#it is the key that leads to the kingdom of the unimaginable

[pasdetrois]

like eve before you

George Frederic Watts, Eve Tempted (detail) • Vievee Francis, "Apologia" • Edmund Blair Leighton, The Keys (detail) • Maria Tatar, Secrets Beyond the Door: The Story of Bluebeard and His Wives • Angela Carter, "The Bloody Chamber" • Heinrich Aldegrever, Adam and Eve • Gustave Doré, Illustration for "Blue Beard" • Paul Dukas, Ariane et Barbe-bleue • Glen Duncan, I, Lucifer • Hans Baldung Grien, Eve, Serpent and Death • Erika Steiskal, Illustration for "The Bloody Chamber"

#web weaving #bluebeard #fairytales and folklore #fairytaleedit #angela carter #the bloody chamber #vievee francis #maria tatar #glen duncan #gustave doré #biblical mythology #eve #it is the key that leads to the kingdom of the unimaginable #AND RENDER ME MORE EQUAL! #there really are so many interesting ways to read through this tale but the eve connections specifically jumped out quite often #not my most coherent set but you get it right! all this to say that eve (and her literary descendants) did nothing wrong! #I can't believe this has been in my drafts for years at this point. lol #spring cleaning time etc

[frnwhcom]

The Legacy of Dunblane: How Tragedy Transformed UK Gun Laws

On March 13, 1996, the tranquil town of Dunblane, Scotland, was thrust into the global spotlight for a harrowing reason. The Dunblane Primary School became the scene of one of the deadliest mass shootings in UK history when Thomas Hamilton, armed with four handguns, murdered 16 children and their teacher in a senseless act of violence before taking his own life. This tragedy not only devastated families but also ignited a nationwide debate on gun control that would lead to significant legislative changes in the United Kingdom. Catalyst for Change: Tightening Gun Laws Before Dunblane, the UK had relatively strict gun laws, but the possession of handguns was still legal. The public outcry in the wake of the massacre was immediate and overwhelming. A key component of the response was the Snowdrop Campaign, named after the first flower to bloom in spring, symbolizing hope and renewal. The campaign, driven by the families of the victims and supported by the wider public, called for a total ban on the private ownership of handguns. The UK government responded to this call for action by introducing the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, which outlawed the private ownership of most handguns above .22 calibre. The following year, the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997 extended this ban to include all handguns, with very few exceptions, effectively making the UK one of the nations with the strictest gun control laws. The Impact on Mass Shootings The legislative changes that followed the Dunblane massacre had a profound and lasting impact on the frequency and nature of mass shootings in the UK. Since the implementation of the new gun laws, there have been significantly fewer incidents of mass shootings. The laws did not just restrict access to handguns; they also included provisions for stricter background checks, mandatory registration, and secure storage of firearms, contributing to a comprehensive approach to gun control. Comparative studies have shown that the rate of firearm-related homicides and suicides in the UK is among the lowest in the world, highlighting the effectiveness of its gun control measures. Critics of gun control argue that individuals with intent to harm will find alternative methods, but the evidence from the UK suggests that limiting access to firearms can and does prevent potential mass shootings. Global Perspective and Ongoing Debate The transformation of UK gun laws in the aftermath of Dunblane offers a poignant case study in how a nation can respond to tragedy with legislative action aimed at preventing future violence. It contrasts sharply with countries where gun control remains a contentious issue, and mass shootings occur with alarming frequency. While the UK's approach has not eradicated all forms of violence, it has significantly reduced the likelihood of mass shootings. This legacy of Dunblane serves as a powerful argument for the potential of gun control measures to save lives. It also continues to fuel debates worldwide about the balance between the right to bear arms and the need to protect public safety. The Dunblane massacre was a defining moment in UK history, one that brought unimaginable loss but also spurred a movement towards stricter gun control that has had a lasting impact on the country's safety. The transformation in UK gun laws serves as a testament to what can be achieved when a society comes together to demand change in the wake of tragedy. While the debate over gun control continues globally, the legacy of Dunblane remains a beacon of hope for those advocating for a safer, more peaceful world. Read the full article

[rohitpalan]

Pathways to Growth: Insights-As-A-Service Market Valuation (2023)

According to a Future Market Insights report, the global insights-as-a-service market is poised to be valued at US$ 3,493.2 million in 2023. From 2023 to 2033, the industry is most likely to expand at a CAGR of 23.5% and reach a valuation of US$ 29,911 million.

Businesses that increase their attention on scaling up to fulfil their business goals will have better growth prospects. Aside from that, a focus on enhancing customer lifecycle management among SMEs and large enterprises will result in greater use of insights-as-a-service across organizations.

According to FMI, Europe is the top market, followed by North America. Expansion in Europe is aided by the region’s sophisticated infrastructure, which fosters the use of modern technologies in data analytics such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

Get an overview of market drivers and challenges affecting this industry: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2606

Big data analytics has grown significantly in recent years. Insights-as-a-Service solutions provide firms with information that enables them to create previously unimagined opportunities. With the use of firm data such as stocks, financial data and results, keyword performance, staff information, and business process data, it offers companies with statistical analysis and business intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

In 2022, the BFSI segment represented 19.7% of the total market share for insights-as-a-service.

Demand for insights-as-a-service surged at a CAGR of 21.4% between 2018 and 2022.

The top five insight-as-a-service service providers are Capgemini, Oracle Corporation, IBM Corporation, Accenture, and Good Data, with a 20% to 30% market share.

In 2022, the United Kingdom and Germany will have a combined market share of 48% of the European market.

In 2023, the Japanese market will be worth US$ 100.8 million, while the South Korean market will be worth US$ 47.0 million.

“The integration of sophisticated technologies including 5G and 4G internet across sectors is projected to drive the popularity of insights-as-a-service solutions. According to the New Eclipse Foundation’s IoT commercial adoption survey, around 40% of industry leaders responding to the poll said their organizations are utilizing IoT solutions, with another 22% planning to deploy IoT in the future years,” – says an FMI analyst.

Competitive Landscape:

Management Controls Inc. (MCI), the leading international supplier of contractor spend management software, unveiled the launch of its international managed service offering (MServ) in May 2023 to enable clients to focus on their main business.

In May 2023, NTT Ltd., a major IT infrastructure and services business, and Cisco, a global technology leader, unveiled cooperation with the goal of creating integrated solutions that enable organizations to increase operational efficiency and advance sustainability objectives.

Didn’t find the data you are looking for? Our experts provide you with customized reports: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-2606

More Valuable Insights:

Future Market Insights, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global insights-as-a-service market presenting a historical analysis from 2018 to 2022 and forecast statistics for the period of 2023 to 2033.

The study reveals essential insights by solution (insights-as-a-service platform, services), application (branding & marketing management, supply chain analytics, competition benchmarking), enterprise size (SMEs, large enterprises), industry (BFSI, retail & CPG, IT & telecom, media & entertainment) & region (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and Middle East & Africa).

Key Segments Covered in this Industry Study:

By Solution:

Insights-as-a-Service Platform (SaaS-based)

Services

Consulting & Advisory

Implementation & Integration

Support & Maintenance

By Application:

Branding & Marketing Management

Supply Chain Analytics

Competition Benchmarking

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Customer Analytics

Others

By Enterprise Size:

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Large Enterprises

By Industry:

BFSI

Retail & CPG

IT & Telecom

Media & Entertainment

Education

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Government

Manufacturing

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia

Oceania

Middle East & Africa

#Insights-As-A-Service Market

[yuvikavi93427699]

second world war

yuvashree.N

3rd B A HISTORY

Government arts college Ooty

[email protected]

Certainly, here's a 1000-word blog post about the Second World War:

Title: "The Second World War: A Global Struggle for Freedom"

Introduction:

The Second World War, often referred to as World War II, was one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in human history. Spanning from 1939 to 1945, it involved nearly every nation on Earth and had a profound impact on the course of the 20th century. This blog post will explore the key events, causes, and consequences of the Second World War, shedding light on a period marked by heroism, tragedy, and the enduring quest for freedom.

The Causes of World War II:

The seeds of World War II were sown in the aftermath of World War I. The harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, particularly on Germany, fueled resentment and economic turmoil. Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany, his expansionist ambitions, and the appeasement policies of the Western democracies set the stage for the conflict. In 1939, Hitler's invasion of Poland marked the official beginning of the war, as Britain and France declared war on Germany.

The Global Theatre of War:

World War II was fought on multiple fronts and in various theaters, making it truly global in scope. The European Theater witnessed major battles such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the Battle of Normandy (D-Day), and the Holocaust. In the Pacific Theater, the Battle of Midway and the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought the war to a cataclysmic end. Additionally, conflicts raged in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Eastern Front, creating a complex web of alliances and hostilities.

Key Figures and Leaders:

Several notable leaders emerged during World War II. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, rallied the British people with his inspirational speeches. Joseph Stalin led the Soviet Union through the brutal Eastern Front. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman served as Presidents of the United States during the conflict, with Truman making the fateful decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. Not to be forgotten are the countless soldiers, resistance fighters, and civilians who displayed immense courage and determination.

The Holocaust:

One of the darkest chapters of World War II was the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany. Concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Treblinka served as extermination centers, where innocent people were subjected to unimaginable suffering. The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of never forgetting history's lessons.

The Turning Points:

The war was marked by several turning points that shifted the balance in favor of the Allied powers. The Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943 was a decisive victory for the Soviet Union, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. In the Pacific, the Battle of Midway in 1942 crippled the Japanese navy and marked a turning point in the island-hopping campaign towards Japan.

D-Day, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, was a monumental Allied operation that established a foothold in Western Europe and paved the way for the liberation of France. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 brought about Japan's surrender, effectively ending the war.

The Aftermath:

The aftermath of World War II reshaped the world. The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. The war also led to the decolonization of Asia and Africa, as former colonial territories sought independence. The Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials held Nazi and Japanese war criminals accountable for their actions.

The Cold War:

The post-war era saw the emergence of the Cold War, a tense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, driven by ideological and geopolitical differences. This period of tension and the arms race had a lasting impact on international relations, shaping the world for decades to come.

Conclusion:

World War II was a global conflict of unparalleled scale and consequence. It was a war marked by the triumph of good over evil, with the Allied forces ultimately prevailing and the forces of tyranny and aggression defeated. The legacy of World War II endures through the lessons learned, the pursuit of peace and freedom, and the solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made. The world emerged from the ashes of the war forever changed, driven by a collective determination to ensure that such a devastating conflict would never happen again.

#Second world war

[andybondurant]

New Post has been published on Andy Bondurant

New Post has been published on https://andybondurant.com/2022/08/09/pain-redeemed-the-pearl-of-great-price/

Pain Redeemed: The Pearl of Great Price

In my last post, Surviving Childhood: From Weeping to Refreshment, I wrote about some of the difficulties of growing up in a broken home, but also how I was able to turn those years of weeping into rejoicing and blessing. I gave a few steps to take for you to do the same thing. I didn’t say it but those steps are work – emotional, spiritual, relational work. This work is pain redemption.

Let me share two thoughts on pain redeemed.

1. The Pearl of Great Price

Matthew 13 is a collection of stories and illustrations Jesus used to shed light on the Kingdom of God; a key work during his time on earth. Here is one of those parables:

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.  “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”  -Matthew‬ ‭13:44-46‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Kingdom of God is built on story after story of redemption. All of us have a story (probably multiple stories) of walking through a Valley of Weeping. Deep within your story…deep within you is something of unbelievable worth. God is working to redeem your story of pain and heartache into a masterpiece. 

Within you is a jewel of unimaginable value. It is the pearl of great price. Can you point to it? Can you see how God has taken you through the valley (maybe even walk-ing through it now) to a place of refreshing and importance?

2. Pain Redeemed vs Pain Removed

I recently listened to two different interviews with author Phillip Yancey. I was introduced to Yancey during college. One of my classes required reading his book, Disappointment with God – one his more popular books. Since then he has written several other books including, What’s so Amazing About Grace, The Jesus I Never Knew.

His most recent book is Where the Light Fell: A Memoir. Yancey shares his story of growing up in a dysfunctional, single family home (his father died when he was very young) in the South. His childhood, more than mine, was a story of pain.

At the end of one of the interviews I listened to, Yancey made this statement, 

“Pain redeemed is better than pain removed.”

When I experience pain, all I want is for it to be taken away. I want pain removed. In a physical sense, I want to be able to take two Advil to relieve my headache. God wants more than that for me in my life. He wants to take my pain and turn it into something beautiful. He wants me to discover that pearl of great price.

In Phillip Yancey’s case, the years of pain he endured was redeemed into a healthy family, a writing career and helping others walk through the same types of struggles he faced. This type of redemption is available to all of us.

Your Pain Redeemed

As I look back on my own life, I am increasingly grateful for the valleys I’ve walked through. Whether of my own making, the choices of others or simply the way life unfolds, I have seen the value of my pain redeemed for greater purposes in my life and the lives of those I encounter.

Where have you seen your pain redeemed? Now, consider how that helps you with the pain you are encountering today. Can you see how it can lead to a new pearl of great price?

#Jesus #Kingdom #Matthew #Pain #Pearl #Phillip Yancey #redeem

[taggedmemes]

SENTENCE MEME ⟶ THE BLOODY CHAMBER AND OTHER STORIES - Angela Carter / Part One always feel free to tweak the sentence to fit your muse.

'are you sure you love him?’

‘my mother herself had gladly, scandalously, defiantly beggared herself for love.’

‘opals are bad luck.’

‘i swear to you, i had never been vain until i met him.’

‘all the better to see you.’

‘i clung to him as though the one who had inflicted the pain could comfort me for suffering it.’

‘but it is our honeymoon!’

‘i was only a little girl, i did not understand.’

‘i was not afraid of him; but of myself.’

‘what is that key? the key to your heart?’

‘every man must have one secret, even if only one, from his wife.’

‘you must promise me, if you love me, to leave it well alone.’

‘i longed for him. and he disgusted me.’

‘i have gold bath taps.’

‘i suppose that’s nothing to cry about.’

‘there must be a great deal to conceal if he takes such pains to hide it.’

‘is he not rich enough to do without crime?’

‘the supreme and unique pleasure of love is the certainty that one is doing evil.’

‘there is a striking resemblance between the act of love and the ministrations of a torturer.’

‘it was his tender look that made me faint.’

‘oh, god. i can smell the blood.’

‘we whisper all manner of strange tales up and down the coast. there was a marquis, once, who used to hunt young girls on the mainland.’

‘he hunted them with dogs, as though they were foxes.’

‘i thought all these were old wives’ tales.’

‘the old name for this place is the castle of murder.’

‘it must be near morning, the tide is going down.’

‘i must pay the price of my new knowledge.’

‘can’t it wait until morning, my darling?’

‘i would have strangled him.’

‘i could expect no mercy.’

‘it is the key that leads to the kingdom of the unimaginable.’

‘you’ll never know how much i hate daylight.’

‘prepare yourself for martyrdom.’

‘we shall have absolute privacy for our last rites.’

‘i can be of some comfort to you, though not much use.’

‘you do not deserve this.’

‘who can say what i deserve or no?’

‘i’ve done nothing, but that may be sufficient reason for condemning me.’

‘you disobeyed him. that is sufficient reason for him to punish you.’

‘let the blind lead the blind, eh?’

‘do not fear that in death you shall be divided.’

‘i never heard you cry before.’

‘the snow brought down all the telephone wires.’

‘the roads are bad. i hope he’ll be safe.’

‘the very rich are often very eccentric.’

‘forgive me for robbing your garden.’

‘it will be lonely here, without you.’

‘since you left me, i have been sick.’

‘i am sick and i must die; but i shall die happy because you have come to say good-bye to me.’

‘if you’ll have me, i’ll never leave you.’

‘there’s a special madness strikes travellers from the north when they reach the lovely land where the lemon trees grow.’

‘what a burden all those possessions must have been to him.’

‘he laughs as if with glee as he beggars himself.’

‘they used to hang condemned men in cages from the city walls.’

‘unkindness comes naturally to them.’

‘what can he smell of, that needs so much camouflage?’

‘i never saw a man so big look so two-dimensional.’

‘he wears as mask with a man’s face painted most beautifully on it.’

‘he is a carnival figure made of papier mâché and crêpe hair; and yet he has the devil’s knack at cards.’

‘gambling is a sickness.’

‘my father said he loved me yet he staked his daughter on a hand of cards.’

‘my father, of course, believed in miracles; what gambler does not?’

‘if you are so careless of your treasures, you should expect them to be taken from you.’

‘he bought solitude, not luxury, with his money.’

‘i shall twist a noose out of my bed linen and hang myself with it.’

‘nothing human lives here.’

‘she is a marvellous machine.’

‘take off my clothes for you, like a ballet girl? is that all you want of me?’

‘i wish i’d rolled in the hay with every lad on my father’s farm.’

‘if you have enough money, anything is possible.’

‘the tiger will never lie down with the lamb; he acknowledges no pact that is not reciprocal.’

‘nothing about him reminded me of humanity.’

‘it will all fall, everything will disintegrate.’

#BASED ON / LITERATURE. #KIND / SENTENCE. #KIND / IN CHARACTER. #angela carter #the bloody chamber #rp meme #literature meme #queue.

[vllixxi]

· · vllixxi's masterlist.

key — ongoing - ☆ completed - ★

fluff - 🤍 angst - 🖤 action - 🗡

✰ · ot8 fics

crowning season ﹕☆ 🖤 🗡 [skz x gn!reader] [mostly jisung, chan, & minho] [ft. ateez & billlie] · · warnings ﹕profanity, detailed depictions of wounds, mentions of death, eventual character death, eventual violence.

Every 50 years, the Nine Kingdoms of Epaidia must send their children to prove their worth in a blood sport in order to decide which kingdom will act as the leading jurisdiction of Epaidia. After their brother becomes terminally ill, (Y/N) is forced to represent the 9th Kingdom without him.

✰ · chan fics

[NEW] miracle ﹕ ☆ 🖤 🗡

once upon a time, mankind were the unquestioned rulers of this world. that was until giant alien structures called miracles appeared, somehow making gods of old and new reappear in the world. but these Miracles left unimaginable death and destruction in their wake, while some were blessed with the divine power of the gods that returned. brave heroes rose from the ruins of their destroyed cities to protect the remaining humans. those granted the power of gods were named 'espers.' and with their extraordinary powers, there is still a glimpse of hope. but only so much can be accomplished as the espers fight amongst themselves, and as the gods fight above.

gorgeous ﹕ coming soon ! 🤍

[ chan x gn! reader] · chan is beyond gorgeous, he's beauty, he is grace, and you can't say anything to his face. you think the worst has passed when you trip over your own feet in front of chan and get dumped on the same night, but you're not prepared for felix to coerce you to go on vacation with all of his friends, forcing you to stay in the same house as chan for a whole week in the process.

reality ﹕ coming soon ! 🗡🖤

[ chan x reader ] [ minho x reader ] [ felix x reader ] · you've been trapped in a video game with millions of other players for a year, unable to escape your futuristic dream-like prison. with each passing day, the developers (aka. the government,) become more and more oppressive, causing an uproar in the community. you had planned to stay out of it, up until you came face to face with the leader of the rebellion.

[arcstral]

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞:   𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆

               𝐈𝐍   𝐀𝐋𝐋   𝐓𝐇𝐄   𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 - 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑   generations of Archanean kings, Archanea’s unification itself is unprecedented, denying Marth any reliable forecast of present and future.

               What he must do and the best way he must do it are not things he can immediately know. At least with the shackles of a dying world, Anri’s legacy had handed Falchion as a key to his hand, and the path to salvation, though unimaginably difficult on his body, had been far more easy on his mind.

The key to a living, breathing world reborn is one Marth scrambles to find as he goes.

     And just a little, or perhaps, more than he reveals, he cannot help but despair.

               More and more does the realization dawn that it’s a godlike ‘Hero-King’ he must be. No longer only for the choice few winners of a black-and-white war, but for all the faces old, new, and unknown that his rule encompassed in place of Nyna’s.

               From the westernmost fringe of grand old Grust to the comparatively newborn island kingdom of Talys, and even the many kingless barbarians in-between. He’s accountable for antique territories backed by sprawling histories, to humble hamlets and municipalities that bore no length wider or longer than Tiki’s little pinky across the span of a world map.

               ..To a great deal of his amusement, and then to a sobering moment of ice-like clarity afterward, he has lifted the girl in his arms and measured the two before.

               It is no heartening conclusion to reach that her tiny form sits in the tall shadow of seven unified kingdoms, and as a grown man of twenty, he feels just as small. A weakness that lines itself in heresy, really; to be the ‘Hero-King’ means to be an impenetrable man quick with a smile and stoic with his tears.

               But at least that part is easy. That is always how he’s been since the day he learned he could earn his mother’s unconditional love, but not ever his father’s, or that bravely stiffening his face at a cut could net him the fond words of Jagen’s approval. 

               Instead, the difficulty rears its ugly head in things so deeply, unfathomably beyond his control.

               “Our dragon is gone, but when will the fighting end? Today, or tomorrow? A single decade hence from now.. Or a dozen? What will it take for Archanea to know the peace that so many people have dreamed of?” Marth says to his wife, with a face that does not meet hers and in a small, withering voice. A direction to it that is hung vaguely to the imagination. Not quite angry and not quite sad.

               Because for all the common grounds of a lingua franca, many instances where conversations between people do not matter have rung painfully clear.

               Archanea does not share, but relinquishes, half its landmass to a savage bevy of barbarians. In his efforts to make peace with these people, he learns that good men are not lost singularly to the grisly inferno of war, but also to the small fires that cannot and perhaps never be fully stamped out. 

               Those losses in particular, so easily prevented but not, hurt him the most. Worse, even; the faults of evil men against humanity are, in part, faults of his own as yet another assortment of lives he could not salvage or save.

               Amongst the seven former kingdoms, only two are landlocked, and for the five that remain the exception there are no troves riper for the defilement of pirates. Alongside the common bandit, their seafaring cousins that plagued Archanea since the virgin year of its calendar have not ever lessened.

               The difference now is that they are his problem.

               Diving more inland, beyond those watery sectors of wharfs and shoals, slave traders and illegal gladiatorial rings flourish within the market towns. Within plain sight, because his continent does not possess a universal system of justice beyond each previously independent kingdom’s own version. 

               It could drive a man insane, the Hero-King most of all. Tears prick his eyes with frustration at every long stretch of a mile he travels in the name of law and order, only to be set back a day by every helpless villager reported to be plundered, raped, or killed.

               Even when his queen knots her arms tightly around him from behind like a fortress, or seals his mouth with a kiss as passionate and moving as the one upon their marriage night, he finds that Caeda’s comforts are not enough.

               There will always be trials he must withstand alone. Models for a civilized humanity that he must carve into being by the strength of one man, and roads of stone that all people can tread upon that he need lay down, brick by brick.

               And so he tries. And tries. He accomplishes many things he sets out to do, but not everything.

               The barbarians he sought to assimilate into society would later name themselves as citizens of Regna Ferox. The manaketes, on the other hand, remain as they were when he lived; draconic shadows skittering across the remote sands and islands untouched by man. Archanea’s pirate infestation does not ever vanish. Even the Fire Emblem he has wardened and preached to a constant state of completion is split asunder in different hands.

     It takes him a lifetime and his age does not last.

     Marth does not ever stop trying to lead the world to peace.

#◜ ╰ ♕ ◦ › a shining example paves his way to a righteous world above all ‹ MARTH. ◞ #◜ ╰ ♕ ◦ › gathered wits ‹ INTROSPECTION. ◞ #hit a sourspot with the writing lately (thinking) #* poops out a unification and character introspection drabble to fix that * #i touch upon a little of my archanea-ylisse continuity theories too #but sorry u gotta read a word wall to get to them KSNFJSF

[quietya]

YA Books You May Have Missed: April-June Edition

I did this for January-March releases (which you can see here) and I’m doing it again! I’m rounding up some YA releases that have come out between April and June. These are all books that are on my personal radar, so it’s not a fully filled out list of ALL the books, but it’s a lot of them. And as usual, I’m avoiding bestsellers and really buzzy books as much as possible.

We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett Release: April 2

Seventeen-year-old Revna is a factory worker, manufacturing war machines for the Union of the North. When she’s caught using illegal magic, she fears being branded a traitor and imprisoned. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Linné defied her father, a Union general, and disguised herself as a boy to join the army. They’re both offered a reprieve from punishment if they use their magic in a special women’s military flight unit and undertake terrifying, deadly missions under cover of darkness. Revna and Linné can hardly stand to be in the same cockpit, but if they can’t fly together, and if they can’t find a way to fly well, the enemy’s superior firepower will destroy them–if they don’t destroy each other first.

You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn Release: April 2

Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things. But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen. Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship.

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He Release: April 2

Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, but when her beloved father is murdered, she’s thrust into power, suddenly the queen of an unstable kingdom. Determined to find her father’s killer, Hesina does something desperate: she engages the aid of a soothsayer—a treasonous act, punishable by death... because in Yan, magic was outlawed centuries ago. Using the information illicitly provided by the sooth, and uncertain if she can trust even her family, Hesina turns to Akira—a brilliant investigator who’s also a convicted criminal with secrets of his own. With the future of her kingdom at stake, can Hesina find justice for her father? Or will the cost be too high?

The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman Release: April 2

Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she’s descended from one of the town’s founders doesn’t help much, either—her new neighbors treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder if the townsfolk are right to be afraid. When bodies start to appear in the woods, the locals become downright hostile. Can the teenagers solve the mystery of Four Paths, and their own part in it, before another calamity strikes?

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston Release: April 2

Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed. When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom.

White Rose by Kip Wilson Release: April 2

Disillusioned by the propaganda of Nazi Germany, Sophie Scholl, her brother, and his fellow soldiers formed the White Rose, a group that wrote and distributed anonymous letters criticizing the Nazi regime and calling for action from their fellow German citizens. The following year, Sophie and her brother were arrested for treason and interrogated for information about their collaborators.

In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton Release: April 9

After her father’s death, Ruth Robb and her family transplant themselves in the summer of 1958 from New York City to Atlanta—the land of debutantes, sweet tea, and the Ku Klux Klan. In her new hometown, Ruth quickly figures out she can be Jewish or she can be popular, but she can’t be both. Eager to fit in with the blond girls in the “pastel posse,” Ruth decides to hide her religion. Before she knows it, she is falling for the handsome and charming Davis and sipping Cokes with him and his friends at the all-white, all-Christian Club. But at temple Ruth meets Max, who is serious and intense about the fight for social justice, and now she is caught between two worlds, two religions, and two boys. But when a violent hate crime brings the different parts of Ruth’s life into sharp conflict, she will have to choose between all she’s come to love about her new life and standing up for what she believes.

In the Key of Nira Ghani by Natasha Deen Release: April 9

Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents. When auditions for jazz band are announced, Nira realizes it's now or never to convince her parents that she deserves a chance to pursue her passion. As if fighting with her parents weren't bad enough, Nira finds herself navigating a new friendship dynamic when her crush, Noah, and notorious mean-girl, McKenzie "Mac," take a sudden interest in her and Emily, inserting themselves into the fold. So, too, does Nira's much cooler (and very competitive) cousin Farah. As Farah and Noah grow closer and Emily begins to pull away, Nira's trusted trumpet "George" remains her constant, offering her an escape from family and school drama. But it isn't until Nira takes a step back that she realizes she's not the only one struggling to find her place in the world.

Last Girl Lied To by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn Release: April 16

Fiona claims she doesn’t remember anything about the night her best friend left a party early and walked into the ocean. But the truth is, she wishes she could forget. Trixie’s disappearance is ruled a suicide, but Fiona starts to believe that Trixie isn’t really dead. Piecing together the trail of a girl who doesn't want to be found leads her to Jasper, Trixie’s former friend with benefits, and Beau—the boy who turned Fiona down, who loved someone else, who might be happy Trixie is gone. The closer Fiona gets to finding out what happened, and the closer she gets to Jasper and Beau, the more she realizes that the girl she knew better than anyone may have been a carefully constructed lie—and she might have been waiting to disappear the entire time.

The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala Release: April 23

Esha is a legend, but no one knows. It’s only in the shadows that she moonlights as the Viper, the rebels’ highly skilled assassin. She’s devoted her life to avenging what she lost in the royal coup, and now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha. Kunal has been a soldier since childhood, training morning and night to uphold the power of King Vardaan. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path—even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has been growing only more volatile. Then Esha’s and Kunal’s paths cross—and an unimaginable chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces. As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both rebel and soldier must make unforgivable choices.

Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali Release: April 30

Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn’t bad. She’s angry. When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break. Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, “nicer” version of herself in a place where no one knows her. Then her path crosses with Adam’s. Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam’s stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister. Adam’s also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father. Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals. Until a marvel and an oddity occurs…

Belly Up by Eva Darrows Release: April 30

I’d planned to spend senior year with my bestie-slash-wifey, Devi Abrams, graduating at the top of my class and getting into an Ivy League college. Instead, Mom and I are moving in with my battle-ax of a grandmother and I’m about to start a new school and a whole new life. Know what’s more fun than being the new girl for your senior year? Being the pregnant new girl. It isn’t awesome. There is one upside, though—a boy named Leaf Leon. He’s cute, an amazing cook and he’s flirting me up, hard-core. Too bad I’m knocked up with a stranger’s baby. I should probably mention that to him at some point.

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Release: May 7

Kira Bennett’s earliest memories are of living alone and wild in the woods. She remembers the moment that Cady Bennett and one of her search-and-rescue dogs found her perfectly. Adopted into the Bennett family, Kira still struggles with human interaction years later, but she excels at the family business: search-and-rescue. Along with Cady’s son, Jude, and their neighbor, Free, Kira works to train the world’s most elite search-and-rescue dogs. Someday, all three teenagers hope to put their skills to use, finding the lost and bringing them home. But when Cady’s estranged father, the enigmatic Bales Bennett, tracks his daughter down and asks for her help in locating a missing child—one of several visitors who has disappeared in the Sierra Glades National Park in the past twelve months—the teens find themselves on the frontlines sooner than they could have ever expected. As the search through 750,000 acres of unbridled wilderness intensifies, Kira becomes obsessed with finding the missing child. She knows all too well what it’s like to be lost in the wilderness, fighting for survival, alone. But this case isn’t simple. There is more afoot than a single, missing girl, and Kira’s memories threaten to overwhelm her at every turn. As the danger mounts and long-held family secrets come to light, Kira is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her adopted family, her true nature, and her past.

Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen Release: May 7

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences. Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world. When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

Nocturna by Maya Motayne Release: May 7

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever. After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic. But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad Release: May 14

Fatima lives in the city of Noor, a thriving stop along the Silk Road. There the music of myriad languages fills the air, and people of all faiths weave their lives together. However, the city bears scars of its recent past, when the chaotic tribe of Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population -- except for Fatima and two other humans. Now ruled by a new maharajah, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, and by their commander, Zulfikar. But when one of the most potent of the Ifrit dies, Fatima is changed in ways she cannot fathom, ways that scare even those who love her. Oud in hand, Fatima is drawn into the intrigues of the maharajah and his sister, the affairs of Zulfikar and the djinn, and the dangers of a magical battlefield.

The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta Release: May 14

Danny didn't know what she was looking for when she and her mother spread out a map of the United States and Danny put her finger down on Tempest, California. What she finds are the Grays: a group of friends who throw around terms like queer and witch like they're ordinary and everyday, though they feel like an earthquake to Danny. But Danny didn't just find the Grays. They cast a spell that calls her halfway across the country, because she has something they need: she can bring back Imogen, the most powerful of the Grays, missing since the summer night she wandered into the woods alone. But before Danny can find Imogen, she finds a dead boy with a redwood branch through his heart. Something is very wrong amid the trees and fog of the Lost Coast, and whatever it is, it can kill.

The Things She’s Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina Release: May 14

Nothing's been the same for Beth Teller since the day she died. Her dad is drowning in grief. He's also the only one who has been able to see and hear her since the accident. But now she's got a mystery to solve, a mystery that will hopefully remind her detective father that he is still alive, that there is a life after Beth that is still worth living. Who is Isobel Catching, and why is she able to see Beth, too? What is her connection to the crime Beth's father has been sent to investigate--a gruesome fire at a home for troubled youth that left an unidentifiable body behind? What happened to the people who haven't been seen since the fire? As Beth and her father unravel the mystery, they find a shocking and heartbreaking story lurking beneath the surface of a small town, and a friendship that lasts beyond one life and into another...

Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno Release: May 14

Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that's what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you're a boy with a boat. But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about. As her college decision looms, Rosa collides - literally - with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon?

Birthday by Meredith Russo Release: May 21

Two kids, Morgan and Eric, are bonded for life after being born on the same day at the same time. We meet them once a year on their shared birthday as they grow and change: as Eric figures out who he is and how he fits into the world, and as Morgan makes the difficult choice to live as her true self. Over the years, they will drift apart, come together, fight, make up, and break up—and ultimately, realize how inextricably they are a part of each other. 

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn Release: May 28

Kimi Nakamura loves a good fashion statement. She's obsessed with transforming everyday ephemera into Kimi Originals: bold outfits that make her and her friends feel like the Ultimate versions of themselves. But her mother disapproves, and when they get into an explosive fight, Kimi's entire future seems on the verge of falling apart. So when a surprise letter comes in the mail from Kimi's estranged grandparents, inviting her to Kyoto for spring break, she seizes the opportunity to get away from the disaster of her life. When she arrives in Japan, she's met with a culture both familiar and completely foreign to her. She loses herself in the city's outdoor markets, art installations, and cherry blossom festival -- and meets Akira, a cute aspiring med student who moonlights as a costumed mochi mascot. And what begins as a trip to escape her problems quickly becomes a way for Kimi to learn more about the mother she left behind, and to figure out where her own heart lies.

The Wise and the Wicked by Rebecca Podos Release: May 28

Ruby Chernyavsky has been told the stories since she was a child: The women in her family, once possessed of great magical abilities to remake lives and stave off death itself, were forced to flee their Russian home for America in order to escape the fearful men who sought to destroy them. Today, these stories seem no more real to Ruby than folktales, except for the smallest bit of power left in their blood: when each of them comes of age, she will have a vision of who she will be when she dies—a destiny as inescapable as it is inevitable. Ruby is no exception, and neither is her mother, although she ran from her fate years ago, abandoning Ruby and her sisters. It’s a fool’s errand, because they all know the truth: there is no escaping one’s Time. Until Ruby’s great-aunt Polina passes away, and, for the first time, a Chernyavsky’s death does not match her vision. Suddenly, things Ruby never thought she’d be allowed to hope for—life, love, time—seem possible. But as she and her cousin Cece begin to dig into the family’s history to find out whether they, too, can change their fates, they learn that nothing comes without a cost. Especially not hope.

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg Release: May 28

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species--formerly extinct--roam free. Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful "princesses" engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time... love. But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana's memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty--and what it truly means to be human.

These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling Release: May 28

Hannah's a witch, but not the kind you're thinking of. She's the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she's ever caught using it in front of a Reg, she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans. But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah's concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah's sure it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica. While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she's going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem's witches become deadlier by the day.

The Beholder by Anna Bright Release: June 4

Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match, a partner who will help secure the future of her people. Now that day has finally come. But after an excruciatingly public rejection from her closest childhood friend, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic, where a series of potential suitors awaits—and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all.

Five Midnights by Ann Davila Cardinal Release: June 4

If Lupe Dávila and Javier Utierre can survive each other’s company, together they can solve a series of grisly murders sweeping though Puerto Rico. But the clues lead them out of the real world and into the realm of myths and legends. And if they want to catch the killer, they'll have to step into the shadows to see what's lurking there—murderer, or monster?

If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann Release: June 4

High school finally behind her, Winnie is all set to attend college in the fall. But first she's spending her summer days working at her granny’s diner and begins spending her midnights with Dallas—the boy she loves to hate and hates that she likes. Winnie lives in Misty Haven, a small town where secrets are impossible to keep—like when Winnie allegedly snaps on Dr. Skinner, which results in everyone feeling compelled to give her weight loss advice for her own good. Because they care that’s she’s “too fat.” Winnie dreams of someday inheriting the diner—but it'll go away if they can't make money, and fast. Winnie has a solution—win a televised cooking competition and make bank. But Granny doesn't want her to enter—so Winnie has to find a way around her formidable grandmother. Can she come out on top?

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian Release: June 4

It's 1989 in New York City, and for three teens, the world is changing. Reza is an Iranian boy who has just moved to the city with his mother to live with his stepfather and stepbrother. He's terrified that someone will guess the truth he can barely acknowledge about himself. Reza knows he's gay, but all he knows of gay life are the media's images of men dying of AIDS. Judy is an aspiring fashion designer who worships her uncle Stephen, a gay man with AIDS who devotes his time to activism as a member of ACT UP. Judy has never imagined finding romance...until she falls for Reza and they start dating. Art is Judy's best friend, their school's only out and proud teen. He'll never be who his conservative parents want him to be, so he rebels by documenting the AIDS crisis through his photographs. As Reza and Art grow closer, Reza struggles to find a way out of his deception that won't break Judy's heart--and destroy the most meaningful friendship he's ever known.

When the Ground is Hard by Malla Nunn Release: June 4

Adele Joubert loves being one of the popular girls at Keziah Christian Academy. She knows the upcoming semester at school is going to be great with her best friend Delia at her side. Then Delia dumps her for a new girl with more money, and Adele is forced to share a room with Lottie, the school pariah, who doesn't pray and defies teachers' orders. But as they share a copy of Jane Eyre, Lottie's gruff exterior and honesty grow on Adele, and Lottie learns to be a little sweeter. Together, they take on bullies and protect each other from the vindictive and prejudiced teachers. Then a boy goes missing on campus and Adele and Lottie must rely on each other to solve the mystery and maybe learn the true meaning of friendship.

Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon by Mary Fan Release: June 11

When a powerful viceroy arrives with a fleet of mechanical dragons and stops an attack on Anlei’s village, the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is appalled when the viceroy selects her as a bride, but with the fate of her people at stake, she sees no choice but to consent. Anlei’s noble plans are sent into a tailspin, however, when a young thief steals the River Pearl for himself. Knowing the viceroy won’t protect her village without the jewel, she takes matters into her own hands. But once she catches the thief, she discovers he needs the pearl just as much as she does. The two embark on an epic quest across the land and into the Courts of Hell, taking Anlei on a journey that reveals more is at stake than she could have ever imagined.

The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante Release: June 11

Seventeen-year-old Marisol has always dreamed of being American, learning what Americans and the US are like from television and Mrs. Rosen, an elderly expat who had employed Marisol's mother as a maid. She never pictured fleeing her home in El Salvador under threat of death and stealing across the US border as "an illegal", but after her brother is murdered and her younger sister, Gabi's, life is also placed in equal jeopardy, she has no choice, especially because she knows everything is her fault. If she had never fallen for the charms of a beautiful girl named Liliana, Pablo might still be alive, her mother wouldn't be in hiding and she and Gabi wouldn't have been caught crossing the border. But they have been caught and their asylum request will most certainly be denied. With truly no options remaining, Marisol jumps at an unusual opportunity to stay in the United States. She's asked to become a grief keeper, taking the grief of another into her own body to save a life. It's a risky, experimental study, but if it means Marisol can keep her sister safe, she will risk anything. She just never imagined one of the risks would be falling in love, a love that may even be powerful enough to finally help her face her own crushing grief.

All of Us with Wings by Michelle Ruiz Kiel Release: June 18

Seventeen-year-old Xochi is alone in San Francisco, running from her painful past: the mother who abandoned her, the man who betrayed her. Then one day, she meets Pallas, a precocious twelve-year-old who lives with her rockstar family in one of the city’s storybook Victorians. Xochi accepts a position as Pallas’s live-in governess and quickly finds her place in their household, which is relaxed and happy despite the band's larger-than-life fame. But on the night of the Vernal Equinox, as a concert afterparty rages in the house below, Xochi and Pallas accidentally summon a pair of ancient creatures devoted to avenging the wrongs of Xochi’s adolescence. She would do anything to preserve her new life, but with the creatures determined to exact vengeance on those who’ve hurt her, no one is safe—not the family she’s chosen, nor the one she left behind.

Patron Saint of Nobody by Randy Ribay Release: June 18

Jay Reguero plans to spend the last semester of his senior year playing video games before heading to the University of Michigan in the fall. But when he discovers that his Filipino cousin Jun was murdered as part of President Duterte's war on drugs, and no one in the family wants to talk about what happened, Jay travels to the Philippines to find out the real story. Hoping to uncover more about Jun and the events that led to his death, Jay is forced to reckon with the many sides of his cousin before he can face the whole horrible truth -- and the part he played in it.

Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi Release: June 18

Sana Khan is a cheerleader and a straight A student. She's the classic (somewhat obnoxious) overachiever determined to win. Rachel Recht is a wannabe director who's obsesssed with movies and ready to make her own masterpiece. As she's casting her senior film project, she knows she's found the perfect lead - Sana. There's only one problem. Rachel hates Sana. Rachel was the first girl Sana ever asked out, but Rachel thought it was a cruel prank and has detested Sana ever since.

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho Release: June 25

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt. But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process. Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway. With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.

Technically, You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson Release: June 25

When a guy named Martin Nathaniel Munroe II texts you, it should be obvious who you're talking to. Except there's two of them (it's a long story), and Haley thinks she's talking to the one she doesn't hate. A question about a class project rapidly evolves into an all-consuming conversation. Haley finds that Martin is actually willing to listen to her weird facts and unusual obsessions, and Martin feels like Haley is the first person to really see who he is. Haley and Martin might be too awkward to hang out in real life, but over text, they're becoming addicted to each other. There's just one problem: Haley doesn't know who Martin is. And Martin doesn't know that Haley doesn't know. But they better figure it out fast before their meet-cute becomes an epic meet-disaster . . .

The Virtue of Sin by Shannon Schuren Release: June 25

Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and depravity of the outside world. Within the gates of New Jerusalem, and under the eye of its founder and leader, Daniel, Miriam knows she is safe. Cared for. Even if she’s forced, as a girl, to quiet her tongue when she has thoughts she wants to share, Miriam knows that New Jerusalem is a far better life than any alternative. So when God calls for a Matrimony, she’s thrilled; she knows that Caleb, the boy she loves, will choose her to be his wife and they can finally start their life together.  But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with someone else, she can no longer keep quiet. For the first time, Miriam begins to question not only the rules that Daniel has set in place, but also what it is she believes in, and where she truly belongs.

#this is your mod speaking #wndb #mogai #book lists #quietya #ya books

[hcpefulmarshmallow]

Zansakura (Danganronpa) & Leaves From The Vine (Avatar: The Last Airbender) Are Shockingly Similar, And Both Remarkable 

-- The Essay No One Asked For.

I vaguely eluded - and by that, I mean bluntly stated - this comparison before, but as a big fan of both these series and these songs, I figured this whole thing deserves a real, proper post, meta tag and all. But in order to compare the two, we must define them first. 

 It's fair to say I’ve done a lot of thinking about Zansakura. A while back, I even did a rather, let’s say, meticulous deconstruction of the song as well as Zettai Kibou Birthday, and compared the two to one other. In the interests of saving time and effort, I’ll do my best to summarise the key points; but if you’re interested, here’s the link. 

 Zansakura is one of Nagito Komaeda’s character songs, in which he conceptualizes his life as Sakura petals falling from their tree, and being carried away in the water. Sakura flowers - or cherry blossoms, as we know them - carry a certain significance in Japanese culture. The long and short of it is this: they signify impermanence, transience, and a wistful sadness in the face it. Cherry Blossoms are considered at their most beautiful, not as they bloom, but as they begin to wither and fall; see his canon dialogue: “As soon as my life entered the final round, it quickly became a rollercoaster ride!” Nagito, of course, suffers from an illness that is likely to take his life very soon. Throughout the song, he expresses a deep, regretful sadness at this being the state of things; but moreover, for the one line he breaks his Sakura motif in the song, it’s to say: “To live an ordinary life and die together with you/Oh, if that could come true”. For Nagito, the saddest thing he’s losing is not his life, but rather, the potential to love and be loved in return. 

 In the world of Avatar, Leaves From The Vine is a well-known nursery rhyme in the Fire Nation, and going by the lyrics alone, seems to have a vaguely optimistic message - a soldier returns home from war. However, the out-of-universe meaning behind this song is something else entirely. 

 We, the viewers, are not exposed to all aspects of Fire Nation culture, but rather those that are relevant to the story. So we do not know the song as any kind of nursery rhyme. We know it from Book 2, Episode 15: The Tales Of Ba Sing Se. This anthological filler episode - and I use the term filler loosely, because boy, was this show good at filler - follows various characters throughout the same day, as they go about having separate adventures in the Earth Kingdom capital. Each story serves a different purpose, but by far the most memorable and heartbreaking is the tale of Iroh. Iroh is a very beloved character, and for good reason. He used to be a renowned General, and the heir to the Fire Nation throne. But after his only son Lu Ten was killed in battle, fighting the war the Fire Nation started, Iroh lost all faith in his purpose. His life spiraled and his grief eventually lead to him being disinherited by his father, becoming a disgrace in the eyes of the Fire Nation (though still loved by many for his personality), and perhaps most importantly, turned him off the war altogether, and into the kind and nurturing figure we the audience know, and Zuko relies on. I mean, it was a little more complicated than that, but that’s the crux of it. 

 His tale in Ba Sing Se mostly revolves around disjointed, seemingly random events in which he somehow makes a stranger’s life better; talking a thief and mugger into turning his life around, comforting a crying child. But at the day’s end, Iroh climbs a hill and sits alone beneath a tree, retreating to grieve privately. There he lays out a cloth, incense, a picture of Lu Ten, and after having helped so many people, expresses his regret that he couldn’t help his son. This day happens to be Lu Ten’s birthday, and in his memory, Iroh sings a tearful rendition of Leaves From The Vine. He is barely able to make it through the final lines of the song: “Little soldier boy/Come marching home/Brave solider boy/Comes marching home” and that’s where is tale ends. Remember what I said about Avatar’s filler being remarkable? This, right here, is the entire essence of Iroh. At the end of his segment, we’re left in awe at how much pain he carries with him, and how he’s able to easily help so many people despite it. 

 This is where the song leaves an impression. This is the context through which we remember Leave From The Vine, so this is the lens through which I’m going to interpret and compare it to Zansakura. 

 Both songs elude to similar themes: namely death, loss, ephemera, ideology, and the downfall of having been devoted to an imperfect cause. In Iroh’s case, it’s the loss of life and purpose; and in Nagito’s case, is the lacking of purpose and love. 

Imagery

 In both songs, a certain sad imagery is evoked. It’s through this medium the bulk of the emotion is expressed. It is the withering and dying of nature. Though not sentient, the vines in Iroh’s case and the Sakura trees in Nagito’s are both undergoing a process that cannot be stopped, and will mean the end of everything that is beautiful for this living thing. 

 In both cases, however, this motif is broken to address things more literally. In the case of Zansakura, Nagito breaks to give the “to live a life” line. But it’s said in a way, and in a context, where we are meant to understand that he doesn’t believe he will ever achieve this. Likewise, even as Iroh sings about the Solider coming home, we know he never will. Both state a simple desire, to be with someone they love, despite the fact that it’s impossible. A perfect summation of each song, as it’s presented to us. 

Death, Loss & Ephemera

 Ephemera might just be one of my favourite words. Something that is said to be ephemeral exists for only a short time. Going back to the significance of cherry blossoms, the most common variety actually bloom and fall within a week -- and remember, this is when they’re said to be their most beautiful. Both Nagito and Iroh express a certain sense of defeat. They know their time has passed them by and there’s nothing they can do to get it back. While there is a huge difference between losing a loved one and losing your own life unloved, in both cases, it leaves things unsaid, undone, and unlived. There is a powerlessness both characters feel, that is palpable throughout these songs, and throughout several moments in their respective canon. Though they’re worlds apart, grief is something that can touch anyone, no matter what universe they live in, fictional or otherwise. It’s something that will touch everyone at some point, so perhaps that’s why these are such memorable themes for both Iroh and Nagito. 

Ideology And An Imperfect Cause

 For Iroh, it was the war that the nation he served began that lead to the death of his son. He fought for the glory of the Fire Nation his whole life, passed on this ideology to his son, and Lu Ten paid the price. Similarly, Nagito’s cycle of luck for which we can blame his illness, is largely tied to (perhaps even responsible for) his belief in hope and despair. But as we’ve seen, for that cause, Nagito will go to lengths so extreme, he often does more harm than good. It because of his luck he may never have the chance to live long or know love; the thing that, by his own admission, he wants more than anything.

 Both characters have faced unimaginable pain in the name of a certain ideology. However where they differ is that Iroh used his pain to follow a new path, one that would lead to a better world. Nagito only believed even harder in hope, followed more determinedly the path he was already on. But either way, despite the fact that winning their own personal desires is literally impossible for them, both characters have instead made it their life’s ambition to make the world better for others in whatever way they deem most valuable, no matter the cost to themselves. 

 In conclusion, I don’t really have one. Sure, the songs dabble in similar evocation, similar themes. A lot of songs do. Loss and pain are hardly unique subject matter, and both materials - almost all materials - handle them differently, just as different people do. I guess this was nothing but an excuse to riff about stuff I like. So there. 

#meta; #long post/

[pasdetrois]

Charlie Newton, Uncle Charlie's niece and namesake, is an odd candidate for Bluebeard's wife. For starters, she is, of course, a blood relation rather than a spouse. But the relationship between Uncle Charlie and Charlie is a complicated one. "We're not just uncle and niece," Charlie asserts. "It's something else. I know you." Charlie and her uncle are the first characters we meet in the film, both introduced through Peeping Tom shots in which the camera tracks from shots of their respective towns into their bedrooms to observe both, recumbent on their beds, meditating on the dead ends in which they find themselves. "This coupling of the two characters lying in beds separated by a continent is the most striking indication of the relationship that exists between them," one critic writes. "There is a sly hint that what Charlie and her uncle are thinking about while lying in bed is of the other in bed." In these paired scenes, there seems to be as much a touch of the morbid as of the erotic, for both characters are posed in such a way as to suggest a deathbed scene. With what appears to be telepathic precision, Charlie and her uncle simultaneously frame plans to telegraph the other with proposals for a family reunion.

If there is any doubt that the kinship between the two Charlies transcends blood ties, it is eliminated when the uncle takes his niece’s hand slips a ring on it. “Give me your hand, Charlie," he asks, and the profile of the two suggests a romantic engagement scene more than anything else. This symbolic marriage caps a scene that decisively takes us into the territory of the Bluebeard story. Charlie confides a powerful sense of kinship to her uncle at the same time that she asserts her knowledge of a secret in his past, an enigma that endows him with an aura of mystery. As her uncle's double, she not only feels confident that she can identify it, but also feels entitled to know it:

CHARLIE: I know you. I know that you don't tell people a lot of things I don't either. I have a feeling that inside you somewhere there's something nobody knows about. UNCLE CHARLIE: Something nobody knows... CHARLIE: Something secret and wonderful, and I'll find it out. UNCLE CHARLIE: Not good to find out too much. CHARLIE: But we're sort of like twins, don't you see. We have to know.

Maria Tatar, Secrets beyond the Door: The Story of Bluebeard and His Wives

#RE: that poll from earlier #don't know what's going on with the indentation but I have no further patience to fix it #shadow of a doubt #maria tatar #it is the key that leads to the kingdom of the unimaginable #incest cw

[frnwhcom]

The Legacy of Dunblane: How Tragedy Transformed UK Gun Laws

On March 13, 1996, the tranquil town of Dunblane, Scotland, was thrust into the global spotlight for a harrowing reason. The Dunblane Primary School became the scene of one of the deadliest mass shootings in UK history when Thomas Hamilton, armed with four handguns, murdered 16 children and their teacher in a senseless act of violence before taking his own life. This tragedy not only devastated families but also ignited a nationwide debate on gun control that would lead to significant legislative changes in the United Kingdom. Catalyst for Change: Tightening Gun Laws Before Dunblane, the UK had relatively strict gun laws, but the possession of handguns was still legal. The public outcry in the wake of the massacre was immediate and overwhelming. A key component of the response was the Snowdrop Campaign, named after the first flower to bloom in spring, symbolizing hope and renewal. The campaign, driven by the families of the victims and supported by the wider public, called for a total ban on the private ownership of handguns. The UK government responded to this call for action by introducing the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, which outlawed the private ownership of most handguns above .22 calibre. The following year, the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997 extended this ban to include all handguns, with very few exceptions, effectively making the UK one of the nations with the strictest gun control laws. The Impact on Mass Shootings The legislative changes that followed the Dunblane massacre had a profound and lasting impact on the frequency and nature of mass shootings in the UK. Since the implementation of the new gun laws, there have been significantly fewer incidents of mass shootings. The laws did not just restrict access to handguns; they also included provisions for stricter background checks, mandatory registration, and secure storage of firearms, contributing to a comprehensive approach to gun control. Comparative studies have shown that the rate of firearm-related homicides and suicides in the UK is among the lowest in the world, highlighting the effectiveness of its gun control measures. Critics of gun control argue that individuals with intent to harm will find alternative methods, but the evidence from the UK suggests that limiting access to firearms can and does prevent potential mass shootings. Global Perspective and Ongoing Debate The transformation of UK gun laws in the aftermath of Dunblane offers a poignant case study in how a nation can respond to tragedy with legislative action aimed at preventing future violence. It contrasts sharply with countries where gun control remains a contentious issue, and mass shootings occur with alarming frequency. While the UK's approach has not eradicated all forms of violence, it has significantly reduced the likelihood of mass shootings. This legacy of Dunblane serves as a powerful argument for the potential of gun control measures to save lives. It also continues to fuel debates worldwide about the balance between the right to bear arms and the need to protect public safety. The Dunblane massacre was a defining moment in UK history, one that brought unimaginable loss but also spurred a movement towards stricter gun control that has had a lasting impact on the country's safety. The transformation in UK gun laws serves as a testament to what can be achieved when a society comes together to demand change in the wake of tragedy. While the debate over gun control continues globally, the legacy of Dunblane remains a beacon of hope for those advocating for a safer, more peaceful world. Read the full article

[minijenn]

Keys to the Kingdom Chapter 4

AN-K so since its not 3 in the fucking morning, I figured I might as well post this on here now so people will actually see it. Gotta say, this one was fun, especially the closer it gets towards the end for... reasons. Enjoy!

Previous: http://minijenn.tumblr.com/post/183194476569/keys-to-the-kingdom-chapter-3

Chapter 4: Hero to Zero

He was a no one (A zero, zero) Now he's a honcho (He's a hero!) Here was a kid with his act down pat! From zero to hero in no time flat! Zero to hero just like that!

In all their past expeditions to Olympus, Sora, Donald, and Goofy usually spent most of their time at the world’s iconic coliseum. The arena’s tall and stately structure was a favorite haunt for the trio, as was the world it was contained in as a whole, for all the grand adventures and heroic exploits they’d shared there. Training to measure up as true heroes under Phil, rushing to protect Meg from the perils of the treacherous Underworld, fighting alongside Hercules to foil Hades’ sinister schemes. All were fond memories for the trio, memories that they thought would come rushing right back to them in full force upon arriving at the familiar coliseum.

Or at least they would have if they had actually arrived at the coliseum.

For upon embarking from the Gummi Ship, Sora, Donald, and Goofy found themselves not before the arena’s statue-guarded entrance, but rather on a lush outcropping halfway up a mountain so tall its distant peak seemed to pierce the sky itself. Needless to say that the trio was certain they had landed in Olympus, they were still aptly confused by the unfamiliar scenery, with nary a coliseum or Underworld for that matter in sight.

“What? No fanfare?” Sore spoke up first, pretending to blow a trumpet to emphasize his point. Donald sent him something of a caustic look before shaking his head while Goofy stepped forward to try to get a better look at their newfound surroundings.

“Nope,” the captain confirmed. “Looks like we missed the coliseum.”

“Sora, you’re the one who opened the gate!” Donald scolded the Keybearer impatiently. “I thought you knew where we were going this time!”

“I was… a little off again,” Sora grinned apologetically. “Sorry! We’ll find him, but we need to go!”

“Up the mountain?” Donald asked as Sora already began heading in that direction.

“Yeah,” the Keybearer glanced back over his shoulder briefly. “‘Up’ is the usual direction.”

“Well, it never hurts to have your head in the clouds!” Goofy quipped optimistically.

“That’s the spirit!” Sora exclaimed brightly, running on ahead. Goofy couldn’t help but let out an amused chuckle as he went to follow him, though Donald sighed, already somewhat exasperated by the levity his companions often shared when they were supposed to be taking thing seriously. Still, the magician was quick to hurry after the pair, trudging the worn and craggy path ahead towards wherever it might lead.

“Whoa…” Sora mused, amazed as they passed into a wide-open, mosaic-adorned area. “I can’t believe Herc’s world is so huge!”

“Well, the past few times we’ve been here we were pretty busy,” Goofy pointed out. “Guess we didn’t get much of a chance to go explorin’.”

“That’s a good thing!” Donald asserted firmly. “The less exploring we do, the less of a chance we have to mess up the world order by mistake!”

“Seriously, Donald?” Sora asked with a wry smirk. “Are you ever gonna let go of that whole ‘world order’ thing?”

“No, I won’t!” the magician fussed, sending the Keybearer a disapproving glare. “You should know by now that it’s important!”

“Hey, I do know,” Sora protested, casually perching his hands behind his head. “You don’t ever see me going around messing with the order of things, do you?”

Upon hearing this, Donald and Goofy exchanged a knowing glance, both of them well aware of Sora’s regular tendency to get himself (and by extension both of them) involved in the affairs of other worlds when they really should have just left things well enough alone. Even so, neither of them could really fault him for it; despite the fact that such behavior could indeed be considered “meddling”, there was no question that Sora’s heart was always in the right place. Whenever they did involve themselves in the problems of a given world, it was usually for the sake of helping those within that world as a whole or at the very least whatever new acquaintances they happened to make along the way. It was through that enthusiastic altruism, typically spearheaded by Sora, that the trio made some of their most invaluable friends and allies, including the very legendary hero they had come to this world to see.

It didn’t take very long for the trio to emerge onto another elevated range, one that gave them a clear, full picture of the sprawling valley far below. Yet as awe-inspiring as the view admittedly was, it still wasn’t really giving any of them too much to go off of when it came to determining their exact location.

“Ya know, fellas,” Goofy spoke up with a frown. “I think we might be goin’ in circles…”

“Sora…” Donald huffed as he looked to the Keybearer who had been leading the way.

“Did I make a turn at the wrong rock or something?” Sora muttered, also quite bewildered. All the same, since a cursory inspection of the area wasn’t really giving them any results, he decided to step forward with a more direct way of tracking the legendary hero down. “Hey, Hercules!” he shouted into the valley in the hopes that the hero might hear him. “Where are youuu?”

While Hercules himself was still nowhere to be found to offer a response to this call, someone else had heard it in his stead, and that someone was sure to make his displeasure with it quite clear the moment he touched down behind the trio in a heavy cloud of dark smoke. “All right. I know I dotted my I’s, crossed my T’s, zeroed the hero. So what gives? Who could possibly be trying to give me a migraine by yodeling that yutz’s name!?”

Though most would have likely cowered in fear in the presence of the lord of the dead himself, Sora, Donald, and Goofy merely let out a shared disappointed sigh upon being met with this reoccurring foe yet again. “Really? Hades?” Sora asked with a disappointed scowl.

“Oh, its just you,” Hades huffed, just as disgruntled to see the trio as they were to see him. “Oy vey…”

“Just us?” Sora repeated, hands on his hips. “Even for you that’s cold.”

“Yeah, well don’t forget!” Hades snapped harshly. “I can always turn up the heat!”

“Wait a sec…” Goofy interjected, glancing around curiously. “If Hades is here, then where’s Herc?”

“What is everyone’s infatuation with that DOLT!?” Hades growled, his blue flames spiking red with rage at the mere mention of the legendary hero. All the same, the lord of the dead was quick to calm himself down, especially when he considered his already-rapidly unfolding plans. “You know what? Never mind, never mind. I’m cool, I’m good. Because… Wonderboy will be outta my hair soon enough…”

“So you’re up to no good again!” Sora assumed, already readily summoning his Keyblade.

“Of course he is,” Goofy agreed as him and Donald also pulled out their respective weapons.

“You bet!” the magician added, holding his staff warningly as they all glared the lord of the dead down.

“Whoa, easy,” Hades remarked, glancing back at the battle-ready trio. “What is this, Sparta? Kind of on a schedule here. Don’t have time to toss around the ol’ fire and brimstone. The whole cosmos is basically waiting for me to, y’know, conquer it! So I better not leave it hanging.”

“Poor Hades,” Sora remarked with little sympathy as the lord of the dead began to head off. “He really thinks he can actually pull it off this time.”

“He’s gotta know that the three of us and Hercules are gonna stop him again,” Donald added just as confidently.

“Not this time, you’re not!” Hades shot back as he turned his gaze up towards the towering mountain itself. “Where are my Titans?!” he called commandingly. “Show me your power!”

Despite their previous doubts, Sora, Donald, and Goofy all jolted in surprise as the stony ground beneath their feet began to tremble violently at this demand. Likewise, the gentle blue skies ahead turned dark and stormy, heralding the arrival of not one, but four massive, unimaginable terrors. Nature itself seemed to go completely haywire at their arrival, the ongoing earthquake still rattling the mountain as deadly molten lava spilled down from its peak. A frigid, icy chill, carried by a brutal, blustery gust tore through the air and in the center of all this chaos stood Hades, absolutely reveling in the sheer destructive potential his Titans were showing. “Ah! Love the breeze!” the lord of the dead sighed with a wide, sinister grin as he looked behind him again. “Don’t you, fellas?”

Neither Sora, Donald, nor Goofy had much of a chance to respond amidst the practically deafening winds, which they were all having quite a hard time standing against. The force of the supernatural gale was relentless, and despite the trio’s best efforts, it soon proved to be too much for them. In one fell swoop, they were all thrown clear off the mountain, the winds catapulting them upward and out from the outcropping towards what would likely be a painful landing in the distant valley miles below.

And then, just as quickly as the elemental tumult had begun, it came to an end on Hades’ succinct command. The lord of the dead’s smug grin was still apparent as he looked off to where the trio had been blown away, satisfied that they wouldn’t impede his plans this time. “Ah, that sent em’ sailing,” Hades mused, though his smile quickly fell as he took a moment to realize exactly where the trio was likely headed. “Sailing right to where I left… Eh, no biggie.” The lord of the dead shrugged, unconcerned as he turned back to the quartet of monsters hanging around the mountain high above him. “Nice work, boys! So, back to the whole cosmic coup thing?”

As always, the Titans heeded their lords’ command, trudging their way back up to the home of the gods on the mountain’s peak so they could take it as their own. Hades gladly saw them off, though his formerly aggravated manner returned in full force as he sensed a dark corridor open up not too far behind him. “Ugh… really?” he asked with a begrudging sigh. “Are you kidding? Geez louise, when it rains it pours. Ok, who’s the new pest?”

“Hey, now! That ain’t no way to say hello, ‘specially to your old friends.”

“Oh perfect…” Hades scowled as he turned around to face the pair stepping out of the dark portal. “Now I gotta put up with you two.”

“You needn’t worry,” Maleficent assured, her expression as dour as ever. “We’ve no intentions of wasting your no-doubt… valuable time.”

“Yeah, we just dropped by to ask ya somethin’ real quick,” Pete added with a brazen smirk.

“Oh yeah?” Hades raised an eyebrow. “Funny, I don’t remember either of you two doing me any memorable favors. So you can keep your Heartless this time, and your cockamamie questions to yourselves. I’m going back to my original plan. All right? So… toodle-oo! Exit’s thataway! Hey, it was great seein’ ya. Happy traaaaails!”

“We’re not here to aid in your small-minded schemes,” the dark fairy countered calmly. “I have my own business to attend to. All I need to know is if there is a distinctive… black box… somewhere in this world.”

“Black box, huh?” Hades repeated rather boredly. “Hm… black box, black box, black box… Wait. Don’t tell me… you’re after the one Zeus hid on Earth?”

“…Possibly,” Maleficent said vaguely. “If I were, where might it be?”

“I dunno,” Hades shrugged apathetically. “Somewhere down in Thebes, I guess. Not sure what a power-hungry broad like you would want with some dumb ol’ trinket of a box like that though.”

“Huh? Are you sayin’ that this box is tiny or somethin’?” Pete asked, dismayed as he turned to Maleficent for confirmation. “I thought you said what we’re lookin’ for is supposed to be this big sorta treasure-chest type thing!”

“Quiet, you fool,” the dark fairy hissed, not wanting to tip the lord of the dead, or anyone else for that matter, off to what she was really searching for. “Its size and appearance matters not. After all…” she kept her voice lowered down at a whisper as she smirked darkly. “The most unassuming vessels can often hold the most… unpredictable power within them…”

“Hey, not that this isn’t an absolute blast or anything,” Hades interjected somewhat impatiently. “But I kinda have things to do, enemies to thrash, the whole nine yards, you know how it is. So… are we done here?”

“Yes…” Maleficent nodded as she summoned another dark corridor to take her leave. “I believe we are.”

“Great, see ya around,” the lord of the dead deadpanned with a halfhearted wave as he finally left, though not without ranting to himself the entire time. “Geez, not even a thank-you for the tip about the stupid box? Getting outta her payroll was one of the best things you ever did for yourself, Hades, that’s for sure…”

“So…” Pete spoke up once Hades was out of earshot. “Ya really think that box he was talkin’ about was the one we’re after?”

“We shall see for ourselves…” Maleficent said simply as she walked into the dark portal, her henchman hurrying right along after her. “Come along, Pete. I believe our search has only just begun…”

The city of Thebes was a vast, sprawling Grecian metropolis, sitting in the safety of the shadow of Mount Olympus itself. However, that safety seemed to be doing nothing for it now as the town was currently in a complete and utter upheaval. Hades had launched a devastating attack upon it, sending fire raining down from the sky and monsters out to scour the streets. The city had already seen substantial damage in the past several hours alone, with plenty of structures having fallen victim to the ongoing chaos. Thebes’ citizens themselves were in just as much of a panic, scrambling to find any save haven they could to shelter themselves from the torrential destruction ravaging their home. And yet, amidst this grave devastation, the people still found they had one hope to rely on to rescue them from it all and restore peace once again: Hercules.

The legendary hero was in the midst of doing just that too as he had only just finished saving a group of civilians from a dangerous street fire. Hercules stood, perched atop a nearby building to take the briefest of breathers before throwing himself back into the frantic fray, fully aware that a hero’s work was never done. However, just before the hero could return to his regularly-scheduled rescuing, his attention was diverted by the emerging noise of three very distinct, very familiar cries of fearful alarm. And upon turning towards the source of these screams for himself, Hercules didn’t hesitate to leap into action to save his three peril-ridden friends.

In one swift, deft leap, Hercules caught both Sora and Goofy, halting their freefall and making a safe and stable landing with the pair in tow. “See? Told ya we’d find him!” Sora proclaimed only mere seconds after their landing.

“Yeah, guess this counts!” Goofy agreed just as heartily.

The legendary hero offered the pair a brief nod of greeting, though before he really had much of a chance to say hello, his attention was garnished by the only member of the trio he hadn’t successfully caught. “Hey! Get me down!” Donald squawked, struggling to free himself from the maw of the massive lion statue he had managed to land on.

“Just a second!” Hercules called, promptly setting Sora and Goofy down to retrieve the frustrated magician. And as soon as everyone was safe and settled on the ground, a proper reunion between the trio and the legendary hero took off almost immediately.

“Sora, Donald, Goofy! You guys are here!” Hercules exclaimed with a surprised, though excited grin. “You three literally dropped in. Gotta say, I’m impressed.”

“Thanks!” Donald retorted brightly.

“Liked the catch,” Goofy said just as enthusiastically.

“Yeah, thanks, Herc,” Sora nodded in apt agreement for the timely save. “But… what’s going on?” he asked, noting the destruction-ravaged streets around them, smoldering piles of rubble still burning bright in seemingly every direction.

“Take a guess,” the legendary hero sighed in clear exasperation. “Starts with an H…”

“Ah,” Sora crossed his arms, already knowing well who Hercules was referring to. “I get the picture. Actually, we bumped into the H-ster on the way here.”

“He said somethin’ about conquerin’ the whole cosmos,” Goofy added a touch more seriously.

“All of it, huh?” Hercules asked sardonically, hardly phased by Hades’ latest grandiose scheme. “Nice of him to show a little self-restraint. Well, whatever he’s planning, I’ll send him running back across the Styx!”

“That’s our Herc!” Sora grinned, mimicking Hercules’ heroic pose.

The legendary hero couldn’t help but let out a small, amused chuckle at the Keybearer’s admirable zeal as he beckoned for the trio to help him investigate the nearby town center for any straggling civilians in danger. “So, Sora, is there a reason you guys are visiting?” Hercules asked, curious. “I’m guessing its not just for the cheese and olives.”

“Oh yeah!” Sora exclaimed in realization.

“Looks like somebody forgot,” Goofy teased lightly.

“That’s Sora for you,” Donald chided just as playfully.

“Hey, I didn’t forget!” Sora protested. “I just… took my time remembering. Besides, we were sort of busy dealing with Hades and being blown off a mountain and everything, so can you really blame me for getting distracted?”

“Yes,” Donald retorted, absolutely deadpan.

“Anyway…” Sora said, sending the magician a pointed glare before he turned to Hercules and the matter at hand. “Herc, I came here because I wanted to ask you something.”

“Ask me?” the hero repeated, genuinely surprised.

“Yeah,” the Keybearer nodded resolutely. “Do you remember the last time we were together? You were feeling down and out. How’d you get your strength back when you jumped in and saved Meg?”

“Hm… that’s tough…” Hercules mused thoughtfully. “All I know is… that she was in trouble. Suddenly, I wanted to save her with all my heart, but… it’s not like I could really tell you how I did it exactly…”

“Oh man…” Sora sighed in clear disappointment. After all, they had come all this way seeking Hercules’ advice born from first-hand experience. But if even the hero didn’t know how to explain the rise from his own fall, then how was Sora supposed to follow in his footsteps and do the same for himself.

“What’s wrong?” Hercules asked, concerned upon noticing the Keybearer’s obvious dejection.

Sora glanced down, his usual upbeat manner solemn and remorseful as he filled the hero in. “A-all my strength left me too…” he admitted, almost ashamed to say it out loud. “That’s why I wanted to find you—I was hoping you might have a solution or some advice or… something.”

“Oh…” Hercules frowned sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Sora. But… for what its worth, I’m sure you’ll find a way to regain that lost strength of yours somehow. After all, I’ve seen you pull off crazier things than that.”

Though it was really a rather small sentiment, Sora couldn’t help but perk up somewhat upon receiving the hero’s vote of confidence. However, before he had a chance to thank Hercules for it, the conversation was sharply interupted from a stark warning from Donald.

“Heartless!” the captain cried, pointing to the stormy skies above. Sure enough, raining down like meteors from the heavens was a horde of flaming Heartless, each of which crashed into the square before the trio and the hero with heavy force. One such impact struck the side of the town’s centerpiece, a large, finely-sculpted statue of Hercules himself, built to honor the hero and his labors. Despite its sturdy structure, it easily toppled over from the blow, slamming to the ground and adding even more destruction onto what the already rampaging group of Heartless were bringing about as they blasted their brimstone around the square wildly.

“We’ll talk later!” Hercules exclaimed, already taking up a fighting stance against the creatures as the trio prepped their respective weapons for the melee ahead.

“Right,” Sora agreed, tightening his grip on his Keyblade. “Once we’ve dealt with these guys.”

And with that, the fight was on. Upon noticing the group taking opposition against them, the Heartless quickly swarmed, a number of them rushing forward with their forms flaming and ready to attack. But for as threatening as the creatures of darkness attempted to be, they were met with a group that was more than used to squaring off against them by now. Since he was already filled with adrenaline from his ongoing efforts of protecting the town, Hercules leapt into the fray first, his sheer physical strength serving him well as he tossed the Heartless around as though they were little more than dead weight. Though it had admittedly been awhile since either of them had actively engaged in combat, Donald and Goofy were also quick to get back into the swing of things as the captain plowed his shield into the creatures while the magician blasted off a barrage of spells to take them down.

Likewise, Sora rushed into battle just as confidently, Keyblade at the ready, though almost immediately, he noticed that his swings were nowhere near as he knew they could be. He wasn’t pulling any punches in his attacks (he rarely ever did), but all the same the Keybearer still felt slower, weaker even, and he had a strong suspicion as to why. The flaming Heartless they were facing was certainly a weaker subset of them, one that could be easily taken out by merely a well-timed water spell; but even after casting several such spells, Sora found that very few of the creatures skittering around him were actually going down, much to his growing frustration. And as distracted as the Keybearer was by the group of Heartless directly in front of him, he didn’t even notice the creature bounding up behind him until it launched a fiery burst directly at him, one that he knew, in the brief second he glanced over his shoulder to see it, he’d have no time to deflect.

Fortunately, Sora didn’t have to as Goofy ended up doing the job for him. The dangerous flames struck the captain’s shield squarely, and in retaliation, he launched his weapon straight at the offending Heartless, defeating it easily. “Look alive, Sora!” Goofy reminded good-naturedly as he hurried off to help Donald square off against another group.

“That’s funny, I thought I was…” Sora huffed, somewhat disgruntled even if he was still grateful for the timely save.  

With their numbers already steadily going down, the rest of the Heartless were relatively easier work for the group to thin out. However, just when it seemed as though their work was about over while they were collaborating on clearing out the last few straggling creatures, an all new cause for alarm came to their attention from, of all places, above.

“Hercules!” the familiar cry prompted the entire group to turn around to see none other than Pegasus, toting both Meg and Phil, soaring in towards the square. However, Meg’s fearful shout was soon understood when the group on the ground spotted the swarm of winged Heartless hovering around them.

“Augh! Will ya annoying little schmucks get outta here already?!” Phil yelled as he made as much of an attempt to swat the attacking creatures away.

“How about a little help up here, huh?!” Meg called to the group below as she did her best to steer Pegasus to safety.

“Meg! Phil!” Hercules exclaimed, immensely concerned for the pair and the peril they were in. Without hesitation, the hero leapt high as Pegasus flew in low, allowing him to clock several of the Heartless clean out of the air, though plenty more still remained.

“Come on, Sora!” Donald urged as him and Goofy began running on ahead to do whatever they could to assist the hero. “We gotta help them!”

Upon receiving no immediate response from the Keybearer, the pair was quick to take pause, knowing that he was usually the first to run headlong to the rescue of just about anyone in danger. And yet, when they glanced back to check on Sora, they were both quite surprised and worried to see that he seemed to be absolutely winded from their recently-ended scuffle; the tip of his Keyblade was digging into the cobblestone ground as he leaned against it for support, his clothes, skin, and hair all lightly singed thanks to the formerly flaming Heartless as he struggled to catch his breath and recover from the relatively short skirmish.

“Sora?” Goofy asked as both him and Donald turned to face the exhausted Keybearer fully, letting Hercules handle the rest of the Heartless above. “Are you ok?”

As soon as he noticed the fretful glances his companions were sending his way, Sora was quick to snap upright, forcing a reassuring smile even if he was still quite breathless from all the exertion. “Y-yeah! I’m… I’m fine!”

“Are ya sure?” the captain pressed. “You seem kinda tired…”

“W-who, me?” Sora scoffed as steadily as he could. “No way! I… I’m just a little… a little out of p-practice is all! But I-I’ll get over it! Now, c’mon, we… we gotta help Herc save Meg a-and-”

“Actually,” the hero interjected as he landed back down before the trio, motioning to Pegasus safely doing the same behind him. “I think I got just about all of them. I appreciate the enthusiasm though.”

“Aw man…” Sora muttered to himself, disappointed largely with his limits, which were, by all accounts, much lower than he would have liked them to be.

“Hercules!” Meg exclaimed, immensely relieved as she hopped off the winged horse to rush to the hero and engulf him in a tight embrace. “You’re ok!”

“I’m ok?” Hercules laughed as he returned her hug. “I should be saying that about you since you guys were the ones who nearly just got knocked out of the sky just now.”

“Eh, we would’ve been just fine with just me smackin’ them freaks around,” Phil remarked as sardonically as ever. “Not that I can’t give ya any points for the flashy rescue, kid,” the satyr joked, elbowing his former pupil’s leg playfully.

“Yeesh…” Meg remarked, glancing around the decimated square as she parted away from the hero. “Whatever happened here doesn’t look so fun…”

“No, not with the Heartless involved,” Hercules shook his head before he glanced over at the trio with a grin. “We’re just lucky our friends showed up to help out.”

“Well, whaddaya know?” Meg said as she offered the trio a wry smirk of greeting. “Sora, Donald, Goofy, I guess we owe you a big thank you.”

“Hey, anytime!” Sora assured brightly, having mostly recovered from the preceding fight.

“Oy, kid, you ain’t lookin’ so hot,” Phil noted, commenting on the Keybearer’s still rather battle-worn appearance. “You sure you’ve been keepin’ up with your hero training like I told ya to the last time you were here?”

“O-of course I have!” Sora protested defensively. “In fact, that’s why we came here in the first place: to get stronger.”

“Like Hercules!” Donald added.

“Aw, c’mon, you guys…” Hercules rebuffed with a humble chuckle.

“Yeah, well luckily for you, I trained the best of the best,” Phil concluded, looking to the hero with a proud smirk. “Who knows? Maybe someday you three will end up at least getting’ somewhere close to catching up do ‘im.”

“Hey!” the trio exclaimed in faux offended unison.

“Alright, alright, the last thing we need is another fight breaking out around here, you four,” Hercules interjected, his laughter dying down as he turned back to Meg with renewed seriousness. “Meg, you need to stay someplace safe. We’ll search the city and make sure everyone manages to stay clear of the fire.”

Meg nodded in agreement with this plan, though even still, her expression alone conveyed her worry easily. “Be careful, Wonderboy,” she urged fretfully.

“I will,” the hero assured, leaning in to give her a brief kiss on the forehead before turning back to the trio. “So, you guys in?”

“Of course, we’re in!” Sora exclaimed readily, as his companions nodded in solid agreement.

“We’re heroes!” Donald proclaimed proudly.

“Mm-hm!” Goofy agreed just as enthusiastically.

“Eh, I still think you three are a little wet behind the ears,” Phil remarked, eying the trio critically. “But you’re gettin’ there.”

“Break a leg then, ‘heroes’,” Meg said, sending the group a playful salute as she began making her way back over to Pegasus.

“Phil, you should go with Meg,” Hercules said to his former trainer who nodded dutifully to the task.

“Don’t worry, kid,” the satyr grinned bravely. “I’ll keep an eye on her. And if any more of those pesky puntzes attack us, I’ll put ‘em in their place!”

“Then we better hope none of them show up or else we’ll all be in for trouble,” Meg deadpanned, eliciting an annoyed glare from Phil as he climbed onto Pegasus behind her.

Hercules briefly joined them to give his loyal steed a steadying pat, confident that he’d do well in keeping protecting them from the danger still besetting Thebes. “You gotta keep her safe,” he said sternly, to which Pegasus nodded with clear assurance that he would.

And with that, the horse opened his wings wide, leaping high and taking flight with the intent of carrying Meg and Phil to safety, just as Hercules had said. Despite the distance between them, the hero couldn’t help but smile as he saw them off, relieved to know that the person he cared for most would be out of harm’s way. However, the group barely even had a chance to rest easy in that fact before yet another fearful plea rang out across the otherwise empty square.

“Heeeelp! Is anyone theeeere?”

“Hey! I hear a voice!” Goofy alerted, pointing towards the source of the cry. The others looked over in that direction only to find quite an alarming sight: a young girl, likely no older than ten, had somehow ended up stranded upon a tall pile of rubble overlooking the city center. She pressed up close to the stony wall behind her, clearly terrified of the perilous situation she was in, especially with the flames scorching that part of the town starting to press in just below her.

“Oh no! There’s a little girl caught in the fire!” Hercules warned the others urgently.

“Then let’s go!” Sora exclaimed, already hurrying on ahead, eager to do whatever he could to both help and build his lost strength up again.

“Wait! Running’s too slow!” Hercules cut in succinctly.

“Then what’s the other choice?” the Keybearer asked incredulously as he slid to a stop.

The legendary hero took pause, glancing around the smoldering square for a possible solution before finding one lying only just a few feet away. “Get on that,” Hercules grinned to the trio as he pointed to his own fallen statue. Sora, Donald, and Goofy exchanged a brief, confused glance, but none of them pressed the hero any further on what his plan could be, all three of them trusting that whatever it was, it would hopefully be bound to work.

And so the trio quickly scaled the statue, perching themselves upon its stone cape as they waited to see whatever it was Hercules intended on doing next. “Is this safe?” Donald asked somewhat apprehensively, glancing down from their spot on the statue.

“Hope so,” Goofy shrugged, ready for anything, as usual.

“You ready down there?” Sora asked, calling down to Hercules below.

“Sure am!” the hero assured as he got a good and steady grip on the bottom of the state. “Now, hold on tight!”

The trio did so, still not sure of what the hero’s plan was until they felt the statue suddenly move beneath them, much to their shared alarm. “W-whoa!” Sora exclaimed, aptly startled as he held onto the statue tighter. “Herc, m-maybe we should-”

Before the Keybearer had a chance to finish, Hercules had already hoisted the entire statue, which was at least several times his size, above his head, barely even breaking a sweat from the immense weight of it, much to the fearful bafflement of the trio clinging onto its upper side. Yet despite their shaken cries, the hero kept up his steady stance, carefully taking aim and, with a single mighty throw, he launched the entire statue hard and high into the air, sending it and the three passengers riding atop it, soaring towards the other side of the city. It was yet another perilous flight for the trio to be sure, though surprisingly their landing wasn’t so harrowing as the statue skidded to a safe stop upon one of Thebes’ higher levels. The hero had indeed aimed true as it put them quite close to where the endangered girl was still awaiting rescue, and rescuing her was exactly what they did. Upon retrieving her from her elevated spot, the trio made sure to deposit her a good distance away from the fire, something she was certainly grateful for as she thanked the group before running off to find proper shelter, giving Sora, Donald, and Goofy a much-needed moment to relax.

“Well, that could’ve gone a lot worse than it did,” Donald remarked, glancing back to the landed statue several feet away.

“What are we supposed to do now?” Goofy asked curiously, glancing around the largely empty area.

“I guess we might as well go check and see if anyone else needs us,” Sora suggested with a shrug. “Maybe see if we can catch up with Herc again along the way?”

Donald and Goofy both nodded in agreement to such a solid plan of action, however, before any of them could so much as make a move to enact it, they were distracted by a rather unexpected, rather alarming arrival instead. “Well, well… if it isn’t Sora and the king’s pawns…”

The trio shared a startled gasp as they all spun around, immediately on the defensive as they watched the pair of old foes emerge from a dark corridor. “Maleficent! Pete!” Sora exclaimed, instantly summoning his Keyblade as Donald and Goofy did the same with their own weapons against the dastardly duo. “Let me guess: you two are the reason the Heartless are here, aren’t you?!”

“Certainly not,” Maleficent denied evenly. “We’ve come to this world on much more important business than merely spreading mindless chaos.”

“Oh yeah?” Sora asked suspiciously, still maintaining his offensive stance alongside his companions. “Like what?”

“That is absolutely no concern to you,” the dark fairy rebuffed with a haughty scowl.

“Say, Maleficent…” Pete interjected with a smug, almost goading grin as he looked over to the trio. “I dunno about his sidekicks, but Kid Keyblader here looks way punier than the last time we saw him. I say we finish him off while we still can. It’d be a piece of cake for sure!”

Upon hearing such callous, almost cruel remarks, Sora said nothing, even though a large part of him did want to fiercely argue against them. But instead, he simply tightened his grip on his Keyblade and glared at the wicked duo firmly, trying his best not to come across as weak, even though he knew that’s what they saw him as. He wondered how it was so apparently obvious to just about everyone, including even Maleficent and Pete, that his strength had been sapped to such an extensive degree. He could feel it, of course, in just how much of a struggle taking out what should have been even minor foes seemed to be for him now, just how much even the tiniest battles seemed to tire him out, just how much he was seeming to fall behind when he should have stood strong. So how then, was literally everyone else able to see that he wasn’t even half the Keyblade wielder he knew he could be anymore?

“Waste no time with the boy,” Maleficent said dismissively just before Donald or Goofy could say anything to Sora’s defense. “He’s inconsequential, as are his companions. We have a far more pressing matter to attend to.”

For a moment, Pete was admittedly confused by this, until he happened to remember why they had journeyed to this world in the first place. “Oh yeah! We gots to find that black box!”

“How many times do I have to tell you to be silent, you fool!” Maleficent snapped harshly before her henchman could get another word out. Her anger was still just as apparent as she turned back towards the trio, her longstanding disdain for them apparent through her expression alone. “As for you three: we shall meet again… when I have time for such trifles…”

And with that, the dark fairy turned to leave through the darkness from whence she came, though Pete did linger behind for just a moment more to taunt the Keybearer one more time. “Yeah, and you better get your act together before then! Later, twerps!”

“Wait!” Sora shouted, hurrying after the pair with the intent of putting a stop to whatever their unknown schemes were. Though of course, before he could reach them, their shadowy portal disappeared, leaving the trio alone and in the dark about whatever it is they could be up to.

With Pete and Maleficent both finally gone, Sora finally let out the disgruntled sigh he had been holding in for quite some time now. Neither Donald nor Goofy had to ask where they young companion’s sudden bout of melancholy was coming from, but it still certainly concerned them both all the same.

“Sora?” Donald spoke up first, his tone fretful, especially as he overheard Sora sigh once more. Even so, the Keybearer was quick to turn to the pair with a small, halfhearted smile, one that neither of them really bought.

“I-it’s fine,” he said, though he didn’t make eye contact with either of them as he did. “I can take it.”

“Garwsh, it sure don’t sound like it,” Goofy said knowingly. “Did Pete sayin’ those mean things bother ya?”

“N-no!” Sora protested, crossing his arms and glaring away. “Like I said, I’m fine! I can take it!”

“Don’t worry!” Donald reassured as encouragingly as he could. “You’re gonna get stronger!”

“Yeah! We know you!” Goofy added just as heartily. “You can take it!”

“That’s what I said!” Sora snapped, suddenly quite frustrated with the pair. After all, it was bad enough that their foes were going around calling him out for his newfound weakness, but for his own companions to be effectively talking down to him like this? It was more than a bit embarrassing and a bit annoying to say the least, even despite their kind intentions. “Ugh, can we just… stop talking about this already?” he sighed once more as he averted the duo’s surprised looks over his outburst. “We still have people we need to help, remember?”

Donald and Goofy couldn’t help but share a worried glance as Sora pressed his way past them, his expression bitter and his hands clenched into tight fists as he continued on ahead. Neither of them could really blame him for being so upset, but they were rather perplexed by the fact that their open encouragement had done basically nothing to help him this time when it usually did the trick. Of course, they both wanted to do whatever they could to support their young companion, just as they always had. But this was an issue that neither the captain nor the magician knew how to solve, a problem that was plaguing the two of them almost as much as it was plaguing Sora himself. And for as much as Donald and Goofy both wanted to help, they both fretfully realized that all they could really do, at least for now, was to stand by their young companion’s side, no matter what might come their way.

The rest of the trio’s trip through Thebes was, unsurprisingly, a perilous one. Sure enough, they managed to find and save several still-straggling townsfolk and escort them out of harm’s way. The Heartless and the town’s own crumbling infrastructure provided plenty of obstacles all their own, of course, as the trio dodged fire, falling pillars, and the shadowy monsters alike. While they did their best to try to avoid the Heartless altogether to save precious time, the few occasions in which they were forced to engage in combat against them were far from smooth encounters.

The creatures were fierce and plentiful, and with the trio already somewhat out of sync with each other as they were, fighting them only seemed to bring them more harm than good. For as many Heartless as they seemed to take down, the more hits they seemed to take, particularly for Sora, who was still clearly lagging behind despite his best efforts to get ahead. What made matters worse, however, was that he more or less outright refused any direct assistance from either Donald or Goofy whenever they offered it, save for the occasional bout of healing here and there to keep things going. For all intents and purposes, it seemed clear that the Keybearer was determined to prove to both of them and perhaps even to himself that his strength wasn’t completely gone after all. A mission that didn’t seem to working out that well as Sora only seemed to be running himself more and more ragged with each and every battle, though whenever either Donald or Goofy urged him to slow down, he either ignored them or stubbornly rebuffed them with clear, continued anger. But even so, despite his mounting frustration and his obvious exhaustion, the Keybearer pressed on ahead relentlessly, all in the hopes that his hard work would somehow get him past the weakness that he had no idea how to overcome otherwise.

Still, eventually, the trio managed to make it through most of Thebes’ rubble-laden, burning streets to end up in a space relatively close to the square where they had started. They were more than prepared to head back there in the hopes of meeting up with Hercules again, though it quickly became apparent that their attention was needed elsewhere as a rather large building—a temple to be exact—trembled violently right as they were passing by it. The trio only needed to exchange a brief nod of confirmation before they rushed into the lofty temple, only to not only find the hero they were looking for, but plenty of trouble surrounding him as well.

The temple had already fallen apart significantly, with flames and rubble filling its once pristine, sacred space. A few civilians had made an attempt to take up refuge there, but it was all for naught as the entire building seemed to be on the verge of collapse altogether. In fact, the only thing keeping it all from falling apart, as close as it was to that point, was none other than Hercules himself as he stood, strong yet struggling to hold the temple’s final, integral support beam from falling on them all.

“Herc!” Sora exclaimed, instantly alarmed to see the hero in sigh a plight.

“S-Sora!” Hercules called back as much as he was able to, even as the temple shook once again. It was clear that neither the hero nor the building would be able to hold out for too much longer, which was why the trio didn’t hesitate to hurry forward to help in any way they could. “H-hurry! We have to save these people!” Hercules ordered, his voice strained as he pushed back hard against the weight of the pillar he was holding up.

“Right!” Sora nodded as Donald and Goofy hurried ahead to pull the townsfolk out of immediate danger so they could begin escorting them out of the temple. “We’ll be right back to help-” The Keybearer cut himself off as matters suddenly went from bad to much, much worse. The temple shuddered once again, only this time, the quake came as the direct result of the horde of Heartless that happened to materialize directly in between the hero and the trio with the intent of causing even more destruction.

“Ok, seriously?!” Sora exclaimed, exasperated as he summoned his Keyblade for the oncoming fray. “I swear, Heartless have the worst timing!”

“C’mon, Sora!” Donald urged as him and Goofy did their best to keep the terrified townsfolk calm while still inching their way past the Heartless and towards the door. “We gotta get these people out of here!”

“Then go ahead and get them out already!” Sora retorted rather sharply as he turned back towards the struggling hero. “Herc, can you hold the building?”

“N-no problem!” Hercules assured with the most genuine grin he could muster, even despite the circumstances.

“Good,” Sora smiled back as he took up a determined, offensive stance against the encroaching creatures. “Then I’ll handle the Heartless!”

“What?!” Donald and Goofy both gasped upon hearing such a risky plan, both of them completely adamant against it from the start.

“Sora, you can’t take on that many all by yourself!” Goofy exclaimed worriedly as he shielded the group civilians from a fiery attack.

“Let us help you!” Donald added a bit harsher, making his disapproval for the Keybearer’s recklessness clear.

“You guys are busy!” Sora called back as he landed a steady hit on one of the Heartless. “Just get those people to safety, ok? I’ll be fine on my own!”

“But Sora-” Goofy tried one more attempt at dissuading their young companion, only to be swiftly cut off.

“I said, I’ll be fine!” Sora practically shouted, clearly set off by their doubts as he rammed his Keyblade into yet another Heartless out of sheer anger alone. Donald and Goofy were clearly startled by his severe manner, and as a result of it, they knew: there’d be no arguing with him, not on something like this.

And so, as much as they didn’t like the idea of leaving the Keybearer alone at a time like this, the duo did as he said anyway, taking advantage of the distraction he was providing them with to skirt around the Heartless with the endangered civilians following right behind them. All the while, Sora forced himself to remain steady and alert, running on adrenaline more than anything else as he took the marauding creatures head-on. For the most part, he seemed to be holding his own, landing plenty of impact hits on the Heartless in relatively fast succession. Of course, the Keybearer really couldn’t accredit his current success to grit alone, for throughout the entire battle, he had been quietly reassuring himself, knowing that it was the most he could do to keep himself from faltering anymore than he already had.

“I can do this…” Sora whispered to himself as he slashed through one of the Heartless, miraculously defeating it altogether. Of course, several more appeared to take its place, but the Keybearer refused to let that phase him as he kept on fighting, occasionally sparing the briefest glance over at Hercules, who was certainly doing his part to hold everything else together on his end. “I can do this,” Sora told himself, a bit louder this time as he narrowly blocked a ball of fire with the broad side of his Keyblade. He retaliated swiftly by lashing out at the Heartless that had sent it, tearing through its shadowy form with a single deft swing. It was enough to give the Keybearer some much-needed confidence as he kept himself going, not even noticing as Donald and Goofy successfully finished escorting the civilians out and away from the temple as he kept up his kinetic pace. Though Sora knew he still had a ways to go before he returned to anywhere close to where he had been before the Mark of Mastery, he couldn’t help but hope that fighting fearlessly and passionately like this would eventually be what would get him back to where he knew he needed to be.

That is, until everything inevitably fell apart.

It began when he positioned his Keyblade to cast water to douse the flaming Heartless surrounding him. He called upon the spell and, though somewhat dulled from the strength it should have had, it still did the trick in stunning several of the creatures close by. Sora resumed his usual position as he prepared to tackle the vulnerable group, running forward as he decided to repeat his ongoing mantra, knowing that it was serving him well thus far. “I can do-”

The Keybearer never had a chance to finish. For right as he was about to complete his confident statement, the waterlogged Heartless he was rushing into attack sparked back to fiery life completely out of nowhere. Sora didn’t have any time to react outside of a startled gasp as the creature rammed into him, purposefully and violently, with enough force behind the heavy impact to send him flying towards the other side of the temple. He hit the far wall hard, and landed on the ground even harder, to the point that he was in something of a daze for what seemed like ages. Somewhere in the distance, he thought he heard Hercules (or maybe someone else?) call out for him, apparently alarmed, though he made no attempts to answer back. The crumbling temple around him and even the Heartless still gearing up for attack once more all seemed to fade out thanks to his swimming senses as he lay on the floor, half out of it entirely. But, if there was any one thing he was fully aware of, it was heat; a vast, deep, pinching kind of heat that only seemed to worsen with each passing second as it sparked along parts of his torso and his upper arms, the very same places the Heartless had hit him at. And as the acrid stench of ashy smoke began to mingle with that heat, Sora, ironically enough, froze up completely as he realized exactly where they both were coming from.

A fire. But not just the fire plaguing the temple in general. No, it was him. He was on fire.

As shocked and mindlessly horrified as Sora was by this stark realization, his body refused to cooperate with him as he tried to will it to move to douse the painful flames, especially as the intense burning spiked across his right arm in particular. So instead, he simply let out a small, strangled cry, not even caring that the noise would no doubt attract the Heartless, just as long as the pain, the heat, the smoke, everything just stopped somehow.

And miraculously enough, stop is exactly what it did.

“Water!” Donald’s rather fierce shout rang out across the crumbling temple, angry and protective as he cast his magic quickly. And yet, the spell wasn’t for the Heartless, but rather for Sora, as a cool, refreshing torrent rained down upon him, soaking him to the bone but thankfully, finally putting out the fire. It did little to heal the rather significant burns left behind, but Sora was immensely grateful for it all the same as Donald helped prop him up against the wall while Goofy kept up the defensive against the Heartless.

“See!? We told you that you couldn’t take them on all by yourself!” the magician fussed hotly. “And now look what happened! Why do you always have to be so… so reckless!?”

Sora flinched, both from the pain and from the severity of Donald’s rant, knowing that though magician was quite prone to anger, he only ever got this angry on the worst of occasions. “I-I… I was just-”

“Save it!” Donald huffed, cutting him off sharply as he offered to help him stand. “There’s no time! We gotta get you outta here so I can heal you the right way!” the magician urged, knowing that such a potent spell needed enough time to cast and that, with hasty, dangerous conditions such as these, that sort of time wasn’t something they had at their disposal.

“W-wha… n-no!” Sora protested, weakly rising to stand on his own as he leaned against the wall for support. “We… we can’t go! W-we gotta…” he paused to let out a small groan of agony as he pressed his free hand against his scorched shoulder. “W-we have to stay and help Herc!”

“N-no, you don’t!” Hercules shouted from his spot on the other side of the temple. Despite the immense burden he was struggling to maintain, his expression was stern as he looked to the trio, even as his knees began to buckle under the weight pressed against him. “D-Donald, Goofy! Get Sora out of here and fix him up! I-I can handle this!”

“You heard him!” Goofy agreed as he rushed to help Donald support Sora so they could escort him out, since it was clear the Keybearer was in no condition to walk out on his own as injured as he was. “Its time for us to go!”

“B-but we can help!” Sora protested as he tried pulling away from his companions to stand on his own. It was a short-lived effort, however, as the Keybearer was quick to collapse to his knees as unsteady and lightheaded as he currently was. Pain sparked across the burn on his shoulder once more as he used his arms to catch himself, but even still, he stifled a cry of anguish so he could plead with the heavily-labored hero once more. “I—we… we want to help! P-please, Herc, you gotta let me, I-I mean us-”

“I-I said no, Sora!” Hercules chastised, though even still he spared the injured Keybearer a sympathetic glance before he let out another strained groan. “Y-you just gotta trust me on this… ok?”

“B-but…” Sora began quietly, desperately even. “But I-”

“That’s enough!” Donald shouted furiously as he grabbed the Keybearer by his injured arm.

“We gotta amscray before this whole place falls apart!” Goofy urged as he went to Sora’s other side, his manner filled with concern to balance out the magician’s fury.

“We can’t!” the Keybearer groaned, trying his hardest to pull away from the pair as they began essentially dragging him towards the door.

“Sora, stop fighting us on this!” Donald snapped fiercely. “We’re trying to save you!”

“I-I don’t need to be saved!” Sora argued as he resorted to thrashing to try and get out of his companion’s steady hold, though even so, it didn’t work.

“W-well, right now, ya kinda do,” Goofy countered rationally, though even so, the Keybearer wasn’t having it, especially as they neared the threshold of the temple. “Just sayin’…”

“Why?” Sora shot back, glaring fiercely over his shoulder at the pair. If either of them had stopped to return the glance, then they might have spotted a certain glint, the slightest discoloration in his eyes that would have likely made them stop dead in their tracks. But for as much of a rush as they were in to escape the crumbling temple as they were, that flash of warning yellow went unnoticed. For now at least. “Because I’m not ‘strong enough’ to save myself!? Because I’m too weak?!”

“S-Sora…” Goofy began, exchanging a rather uneasy glance with Donald as they finally slipped past the temple doors and into the yard in front of it. Out of the frying pan, and yet apparently still not out of the fire, even as they let their injured, angry young companion go.

“T-that’s just what everybody thinks anymore, isn’t it?!” Sora asked harshly, his pent-up frustrations all starting to pour out of him, the floodgates pried opened by both pain and doubt. “It… its not even my fault that all my strength is gone, but everyone just loves to act like it is!”

“S-Sora!” Donald cautioned as the Keybearer slowly began to pick himself up off the ground, even despite his still very-pressing burns.

Sora largely ignored both of his companions as he stood, his legs shaking along with the rest of his body really, from both ongoing agony and incensed rage. “B-but what nobody wants to see is that I’m trying!” he shouted, more to himself than anyone else as he turned to face the quaking temple again with renewed resolve. “I’m trying to get stronger! But no matter what I try to do, its just… never good enough!”

“Sora-” Goofy reached towards their young companion in an attempt at comforting him, only to be completely denied as the Keybearer took an unsteady step forward, relentlessly staring down the horde of Heartless still swarming about in the violently trembling temple just a few feet away.

“But I don’t care…” he said, his tone absolutely rigid as he somehow managed to summon his Keyblade, even despite his unattended wounds. “Because I’m gonna do it anyway. I’m going to get stronger, so that nobody—not you guys, not Riku, not Axel or the king or anyone else will ever have to save me ever again!”

“Sora!” both Donald and Goofy shouted in alarm as they noticed something that their companion, in all his intense frustration, didn’t. Before Sora could so much as even take another step, the pair grabbed him once again, jerking him back hard and pulling him out of the way just in the nick of time.

For almost exactly as they did, something within the temple finally snapped: the support beam, the thinning thread keeping the practically decimated building together slammed down into the structure’s interior. And, the moment it did, everything else fell apart along with it. Goofy rushed to cover his companions with his shield as they all fell to the ground from the resounding quake, thick dust flying up from every direction as the building before them began to crumble to pieces. It began slowly, a few pillars toppling over, bricks and mortar coming undone, but all too quickly the destruction unfolded in a devastating torrent.

And, in what seemed like seconds, the entire temple collapsed completely… with Hercules still trapped inside.

Next: 

#kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts 3 #keys to the kingdom #jen writes #kh fanfic #olympus #hercules #disney #sora #donald #goofy #hades #maleficent #pete #megara #phil #pegasus #and auuuuhhhh yeah i think that covers it lol

[yuvikavi93427699]

SECOND World WAR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

  YUVASHREE.N

3rd BA HISTORY

Government arts college, Ooty  [email protected]

Certainly, here's a 1000-word blog post about the Second World War:

Title: "The Second World War: A Global Struggle for Freedom"

Introduction:

The Second World War, often referred to as World War II, was one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in human history. Spanning from 1939 to 1945, it involved nearly every nation on Earth and had a profound impact on the course of the 20th century. This blog post will explore the key events, causes, and consequences of the Second World War, shedding light on a period marked by heroism, tragedy, and the enduring quest for freedom.

The Causes of World War II:

The seeds of World War II were sown in the aftermath of World War I. The harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, particularly on Germany, fueled resentment and economic turmoil. Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany, his expansionist ambitions, and the appeasement policies of the Western democracies set the stage for the conflict. In 1939, Hitler's invasion of Poland marked the official beginning of the war, as Britain and France declared war on Germany.

The Global Theatre of War:

World War II was fought on multiple fronts and in various theaters, making it truly global in scope. The European Theater witnessed major battles such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the Battle of Normandy (D-Day), and the Holocaust. In the Pacific Theater, the Battle of Midway and the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought the war to a cataclysmic end. Additionally, conflicts raged in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Eastern Front, creating a complex web of alliances and hostilities.

Key Figures and Leaders:

Several notable leaders emerged during World War II. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, rallied the British people with his inspirational speeches. Joseph Stalin led the Soviet Union through the brutal Eastern Front. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman served as Presidents of the United States during the conflict, with Truman making the fateful decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. Not to be forgotten are the countless soldiers, resistance fighters, and civilians who displayed immense courage and determination.

The Holocaust:

One of the darkest chapters of World War II was the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany. Concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Treblinka served as extermination centers, where innocent people were subjected to unimaginable suffering. The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of never forgetting history's lessons.

The Turning Points:

The war was marked by several turning points that shifted the balance in favor of the Allied powers. The Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943 was a decisive victory for the Soviet Union, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. In the Pacific, the Battle of Midway in 1942 crippled the Japanese navy and marked a turning point in the island-hopping campaign towards Japan.

D-Day, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, was a monumental Allied operation that established a foothold in Western Europe and paved the way for the liberation of France. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 brought about Japan's surrender, effectively ending the war.

The Aftermath:

The aftermath of World War II reshaped the world. The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. The war also led to the decolonization of Asia and Africa, as former colonial territories sought independence. The Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials held Nazi and Japanese war criminals accountable for their actions.

The Cold War:

The post-war era saw the emergence of the Cold War, a tense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, driven by ideological and geopolitical differences. This period of tension and the arms race had a lasting impact on international relations, shaping the world for decades to come.

Conclusion:

World War II was a global conflict of unparalleled scale and consequence. It was a war marked by the triumph of good over evil, with the Allied forces ultimately prevailing and the forces of tyranny and aggression defeated. The legacy of World War II endures through the lessons learned, the pursuit of peace and freedom, and the solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made. The world emerged from the ashes of the war forever changed, driven by a collective determination to ensure that such a devastating conflict would never happen again.

#Second world war

[idontrememberthetitans]

The Best Films of 2018

Top 10 Films of the Year:

1.       ROMA (Netflix)

If I harbored any doubt that Alfonso Cuarón was among the greatest filmmakers/storytellers of this (or last) century, it was forever dispelled with Roma. Cuarón’s hyper-naturalistic memoir reveals the thorny relationships between employers, caregivers, and those who receive care. It possesses a kind of clarity, maturity, and tenderness that only comes with distance and time. As it communicates the innumerable intersections of and parallels between ethnicity, class, and gender, it neither rushes nor exaggerates and romanticize, which is quite commendable considering just how visually rapturous Cuarón’s execution is. Moreover, he does so without pontificating or criticizing. Some of the film’s detractors claim it’s an elitist exaltation of domestic workers; I find that assertion unfair, for it would require a larger conversation about who is able to represent whom. I believe Cuarón respectfully illuminates and savors the mundane for therein lies the clandestine miracles of life. It’s clear he has so much love for the ghosts of long ago. Roma is a paean celebrating and lamenting all the pains and pleasures that usher us through any given year.  (Watch the trailer.)

2.       COLD WAR (Amazon Studios)

Sexy, sad, and everything in between, Paweł Pawlikowski’s Cold War chronicles a nearly two decade-long love affair between Wiktor - an accomplished music director - and Zula - a rising singer - in a world in threat of extinction. The film examines the violation of cultural identity and the mechanism of war which thwart any attempt to preserve authenticity. Epic and tactfully sparse in equal amounts, the film is comprised of unbearably terse episodes peppered over fifteen years. Thus, we are only privy to fragments of the characters’ tumultuous timeline together. Within the interlude – between each passionate episodes - Pawlikowski brilliantly employs subtext and chilly atmospheric tension to sustains the pair’s longings – and subsequently preserves our infatuation with them. Cold War is a rich love story swathed in bitterness. By the end, we can’t help but envy, pity, and mourn each part of Wiktor and Zula’s hot-blooded romance. (Watch the trailer.)

3.       THE TALE (HBO Films)

The Tale is a work in progress. I say this without insult but unrestrained admiration. Documentarian Jennifer Fox’s devastating filmic memoir about childhood sexual assault is personal exercise in understanding deeply entrenched trauma. Much of the film’s approbation notes its nuanced handling of difficult thematic material and Dern’s towering yet understated performance, but Fox’s haunting lyricism – the way she manifests a cinematic conversation between her present self and her younger self from dispersed memories  – makes this film a formal and aesthetic triumph just as much as a cultural watershed.

Initially, I questioned how “accurate” the film’s conclusion was. Did the events unfold with the same amount of understated poetic justice? Did Fox have the opportunity for confrontation and vindication as depicted? I realize that asking for explication undercuts the power of Fox’s investigation and exemplary subjectivity. The film itself is an act of introspective healing. As harrowing as The Tale is, it is essential viewing. (Watch the trailer.)

4.       THE FAVOURITE (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

I’m still quite ambivalent towards the film’s nauseating photography, but make no mistake; The Favourite is the best writing and acting you’ll witness this year. While Lanthimos other films (Dogtooth, The Lobster, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer) are the superlative statements on the auteur’s résumé – perhaps in part because he also penned them – his dark, stomach-churning talents certainly lend themselves well to this gleefully filthy farce. The deliciously dicey sexual politics between the characters provides a scathing critique of class, decorum, regal period pieces, and the current political climate on a grand scale. The trio’s absurd antics keep the film alive with color and candor, but film’s lasting impact comes with the glimmers of profound sadness laced within Olivia Colman’s performance as the sovereign. Colman, one of the finest living actors, carefully vacillates between her character’s illogical command and her surprising frailty. The Favourite typifies the best kind of satire: deliciously catty as it plays out with a melancholic sting in its aftermath. (Watch the trailer.)

5.       HEREDITARY (A24)

Balance is key in life – and because we’ve relished the delectable delights of Mary Poppins Returns and Paddington 2, a hearty dose of uncompromising nihilism is also imperative. Hereditary more than excels in that role. It is a grotesque descent into unimaginable horror led by Toni Collette in a game-changing performance. Following films like Antichrist (2009), Babadook (2014), The VVitch (2015) and this year’s equally terrific and terrifying The Haunting of Hill House series, Hereditary marks an apex in the horror subgenre exploring the connection between loss and dread. It’s aware of the genre’s robust history. Consequently much of its success lies in its perceptive ability to draw from other classics like Rosemary’s Baby, Don’t Look Now, and The Exorcist while continuing to probe the complexities of grief and unconscious shame. (Watch the trailer.)

6.       YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (Amazon Studios)

Had the titles not already been taken, You Were Never Really Here could have easily be called “Making a Murderer,” “Gone Girl,” or “Vengeance Is Mine.” Lynne Ramsay’s follow-up to We Need to Talk About Kevin follows a damaged antihero hired to rescue trafficked girls. Her The story’s presentation is so lean and alienating that it’s difficult to ever form a comprehensive understanding of merciless world the characters inhabit. The violence is graphic, however Ramsey rarely shows the actual acts as they are committed. Instead, she takes us through static terrains in the wake of horrific brutality. Her juxtaposition of overwhelming ambient noises creates a particularly affecting cacophony. Surreal, distressing, yet oddly tender and uplifting, You Were Never Really Here confirms once again that Ramsay is an artist of the highest order. (Watch the trailer.)

7.       EIGHTH GRADE (A24)

Bo Burham’s Eighth Grade a wonder to behold – that is, if you can endure an utterly distressing experience to endure. Eighth Grade’s young heroine, Kayla, navigates the frightening contours of adolescence. During my initial viewing of Eighth Grade, it felt like a slideshow of memories from the most repellent stages of childhood. I only allowed myself to recognize it all at a distance – perhaps a self-induced safety mechanism – as if all of it existed in a half-remembered past.  Revisiting the film months later, it felt startlingly indicative of not only my eighth grade year but every year of life. If we cut through the handful of distinct aches of puberty, I’m really not so different now than I was at age thirteen – though Kayla is perhaps a bit less polished. What’s more, Kayla’s anxieties, comforts, and hopes function the same way mine do now. Burham’s film brims with compassion, so it’s easy to see - and feel - that eighth grade wasn’t that long ago. (Watch the trailer.)

8.       IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (Annapurna Pictures)

Fear begets fear... until it eats the soul. Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel is a exquisite study of how fear - internalized and externalized - leads to systematic racism and discrimination. As Baldwin and Jenkins reveal, the only remedy to combat this fear is love – and there’s so much of it in and around Beale Street. (Perhaps Donnie Darko’s Jim Cunningham and his simplistic binary theory were actually prophetic?) It’s difficult to examine Jenkins’ expertise without acknowledging his stylistic and thematic influences – specifically Wong Kar-wai and his intoxicating visual romanticism and Douglas Sirk and his flair for weepy melodrama. Yet even as glimmers of other great works shine through Beale Street, Jenkins contributes his own unique voice to the pantheon of Cinema. Using Baldwin’s poignant prose as a template, he blends the conventions of great American stage plays with docudrama tenets to craft a vast universe of feeling. Furthermore, If Beale Street Could Talk is evidence that Moonlight certainly wasn’t a fluke. (Watch the trailer.)

9.       MARY POPPINS RETURNS (Disney)

It feels inappropriate to include such an imperfect movie among intimidating achievements like Roma and Cold War. Even with all its excessive schmaltz, saccharine sentiment and scenery-chewing cameos, Mary Poppins Returns represents a kind of homage I feared was entirely lost. Not so; I learned nothing’s gone forever, only out of place. Sure, the film’s nostalgic structure (or lack thereof), design, quips and songs are all aggressive imitations of a perfect cinematic and cultural touchstone, but the whole ordeal is just so beautifully flattering it’s impossible not to melt in its warmth. It reverently and earnestly reminds us just how lucky we are to have a classic like Mary Poppins to return to. It sends up and throws back to the pinnacle of the expansive (and now unforgivably carnivorous) Disney kingdom. As demonstrated here, indulging nostalgia from time to time can be quite healthy. Unlike most current family movies that pander to the lowest common denominator, Mary Poppins Returns transcends cynicism, pop iconography, and humor ingrained in the present moment. Although much of the film’s success is due to the collaboration of a surplus of talent, the film belongs to Emily Blunt. She, in fact, IS practically perfect as she evades mimicry and adds nuanced wit and benevolence. (Watch the trailer.)

10.   MADELINE’S MADELINE (Oscilloscope Laboratories)

Madeline’s Madeline, an experimental coming-of-age thriller, is a film for those who care deeply about grueling and convoluted “artistic process.” It deftly walks a tight rope between satire and an earnest exploration of psychosis and performance – not unlike Bergman’s Persona or Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. Co-Writer/Director Josephine Decker fashions a platform for the fascinating newcomer Helena Howard; she reveals a rare kind of brashness and vulnerability in the title role. Alongside Howard, Molly Parker and the ever-brilliant Miranda July put their trust in Josephine Decker’s peculiar process. As such, they elevate and legitimize Madeline’s nightmare. There is palpable malice woven through the confounding narrative, though it is impossible to discern its primary source. Thematically, the film picks up the baton where Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York left it, but Decker uses a film language loaded with obtuse codes and metaphors. Aesthetically, the film is something else entirely – more dangerous and anomalous than we’re comfortable seeing. And for that reason, it’s quite difficult to shake. (Watch the trailer.)

Another Praiseworthy 10 (in alphabetical order):

BEN IS BACK

BLACK PANTHER

BLACKkKLANSMAN

BURNING

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

THE DEATH OF STALIN

LEAVE NO TRACE

SHOPLIFTERS

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

A STAR IS BORN

Best Direction:

1.       Alfonso Cuarón for ROMA

2.       Paweł Pawlikowski for COLD WAR

3.       Lynne Ramsay for YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

4.       Barry Jenkins for IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

5.       Yorgos Lanthimos for THE FAVOURITE

Best Adapted Screenplays:

1.       IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

2.       BLACKkKLANSMAN

3.       BURNING

4.       CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

5.      BLACK PANTHER

Best Original Screenplays:

1.       THE FAVOURITE

2.       SHOPLIFTERS

3.       EIGHTH GRADE

4.       THE DEATH OF STALIN

5.       EIGHTH GRADE

Best Leading Actors:

1.       Bradley Cooper in A STAR IS BORN

2.       Ethan Hawke in FIRST REFORMED

3.       Joaquin Phoenix in YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

4.       John David Washington in BLACKkKLANSMAN

5.       Lucas Hedges in BEN IS BACK

Best Leading Actresses:

1.       Toni Collette in HEREDITARY

2.       Olivia Coleman in THE FAVOURITE

3.       Emily Blunt in MARY POPPINS RETURNS

4.       Laura Dern in THE TALE

5.       Yalitza Aparicio in ROMA

Best Supporting Actors:

1.       Timothee Chalamet in BEAUTIFUL BOY

2.       Steven Yeun in BURNING

3.       Richard E. Grant in CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

4.       Adam Driver in BLACKkKLANSMAN

5.       Josh Hamilton in EIGHTH GRADE

Best Supporting Actresses:

1.       Natalie Portman in VOX LUX

2.       Emma Stone & Rachel Weisz in THE FAVOURITE

3.       Regina King in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

4.       Amy Adams in VICE

5.       Emily Blunt in A QUIET PLACE

Best Cinematography:

1.       ROMA

2.       COLD WAR

3.       IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

4.       AT ETERNITY’S GATE

5.       SUSPIRIA

Best Film Editing:

1.       SUSPIRIA

2.       BLACK PANTHER

3.       FIRST MAN

4.       ASSASSINATION NATION

5.       WIDOWS

Best Sound Design:

1.       YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

2.       FIRST MAN

3.       A QUIET PLACE

4.       ROMA

5.       SUSPIRIA

Best Production Design:

1.       SUSPIRIA

2.       MARY POPPINS RETURNS

3.       THE FAVOURITE

4.       BLACK PANTHER

5.       READY PLAYER ONE

Best Costume Design:

1.       MARY POPPINS RETURNS

2.       SUSPIRIA

3.       THE FAVOURITE

4.       BLACK PANTHER

5.       IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

Best Original Scores:

1.       Marc Shaiman for MARY POPPINS RETURNS

2.       Ludwig Göransson for BLACK PANTHER

3.       Alexander Desplat for ISLE OF DOGS

4.       Justin Hurwitz for FIRST MAN

5.       Nicholas Britell for IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

Best Original Songs:

1.       “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from MARY POPPINS RETURNS

2.       “Shallow” from A STAR IS BORN

3.       “Suspirium” from SUSPIRIA

4.       “All the Stars” from BLACK PANTHER

5.       “Treasure” from BEAUTIFUL BOY

Best Animated Features:

1.       SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

2.       ISLE OF DOGS

3.       THE INCREDIBLES 2

4.       MIRAI

5.       RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET

Best Acting Ensembles:

1.       MARY POPPINS RETURNS

2.       SHOPLIFTERS

3.       BALCKkKLANSMAN

4.       THE DEATH OF STALIN

5.       A STAR IS BORN

2018′s Most Important Films:

1.       THE TALE

2.       SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

3.       BLACK PANTHER

4.       INSTANT FAMILY

5.       CRAZY RICH ASIANS

To commemorate Ingmar Bergman’s 100th Birthday (and a sold-out Criterion Collection boxset of 39 of his films), let’s recall his greatest works:

1.       PERSONA

2.       THE SEVENTH SEAL

3.       CRIES & WHISPERS

4.       WILD STRAWBERRIES

5.       SHAME

6.       FANNY & ALEXANDER

7.       AUTUMN SONATA

8.       THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY | WINTER LIGHT | THE SILENCE

9.       SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE

10.     THE VIRGIN SPRING

[doomedandstoned]

South Africa’s Mad God Face Off With Devils In Bruising New Doomer

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

MAD GOD is a hell of a name for a band. It's brash, frightening and, if there is a God, probably true. Literature is replete with tales of madness, from throne room to darkest cavern. After all, what could be more frightening than insanity? Worse still, what if God were bonkers, too? It's an idea pregnant with possibilities and this week, the Johannesburg trio of Tim Harbour (guitar, vox), Evert Snyman (bass), and Patrick Stephansen (drums) gives birth to another album of vignettes from our mad, mad world.

'Grotesque and Inexorable' (2018), besides being a vocabulary expanding mouthful, will have fans of H.P. Lovecraft whipping out their magnifying glasses, looking for signs his influence throughout. What's behind those glowing eyes? Is that perhaps a ritual knife? And what of that ghastly cephalopodic tail? It all beckons us to venture closer, to stroll deeper into the bush. Only here in nature's primitive darkness can we see clearly.

This is not an interpretive dance through Lovecraft's greatest hits, however. What Mad God have assembled is essentially a horror anthology, each of its six chapters bearing witness to some monstrosity -- real or imagined. All of them are unimaginably terrifying.

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." (H.P. Lovecraft)

The parade of deplorables kicks off in the cemetery, where apparently if there is no rest for the wicked, then neither will there be respite the just. "Haunting the Graves of the Unhallowed" is like a nod Unhallowed Graves and perhaps The Reluctant Dead by the pioneering author of African horror, Nuzo Onoh. Mad God bring a Goyaesque gravity to the song, with the witchy metallic grit of early Yob or the bitter-sweet ire of Trouble -- all caged with the expansive song structure made a staple of the genre by the godfathers of doom, Black Sabbath. That's for those of you reaching for a point of reference in this slow-burning, bubbling cauldron of toxic stew. It won't take long for you to acclimate to the flavor, and with repeated spins you'll be easily picking up on the Mad God distinctives.

If the first track draws upon the supernatural, "The DeZalze Horror" is grounded in grizzly physical reality. In January of 2015, the papers greeted South Africans with the strange story of a millionaire and his family massacred at the DeZalze Golf Estate golf resort outside of Cape Town. Henri van Breda, was the apparent lone survivor and claimed amnesia about the whole event. He evaded justice for a year-and-a-half, until all evidence in the investigation confirmed that the 20-year old Henri had indeed wielded an axe against his father, mother, brother, and sister (the latter being the sole survivor).

Mad God's mean, sludgy swagger makes this track a fitting bedfellow with Church of Misery's bevy of serial killers. Tim's guitar chugs along like someone pacing hallways, Evert and Patrick's rhythm section makes me think the bump and drag of the axe's head along the floor, while Henri laments the shocking outcome of his brutal rage. A bluesy, fuzzy interlude brings us the 911 call, and the drums pound like sunken heartbeat, resigned to the awfulness and permanence of one's decision.

Last month, the band chose "I Created God" as the album's first single. "This song was written after watching a Charles Manson documentary, following his death in 2017," Tim Harbour explains. Though Manson remains the perennial muse of songwriters, he hastens to add: "This song does not condone the actions of the cult leader, but rather delves into the psyche and motives of both him and his followers around the time of the murders that took place in 1969." As one might expect, the lyrics aren't pretty, underlying the band's thesis that despite the beauty and good in the world, the ugliness of evil is never far behind and is often three steps ahead. Unlike the notorious fascination of Uncle Acid & the deadbeats for Charlie, Mad God's musical characterization of Manson and his Helter Skelter scenario is somber, with his mad ramblings echoing through the song's final stretch.

"The Crawling Chaos" follows, a reference to the short story written by Lovecraft, but based upon a dream of a companion, poet Winifred V. Jackson. A hazy, Alice in Wonderland ambience opens this opium fever dream, in which an accidental overdose leads to a misshapen landscape mired by 50 foot waves, outsized flora, and bizarre trip beyond the Milky Way. The song is perhaps emblematic of the horrors lying dormant within each of our mind, not to mention the subtext of addiction.

"No Prayers, No Fires" is my favorite of the lot, for it led me down another fascinating rabbit trail. This one took me all the way to one Herbert George Wells -- yes, the self-same H.G. -- who wrote a non-fiction book speculating about the future of society. Central to his book, 'The Future in America: A Search After Realities' (1906), a travelogue of impressions from his first visit to the States, was the Oneida Community of New York. Once hailed as a triumph of human cooperation and communal living, there were now "no prayers, no fires upon the deserted altars of Oneida any more forever..." Their leader, a cultic figure by the name of John Humphrey Noyes, wanted to bring about Christ's fabled millennial kingdom (which was all but an obsession of 19th century religionists), but the enterprise fell upon scandal and financial ruin. The evil groove of this song is key to its success and the band is in fine form for the duration.

At last comes "Wild Hunt," which returns us to the spirit realm for a romp through the underworld, with faintly human apparitions fastened upon their ghostly steeds in pursuit some unknown prey. Legend has it that those among us unfortunate enough to see a vision of the Wild Hunt will be met with sure calamity. It's not a fast song, as we've become conditioned to by bands that tend to go nuts with the "wild" part. Mad God's take is, in fact a sad one -- more in the spirit of Reagers-era Saint Vitus or more recently, Pallbearer. These departed spirits are "bound by eternity" to chase after desires they could never be satisfied in their former lives, nor in this pale existence. It's a tasteful conclusion to the album, though it does leave one with a feeling of melancholy.

Mad God's Grotesque and Inexorable drops this weekend and can be pre-ordered here. Of all the surprises we've been treated to in 2018, this is perhaps the grimmest and most tantalizing -- not unlike a Lovecraftian monster.

Give ear...

Grotesque and Inexorable by Mad God

Some Buzz

'Grotesque and Inexorable' (2018) is the 2nd full length release by Johannesburg doom metal band, Mad God. Mad God was formed in 2014 by Tim Harbour, Tim Harrison and Patrick Stephansen with the intention of bringing doom metal to South Africa, as it is one of the most underrepresented metal genres in the country. 2015 saw Mad God release their first split, 'Unholy Rituals' alongside Johannesburg stoner act Goat Throne. The following years were good for doom metal, the Temple of Doom shows put on in Joburg became a regular event for stoner, psychedelic and doom metal music showcasing some of South Africa’s best talent such as Ruff Majik, STRAGE, Corax, Pollinator, The Makeovers and many more.

In 2017, bassist Tim Harrison left the band and was replaced by Jarred Beaton and in July that year, Mad God released their first full length album titled 'Tales of a Sightless City,' which gained a fair amount of traction among online stoner and doom circles such as Stoned Meadow of Doom and MrDoom666 on YouTube as well as receiving favourable reviews from popular review sites such as Angry Metal Guy and Doombringer. That same year, Mad God did their first tour to Cape Town and staged a show with The League of Doom (Cape Town’s very own doom and stoner event organisers) as well as played at Krank’d Up Festival alongside acts such as Vulvodinya, OHGOD, Intervals, and Memphis May Fire. Shortly after, the tour the band took a hiatus to focus on writing new material and bassist Jarred Beaton was replaced by Pollinators lead singer and guitarist, Evert Snyman.

'Grotesque and Inexorable' is an exploration into new musical territory for Mad God. After the release of 'Tales of a Sightless City,' Mad God have been aiming to evolve their sound to something darker and more unique.

This album draws on much gloomier themes and the lyrics reflect this turn. The music itself is both dirtier and more progressive and as a band we tried to introduce a wider variety of influences including death and black metal as well as more traditional and heavy metal sounds, even including some '70s progressive rock.

The album title also reflects this change in sound. In other words, "disgusting and cannot be stopped." The band adds, "As Lovecraftian fan boys we had to throw the word grotesque in somewhere!"

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