#issues with understand Sora.

[kingdomhearts-and-soriku-trash]

Slight Soriku Analysis and Riku and Sora Analysis:

My thoughts don't make too much sense and I'm rambling with Soriku mentioned and also just Riku and Sora (by themselves) as well and I'm just rambling my thoughts aloud. There's some proofreading, but sorry if some stuff is off and looks wrong or something :(.

“It won’t be easy, but I hope you’ll remain the happy and cheerful Sora I know.”

This letter and moment of Kairi is really sweet. I really do enjoy seeing her admit that she wanted to become a keyblade wielder, make friends with Lea, and learn that she CAN do something on her own. She’s learning and I really like that improvement of her character (since she couldn’t do much before-).

The only thing I find so sad about this scene is the line I quoted above. She wants him to remain the happy and cheerful Sora she knows, but what about the other parts she doesn’t know? The parts that maybe even Riku doesn’t know or doesn’t recognize?

What about the Sora that is sad because of all the hurt he carries around? What about a Sora that is angry because of others actions towards him or others? What about the Sora that is lost because of so many things happening all at once around him? And what about the Sora that isn’t all cheerful? I’m just always thinking about Sora’s different sides as a person and how I wish people got to see them.

I’m thinking like this bc that’s just how I think, but ALSO because of these tags from @tharkflark1

I think about this a lot. Not just the part of him listening to only Riku, but the part of Donald and Goofy not really picking up the cues of Sora being upset or slightly angry. They’re his close friends and do care for him, but they seem to lack on the actually treating him like a person and not a child part. They push him out of the way when they talk to the king, Donald berates him on simple things like when he says, “Plain old Sora,” whenever he messes up or slips up, or telling Sora to take things seriously even if he is taking them seriously, and they just seem so overbearing in a way.

But Riku?? Riku is a lot more supportive. I take a look at Riku and Sora from KH 1 (since I’ve played to the end battles and such) to now, and I see a lot of development between the two. Now that is clearly obvious, but I really like to look at the two together.

Riku was one of the bad guys in KH 1. He betrayed Sora, I believe he used Kairi against Sora, he gave into darkness, tried to hurt Sora multiple times, hurt others for his own gain (I think), and he just did a lot of terrible actions. However, after all that, I believe he began to get better. In CoM (which I think is next after KH 1?), I believe Riku was looking for Sora, right? He was looking for him just like Sora was looking for Riku. He was searching because he needed to see him again, but he found out that he was too late.

I believe near the end we learn that Riku was simply…too late to see his best friend. When he did, Sora was put into the pod to have his memories restored (I believe most of them were? I haven’t played CoM :(). Riku then decided to help Sora wake up by finding Roxas and finding Xion (I believe he found Xion? I could be incorrect so ignore this part of the rant if this is wrong). He ended up fighting Roxas and losing (once again I cannot remember so sorry), so he gave into the darkness again. But this time it wasn’t for his own gain, it was for Sora. He no longer seemed to focus on himself or whatever he wanted, he focused on saving Sora. That’s a heck of a jump in character, but it’s so good.

Finally, we get to KH 2, and that’s where we see Riku and Sora development. This game is basically Sora helping others while looking for Riku at any given moment and!! We see their bond grow A LOT. Literally! In Mulan’s world, Sora knows it’s Riku who he is fighting and believes Riku is the one following him. At one point, Xigbar shows up, so, to me, it is unclear whether it was truly Xigbar that followed him (other than the one time where he actually fought Riku on the mountain) or Riku. But it doesn’t matter. We see Sora looking everywhere for Riku, and seeing him use their connection to do it! It isn’t shown too much here, but the moment when Sora finds Riku (thanks to Kairi as well), I think this is the moment that Sora truly stopped hiding his emotions.

Sora actually seems to be emotionally responsive to romantically involved scenes (in a way) or at least seeing two people who are very close be happy. Once again mentioning Mulan, when she and Shang get permission to work together, they basically hug and look at each other with such a wholesome look. Sora is watching and he actually begins to cry. He begins to CRY. It’s all of a sudden and he’s embarrassed and tries to hide it. Donald and Goofy still come over and kinda tease him about, which I think also messes with Sora’s confidence and such.

AND THEN!! When he finds Riku, he also breaks down, but this time it’s different. This isn’t reaction to a scene of two others, this is him in that kind of moment. He finally gets to see Riku again after so long and he’s just…so happy. Sure it may not be romantic, but it’s clear that he and Riku’s bond is very deep because of the reaction. He saw Kairi and gave her a hug and seemed happy, but the reunion between Sora and Riku was so much bigger and an attention grabber to me even before I saw them romantically together. Then we get to the fight with Xemnas, and we literally see Riku fight to protect Sora. They’re both fighting together, but we see Riku actually push Sora out of the way and take a stab in the side that was meant to possibly kill Sora. ITS JUST!! SO MUCH!! Later, Sora carries Riku to safety and is very uplifting to him. He cares deeply for him, just like Riku cares deeply for Sora.

THENN!! DDD LITERALLY HAPPENS!! Do I even need to explain? The entire game is all about them looking for each other and wanting to be together. LITERALLY! Upon waking up in Traverse Town, Sora calls out for Riku because he wants to be with him, and Riku does the same whenever he wakes up in Traverse Town. He looks for Sora and follows Joshua without a second thought only because he mentioned Sora. They both just want to be together and it shows some more development. Riku from KH 2 was distant and nervous, but he was open on the Dark Shore. He admitted how he felt towards Sora before KH 1 (not entirely but he admitted some of his feelings) and actually laughed with him. They were comfortable again, despite the terrible circumstances. Then, in DDD we see their connection in true form.

Sora is lost in the Deep Abyss because of trickery and being used, but Riku was able to save him. He followed him down and freed him from what was trapping him, and it was all mainly because of their connection. We see them both care for each other in new and open ways and its actually shown to us. We're seeing more to them together while also individually.

DDD was very soriku, but it wasn't entirely soriku. Near the end, we see Sora trapped in a nightmare that contained Kairi and Riku walking away from him. He was so excited to see them, but they just had fake smiles on their faces and walked away from him, as if he didn't exist. Then, they turned into Aqua and Terra and called him, "Ven." This confused Sora and only made him chase after Kairi and Riku more, furthering himself into the nightmare. I think this part of the game is showing Sora's desire to be with everyone again and to be safe, and showing how his nightmares and fears are literally surrounded by him losing his friends. He loses people he cares for and that's his biggest fear, or at least it's in his nightmares.

For Riku, we see him become confident in his ability and believe he is worthy for the Keyblade again (he smiles when he notices he actually summons the keyblade on Sora's heart station; not Soul Eater) and realize how important Sora is to him. He smiles whenever he talks about Sora, thinks about Sora, and even smiles when he realizes that he finally has the strength to protect what matters. I think the scene after he beats Ansem (when he says "to protect what matters," line) is when he truly realizes how much he cares for Sora and possibly that he loves him.

This is important because in KH 1, we see Riku saying he doesn't care about Sora at all several times, but now we see him confident in his feelings and in his abilities. Sora's side is also important because throughout each game, he says how his friends are always by his side and how they are his power, but this moment shows the fear of being abandoned and watching them leave him. The game shows the opposite of who they were or at least of what they have shown throughout the games at some point.

And now KH 3 is, to me, showing more about Sora's feelings. We see him become more vulnerable to people's comments, we see more people rely on him, and we see Sora wanting to do things on his own. It's really implied everywhere. We go to Twilight Town and Little Chef tries to control him, and we see that he's reallly uncomfortable with the idea. I bet it is uncomfortable to be controlled by a rat, but still, his insistence on doing it himself is common. He says he can take each villains taunting, he can handle his keyblade, he can save Aqua, he can save Riku, and can save other worlds. He seems to be piling a lot on himself and it just is sad :(.

And then, near the end, we see Sora break down again when he realizes everyone is gone. Riku is still with him, but his emotions just cloud around him and he can barely take everything in. He just screams and falls to his knees and looks up at Riku as his tears fall.

And I want to refer back to picture I added with the tags about how Riku is the one Sora listens to, and I agree that...yeah. It's mainly because Riku is kinda the only one to look at him as Sora and not as a savior or someone who needs to be a hero. He doesn't demean Sora in any way, but instead comforts him and reminds him that his journey is just as important. He doesn't bicker, tease, or do anything other than try to calm him down and realize that he's doing good. I'm near that scene now and I just LOVE it alright??? The way Sora looks up at Riku??? And the way Riku looks down at Sora and speaks to him??? And in the Keyblade Graveyard, he does the same. In a final action, he gives his life to try and protect Sora and even said HE BELIEVES IN HIM!!!

ITS JUST!! So soft guys. I love the development between the two in all of these games and the development of the boys themselves.

But now, all I wish for is for Sora to be developed further. I want to learn about his sadness in more detail, Anti-Sora, if darkness still has some sort of hold on him, learn about his memory problems (I believe some of his still aren't correct? Or at least he doesn't remember them properly? I could be wrong-), and learn about everything he holds inside himself! That break down in KH 3 always stays on my mind and the way he just looks in awe and...emotion when he sees Riku give himself up to protect him. He just....has so much going on inside him and I REALLY want it to be explored more in depth and for other characters to see it as well.

I mean, other characters other than Riku lol.

Anyways, this made no sense and I'm going off from what I remember and my brain may be a little slow and not understand many plot points correctly. It's just how I see things at some points, and if you want to correct me on any points that I mentioned that I could've gotten wrong, please tell me! I'm always excited to learn a little more about the lore of KH and actually know when I'm right or wrong. And please don't hate! This isn't meant to hate on any ship or any character in any way. If it came off like that, then I'm very sorry, but I hope you just understand that this is my thoughts that literally have rambled since that ONE scene of Kairi writing a letter lol. I've had KH 3 on pause since then-

#soriku #sora x riku #riku x sora #my writing #its slight soriku guys so I'm sorry if it doesn't make sense to be put here. I just put it here just in case anyways wants to really see #someone rant about sora and riku together while also about them separately. ANYWAYS #yh my thoughts don't make too much sense and I'm sorry to have @'d you tharkflark1. I just wanted to give you credit #for your tags that made me feel really happy :). Made me feel good to see someone else also understand Goofy and Donald's #issues with understand Sora. #BUT ANYWAYS YEAH BYE-

[ayeforscotland]

Sora looks awesome from OpenAI and then also Chat with RTX (Nvidia) will have a personal local LLM on your own machine but new windows updates will have co-pilot too. The future of AI is going to be awesome. As someone in the data field, you have to keep moving with it or be left without. IT is definitely an exciting time.

As someone else in the data field, my full background is in data and data flow, AI is the latest buzzword that a small group of people in Silicon Valley have pushed to work people up into a frenzy.

The people cheering on AI are the same people who said NFTs were going to radically change the world of work.

I think there’s positive uses for AI, particularly in pattern recognition, like detecting cancer.

However, Sora looks like shit. It’s producing videos of three-legged cats, and it’s using stolen work to do it. And sure, it’ll get better, but without regulation all it will do is poison the well of human knowledge as certain groups begin to create things that aren’t real. We move into a world where evidence can be fabricated.

Why are generative AI fans targeting artists who voice their concerns? Every day I see some AI techbro tweeting an artist and saying they’ve just scrolled through their art and fed it to an algorithm. It is scummy behaviour.

As a fellow ‘data field’ person, you’ll know that AI is also only as useful as what we feed it. Most organisations don’t know where their data actually is, they’re desperately trying to backpedal their huge push to the cloud and host things on premise. The majority of digital transformation projects fail, more fines are being handed out for failing compliance than ever, and companies can’t possibly claim to be cyber secure when they don’t know where they’re holding their data.

AI won’t fix any of this. It needs human engineering and standardisation to fix, non-technical and technical teams need to understand the connectivity of every process and piece of technology and maybe then some form of AI can be used to optimise processes.

But you can’t just introduce AI and think it fixes large-scale issues. It will amplify them if you continue to feed it garbage.

[spinjitsuburst]

alright gang i've watched dragons rising up to episode 18

gonna infodump my thoughts, spoilers from up to ep. 18 under the cut!

sooooooooooooooooooooo holy shit this season's incredible

the idea that master wu took care of the ENTIRE monastery is so laughable. lloyd a huge chunk of wu's screentime is snapping at the ninja to do THEIR chores

mr. frohicky is so funny and him and zane are dating now i dont make the rules

on a serious note! i love frohicky and zane's dynamic

pixal..... i miss her

lloyd understands why wu never told them shit now. "why didn't you tell us you were the grandson of GOD" "eh never really came up"

lloyd and arin are so special to me, lloyd really did adopt this kid huh

nya working sora through her self-esteem issues!! their dynamic is particularly sweet and i really love that they got paired together

wyldfyre is slowly but surely becoming my favorite dragons rising character

like her and kai's dynamic shifting as he helps heatwave was so sweet

plot twist i freaking LOVE arrakore he's just sad in a cave

i didn't expect them to go into nya's trauma in this episode cuz like hgjkdfshjgk not plot relevant but the bitterness in her voice when she talked about the djinn having a thing for showmanship. hmm.

COLE AND HIS FAMILY MEAN SO MUCH TO ME. HIM AND GEO ARE BOYFRIENDS AND THEY HAVE KIDS. I'M NOT EVEN SAD COLE DIDN'T GO WITH THE REST OF THE GROUP I'M SO HAPPY FOR HIM also lostshipping for geo and cole please

FUSION POWERS ARE SO COOL

that creature was just a shiny ditto

cole in general was incredible, andrew francis continues to do an incredible job voicing him

him FEELING the very earth crying out and screaming, it hurt :( i love when they go into the physicality and connection of their elements but mannnn :(((

the administration is the stanley parable

zane jumpscare of him just sitting in the mailroom AHAHHA

JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY

he was giving off bitchy villain energy please ninjago please please give him a villain arc please please

LOOK AT HIM

pretty sure i fucking busted @rottedsoulx 's headphones when i let out the loudest scream when jay showed up like. hooooooo man i'm so sorry dude HAHAHGKJFDH

lord ras and beatrix lore..... innnnnteresting also beatrix' twin having an elemental power is WILD

"you know how i taught you patience and stuff" "yeah?" "fuck that go ham" thank you kai

THE KIDS HELPING THE NINJA I KNEW I WAS RIGHT TO ADOPT THEM ON SIGHT IN PART ONE

in conclusion i'm ecstatic my crops are cleared my depression is gone i'm in love with this season

#im soooooooooooo normal guys #dragons rising #dragons rising spoilers #ninjago #lego ninjago #ninjago spoilers #spinjitsu screams

[reunionatdawn]

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Analyzing the Romantic Subtext of (Japanese) KH 358/2 Days

Day 94 ~Hearts~

Roxas: What are we fighting for? Axel: We're fighting for the greater Kingdom Hearts, didn't you see it today? Roxas: [...] Is Kingdom Hearts really that important? Axel: Hey, what are you talking about now? Roxas: But, since I don't have a heart, I don't really understand. Axel: Roxas... If you had a heart, you'd surely understand. That's why we're seeking hearts, right? Roxas: I see... That's right...

I will be using my own translations for most of this meta, because nuance is very often lost in the localization process. The mission for this day took place at the Beast's Castle. Roxas was intrigued that the Beast was personally fighting the Heartless even though he had servants. He had an important reason to fight, something to protect.

This only made Roxas question whether he had any good reason to fight Heartless himself. When he used the word "important" he used "大切な" (taisetsuna). It tends to emphasize emotional or sentimental value rather than practical importance. And in Japanese, it was a tiny bit more suggestive that Axel already knew why having a heart was so important. He already had his own reason to fight.

Day 94: The plan is proceeding smoothly, but... (Saïx) Thanks to Roxas and Xion, the wielders of the Keyblade, hearts have converged, and the great Kingdom Hearts has appeared before us. Our objective is being achieved. Every plan is proceeding smoothly. The fact that everything is going so smoothly is cause for concern, but perhaps I am overthinking it.

In both the Japanese and English versions, Saïx expressed paranoia about how smoothly the process of completing Kingdom Hearts was going. The phrase, "The course of true love never did run smooth" is one of the most famous quotes from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Essentially, the quote suggests that real love is not always easy or straightforward; it requires effort, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles. This quote is relevant because there is evidence that the entire game's narrative was inspired by that play. It's similar to how Versus XIII was originally going to be inspired by Hamlet.

Day 96 ~Xion's Keyblade~

Sora: Kairi, you can't come. Kairi: Why not? Sora: I can't risk putting you in any more danger. Kairi: But we've faced danger together before, haven't we? I get more anxious when I'm alone. Sora: Even if you're not with us, Kairi, we're not alone anymore. Right? Kairi: Am I a hindrance? Sora: Well, yeah, kind of. Kairi: I see. Okay then. Take this. It's an important charm, so make sure to give it back!

In both the novel and manga, Xion mentioned that she could still feel the warmth of Roxas's hand on his Keyblade. It was meant to bring to mind several scenes from KH1, such as when Sora regained his ability to use the Keyblade, as well as when Kairi gave Sora her lucky charm. Wherever he went, she'd always be with him in his heart.

Axel: Oh, Roxas, are you going to Beast's Castle? I went to investigate yesterday, but those Heartless seemed pretty tough. He might have a hard time alone~. Saïx: Are you suggesting they both go together? Axel: I'm heading to Agrabah. Is that a problem? Saïx: Can you handle defeating the Heartless in Agrabah? Axel: It's fine. I'm strong enough.

The "~" is often used to indicate a trailing off or unfinished thought, similar to an ellipsis (...) in English. It suggests that the speaker is leaving the sentence open-ended or implying that there is more to say but chooses not to express it explicitly.

Axel: Heartless, why do they move so annoyingly? Thanks to them, I got hit. Roxas: Weren't you supposed to be strong? Axel: That's a separate issue.

I think it's more obvious in Japanese that Axel was trying to convince Saïx to let them go together by reminding him of some past situation when Isa relied on Lea in a similar way, leaving him to face a tough situation all by himself. The idea for Roxas to work twice as hard to make up for Xion's uselessness was Axel's idea, after all.

Xion: It's all thanks to Roxas and Axel. Axel: I didn't do anything. Xion: In the morning, you arranged for us to go on the mission together. Roxas: If it weren't for you, Xion might not have been able to reclaim her Keyblade. Xion: Thanks, Axel.

On Day 72 called "Change," Axel was bothered that Saïx didn't even seem worried about him while he was away at Castle Oblivion. And he did not thank him for doing his dirty work (even at the risk of his own life) when he returned. It was the first thing he mentioned. But Roxas and Xion thanked Axel profusely for his help. And it just seemed to make Axel very depressed.

Axel: How about a sea-salt ice cream? With that, this incident will be water under the bridge.

In English, Day 8 is the day Axel treats Roxas to ice cream and it is called "Icing on the Cake". In Japanese, it's called "ごほうび" (gohoubi). It means "reward" or "prize". It refers to something given in recognition of one's efforts or achievements, often as an incentive or encouragement. It's interesting because Axel didn't like the taste of sea-salt ice cream anymore. In the opening song, he grimaced when he first bit into it. He was only eating it due to its sentimental value.

Roxas: It would be nice if we could always be together like this. Axel: Where did that come from all of a sudden? Roxas: I was thinking it would be nice if every day, after our missions, the three of us could eat ice cream together and watch the sunset. Axel: Well, that's an impossible wish. After all, we're Nobodies.

Axel was pretty blunt here with his cynical outlook.

Pence: I wonder if we can always be together. Olette: I hope so. Hayner: Huh? What's with the sudden talk? Pence: Oh, just thinking. Hayner: Well, realistically, I doubt it. But that's just how it goes when you become an adult, right? What's important isn't how many times we meet, but how many times we think of each other.

Because he was already an adult.

Axel: What's important isn't seeing each other every day. It's more important to always think about each other, even when we can't meet. ...Got it memorized? Roxas: That doesn't suit you. Axel: Shut up.

In the DS version, after his blunt comment, Roxas and Xion lowered their heads. And it was only then that Axel changed his tone. When he used the word "important" he also used "taisetsuna". It would sound quite sentimental, so it's a bit out-of-character for him at this moment in the story. Axel didn't laugh along with Roxas and Xion when they started teasing him. Because his comment wasn't really directed at them. He had only known them a few months and didn't feel particularly sentimental towards them, at least not yet.

Day 96: Friends (Axel) Recently, I feel like I spend more time talking with Roxas and Xion than with my original comrade Saïx. So this is what having friends feels like.

That comment was said with Saïx in mind. On Day 75, Axel told Roxas and Xion that he didn't have a best friend. He used to. But they didn't have the same type of relationship they had as kids anymore. it had been so long since they had spent time hanging out and eating ice cream together that Axel forgot what friendship even felt like.

Day 117 ~Secrets~

(KH2 Novel) Naminé: Do you think Nobodies really don't have hearts? Who told Axel he doesn't have one? The heart—there are secrets that—

There were many "Secrets" being referenced on this day. The first was the secret of the heart, which Naminé alluded to in the KH2 novelization. This day showed how Axel had begun to grow a heart. He was annoyed that Saïx didn't knock, and he wanted him to get out of his room as soon as possible because it hurt to be around him.

Saïx: "The Chamber of Waking," contrasting with the "Chamber of Repose," holds a true purpose that Xemnas has not disclosed to anyone. Clues to this lie within the "Chamber of Waking." If we seize them, we can gain the upper hand, even concerning our objectives.

Saïx's main priority was completing Kingdom Hearts. But he didn't trust Xemnas and suspected that he had a secret agenda, which turned out to be true, as we saw in Dream, Drop, Distance.

Xion: When I sit here and talk with you guys… I get the strangest feeling… that a long time ago, I used to watch the sunset with somebody else. It's the same when I watch the sea. Someplace by the sea…where I hear the sound of the waves… I get the feeling that I was talking with someone. [...] You have memories, don't you, Axel? Axel: Well, sort of. Even if I do have them, they're not of any use at all.

Another secret was related to Xion's birth. Axel wanted to go to Castle Oblivion because he was curious about her origins. Xion remembered Kairi watching the sunset and telling Sora not to change. It was one of Sora's most precious memories and it was why Xion could awaken a heart. And it was also meant to depict Kairi's anxiety and loneliness over how, as we get older, we find a distance growing between us and our close friends. And that's something she had in common with Axel.

Day 118: What's Changed... (Axel) When I talk with Roxas and Xion, I often reminisce about my days as a human. Reflecting on various childhood memories, I find myself feeling inexplicably strange. I should be able to have such conversations with Saïx, but strangely, I don't feel inclined to do so. It's just a strange sense of nostalgia. It's not me who's changed... it's you.

Based on subtext, we can probably assume that Axel began to awaken a heart by spending time with Roxas and Xion because they reminded him of his childhood. Therefore, Axel's memories of the time he spent with Isa were implied to be his most precious.

Day 119 ~Accomplishment~

Day 119: Hearts and Emotion (Xaldin) Observing that foolish beast, one can see clearly how humans are often governed by trivial matters. It was precisely because we did not desire to be ruled by emotions that we chose to become Nobodies. It was much later that we realized the magnitude of that loss. While we understand that there are things that cannot be accomplished without a heart, emotions are still unpleasant.

The above quote from A Midsummer Night's Dream was spoken by the character Helena. It reflects the theme of love's unpredictability and irrationality that runs throughout the play. It suggests that the pursuit of love can often defy logical reasoning and that the dictates of the heart may not always conform to the dictates of reason.

Xaldin: If it's something he treasures, it means his heart is captive to it… When the heart is stolen, that becomes a weakness. Roxas: The heart is stolen…? I don't quite understand.

Once again, the word "大切" (taisetsu) was used, to indicate that the Beast fought so hard to protect the rose because he placed value on it for some emotional reason rather than for its practical utility. Xaldin's goal was to use the Beast's weakness to literally steal his heart and turn him into a Heartless. Idiomatically, to have one's heart stolen refers to intense feelings of romantic attraction or love.

Roxas: I understand what [the Beast] treasures now. Xion: What he treasures...? Roxas: But Xaldin said that could become his weakness. Xion: Can something valuable become a weakness? Roxas: I'm not sure... Xion: I wish Axel would come back soon...

Roxas and Xion figured that Axel would surely understand this concept and explain it to them. And in KH2, Axel was desperate to turn Sora into a Heartless, and he knew the way to do that was by targeting the person who stole his heart, which was Kairi.

Ansem's Report 4 Heartless are born from those who have their hearts stolen, and they proliferate by stealing them from other beings. What's stolen by the Heartless becomes the nourishment for creating new Heartless. While there's no certainty, I am confident in my theory. Let's verify it further by providing a large number of organisms. Furthermore, we must continue researching the behavioral principles of Heartless.

We can probably assume, based on the Ansem's Reports from KH1, that Xaldin and Axel both knew all about this principle because of their involvement in Xehanort's research as apprentices.

Ansem's Report 8 Heartless are naturally born from those who have lost their hearts. If we apply the principle of the heart, could we not synthesize them? Thinking so, I utilized the results of previous research to complete the device. When I tentatively activated it, the Heartless emerged without any problems. If we further improve this device, it may even be possible to generate them from nothing.

The experiment to generate Heartless using the device in the Heartless Manufactory was the topic of Ansem's Report 8 in KH1. During that experiment, the "principle of heart" was used.

Xemnas: The experiment to generate Heartless was an attempt to control the mind and abandon the ego. Even if we made one lose their heart that way, one could still harbor a heart in their body, which serves as a vessel.

And it's clearer in the Japanese version of KH3D that this Heartless-generating experiment was conducted for the purpose of creating a vessel. It's important to note that the word for "mind" is "精神" (seishin). It refers to the mind, spirit, or consciousness of a person.

(KH2 Novel) Saïx: How do you expect to protect anything when you've cloaked yourself in darkness? You sold your soul for power. Was it worth it?

"Seishin" can also mean "soul". While "soul" is a more metaphysical and spiritual concept in English, "seishin" encompasses both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human consciousness in Japanese. During the experiment, the intended target was most likely Lea. Isa was probably just meant to be his weakness. But Isa probably sold his mind/soul for power in order to protect Lea. And that would most likely be the origin of his beastly berserker state, as well as why Isa became the vessel instead of Lea.

Day 150 ~Fear~

Xion: One more time... please! Saïx: We don't have that much time on our hands. It's clear you were just a failure, after all.

It's important to note that Saïx used the word "失敗作" (shippaisaku) here. It means "failure" or "failed work." Also, there was a slight change in the localization during this conversation. Saïx didn't say they couldn't afford to waste any more chances. He said they couldn't afford to waste any more time. It's subtle, but it's significant.

Xaldin: Ah… If something isn't done before that rose withers, it seems the curse he was placed under won't be lifted. Roxas: Come to think of it, the servant guy said our time left is short. Xaldin: …He did say that… The curse… the Beast's form… the rose… Hehehe… This could be useful.

In English, you miss out on the uncanny similarity between Saïx and the Beast. They're both cursed, they both wish to become human once more, and both are running out of time. The subtext implies that Saïx wanted to complete Kingdom Hearts because he wanted to love and be loved in return. For who could ever love a beast? Saïx even has a weapon called "Werewolf," a beast tied to the full moon.

Day 150: Handling Xion (Saïx) Is it about time the limit of the replica has been reached? I thought the plan was going smoothly, but ultimately, it's just a puppet… So, of course there's been a problem, after all. I completely fail to understand how this puppet can weigh so heavily on Axel and Roxas's minds. Perhaps we should also consider how to deal with Xion going forward.

"The course of true love never did run smooth". Saïx thought the plan was going smoothly, but of course, it's never so easy. Technically, they would be able to complete Kingdom Hearts with just Roxas. As long as they had one Keybalde wielder, Xion wasn't truly needed. Saïx was quite displeased that Axel was treating Xion as protectively as he used to treat him. And due to that, he wanted to dispose of her.

Roxas: Axel, is there something you don't want to lose? Axel: Something I don't want to lose? Why the sudden question? Roxas: I met someone today who has something they don't want to lose. It's something really precious to them. Xaldin said it could become their weakness. I don't have anything like that... Axel: Well, that's obvious since we don't have hearts. Roxas: Do you think so? For example, if we took away Demyx's sitar, he'd probably object. Axel: Well... I suppose that's true. Even without hearts, there are things we don't want to lose. In that case, for us Nobodies, the things we don't want to lose might be our past memories. Past memories create the things we don't want to lose.

The memories Roxas made since joining the Organization were all he had. That's what he couldn't bear to lose. But what Axel couldn't bear to lose were the memories of his past. His human days. On Day 117, he told Xion that his memories were of no use. He used the phrase "役にも" (yaku ni mo). It means "useful" or "helpful." It indicates that something serves a purpose in some practical way.

But again, the word "taisetsuna" was used, which tends to emphasize emotional or sentimental value rather than practical importance. We can probably conclude that what Axel couldn't bear to lose were his memories of Isa. Because Isa was what he was afraid to lose when he was a human. But since Isa changed, memories were all Axel had left.

Day 152 ~The Wrong Button~

"The lunatic, the lover, and the poet are of imagination all compact. One sees more devils than vast hell can hold: That is the madman. The lover, all as frantic." (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

There exists a cultural belief that the full moon is tied to mood swings, also known as the "lunar effect" or "lunar influence". "Xion" sounds like "潮" (shio) which is the Japanese word for "tide". And it is the moon's gravitational effect that has an influence on the tides. Symbolically, it was fitting that Saïx was the one who triggered Xion's mood swing and caused her to doubt her purpose for fighting.

The quote from A Midsummer Night's Dream was spoken by Theseus. He suggests that lunatics, lovers, and poets are all deeply influenced by their imaginations. Their thoughts and perceptions are shaped by the creative and often irrational workings of the mind.

The lunatic perceives imaginary demons and threats that aren't present in reality. His mind is consumed by delusions and irrational fears. Similarly, the lover is described as "frantic," indicating that love can also be a state of heightened emotion and irrationality. The lover's imagination may lead them to idealize their beloved or perceive obstacles that aren't actually there.

Axel: ...Girls are complicated, you know. Roxas: How did you know I was thinking about Xion? Axel: Because you're simple, Roxas. Well, all Nobodies are simple, but... Roxas: Are humans complicated? Axel: More complicated than Nobodies, but girls are even more complicated.

Axel obviously thought that Roxas and Xion had a little lovers' spat. And since Roxas had slowly been developing some kind of feelings for Xion due to the influence of Sora's memories of Kairi, that's probably an accurate assumption. Axel just laughed it off because he thought Roxas's infatuation was making him act paranoid.

Axel called Roxas "単純" (tanjun). It means "simple" or "plain." It can refer to something that is easy to understand, uncomplicated, or straightforward. It can also imply a lack of complexity or sophistication. Additionally, it can be used to describe a person who is straightforward or uncomplicated in their thinking or behavior.

(KH Days Novel) "Is this about the defective thing in our midst?" asked Saïx. "Am I that easy to read?" Axel shrugged. "Yes, because you're completely guileless. You always were." "Excuse me? Were you always such a jerk?" Axel retorted, taking a seat on a shelf across from Saïx.

Axel was always giving Roxas advice on matters of the heart based on his own personal experience. Because this day was about the differences between men and women, it's easy to assume that it wasn't about Saïx. But in the novel, Saïx also calls Axel "単純" (tanjun) after Xion collapsed and he was in a bad mood.

In many cultures, the moon is seen as a symbol of feminine energy and is associated with emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Saïx has a few weapons named "Selene" and "Artemis". The writers chose two lunar goddesses from Greek mythology, even though they could easily have chosen male lunar deities such as Chandra or Thoth. This was to associate him with femininity.

Saïx's default weapon called "Lunatic". He also has a weapon called "Crescent" which is part of the Wild Gear set. It is shaped like the symbol for Black Moon Lilith (⚸). She is associated with primal feminine energy and the shadow self. She embodies the darker aspects of the feminine psyche and represents the shadow side of femininity, including themes of rage, jealousy, and vengefulness.

Day 171 ~Love~

Xaldin: However… the notion of love for a beast…is truly foolish. Roxas: Love? …What is love? Xaldin: It refers to the emotions that are budding between those two. Roxas: Emotions… Xaldin: Hmph… The power of love is nonsense. Roxas: The power of love? Is it some kind of special power?

One of the most famous quotes from A Midsummer Night's Dream is spoken by the character Puck. It reflects his observation of the foolishness and irrational behavior of humans, particularly in matters of love and romance. It has become an iconic quote and is often cited in discussions of human folly and the whims of love.

Roxas: What is love? Axel: Huh? Roxas: How can the power of love be born? Axel: Love is a special power that only humans possess. Roxas: Nobodies don't have it? Axel: Those kinds of things require a heart. Roxas: ... ... ...

Roxas wasn't particularly motivated to complete Kingdom Hearts on Day 94. But on this day, he seemed fascinated with the idea that he could love someone when it was complete. Roxas is simple. It's probably safe to assume that his interest in love had to do with Xion.

Axel: It's born only between beings that are special and more than just friends. That's love. Roxas: More than friends... so like best friends? Axel: It's a bit different from best friends... Roxas: Is there a relationship above best friends? Axel: It's not about above or below. Roxas: I don't really understand... Axel: Well, we don't have hearts, so it's irrelevant to us. Roxas: If we had hearts...would we understand? Axel: Once Kingdom Hearts is completed, you'll understand too.

Axel suggested that once Kingdom Hearts was completed, Roxas would also be able to understand love like humans could. The Japanese wording doesn't explicitly state whether Axel himself already understood or not. But based on the subtext, we can probably assume that he already knew what it was like to feel love. He loved his best friend and wanted to experience that feeling again.

Day 171: Project "No.i" (Saïx) Xion failed her mission. If this state continues in the future, it would be better to eliminate this replica and proceed with copying using the next one, which should result in a replica with higher capabilities. After all, "No.i" is part of the initial batch, so there are concerns about its abilities. The current situation could also be perceived as a malfunction. What on earth is Xemnas thinking?

On this day, Saïx was more determined than ever to dispose of Xion. Of course, as the Shakespeare quotes suggest, he was being entirely irrational and perceiving a threat that wasn't really there.

Day 172 ~Sound of the Surf~

Saïx: Xion is sleeping right now. Even if you go, you won't be able to do anything. Roxas: It's not about whether I can do anything or not! Saïx: Why are you so concerned about such a failure? Roxas: Failure? Are you talking about Xion?

In Carl Jung's psychology, the concept of the mirror is often used metaphorically to represent the relationship between the conscious ego and the unconscious shadow. The shadow encompasses traits, desires, impulses, and emotions that individuals find unacceptable or shameful, and that they may be repressing. That's why Aqua's shadow-self emerged from the magic mirror.

Jung proposed that individuals often project their unconscious shadow qualities onto others, perceiving them as externalized aspects of themselves. Like a mirror, other people and external events reflect back to us aspects of our own psyche that we may not be aware of or are reluctant to acknowledge.

Saïx: Regardless of what happens to it, it's none of your concern. Roxas: Whether it's my concern or not doesn't matter. Saïx: What's the point of worrying about "something that doesn't exist"? Roxas: We're all in the same boat when it comes to things that don't exist.

Xemnas wasn't bothered by Xion's failure to defeat Riku. Saïx simply wanted to dispose of her because he was jealous. So, he projected aspects of himself that he hated onto her. It all gave me the impression that Isa was probably bad at fighting, failed his missions as an apprentice, and relied on Lea to do most of the work for him.

Saïx: Even if Xion were to break, it wouldn't change your position.

Saïx seemed unable to comprehend that Roxas was motivated by emotions and not because of any practical reasons.

Roxas: Saïx called Xion a failure... Axel: ...Xion is less of a failure than I am.

On this day, when Saïx called Xion a "failure", he used the word "出来損ない" (dekisokonai). The literal translation is "poorly made" or "botched," but it is usually used in a figurative sense. It refers to something or someone that is a failure, disappointment, or underachiever. It can be used to describe something that didn't turn out as expected or desired, or someone who hasn't lived up to their potential. Axel would get the sense that Saïx was referring Xion's failure to complete the missions and not necessarily anything more.

"You are to discover the identity of the outsider," he told her. "Those are direct orders from Lord Xemnas. Failure is the same as insubordination. You understand that, don't you?" "Wha…?" Xion had no idea that Xemnas had chosen her for this mission. To the best of her knowledge, Saïx was the one in charge of assigning tasks.

However, in both the novel and manga, Saïx told Xion that Xemnas had personally assigned her the mission and that if she failed, it would be the same as insubordination, which is defined as intentional defiance of authority or refusal to obey orders.

Day 172: The Meaning of Words (Axel) There must be a hidden meaning behind Saïx's words. Why doesn't Xion have the qualifications of an Organization member? Saïx said it is what it looks like. Is he implying that she resembles Naminé in some way? It's hard to believe that there's no connection between Naminé and Xion. But then, whose Nobody is Xion? What is Saïx hiding?

So, there may have been a deeper meaning behind Saïx's usage of the word "failure". It potentially means being a traitor. A recusant. And if Xion were labeled a recusant, she would be eliminated.

Day 193 ~Memories~

Day 193: Dreams, or Memories? (Xion) I finally wake up, just to pass out again? Why? Because I'm a failure? I dreamt the whole while I was out. It was something nostalgic, but what? Why can't I remember? It could be a key memory from my human life. All I can remember is the sound of waves, gentle, in the distance.

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Helena reflected on how sleep can sometimes provide temporary relief from feelings of sorrow or sadness. Sleep has the ability to close the metaphorical "eye" of sorrow, offering a brief respite from emotional pain. Xion was constantly dreaming about Sora. She wanted to go back "home".

Saïx: It's better for you not to move yet. [...] Roxas is scheduled to go on today's mission with Axel. Your presence is not planned. Xion: I want to go too. I want to limber up a bit. Axel: How about I go as a guardian? Saïx: ... ... ... ...Understood. Do as you please.

Saïx knew what was going on with Xion absorbing Roxas's memories. He knew she was gonna collapse. He only agreed to let them go when Axel offered to go, too. Because he was trying to hurt Axel.

Saïx: In the end, it collapsed again. The failure. Roxas: Don't say it like that...! Axel: Shut your mouth.

Here, Saïx used the word "shippaisaku" again instead of "dekisokonai". Both words refer to something that is considered a failure or disappointment, but there are subtle differences in nuance. "Dekisokonai" can be used broadly to describe various types of failures or shortcomings, such as Xion failing her missions.

"Shippaisaku" is more commonly used to describe unsuccessful creations or projects. It gives off a dehumanizing feel, like you're talking about a thing rather than a person. Axel was very angry, and not just because Saïx called Xion a bad name. That word was triggering to him. After all, the day was called "Memories".

Subject X and Notes on Mental Experimentation 2 During the initial experiment, several candidates were tested, but they all broke down mentally. I did not want anything to happen to her, my special subject. In the midst of all this, it was revealed to my mentor that I had used numerous subjects for testing and repeated experiments. The results of the tests were severely criticized, the research was terminated, and the results destroyed. Not only that, but she disappeared along with the release of many subjects. Where are the subjects now?

Xehanort used "特別な" (tokubetsu na) to refer to Subject X. It means "special" or "unique." It refers to something or someone that is distinctive, extraordinary, or holds significance beyond the ordinary. It implies a sense of rarity, importance, or exceptional value. Roxas and Xion were both special, too. They were all objectively special.

Axel also used "tokubetsu na" to describe how love is only born between people who are special to each other. Isa was probably not considered special like Subject X was. In an objective sense, he was probably considered to be pretty worthless, actually. He was only "special" in a subjective sense because of Lea's feelings for him.

Saïx: ...You've changed. What happened in Castle Oblivion? Are you ready to discard the past?

That was Saïx's only source of value, and he thought Xion threatened to take that away from him. He thought Axel changed because the past was no longer important to him. But that wasn't the case.

Axel: You passed, Sora. You have the power. The power to walk through Castle Oblivion. Guided by memories burned into your heart and precious memories on the brink of being forgotten, you will encounter precious people. Goofy: Can we meet the king? Axel: Think again about who is the most precious to you. The more precious the feelings, the deeper they are hidden in the heart— unable to be recalled. Sora, you must have such memories too. Sora: Me too? Axel: You've lost sight of the light in the darkness, to the point where you've forgotten that you've lost it. [...] But I'll give you a warning. When sleeping memories awaken, you may not be yourself anymore.

The romantic subtext between Roxas and Xion was quite obvious due to their connections to Sora and Kairi. Xion was precious to Roxas because he possessed Sora's most precious memories, which were those of Kairi, the girl who was special to him.

The romantic subtext between Axel and Saïx was a lot more subtle, but it was still there. Axel's memories of Isa were equivalent to Sora's memories of Kairi. After Castle Oblivion, he remembered his most precious person and he was always projecting those precious memories onto Xion. And that was what caused him to change.

Roxas: ...Are you worried about Xion too? Axel: Of course.

During her dream, Xion was reliving the moment when Sora turned the Keyblade on himself and turned into a Heartless. It was probably the same type of situation with Axel. He seemed to be reminded of something with the sleeping Xion, similar to how the sleeping Roxas reminded Xemnas of when Ventus collapsed. Isa was probably imprisoned in the Chamber of Repose after the failed experiment, similar to Subject X when they first met her.

Roxas: It feels kind of strange. Axel: What do you mean? Roxas: Axel, you hate annoying things, right?

In the localization, Roxas said Axel hates "complications". But I don't think that got the intended message across. Roxas used the word "面倒くさい" (mendokusai). It means "troublesome" or "bothersome". It is often used to describe tasks, situations, or people that are annoying or inconvenient. And that idea fits more with Axel's catchphrase where he always gets stuck with the unpleasant jobs.

Axel: Hey, Roxas... Why do you think we're eating ice cream together every day in that place? Roxas: ...Huh? Axel: I don't have any use for it. If you think about it normally, it's just a hassle, isn't it? [...] Want me to tell you? It's because we're best friends.

Axel used the word "用" (yō). It has several meanings, including "use," "purpose," or "need." He wanted to emphasize that best friends don't value each other for how useful they are in a practical sense. Eating ice cream together has no objective purpose, but that doesn't matter.

Day 255 ~The Longest Day~

"Things base and vile, holding no quantity, love can transpose to form and dignity. Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind." (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

The above A Midsummer Night's Dream quote is also one of the play's most famous and iconic. And it encapsulates one of the biggest themes of the 358/2 Days narrative. Love is a transformative force that transcends physical appearance and superficial qualities. Love depends not on an objective assessment of appearance or value but rather on an individual perception of the beloved.

The third eye (also called the mind's eye) is an invisible eye, located on the forehead, which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. And I thought it was very interesting that Saïx's scar was located over his third eye, and he was the only one unable to "see" Xion. It does suggest that some sort of mental experimentation was performed.

Axel stared at him as if trying to figure something out and then grinned. "Right, that first week you could barely form a sentence."

The game began with a preview of Day 255, which was called "The Longest Day." The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, marks the longest day of the year and the shortest night, with the sun reaching its highest point in the sky. A Midsummer Night's Dream is set around the time of the summer solstice. The themes of love, transformation, and the blurring of reality and fantasy were heightened by the setting of the summer solstice. And those themes were also present in the narrative of 358/2 Days as well.

(KH Days Novel) The sun sank lower and lower as Axel watched, his mind wandering. If he stared for too long, the image would burn itself into his eyes, visible even after his eyes were closed. A phantom sun. Someone had once told him why sunsets were red… Who was that?

On Day 96 of the novelization, Axel closed his eyes until he could only see the illusion of the sunset in his mind. And he remembered that someone else told him about the red sunset. There's really no one else it could have been but Isa. It was one of the most precious memories sleeping deep in the shadows of Axel's heart.

Roxas: I don't remember anything before joining the Organization, so for the first few days, I was just in a daze. After that, I wanted to remember everything properly. Axel: Yeah, for about the first week, you couldn't even talk properly, and you're still kind of out of it. Roxas: That's harsh! Axel: Hey Roxas, do you know why the sunset is red? Light comes in different colors, and among them, red reaches the farthest distance. That's why. Roxas: Why are you so proud of that, Axel?

Axel looked off the side before telling Roxas about the red sunset, indicating it was something he'd just remembered in that moment. And his Japanese voice acting during that scene was so nostalgic and wistful. Again, based on subtext, I suspect it was probably the first thing Isa said to him after he became lucid again after his mental breakdown. Which was why Roxas's comment made him remember.

Roxas: Seriously, where is she?

And in Japanese, the day has another meaning. "長い日" (nagai hi) refers to a day that feels exceptionally long or seems to drag on due to various factors such as boredom, exhaustion, or a heavy workload. In Axel's case, it was because he was dreading telling Roxas the news.

276 ~Disorder~

Xion: Is it that I'm not supposed to exist? Axel: Well, what do you want to do, Xion? Xion: I want…I want to be with you two. Roxas: Then come back with us. Xion: I can't… Not the way I am now. But…what would it take for me to be like you?

In the above quote, Demetrius is addressing Helena, who is convinced that she is awake and experiencing reality. However, Demetrius questions the nature of their current state, suggesting that they might still be asleep and dreaming. This uncertainty reflects the topsy-turvy world created by the interference of the fairies, particularly Puck, who has enchanted the characters with a love potion, causing them to fall in and out of love with each other.

Roxas: I got to go to the beach today for my mission. There was this girl there who looked kind of like Xion…but I couldn't get close enough to tell for sure. I probably imagined it. To be honest, I'm not even sure today's mission really happened. I feel like I just woke up from a dream or something. This is gonna sound crazy, but you know how we promised each other we'd all go to the beach? Well, I think I only saw her there because I wanted her to be there.

Metaphorically, the quote highlights the theme of perception versus reality and the blurred lines between the waking world and the realm of dreams. It suggests that what appears to be real may actually be illusory, and that true understanding can be elusive in a world filled with magical enchantment and shifting emotions.

Day 299 ~Sora~

Saïx: I see. And what about the man in the black coat? Xemnas: Do not allow any further contact with Roxas. He is nothing more than an impurity hindering Xion becoming a more perfect being. Saïx: Then everything will proceed according to the original plan…

"Things base and vile, holding no quantity, love can transpose to form and dignity." Xion was nothing but a blank puppet and an imaginary number with no quantity. She only took on a form to the perceiver because of Sora's most precious memories within Roxas.

(KH Days Novel) I just did what I thought was the best thing at the time. For Roxas, for Xion, for the Organization—and for Isa. But most of all for me.

The idea behind "love is blind" is that love can create a kind of emotional blindness, where individuals are unable to see reality objectively. When someone is deeply in love, they may be unable or unwilling to see any faults or imperfections in their partner, even if those flaws would be apparent to an outside observer. This can sometimes lead to situations where people remain in unhealthy or toxic relationships because they are unable to see the negative consequences or red flags due to their intense feelings of love.

Axel: Was this really the right decision? Saïx: For you to say something like that... between that puppet and Roxas, which one is more important to you? Let me change the question. Between your petty friendship game and Roxas's disappearance, which one is more important to you? Everything has returned to normal. It must be the right decision, right? Even Xemnas is annoyed by the recent change in plans. We need to restore everything to normal. It's for our goal, too, Lea.

This time, when Saïx used the word "important" he used "大事な" (daijina) instead of "大切な" (taisetsuna). Both words mean "important" and are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences. As I've said "taisetsuna" is used to emphasize emotional or sentimental value. And typically, "daijina" conveys the sense of something being important in a practical or utilitarian sense.

Saïx didn't seem particularly threatened by Axel's relationship with Roxas. Probably because Axel wasn't put in the position where he had to worry or be as protective of Roxas, the way he was with Xion. And Saïx also knew that Roxas was important to their shared goal of completing Kingdom Hearts. So, Saïx valued him in a utilitarian sense. In essence, he was telling Axel to choose between Xion or him.

Saïx was telling Axel, the assassin, to do the dirty work of eliminating Xion for him. So that their original plan could get back on its smooth course. "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." This cutscene was directed to look like the scene from KH2, when Sora closed his eyes and could see Riku in his mind, looking the way he truly was meant to look.

Day 352 ~Sunset~

(KH Days Novel) "How are you feeling, Roxas?" "…Same as always." Saïx smirked at the reply—and a chill ran through Axel at how vicious it was. "I have an urgent mission especially for you and your Keyblade," said Saïx. "There's a fearsome Heartless that's surfaced in Halloween Town."

In Japanese, Saïx's moniker is "月に舞う" or "Demon Dancing in the Moon". The word used for "demon" was "魔人" (majin). "魔" (ma) means "demon" or "evil spirit," and "人" (jin) means "person". Together, "majin" refers to a person with demonic or supernatural qualities.

Saïx has a pair of same-shaped weapons called "King of the Night" and "Queen of the Night". Dracula is sometimes referred to as "King of the Night," such as in the Castlevania series. Many legends and works of fiction depict vampires as being more powerful and bloodthirsty during the full moon. And while Saïx was always unpleasant, Day 352 is when he showed a truly evil side to his personality. He set Roxas and Xion up to kill each other in Halloween Town underneath the full moon until Axel intervened.

Saïx: Can't you just let things run their course?

"So quick bright things come to confusion." Lysander was reflecting on the transience of happiness and how quickly joyful moments can turn into chaos or confusion. Lysander's observation underscores the theme of instability and unpredictability in matters of love and human relationships, which is a recurring motif throughout the play.

Day 352: What I Must Do (Xion) I love Roxas and Axel. I think that's what I feel, but I bet Saïx would laugh, saying it's just false emotions fabricated from memory. But I loved spending time with Roxas and Axel on top of the clock tower. I wish we could stay like this, the three of us, forever. But it has to end now. I'll never forget today's sunset. Even if Roxas and Axel forget, I won't forget.

Xion used the word "好き" (suki) instead of "愛" (ai), which was the word used on Day 171. She certainly loved Axel and Roxas, which was why she made the decision to disappear at the Beast's Castle. But I think the writers were trying to emphasize that it was different than what she felt for Sora. Xion was the personification of the memories in the shadows of Sora's heart. She was his shadow self. She didn't want to say goodbye to her best friends, but she also yearned to watch the sunset with the person she loved in the "ai" sense.

Xion: A beautiful sunset. Even though it's the same sunset I've always seen, it looks especially beautiful today. I wish we could always be together like this, the three of us. […] Axel: What's important isn't meeting up every day— Xion: —It's thinking about each other even when we're not together, right?

Axel was definitely lying when he said he'd never seen a Winner ice cream stick before. The fact that their time together as a trio was coming to an end is what made him remember it in the first place. And he used the same words from Day 96. Only that time, he did feel sentimental towards Roxas and Xion. But Axel was trying to be the mature realistic adult in the situation.

Axel: If somebody doesn't break it, someday, you will no longer be you. Roxas will no longer be Roxas. Roxas: I am me. Still the best friend of Axel. Xion is also my important best friend! Axel: No, that's not it. It's not about that, Roxas. Roxas: Enough. Axel: That's not it, Roxas.

The theme "love is blind" also pertained to Roxas's relationship with Xion. To some extent, Axel was able to view the situation with Xion more objectively than Roxas. He could tell that she was a puppet that was absorbing his power and was dangerous. So, the next day, he let her run away from the Organization. He tried to explain the situation logically to Roxas, but Roxas couldn't accept it, and ran away too.

Day 355 ~Unsaid, Unheard~

"Because they copied my powers, the Keyblade's power, and then they didn't need me anymore—is that it?" Roxas spat. He couldn't bring himself to confirm it. "I guess you felt the same way, huh, Axel?" At those words, something wrenched in his chest, and he could hardly breathe. No, not me. I wasn't thinking like that. I would never. "That's not true. You—you're my best friend." The words spilled out of him.

More than anything, Axel wanted to emphasize that best friends don't value each other for how useful they are. And that no doubt had some connection to his human memories with Isa.

(KH Days Novel) "We don't need them both. Just one. And pretending won't change it." We, who? Axel wanted to ask, but he held it in, along with a bitter laugh. He wasn't sure if that "we" meant Organization XIII or just Saïx and himself. Axel realized how great the rift was between how he remembered past and what he saw now.

Saïx may very well have been possessed by some soul/mind that had other motivations subconsciously driving him to complete Kingdom Hearts at all costs. But all the subtext indicated that his conscious motivations were very simple. He wanted to complete Kingdom Hearts to get his heart back. He wanted the power of Kingdom Hearts because he wanted the power to love and be loved in return.

Day 356: Unforeseen Circumstances (Saïx) Lea, what did you ultimately want? The plan we decided on, entering the Organization together... No, that's already just wishful thinking. Everything has changed. You, and me too…

It would have been quite a twist if Axel and Saïx's big plan was simply being together forever eating ice cream every single day and watching the sunset. And there is a lot of evidence in the original text to suggest that that was indeed their plan. I also found it interesting that in Axel's Report from Day 118, he denied that he changed. But Saïx acknowledged in his final report that he had changed.

Comparing the Organisation members when they were human to when they were in the Organisation, apart from Xehanort, only Isa and Braig have differently-shaped ears and differently-coloured eyes - why is this? Nomura: It's a question of whether or not they're deeply connected to Xehanort. In Braig's case, comparing the scene where he's injured in his battle with Terra and flares up at Xehanort, his appearance afterwards changes, which hints that something happened with Xehanort in between. (BBS Ultimania, March 2010)

Xion was a puppet made to duplicate Sora's powers. And over time, she began to appear as him instead of Kairi. And the thirteen vessels were puppets made to be duplicates of Xehanort. After being experimented on and turned into a vessel, Isa would have noticed certain physical changes such as the golden eyes and pointy ears.

By the way, Braig's dealings with Master Xehanort in Birth by Sleep make sense, he was to become a vessel. Nomura: There is a certain reason for Braig to proudly exclaim, "As for me, I'm already half Xehanort." Isa (Saix) is included too. I think you'll understand the details about their circumstances eventually. What happens to the hearts of those who have had Master Xehanort's heart planted within them? Nomura: They'll gradually be swallowed by it. As for Master Xehanort, he plans to control them completely. The planted parts of the heart are captured rather than disappear. (Famitsu, May 2012)

And maybe Isa didn't want to lose his identity and become someone else. So, he thought it would be better for him to not exist anymore.

Day 356 ~Role~

(KH Days Novel) "How do you know that?" Axel demanded. "Everyone thinks they're right…" "This is right," Xion said firmly. "It's better this way." Axel hated that argument. Nothing was better any which way. All it came down to was what you wanted to do and what you didn't. He'd learned that lesson back when he had a heart. "So it's better for you to disappear?" he protested.

Because I definitely got the impression that Axel was reliving a situation from his past that was extremely similar to the situation with Xion. And that's what the novelization hinted at, too.

In Japanese, the title for this day is "役目" (yakume). It means "duty" or "role". It refers to a task, responsibility, or function that someone is expected to fulfill or perform. And it's a reference to when Axel says, "The dirty work always seems to fall on me."

Xion: …No holding back now, Axel. Axel: Stop fucking around! Don't underestimate me! I've made up my mind! No matter how many times you guys try to run away, I'll always be there to bring you back!

I don't think the English localization truly captured Axel's anger here. In Japanese, he says, "ふざけんな" (fuzakenna). It's a very direct way of saying "Don't mess with me". Next was "てめーナメてんじゃねーぞ" (teme na meten jane zo). It's a very informal and rather aggressive way of saying "Don't underestimate me" or "Don't look down on me." It's a confrontational expression used to assert oneself and demand respect. The phrase contains strong language (teme), and it comes across as rude. So, swear words are very fitting here.

Xion was a mirror that reflected the memories of those who were bound to Sora in some way. Even Xigbar was able to see her as Ventus at times. When Axel said that he'd bring Xion back, he said "you both". In Japanese, he said "おまえら" (omaera) which means "you guys". It's specifically plural in both languages.

Axel yells at Xion, "I'll bring you back no matter how many times it takes", but why does the word "you" refer to multiple people? Nomura: That's still a secret as well. But Axel's determination here of "bring you back no matter how many times it takes" is connected to when he said he would bring Roxas back in Kingdom Hearts II. (Famitsu, August 2008)

Nomura said that the reason why Axel was referring to multiple people in that scene was a secret. It wasn't referring to Roxas, but the determination Axel felt toward bringing him back in KH2 was related. And Axel said he'd bring Roxas back even if he had to knock him unconscious. During Axel's showdown with Xion, did she actually take on the appearance of Isa to him? Is that why he could only stare down at the ground in that moment?

Lea said the same lines, "Why do I always get the icky jobs," and "I'll always be there to bring you back," to Xion in KH Days when he brought her back. Does he remember that? Nomura: The nature of the being known as Xion and all memories to do with her were erased, but he would remember other things. (KH3D Ultimania, May 2012)

In KH3D, Lea didn't remember Xion. But it was strongly implied that he did remember making that promise to Isa. Isa was probably one of the test subjects taken away by Ansem the Wise. He didn't want to be a puppet of Xehanort, in either a literal or figurative sense. Lea probably had to bring him back to join the Organization by force. That's why Axel always agreed to do any of the dirty work necessary, even though Saïx was certainly capable of doing it himself.

Day 357 ~Tears~

Roxas: Did I...hurt you? Xion: No, I'm the one who's trying to disappear on my own. I didn't want to become what Xemnas wanted, so I will go to Sora's side. I just want to return to where I belong. But I have one request. Please release the captured hearts and Kingdom Hearts. Roxas: Release...Kingdom Hearts? Xion: It seems I can't do it anymore. But you can't fulfill Xemnas's wishes. Goodbye, Roxas. Let's meet again. I'm glad I got to see you and Axel. You two are best friends. Don't forget that. Roxas: No… Let's go eat ice cream together as a trio again, Xion.

The flower tatarian aster is known in Japan as the "紫苑" (shion). In Hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, it means "I'll never forget you." Roxas and Xion's Mystery Gear was called "Aubade". An aubade is a form of poetry or music that focuses on the theme of lovers parting at dawn. It typically depicts a scene where lovers must separate as day breaks, often evoking feelings of longing, melancholy, or anticipation. Day 357 was called "Tears". It referred to Roxas's tears when Xion disappeared leaving only a seashell behind.

Day 357: To My Best Friend (Axel) Roxas is gone... Leaving just the stick labeled "Winner." Typical of him. I bet tomorrow or something we'll get orders to bring him back, but leaving this behind... it really feels like the end, doesn't it? Roxas, are we still the three of us...? Well, no, just two now. Let's get some ice cream again. That's what being best friends is all about.

But it was also referring to Axel when he opened the envelope with the ice cream stick in it. "Queen of the Night" is named after a flower known as "月下美人". It literally means "beauty under the moonlight". The flower's symbolism is derived from its short flowering time. It only blooms one night a year, usually during a full moon. The flower's meaning is to enjoy the small moments because they do not last. In flower language, it represents fleeting beauty and fleeting love.

The word for "beauty" is "美人" (bijin). It means "beautiful person" and usually refers to women. Generally, "bijin" is more commonly associated with feminine beauty in Japanese language and culture. While it can technically be used to describe individuals of any gender who are considered beautiful, the term often carries connotations of traditional or stereotypical feminine beauty standards. "Majin" and "bijin" highlight the vast dichotomy between Saïx and Isa.

Axel: If you want, I'll bring you back too. Saïx: The marks under your eyes are gone, aren't they? Axel: Yeah, I don't need 'em anymore. Saïx: I taught you, who used to be such a crybaby, the charm of inverted tears. Axel: Shut up. Get out of here quickly or I'll kick your ass tomorrow!

In KH3, Saïx noticed that he had a Winner ice cream stick before he brought up the subject of Axel's tear marks. He said that he taught Lea that spell and used the word "おまじない" (omajinai). It means "spell" or "charm." It refers to a ritual or action performed with the belief that it will bring good luck or protect against misfortune.

This subject seemed to embarrass Axel. Lea was his other self, the weak crybaby that he was ashamed of and didn't like to acknowledge. In other words, his shadow. Perhaps back then Isa was trying to be the realistic mature adult, while Lea was the childish one who insisted they would be together forever? And perhaps a Winner ice cream stick was the memento Isa wanted to leave behind so Lea would always keep him in his thoughts?

I don't have a high opinion about the way KH3 handled Axel and Saïx. I understand that there wasn't enough time to show their backstory, so their relationship was sidelined to focus more on other characters. There was still a lot of romantic subtext, but the KH3 team did seem a bit uncomfortable with how utterly gay Saïx was for Axel. So, they tried to retcon his motivations to be entirely about Subject X. Which I think was very disrespectful to the story being told in 358/2 Days.

Day 359 ~The First Day~

"If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended: That you have but slumbered here while these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, no more yielding but a dream." (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

The quote "If we shadows have offended" was spoken by Puck in the final scene of the play. He addresses the audience directly, acknowledging that the events of the play, including the magical transformations, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements, may have caused offense or confusion.

Xion: Roxas, don't be sad. I came from you and Sora. I am you…the same way that I am Sora. You'll forget me, but the memories themselves will never go away. Memories of you and me will always be together…forever, inside him.

By referring to themselves as "shadows," Puck implies that the characters and events of the play are like fleeting illusions or figments of imagination. The quote also serves as a kind of epilogue or closing statement, in which Puck reassures the audience that all will be "mended," or set right, if they view the play's events as nothing more than a fantastical dream experienced during a slumber.

#long post #kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts 358/2 days #roxas #xion #kh axel #saix #rokushi #akusai #kh isa #leaisa #kh meta

[llannasvsp]

Dragons Rising Season 2, Episode 3: Beyond the Phantasm Cave

We are baaaack!! Honestly, I like spreading out my rewatch because I binged all 10 in one sitting. Spreading out my rewatch makes the excitement last longer. Not that I'm running out of excitement. I will never get over this season and it's not even done AGH. ANYWAY. On to the episode!

So, Cinder is Link from Zelda?

You feel the gong what?

Jordana and Cinder beef so real.

Awh, Kai. Glad they didn't forget his anger issues.

Arin is definitely not okay.

LLOYD MEDITATED ALL DAY AGHHH POOR GUY.

Lloyd has every right to be upset and frustrated right now.

Little source dragons!

OH MY GOSH the Netflix subtitles tell us which source dragon symbols correspond with the element!???!?

LIFE SYMBNOL CLAIMS LLOYD EVEROYNE. LIFE SYMBOL. DID ANYONE KNOW THIS?!?! YHHELLO. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME LEARNING OF THIS SO THIS IS A GENUIINE REACTION OH. MYGOSH.

Soooo Strength is a hater.

"He is no ordinary mortal". Okayyy so are we going to talk about him literally having Dragon heritage???

LEVITATING LLOYD CLIP!

Once again, Sam is literally serving. He portrays anxiety so well.

KAI + WYLDFYRE CLIP!

I am literally obsessed with this moment between them. Wyldfyre doesn't want to be left out. Kai wants her to stay safe and be okay. He's so kind and gentle with her. I love them.

I gotta admit, I'm an elemental mech hater.

"Would Master Wu take us on a mission based off of half understood dreams?" Oh he absolutely would.

KAI ASKING FROHICKY TO WATCH OVER WYLDFYRE RAGH.

I don't know how I feel about the Cloud Kingdom having a motor buuuut okay.

They really decided that this was the episode to upload clips from.

I love this moment because it addresses that Lloyd is doubting himself, it acknowledges that Lloyd and Nya have been through way too much stuff, and it shows us that Lloyd does not want to put Arin and Sora through something horrific. He doesn't want them to experience "the horrors" too young like he did.

Kai being mad that Wyldfyre stowed away but not in like an angry way but in a "I don't want you getting hurt" way is just sooooo.

Sora is so right to be concerned. I would be too if I were her.

I get what Sora was trying to do with the grappling hooks, but I also feel like this isn't going to bode well for Arin. She made his thing something "cooler" because their elemental powers are involved.

EWWW TENTACLES.

AGHH Arin and Sora complete each other my hearrrt.

Okayyy so visions.

Arin: Fear of letting his parents down. Guilt that he "replaced" them with the ninja.

Sora: Something to do with Imperium?? I don't really understand hers I'm gonna be so honest.

Lloyd: Being an inadequate teacher. Leading everyone to their destruction. "You will never be good enough." Dang.

Nya: Jay not remembering her.

Wyldfyre: The wasting thing that's talked about later.

KAI: WE DON'T FREAKING GET TO SEE IT. LET US SEE IT.

I feel like we just need to remember all of their fears because it's absolutely going to be important to all of them later.

"I know the real Jay could never forget me." Oh, honey. Don't say that.

Egalt is ugly.

GRRR THIS EPISODE IS AMAZING.

I think we didn't see Kai's vision because they're going to bring it back later. I know some people are saying that it was of a corrupted version of himself, and honestly, I'd say that's a very likely assumption, given his history. He used to have a lust for power, and maybe he still does, it's just more subdued. If anything were to happen to him (pretend we haven't seen ep10 yet), he could likely succumb to that temptation for power.

ALSO I'm such a Lloyd "life" truther, so learning that it was the LIFE DRAGON who claimed him?!??!? Yes. I'm so excited to expand more on that.

#llannas dr recap #ninjago spoilers #ninjago #dragons rising #ninjago dragons rising #dragons rising spoilers #ninjago dr #lloyd garmadon #lloyd ninjago #kai jiang #kai ninjago #nya jiang #nya ninjago #wyldfyre ninjago #arin ninjago #sora ninjago #cinder ninjago #jordana ninjago #lord ras

[kadextra]

LETS GO rambling and analysis time now that I finished part one

MAJOR MAJOR spoilers under the cut

KAI

NOOOOO how is he gonna get out??? I will say him as the first to use rising dragon felt extremely deserved, I clapped and cheered during that fight scene. but now he’s stuck in the netherworld with the remaining forbidden five and that’s scary.

teared up seeing Nya activate her rising dragon style in her grief for him. in the next part she’s gonna find out Jay forgot who she is too… so much heartache for Nya 😞

really enjoyed Bonzle in these episodes as well, learning about her origin of being a spell, her journey of discovering herself as a person and finding a found family :’) at least she’s with Kai now….

and I’ve felt terrible for Lloyd every episode. him getting slammed by those visions constantly, unexpectedly, even in the middle of a fight which sends him spiraling, that’s so rough :((

It’s obvious they’re a representation of panic attacks/he has developed a canon panic disorder- like Lloyd literally says it at one point. they happen suddenly, give anxious fear about present and future events, he gets scared about having another one so he tries to cope by not sleeping (unhealthy coping method) and is taught later on to try accepting the feelings and ride it out which is a way irl therapists teach. good to see some more exploration of mental health in this show!! I’m glad the other characters are taking notice and trying to help too in the ways they can

speaking of mental health, Arin has been interesting to watch. he’s reading to me more as an autistic-coded character lately (like that line about not understanding social cues???) and we’ve been seeing lots more negative self-esteem issues and insecurity from him. watching him make mistakes during the training sessions, get scolded, then close himself off was hard to listen to

how Sora decided to hide the truth about Arin’s “spinjitzu move” that saved the day at the end so he would feel proud of himself for achieving something hurt my heart- she is such a sweet friend who wants her bestie to be happy but like. keeping secrets is gonna have consequences down the line... and moreso it’s just painful to see how deeply Arin’s self-worth is tied to what he’s capable of doing, what he can do for the team. he’s already insecure how would he feel to find out ppl are lying so he can be happy? he’s a string that’s gonna snap one day and judging from that beatdown moment with Lord Ras it’s not going to be pretty, I sense some sort of villain arc approaching for our son

someone send these people to therapy they’re so traumatized

in another news: Cole and Geo gay love! homosexuals! maybe a QPR! I don’t care whatever it is, it’s clear they love each other

it wouldn’t be a ninjago season without the destiny’s bounty crashing and burning <333 and it was nice seeing Jay for 10 seconds again <3333

now my current question is what’s the source dragon tournament thing Lord Ras’ master is talking about??? tournament?? 👀 it’s basically implied that master is a source dragon or a being that rivals their power

can’t wait for the next part to release agugugsjkhkdbqjdpgsiduggjneosgktnalfhdiqkwkfjfialwkg

#ninjago #ninjago spoilers #ninjago analysis #ninjago dragons rising

[seventeenlovesthree]

Digimon Adventure subtext analysis: The other family angle

Years ago, I had already tried to conduct an analysis on how Taichi, Hikari and Koushirou were set up in a way that displayed the importance of family within their bond [I, II, III]. The conclusion there was that, by closing his own family-related arc, Koushirou was capable of supporting Taichi and Hikari's (also indirectly family-related) struggles in the Dark Master's arc as well. In a very similar vain, it can be argued that Sora, Yamato and Takeru were set up similarly. The hypothesis here is that, by mirroring Sora's and Yamato's (and Takeru's) familial issues, they're capable of supporting each other in the final arc as well.

Let's see how these familial parallels and similarities play out:

While it can be argued that the majority of the characters keep their family-related trauma to themselves, in Sora's and Yamato's cases, it has the biggest effect on the group dynamic as a whole. Because while Taichi, for example, starts to get reckless in order NOT TO get reckless and protect everyone he loves, Sora's and Yamato's instinct is to pull away from everyone and everything to protect them, even if they may declare the opposite to be true. (Mind you, that is actually some kind of behaviour Taichi will adopt in Tri onwards as well, but that shall not be the point of this analysis.)

The most obvious parallel between them is that they have rather disruptive family lives. While Sora's parents aren't divorced, they're still not living together and her relationship to her mother is rather rocky, filled with misunderstandings based on expectations and different views on life. Yamato's and Takeru's parents are divorced and Yamato has a rather difficult time approaching his mother himself, telling her how he really feels about it all, etc. He tends to surround himself with an aura of coolness and aloofness, even though the viewer quickly learns that he is very emotional and is just trying to bottle it all up.

In the novels it is implied that Sora may have known that Yamato and Takeru were brothers from the very beginning - so her deflecting or not prying further into their lives at the start of the series, especially when Taichi and Koushirou are speculating about their relationship, makes sense. Because she understands that they need space.

And Yamato returns the favour later on, letting her cry it all out; when Sora is experiencing her outburst of emotions in her Crest episode, the viewer learns that she has been doing the same thing as Yamato: bottle it all up. In the same way, they are both prone to wanting to figure out how to deal with their "inner states" by themselves, they're both not particularly good at talking it all out - and so it shouldn't be surprising that they understand that aspect about the other and give each other time and space to breathe. It's not something everybody in the group understands, but it is a very distinctive parallel: Sora basically explains to them that she kept away from the group because she hadn't figured herself out yet. Thus, Sora explaining Takeru that Yamato needs time to do some soul-searching himself is a direct follow-up response here. She sensed Yamato's need to do this on his own and followed it up by the promise that Takeru would be safe in his absence.

Takeru is a good keyword at this point as well, because similarly to how Hikari was a focal point in the other analysis, he is the key factor that makes the family angle so apparent. Yamato may be the one to give Sora space - but Takeru is the one who tells Sora what she desperately needed to hear. He wants to keep the family together at all costs, he is fed up with separation scenes, so he doesn't want her to leave again, sees her as "family", wants her to know how valued and loved she is - and so, Sora is the one who reassures Takeru when Yamato is on the brink of leaving himself, believing that, eventually, everything will turn out fine. It may look like nothing more than repetitive behaviour at first - but it is a circle of learning and trust instead, to rekindle and have better family dynamics in the future.

It's due to their strained relationships with their parents, their masks, their coping mechanisms that Sora and Yamato think they don't have what it takes to activate or even deserve their respective Crests. Love and Friendship - they don't know what it means for them personally. It's why they're so prone to being engulfed by darkness, why their dark caves are dangerous manifestations of their declining mental health, self-doubt and fears.

That is why the soul-searching is needed, repeatedly so. It's why they understand each other's need to be left alone - which is something we will see throughout the entirety of the Adventure series for both of them. But it's also why they need Takeru's softness and Taichi's persistence (as well as Jyou's support and Mimi's reassurance at different times) to get it back together again. They have to be reminded that they don't HAVE TO be alone in all this (even if they often choose to).

They know, deep down inside, that self-pity and giving in is not an option. They do ask themselves why they got into this situation, why they were chosen in the first place - but they also learn, through their experiences (and their respective bonds with and urge to support Taichi) that they're the ones who have the choice. To fight or to stay away - it's going to be their choice, again and again.

In the novels, the sight of Sora and Takeru together, right after he broke out of his own cave of darkness, even reminds Yamato of his mother, indicating that the entire journey is helping him to come to terms with slowly wanting to reconcile with her.

In general, Sora's role in the Dark Master's arc is mirrored by Koushirou's - they're support systems for the Yagami siblings (and Taichi and Yamato in combat), but Sora in particular is also often put together with the younger siblings, protecting them (enforcing her motherly role) or actually fighting alongside them (in more equal matters). In addition, she is acting as a bridge between the Takaishida brothers, especially in the final arc in which she is the one who throws Yamato's keychain at Takeru, thus helping him to overcome his own insecurities as well and eventually activating his Crest of Hope himself.

Long story short; Sora had already been on her way of reconciliation with her own mother and, after everything she went through, was able to reassure Yamato that he could go on to find his own path as she did hers before, believing that he could do it too. In return, Yamato had been put - and eventually also put himself - in the position to pull Sora out of her own state of darkness as well. Because he had been there himself, he was finally able to put things into words. Because, at this point in time, they're both incredibly similar - and may have gained what it takes to make up with their mothers.

#sora takenouchi #yamato ishida #takeru takaishi #matt ishida #tk takaishi #digimon adventure #my two cents #meta

[squib-2006]

Dr pt2 spoiler warning

This was a fantastic set of episodes

• Kai and wyldfire are everything. Kai having to deal with someone who acts like he did in the earlier seasons is poetic justice and funny as hell.

• I also like how they kinda tried to explain why Kai seemed calm after sea bound and nyas seaifcation. I guess Kai meditating with wu would make him calmer. At least it confirms that Kai was upset (even if they didn’t show it)

•I am kinda upset that nothing from skybound was brought up with the Djinn. I personally don’t really like skybound but I still find that it could be used more than just oh yah that happened right wink wink. I mean we had to suffer through skybound for something right?

• I actually really liked sora and nyas whole plot with the Djinns curse. It was fun and had a nice conclusion.

• Coles return is great I love his little gang in the land of forgotten things. My favorite has to be the skeleton girl (I forgot her name probably cuz they only say it like 2 times) she’s funny.

• I do wish there was a scene where nyas like btw I found Cole and the other ninja react. I mean she does mention it at the end but no one except Zane has any real reaction.

• Beatrix going off the rails was really funny. It felt like someone gave a teen with daddy issues an insta death weapon.

• rapton switching sides kinda came out of left field for me. Like the guy isn’t the brightest bulb in the box I think it would be more likely for other characters to switch sides. Also how did he recover from being tased so quickly? Man was out cold and not two minutes later he was up and walking around.

• kinda felt that the whole being sucked into non existence should have had more lasting effects (totally not because I want to traumatize or brutally injure Kai no why would I want that /s) tho fake out deaths are pretty par for the course with ninjago, this one actually didn’t make me feel all that much cuz I knew the moment wyldfire got pulled in that this was a fake out. They wouldn’t kill one of there new characters that quickly.

•so wus just legitimately fudging dead. Never thought we would see the day when this old mad would just peace out. Also ghost wu legit looks like he’s slowly loosing his form or something cuz in the first half he appears with his full body but in the last scene he’s in he’s just a chest and a head. It might have just been a stylistic thing tho.

•I’m not mad jay only showed up for around 30 seconds (this just might be my bias tho cuz jays probably the ninja I care the least about, not that I hate him or anything he’s just not that interesting to me) it’s kinda refreshing for me cuz nya gets to be her own character for a bit and not be completely attached to Jay and Jay gets to take up less screen time (if I am being honest Jay had so much focus in the wild brain seasons it kinda got annoying to me personally) idk if he’s actually lost his memories or if that leak is wrong cuz it would make sense cuz he has not searched for the ninja (specifically nya cuz that man is a simp for his gf) Arin missing him by a second is hilarious to me.

•not sure about how I feel about Lloyd being the linchpin for the entire thing. Part of me thinks that it would have fit the shows themes better if all of them used their elemental powers or something else to power the cores to fix everything. But another part of me understands that Lloyd get main character privileges cuz he’s the son of ninjago god.

•still kinda frustrated that they are changing how elemental powers work. Originally they were from the first spinjitzu master, but the whole source dragon being the source (for lack of a better word) of the elemental powers, it completely retcons and nerfs the first spinjitzu master. It would have made more sense if they still came from the powers of the fsm and were gifted through the source dragons to people.

•the implication of the cursed realm merging with the rest of the realms brings up the question if the departed realm merged to? Does that mean no one can die??? Or is there some sort of force that still keeps the departed realm separated from the rest (like how the people in the land of the forgotten can’t leave) or can some dude just wander in to the departed realm and see like there dead grandma chilling with the fsm having tea or some crap like that.

•Lloyd going I forgot there are two of them now towards Kai and wyldfires antics is peak writing. And all the arson and explosions the two created is just beautiful.

•I think the Kai and wyldfire duo should be called like the arsonist or the kaboom duo

•THE HUGGG!!!! My boi was so happy looking when the tackle hug was done.

•I just cant get my brain to shut up about these two. They give off tired dad who sometimes gives in to his old chaotic ways he’s sworn he’s grown out of and living embodiment of chaos and fun daughter who drags her dad into crazy things.

Tdlr I loved this second half and had a few issues with it but it was still really good.

#ninjago #lego ninjago #kai jiang #kai smith #kai ninjago #ninjago kai #ninjago dragons rising #ninjago dragons rising spoilers #lloyd montgomery garmadon #lloyd garmadon #lloyd ninjago #nya ninjago #nya smith #nya jiang #cole brookstone #cole ninjago #jay ninjago #jay walker #zane ninjago #zane julien #ninjago wyldfyre #ninjago sora #ninjago arin #Kai and wyldfire dad and daughter relationship is everything #can’t wait for more

[beanghostprincess]

Sanji unintentionally projecting his daddy issues onto usopp and his father. Once usopp told him about his dad leaving he instantly got beef with yasopp because how dare this man leave the sweetest boy on that island. How dare he leave without looking back.

When Usopp and yasopp do reunite it's nice. A lot of hugs, lots of tears (for some reason Franky is crying the hardest). Last time yasopp saw his son he was a little kid so he's trying to get to know his kid and catch up. He also acts like such a dad asking him if he's eaten yet, Tell him to get a jacket before going out and tries to control his sleep schedule. Usopp is annoyed by this for many reasons and made the mistake of venting to sanji.

Sanji being a protective boyfriend and also traumatized he assumed the worst. Yasopp thinks he's weak, He thinks he's worthless. He thinks he's not good enough to be on his crew or worthy to be a pirate. He thinks he's an embarrassment a mistake. That's what he thinks! How dare he think that! just because he's not a pirate of an emperor and he doesn't have advanced haki He's not worthy of being a pirate?!!!

Of course, none of those thoughts are true. Usopp It's just annoying that his dad is on his case all the time and seems to be overbearing. He gets that the last time he saw him he was seven so it made sense back then to be lecturing him about taking a bath But come on now. He's almost 20. There's no need to do that anymore he wants his dad to see him as a man.

He confronts his father and tells him his true feelings. He's glad that he's back in his life and He does want a father son relationship but he also wants to be seen as an adult and a pirate. He's not helpless he hasn't been helpless in years. He had to take care of himself for years. (they also talked about Banchina which causes a lot more tears for them) yasopp understands and admits that he was going a little overboard. He's aware that his son a very competent, confident and strong pirate...... but he's still his baby you know! You never you never stop wanting to protect your child even if they can protect themselves, it's just instinct.

While they're having this intimate talk sanji is listening in on them. If usopp didn't walk in on time he was about to beat yasopp's ass ( I don't think he would have won.... maybe I don't know)

He also watched them do target practice. Yasopp let him use his gun for the first time he's so proud

This is so real. It's, like, the only reason I say Sanji wouldn't like Yasopp. I think Sanji is very overprotective with the crew when it comes to their parents or, just when it comes to parenting/family in general because he had a shitty experience (shitty is an understatement, but yeah) and when he learned what a true family was (Sora, Zeff, the strawhats...) he promised himself to never let other people go through what he had to experience.

Usopp feels a bit betrayed and insecure when it comes to his dad but he understands why he had to go and admires him for it, and he's aware that Yasopp loves him. So after a few moments together and a bit of bonding, they pretty much get along. Yasopp can't fix all the times Usopp has missed him, but at least they can write their future together. Sanji doesn't quite understand this because he should be furious at him! He should be resentful! He's being too good on him! And it's funny, because Sanji is nothing but forgiving and kind and the guy saved the Vinsmokes for no reason other than the fact they were his family, even if he didn't owe them shit. But he still has a bit of resentment towards them he will never say out loud, so he ends up projecting on other people. Basically, he never let himself hate the Vinsmokes completely because he was too kind towards them and now every time he encounters a father/son complex bond, it makes his skin crawl.

Besides, he loves Usopp so much,, He knows how hurt he is and how easily he gets insecure. He doesn't want him to go through all of this alone. He's afraid he mind end up getting hurt. Sue him for wanting to protect his boyfriend, idk...

Also, he's a bit jealous once he learns/sees that Yasopp and Usopp are getting along. It's a bit unfair that he's the only one with the shitty dad and hating his shitty family and- And don't get him wrong! He's so glad Usopp is happy with his dad. But he thought that maybe this once somebody would understand him. He ends up forgiving Yasopp and supporting his boyfriend's decisions, of course, but the pang in his chest is still there.

You know who would've understood Sanji? Yamato. And I will always be forever mad they never got an scene together like that. Yamato and Ace. These three really needed to talk about their daddy issues with somebody who understood them.

#i am very sad and it's so early in the morning #one piece #black leg sanji #usopp #sanuso #yasopp

[toothlespoggers]

AAAAAAAAA STIMMING STIMMING JUST WATCHED EPISODE 4 (I think) OF THE NEW SEASON OF DRAGONS RISING AND BOY THIS SEASON IS SUCH AN IMPROVEMENT FROM THE FIRST AND ITS SO GOOD AND ITS AMAZING AND COLE IS SO FUCKING GAY FOR THAT GUY AND THEYRE SO GAY THEYRE SO GAY, THAT GUY WHATS HIS NAME

DID YOU SEE THE WAY HE LONGINGLY LOOKED AT COLE NOT ONLY HAS THIS SEASON FIXED ALL THE CHARACTER WRITING FLAWS THAT THE PREVIOUS ITERATIONS OF NINJAGO HAD BUT IT ALSO CONFIRMED COLE GAY HE GAY FOR THIS MAN, THEYRE SO GAY, NO ONE STARES AT ONE PERSON THE WAY THIS GUY DOES AND ISNT GAY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AND ZANE WITH THE FRONICKY PLUSH AAARGHHH I CANT BELIEVE THIS THEYRE LETTING ZANE REST? WHAT HAVE I BEEN SAYING YALL EVEN IF TUMBLR HASNT EXPERIENCED ALL OF MY NINJAGO OPINIONS, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND I HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS THAT ZANE NEVER GETS A BREAK. HES ALWAYS WORKING, HES ALWAYS FORCED TO GET UP AND DO STUFF BUT THIS SEASON HES PLAYED VIDEO GAMES AND STAYED BEHIND, HES CHILLING WITH THE FROG MAN AND ITS SO GOOD AND AAAAAA I WANNNA WATCH MORE EPISODES BUT I WATCH IT WITH PEOPLE SO I HAVE TO WAIT BUT IT IS THE BEST.

I love the ninjago writers SO MUCH if anyone has like any information on the behind the scenes decisions and stuff that’s gone into the development of this season that’s changed and improved the previous issues tell me I wanna know! Argh I’m so happy, they finally gave Cole a family outside of the ninja team because let’s be real Cole was kinda sidelined for ages he needs a nice family of people who respect him and also he needs a hot purple boyfriend to look after him!

Lloyd isn’t an npc, he’s a human being with flaws?? Like actual? Logical? Flaws? He’s not just a main character anymore?? His flaws aren’t even super annoying either. And like CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW FUNNY IT IS THAT TIKTOK AND YOUTUBE CANONICALLY EXIST? THE NINJA ARE LIKE, TUMBLR SEXYMEN??? IN THE LEGO UNIVERSE?? THATS SO FUNNY, WHAT?

all the jokes feel like actual people talking, the writing feels natural for the first time in years! Zane isn’t constantly abused, he’s happy and frog man is the best character and if Lego doesn’t immediately release mini figures for frohicky and all the other minor characters that are pretty important I’m going to Sue.

also I haven’t watched the next episode but if it doesn’t explain what happened with Zane to end up with a frohicky plushie I’m going to go ballistic, alright?

Hot take but I’m glad Jay isn’t there anymore ik he’s probably going to come back but he’s honestly the worst ninja nowadays. And also, KAI CHARACTER ARC FIXED??

KAI ISNT INSUFFERABLE UNLEARNING AND RUDE ANYMORE HES AN ACTUAL GROWING CHANGING PERSON NOW, AND LIKE I USED TO HATE THE SELF INSERT NEW GUYS BUT THEYRE SO WELL WRITTEN NOW IT JUST MAKES ME LIKE EM’ and sure Aaron can get a little annoying but he’s so autistic coded like openly autistic coded he’s like “is there a social cue I’m not picking up on?” COME ON, MAN. COME ON!!

also like I said, girlie, baby, Sora, honey, you are the GOAT. WE STAN!

also if something ever happened to Zane couldnt sora just like, fix him on the spot?

my only complaint is the fact the ninja haven’t just taken off the masks before the wolf people turn all magic-y like bbg just take it off.

one last thing, JUST SAY CHIMA, WE ALL KNOW THAT GUY IS FROM LEGO CHIMA DONT HIDE IT EMBRACE IT. AAAAA

also that skeleton lady kinda..

Look I’m an undertale fan I have skeleton brainrot, ok? Don’t judge me

#lego ninjago #ninjago #ninjago dragons rising #ninjago dr spoilers #ninjago dr s2 #dragons rising spoilers #dragons rising ninjago #dragons rising

[lunyxdragon]

Dragons Rising Rant

I WAS NOT READY for season 2 part 1

(I'm spoiling pretty much everything below the cut)

This was everything I wanted and more (not to say it doesn't have its issues, but still)

I know some people were grumbling about Lloyd taking Zane's role of being the vision haver but I honestly like how they handled it. Because it feels an awful lot like a PTSD allegory. Like, Arin is literally like "you've been through a lot, maybe it's catching up to you" or smthn like that, the visions showing up at random and inconvenient times during the day, being unavoidable but they can be lived with, panic attacks, so am I the only one seeing this??? This does some interesting things to my Lloyd PTSD headcanons... another thing is the two people that have had visions are the two most likely people to have PTSD imo, so... there's that...

Lloyd verbally acknowledges having panic attacks which caught me so off guard for a show to sell toys to eight year old boys. It wasn't like puss and boots level of panic attacks, definitely not given that much focus, but it was there. Lloyd canonically has panic attacks!!

I know it's a kid's show, but I feel like they could have handled the sleep deprivation a bit better than "Lloyd is falling asleep all the time," like there's so many other ways you could convey that, at least vary it a bit. They hammer this point into the ground and I feel like kids aren't that dense, and would understand it even with half of the random falling asleep replaced with irritability, zoning out, or other stuff like that idk.

I WAS NOT READY for Kai to get sacrificed. When they were talking about human sacrifices I was like "nah ninjago would never go that far, that pretty much confirms that either the sacrifices aren't actually necessary or the forbidden five don't get brought back," then Kai literally gets sent to the backrooms with no way out.

And Bonzle. BONZLE. Need I say more? Wish she had gotten more focus though. The sorceress felt like a d&d oc shoved in last minute though, and her design was so chaotic it was distracting from the show for me. Probably just me though, I like order. She's fun, I just wish they'd either given her an arc or given that focus to Bonzle.

Internally screaming when Nya says "Jay would never forget me" and when Jay showed up. I really hope they give him enough time to shine.

Ras literally runs and catches up to a moving car and knocks out a dragon in a single hit. Bros insane. I guess the blood moon just makes him physically stronger? They didn't really elaborate what the blood moon does to Ras and why. But he's an actually competent villain, which Ninjago is in short supply of.

Cole literally said "Come at me (bro)" to the Administration.

Speaking of Cole, Geo misses him!! I'm way overhyped for this couple, but this is the closest thing we'll get to a canon gay couple in ninjago. Lego doesn't have the balls to actually show them kissing or being a couple, not with their show that gets aired all over the world to sell legos. I'm gonna go rewatch the land of lost things episode from s1 later.

The timeline is even more messed up now though. If Cole only just returned, when were the Mech Pilot shorts supposed to happen? We'll see what the creators say on Twitter lol.

Ending this off on a positive note, the found family is gonna kill me. Arin literally seeing Lloyd and Nya as his parents was gold. Oh man Ras slammed the poor boy around a lot, physically and mentally. Just let both Arin and Sora realize they're not useless. Nahhh the angst is too good.

Is there more? Probably. But I need to do my calculus coursework...

#ninjago #ninjago dragons rising #ninjago spoilers #ninjago dragons rising spoilers #dragons rising spoilers #dr spoilers

[saline-coelacanth]

AAAAAA The new short came out I wasn't prepared for this! Anyway I watched it and wanted to give my random various thoughts. Obviously there will be spoilers so yeah.

Kai is a menace to society and I love him. I love his Super Awesome Slide Course and the fact that he was just like "Don't tell Lloyd" when Cole showed up it was great.

Also Cole just showing up on a dragon was kinda funny to me. I'm sure we'll get a better explanation for his whole deal once season 2 comes out but yeah.

Another side note but I find it funny that they talked about the fact that "Oh yeah, Lloyd's not here right now to stop Kai from doing these reckless things" but there is no mention of where Nya or Zane are. Lloyd is the only issue I guess XD

ANYWAY Cole needed the ninja's help because of the chronosteel. Which judging by the trailer, I think the Mechanic has something to do with this, but we haven't seen him yet. Also Arin immediately knowing that Kreel (I think that's how you spell her name) was the one with the chronosteel

And also Kai mentioning that "someone" made blades from chronosteel that almost destroyed space and time. Like, it's ok Kai, you can say your parents, it's fine. (I know the actual explanation is they didn't have time to go into all of that but it's still funny)

I love seeing Lobbo again. Lobbo is always a win

And finding out that Sora was the one who made the mechs? That's amazing I love Sora she's so cool. I'm so happy seeing her powers getting to shine now that she's unlocked her True Potential.

Last little note I wanna mention is Arin being the one to talk to Lobbo and calm him down. I just... I love Arin a lot. I understand why he doesn't have a mech because he doesn't have any elemental powers, so I'm really happy that he still had an important role in the fight.

And that's pretty much all I can think of that I wanted to talk about. I also just woke up so it my thoughts are a bit scattered, that's probably why.

#ninjago #lego ninjago #ninjago dragons rising #dragons rising spoilers #elemental mech shorts

[ystrike1]

Moto Dorei Desuga, Oni No Dorei Wo Katte Mitara Seiryoku Ga Tsuyosugiru Node Sutetai... - By Saitou Misaki (8/10)

Slavery is a hard topic. It's handled ok here. There's no abuse. Our main girl isn't looking for a date. She's trapped in a world she doesn't understand so she needs a guide. One that can't betray her. She takes in a slave for the sake of practicality.

Sora has been stuck in fantasy land since she was 11. She was immediately caught by slavers and sold. She is tiny and weak, and she only recently turned 18. She cannot read or write, and she has no common sense. She has spent most of her time indoors in misery.

Nobody saves her. Sora's master is lazy. He sends her to get registered as an adult, so he can sell her as a prostitute. She goes into the wrong building. There's another Sora on the list, who is scheduled to be released from slavery. Sora takes that chance to escape. She almost dies running away, and she becomes a potion masters apprentice.

She buys a demon because he's cheap. He's an Oni named Liam. He's the ideal partner for a weak potion apprentice. Sora is ready to learn how to live life, but her lack of common sense is...bad...

Sadly that elderly master quickly dies, but then Sora is in a good position. The potion master leaves a bunch of gold coins, clothes and potions behind. She's also a decent potion maker now, and a free woman.

Everybody is super scared of Liam. Demons are really strong, but they're seen as unlucky. Sora doesn't know why. She assumes it's racist nonsense.

It kinda is butttttt...

Plot twist it kinda isn't. Demons are not human here. Liam is a pervert by nature, as in he feels compelled to breed as an adult all the time basically. One of his previous masters was a pet owning pervert, but they didn't get along because he didn't enjoy her sadistic fetishes. Oni demons in particular like sex. Plain sex. Sex for the purpose of having children. Liam assumed Sora is a child, because she's small. He had no interest in her, but she's really kind to him. So he gets attached to her. He also masturbates next to her every single night. Sora sort of regrets buying him...

She tries to sneak away to rethink her purchase. It's waaayyy too late though. When she bought Liam he was scarred, scared and depressed. She healed him with her potions, and before she saw him masturbating they were friends.

I get why she doesn't fully trust him. I do. Again he's not human. He's weirdly proud of his Oni nature and strength, and that does make some sense. He's skilled with fire magic and he's very strong. I guess his high sex drive is just another part of being an Oni to him. Anyway he can't fuck anyone while he's with Sora. She really does need constant protection, because she has no family at all. This is a pretty gritty fantasy setting with theft, slavery and no special powers. Potion makers are highly useful, but weak. Sora isn't special and she really has been entirely alone for seven years. If my Demon escort told me he's so uncontrollably horny that he has to masturbate for hours every night I would also be suspicious.

Liam really likes Sora, and it's cute because it's clearly not all sexual. He doesn't look at her in an overly sexual way. She's a nice master and he likes doing regular stuff with her. His other masters just wanted him to bow and do boring shit forever.

Liam also has awful abandonment issues. Demons can't have that many kids. When a human and a demon have a baby...the baby comes out full demon. That's another reason why humans are kinda freaked out by demons. His mother was also a prostitute, so yeah it looks like free roaming demons do have sex alot. Liams father doesn't know he exists, and his mom didn't want him. Sora's kindness is something he doesn't want to give up on.

But wait!!! His attachment issues get even worse!!! Liam pretended to be human after his mom died. He became an adventurer. His first ever friends betrayed him. He was doing a mission with them, and during it they made a mistake. The important object they were transporting broke...the team blamed Liam and revealed his demon identity. Then Liam was branded as a criminal and saddled with the debt for that item.

Liam suspects that she doesn't trust him, so he follows her around at night. He doesn't want her to leave him. The yandere potential is super high. He's really into serving her, and he cries in her arms multiple times after she is kind to him. The setting is above average. Humans don't like demons for actual...reasons?? Like real ones. Like demons are weirdos who only think about impregnating women because of their low fertility and stuff. That'll make you less liked. There's not alot of sexual stuff in this. Liam just seems genuinely devoted to Sora, but if she ever invites him...and I assume she will...he obviously won't say no.

#yandere #male yandere #yandere male #yandere boy #recommendations #recs #rec #recommended #manga #otome isekai #isekai #Moto Dorei Desuga #Oni No Dorei Wo Katte Mitara Seiryoku Ga Tsuyosugiru Node Sutetai... - By Saitou Misaki (8/10)

[yzafre]

Kairi, Namine, Xion, and using their words

So KH has a lot of characters that are off-shoots of previous ones, and it can be fun to look for the parallels and the difference. While trying to figure out Kairi's "voice", I found it interesting to compare how the three "Kairi variations" used their words when experiencing overwhelming or negative emotions. How they handle these moments are very interesting.

Let's look at three memorable quotes by them, to show what I mean:

"Sora, let's take the raft and go. Just the two of us!"

Everyone talks about this line at some point. Like, what a weird thing for Kairi to say when we're still being introduced to her character! Riku's supposed to be her friend too, right?

Well, let's look at the context - not of everything that's going on around them, but of the conversation. What does she say right before?

"You know, Riku has changed."

Okay, so she's thinking about the ways Riku has been different now - probably in a way that upset or scares her. As other's have noticed, Kairi isn't as interested in leaving the islands (a safe place) as the others - an aversion to uncomfortable things. Riku is her friend, but it's not unbelievable a part of her wants to get away from whatever the change is that scares her.

So she has this mixed feeling about Riku, she tries to bring it up but ends up dancing around it, which Sora does not understand, obviously. Then, instead of explaining what she means, just jumps like, 10 steps ahead.

What this implies to me is that Kairi doesn't want to face this (any?) complex negative emotion head on. Maybe because it's her own fear and resentment? There's an element of avoidance of repression, here.

And then! And then as soon as it's out she immediately backtracks. Immediately laughs it off. "Just kidding!"

That makes it seem to me that her line about the raft was involuntary. She did not think ahead, maybe didn't even mean to say that at all, certainly regretted it as soon as she said it. It is definitely an expression of an honest, maybe a bit ugly, emotion she's experiencing, but is not the full context. It's certainly not the root of the issue. She's still dancing around it.

To summarize: either low levels of understanding of what she's feeling or some kind of repression, and involuntary use of words (meaning just about anything can come out)

"Nobody needs to keep a bunch of memories that aren't real, right?"

Oh, Namine. So we all agree this is a bit passive-aggressive, right? But also, I think, a bit genuine.

She is very aware that she caused this situation, and that she hurt Sora first. She's trying to acknowledge that she understands, but... she just can't help giving it a passive-aggressive edge.

Namine is all about repression (and also self-loathing, but that's not this conversation). She basically spends her entire life in a cage, having to make herself small. If we extrapolate even further, she probably spends a lot of time in her head thinking about her own situation and maybe even her feelings. That awareness could even be seen as a survival skill, in her situation.

She knows she did wrong and she knows she's upset. She tries to prioritize one over the other - but unsuccessfully.

So what we get with Namine is high awareness of her feeling, and an attempt to use her words constructively, but her control slips and some involuntary messaging slips through.

"So, do you hate me for taking your friend away from you?"

Xion uses her works like knives, seriously. There's a hint of this in her "Or what? They'll turn me into a dusk?" line with Axel, but I thought I'd use this quote instead.

I think I maybe mentioned this in another post somewhere, but in conflict Xion has a conversational pattern that goes "soft soft soft GOES FOR YOUR THROAT" that shows up multiple times throughout Days.

So, set-up for this conversation. Xion is suddenly getting a lot of answers and thus processing a lot of information, a lot of which I think confirms her own brand of self-loathing.

But what she turns around and says is not about her feelings (... on the surface, we'll get around to that), it's about provoking the other person.

It would be entirely understandable for Riku to be upset wither her, which would possibly stand as a threat, and she tries to confront that head on to get a reaction out of him.

She has enough awareness to know what she wants, and that she's feeling cornered, but the exact phrasing she used is interesting considering her situation:

Do you hate me for taking your friend away?

Because before she got these answers, what she already knew was that she could end up hurting Roxas. Realistically, this could be a question she'd want to ask Axel:

Will you hate me if I take our friend away.

And I do think she knows that's what she's afraid of, deep down, but she's too scared to actually ask (keeps running away). What I don't think she's aware of is that she's using Riku as a proxy, here. I think she's just trying to control the conversation.

So, with Xion we have: mixed levels of emotional awareness, but high control of her use of words.

Maybe it doesn't mean much, but I find it interesting. They all will say the most insane things under pressure, but it comes out in very different ways, with very different intent.

Kairi, who will avoid till things get too much then blurt things out involuntarily, then try to take it back.

Namine, who will try to control the narrative but can't stop keep the edge of passive-aggressiveness out.

Xion, who would rather go on the attack before you can hurt her first.

#kh #kingdom hearts #kairi #namine #xion #I just think it says interesting things about their conflict resolution style #I don't think Kairi likes the 'uglier' parts of her as she might think of them #when it shows up around other people she seems to frame it in a joking or false light-hearted tone #or she'll try to back-track #mind for Kairi I'm judging a lot of this off KH1 #as that's my preferred Kairi #I suppose KH3 and even KH2 Kairi could be interpreted a bit different #I mean it's not like there's a TON of scenes to go on #I firmly place Xion in the 'looks like a cinnamon roll but will actually kill you' camp #this girl will take you out if she thinks she has to #yza talks about a thing

[ecargmura]

Wonderful Precure Episode 6 - Arguing With A Dog

Precure is no stranger to “argument” plot lines, whether it be between the MC and their partner or two members of the group. I’ve watched Hirogaru Sky (which I love) and the conflict between Sora and Mashiro was around Episode 5. Delicious Party’s conflict was mainly between Kokone and Ran and that was in Episode 9. Wonderful Precure’s conflict episode revolves around Iroha and Komugi and it’s quite an interesting take as Iroha is literally arguing with her dog.

Komugi’s upset because she can’t use the Friendly Wand and that her special leash is now gone because it became the wand. Iroha is a bit nonchalant about the situation. She’s like “Well, it can’t be helped,” and Komugi hates that. However, both sides aren’t wrong but they aren’t right either. I think it makes sense that Komugi can’t use the wand because she’s technically doing things out of selfishness while Iroha genuinely wants to help animals, hence selflessness. Komugi is selfish because she only wants to do things when it regards Iroha. She became a Precure because she wants to protect Iroha, but because she is a dog with attachment issues, it’s ultimately seen as immature and selfishness. I’m not criticizing Komugi’s actions precisely because she is a dog; animals aren’t really selfish or selfless in a sense—their behavior stems from survival instinct. Now that Komugi has become human, she has gained human qualities, which doesn’t really “improve” her right now as she has no idea what selfishness and selflessness are, most likely. She can talk. She can become a Precure. However, that doesn’t change the fact that she is still a dog. I do like that she’s written in a way that she doesn’t automatically become too human once she becomes a Precure and a human, but she still retains her dog-like intelligence.

Iroha isn’t right or wrong in this situation either. Sure, her nonchalance towards the situation can be seen as an issue. However, Iroha is a human girl who loves animals and wants to understand them. However, that doesn’t mean she’ll always understand them. She may understand Choco’s fears of going to the vet, but that doesn’t mean she’ll understand Komugi’s situation; in fact, she’s viewing Komugi’s tantrums from a human to dog perspective. She’s a teenager, so she understands that things can be replaced. She has the awareness that Komugi lacks, but she doesn’t know that. I just hope that after their conflict gets resolved that Iroha gains some awareness about others; I think that’s what she lacks as a character. She doesn’t pay attention or listen to Mey Mey often and has to rely on Satoru for animal knowledge.

Other than the conflict between our main duo, Mayu gets some insight as she is revealed to have a dad who is a wildlife researcher. She seems to love him a lot as she was happy to have a video call with him. He seems understanding of his daughter as he understands that she has a hard time making friends but doesn’t say things like “Well, I hope you make friends” but says things like “You can stay as you are right now.” I have to say, Mayu’s parents are lookers. Her mom’s beautiful and her dad’s handsome. Though, this portion of the episode was mainly foreshadowing that the GaruGaru would be a lion. She’s also witnessing the change in behavior from animals when a GaruGaru emerges from the egg.

Satoru is really good support. He’s there to help Wonderful and Friendy understand that the former’s fears of the GaruGaru lion stems from animal instinct as lions are king of beasts and that smaller animals fear their presence out of instinct. I also really like how he puts Daifuku first. For example, it’s the first time Satoru takes Daifuku to where the GaruGaru is; before going to the scene, he was wondering what to do with him. He knew that Daifuku could get hurt if he brought him along, but he wasn’t too sure if he should leave him with the Inukais, but when Daifuku thumps as a sign that he wants to go, he takes him along. Their mutual understanding is a bit different from what Iroha and Komugi are going through, but it does make me wonder if this dynamic will be retained if Daifuku becomes a Precure.

I do like how the Kirarin Animals give the Precures different functions. Last episode, the rabbit gave Friendy rabbit eared headphones with hypersensitive hearing. This episode, the penguin gives her webbed feet that’s capable of sliding around like ice skating and boosting her speed. Since the lion has a gem, it means it is a Kirarin animal. I do wonder what powers it will give the Precures once its purified.

What do you think about the conflict? Are you on Komugi’s side? Iroha’s? Neither? Both? What do you think will happen next episode?

#wonderful precure #precure #Komugi inukai #cure wonderful #iroha inukai #cure friendy #Mayu nekoyashiki #Satoru toyama #daifuku #review #anime #anime review #ecargmura #arum journal

[poppyandzena]

Screenshot of the post Poppy made with the alleged DM she sent to one of NF's partners. This post was made post-breakup, but the letter was sent pre-breakup. Below is the full transcript. Pay close attention to her language and interpretation of events.

Dear Amy,

I hope this finds you well. I know you have been instructed to block me if I write to you [based on recent events at the time]. I think that is best after reading this. Please let me explain.

For the duration of my relationship with Hayleigh, I have been indirectly harmed or made afraid of her partners. This started with her breaking a boundary of mine and choosing to describe sex acts involving you & Sora as well as her, you, and Sora. The reason I have this boundary with my partners is because I suffer from BPD and hearing these things causes me to get intrusive thoughts about those sex acts in a way that feels incredibly disturbing and invalidating due to secondary survivor trauma from a previous partner being assaulted.

The version of this story that I was given contained questionable decisions, coercive behavior, and poor communication. I had told Hayleigh that I need to feel safe due to these issues and that request was not met by my metamours in a way that sufficiently addressed my concerns. Essentially, the story and the response have poisoned the well.

To be frank I do not feel safe interacting with you online or in person at this time and I may never without adequate effort on your and Hayleigh’s part.

Between the story as well as your behavior on Twitter, that has repeatedly crossed my boundaries as far as how to interact with a borderline person, I do not feel like you have even a basic grasp on how to be a safe person for me.

Last night was a perfect example of this as I was attempting to interact in good faith for the sake of Hayleigh but her declaration of love had a very negative effect on me due to feeling like my relationship was somehow the same as your and thus meaningless as it would lack any specialness or uniqueness. Your response also triggered me significantly as baby was one of the few pet names I felt comfortable with and now it feels contaminated (in the psychological sense) by seeing its use. I again know this was not your intent but I need metamours who are going to consider me.

Add in the effects of yesterday morning. You were late with your date with Hayleigh. Normally, that would be none of my business. I was talking with her at the time and being playful and got essentially jumpscared by the fact that you were together. This was not only against the agreements that I have with Hayleigh but actively caused me several panic attacks and the loss of my day due to suicidal ideations. I know this wasn’t your intention but our actions sometimes affect others unknowingly. Because you were late, Hayleigh wasn’t sure you were coming and did not give me notice that I shouldn’t have been interacting at that time. While that decision is on Hayleigh, your mistake was the catalyst for that issue.

I attempted to talk to Hayleigh and my fiancé [For ZZ’z part, it was due to not understanding the ongoing part of this] about this last night but my fears were ignored and my feelings felt as though they were shouted down. I thought you should have been made aware of the effects of your actions and the harm they caused. Hayleigh and ZZ did not. This IMO has been a twice occurring issue of partners acting harmful but nothing is being done about it. Thus I am writing to you now because I do not believe my metamours will be corrected when they hurt me or damage my day.

I request that you block all four of my accounts on this platform.

1. LadyDiabolique

2. PennyDiabolique

3. PoppyDiabolique

4. ZenaAndPoppy

I can also block you as well. I can also have Hayleigh give you other accounts on other platforms if need be.

I don’t think at this point that I can interact with Hayleigh’s partners without a slow measured approach to integration. You are too harmful to my mental health and I cannot rely on you to take steps to make me feel safe nor can I rely on Hayleigh to intervene when I am hurt. I am sorry we didn’t get to interact under better circumstances but my boundaries exist for a reason. They are the way that I keep my mental health intact and have health poly relationships.

TBC, I love Hayleigh with every fiber of my being. And between her being a favorite person (a BPD term) and the only one of my partners that has created a solution like this and struggled with these boundaries. I have to take steps to make sure and I are no longer hurt. This is the only way I have come up with to stop this cycle. While understanding fully that the decision is less than ideal and that my being compartmentalized by you (and possibly the others) might hurt in the short term, I believe that doing this can allow for things to heal and larger hurts to be avoided. It may also allow us to salvage any chance of civil interaction in the future.

You are welcome to share this letter with Sora and Aspen [Her other two partners, one who was involved in that awful story and the other who is 20 (she is 33)]. It might be best if they also block me until things can calm down and time can be put in to interact with intention and effort. I need my metamours to understand BPD. A borderline personality disorder is difficult to live with and I am open and upfront about my struggles with it. I was open and clear with Hayleigh when we started dating but nothing can prepare someone for dealing with this stuff. I hold no ill will towards her or her partners. I just want space from you (and them) to enjoy my relationship without constant triggers.

I appreciate you reading this and there is no need to respond. Simply block my accounts and we can be done with everything for now.

Sincerely,

Poppy Diabolique

#poppy #poppy and zena #zena and poppy #poppy diabolique #ladydiabolique #poppy & zena #zenaandpoppyonyoutube #nf