#tony's animal remains mysterious

[grim---auxiliatrix]

i often think about kidswap aus and how theyre all doing it so wrong. like just because theyve been placed with a different guardian doesnt mean theyre entirely different people. if that was the case, they wouldnt be the kids we know. theyd still have their original character traits and stuff, but the dynamic with their guardians & story would be different, and no, i dont think their class & aspect would change, because its not jade if shes not a witch of space, its not dave if hes not a knight of time, et cetera SO! picture.. jade lalonde for example. she really likes science and botany and her room is full of plants & has an acute rivalry with her mom because "wizards are scientifically inaccurate", and she has the desire to go outside and adventure but her mom always encourages jade to stay inside because theyre in the woods - which according to jade is one of the best places to observe natural wildlife - and also next to a skaianet owned lab. jade & her mom always get into little feuds in such cases & finds it a bit annoying that her mom has leaned into her liking to animals, and plants, and general agriculture, opting to turn the observatory into a mini atrium, so jade can stargaze & tend to her plants. jade spends most of her time in the observatory, hoping one day she will tend to the stars like she tends to her plants and then, like, dave egbert. he makes sick beats, has his whole persona built up about being a cool guy, with a sword, and all the rage and makes himself out to be this guy living in a bustling city and going to raves whenever he can when the most exciting thing in his life is the odd cake or two his dad bakes everyday and its annoying, but he doesnt let it phase him, he will continue to be an ironic coolkid with cake. cake is cool, right? hes still not over how his dad printed & framed his comics and placed them proudly all over the house. its a fuckin SBaHJ museum up in this bitch. because of this, he spends all of his time in his room, or at the mall, or at a skatepark. he cant skate all that well, but all the tony hawk games he's played, he's quite good at it. he wont ever admit it, but he loves his dad. he can tell he got the love of baking from daves nanna, and dave can appreciate that fact. and then rose harley.... being constantly pestered by both her grandpa when he was alive & now her canine companion, becquerel to go outside, she brutally refuses, being more inclined to remain in her room and pursue the macabre. she turned the atrium into a library. she has no interest in "adventure" in the more common sense, but finds a small adventure in psychoanalysing those she cares about endlessly, for it's better than experiencing the outdoor world. sure, she does take bec on a walk or two every day, trying to accept nature, even taking time to learn how to swim in the nearby lagoon, refraining from entering the adjacent frog ruins. sure, not one for adventure, the mystery behind it is just so tantalizing. june strider. she is a goofball, a wise'guy' & a shitty game dev. despite all the ongoing strifes she has with her bro, she doesnt let that get her down! she always watches a shitty movie or indulges in her fantastical interests to try and not let the clear as day abuse get to her. shes never really phased by anything, and thinks the puppets are, a bit weird, but very cool. she sometimes catches her bro off guard and begins annoyingly rambling to him and even occasionally showing him the code she's constructed, asking for genuine criticism and help. shes sweet, and wont let anything necessarily get her down.

can anybody hear me

#homestuck #kidswap #jade lalonde #dave egbert #rose harley #june strider #/ #john strider #<- that ones for reach its june in this au #idk what im doing

[vintagerpg]

Continuing the trend of “Planescape books I weirdly skipped posting about,” here’s the second Monstrous Compendium for the campaign setting (1995). Have no clue why I stopped with the first volume, but I did. And that meant overlooking an entire book of @DiTerlizzi illustrations, which is probably a crime.

The whole book is pretty great. Tony takes a crack at the astral dreadnought, for one. We also get stats for the astral dreadnought, for another (despite featuring on the cover of Manual of the Planes, it mostly remained a mystery until now). There’s walking brain monsters, animal people, flying elephants, those weird porcupine-haired guys from Highlander II: The Quickening. Razorvine gets an official entry. Retrievers are retrieved. The Arcane are imported from Spelljammer, as are an odd sort of Neogi-kin.

Many of the monsters feel less like singular encounters than they do jumping off points for whole adventures, or even campaigns. The Prolonger, for instance — a sort of soul-eating, immortality obsessed pseudo-undead — is a personal favorite and made for an excellent serial killer nemesis in my own homebrew campaign. Good monsters are fuel, not foes!

#RPG #TTRPG #Tabletop RPG #roleplaying game #D&D #Dungeons & Dragons #Monstrous Compendium #Planescape #DiTerlizzi

[linuxgamenews]

Discover the Massive Content Update for Slay the Princess

Slay the Princess content update releases free for the horror visual novel game on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the incredible skill of Black Tabby Games, this experience is truly unforgettable. Available on Steam, GOG, and Humble Store with 97% Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Slay the Princess just rolled out a massive content update, it's something you don't want to miss! Developed by Black Tabby, the same folks who brought us "Scarlet Hollow," this title has really turned heads with its unique blend of surreal horror visual novel and engaging storytelling. Now, it's back with even more to offer. First off, let's talk about the free content update for Slay the Princess. It's a substantial expansion of the endgame content. Imagine more animations that bring the eerie world to life and over 3,000 words of additional dialogue. That means more choices, more depth to your interactions, and a richer experience overall on Linux and Steam Deck. And the icing on the cake? Some epic orchestral tracks recorded by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Trust me, they add a whole new level of intensity to those climactic moments.

Slay the Princess NOW offers a free content update

While the content update release – you can also buy Slay the Princess at a 20% discount during the Steam Midweek Madness sale. If that's not a deal, I don't know what is. And it gets better. The game is also part of the "Cabins in the Woods" bundle on Steam, alongside "Inscryption" and "What Remains of Edith Finch" Proton. All three titles have their unique twist on cabin-themed settings, and you can get them at an additional 10% off. That's a deal that's hard to pass up. Slay the Princess isn't just another typical title with a free content update. It challenges you in unexpected ways. Voiced by Jonathan Sims (yep, the guy from The Magnus Archives) and Nichole Goodnight, the story sucks you right in. The premise seems simple – enter a cabin, pick up a dagger, and confront the Princess. But trust me, it's anything but simple. Each choice you make leads you down new, often startling paths. The Princess isn't just a static character; she evolves with every encounter, making each playthrough unique. The love and support from the community have been Overwhelmingly Positive. Tony Howard-Arias, the lead writer, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who's played, shared, and created content around this title. Your enthusiasm is what fuels these updates and expansions. So, if you're looking for something that's a bit off the beaten path, with its content update, offering a blend of horror, mystery, and immersive storytelling, Slay the Princess is a must-try. And there's no better time than now, with the new content and these killer deals. The free content update is live on Steam for Linux, Steam Deck (playable), Mac, and Windows PC, priced at $17.99 USD / £15.29 / 17,99€ (with the 20% discount) until April 8th. Regular price on GOG and Humble Store.

#slay the princess #content update #horror visual novel #linux #gaming news #black tabby games #ubuntu #steam deck #mac #windows #pc #renpy #Youtube

[genevivesverses]

Edward Gorey: History of an Eccentric Creator

While styles of artists like Tim Burton, Laika Studios, and Neil Gaiman are widely known, it's notable to me that the adoration for Edward Gorey's distinctive style doesn't always receive the same level of recognition.

Gorey began drawing at 18 months (!) and taught himself to read by age three. He skipped several grades and engaged in various school activities and publications, he left Francis Parker School with high scores, earning scholarships both to Harvard and Yale. At 17, with pending WWII draft notices, Gorey briefly studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago before joining the U.S. Army during World War II, serving until after the war's end, mainly at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah.

In 1946, Edward Gorey enrolled at Harvard, majoring in French Literature, and delved into various artistic pursuits, including publishing stories, poems, designing sets, and directing for the Poets Theatre. Despite somehow ending up on both the Dean's List and under constant threats of expulsion, he excelled. In 1953, upon being offered a position at Doubleday Anchor in New York City, Gorey became a prominent figure in design, illustrating over fifty covers and gaining recognition as a major commercial illustrator. After stints at other publishing houses, he turned freelance in the early 1960s, illustrating well over five hundred books for others while also crafting his own works. His career began with the 1953 book "The Unstrung Harp," a precursor to graphic novels, praised by Graham Greene and recognized as a "minor masterpiece" by The London Times. Edmund Wilson's acclaim in The New Yorker marked the start of Gorey's exceptional fifty-year career, resulting in 116 written and illustrated works.

From displaying art at the Francis Parker School in 1939 to showcasing at the Mandrake Bookshop during his Harvard years and even as far as California, Edward Gorey's artistic journey was expansive. In 1967, Gotham Book Mart invited Gorey to exhibit at its newly opened second-floor art gallery, a collaboration that spanned thirty-two years. This partnership led to occasional publications of new Gorey works by Gotham Book Mart and collaborations with figures like Samuel Beckett and John Updike. Gorey's love for theater blossomed into involvement in off-Broadway productions, summer Cape Cod plays, and the 1973 design of "Dracula" for a Nantucket theater. The Broadway adaptation, "Edward Gorey’s Dracula," opened in 1977, achieving immense success, earning two Tony Awards, running for nearly three years, and touring globally.

Having frequented Cape Cod for years, Gorey's connection to the region deepened in 1979 when he used royalties from the New York Dracula production to acquire a two-century-old sea captain's home in Yarmouth Port. By 1983, he made the decision to bid farewell to New York City and establish his residence on the Cape. Amidst this shift, Gorey intensified his involvement in small experimental plays, maintained an active presence in publishing, art exhibitions, etching creations, and juggled a demanding workload of commercial projects. In 1980, he was commissioned to design animated introductions for Boston Public Television's Mystery! series, a collaborative effort with animator Derek Lamb that remains an enduring testament to Gorey's artistic legacy, encapsulating the essence of several of his works in a concise half-minute.

Gorey, known for maintaining the mystery and refusing to "explain" his books, revealed a glimpse into his philosophical inclinations during a single interview. When pressed about his beliefs, he identified as a Taoist, leaning towards surrealism. Examining his early teen art unveils evident influences from Di Chirico, Dali, and Ernst

Edward Gorey's multifaceted body of work, encompassing humor, complexity, seriousness, and provocation, has solidified his position as a significant American figure in literature, art, and theater that should always be remembered!

#EdwardGorey #GoreyArt #GoreyIllustrations #DarkHumor #LiteraryIcon #GothicArt #MacabreMagic #ArtisticLegacy #LiteraryMystery #InnovativeDesigns #TaoistSurrealist #EnigmaticArtist #TimelessTales #CreativeInspiration #GoreyWorld #IllustrationMasterpiece #LiteraryTreasure #ArtisticInfluence #GoreyLegacy #LiteraryLegend #IconicImagination #GoreyAesthetic #CulturalInfluence #VisualStorytelling #ArtisticJourney #GoreyAnimations

[beautifulgiants]

Source:

THE ACTOR'S ACTOR

Michael Shannon is still trying to figure out a few things. Minor issues, like, what the hell is America about? And why do our vocations not contain the keys to a simple life? Shannon has recently added a directing credit to his extraordinary acting C.V., but in most other respects he’s just one of us.

fashion director GRACE GILFEATHER

by THE RAKE

photography MICHAEL SCHWARTS

Hollywood actor Michael Shannon is photographed for the Issue 83’s cover of The Rake magazine. Michael wears Brioni, Dunhill and Audemars Piguet.

Speaking to The Rake in early July, from his home in New York, Michael Shannon is — emotionally, at least — on both sides of the Atlantic. “I’m a massive tennis fan, and I’ve just been watching [Novak] Djokovic dismantle your fellow Brit [Cameron] Norrie,” he says.“Before that we were watching the Nadal and [Taylor] Fritz match. Oh, Rafael was in pain, but he still won.” All of which might sound like small talk, but Shannon has brought up tennis for reasons related to a vocation that has earned him Academy Award (2016’s Nocturnal Animals, 2008’s Revolutionary Road), Golden Globe (2014’s 99 Homes) and Tony Award (2016’s Broadway revival of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night) nominations.

Acting, he says, involves getting into something resembling a meditative state. “You have to be able to still your mind, for sure,”he says.“You can’t be thinking about a bunch of other stuff. When I’m doing a scene, I have a couple of ground rules. Like, I never bring my phone to set, ever. I’m not judging anyone who does, but for me the thing you’re trying to do is so enormous and multifaceted that for me it has to be the only thing you’re thinking about. So I try to have no distractions at all. A lot of the time [on set] I don’t really say much, and people can misconstrue that as, ‘Oh, he’s, he’s “method”’. But I’m defiantly anti-method. I think the notion of trying to walk around all the time convincing yourself [of something] feels psychotic.

He’s also been busy — exceptionally so — with an eclectic list of yet-to-be-screened projects, all of which suggest that his knack for making the right creative choices as he hits 48 years on the planet remains as sharp as ever. The most prominent include David O. Russell’s 1930s-set mystery-comedy Amsterdam (alongside Margot Robbie, Christian Bale, Anya Taylor-Joy and Robert De Niro) and Bullet Train, an action thriller directed by David Leitch and released this summer, in which Shannon joins Brad Pitt, among others, as assassins on the eponymous high-speed train deciphering the connection between their various missions.

Shannon plays White Death, and viewers expecting his character to pack the most menace won’t be disappointed. “Bullet Train is filled with a lot of really scary assassin-type people, but they’re all scared of White Death,” he says. “I guess he’s the super-assassin. The high priest of death. And he’s the boss of this international cartel that deals in very shady things. He’s the one that’s supposed to make everybody shake in their boots, I guess.”

Read the full Michael Shannon interview in Issue 83, available to purchase on TheRake.com and on newsstands worldwide now.

Subscribers, please allow up to 3 weeks to receive your magazine.

Grooming:⁠ Rheanne White⁠

Photo Assistants: Krystallynne Gonzalez, Brandon Abreu, Te Lara-Powell

Digital Tech: Eric Bouthiller⁠

Producer:Aim Wagemans⁠

Production Manager: Nikki Cardona⁠

Location: Andrew Samaha

Michael Shannon C/O Narrative PR, Celena Madlansacay

#Michael Shannon #interview #the rake

[rockislandadultreads]

Book Recs: Feline Reads

Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow

Mimi Lee hoped to give Los Angeles animal lovers something to talk about with her pet grooming shop, Hollywoof. She never imagined that the first cat she said hello to would talk back or be quite so, well, catty - especially about those disastrous dates Mimi's mother keeps setting up. When Marshmallow exposes local breeder Russ Nolan for mistreating Chihuahuas, Mimi steals some of her cat's attitude to tell Russ off. The next day the police show up at Hollywoof. Russ has been found dead, and Mimi's shouting match with him has secured her top billing as the main suspect. Hoping to clear her name and save the pups Russ left behind, Mimi enlists help from her dreamy lawyer neighbor Josh. But even with Josh on board, it'll take Mimi and Marshmallow a lot of sleuthing and more than a little sass to get back to the pet-grooming life - and off the murder scene.

This is the first volume in the “A Sassy Cat Mystery” series. 

Lawyer for the Cat by Lee Robinson

Sally Baynard is one of the best lawyers around. In the years since her divorce from Family Court Judge Joe Baynard, she dedicated herself to representing the worst and craziest Charleston, S.C. had to offer. But none of the murderers, burglars, or angry divorcing clients compared to Sherman, the dog her ex-husband appointed her to represent. Although the miniature Schnauzer found his way into her heart (and brought his handsome vet Tony along too), his case was a thorny one. With that business out of the way, Sally is happy to move back to non-canine clients... until a probate judge asks her about a cat. Agreeing to represent Beatrice, a black cat who's the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar trust and a plantation, Sally must put her wit, charm, and brains to the test, choosing among three colorful potential caregivers while dodging the former owner's angry son. Meanwhile, Sally must juggle the demands of the court with those of her aging mother and make a decision about Tony, who wants to get more serious. Lawyer for the Cat is Southern women's fiction at its most delightful, featuring strong, smart characters, a charming setting, and plenty of adorable critters.

This is the second volume in the “Sally Baynard” series. 

Probable Claws by Rita Mae Brown

With the New Year just around the corner, winter has transformed the cozy Blue Ridge Mountain community of Crozet, Virginia, into a living snow globe. It’s the perfect setting for Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen to build a new work shed designed by her dear friend, local architect Gary Gardner. But the natural serenity is shattered when out of the blue, right in front of Harry and Deputy Cynthia Cooper, and in broad daylight, Gary is shot to death by a masked motorcyclist. Outraged by the brazen murder, Harry begins to burrow into her friend’s past - and unearths a pattern of destructive greed reaching far back into Virginia’s post-Revolutionary history. When Harry finds incriminating evidence, the killer strikes again. Heedless of her own safety, Harry follows a trail of clues to a construction site in Richmond, where the discovery of mysterious remains has recently halted work. Aided as always by her loyal, if opinionated, companions, crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and Tee Tucker the Corgi, Harry hunts for a link between the decades-old dead, the recently violently deceased - and ancient secrets that underlie everything. And while other deaths are narrowly averted in a flurry of fur, the killer remains at large - ever more desperate and dangerous. The deep-rooted legacy of corruption that’s been exposed can never be buried again. But if Harry keeps pursuing the terrible truth, she may be digging her own grave.

This is the 27th volume in the “Mrs. Murphy” series.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa

Bookish high school student Rintaro Natsuki is about to close the secondhand bookstore he inherited from his beloved bookworm grandfather. Then, a talking cat named Tiger appears with an unusual request. The feline asks for - or rather, demands - the teenager’s help in saving books with him. The world is full of lonely books left unread and unloved, and Tiger and Rintaro must liberate them from their neglectful owners.

Their mission sends this odd couple on an amazing journey, where they enter different mazes to set books free. Through their travels, Tiger and Rintaro meet a man who leaves his books to perish on a bookshelf, an unwitting book torturer who cuts the pages of books into snippets to help people speed read, and a publishing drone who only wants to create bestsellers. Their adventures culminate in one final, unforgettable challenge - the last maze that awaits leads Rintaro down a realm only the bravest dare enter...

#fiction #cat books #cat reads #animal fiction #TBR pile #to read #tbr #book recs #book recommendations #reading recs #reading recommendations #library books #felines #booklr #book tumblr

[newfunkopop]

Exploring the Best Funko Pops in Pop Culture!

In recent years, there's been a collectible craze sweeping the globe, captivating the hearts of fans and collectors alike. Funko Pops have become more than just vinyl figures; they have become an iconic symbol of pop culture fandom. With their unique design, endless variety, and wide range of themes, Funko Pops have taken the world by storm, captivating enthusiasts of all ages. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of Funko Pops and highlight some of the best ones that have captured our hearts.

The Pop Culture Revolution: A Brief History of Funko Pops

Funko, a company founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, started as a small project manufacturing nostalgia-themed bobbleheads. However, everything changed in 2011 when the first Funko Pop was released. This vinyl figure, inspired by the character Ad Icon, quickly gained popularity, leading Funko to explore new licenses and franchises. Since then, Funko Pops have exploded in popularity and are now found in every corner of the globe.

What Makes Funko Pops Special?

One of the key factors contributing to the success of Funko Pops is their distinctive design. With their oversized heads, tiny bodies, and adorable features, these figures manage to strike the perfect balance between cute and cool. Whether it's a beloved character from a movie, TV show, video game, or even a real-life icon, Funko manages to capture the essence of each subject in a unique and endearing way.

Another allure of Funko Pops is their staggering variety. Collectors can find Pops from virtually every major franchise in pop culture, spanning from Marvel and DC superheroes to Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, and everything in between. There are even Pops for classic rock bands, sports stars, and famous politicians, ensuring there's a Funko Pop for everyone's taste and interest.

Furthermore, Funko often releases limited edition, exclusive, and chase variant Pops, creating an exciting hunt for collectors seeking to add these rare gems to their collections. This scarcity factor adds an element of thrill to the collecting experience, turning it into a passionate and competitive hobby.

Top 10 Best Funko Pops You Must Own

Batman (The Dark Knight): The Caped Crusader, as portrayed by Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan's iconic trilogy, remains one of the most sought-after Pops for DC fans and movie enthusiasts.

Iron Man (Avengers Endgame): This special edition Tony Stark in his heroic final moments is a must-have for Marvel fans and a fitting tribute to Robert Downey Jr.'s unforgettable portrayal.

Baby Yoda (The Mandalorian): Officially known as "The Child," this adorable Star Wars character captured hearts worldwide with his cute appearance and enigmatic nature.

Harry Potter with Hedwig: The young wizard and his loyal owl companion make for a delightful addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection.

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones): The Mother of Dragons, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, comes with her fierce dragons, representing one of the most memorable characters from the hit TV series.

Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie): Celebrating the 1928 animated short that introduced Mickey Mouse to the world, this Pop pays homage to the beloved Disney character's origins.

Darth Vader (Star Wars): A symbol of the dark side, Darth Vader stands tall as an iconic figure in the Star Wars franchise, making him a favorite among collectors.

Sherlock Holmes (BBC Series): Benedict Cumberbatch's modern take on the brilliant detective has gained a massive fan following, making this Pop a must-have for mystery enthusiasts.

Deadpool (X-Force): The Merc with a Mouth has taken the world by storm, and this version of Deadpool in his X-Force uniform is a standout addition to any Marvel fan's collection.

John Wick: Keanu Reeves' formidable hitman character, known for his stylish action and impeccable fashion, is a perfect addition for fans of the intense action movie franchise.

The Art of Collecting Funko Pops

Collecting Funko Pops is not just about amassing vinyl figures; it's an art that involves creativity, display, and a genuine passion for the characters they represent. Many collectors showcase their Pops in imaginative and artistic setups, arranging them according to themes, franchises, or even scenes from movies and TV shows. This creativity has given rise to a thriving online community, where collectors share their displays, trade Pops, and engage in lively discussions about their favorite figures.

For some, Funko Pops are more than just collectibles; they hold sentimental value as tokens of cherished memories from beloved films, shows, or games. Whether they remind you of your favorite childhood characters or the heroes and villains who inspire you today, Funko Pops serve as a tangible connection to the stories and worlds that have shaped our lives.

The Future of Funko Pops

As Funko continues to expand its licenses and franchises, the future of Funko Pops looks brighter than ever. New generations of collectors will undoubtedly discover and fall in love with these captivating figures, keeping the passion for pop culture alive for years to come.

In conclusion, Funko Pops have become more than just toys; they have become a global phenomenon and a symbol of our collective love for pop culture. With their adorable design, vast variety, and ability to evoke nostalgia, Funko Pops have earned their place as must-have collectibles for enthusiasts young and old. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, don't miss out on the joy of owning some of the best Funko Pops and being a part of this thrilling pop culture revolution!

[lilacmoon83]

Clarity

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 62: Higher Ground

Walsh practically had stars in his eyes, as he read the comments feeds on his various social media accounts. The Internet was an inferno of response to their production. As usual, the Internet was a mixed bag of belief, disbelief, immediate claims of fakery and hoaxes, praise, and hate.

"Well…it's been a few hours. What is the response to my invitation to the ball?" Aleister asked.

"Overwhelmingly positive. It seems many want to come here to see it for themselves and many more are interested in the live stream you've planned," Walsh said.

"People are quite fascinated it seems with the Prince and his real life Snow White," he added.

"Hmmm…perhaps it's time to give them another taste of Prince Charming's heroics," Aleister said.

"What do you have in mind?" Walsh asked. Aleister smirked.

"All in due time," he answered cryptically and both were unaware that Kurt had overheard them. He carefully made his way out through the back to warn the others, missing

what happened next.

"Let me go!" Tia cried, as the hired brutes pushed her and Tony along into the new Bolt mansion that Aleister had just created with his magic.

"Ah…just in time for tea," Aleister said, as he was served by his staff and Greg smirked, as he joined him.

"We don't want your tea and didn't come here by choice," Tony hissed.

"You were right about those black cuffs. They worked even on these two. No more powers for them," Greg said.

"Yes…I hire only the best scientists," Aleister replied.

"What do you want with us?" Tia asked. Aleister smirked.

"An excellent question," he said, as he rose from his seat.

"Soon…the world will come to Storybrooke and be enamored by this magical place and its people. But we know, from the book, that there are many more realms full of fantastical places. After all, the curse only brought Misthaven here," Aleister said. Tony and Tia's blood ran cold.

"That's where you two come in," he said.

"We'll never show you how Witch Mountain works," Tony refuted.

"Yes…you will," Aleister said, as one of his brutes grabbed Tia and held a gun to her head.

"I only need one of you to tell me…" he warned.

"Don't Tony…" she cried, as the gun was cocked.

"Fine…we'll tell you," Tony replied.

"Excellent…until the time is right, show our guests to their new accommodations," he said.

"In the cellar," he added.

"You can't keep us against our will!?" Tony cried, as they were led away.

"Oh now I think you know there is nothing I cannot do. I will realize the dream of capturing the power of Witch Mountain that my father wanted so badly and you two are the

key. Once the world knows they can leave this world for another, at my discretion, of course, there will be no one more powerful than I," he announced.

Tony and Tia were locked in a cell and Tony angrily kicked the stone wall.

"How long do you think it will take for someone to come looking for us?" he asked. She saw a little bluebird on the small barred window above them.

"Not long at all. Give me a boost," she said, as he did so and she looked at the bird.

"Find Snow White…tell her that Tony and Tia are in trouble and we're locked in Bolt's cellar," she requested. The little bird chirped and flew away.

"You think that will work?" he asked.

"Yes…you know that animals will never let us down and neither will Emma's parents," she replied.

~*~

"And if you're just joining us, we are discussing the video that has gone mega viral today," the newscaster said, as a clip from the video was shown.

"People have long debated on whether or not aliens and bigfoot are real, but those still remain a mystery. Instead, we have now been presented evidence that fairy tales are, in fact, real," the newscaster continued. The disdain could be heard in his voice.

"The footage easily looks as though it could be a movie or embellished with CGI, but experts have confirmed that the video is real and there are no digital altercations. The video comes to us from global billionaire and philanthropist Aleister Bolt," the newscaster continued.

"The Bolt family is well known for their fascination with rare items, unusual phenomena and the occult. Mr. Bolt has made such fantastic claims that there is very much reason to doubt, but he has invited the world to this little town of fairy tales, aptly named, Storybrooke, for all to see for themselves. He claims it's a town sequestered away in the deep woods of Maine and is nothing short of magical," the newscaster said.

"Apparently, everything ties to this book that the billionaire cited in an interview," he added, as they cut to a clip of the interview.

"This book tells the whole story and I plan to share it with the world, as one of my publishing companies is already mass producing copies as we speak. But don't just read the book. Come see for yourself. I promise even the most staunch skeptics will be convinced," Bolt promised.

"Mr. Bolt is throwing, of all things, a grand fairy tale-esque ball and this station plans to attend to see if his claims are valid. In the video, he claims the people are Snow White and Prince Charming, in which the latter slays what appears to be a vicious Werewolf. The video has enthralled the Internet and we expect the town to soon be flooded with anyone able to make the trip,"

The newscaster droned on, but Emma turned it off, before turning to her parents.

"So…it's the nightmare we thought it would be," she fretted.

"Maybe it won't be so bad? I mean, how interested in us could they be? We're just people," David reasoned.

"Dad…you just killed a Werewolf. You're not just anything," Emma said.

"Storybrooke is not normal, even without magic. I knew that, even before I believed. The people here are different…and the thought of sharing it with possibly the worst scum of this world makes my skin crawl. Especially sharing you guys," she said.

"Why us?" Snow asked.

"Because you're my parents," Emma answered, which touched Snow and David more than she would ever know.

"I just got you guys…I'm not sharing," she added. They smiled.

"And you don't have to. That's why we need a plan," David said.

"How good of an actor are you?" Neal asked.

"With his lack of tact? Not great," Rumple answered. David rolled his eyes.

"Yeah…when he's right he's right though," he agreed.

"You're a straight shooter…it was a compliment," Rumple assured him.

"But if you and Snow could stomach it, maybe you could warm up to him and convince him that you've decided to bask in your new celebrity," Neal suggested.

"I think my stomach just churned," Snow said in disgust.

"I know Mom…but he might be right. Getting close to that wand is only going to happen if you let him make a spectacle of you guys at this stupid ball. I hate it…but I'll endure it too if it means we get that wand and fix this," Emma replied. David sighed.

"I guess it's a good plan. If I get close enough, taking on any guards he has around him shouldn't be too tough. We've taken on legions of black Knights before so a few thugs shouldn't be too bad," David said.

"Thugs with guns, Dad," she reminded him. David smirked.

"Dragon Slayer, daughter," he joked and she smiled at him.

"Touche," she agreed, as there was a knock at the door. David answered it and Kurt ducked in.

"Were you followed?" he asked.

"No…I made sure, just like you taught me," he promised.

"I overheard a conversation between Aleister and Walsh. I'm not sure what exactly he's going to do, but the response to the video is so overwhelmingly good that he plans to do something that will give the people another show," Kurt said.

"You mean another monster my husband has to fight and risk his life to defeat?" Snow asked. He nodded regrettably.

"I'm sorry…he's a psychopath and it's all a game to him. My son is the same…I can't get through to him. He idolizes Aleister," Kurt lamented.

"He's brainwashed…I just don't know how to get through to him," he added.

"We may not be able to," Emma said bluntly. Kurt looked horrified.

"I'm sorry…I know that's harsh. But getting rid of Aleister may only make him angrier. We're going to have to arrest him once we do, but at least then, he'll be a captive audience," she added. Kurt sighed, knowing she was right.

"Emma's right…and it might take years to undo the brainwashing, but it is possible," Snow said.

"I hope you're right," Kurt said, as she saw a bluebird land on the windowsill.

"Hello…" she said, as she held her hand out and the bird landed on her hand. It was something that still amazed Emma and she was sure it always would. She watched her mother's features change to a frown though, before she grabbed a pinch of birdseed she kept by the window and rewarded the tiny creature, before it flew off.

"We have a problem," she said.

"What did he say?" David asked.

"It's Aleister…he's locked Tony and Tia in his cellar," Snow answered.

"Witch Mountain…that's his next step. A portal to all the realms," Rumple deduced. David grabbed his holster and put it on, before grabbing his jack, while Emma did the same.

"I'm coming with you," Snow said.

"Me too…he has half of our new Police force," Neal agreed.

"You need to lay low. The bird may have told us about Tony and Tia, but we don't want them to suspect anything," David said. Kurt nodded and followed them out, as did Rumple, who was coming along as well.

~*~

August finished helping Marco with the latest repair and the older man smiled.

"It's perfect…just like old times. You haven't lost the skills I taught you," he said. August tried to smile, but it was very stiff and he missed his flesh more than he could put into words.

"Thanks Papa…it's good to spend time with you again," he replied.

"We will find a way to make you into a real boy again," Marco promised.

"Except that I'm a man now, Papa…one with a lot of issues," August admitted.

"Now that you're home…things will be better again, just like the old times," Marco insisted. August sighed.

"Except they will never be the way they were, Papa. That's what I'm trying to tell you. I know you were trying to protect me, but you have no idea what it was like out there. I was homeless for half of my life and I had to steal to feed myself sometimes," August lamented.

"I know…it wasn't supposed to be like this. Why didn't you stay with Emma like I told you to?" Marco asked. If August had been able to muster the expression, he would have blanched.

"Papa…I was seven and had no idea what to do. This world was so different and scary. It's not like Storybrooke out there. Emma was right…no one can be selfless, brave, and true all of the time!" August snapped, as he got up and started to stumble out of the shop.

"Where…where are you going!?" Marco called.

"Anywhere but here," August answered, as he started walking toward Main Street. A van pulled up alongside him and a couple of men got out of the sliding door. August tried to stumble away, but he was grabbed by them and tossed into the van.

"Hey Pinocchio…Mr. Bolt is very interested in meeting you for a featured video. You'll be a nice spectacle for the people to poke and ridicule," Greg said smugly.

"You know the public…they love plot twists. In this version, Pinocchio is a liar and a thief, so the real boy turned back into wood. Tamara told me all about your little meeting in Hong Kong. Aleister found it fascinating," he added.

"I may be a liar and thief, but at least I wasn't brainwashed by a cult," August spat in return.

"Shut up…let's go," he ordered, as the driver sped off.

~*~

The others flanked David and Emma, as they strode confidently toward the newly magicked mansion of the Bolt family and naturally found guards in their way. Emma flashed her badge, but that didn't seem to move them.

"Sheriff's Department…we need to see Aleister Bolt," she said.

"That's not happening…you need an appointment to see Mr. Bolt," one of the guard's said.

"Then I'm making an appointment now," David said, as the two guards moved in on him to intimidate him. David responded by sweeping one's legs out from under and drawing his sword faster than anyone could see and leveling it at the throat of the other.

"I'll…I'll take you to see Mr. Bolt right away," the guard said, as he led the group inside the spacious atrium.

"Ah…what a pleasant surprise. Welcome Charmings to my lovely new home," Aleister said grandly.

"We're here on Police business," Emma said, holding up her badge.

"Of course…what can I do for you and your heroic Deputy, Sheriff?" he asked.

"A little bird mentioned to us that you've abducted our newest deputies and we're here to demand you release Tony and Tia or you're under arrest," David said. Aleister cackled at that.

"You don't really think you can arrest me, do you, Your Highness?" Aleister questioned smugly, as he waved his wand, releasing a spark of magic. David flicked his wrist and swept his blade, deflecting the spark harmlessly to the ceiling, surprising the man.

"How exciting…you are a true warrior Prince," he said gleefully.

"How about a challenge?" he asked.

"No…no games or challenges," David growled, as he began his search of the property. But Aleister waved his wand and their scenery changed, at least for him, Snow, and Emma. Snow cried out, as they were suddenly surrounded by rocky outcroppings, floating in a river of lava. She screamed, as she came face to face with what looked like a half burnt, decaying corpse, which screeched in her face. David swiped at the creature and it turned to ash once his blade touched it. He pulled Snow close and she buried her face in his chest, as he folded her into his arms.

"What the hell…" Emma cried, as David inched her closer as well. Aleister could be heard cackling above them, high up, from what appeared to be a floating throne made of bones.

"I'm nothing if not a showman," he said smugly.

"The world was enthralled by your battle with the Werewolf, so I decided to really give them something to watch this time," he added, as more corpses arose before them.

"What are they!?" Emma cried, as the site was alarming.

"Hell furies if I have to venture a guess," David answered.

"You know your creatures, Your Highness," Aleister called.

"What do you want!?" Snow cried. He smirked, as she and Emma disappeared too. David looked around in alarm and soon saw them above with Aleister.

"Defeat the hell furies and you can have them back…and your friends," he said, as he saw the floating outcroppings slowly led up to him. He watched, burning with loathing, as Aleister caressed his wife's face and she cringed away.

"She really is the fairest of them all," he said, as he waved his wand and they disappeared and reappeared on a platform above him with Tony and Tia. He saw that the outcroppings led up to them. He growled and leapt to the next platform, after which, columns of fire shot up around him. The hell furies descended upon him and exploded to ash when they met his blade, but the amount of them soon became overwhelming.

"Charming!" Snow cried in fear. She saw him jump out from the swarm of them and to the next platform, where he rolled and steadied himself, as more furies tried to devour him. He fought his way through the hordes of furies, platform by platform, until he was finally close and that's when they began to swarm him again. He looked up at the worried faces of his crying wife and daughter and with determination, he fought through the furies, even as their claws tried to rip him to shreds. He fought his way to the final platform, as Tony and Emma put their hands down to help him. He prepared to jump to them, but a furry swiped at his back. He cried out in pain, as it completely shredded his shirt and wounded him with lacerations on his back.

"Charming!" Snow cried. He turned and kicked the furry away, before jumping to them. Tony and Emma helped him up and everything around them disappeared again.

They all fell to their knees, as they were now back in Aleister's atrium, reunited with Neal and Rumple.

"What the hell?" Neal asked, as he helped Emma up.

"David…" Snow cried, as she looked at his wounds and more tears fell.

"I'm okay…I promise it's worse than it looks," he said, as he pulled her into his arms. She knew Aleister was still recording everything, but she couldn't help herself and kissed him passionately. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, as they simply relished their closeness. When her tear filled emerald eyes opened again though, they filled with fury and she started to launch herself at the monster before that seemed amused by everything.

"You foul, evil, vindictive monster! You tried to kill my husband!" she cried, as he gently pulled her back.

"Oh come now, Princess…you knew that your heroic Prince would slay the beasts and rescue you as he always does and what an incredible, adrenaline filled adventure it was for our audience," he said.

"You sick bastard…this isn't a game for us. My father is injured, because of your sick, twisted need for some show!" Emma cried, as she looked at Walsh and approached him and his cameraman.

"You want the real story?" she asked, speaking to the camera and thus the spectators that would watch this.

"Aleister Bolt is a monster and a cult leader. Yeah, magic and fairy tales…it's all real, but we're people! We're not circus performers for your entertainment and what you just saw wasn't some movie. It was real and my father's wounds are real. The trauma is real and if you have any shred of humanity, you'll condemn this man and stop watching his Hunger Games rip-offs!" she cried.

"She's beautiful, isn't she, folks?" Walsh asked smugly.

"Daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, but she's more like you than you think. She lived among us for most of her life, as you'll soon read. Mr. Bolt wants you to know the wonder of this and every world, while they would rather hide away and keep their secrets, while the rest of us remain ignorant. It begs the question on what you're trying to hide, Ms. Swan," he said.

"I'm not trying to hide anything. We just don't want our lives exposed to everyone and put in life endangering situations to entertain the masses!" she cried.

"Sorry Ms. Swan…but the public is enthralled by all of this and do make sure you and your wonderful parents attend my ball tomorrow night. It will be the event of the century and you will attend. Come willingly, because I'd hate to imply force," Aleister said.

"We'll be there," David said simply, as they left with Tony and Tia.

"We need to get that wand…tomorrow night," Rumple said.

"Yeah…or he'll make us show him the secret to Witch Mountain. Then no one is safe. If he gets access…others, including Governments of the world will as well," Tia replied.

"Then tomorrow night, we'll make our own show," David said.

"And we'll fix this," she replied.

#Snowing #SnowxCharming #Charming family #AU #Emma Swan #Neal Cassidy #Regina Mills #Mr. Gold #Henry Mills #romance #family #adventure #Clarity #A 7x15 am AU

[your-dietician]

Actress Angela Lansbury, star of 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' dies at 96

New Post has been published on https://medianwire.com/actress-angela-lansbury-star-of-murder-she-wrote-and-beauty-and-the-beast-dies-at-96/

Actress Angela Lansbury, star of 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' dies at 96

British actress Angela Lansbury, whose career spanned seven decades and earned her an honorary Academy Award, has died.

Lansbury died Tuesday, according to her family. She was 96 years old.

“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 AM today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday,” the family said in a statement.

Lansbury, born in 1925, was the daughter of Irish actress Moyna Macgill and British politician Edgar Lansbury. Her paternal grandfather was George Lansbury, a founder of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party.

At age 9, Lansbury’s father died — a moment that she’s said in interviews shaped her life. The actress’ family then fled the U.K. in 1940 during World War II, moving to the United States where she began her acting career.

After signing to MGM in 1942, Lansbury’s first acting gig was “Gaslight” in 1944, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination. The actress went on to earn two other Oscar nods for roles in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” in 1945 and “The Manchurian Candidate” in 1962. Lansbury eventually was awarded an honorary trophy in 2013.

FILE – Angela Lansbury attends a photocall during the PBS Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour on Jan. 16, 2018, in Pasadena, Calif.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, FILE

Lansbury is best known for her role as mystery writer Jessica Fletcher in the popular TV series “Murder, She Wrote.” Four years into the series, which started in 1984, Lansbury’s Corymore Productions began to co-produce the series with Universal. Lansbury owned the series and became its executive producer during the show’s last four seasons. The show ended its run in 1996 after 12 seasons on TV.

Thanks to roles on both sides of the pond, Lansbury went on to amass five Tony Awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award earlier this year, and six Golden Globes. She was also nominated 18 times for Emmy Awards. including 10 times for lead actress for “Murder, She Wrote.” In 2014, she was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

Lansbury married her husband, the late British actor Peter Shaw, in 1949. The couple had two children.

The actress opened up about her marriage to The Telegraph in 2012.

“We were a unit. We didn’t shut out the world but we were almost too self-contained,” she told the outlet. “He totally controlled my career as time went by and made it possible for me to do what I did — we managed it somehow, someway.”

The two were married until he died in 2003, but it wasn’t Lansbury’s first marriage. In 1945, Lansbury married actor Richard Cromwell at age 19. The marriage ended months later and the actress filed for divorce on Sept. 11, 1946.

Angela Lansbury receives the Volta Award at the Audi Dublin Film Festival in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Feb. 21, 2016, in Dublin.

Phillip Massey/Getty Images

Lansbury told The Telegraph that after the marriage dissolved, she was informed that Cromwell was gay.

“It was a terrible shock. I was devastated,” she said of learning her ex-husband was gay. “But once I got over the shock, I said, ‘All right then, I’m going to take charge of my life and see that I never hurt like this again.'”

Still, Lansbury and Cromwell remained friendly until his death in 1960.

Following her hit TV series, Lansbury made many appearances in films, such as voicing Mrs. Potts in the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast.” The role earned her a Grammy nomination as part of the soundtrack for the film and a legion of young fans for decades.

She also appeared in the 2005 film “Nanny McPhee” and the 2011 film “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” She also had small roles in the animated film “The Grinch” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” both in 2018.

Lansbury returned to Broadway in 2007 after a 23-year hiatus by starring in “Deuce.”

She even returned to television, starring in a season six episode of “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” Her appearance earned her an Emmy Award nomination in 2005. She also appeared in the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre miniseries “Little Women” in 2018.

Lansbury is survived by her children Anthony and Deirdre, along with three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Read full article here

[naferty]

In response to what has been voted in ‘merica right now here’s me attempting to make everyone and myself a little bit happy. 

Y’all remember that Not-So Incredible Journey thing I had going a long time ago? Yeah, here’s the complete first chapter for ya. All 4k of it. Sorry for it being so long.

Tony Stark was a shifter who refused to shift.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t, like the media would say. It wasn’t that his ego was beyond the stars and nobody was worthy to see his animal form, like the media would also say. It wasn’t that his animal was huge and would cause chaos in indoor and outdoor environments, like the side of the media scraping the bottom of the barrel would say.

Out of his own will he refused to take to his paws. Out of early experience he refused to give other shifters the advantage. The power they didn’t need to strut around anymore than they already do. The whole world knew of predators being top of the food chain, with the exception of certain prey animals that predators couldn’t touch. The apex predators.

Tony was neither. Something that Howard didn’t approve of. Something he really, really, didn’t approve of.

“A waste of potential on you.”

Most shifters were excited for the day when they could finally shift. It was a child’s dream, their hope. They couldn’t wait for it to happen.

Tony had been one of them.

On his notebook he would doodle different animals. Giant animals and fast animals. Strong animals and animals that would make others cower in fear. Incredible animals worthy to stand next to Captain America.

He lost count of how many pages had a doodle of Captain America and his friend, Bucky, with him standing in the middle. The two fierce felines, small in size but big at heart, and him in whatever animal he wanted to be for the day. A wolf, strong and fierce. An eagle, fast and patriotic. A lion, powerful and intimidating. Hell, he even drew one with him as a dog, trying for realistic because the odds of being pure wild animals were small.

And if by chance he had been destined to be a dog he swore he would never hurt the Captain and Bucky. He was their allies, not their enemies.

Turned out he didn’t need to swear anything. Not to them or anyone in the world.

The years following up the day he finally shifted he had always experienced a sort of fear. An ingrown, instinctive fear that made him wary of anything and everything and anyone. He couldn’t explain it and when he asked Jarvis about it he was informed the feeling could’ve only come from his animal passing over to him. It made Tony think long and hard about it. Made him wonder what kind of animal was terrified of nearly everything. Of anyone who got near him and anything that hovered over him. What kind of cowardly animal lived like that?

He got his answer on the day he finally shifted and it explained everything.

He cried in his room that night after he managed to shift back. Cried and hid under the covers and refused to go out. He didn’t need anyone to tell him what a huge disappointment his animal form was going to be to Howard and what an easy target he was going to be to everyone else. They were going to mock him, threaten him, hurt him, and it was going to be such an easy thing to do.

Howard only proved it all correct when he barged in and demanded to see his shifted form, wanting to see the only thing Tony had left that could’ve earned his approval. When he saw Tony crying it was obvious he had even failed at that.

Tony shifted out of fear, unused to the control yet, and the pure disappointment in Howard’s eyes and disgust on his face was enough to tell Tony he was never going to be good enough.

“You’re not going to tell anyone about this, boy. You will learn to control it and hide it away. If you so much as show a whisker I’ll make sure to cage you up and throw away the key.”

Tony nodded, curling up and trying to hide from the harsh words.

“Disgraceful. Not even Captain America would look twice at you.”

And Captain America probably wouldn’t. The only possible reason he would even look his way was a reason that terrified Tony.

The only reason anyone would was a reason Tony couldn’t allow, was terrified of.

And so he learned to suppress the urge to shift. Learned to hide it and learned to be careful around others. So long as they didn’t know, he was safe. As safe as his animal could be in the world. But instinct was something he could not ignore, and the pure desire to hide in the presence of predators and avoid catching their eye made it extremely difficult to behave in a manner that didn’t tip them off of his potentially cowardly animal.

He had to play the unaffected role when predators were baring their teeth and giving off dangerous vibes. He had to play the confident schnook when predators postured against each other and growled and hissed. As he got older he had to learn to fake interest and flirt with predators in order to prevent any bias and raise suspicion. His only saving grace was the fact that shifters were limited. They were known and they were plenty, but not everyone could shift. As he got older he learned everything he needed in order to hide his instincts, his weakness and his animal. No human or shifter could figure it out.

No one was to ever know about the creature that was chosen for him. If they ever did, if the public ever learned about it, he’d not only be a laughing stock but he’d also be known as the disgrace and weak link of the Stark family and shifter community. He’d also never recover from the backlash itself. Already he struggled to survive his own father's harsh words. To hear it from the press? From thousands? From predators, preys and humans alike? To see that weakness get confirmed because he couldn’t control his emotions and had a mental breakdown…

The urge to burrow down and hide himself was strong from just thinking about it.

But even if he were to have the skill to bottle everything up perfected, even if he were to have his animal in control and caged up, he couldn’t fight the instinct to shift. To stretch his paws, to tune in his senses, to have his animal free. All shifters experienced this urge. One could fight it all they wanted, but shifters were required to change to balance out their body’s hormone production and mental state. Tony wasn’t excused from this. His animal wanted freedom, and no matter how much Tony denied it he couldn’t prevent it forever.

At his home, with the protection of the mansion, he was able to shift and keep away prying eyes. No servant ever spotted him and no Howard ever saw him hidden under or behind furniture. For his mother and for Jarvis he always appeared. They never cared for his animal. To them his animal was just any other animal. It was the animal he was meant to be.

A piece of his heart always chipped away every time they said that. If he was always meant to have this cowardly and disgraceful little animal as his own… then he never stood a chance from the start for Howard’s approval and Captain America and Bucky’s respect.

He had always been doomed.

And so from the safety of his home and the safety of the shadows he scurried, letting his animal free. It had been easy when he had the Stark mansion as an option. So many empty rooms. So much untouched space, but when he was pushed to study away and was required to live in dorms even shifting had become a fear. The risk of getting spotted, of someone with no respect for privacy walking in, of someone with an animal shift that had a strong nose and was capable of sniffing him out, it was all too much. Especially for a fourteen year old surrounded by shifters four to eight years his senior and completely alone.

In an environment that seemed to be working against him meeting Rhodey had been both a blessing and a terrifying experience.

The canine shifter, older than him by one year, had migrated to him because of their similar circumstances; attending MIT at a young age and being shifters. And while Tony should’ve been ecstatic at having found someone around his age to get acquainted with, the fact that Rhodey was a predator and a very sharp and fast German Shepherd had made him hesitate getting close with the canine. Then his hesitation had changed from fear of the predator possibly hurting him to fear of Rhodey learning of his animal and deciding he no longer wished to associate himself with a weak little… with someone like him.

Tony swore to himself to never shift in front of Rhodey. To always excuse himself and hide away should the urge to change ever became too much to resist and spare the canine from the knowledge of his animal.

For the most part he had managed it. Rhodey never suspected what he was and, besides occasionally asking why he refused to shift and begging for a clue or two, he never openly forced Tony to reveal it. Of course he ended up finding out anyway, and not by Tony’s choice. Like Howard had predicted, Tony lost control of his emotions when a dramatic change happened in his life and it only proved how weak his animal to be.

The day he received the phone call about the car crash he was sent into an emotional spiral. Sorrow, fear, anger, denial, it was all mixed together and nearly sent him into hysterics.

The days following the call he locked himself away from the outside world. Shifted and tucked under his bed in the pile of clothing and blankets thrown carelessly around. No one disturbed him. No one knew and no one probably cared. No one, except for the German Shepherd with the sharp nose and loyalty Tony never earned nor deserved. One sniff around the room and Rhodey had found him easily under the bed. The canine didn’t scuff or scrunched his face in disgust or whined at the indecency of being friends with the animal he had found. No, all Rhodey had done was crawl closer and curl around the pile Tony had claimed, snout close and warmth circling Tony.

Not by choice Rhodey had learned about his animal, but even so Tony wouldn’t change a thing about it. Rhodey didn’t behave differently after the knowledge had been revealed and Tony had been so thankful for it. Now when he shifted he had a canine companion by his side and the social interaction he never thought he’d get and a friendship that would last for years.

Years that included taking the reigns of SI, Rhodey getting sent away and earning honors, Tony having to endure predator reporters with their vicious grins attacking him with every scandal in the book and Rhodey calling him shortly after each one to check on his well-being. Rhodey losing brothers-in-arm and Tony comforting him the best he could. Tony rising as the most sought out billionaire bachelor and painting a target on himself for every prey and predator to hunt out and Rhodey standing right beside and watching over him every step of the way.

Then Tony met a one no-funny-business Serval, Pepper Potts, and Rhodey had to assure him the feline was not going to hurt him, was not out for blood and would have to go through Rhodey if she even tried. Then letting her know by subtly and firmly reminding what dogs are most known and praised for and the rivalry between dogs and cats was going to make it really easy to do so. Rhodey found a partner in Pepper when she proved to be particularly vicious and protective against a business partner who didn’t understand the meaning of no and trapped Tony in a situation that had unsavory results no matter what option he picked.

Afterwards Tony suddenly found himself having a very loyal canine and a cunning feline as his best and closest friends. Tony and Rhodey nearly cried tears of relief when Pepper discovered Tony’s animal shift and didn’t even bat an eye from the knowledge and joined them on their cuddling session when they got too emotional and shifted right then and there.

And that was only the first half of it.

Tony relied on Rhodey and Pepper (and later on Happy, the very sufficient Brown Bear bodyguard that nearly gave Tony a heart attack the first time he growled at someone that had gotten too close to Tony) as his support and protection, and while Tony had gotten really good at acting, the truth of it was on the inside he was still as scared and terrified as he was as a child. No amount of promises from a German Shepherd, a Serval and a Brown Bear would make fear of the outside world disappear completely. Being on the predator side of the line they could never understand his view of the world. Which was why meeting Bruce Banner, a fellow prey animal, had been exactly what he needed. Tony only wished he had met the Western Cottontail in better circumstances, but the cards fell where they willed.

And it all happened because Obie betrayed him and it brought forth two of the greatest things that could happen to Tony, and worsened his already existing issues to a whole new level.

Obie betraying him had given rise to Iron Man and brought a confidence he never knew he could feel and the anonymity that came with it. Iron Man was the fourth support he relied on that nobody knew the identity of and later helped bring Bruce in as his fifth support after Tony had run into the hare shifter during one of his many hunts for his illegally sold weapons. For reasons Tony would later discover Bruce had been captured and studied in a shady facility that housed an equally shady organization that had the misfortune of owning some of Tony’s weapons. When Tony and Rhodey had busted their way inside they had expected it to be a normal routine. Cause havoc, find weapons, destroy them, double check to make sure they were all truly gone and fly out before reinforcements appeared to make their job more difficult. The last thing they thought they’d find was Bruce caged up and chained and pleading for them to help him.

Tony would never forget the way his fellow prey animal looked behind that seemingly unbreakable glass and the collar around his neck. How his hair stuck out at odd angles and his ragged clothes that passed their limit of being used and how his eyes looked almost dead to the world. Tony probably should’ve thought first before releasing the cottontail from his cage. There was a reason he was locked up with high security, but he never once hesitated, and never looked back, when he found the controls and released the hare.

The pure relief and gratefulness that had been on Bruce’s face was enough to quelch any thoughts that he was a malicious character. And when the collar was removed, Tony and Rhodey found perhaps the greatest ally they could have ever earned for their cause.

The Hulk was near unstoppable and not someone to be taken lightly, but for some reason the giant green beast had a very soft spot for Tony. Perhaps because it recognized a fellow prey animal, or perhaps because it knew that he and Rhodey were responsible for letting Bruce free. Or another option could possibly be because the first time Tony watched the Hulk transform he didn’t run or hide or scream in terror.

No, Tony stood there gaping, staring in awe, in amazement, wondering how exactly the Hulk was possible. How he had occured, what the muscle to head ratio was, how much the Hulk could weigh, how those pants of his were still in place while everything else could’ve seen better days. A lot of things in general. Except for fear. Fear was perhaps the last thing on his mind. The Hulk might have been giant, dangerous, intimidating, a reason to run, and very green, but through it all Tony somehow still sensed the prey inside. He still smelled the recently named Bruce Banner and fellow prey on the Hulk.

Tony wasn’t scared of him.

Rhodey sure as hell was. At least in the beginning. When he finally got the memo of “treat the Hulk as an ally, not a monster, and you shall receive an ally and not a monster,” working with the Hulk, and in turn Bruce, went smoothly and teamwork clicked in place.

Having the Hulk as an ally was a huge relief for him. Not only because the Hulk was a very reliable heavy hitter that could take damage like no tomorrow and made sure to keep Tony and Rhodey safe from alloy breaking attacks, but also because any sane person would never try and challenge the Hulk. Something that was especially useful considering their hunt for illegally sold Stark weapons labeled Tony and Rhodey as villains, or at least very misguided vigilantes that caused property damage.

Knowing Iron Man and War Machine had the Hulk on stand by and one call away from barreling over anything, many didn’t dare stop them anymore when destroying weapons. At least regarding security and guards keeping watch over their merchandize. They knew to hightail it out of there with their tails between their legs when they heard the mechanical whirr of Tony’s and Rhodey’s armors.

But just as they received an upgrade, so did those trying to stop them.

And wasn’t that just a kicker. Who better to try and stop the Hulk than the Avengers themselves?

And because this was Tony’s life, who better to lead the Avengers than the not-so-gone-than-originally-thought Captain America himself, and with his crime fighting partner, Bucky, by his side? Ironic, really.

His life was a big enough joke that his childhood heroes, who he always imagined helping if he ever had the chance, only looked at him as a bad guy. Captain America’s gaze of disapproval at having the law broken aimed at him? Worst feeling in the world. Any traces of Tony’s inner child were burned the moment Captain America ordered him to stand down and threw his shield at him. If he had any inner child left.

Howard was probably laughing in his grave at being right. Captain America wouldn’t look twice at him. Not as an ally or even in friendship. He only saw a bad guy he needed to stop.

And so here he stood. On one side of the field with War Machine and Hulk, while the Avengers, the heroes, stood on the other. The Hulk grunted, glaring down at them all and making them shuffle in unease. The two Avengers that didn’t look particularly intimidating, the Falcon and Hawkeye, were obviously hesitant. Black Widow appeared calculating, probably planning ways to escape Hulk should he go after her. The three didn’t pay Tony and Rhodey any mind, choosing to focus on the biggest threat. It was Captain America and his pal, Winter Soldier, that actually spared a glance or two at Iron Man and War Machine. Tony sort of wished they didn’t.

They were inside a bunker of sorts. Tony’s team (that he so lovingly called Science Legion, shut up Rhodey it’s a great name!) had been in the middle of a search for a missile; a possible missile created with the Stark Jericho blueprints that could potentially be a fully functioning Jericho. What they found upon arrival was an empty bunker with no soul inside and after a quick scan and search there was no sign of the missile either.

What they ended up finding instead were the Avengers, appearing sometime during their search and with their weapons already aimed. Tony had been genuinely surprised by it. Since when did the Avengers set up traps for them?

“You didn’t have to set up this surprise party for little ol’ us,” Tony snarked, his only defense against the predators staring them down. Unease and nausea settled in his gut.

“We didn’t. Doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate whoever set it up. Consider this a last present before we bring you in if you want,” Captain America said. No humor in his voice.

“We appreciate the thought, but we're going to have to sadly decline. You understand. So much to do, no time at all.”

“I don't think so. This will only end in one way for you. You can come in quietly, or you can see exactly why we're called the Avengers.”

“Yeah? What are you avenging exactly? Property damage? Seems like you guys were downgraded.”

“There’s no downgrade if it means stopping people like you.”

Tony’s heart chipped just a little at that. “Careful, Captain. You keep this up and I’ll start to think you don’t like spending time with us.”

“I’d like nothing more.”

Captain America held his shield out, taking one step forward. He was glaring, visible even through the helmet he wore. Winter Soldier shifted next to him, taking hold of his weapon and ready to back up his friend. Widow, Falcon and Hawkeye were quick to follow. The fight was about to start.

Tony prepared his unibeam, ready to start big. The sound of it charging echoed in the room along with Hulk’s massive footsteps and Rhodey’s whirring mini-gun. Five against three. Statistics were not in their favor, but statistics hadn't counted on the Hulk. With just him alone they had an army, and the Avengers knew this. They had to fight careful, plan their moves, take out the weak in the way before going after the strong.

Tension filled the room. So strong it was nearly suffocating. There was something off about this hash out. Typically when they fought against the Avengers the only sense around was the sense of extreme caution. Escaping unharmed or with a few scrapes, from either side of the battlefield.

There was unease in the air. It sent the hairs on the back of Tony’s neck to stand. His animal giving him the urge to run, to hide, to stay safe.

Danger. Danger. Danger.

There was something else in the area, but their focus remained on each other. None of them were prepared for the flashing of light and cracking of loud sounds that soon filled the room. The bright lights and cracking sounds no doubt meant for Hulk to disorientate him but the sheer power required to even make him blink also affected everyone else immensely. All the Avengers shut their eyes and covered their ears, mimicking their giant, green comrade. Iron Man and War Machine were unaffected from the sound, but the lights were enough for them to look away out of instinct. With no visual and the sounds of coughing assaulting his ears Tony couldn’t comprehend what was going on around them. He only knew a third party was involved and they weren’t after just Tony and his team, they were going after the Avengers, too.

Someone had planned this was his last thought before something big, heavy and not meant to be thrown on a person and allow them to survive hit him from above. He was sent hitting the floor hard. His head rattling inside his helmet and his vision dancing with black spots. His animal was screaming to curl up and remain motionless, to make whatever was attacking him lose interest, to survive. Except whatever was hitting him was clearly not concerned about a moving target or not.

He managed to hear rumbling right before something bigger hit him and his vision go black.

Sooo, watcha think? This is an animal shifter, secret-identity, misunderstood (not-so) villain Iron Man with a dash of stuckony, rhodey and bruce friendship, and surviving nature together while growing to care about each other. Eeey. 

#text post #long text post #naferty writes #stuckony #stony #winteriron #not-so incredible journey (but it's up there) #tony's animal remains mysterious #but when it's finally revealed in the next chapter you won't be that surprised honestly #i'm building the suspense for nothing #eeeeey #not-so incredible journey

[comorbidfascination]

The Girl Who Laughs

slasher masterlist here

Michael Myers is indisputably the most frightening patient at Smith's Grove, but one girl his age would rather take her chances with him than the ones who harass her.

(this one is completely sfw)

You had been hiding in your room all day, but a white-coat hauled you into the cafeteria for dinner. Whimpering and giggling under your breath, you scanned the room; just as sterile as any other. Most tables were filled on the side furthest from Tony and his little gang, but one had a single patient in a mask. Everyone knew not to approach the Shape, but you had never seen him do more than jerk away from white-coats like you did (though you suspected it was out of irritation rather than fear on his part).

Carefully, you took a seat at the opposite corner of the table, crossing your legs underneath and waiting to be called to get your food. The Shape made no indication toward your presence, but he knew you were there. Being in the same room meant he had observed you. He had become a specter of the juvenile ward, not allowed into group therapy and being locked up more often than not. You found it strange, as Michael seemed like a zombie most of the time; shambling from room to room the way you darted to hidden corners.

You could feel his eyes on you, despite them being covered by the homemade mask. A quiet, nervous giggle escaped your lips, but it was quickly hushed. From your pocket, you drew a piece of paper, needing something comforting and familiar to do with your hands. Crease. Flip. Fold. Flip. The sheet torn from a legal pad transformed within your fingers, becoming more and more a crane as you manipulated the medium. Michael turned his head, but you ducked yours further toward the paper. Your table number was called and you both stood, the crane disappearing back into your pocket.

Voices stirred in the background, just part of the mumbling, tumbling static. Arts and crafts was your happy place; Tony didn't care for it, so he stayed away, and you got to fold and fold and fold all you wanted. The construction paper was a little thick, but you made do. Green for a praying mantis, brown for a boat, yellow for a handful of stars. You wondered if Michael would like to have any of them, since you never really knew what to do with your creations. You sometimes saw him in the craft room, looming in another corner, making a new mask. You startled yourself with a pleased laugh, coughing to cover it up. The white-coats didn't like hearing you laugh.

His eyes were on you again, and you ignored him as well as you could. You felt you shouldn't approach him again so soon; you knew the feeling of being a cornered, wounded animal. He could join you if he liked. Crease. Flip. Fold. Flip. A dragonfly came to life under your fingertips, soon joining the crane in your pocket. At one point you'd folded a box for your creations, but the pile was getting precarious. You felt the hair stand up on the back of your neck, breathing becoming louder behind your left shoulder. Setting the crane on the table on that side, you went back to ripping strips for stars.

Your focus remained constant for a while, and when you finally looked to your left again, the origami crane was gone. The moment when Michael's presence left you was unknown, but you were glad he liked his gift. You had briefly considered the mantis for its violent rituals, but the bird was a lovely crimson you had seen on one of his masks. You had always enjoyed sneaking glances at his hands while he worked; people said he was a killing machine, and maybe that was true, but he was also careful and creative. Perhaps his crimes were executed in a similar way. Red blood dripping down a human canvas, painted with precise strokes of a kitchen knife.

Michael Myers, the Shape, the mysteriously dangerous boy you had chosen to interact with against all warning, was the only patient whose reason for being at the sanitarium was common knowledge. No one had any idea what you did, not for lack of trying. Various therapists of various specialties had attempted to convince or teach you to speak, to no success. Language was not something you had ever been too familiar with, and it seemed Michael was much the same. But while he stayed silent, you tittered and giggled against even your own wishes.

Tony had found you again. Being cornered was nothing like choosing to be there, and your body trembled along with your scratchy voice. You covered your ears and closed your eyes tight to block him out. It was difficult to understand him, especially when he shouted in your face. The therapists had gotten a little further with comprehension than speaking, but Tony made no effort to enunciate or hold a steady pace. He pushed you into the wall, foreign words hitting harder; physical pain was much easier to unpack.

The noise stopped. You opened your eyes, seeing an empty hall where your aggressor had been seconds before. Looking around, you saw Michael being guided in your direction by a white-coat. Tony had always been terrified of him. As he passed, you waved weakly, letting your body slump to the tiled floor. He turned his head, but that was all.

You began leaving origami in places for Michael to find in exchange for straying closer. He continued ignoring you, but didn't show any signs of ill will. Patients and white-coats alike spread rumors and warnings, but you thought he seemed subdued more than anything else. It was likely a side effect of medication, as all patients were required to take one or another. Your group therapist liked to say that mental illness should be treated like any other sickness. As before, you'd proceed with caution. The tantalizing idea of friendship wasn't worth facing the wrath of a sororicidal maniac.

Every creation you left for Michael was taken, but you never stuck around to see who picked them up. Knowing how observant he was, you were optimistic, but couldn't be sure until he sought you out in the cafeteria one day. You had eaten by yourself as usual, interrupted when a paper mask was dropped in front of your tray. A smiling face, reminiscent of a jester, stared just as blankly as Michael, who stood stiffly on the other side of the table. You giggled, picking it up and putting it on, adjusting so your mouth was free to eat. He sat down with his own tray and you both spent lunch in a more comfortable silence.

Michael started sitting with you at meal times, never saying a word, but occasionally trading a mask for a few origami creatures. You didn't bother leaving them around anymore when you could save them up for when you saw him face to face. You laughed sweetly when your fingers met as you both pushed your gifts toward the other, a moment you enjoyed more every time it repeated. He noticed the colors you used most and incorporated them, as you did for him. He didn't mind what sounds you did or didn't make. You didn't flinch at the sight of him. You weren't entirely sure, but you thought you might have made a friend.

The white-coats took an interest in your relationship, which you guessed from how often they said his name in your direction. You hummed or scribbled messy, broken sentences, but they never seemed satisfied. It was unclear whether or not they wanted you to be friends with Michael, but you didn't plan on stopping. He was nice in his own way, and he kept Tony away.

He was there next time the bully cornered you as well. Michael stared, hands clenched by his sides, as Tony screamed profanities while white-coats ignored the situation. Michael always got the most attention, to his and your chagrin. But this time, he intervened, appearing suddenly as he was wont to do. Looming, impending, hovering over Tony's shoulder. You looked up, pinpoint pupils dilating as you noticed your friend clamp a hand on the back of his neck. A shiver of excitement ran through you, seeing Michael showcase his strength as he threw Tony to the ground. The white-coats ran over, pulling him away, but you grinned, laughing gleefully as you sprinted to your room and locked the door.

Three days later, Tony O'Malley was found with a crayon lodged in his brain.

#michael myers x reader #michael myers #slasher x reader #d3's post #🍐

[themultiverseofmarvel]

Ranking Every Episode Of Marvel Studios' 'What If...?'

(updated weekly, be sure to check back next week!)

Only two episodes remain of Marvel Studios' What If...? Here is a little sneak peek of what is to come...

Here is every episode of What If...? ranked so far...

#7: What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark

While it was great to hear Michael B. Jordan and Andy Serkis reprise their roles of Killmonger and Ulysses Klau, this felt like a story we really didn’t need to see. It’s the only episode of the show so far where I was genuinely bored at times, and it ultimately seemed pointless and ended up feeling like a more convoluted way for Erik Killmonger to achieve the same as what he did in Black Panther. Just when What If…? needed to step things up a gear, this episode actually held it back.

6/10

#6: What If... Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?

Although the episode had some fun action sequences, this episode really didn’t have much going for it. But perhaps that might have been by design? It was always going to be jarring seeing characters we know and love in animated form, but this episode was basically a retread of something we'd seen before and had some wildly inconsistent voice acting. It felt like it was just introducing us to the What If...? concept.

Not terrible, but it wasn't the best start.

6/10

#5: What If... the World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

The key to writing a good murder mystery is giving viewers just enough clues so that they can try and play along. Whilst this episode was fun (and pretty good to be fair) the payoff was slightly underwhelming because it came out of nowhere.

7/10

#4: What If... Zombies?!

Marvel Zombies is something that I, along with many others, have been hoping to see on the screen for many years. Whilst it's not entirely accurate to the comic book version, the 5th episode of What If...? was a fun and surprisingly heartwarming entry to the series. We got to see Hope van Dyne be the Avengers leader she should have been from the start, we got to see characters like Kurt actually get something to do, and we got to see a Futurama-esque version of Scott Lang, which was particularly silly.

This was one of the most gruesome entries of the MCU so far and left us with a twist that I hope we get to revisit in Season 2.

8/10

#3: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

How good was it to hear Chadwick Boseman's voice again? After the slightly underwhelming first episode, What If...?'s second instalment provided us with a fun adventure, giving us a version of T'Challa we hadn't seen before, whilst also giving us fresh takes of The Collector and Thanos. We're still waiting to see what will happen after that finale with Ego and Star-Lord. Fingers crossed we'll find out what happens before the end of Season 1!

8/10

#2: What If... Thor Were an Only Child?

By the far the silliest episode of What If...? so far, this episode had me giggling like a child. A lot of the humour throughout the show has been more eye-rolling rather than chuckle-worthy, but Chris Hemsworth was clearly having a blast whilst recording this episode, which in turn made it a hugely enjoyable entry to the series. I couldn't help but laugh at his high-pitched squeals every time he was punched by Captain Marvel.

Considering What If...? is an animated show, and assumedly intended for children, it has delivered some of the MCU's darkest tales to date, so it was nice to have an episode that explored what it is like to be a teenager (even if you are a literal god) and the consequences of throwing a house party when your parents are away for the weekend.

Good silly fun.

8/10

#1: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

This was the first truly great episode of What If...? and the darkest thing Marvel Studios have ever done, with Benedict Cumberbatch delivering his best performance in the MCU to date. Watching this, it's hard not to wish that Marvel and Disney would take risks as bold as this in their feature films and it proved that they can deliver more mature and darker content alongside the sillier entries such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man.

Hopefully this is a good sign of things to come in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. We only have to wait until February to find out.

9/10

What's been your favourite episode of What If...? so far? Let us know!

#marvel #what if #doctor strange #captain carter #marvel what if #antman #hank pym #yellowjacket #zombies #hope van dyne #scott lang #spiderman #peter parker #t'challa #black panther #star-lord #the collector #thanos #nick fury #killmonger #erik killmonger #michael b jordan

[cayenne-twilight]

Professor Layton Iceberg Explanation

As I said in the tags of the original, the iceberg I made was a meme consisting of both real theories and satire/parodies/fandom memes. If anyone is interested, I can work on an unironic version that only has real theories.

Buckle in because this post is LONG and heavily saturated with lore and information.

Actual theories

Parallel universe 1960s where the world wars didn’t happen. There’s an unused file in Curious Village that shows the year as 1960 and the time machine from UF is set to 1973, ten years into the future. The series canonically takes place in an undefined time period (hence the technological inaccuracies and fantasy elements), but it’s based off the 60s. There’s more evidence but we don’t have time to go over every little thing. I linked my “no wars” theory below but TL;DR the outdated airplanes and underdeveloped medicine in the Layton series imply that the world wars may never have happened. https://cayenne-twilight.tumblr.com/post/632205992162099200/outofcontextdiscord-timegearremix-zonosils-war

The real meaning behind the statue in Future London. In UF, the purpose of the statue is to spark Layton and Luke’s conversation about their friendship. Luke is stressing out about moving overseas and sees himself and the professor in the story behind the statue, but in the bigger picture, Clive must have been the one to commission it. Some theorize that the little boy is Clive and the man is either his father or the professor. One idea I’ve seen is that Clive wishes he could be Luke for real, while another is that he wishes he died ten years ago, and another is that he’s literally terminally ill explaining why he doesn’t care about consequence. Personally, I think “the boy succumbed to his illness” refers to his mental illness seeing as he wanted the professor to save him from his madness as he saved him all those years ago.

True location of Monte D’Or. there are no deserts on the British isles to my knowledge, so it makes the most sense for Monte D’Or to be in Southwest USA where English is the default language, they have a desert, and there exists a city famous for flashy hotels, casinos, and entertainment. What makes it odd is that nobody ever mentions overseas travel, and all the major characters are from England.

Loosha’s origins are not explicitly explained if I remember correctly, but the implication was that her prehistoric (supposedly) species was sealed away along with the garden, allowing them to survive all the way to the time of LS until Loosha was the only one left. The garden provided a good habitat and protection from predators, and it’s logical that they’d slowly die out anyways, but there’s no explanation of any specific factors that led to Loosha being the last.

Beasley is not a bee I wrote a post about this one as well, but TL;DR Beasly lacks several defining bee traits whilst having several human ones. He is not human, yet, by definition, not a bee. It’s possible that he is the result of Dimitri’s testing, but whatever his untold story is, he remains an enigma of nature. https://cayenne-twilight.tumblr.com/post/632381715250282496/theory-beasly-isnt-a-bee

Subject 2’s identity is currently unknown. There is a subject one (parrot) and subject 3 (rabbit) so there has to be a second. For a long time, people suspected Beasly to be him seeing as he’s a bit of an amalgamation and definitely not a regular bee (see above). After the release of LMJ, though, people began to suspect Sherl, the intelligent hound who could speak to certain people but not others. That being said, it’s possible for one to be subject 4. Sherl’s memory of a bright flash matches up with subject 3’s memory of being electrocuted. They never explain why the animals were being experimented on, but it was probably Dimitri making sure the conditions of his machine were safe for humans before reliving the incident from ten years ago.

Lady Violet died from the plague from DB. There’s no evidence for this or anything, it’s just an idea. People say she died from the flu but I don’t remember them saying that in the game, at least the US version. Extending off my “no war” theory: it’s theorized that the Spanish Flu was spread by the travlelling soldiers, so if that’s true, it’s possible for the epidemic to have been averted for some decades. Maybe the Spanish Flu reached England later than in real life. The hole in this is that DB’s plague must’ve been close in time to 1918 while Violet’s death was much later, so it would’ve had to stick around.

Bill Hawks is working with Targent and Arthur Cantabella. There was a force in the shadows buying the time machine technology from Bill. Someone with a ton of money who helped him cover up a freak accident and get away with it completely, a feat that involved shady means like violence by hired thugs. Some theorize that it was Targent, seeking power over time in exchange for a little mafia magic. The Labarynthia project was sponsored by the UK government, so as the PM, Bill must’ve known about it. He probably supported dubiously ethical, high stakes (witch pun) psychological experiments like Cantabella’s and helped him stay in the shadows.

All the NPCs in St. Mystere and Folsense are dead. I make fun of this type of theory later, but they’re admittedly captivating. I’m pretty sure the canon in CV is that the villagers are Bruno and Augustus’s OCs that they made robots of and built a town around, but it’s more interesting to think that the village was there before, and the townspeople died of a plague and were replaced like Lady Violet. In Folsense, there really was a plague and they never explain the NPCs there. They’re either real people who appear way younger than they are due to hallucinations (even the ones who already look old ?), or they don’t exist at all, which is pretty spooky. This part of the story is a gaping plot hole. In a similar vein to CV, the edgy yet plausible theory is that they used to live in Folsense but died of the plague and now live on as hallucinations.

Hershel seeing everything as a puzzle is a coping mechanism for all his trauma. This was a joke but I thought about it for more than five seconds and it makes way too much sense.

Plot holes and unexplained questions that we like to overthink because it’s fun

The downfall of the Azran was vaguely explained in canon by people being so greedy that it lead to the civilization collapsing. It’s not a stretch to imagine that happening, but it would’ve been more interesting with a little more detail.

Layton and Luke are programmed to routinely forget how to walk. I didn’t know whether to list this in the joke section or not, but it’s odd that the characters actively participate in the walking tutorial (as opposed to showing a little memo to the player) as if they didn’t know how to before, especially when they go through this several times a year.

The truth behind Pavel. He’s simply a joke character who teleports, is a polyglot (sort of, at least he wants us to think he is) and is mega confused all the time. He’s a fun character to make crack theories about because of his cryptic nature that even he doesn’t seem to understand.

Miracle Mask deleted scenes. The first trailer for MM featured animations that were not in the final game. One was the Randall falling scene, except in a slightly different style than the one we know. Others were completely foreign, like Layton and Luke pacing across a theatre stage as if Layton’s about to expose someone with a dramatic point. Cut content and “could’ve beens” are always curious to think about.

Evan Barde: secret mastermind. Arianna and Tony’s dad is a mysterious character who died under mysterious circumstances. I think the canon is that his death was a genuine accident, but concept art of him making a creepy evil face suggests that maybe he originally had a larger role in the first drafts of LS than the finished game.

The secret to how Paul and Des pull off their disguises is unclear and will remain unclear. There is no plausible explanation for their shape shifting. Unless Paul is just a little dude wearing a human suit like that one Wizard of Oz species and Des is the best quick-changer ever and hides his naturally feminine legs under his cloak.

Alfendi’s mom. When LBMR came out people scrambled to piece together who Hershel had a kid with, but there’s no way alfendi is his biological son. This happened with Kat as well and her biological parents turned out to be brand new characters, so I’m sure Al will get an adoption backstory if his arc continues, be his parents old major characters or nameless, faceless NPCs.

Granny Riddleton and Stachenscarfen are omnipotent deities. Idk which section this fits best under, but these two characters have some serious power. At first introduction, they’re implied to be robots, but they appear everywhere in later games. They follow the Professor wherever he goes and assist him on his adventures, GR collecting puzzles and housing them by some odd magic, and Stachen teaches you how to walk. They both introduce and supervise the gameplay. By extension, I guess this idea could apply to Albus as well in the prequels. GR and Stachen even had the power to appear in LMJ, something no major character could do. I consider them akin to the velvet room attendants from the Persona games.

Clive’s kill count is a vague subject in the game for the sake of keeping it PG. I don’t know if anyone’s ever mathematically estimated the damage he caused, and I sure don’t want to try, but the game appears to push the idea that he didn’t kill anyone at all, saying they stopped him in the nick of time and things like that, even though we watch him raze the city. If they ever want to bring him back post-time skip, I can see them twisting it so that the mobile fortress cutscene wasn’t a linear sequence of events, but instead a compilation of scenes over the course of hours so that London neighborhoods around him could be evacuated and have it make sense. Knowing Level-5, it’s more likely that they wouldn’t think this deep and do something more lazy, though.

Memes and references

Post-time skip Flora is real references the famous L is real theory from Super Mario 64. Like Luigi in SM64, Flora was also a highly anticipated character who didn’t appear in a new game, in this case LMJ or LMDA. In the end, Luigi did become real in the DS port so hopefully Flora is real will be realized as well.

Hershel can’t read is a veteran fandom meme referring to how in the first few games, especially Curious Village, Layton asks Luke to read every document out loud for him. Perhaps this was an exercise to improve Luke’s reading skills and independent thinking, or perhaps he was just too lazy or preoccupied to do it himself, but this grew into the joke that our genius Professor was actually illiterate this whole time.

Layton’s smash invitation is hidden in PLvsAA. It’s no secret that the fandom would kill a man to get the Professor into the smash brothers franchise. In PLvsAA one of the puzzle artworks features a goat eating a familiar white envelope with a red stamp, sparking the joke that either Layton or Wright got the invitation their respective fans desired, but it got lost along the way.

The science board is the mysteriously vague organization Don Paolo got kicked out of for the crime of being evil. It’s the epitome of liberal arts majors and art school graduates trying to bs their way around not knowing any science and failing miserably. “He was very good at all the sciences, but then the CEO of science told him to stop because he was using the power of science for evil science”. They do this again when “Dr. Stahngun” describes his time machine what with the soolha coils and whatnot.

Hoogland is death cult initiation is a parody of “Mario 64 is Freemason initiation” which is ridiculous, just like the creepy human sacrifice subplot of AL.

You can see the reflection of someone watching you in Aurora’s eye references the famous, creepy Talking Angela theory. In retrospect it would’ve been funnier if I said Angela instead of Aurora.

Every copy of Professor Layton is personalized references the famous “every copy of Super Mario 64 is personalized”

Clive’s fat ass in HD is a meme that originated from the announcement of UFHD, saying that half of the excited fans wanted to cry again while the other half were simply attracted to Clive. If we want to enter real bottom-section-of-the-iceberg-chart territory then let’s say Clive’s character has some sort of psychological siren properties that draw people to him like a magnet and/or Harry Styles.

Things I pulled out of my ass for shits and giggles

Infinite hint coin hack: I’m sure a tech savvy cheater could hack the game for infinite hint coins, but there’s no easy or interesting way. I don’t know why someone would do that though, considering a lot of the hints suck and there are puzzle guides on the internet.

Cringy, unused Randall villain monologue. This joke is derived from the actual scrapped MM content as well as deleted content being a popular element of iceberg charts, but it’s sadly not real. Would’ve been hilarious, though.

Last Specter Puzzle 031: Light Height tracks and records children’s intelligence level. It doesn’t, but it’s always fun to make fun of arguably THE most ridiculously difficult puzzle in the franchise. (Seriously, do they expect 7+ year olds to know trigonometry???)

Hershel struggles with tea addiction. Hershel from the games drinks tea in moderation, but the manga begs to differ. He has a tea set in the Laytonmobile, and an attempt at teatime while driving causes him to crash.

Folsense is a metaphor for Alzheimer’s. This is inspired by those edgy kids’ show theories where everyone’s in hell or something, but nobody has ever said this.

London Life is reality and the plot of the games is all in Luke’s head. That’s one way to fill every plot hole. How funny would it be if Luke made up crazy characters and stories based off his fellow townspeople Sharkboy and Lavagirl style. “This dude who lives in a castle and asks people to give him all their money for nothing in return is a vampire from 50 years ago involved in a tragic love story”.

Secret ending encoded into Tago’s Head Gymnastics. It’d be crazy if there was, and Dimitri would hound Tago for the secret to time travel. If you didn’t know, the Layton games started as an adaption of Akira Tago’s puzzle series, except they decided to add a story to make it more interesting and marketable.

Daily puzzles datamine your DS. I’m bad with technology but is it even possible to datamine a DS??? Idk, but I think my DS lite from 2008 is safe.

#professor layton #layton series #hershel layton #layton #pl #luke triton #flora reinhold #randall ascot #descole #clive dove #aurora azran #granny riddleton #stachenscarfen #pavel #beasly #evan barde #bill hawks #Arthur Cantabella #targent #whoever tf else seriously hoo boy #this took HOURS #I will reblog and tag everyone interested tomorrow #but now I will go sleepy and hope this gets spread around so people who wanted this info would see it #if anyone wants to add serious theories or link posts about them go ahead #tw swearing #long post #like LONG long post #I suppose this is useful as a reference for fanfics and stuff

[rosalyn51]

Who are the cast members of The House? 

Coming January 14, 2022 Netflix

There are some extremely exciting names attached to the roles of The House. Downton Abbey’s Matthew GoodE will portray the role of Raymond, Les Miserable and The King’s Speech actress Helena Bonham Carter will lend her voice to the role of Jen.

Rosalyn51 Note: Matthew also plays Tony Armstrong-Jones (Princess Margaret’s husband) in The Crown Season 2, while HBC plays Princess Margaret in The Crown Season 3 and 4. Both are nominated for emmys for their respective performances.

Netflix Animated Comedy ‘The House’ Season 1: What We Know So Far

What’s on Netflix, Dec 13, 2021

An incredible new stop-motion series, The House, is on its way to Netflix to kick start the new year! Arriving in January, we’ve got everything you need to know about The House, including the plot, cast, and Netflix release date.

The House is an upcoming Netflix Original stop-motion animated comedy series from the BAFTA award-winning Nexus Studios. Directing duties have been split amongst four directors, who have each taken charge of their own episode, with the exception of Emma De Swaef and Marc James Roels, who co-directed the first episode.

The remaining two episodes were directed by Paloma Baeza and Niki Lindroth von Bahr.

When is The House season 1 Netflix release date?

It has been revealed that the first season of The House is coming to Netflix on Friday, January 14th, 2022.

Picture: Nexus Studios

What is the plot of The House?

The story of The House is told in three chapters:

Impoverished Raymond meets a mysterious benefactor who promises to restore both him and his family to their former status. The family soon learns that wants and desires may not always lead you where you expect.

Part 2:

Set in the present day, a harassed property developer tries to make a quick sale from a renovation. However, some eerie unexpected guests have other plans and become the catalyst to a more personal transformation.

Part 3:

Set in the near future, the house survives a hugely changed landscape. We meet Rosa, a young landlady determined to stay in her beloved crumbling house and restore it to its former glory. But Rosa’s unrealistic vision has blinded her to the inevitable change that is coming and to what matters most.

Picture: Nexus Studios

Who are the cast members of The House?

There are some extremely exciting names attached to the roles of The House. Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode will portray the role of Raymond, Les Miserable and The King’s Speech actress Helena Bonham Carter will lend her voice to the role of Jen.

Sleepy Hollow actress Miranda Richardson will star in her second animated Original after previously starring in Pinky Malinky. It’s an animated first for actor Will Sharpe, who was last seen on Netflix in the BBC co-production Giri/Haji. And, for actress Mia Goth, The House will officially be her Netflix debut.

Miranda Richardson (left, Will Sharpe (center), and Mia Goth (right)

Below is the cast of The House:

Role          Cast Member

Raymond   Matthew Goode

Jen  Helena Bonham Carter

Aunt Clarke   Miranda Richardson

Elias    Will Sharpe

Mabel    Mia Goth

Penelope   Claudie Blakley

Cosmos   Paul Kye

Mr. Thomas   Mark Heap

Great Aunt Eleanor   Stephanie Cole

Rosa    Susan Wokoma

Uncle Georgie   Josh McGuire

What is the episode count of The House?

According to the information listed on IMDb, there will be a total of three episodes. Each episode title has been listed as a “chapter.”

All three episodes will be available to stream on Netflix upon release.

Picture: Nexus Studios

When did the production of The House take place?

Nexus Studios have worked on The House throughout the majority of 2020 and 2021, however, the voice actors didn’t record their audio until June 2021.

Picture: Nexus Studios

#matthew goode #helena bonham carter #the crown netflix #the crown #the crown cast #the house #adult animation #netflix 2022

[cap-ironman]

2021 Cap-Iron Man Exchange Gifts unveiled on December 27

It’s the fourth day of reveals! Each day we will be revealing gifts created by 2021 Cap-Iron Man Holiday Exchange and Community Gifts event participants. The gifts will remain anonymous until January 5, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the works and guess the identities of creators. (Remember, if you've got a work in the collection, please remain anonymous until after creator reveals!) Here are today’s gifts!

★ Cursed by Circe for Fluffypanda (Noir, 200 words and art) Steve loves Tony. Steve is pretty okay with protecting Tony at his own expense. Steve is now, consequently, a mouse. ★ Going Blacksmithing for Cap Iron Man Community (1872, 1475 words) Blacksmithing only brings in so much money in a small town like Timely, so Tony has to make a little extra money through less respectable means. The Sheriff doesn't approve. ★ For in our hearts the dreams are still the same for YohKoBennington (MCU, 13942 words) “But…that was weeks ago,” Steve repeated Natasha’s words. “Time is relative in Asgard,” Thor said, nodding gravely. He knew best just what his brother’s magic was capable of. “And it’s not that uncommon,” Bruce mused. He tapped an unsteady rhythm against his mug. “Amnesia is still partly a medical mystery. It’s within the range of possibilities for an accident like that to have late complications. And if the amnesia is a side effect of whatever light he'd been hit with, then there's no telling what's actually wrong with him. If it’s really from Loki’s scepter then we can just pray.” When Tony wakes up one day and can't remember being Iron Man or his husband, Steve's world crashes and burns. He decides that he will do everything that is within his power to win the love of his life back... ★ Happy Accidents for zappedbysnow (MCU, 2081 words) “How did you accidentally invent a time machine, Tony? What were you trying to make!?” or How a plant got Steve and Tony to stop being idiots. ★ His Sweetness for Cap Iron Man Community (MCU, 100 words) Tony loves eating his mate out. ★ [Podfic] make love not war for navaan (616, 00:27:17 minutes) “What is it?” Steve asks, frowning at the cup in his hands. Reed’s expression is nothing but earnest, but Steve has seen that look precede far too many catastrophes to trust it. Podfic of make love not war by somehowunbroken. ★ turn down these voices for MK_Yujji (MCU, 2310 words) Waking up to find Tony asleep in his bed is Steve's first surprise of the day. A series of silver strings tying them together by their ankles is his second. ★ Winged souls for hollyandvice (hiasobi_writes) (MCU, Art) soulmate/wingfic au, where the size of your wings increases or decreases in conjunction with the intensity of your feelings for your soulmate ★ Your Love To Give for picturecat (3490, 1284 words) She lets out a bark of laughter, brittle and uncertain. “I can’t always remember to feed myself, Steve, what makes you think I’d remember to feed an animal, something dependent on me for survival?” To check out all of this year’s gifts (so far!), head over to the 2021 Captain America/Iron Man Holiday Exchange AO3 Collection. When your gift is revealed, please be sure to comment and thank your gifter! If you’re the creator of a gift that’s now been revealed, you can reply to any comments and stay anonymous — AO3 will automatically show you as "Anonymous Author" until the creator reveals. Finally, you may want to change the publication date of your work to today’s date so that it shows up at the top of AO3's feeds. AO3’s guide is available here and we have a more detailed version here. Happy holidays, and we hope you enjoy all of the revealed works! ♥ Your 2021 Cap-Iron Man Holiday Exchange and Community Gifts mods

#stony #stevetony #superhusbands #capimevents #capimexchange #capimexchange2021

[classicmarvelera]

Cult Classics

Over the last 80 years, Marvel has produced characters or even stuff that maybe considered as cult classics

These classics are still followed by their fans even though they may have appeared in a one-shot or their series came to an end long ago

We look back four of such classics that are 100% Marvel owned and whose following or popularity to this day defies logic

Howard the Duck

Why would Marvel need a talking animal? (Readers need to remember this was way before Rocket Raccoon)

He was mentioned in Phineas and Ferb’s Marvel feature movie, he was the first to make an appearance in mainstream cinema (not as a TV feature like Avengers, Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk or Nicholas Hammond’s Spider-Man) and most recently has has appeared in MCU’s post credit scenes

How much did his popularity peak? He got thousands of write-in votes in 1976 Presidential elections. ‘Nuff said!

Spider-Mobile

Now why would Spidey need a car for his adventures? To this day, there’s no answer that would rationalize it’s creation other than the story Gerry Conway wrote in which Spidey is approached by ‘Corona’ Motors to promote their new car engine

It was an idea that came about in the most turbulent of times for the company i.e. the 70s and it was later revisited in Old Man Logan (Wolverine no. 66-72)

Even though it never made sense but it still has a following among true believers

Dakota North

A precursor to Jessica Jones minus superpowers. Created by Martha Thomases and Tony Salmons in the mid-80s; the series was cancelled after five issues but the character remains an important part of Marvel Universe

Darkhawk

A kid from Queens linked to an Android thanks to an amulet and an important part of Marvel’s space opera stories

This short-lived character’s comics are still revered. His action figure in Marvel Legends GOTG Wave was one of the most sought after

Maybe it’s his origin story, his costume, the amulet or just the overall look and feel. The reasons behind his cult following remain a mystery

#classic marvel era #classic marvel art #marvel comics #classic marvel comics #marvel 80th anniversary #marvel cult classics #howard the duck #spider mobile #dakota north #darkhawk