements influence their abilities, traits, and conflicts. Ensure that the characters are grounded in the genre's world-building, but also explore the human aspects that make them relatable.

3. Align character traits with genre elements: Integrate genre-specific traits, powers, or abilities into your characters' development. For example, in fantasy, characters may possess magical abilities or belong to distinct races with specific characteristics. In science fiction, characters might have advanced technology or genetic enhancements. Ensure that these genre-specific traits are relevant to the plot and contribute to the character's growth or conflicts.

4. Balance uniqueness and relatability: While genre-specific traits are important, it's crucial to balance them with relatable human qualities. Even in fantastical or futuristic settings, readers want characters they can empathize with. Give your characters relatable emotions, desires, flaws, and personal struggles. This balance between genre elements and relatable human characteristics will make your characters more engaging and memorable.

5. Create multidimensional characters: Regardless of the genre, multidimensional characters are essential for reader engagement. Provide your characters with a range of strengths, weaknesses, fears, and aspirations. Avoid one-dimensional heroes or villains. Characters with complex motivations and internal conflicts are more compelling, regardless of the genre they inhabit.

6. Consider the impact of genre on character arcs: The genre can influence the character's journey and growth. In mystery or thriller genres, for example, the protagonist may undergo a transformation as they uncover secrets or solve a puzzle. In fantasy, characters may embark on quests that test their bravery and lead to self-discovery. Tailor the character's arc to the genre, ensuring that it aligns with the story's themes and pacing.

7. Use genre-specific conflicts and challenges: Explore conflicts and challenges that are inherent to the genre. In mystery, characters may face life-or-death situations or navigate intricate plots. In historical fiction, characters might grapple with social or political upheaval. These genre-specific conflicts add depth and tension to the characters' journeys while immersing readers in the story's world.

8. Give characters agency: Regardless of the genre, characters should have agency and drive the plot forward. They should actively make choices and take actions that influence the course of events. Avoid making characters passive recipients of the plot or relying solely on external forces to drive their development. Active and motivated characters make for engaging reads across all genres.

9. Pay attention to dialogue and language: Language and dialogue can be shaped by the genre. In fantasy or historical fiction, characters may speak in a more formal or archaic manner. In science fiction, characters might use technical jargon or futuristic slang. Ensure that the language used by your characters is consistent with the genre while remaining accessible and understandable to readers.

10. Embrace genre-bending and subverting expectations: Don't be afraid to challenge genre conventions and subvert expectations. Introduce unexpected elements, twists, or characterizations that defy the norms of the genre. This can add freshness and originality to your characters and story, making them stand out from the crowd.

#writing #writer on tumblr #writerscommunity #writing tips #character development #writer tumblr #writblr #writing advice #oc character #writing help #oc development #fictional characters #creative writing #writers on tumblr

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mysafehaneul · 8 months

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II.AQUAMARINE

JEON WONWOO X READER

WORDS: 7k+

GENRE: ARRANGE CONTRACT MARRIAGE AU! ENEMIES TO LOVERS!

ANGST, (obviously lol), Fluff, Smut (in future chapters not this one).

This is my original work for free comsumption because fuck capitalism but please do not steal it. All characters are orginal except The members of Seventeen, I do not own them. This is purely a work of fiction with no similarity with real life whatsoever, If any incident feel familiar, That is purely a coincedence. Please drop your feedback as it helps me feel motivated and improve. Happy Reading!

Previously On

CHAPTER 1

Here's the Picture that inspired this chapter.

CHAPTER 2: A RELUCTANT AGREEMENT

Ten years ago

Through the corridors of yesteryear, you recall the day when, in that bright classroom, red chairs and whiteboards, your professor's voice echoed through the room. The chirps of the birds could be heard from outside the window. Silent and attentive, like a gust of wind, he burst into the classroom, a whirlwind of energy and presence. Brown hair, tousled like a cascade of autumn leaves, His eyes bore the stories yet to be told; gentle and expressive, his brows arched as if to frame his emotions, a canvas upon which his feelings painted their masterpieces. And that smile, my goodness, that smile, a warm sunbeam peeking through the clouds, a constant presence on his lips, as if kindness itself chose to reside there. He tilted his lean body as he excused himself through the narrow passageway between the tables without knocking over the laptops or catching the professor's eyes.

Professor Stevens spun the pointer in his hand, expounding on the intricacies of change management. ''So as we can see from this point, change is an inherent part of life because the ability to adapt to a new circumstance is a hallmark of human resilience. From personal transformations to shifts within organisations, the psychological aspects of change and adaptation play a pivotal role in our ability to navigate unfamiliar'' His voice drew out and lost its trail when the movement at the back of the class disrupted his lecture. Catching sight of the intruder, voice laced with reprimand and amusement, he said, ''Stop right there, Mr. Mouse. Where are you attempting to sneak into?'' following his line of vision, all twenty pairs of eyes looking back at him. Through the collective attention of the classroom, Joshua could feel the burn of it as its evidence slowly rose to his cheeks. His embarrassment was palpable, an eloquent smile tucked away, and his gaze cast downward as if the most interesting object in the world were now on the floor beneath him. ''The class started twenty minutes ago, young man,'' the professor's voice resonated. With a sheepish grin and the shoulder strap of his backpack clutched tightly over his shoulder, Joshua lifted his head, his fingers finding refuge at the back of his head. ''Sorry, Dr. S,'' a hint of apologetic charm twinkling in his eyes. A swift retort danced in the professor's gaze. ''Party went too long,'' he quipped, and a ripple of chuckles traversed the classroom. ''Come here and sit in your assigned seat'' and went back to the lecture. Reclaiming the reins of the lecture, he went back to highlighting the nuances of adaptation, echoing through the walls. But his words faded into the background as you stood in the midst of that moment, your heart beating in a newfound rhythm. Your gaze was an unwitting lighthouse, locked onto him, and the cadence of his movement to his seat enveloped your senses. Your reverie was broken by a nudge from your best friend. Pulling you back from your daydreams. Her voice, laced with playful jes, reached your ears. ''I get that he's cute, but stop doorling.''

A smile adorned your lips. Rolling your eyes, you forced your eyes back to your professor. Unbeknownst to you, a pair of the same brown eyes got fixated on the person right next to you.

...

Present day

Laughter flowed like a melody, woven into the golden threads of the lamps and chandeliers above the table. Amidst the opulent splendour of the dining hall, the clinking glasses and the delicate harmony of forks and knives became the soundtrack of the evening. Your parents are mainly leading the conversations, engaging in animated conversations about Mr. Hoshimoto, the CEO of Tiger Baby Media, and his inexplicable obsession with tigers. ''I tell you,'' your father declared, his voice filled with mirth and the boost of wine. '' One of these days, he'll start adding 'rawr' at the end of every sentence.'' The collective laughter that followed enveloped the room with shared amusement.

And there, across the expanse of the table, was him. His eyes, as sharp and inquisitive as a fox, a shade of black as deep and enigmatic as the night sky, held stories untold, a universe of thoughts and emotions concealed within their depths. His gaze was both intense and preceptive, as if he possessed an innate ability to see beyond the surface and to delve into the hidden corners of the soul. met yours in a challenge, a dance of determination that played out in unspoken verse. With a lazy smile gracing his lips, he laid down his fork, reaching for his glass in sync with your movement, like a subtle mirroring of your actions. A silent duel of wills, a tug of intentions, unfurled between you both. His words echoing in your head: the information you believed was unbeknownst to the whole world, he is aware of it. You steeled your resolve; no matter what, you would not let him breach your composure. You will not let him have the benefit of doubt that he got under your skin. You gave a subtle cheer to the glass and brought it to your lips.

But the universe had other plans. For your mother's voice, a beacon of redirection cut through the atmosphere, dissolving your silent standoff. A victorious grin danced on her lips, a know-it-all grin that spoke volumes of maternal triumph. ''Mrs.Jeon is asking you something,'' she announced, her words pulling you from the magnetic pull of his gaze. You redirected your attention, a reluctant withdrawal from the battlefield of gazes, only to meet the warm and understanding smile of Mrs. Jeon, who encouraged familiarity with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Call me Sunmi," she insisted, her tone one of amity. "So, Y/n, I've heard you completed your education and now handle your father's business in Switzerland. Any particular reason?" Her inquiry hung in the air, a canvas upon which you painted your aspirations and your reasons for charting your own path beyond the shadows of legacy. "I like the weather over there," you offered, your chuckles echoing like a chorus that surrounded you. "On a serious note," you continued, eyes glinting, determination set like steel. "I wanted to expand my horizons beyond the family's shadow, learn about the world, experience life, and make friends." And then, the audacity in his gaze pierced through, his mocking remark barely veiled, ''who feel like family'' a reminder that he was present in every corner of your world, even here. Your gaze, unwavering and defiant, shifted from Mrs. Jeon to him, a smile that whispered "Fuck off" without uttering a word. And then came the probing question that shifted the air—a playful inquiry about your romantic inclinations.

So, Y/N, do you have any boyfriends or girlfriends? '' "Suni—"

"Honey, it's the 20th century. A girl can have options." Sunmi's voice, cheekily defiant, carried an air of rebellion, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she leaned on her palm and elbows on the table. a posture that didn't sit well with your mother's etiquette-driven sensibilities.

"We're all friends here, aren't we?" she mused, her gaze challenging the boundaries of decorum. With a calculated tilt of your head and your voice a blend of wit and audacity, you responded, "Not sure. I'll have to check my dungeon in Switzerland to see if he's still there." The room held its breath, a suspended moment, a tightrope between jest and earnestness. Then, like a storm breaking, the room erupted in laughter—a deep, soulful laugh that enveloped you, drawing you into its embrace. Among the harmonies of shared amusement, his laughter stood out—a sonorous echo that mirrored the rhythm of your own mirth. He has a nice laugh, you thought to yourself. And amid the laughter, Sunmi's declaration washed over you like a gentle tide. "I like you," she confessed, her words an embrace of shared connection. "I knew I was going to like you." As the conversation flowed seamlessly back to its course, you found yourself excusing your way from the table—a retreat to solitude in the powder room. Yet even as you left, your curious eyes met his, his amused smile leaving a lingering trace on your thoughts.

In the realm where awareness transcends mere information, a deeper truth takes root. Information, like fleeting gusts of wind, is consumed and forgotten, but awareness—ah, awareness—unfurls like petals, revealing what lies beneath the façade presented to the world. It's the art of observation that grants one the privilege of peering beyond the surface, uncovering the hidden layers waiting to be unveiled. Such was the state that Wonwoo found himself in on a Thursday morning, stirred by a curiosity that had lain dormant for far too long. As your graceful figure retreated from the opulent dining hall, a realisation swept over him like a gentle breeze. He became acutely aware that the waters of your persona ran deeper than what shimmered on the surface, and an inexplicable urge surged within him to plunge into those depths. A subtle clearing of the throat snapped his thoughts back to the present, a reminder that it was impolite to let one's gaze linger too long. Such introspective musings were often doubled in embarrassment when witnessed by the lady's father. Caught in an unspoken exchange with your father, their eyes locked briefly, and an unspoken recognition passed between them. Your father then addressed Wonwoo, ''Young man,'' he began. ''I have to tell you, you make your father very proud. He was telling me how you have a keen eye for property.'' ''He flatters me, sir'' "Good work deserves appreciation," your father said, his words carrying the weight of wisdom. "It fuels productivity and fosters competition among peers. Learn to seek what you want, my boy, and when you find it, treasure it." With a tender gesture, he kissed your mother's hand, a symbol of the appreciation he spoke of. The secret smiles exchanged between them held volumes of shared understanding. Wonwoo's father chimed in, ''I agree'' his smile echoing his agreement. Amidst these exchanges, a restlessness began to claw at Wonwoo's insides. He excused himself from the table, his fingers twitching with a subtle anxiety. He needed solace, a moment of respite, and smoke. And so he rose from his seat, excusing himself from the company and the conversation that had entrapped him.

"Would you like someone to show you the way?" Your mother's voice offered assistance, kindness colouring her words.

Politely declining the offer, Wonwoo left the room, his destination veering not towards the washroom but towards the haven of the balcony. The open air beckoned to him, a refuge to sort through the whirlwind of thoughts that spun within him.

...

The tendrils of moonlight that wrapped around you, a heavy ambience of anguish clung to your soul, reminiscent of a night shrouded in sorrow. Your feet, as if drawn by the moon's silver strings, carried you into the night, and with every breath of cool night air, you felt a weight on your chest that hadn't pressed down so heavily since the night you lost a piece of your world. As the moonlight bathed you in its ethereal glow, you found solace in its tranquil embrace, a moment of respite from the tempestuous memories that surged within you.

Two years ago

The echo of heavy footsteps reverberated through the halls of your home, carrying with them a grim aura that painted the scene as it unfolded before you. In the doorway stood police officers, their expressions etched with sombre gravity. A voice, tinged with urgency, pierced the silence as one of them addressed you.

"Do you know Noella Bulavia Hong and Joshua Hong?" The words hung like a haunting melody in the air.

"Yes," you replied, urgency tightening your voice. "She's a very close friend of mine—Noella'' Oh my Ella.

It was the dreaded moment when reality turned into a nightmare. "I am sorry to inform you, Ms. L/N," the officer's voice held the weight of crushing news, "but today at 1:30 am, there was an accident at the Bahnhofstrasse. Two cars collided, and a gas leak ignited a fire that resulted in an explosion. The occupants of both cars lost their lives."

No--- Your world spun in disbelief, and your mind was a maelstrom of chaos. Numbness spread like a winter frost, as if you were detached from the very ground beneath you. Tears flowed involuntarily, and your senses dulled as if robbed of their essence. A heart-wrenching void opened within you, an emptiness so profound that it felt like you were falling endlessly into an abyss. The weight of the night pressed upon you, suffocating your spirit.

'Noella, the girl with the most resplendent eyes,' your thoughts whispered, each memory a fragile touch that warmed your heart. Every laugh, every shared moment, is all fading into the bitter reality of the present. You have heard that when a soulmate departs, a part of oneself fades away with them. Today, you understood that agony.

Why her? Why her? What did she do to deserve this? Your thoughts spiralled into an anguished chorus. "When she finally found the love she always yearned for and the family she deserved,"

Sobs clawed at your throat, but you continued, driven by a desperate need for answers. "Officer, they had a son, Noel Hong. He's five years old; was he... He has blue eyes and

Words faltered, and incomprehensible emotions swirled within you. Officer Batch, a familiar face, placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, guiding you inside. The tea cup in your trembling hand was a lifeline, a futile attempt to find solace amidst the storm. But your thoughts slipped back to that dreaded call from Jeonghan, informing you of the accident.

"Fortunately, their son was not with them," he had said. "He was with his babysitter. Right now he is with Ms. Ashley, a child services officer. He's in the car sleeping."

Oh, Noel. Your mind groaned in anguish as you rested your head in your hands, trying to process the pain that gripped you. There was a honk outside, followed by a loud slam of the car door. A few beats later, Jeonghan rushed into the room, gathering you into a tight embrace. Sobs wracked both of you, two souls mourning the loss of the most important people in your lives.

"They're gone, JJ," you choked out, tears a torrent between you. "They're gone."

Victor, Jeonghan's partner, conversed with the officers before heading out to retrieve Noel from the car. "Where's Noel?" Jeonghan's voice trembled, brokenness painted across his face.

"Tante," a small voice roused you both. Noel's sleepy inquiry cut through the air like a blade, his innocence contrasting with the devastating truth. "Why are you crying? Where are Mama and Appa?"

Your heart shattered at the innocence that clung to his voice. You walked over to him, scooping him into your arms. Holding him tightly, you mustered a smile through your tears. "They went somewhere, little one. It's late; why don't Tante and Noel have a sleepover?"

"Without mama?" his voice trembled, mirroring your own.

"Yes," you whispered, your voice catching. "Today, it's just you and me."

You led him to your room, laying him down beneath the covers. He clung to your finger, his tiny hand a lifeline amidst the abyss of grief. In his slumber, he echoed the pain that reverberated within you. ''Tante, when will Mama and Appa come back'' for the first time in a while? You prayed for the first time in a while to know the answer to that question. ...

Descending back downstairs, the scene had changed. Officer Batch remained, as did Jeonghan and Victor. Ashley, the child services officer, stood, straightening her attire. Her condolences were heartfelt, and her sympathy was genuine. As she prepared to leave, her words lingered like a balm on your wounds.

"Firstly, I am extremely sorry for your loss."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the room. You looked around; the officer who had delivered the news had excused himself. It was now just the three of you, the grief englufing the room and the reality setting in.

Ashley's words took a practical turn, discussing procedures, cooperation, and the logistics of what lay ahead. But your thoughts drifted, images of Joshua and Noella surfacing like ghosts. You realised the danger Noel might be in—the very real threat that could have stolen him too.

"Jeonghan," you interjected, your voice calm yet resolved. "Noel's existence should remain hidden from the Bulavia family."

The room went quiet, the implication lingering in the air. ''The Bulavias are his only blood relatives,'' he cried, but you understood the darkness that lurked within their legacy. Victor's words echoed in your mind, urging you to see beyond the façade of their societal stature.

"They are murderers. Are you truly that naive to think their deaths were mere accidents?" The words tumbled from your lips, filled with an understanding forged from the past. "Come to your senses. We know what they are at the core; they may be arms manufactured for the world, but we all know—-'' you drew a deep breath, lowering your voice, '' they never cared for Noel. I am certain you can recall what happened when they learned of her pregnancy'' Jeonghan was now pacing as you sat down on the same chair as the officer Batch was once seated, recalling that horrendous sight when Joshua was beaten to pulp and Noella's brother slapped her to the ground—the horror she lived through till she came to the university. You were certain that if they got their hands on Noel, then one could only imagine the horrendous things they would do to that child. unshaken eyes and a composed voice, ''till the time I am alive, I won't let anyone touch Joshua and Noella's child''."

Jeonghan and Victor exchanged glances, their unspoken agreement cementing an unbreakable pact. A silent oath was shared among the three of you—Noel's protection was is and will be your first priority. Because every child deserves a childhood and no one will deprive him of it.

Present.

Your musings were interrupted by the persistent vibration of your phone against your dress. The moonlight cast a sombre glow, your thoughts mired in the past, and your heart still carried the weight of those memories. You glanced at the caller ID, Rema's name catching your eye.

Your phone stirred in your hand; its vibrations were a stark interruption to the calm. Your heart quickened, for her calls often held weighty matters. You answered, your voice soft yet tinged with an undercurrent of anticipation.

"Rema?"

Her voice carried a mixture of empathy and concern, her words threading a tapestry of news that would unravel your tranquilly. "Y/n, I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's a new development. A notice from the Swiss court has arrived."

Your fingers tightened around the phone, an invisible tension sweeping over you. "What is it?"

A heavy pause danced on the line, a prelude to a storm of emotions yet to come. "They're suing you, Y/N. The Bulavia family is filing a lawsuit against you, claiming that you've kept their grandson away from them."

Your breath caught, a tempest of disbelief swirling within you. Their intentions bore a weight that you couldn't ignore, and the accusation against you was an unwelcome intrusion into the sanctuary of your solitude.

"They're also alleging that you're an unstable person, unfit to care for Noel." Rema's voice carried a note of frustration, mirroring your own feelings.

The words hit you like a tidal wave, a surge of anger and desperation intertwined within your chest. The moonlight seemed to dim, the world tilting on its axis as the weight of their accusations pressed upon you.

As you processed the news, your back remained turned towards the entrance of the balcony. Little did you know that within the shadows, another presence lingered—WWonwoo, a silent observer in your moment of vulnerability.

Amidst the turmoil of emotions, your voice wavered as you spoke, your words a mix of resilience and defeat. "Rema, I... This is... it's unjust."

Her response was a reassuring echo in the night. "We won't let them tarnish your image, Y/N. I've already contacted our legal team, and the evidence is in our favour. We'll fight this with everything we have."

Your grip on the phone eased, and the connection between you and Rema felt like a lifeline in the storm. As you absorbed her words, the door leading to the balcony creaked open, but your attention was so consumed that you remained unaware of the presence that had joined you.

In the shadows, Wonwoo stood, his eyes upon your figure, his heart stirred by the depth of your emotions. Your strength and vulnerability were on display—a portrait of resilience in the face of adversity.

"We'll weather this storm together, Y/N." Rema's voice was a promise, a lifeline to hold onto in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty.

With a small nod, you replied, your voice a blend of determination and gratitude. "Thank you, Rema. I... I don't know what I'd do without you."

As the call ended, you remained standing on the balcony, seeking solace amidst the twinkling stars. The tendrils of cool air wrapped around you like a gentle embrace, a balm for the restless thoughts that stirred within. Unbeknownst to you, a presence approached, a shadow converging with your own.

A soft spark illuminated the darkness as a cigarette was lit, the warm glow revealing the figure that had joined you. Wonwoo's towering form, standing at a commanding 6 feet, casts a silent yet powerful presence. The tendrils of smoke that curled from his lips seemed like ethereal wisps of thought floating into the night.

"You're quite the enigma, aren't you?" His voice was a low rumble, a testament to the depth of his emotions.

Startled by his sudden appearance, you turned to face him, your eyes meeting the soft ember of the cigarette's tip. Your brows furrowed, and a mixture of surprise and accusation laced your voice. "Were you eavesdropping?"

He quirked an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "Eavesdropping would imply a certain level of secrecy. I believe the word you're looking for is 'overheard.'"

Your lips curled into a wry smile, and you crossed your arms, meeting his gaze with a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "Semantics. What's the difference?"

He took a leisurely drag of his cigarette, his eyes never leaving yours. "The difference, my dear, is that eavesdropping implies a certain degree of intentionality, while overhearing is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time."

The banter between you was a dance of words, a subtle clash of wills that echoed in the night air. The moon above seemed to glow a little brighter, as if captivated by the exchange unfolding beneath its watchful gaze.

As the cigarette dwindled to a mere stub, his final exhale mingled with the evening breeze, a symbol of conclusion. He flicked the remains away, the glowing ember dissipating into darkness. "Well, my unintentional overhearing has come to an end. Shall we return?"

You nodded, a mix of annoyance and something else settling within you. The two of you turned to leave the balcony, making your way back to the warmth of the dining room. The moment you stepped inside, you were met with the knowing glances of your parents, their exchanged looks laden with unspoken implications.

With an inward sigh, you were about to find your seat when Wonwoo's actions surprised you. He pulled out your chair, a gesture both unexpected and oddly courteous. The corners of your lips twitched, an amused yet sceptical glint in your eyes. "I can sit down on my own, you know."

His lips curled into a faint smile, his gaze meeting yours with an air of playful challenge. "I'm aware. But isn't it polite to assist a lady?"

You rolled your eyes, unable to suppress a chuckle, despite yourself. "Chivalry isn't dead, I see."

As you settled into your seat, he took his own place across the table. The room was steeped in the echoes of your exchange, an unspoken understanding threading between you. The dance of words, the spark of banter—iit was a tapestry woven from different threads of emotion.

The clinks of silverware and hushed conversation enveloped the room once more, a symphony of togetherness and shared moments. Amidst it all, you and Wonwoo exchanged a fleeting glance, a silent acknowledgment of the dance you'd shared, a dance that had brought you both a little closer, even in the midst of your verbal jousting.

The evening had unfolded like a symphony of shared moments and whispered laughter. As the dinner drew to a close, the air held a blend of both familiarity and anticipation.

Mr. Jeon's eyes held a mixture of admiration and genuine warmth as he leaned forward, his words an echo of sincerity. "Y/N, my dear, your accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. I sometimes wish I had a daughter like you."

A smile played upon your lips, a mixture of humility and gratitude. Beside him, Mrs. Jeon's gaze was softer yet equally sincere. "Indeed, dear, though we might not have had a daughter, there's always room in our hearts for someone as exceptional as you."

The words lingered in the air, like petals of praise carried by the wind.

And now, the time had come to bid adieu. Outside, the night awaited, and as the group made their way to the grand entrance of the mansion, the atmosphere was charged with the bittersweet awareness of departure.

A soft breeze brushed against your cheeks as you stood beside your parents. One by one, your parents exchanged pleasantries and farewells with the Jeon couple. When it was your turn, a sense of both anticipation and trepidation took hold.

Wonwoo's approach was graceful, his every step resonating with a quiet confidence. He first pressed a tender kiss upon your mother's hand, a gesture steeped in old-world charm. Then he shook your father's hand with the kind of firmness that conveyed respect.

And then, it was your turn. The air seemed to hum with charged energy as his eyes locked onto yours. The anticipation was palpable, and you felt his thumb gently trace the outline of your knuckles, a touch that sent ripples of sensation down your spine.

However, unlike how he bent to kiss your mother's hand, He raised your hand to his lips, but just as the moment seemed poised to unfold into something more profound, you made a choice. With a swift shift of your hand and a mischievous smile, you transformed the kiss into a handshake. His chuckles joined yours, a moment of shared amusement that danced like fireflies in the night.

The sound of his engine roared to life, a powerful crescendo that echoed the energy of the evening. Both cars began to glide down the drive, the mansion's gates awaiting their passage.

...

The road stretched before him, each mile carrying him further away from the evening that had etched itself deeply into his thoughts. The engine's low rumble echoed through the empty streets, a symphony of solitude that seemed to resonate with the weight on his mind.

You. The name seemed to echo in the quiet chambers of his thoughts, a refrain that he couldn't escape. Those eyes, your eyes, had held a certain fire that intrigued him, an ember of challenge that stirred his curiosity. The conversation he had unwittingly overheard in the corridor replayed in his mind like an elusive melody, each word resonating with a melody of its own.

As the penthouse came into view, its sleek lines and imposing presence a beacon in the night, he parked his car with the precision of someone accustomed to control. The lift carried him to his sanctuary, the living room, an oasis of shadows and scattered moonlight. The vast window transformed the cityscape into a tapestry of twinkling stars and luminous hues, a world outside the reach of his contemplations.

A figure graced the couch, legs crossed in a display of elegance that masked the complexity beneath. Eleanor Calder, a name that carried the weight of a past he couldn't quite shed, was a habit he yearned to break. He approached, the tension between them palpable, words unspoken yet hanging in the air like a tempest.

"Good evening, Wonwoo." Her voice was honeyed, a mixture of familiarity and ambiguity that had once ensnared him.

"Evening," he replied curtly, his gaze fixed on her as he took in her features illuminated by the faint glow. Glossy hair framed an alluring countenance, pouty lips, and eyes that held secrets of their own.

"How was the dinner?" Her question cut through the silence like a dagger, a reminder of the evening that refused to relinquish its hold.

"Fine," he replied tersely, the monosyllabic response a shield against the tides of memories.

"Is she as pretty as they say?" Eleanor's question was laden with a blend of curiosity and a hint of insecurity.

He let out a soft breath, the temptation to reveal his thoughts just shy of his lips. "Beauty is subjective," he said with a flicker of a smile.

She leaned closer, a sultry grin playing on her lips as she attempted to close the distance. "What about us, Wonwoo? Aren't we a beauty worth cherishing?"

His hand gently stopped her advance, a silent refusal that hung in the air. Her frustration surfaced, her lips trailing to his neck with a bite of aggression that carried echoes of their past.

"Why don't you like me anymore?" Her voice held a tinge of desperation, a question born from the shadows of uncertainty.

"You made your choice," he replied, his voice a mix of resignation and detachment. "Now you have to live with it."

Her retort was laced with bitterness, a blend of anger and longing. "That's never stopped you before."

The sound of shattering glass punctuated her exit, the remnants of a vase littering the ground as she left his presence. A sigh escaped him, a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

Slipping off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, he loosened his tie and unbuckled his belt, the insignias of formality discarded as he sought solace in his sanctuary. With practised ease, he dialled Chan's number, a weary smile tugging at his lips as he heard the groggy voice on the other end.

"Late night, Chan?" he quipped, his voice tinged with amusement.

"You may think I don't have a life outside of you, but I do have a routine, you know," Chan responded with a hint of mock annoyance.

Without missing a beat, Wonwoo shifted gears. "Get the construction company under a pseudonymous name, the one we'll be using for the Oasis project, to contact me. There's something I want to discuss."

The connection remained for a moment, a silent agreement shared in the darkness. As the call ended, a wistful smile played on his lips, a plan unfolding in his mind.

The path of water droplets on glass mirrored his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the city lights that danced beyond the window. And as he moved towards the sanctuary of his private space, his mind held a singular focus that burned as brightly as the moonlight.

....

The morning embraced you with its crispness, each step propelling you forward along the winding path of the park. The rhythm of your breath is synchronised with the rhythmic beat of your heart. Amidst the rhythmic cadence of your run, your thoughts were momentarily interrupted by the chime of your phone. With a brief pause, you pulled the device from your pocket, and the voice of your assistant, Rachel, filled your ears like a familiar tune.

"Good morning, Rachel. Early morning?"

"Morning, boss. It's about the Vanguard Builders project. They're refusing to work under the current terms of the contract. They want adjustments made to accommodate our engineers, and there seems to be a lack of cooperation between the architects, engineers, and workers. It's turning into quite a mess."

The tinge of irony that life often offers "Weren't they the highest bidders for this project? Why the sudden defiance?"

"Beats me," Rachel replied with a hint of exasperation.

"By the way, who's heading the Oasis department now?" You inquired, a sense of curiosity weaving through your words.

"William Holmes," Rachel promptly answered. "Here's a fun fact about William Holmes: Jeon Wonwoo and he graduated in the same class."

The gears of thought spun in your mind, pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

"Rach," you mused, "who's the owner of Vanguard Builders?"

"Well, the acting head is Roland Thomas," she began.

"And the real owner?" you pressed further.

There was a pause before she answered, the realisation dawning on both of you simultaneously. There were a few clicks on the keyboard. "It's a subsidiary of JJ Group," Rachel replied.

"Jeon Wonwoo." You echoed the name with a mix of astonishment and determination.

"Rach, put the project on hold," you commanded, your tone unyielding yet composed. "And get in touch with his office. I need an appointment as soon as possible."

With a nod that only you could sense through the call, you concluded, "I'll see you at the office."

As you continued your run, the weight of the situation settled on you. What was it about that particular project, that particular place, that had him so resolute in its pursuit? With each stride, you felt the anticipation and tension growing, a prelude to the battle that lay ahead.

Upon returning home, you couldn't shake off the sense that this was going to be a long and intricate day.

....

In the seclusion of his office, Wonwoo perched on the corner of his desk, a solitary figure framed by the expansive window that offered a view into the bustling world beyond. His gaze was drawn downward, watching the city's heartbeat throb in the form of fast-paced cars and the hurried lives of its inhabitants. The city's rhythm was a stark contrast to the moment's stillness, his thoughts a tempest swirling in the calm.

As if sensing the weight of his contemplation, the door creaked open, and Chan, with a sprightly demeanour, stepped into the room. A subtle dance marked his steps, a rhythm of his own that added a touch of buoyancy to the space. With a cordial smile, Chan informed him about the call from your assistant.

"Sir, Ms. L/N's assistant called. They want to arrange a meeting," Chan shared, his words carrying an undertone of intrigue.

Wonwoo turned slightly, his gaze shifting from the window to rest on Chan. "What time did they suggest?"

"Anytime that's convenient for you, sir," Chan replied.

A calculating glint sparked in Wonwoo's eyes, and a faint smile touched his lips. "Tell them this. I don't want to meet her in my office. Arrange for a meeting at the restaurant in my hotel. Inform the staff there that I'll be dining with her. Confirm the details with her, of course."

The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, and Wonwoo found himself musing about the unbinding knots of destiny. As Chan nodded and left to carry out his instructions, Wonwoo's thoughts continued to wander. The game was afoot. The city continued its rhythm outside the window, and Wonwoo knew that within its cadence, a melody of possibilities was beginning to emerge.

....

A monstera plant stood sentinel by the door, a hint of nature's wildness juxtaposed against the sleek, orderly decor. An aquarium to your left provided a soothing contrast, an aquatic symphony of colours and life.

Rachael's entrance echoed with purpose, her heels punctuating the marble's silence. "Boss," she addressed, her tone threaded with urgency, "Mr. Jeon has agreed to the meeting, but not in his office. He's opted for the hotel's restaurant, Lyden."

You muttered an exasperated "son of a bitch" under your breath. Wonwoo's manoeuvring was a subtle art that kept you on your toes. The enigma surrounding his intentions was matched only by his persistence.

The thought crossed your mind—was he trying to be overly familiar, or was this merely a strategic ploy? His determination to procure the land was palpable, but his methods—oh, his methods—remained enigmatic.

Sighing, you confirmed the dinner for 7. The sooner you navigated this web, the quicker you could retreat to familiar ground. And marriage—well, that was a topic that had lost its novelty.

...

As twilight painted the canvas of the city, you found yourself within the opulent embrace of the Lyden Hotel—a sanctuary of luxury nestled in the heart of urban chaos. The clutches of your office attire remained steadfast, for the effort to change felt extraneous. Lavender notes wafted in the air, a soothing touch to your racing heart, and the art that adorned the lobby resonated with the lively atmosphere. The hotel's colour palette resonated with hues of purple and lavender, a tranquil dominance that contrasted with the usual gold and red. The gleam of lamps and chandeliers, cast in ethereal white instead of conventional gold, danced around you as an attendant, average in height and likely in his mid-40s, approached. His warm smile invited you to navigate this orchestrated rendezvous, his presence a gentle anchor to the surging tides of anticipation. But then a presence sidled up to you, and you met those dark eyes again. Wonwoo, your enigmatic companion, surveyed you with an intensity that mirrored your first encounter. A tinge of humour danced on his lips, shared only with you. He leaned in slightly, his voice laced with a jesting tone.

"You know, Ms.L/N, I've heard rumours that Swiss chocolate is so irresistible that it once convinced a diplomat to give up an entire country just for a taste."

You chuckled, playing along. "Is that so? Well, Mr. Jeon, I've also heard whispers that Swiss watches are so accurate that they can predict the future."

He raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Predict the future, you say? I must have missed that feature on my watch."

"It's a hidden setting, only activated when you're running fashionably late," you replied with a grin.

His laughter mingled with the ambient sounds of the restaurant, creating a melody that seemed to synchronise with the beating of your heart. "Ah, so that's the secret! I'll have to try it out sometime."

"Mr. Jeon," the manager began, addressing Wonwoo, "I apologise for the wait. And you must be Ms. L/N. Please, this way, your table is ready."

As the evening unfolded, a tapestry of conversation weaved between you. They served wine, but you abstained, aware of your responsibility on the road. Wonwoo, that audacious man, prodded you "You know, Ms.L/n, I've heard rumours about these smile police," he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes. "Apparently, they're quite strict when it comes to ensuring that everyone's lips are on an upward curve." You saw through his whimsical façade, demanding to know his true intentions.

''What is it that you truly want, Mr. Jeon?''

With a practised lean and a wry grin, he revealed his interest—your Oasis project.

You chuckled.

The weight of his intent hung in the air as he proposed a partnership, a 30-70 arrangement.

You, unperturbed, countered his proposition with grace.

''How about 40%?''His reaction was a study in composure—stillness giving way to a wry smile. He inquired ''What's the catch?'', arching an eyebrow.

The pasta found its way to your mouth, providing you with a moment's reprieve. Washing down with water, you said, "Would you like to marry me, Jeon Wonwoo?"

A few hours ago

"Rach!" you grumbled, rubbing your temples. "Rema's on line two." A quizzical look passed between you as to why she would call the office line, and then realisation dawned—you'd left your phone on the dresser, charging.

Rema's voice trickled through, laced with fatigue and worry. As she detailed the developments, a storm brewed within you. The lawsuit, the custody battle—the magnitude of it all pressed against your chest.

"They're claiming your lifestyle is unstable," Rema informed, her voice tinged with sympathy.

You scoffed. "Define unstable."

"Frequent moving, long absences, and—well, they highlighted the lack of a husband."

"Bullshit," you spat. "I don't recall the law stating that a single woman can't adopt her ward, bestowed upon her by the child's parents."

Rema's understanding tone resonated with the receiver. "I know, Y/n."

The conversation pivoted to the notion of marriage, and your disbelief was palpable. "So, I should get hitched just for a legal battle? That's absurd."

"Y/N, I'm your lawyer," Rema asserted, her voice unwavering. "I can't suggest illegal activities. But I can ponder the 'what ifs.'"

Your mind whirred, emotions settling into resolution. Closing every avenue that the Bulavia family sought to exploit. Even if it means Jeon Wonwoo,

Present

His reaction was a symphony of amusement,his eyes glinting with intrigue. He leaned back, beckoning you to elaborate.

"I don't like owing anyone," you began. "It seems I'm in a bit of a predicament. I find myself in need of a husband. If you agree—"

A grin played on his lips as he interjected, "So, when do you want to get married?"

You spluttered, momentarily caught off-guard. He was swift in his response, crafting a clever solution out of thin air. "You said you wanted a husband, and there's pressure on me to find a wife. Killing two birds with one stone" He shrugged and said, "Do enlighten me, Ms. L/N. I'm curious to hear about these circumstances that demand such a drastic solution." and you did. ...

In the car, As you drove Wonwoo to his place, the air was laden with silence, your thoughts whispering secrets only the wind could hear. The plans for Noel, your mutual benefit—it all tumbled through your mind. The contract, the call, and your parents

"Are you always this persuadable?" you inquired, your words filling the silent car.

"Only when it involves a beautiful lady in distress," he retorted, causing you to roll your eyes.

As you navigated through the city streets once again, you spoke of Noel, his significance, and the impending legalities. Wonwoo remained thoughtful, his demeanour subdued. With his apartment in sight, his voice resounded, seeking answers.

"So, he's not your son?" he queried, a sliver of vulnerability seeping into his tone.

"No," you affirmed. "Your informant was not as efficient as it seems, but he's like a son to me."

His curiosity blossomed further. "Do your parents know about it?"

You chuckled. "About what?"

"About Noel," he reiterated.

"No," you confessed, "they believe he was with Noella and Joshua that night, as they couldn't attend the funeral."

He nodded in understanding, his thoughts churning in the silence. . As he watched your car fade into the distance, a sense of purpose filled him. The evening's discussions had ignited a fire of determination within him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialling his mother's number.

As the line rang, his thoughts swirled like the city lights below. The memories of his grandmother, a regal and wise woman, were as vivid as ever. She had worn a unique ring—a family heirloom—that he had admired since childhood. He could still hear her stories, her voice rich with history and love.

The call connected, and his mother's warm voice flowed through the line. "Wonwoo, dear, how are you?"

He smiled, her voice a comforting balm. "I'm well, Mama. I was actually calling to ask Do you know where Grandma's ring is"?

tbc

A/N: Phew! its was a long chapter, hope you all liked it. Please drop your feedback in the comments or reblogs with tag or in the inbox as it motivates me and help makes the fic better.

msh

#seventeen #kpop fluff #kpop angst #fanfiction #aquamarine #jeon wonwoo x reader #seventeen fanfic #seventeen fluff #seventeen scenarios #kpop smut #jeon wonwoo #seventeen wonwoo #hoshi #wonwoo #joshua hong seventeen #jeonghan

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varii-corvid · 3 months

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Bladequeer

a blankqueer term that seeks to be active in being anti abuse and aims to create an alternative justice model free from oppressive institutions. this stance holds several core values:

-actively seeking to build a more just world for paraphiles, people with medically unrecognized disorders, and transID people -recognizing that no paraphilia or transID is inherently dangerous to identify with, but certain forms of contact and actions are harmful. (thoughts and attractions do not equate to actions.) -actively advocating against harmful forms of contact and promoting healthy alternatives such as art and fiction. -promoting self control, self discipline, self governance, self defense, and bodily autonomy -holding your peers accountable and treating them as equals -liberating youth in a way that does not exploit or harm them. -liberating animals from unethical treatment in laboratories and farms. -giving abusers and victims access to restorative and transformative forms of justice and creating safe spaces to heal. -living by the anarchist motto "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need" -creating mutual aid networks and alternative infrastructure -advocating for the abolition of psychiatric institutionalization -advocating for the abolition of prisons and police -promoting community driven justice and therapy -advocating for an age of sexual and romantic consent in an anarchist society (around 16-19, preferably 18) this term is anti exclusionist and fights for all people's human rights.

#blankqueer #blankqueer coining #radqueer coining #rq 🌈🍓#anarchism #transid #bladequeer #🍡personal hoard #☄️🏳️🪙coining.

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needle-thread-thimble-spear · 22 days

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Dungeon Meshi is the all time series for me, because it demonstrates and actively degrades the boundaries between the natural and the artificial. The dungeon as an act of creation. The need for all people to eat and breathe and drink, and the vulnerability inherent to being a living thing. The banality of death. The way life bends, breaks, and evolves under artificial pressures.

And it bothers me how people will say that Falin isn't much of a character, or is secondary to the main cast. Because she embodies the themes of the manga so clearly! Her character exists beyond herself! She IS the blurring between human and natural when she is revived, and transformed, and revived and transformed again! When she is figuratively and literally eaten by the other main characters, when she comes back changed by all of that! The way the others at first refuse to accept her death, but come to accept who she is become! That their love for her can extend her being crashed through all of those boundaries, even death. Its delightful, delicious even! I really admire speculative fiction where the setting is basically a character on its own, re the Otherside in Otherside Picnic, Ohtori in Revolutionary Girl Utena, Gethen in Left Hand of Darkness, etc. And in Dungeon Meshi, Falin blurs the boundary between setting and character even further. She is Dungeon Meshi.

And also like. She is literally me fr.

#as in #a fat trans lesbian #but others have written plenty on how that headcanon is a good reading or barely subtextual #anyway #dungeon meshi #farlyn thorden #falin touden #falin #spinning #this post is sort of off the cuff ill likely return to it later with more

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pen-and-umbra · 11 days

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A minor detail effectively drops the bomb. The image of the Goddess portrayed by Jessie during Loveless VR play fits closely to the image of Jenova, Calamity from the skies, as revealed in the holographic sequence during the Temple of Ancients quest.

That touch raises a number of troubling questions. The use of imagery that invites comparisons with the Loveless play appears deliberate. This encompasses both the Goddess and the "children of men," as the Cetra refer to humanity. As such, the appearance of children of men is presented identical to the epic figures of Three Friends from the play.

Is Jenova the "Goddess" whose true nature was merely forgotten or misunderstood by those who came after the Cetra, specifically humans?

The Cetra "narrator" makes an intriguing statement, raising the suspicion that something else is going on. It emphasizes the conflicts between humanity and the Cetra, questioning their nature and finally implying that the animosity between the two races may have been sown by their celestial adversary, Jenova.

In a later portion of the Temple quest, the Cetra refer to their nemesis as "a deceiver," who assumed the identities of others and incited strife and chaos among the Cetra. The statement once again underscores the creature's ability not only to shapeshift and cast illusions, but to sift through minds/memories and extract information it can use against their target.

Eventually Cetra people overcame their enemy. At this point of narration, the vision of a tentacle-wielding Lovecraftian horror changes into the aforementioned image of a Goddess. The "narrator" stresses that the enemy was unable to reunite with the Planet and thus fell into a slumber, debunking previously-held fan ideas that Jenova was brain-dead. Or unintelligent, for that matter.

To connecting the dots. It's not a stretch to say that the so-called Goddess was, potentially, Jenova's means of manipulating children of men (thus the Three Friends imagery) in order to promote division and strife among humans, or between mankind and the Cetra. What sticks out to me is the timing of the transformation: the holographic image of Goddess appears at a point of narration when Jenova is on the verge of defeat or defeated, when the entity is allegedly imprisoned in rock strata and goes into hibernation. Almost as if the “Goddess” is its last ditch resort at manipulating those it could yet deceive, i.e. non-Cetra. This brings up the final and most disturbing question.

Just what was the Gift of the Goddess?

Was it but a literary element to the play, a fiction through and through, or was it…a bait? A carefully placed promise of a legendary boon to entice someone susceptible to temptation to come and find the “Goddess” and her Gift... and maybe break Jenova free from wherever the Cetra sealed it, as Ultimania suggests entity's ability to exert influence over those who come into contact with it.

And then there's this:

My friend, your desire

Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess

Legend shall speak

Of sacrifice at world's end

(Loveless, Act IV)

A “bringer of life” — just who or, perhaps, what is being brought to life? One could consider it an embellishment inherent to a poem. One could theorize it to be the fabled gift itself. Or one could say that whoever comes to the "Goddess" in search of a boon quite literary “brings it back to life” by awakening.

On a closing note, perhaps it adds a new spin to the old story. Was Genesis' fixation with finding the Gift of the Goddess solely motivated by desperation, or was there more to it?

#ffvii #ff7 rebirth #ff7 remake #ff7 #final fantasy 7 #final fantasy vii rebirth #jenova #ffvii rebirth #ffvii@luv fandoms

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identitty-dickruption · 2 months

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The informing premise of feminist disability theory is that disability, like femaleness, is not a natural state of corporeal inferiority, inadequacy, excess, or a stroke of misfortune. Rather, disability is a culturally fabricated narrative of the body, similar to what we understand as the fictions of race and gender. The ability/disability system produces subjects by differentiating and marking bodies. Although this comparison of bodies is ideological rather than biological, it nevertheless penetrates into the formation of culture, legitimating an unequal distribution of resources, status, and power within a biased social and architectural environment. As such, disability has four aspects: first, it is a system for interpreting and disciplining bodily variations; second, it is a relationship between bodies and their environments; third, it is a set of practices that produce both the able-bodied and the disabled; fourth, it is a way of describing the inherent instability of the embodied self.

Garland-Thomson (2008), Integrating Disability Transforming Feminist Theory

#crip theory #disability #feminist disability studies

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revvethasmythh · 9 months

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*taking a pull from my cigarette while languidly lying on my therapists chaise lounge* I understand the drive to explore a positive polyamorous arrangement between veth, caleb, and yeza on a conceptual level, but is it not also worthwhile to explore the facets of veth that have already and desire to do more so engage in acts of infidelity? are all acts of infidelity painted with the same brush of inherent immorality? do we give leeway to infidelity in some cases or do we consider everyone a villain for doing it, regardless of context? in veth's context, would infidelity be understandable? who determines that, us or her, a person who does struggle with the idea of infidelity? how does veth interact with her romantic desire for another man despite knowing it's a bad thing? is it not incredibly interesting to engage with an immoral choice, particularly one that she perhaps spent a great deal of time considering herself, in the confines of fiction and/or transformative fiction? do we dismiss all interrogation of veth's relationship with infidelity out of hand simply because we are uncomfortable with the idea of infidelity itself?

#anyway I saw someone refer to veth and caleb post-yeza as ''that cheating shit'' and I'm like #is it shit? or should be not extend more empathy and understanding for why and how veth might engage with those feelings post-yeza?#I am not tagging anything because I am going to be Killed for this post I think #also crucify me but I think infidelity can be incredibly interesting and in veth's context I think it especially is #because it's not a petty cruelty. there's a lot of foundation built into why she might want to be unfaithful #I understand personal taste with this sort of stuff and respect people who personally don't like this #but also perhaps we shouldn't call it ''that cheating shit'' when it's thematically central to her conflict overall #this is fiction. let's explore some difficult things here!

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raayllum · 9 months

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how are you a teacher and shipping a literal child with an 18 year old💀

i'm a tutor with an honours specialization in how fiction influences and/or is influenced by reality. i also work with students across all grade levels, even into university ages/adulthood. you're bringing up talking points from plato's republic that aristotle knew was stupid 3000+ years ago. i've written papers & studied this exact same line of discourse across the western canon of like, 800 years? but have fun playing into far right bullshit and book banning that just repeats over and over again, the literal conservative puritans were having these moral panics too <;3 totally not protestant conservatism with a gay hat

& that's cause i'm not shipping a literal child with an 18 year old (which btw 18 yr olds are not magically emotionally mature fully grown adults either even if they legally are adults, i say as someone who was a teenager just four years ago). i'm shipping two characters with an age gap when they're both fully grown adults in their 20s. if you think characters are for some reason Frozen at a certain age and can never be aged up when they're from an IP property you don't own, and that authors can only explore characters at different life stages when they're characters the author owns, you inherently don't understand the transformative part of fandom / transformative fiction

like hi, was a literal minor like 4 years ago who was harassed throughout my teen years by people just like you because i shipped two (2) things with a 4 year age gap, but no i'm sure calling a 16 yr old a pedophile in the name of "protecting children" (when no one online is entitled to anyone's personal private information, nvm their history with csa) was totally worth it

if you've ever enjoyed or read literally anything adjacent to greek myth or the fucking bible, you've enjoyed texts with a whole lot of fucked up shit in it, of which age gaps are the least of their 'problems'. come back to me when you've read "wuthering heights" or some actual fucked up shit

and update bc anon came back and Really thought they were doing something: wuthering heights doesn't have an age gap at all. the two leads are the same age and are fucked up for so many other reasons. plato's republic is a philosophical musing manual on where art fits into society and how it should manifest / what its purpose is. but thank you for failing critical thinking so hard you couldn't even google something for 2 seconds to make sure your argument was sound At All

#fandom nonsense #tw abuse mention #that said wuthering heights? so good so fucked up #guess this is how the new followers find out i'm not an anti (in the bio in the about me at ALL TIMES)#dragons gets salty #anti purity culture

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cyberbun · 5 days

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An anon asked me what my top 10 favorite anime are and I agonized over this question for months but I think I have an answer. Then I accidentally published this without finishing it so I have to write it again

In no particular order:

Gatchaman Crowds (2013) and it's second season Insight (2015):

Hands down, my favorite anime of all time. As a fan of the superhero genre this has to be the best deconstruction/reconstruction of it I've seen in terms of how it reevaluates the concept of heroism in a digital society and how well it handles its themes of futurism along with personal identity and construction of the self in virtual environments. It is a series with a central thesis about the inherent goodness of humanity expressed through the language of superheroes and social media, and it's one of those stories that really gets the way people engage with the internet in a way that other similar sci-fi stories about fully online societies fail to do even to this day.

The first season's almost naive optimism is then thoroughly torn apart by the second's darker, more introspective tone, which makes the entire show play out like a series of political essays arguing back and forth with the backdrop of colorful superhero action. What makes it particularly good, though, is how it handles this darkening of the narrative, as it asks tough, incisive questions of its own story and still comes out parading genuine optimism about the future of its world and ours.

Because, at its core, it's a superhero story about how everyone has the capacity to be a hero and better themselves and each other. It's a truly transformative experience and, while a lot of its themes can seem... tragically over-optimistic, its datedness almost makes it feel like a time capsule of a time where we were at the cusp of using mass internet penetration to better ourselves as a society, and perhaps remains a reminder of how these technologies may still have the potential to make us all into heroes. Also Rui is a hot gender black hole and I want to be them so badly.

Samurai Flamenco (2014)

In a lot of ways, Samurai Flamenco is sort of the anti-Gatchaman Crowds; it's a straight deconstruction of the tokusatsu genre that's less interested in analyzing the role of superheroes in a society and more about using its own genre to examine the ways fiction allows us to project ourselves as something greater than what we are, while also commenting on said genre's iterations over its history; so ultimately it comes across as both a tribute to it and a deep examination of what exactly makes its fans tick.It is also bat fuck insane and I can't tell you a single thing that happens in it because it goes places. Watching this as it aired was an incredible experience.

Slam Dunk (1993-1994)

The best sports anime ever made. Dead serious. Not only is this a love letter to the game of basketball as a whole that manages to capture the intensity and adrenaline of every single thought that goes through the head of a player in the final minutes of a game, it is also a touching love story with one of the most compelling central casts of characters I've ever seen.

The anime was largely inferior to the manga for a long time on account of it being left unfinished, while the manga remains largely remembered for having one of the most bittersweet endings ever put to page; an equal parts tragic and triumphant culmination of the main character's journey from delinquent layabout to passionate athletic prodigy. Then, last year, we finally got one of the best looking anime films I've seen in my life adapting the final volume of the manga while also expanding the backstory of one of the secondary protagonists of the series.

Part of my love for this series is highly personal. I grew up watching this on TV back in the old country, and seeing it finally be finished after 20 odd years brought me to tears. A lot of it might be outdated by now, but there is yet to be a single anime I am so comfortable watching over and over and over again. I will go to the grave singing its praises.

Soul Eater (2008)

It's Soul Eater, you know Soul Eater. Probably the single most stylish show I've ever seen, visually; and to me still at the peak of the shonen genre as a whole. It's got both some of the best action ever put to animation and some of the most engaging core casts of characters I've seen despite how small its ensemble is. If it seems like I have less to say about it than others in the list it's mainly because it's already popular enough I don't feel like I can contribute much to the conversation; everyone likes Soul Eater. You like Soul Eater. Explaining why Soul Eater is good is like explaining why it is good to eat. Every time I watch Crona's episodes I cry a lot.

RahXephon (2002)

Talking about RahXephon is difficult because conversations surrounding it are usually centered around its relationship to Evangelion; and this is partially because it is, in many ways, a response to it and a reformulation of a lot of the questions that it asked about its story. This is not wholly unfounded, as director Yutaka Izubuchi is a longtime friend and collaborator of Anno's who did do some work in Evangelion prior to this, so the influence is definitely there. For a lot of people, this was rebuild before rebuild. I personally prefer the adage "Evangelion on antidepressants".

I do, however, overall feel this is unfortunate, because taken outside that context, RahXephon is one of the most complex and deeply layered reconstructions of the mecha genre I've ever experienced, with a beautiful score and haunting visual design propping up a story that's equal parts impenetrable as it is deeply layered; made up of so many small character arcs woven into each other completely seamlessly that you always feel like you're watching but a tiny fragment of a large tapestry of stories coming together into a single complete whole. It makes the world of the anime feel simultaneously small and huge, which fits the melancholic post-post-apocalypse visual aesthetic of the narrative It's one of my favorites not because of what happens in it, but because it is one of the most enriching experiences I've had with an anime or any other form of visual storytelling; I always feel like rewatching it makes me take something new away from it that I didn't notice before.

Ergo Proxy (2006)

Part of me has to admit I like Ergo Proxy less as a story and more as an aesthetic. If I had to put a name on how it feels to watch this show it'd definitely be "contemplative"; it's a slow going, compounded puzzle of a narrative which at times borders on self-indulgence with how many layers of things happening at once you're keeping up with. To give you an idea; the seemingly random text crawls during the opening of the show are key pieces of understanding what exactly the plot is by the end of the story. Peel away those layers, and you get a much simpler narrative than it might first appear, with one of my favorite one-sentence summaries: "what if three different Ends of the World crashed into each other at once".

While that seems reductive, one of the things that makes Ergo Proxy feel rewarding to watch, then rewatch to fully understand, is how it does ultimately completely nail the landing with the story it's trying to tell, despite having a complete non-ending that somehow manages to feel satisfying all the same. It's a story that explores themes of identity and human nature through the genre of ecological horror with one of the most stylish depictions of a bleak, dead world I've ever seen put in any narrative. So long as you're okay with a story that doesn't give you a full sense of narrative closure and one where a single watching won't give you all the pieces of the story, it is one of the most rewarding experiences to go back and pick apart, in my opinion. Like a puzzle, you will be left wanting to put all the pieces together by the end.

Ouran High School Host Club (2006)

Don't fucking look at me like that. I watched Ouran at an impressionable age and now I'm bigender. It has a place in my bunny heart. It is foundational to the person I grew up to become.

Cardcaptor Sakura

I watched this dubbed into Spanish back when I was young, and admittedly I don't remember 60% of it, but that doesn't mean I don't think fondly back on it moreso than any other show I ever saw back when I was a child, and one that I've had a lot of joy in going back to it as I've grown older.

I don't have as much to say about it as I do some other shows, and like with Soul Eater, it feels like everything there is to be said about it has already been said elsewhere and better; it is one of the foundational texts for the modern magical girl genre, it is one of the most beautifully animated and designed shows I've ever seen, and the best at keeping the distinct house styles CLAMP is recognizeable for intact in animation as far as I'm concerned. It's my personal choice for what other people would call a "comfort" show; but I do not wish to diminish the story or reduce it to an aesthetic the way a lot of people do for shows like this, considering just how strong the character dynamics and their progression throughout the story are, and the wealth of emotional depth that can be found in just about everyone's arcs.

While the overarching plot and the world of the story aren't as interesting as some other shows of its type, its strengths lies in how it uses that as a solid foundation through which to explore a distinct aspect of the human condition through each of its characters - love, grief, loneliness, devotion to another and many others.

Kekkai Sensen (2015)

This is one of those cases where I feel like I'm going to repeat myself. Take everything I said about Soul Eater, put it here. It is stylish, it's got a strong central cast of characters that are all equally fun and contribute the same amount to the narrative. It's got some of the most intense, lovingly rendered large-scale action scenes I've seen, along with some of my favorite small, touching narratives; thanks to one of the best urban fantasy settings ever put together.

The first season's storyline is a blend of manga chapters with an anime-original plot, while the second season mostly adapts the manga much more closely so it doesn't come together as tightly as the first does, but it is more of the best show of its type of the past decade as far as I'm concerned; and nothing takes away just how incredibly tight that first season feels, even if the final episode was months late and had to go double length while the animation melted a little. And yet, it all comes together beautifully in the end.

Angel Beats

What a surprise this show was. I'll always feel a little bittersweet about it, due to the circumstances that led me to see it, but I'm forever grateful I did. Angel Beats' greatest strength is the way that it disarms the viewer by presenting a fun, albeit somewhat dark supernatural comedy about kids in the afterlife, letting one get comfortable with the silliness of the world before really taking the "children in the afterlife" premise to its logical conclusion: This is a story about death, trauma, tragedy, and moving on- Quite literally, in this case- from the things that weigh us down.

I make no hyperbole when I say that this show has the single strongest emotional climax I've ever experienced, and every time I watch it again I am moved to tears, sometimes more than last. I can't say much, since a lot of what makes this show fun is experiencing it, and realizing the depth of the world along with our point of view character; but the biggest endorsement of it I can give is how gracefully and tactfully it deals with complicated subjects such as abuse, disability and addiction in stories where you know how they all end, and yet give you a satisfying emotional conclusion while also keeping the mood balanced between cheerful when it has to be and heartbreaking, with the latter becoming more and more common by the end of the story.

It's a story about growing up, as much as it is a story about dying. It knows the tragedy of its premise and it chooses to ask the viewer to find joy in the time they have with its cast - a beautiful metaphor for life itself woven deeply into the narrative and never once stated out loud. We know where this story is going, but we're here now, so we might as well have a little fun along the way. That is ultimately what youth is about.

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