#which ends up resulting in the robbers death

[s-guacamolearts]

So I just got hit with the danganronpa hyperfixation which led me to wonder about the togami family siblings

And here are some of the results (with a REALLY LARGE amount of rambling in the tags)

#danganronpa #danganronpa oc #danganronpa ocs #danganronpa togami #togami siblings #byakuya togami #so basically #all the people here are former togami (half) siblings who lost the competition byakuya togami won #the one depicted on the first second and fifth image is chishi kettei #formerly known as meiwaku togami #she came into the second place in the battle #and was like the others exiled from the family with her history erased from the face of the earth #due to being 19 at the time she lost she ends up working in a convenience store in an attempt to make ends meet and adjust to the drastic #shift in her life #however at some point a robber attempts to steal the cash register and as they run of with it chishi catches up to them #and in an attempt to stop them manages to steal the cash box back and starts to beat them relentlessly #which ends up resulting in the robbers death #after dealing with the aftermath of the mess chishi returns to her place #where she reads a news article on the internet about a recent assassination of a political figure in japan #which also details the assassin company which might be behind it #at that moment chishi ends up being threatend with eviction due to failing to pay the bills #which is the last straw for her ands she ends up searching for the assassin company on the internet #luckily with her togami skills it doesnt taje her long to find said company and she signs up to join them #she gets accepted and due to possessing a wide variety of skills she becomes a valuable asset to the company #THE ONES ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH PICTURE #are kossori riburando and syabai riburando #yes they're twins #no nothing sinister between these two #after getting exiled from the togami family they end up getting adopted by the riburando family #I wish I could add more but tumblr doesnt allow me to add more than 30 tags on the mobile app so I'll ramble more later

[robertreich]

From Robber Barons to Bezos: Is History Repeating Itself?

Ultra-wealthy elites…Political corruption…Vast inequality…

These problems aren’t new — in the late 1800s they dominated the country during America’s first Gilded Age.

We overcame these abuses back then, and we can do it again.

Mark Twain coined the moniker “The Gilded Age” in his 1873 novel to describe the era in American history characterized by corruption and inequality that was masked by a thin layer of prosperity for a select few.

The end of the 19th century and start of the 20th marked a time of great invention — bustling railroads, telephones, motion pictures, electricity, automobiles — which changed American life forever.

But it was also an era of giant monopolies — oil, railroad, steel, finance — run by a small group of men who had grown rich beyond anything America had ever seen.

They were known as “robber barons” because they ran competitors out of business, exploited workers, charged customers exorbitant prices, and lived like royalty as a result.

Money consumed politics. Robber barons and their lackeys donated bundles of cash to any lawmaker willing to do bidding on their behalf. And when lobbying wasn’t enough, the powerful turned to bribery — resulting in some of the most infamous political scandals in American history.

The gap between the rich and poor in America reached astronomical levels. Large numbers of Americans lived in squalor.

Anti-immigrant sentiment raged, leading to the enactment of racist laws to restrict immigration. And voter suppression, largely aimed at Black men who had recently won the right to vote, was rampant.

The era was also marked by dangerous working conditions. Children often as young as 10, but sometimes younger, worked brutal hours in sweatshops. Workers trying to organize labor unions were attacked and killed.

It seemed as if American capitalism was out of control, and American democracy couldn’t do anything about it because it was bought and paid for by the rich.

But Americans were fed up, and they demanded reform. Many took to the streets in protest.

Investigative journalists, often called “muckrakers” then, helped amplify their cries by exposing what was occurring throughout the country.

And a new generation of political leaders rose to end the abuses.

Politicians like Teddy Roosevelt, who warned that, “a small class of enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power,” could destroy American democracy.

After becoming president in 1901, Roosevelt used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up dozens of powerful corporations, including the giant Northern Securities Company which had come to dominate railroad transportation through a series of mergers.

Seeking to limit the vast fortunes that were creating a new American aristocracy, Congress enacted a progressive income tax through the 16th Amendment, as well as two wealth taxes.

The first wealth tax, in 1916, was the estate tax — a tax on the wealth someone accumulated during their lifetime, paid by the heirs who inherited it. The second tax on wealth, enacted in 1922, was a capital gains tax — a tax on the increased value of assets, paid when those assets were sold.

The reformers of the Gilded Age also stopped corporations from directly giving money to politicians or political candidates.

And then Teddy Roosevelt’s fifth cousin — you may have heard of him — continued the work through his New Deal programs — creating Social Security, unemployment insurance, a 40-hour workweek, and requiring that employers bargain in good faith with labor unions.

But following the death of FDR and the end of World War II, when America was building the largest middle class the world had ever seen — we seemed to forget about the abuses of the Gilded Age.

Now, more than a century later, America has entered a second Gilded Age.

It is also a time of extraordinary invention.

And a time when monopolies are taking over vast swathes of the economy, so we must renew antitrust enforcement to bust up powerful companies.

Now, another generation of robber barons is accumulating unprecedented money and power. So once again, we must tax these exorbitant fortunes.  

Wealthy individuals and big corporations are once again paying off lawmakers, sending them billions to conduct their political campaigns, even giving luxurious gifts to Supreme Court justices. So we need to protect our democracy from Big Money, just as we did before.

Voter suppression runs rampant in the states as during the first Gilded Age, making it harder for people of color to participate in what’s left of our democracy. So it’s once again critical to defend and expand voting rights.

Working people are once again being exploited and abused, child labor is returning, unions are busted, the poor are again living in unhealthy conditions, homelessness is on the rise, and the gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else is nearly as large as in the first Gilded Age. So once again we need to protect the rights of workers to organize, invest in social safety nets, and revive guardrails to protect against the abuses of great wealth and power.

The question now is the same as it was at the start of the 20th century: Will we fight for an economy and a democracy that works for all rather than the few?

We’ve done it before. We can — and must — do it again.

#youtube #politics #video #videos #Gilded Age #Elon Musk #Jeff Bezos #economics #money

[kyl3gutz]

headcannon time !!

This is a big headcannon post pertaining to the 2020 halloween gif because I'm a curious boy here. plus we're close to the spooky season so I think it's a good time to post this for festivities sake

this is a post about how I think each of them died :3 TW: Discussions of death

theres the gif I'm on about, I know that this is probably meant to be them in costumes but LET ME HAVE FUN BROOO

this takes appearence into account as well as what is known about each character, let's go!

We'll start with the one I'm most certain on and end on the one I'm the least certain on.

So first up is Wally!

Although I see damage, I believe he did simply pass thanks to old age. Nothing else really says much, his glasses aren't in a condition where I could argue for blunt force or anything (you'll see why I mention this when we get to Doan), and I think it's more plausible that he died via old age thanks to being rather old.

Next up is Papa Louie !

Although I'm unsure, I think this was a simple assassination. He doesn't have many enemies but who he does have? Yeah, they'd hire someone to kill him (or just up and kill him themself!) so I think he would've been assassinated.

Next is Rita!

I REALLY WANNA SAY SOMETHING EDGY but I'm going to be real, she probably died of stress. I think she got too stressed at the burgeria one day and just dropped dead. She's visibly in her uniform, it could've been rioting that led to the stress that therefore killed her since she's all ruffled up but I think that's more from her coming out of the ground and all.

Next is Yippy!

Her and Doan are interchangeable in this list, both of them I am equally mixed on my deductions. I believe Yippy got lost in the woodlands up where she lives before she got MAULED BY A WILD ANIMAL. Her clothing is very ripped, and her stance tells me she's restless, more so than the others. I think it's mainly plausible since A, she lives in Maple Moutain, which is visibly surrounded by forest and B, she's a cookie scout that would maybe be in that sort of area since well, cookie scouts are girl scouts right? It makes sense to me.

Next up is Doan!

sadly no zombie photo thats not the gif. since he already had the zombie costume.

So, I think since his glasses are fairly off his face and ruined, he might've gotten into some kind of fight or trouble? His glasses are too ruined for me to argue that it's a result of being buried, thus why I argue a fight. Although that is out of character, thus why my second choice is choking for his cause of death. It's as unremarkable as he himself is.

Next up is Taylor!

I'm gonna be so real, he stumped me at first. I think the fact that he's permanently frowning tells me his death was terrifying for him. So I'm sorry but I'm arguing murder. I think he was at home sleeping, and a robber broke in. He unfortunately woke up (I see him as a light sleeper) and had a confrontation with said robber, resulting in his untimely demise.

Finally, we have Vicky.

ok what do I say? I'm very unsure but she's visibly roughed up and clearly a bit more low down, which makes me think she sustained a fair bit of physical injury. As seen in her flipdeck, her skills in makeup have mixed results. So, I argue she pissed someone off on accident and they killed her. Either that or just, stress or natural causes. I unfortunately did have to cop-out but I'm genuinely unsure.

#flipline studios #flash games #papa louie #flipline #flipline wally #flipline rita #flipline yippy #flipline doan #flipline taylor #flipline vicky

[courtneygacha]

Hostage Scene

Tw: Overstimulation, Theatre Whump, Fake hostage situation, anxiety attack

(Based on a true story)

“Today, we’re going to try an experiment…” Teacher said. “I want everyone to split into 2 groups of 14.”

Whumpee immediately stood up to find her friends. She was almost instantly bombarded by Caretaker, Teammate One, Teammate Two, Friend, and several others who wanted to join their group.

She took charge by grabbing a chair and standing on it, while yelling at the people at the top of her lungs.

“Settle down!” Teacher said loudly, “You have ten minutes to create a scene and plan it, while finding out how to use ALL your people.”

Teammate Two was holding Whumpee’s legs so she could stand and Friend was being ‘harassed’ in the corner. Whumpee couldn’t scream over the group no matter how hard she tried. However, Teammate One could.

“HEY! Y’ALL BE QUIET AND LET WHUMPEE SPEAK!”

The mass fell silent at her voice and stared at Whumpee, who was suddenly regretting trying to stand out in this group. Not only was her group making her a little uncomfortable, but the other team also became quiet and was giving them weird looks.

“Uh… I think we should do a uhm… switch out, so half of the people start the scene, and the other half switches them out and ends the scene?”

Most of the people agreed, so Teammate One pulled up another chair, and started hollering at everyone to find a partner. Whumpee timidly stepped down and stood next to Caretaker.

“Hey, you okay?” Caretaker said, noticing Whumpee’s wide-eyed expression.

“Uh, yeah… it’s just a little loud. I’ll be okay…” She said, brushing her hair with her fingers

Whumpee was a little overwhelmed but decided to take her mind off that by trying to help Teammate One. In hindsight, that was not a good idea.

By the time they had finally figured out who was replacing who, they had 3 minutes left and no idea on what to do.

Whumpee almost lost her voice trying to explain the scene and get everyone to be quiet. Teammate One was standing next to her, screaming in her ear, which was not helping with the rising panic she was experiencing.

“Okay, I’m gonna explain this as quickly as I can! So seven people begin, seven people end, there will be three cops, three robbers, and a hostage.” Whumpee said.

“Who gets to be who?” Teammate Two called out.

Before Whumpee could reply, everyone started talking and trying to claim titles. There was 3 people battling to be the hostage. Someone screamed that Whumpee should be the hostage.

She didn’t get a chance to explain the scene, or at least her basic idea of it, before the timer ran and her group was sent up to go first.

Everyone all yelled out their ideas for some kind of plot of the scene and went up there. This was the knowledge Whumpee had:

- The first hostage was tied to a chair to start

- The police would run in and try to free the hostage

- Someone was having a dramatic character death (Probably the hostage)

- Everything was improv

Whumpee was the replacement hostage, so she was ending the scene. She was super shaky from all of the chaos and loud noises and yelling that had happened and was about to be thrown into a messy situation.

Teammate One’s clap signaled the switch out, and Whumpee ran into the corner the previous person was shoved in.

All of the cops were huddled on the other side of the room, (One of the robbers ‘killed’ a cop) and the group where Whumpee was was trying to get their attention.

Which resulted in a lot more yelling.

The ‘robber’ behind Whumpee was trying to figure out what was going on. Caretaker was knelt down next to them trying to tell them what to do. The ‘robber’ wasn’t doing what they had somewhat planned and it was freaking the both of them out.

Suddenly, someone called time and the scene was over. Whumpee could hardly stand, sitting in the corner for a few moments contemplating what had happened until someone had told her to get up, and she followed her group.

The next team went up, and gave this beautifully chaotic scene and it made her feel worse. Whumpee felt bad that she had wasted a perfect opportunity to make a good scene because they took forever coming up with partners. She wished she had kept her mouth shut and maybe things would’ve gone better.

The other team made comments on how their scene was unprepared and messy. That with the chaos she volunteered herself into… she was just shocked.

She stared at the floor, hands and legs shaking, heart racing, and a little traumatized and overwhelmed.

She didn’t notice Caretaker nudging her shoulder at the end of class.

“Whumpee? You zoned out again?” They said.

“H-Huh?” They jumped, “Yeah, no, I’m okay…”

She wobbly stood up to get her stuff, not noticing Caretaker following her close behind.

“Whumpee?”

She was focused on grabbing her bag.

“Whumpee!”

“Ah! What?” She jumped again.

“You’re shaking.” Caretaker took her wrist, feeling it rattle like a glass pane.

“I…I know…” Whumpee said. Her eyes filled with tears and her mouth felt suddenly dry.

“Hey…” Caretaker said, sitting her down for a moment. “What’s wrong?”

Whumpee just held herself shamefully in response.

“It’s about the scenes, isn’t it?”

Whumpee nodded, a tear falling onto her skirt.

“It wasn’t for a grade or anything, it was just for fun, you don’t need to get so worked up about it.”

“I-I know…” Whumpee finally spoke. “But it all happened so fast and there was all the yelling and no one was cooperating and seeing the other group’s skit made ours look like shit and-“

Caretaker held Whumpee for a moment in consolation. “You tried your best to get everything organized, it’s okay…” They said. “We’ll do better next time.”

Teammate One and Teammage Two walked by and saw a very upset Whumpee.

“Is she okay?!” Teammate Two panicked.

“She’s just overstimulated from that whole… mess of a scene.”

“Oh god, I’m so sorry Whumpee!” Teammate Two went in for a hug.

“My yelling probably didn’t help it either…” Teammate One knelt down in front of them.

Whumpee just closed her eyes and took a few shaky breaths to attempt to calm down. She felt another pair of arms wrap around her shoulders.

“I don’t know why we’re hugging, but I’m joining in!” Friend said.

The bell rang and the other three let go. Caretaker stayed by Whumpee’s side.

“We have science together next, right?” They asked.

Whumpee wiped her face and nodded, re-claiming her bag.

“Come here, we’ll walk there together.”

Caretaker led a shaking Whumpee to their next class through the crowded halls.

(Ironic, they made Whumpee the ‘hostage’ ;))

Taglist: @whumpy-whump-fanfics @bookbutterfly9 @whumpdreamz @diamond-flavored-whump

#whump #whump writing #whumpblr #tw anxiety attack #theatre Whump? #tw overstim #based on a true story

[theokapuco]

Maze Runner Aus that have been locked in my brain for year's and have now finally found a way out

Tmr expect the Ivy Trio [Thomas, Newt, and Minho] are corrupted / the corrupted versions of them

WCKD is still a thing in this World except they never had a Maze plan in place, instead, they took to experimenting on the subjects to get the results they want.

Thomas was a subject that showed great promise, he seemed to have the flare but his blood would constantly be getting rid of it. WCKD decided to test his limits and see if there was a certain amount of the flare his blood can take. This resulting in him becoming half crank with his blood constantly fighting the flare but the flare always grows back.

Newt is a Crank subject, he is given potential cures to the flare very often which made him conscious of his mind compared to the other cranks, but he still acts like a crank just with self-awareness now. When he attacks people he doesn't do it mindlessly he does it with purpose and knows what he's doing.

Minho was another subject who showed promise with his blood being able to cure people for a short amount of time, expect his blood didn't contain the flare like Thomas's did so he went through a different experiment. Basically the same as the movie where they put him through realistic scenarios of his worse nightmares expect he ends up losing his mind and is unable to tell what is real and what is fake.

God Au

This story does not have a plot line yet, just characters

Thomas is the God of Heros and is considered one of the nicest Gods so if you want to communicate with a God, most people recommend going to him

Newt is considered a Pathway, which basically means he's a way to get to the Gods, him and Thomas have been married for thousands of year's, he is moral but keeps his morality with a necklace Thomas gave him that connects him and Thomas together. Basically, Newt relies on Thomas's life source to keep him alive. If the necklace is taken off nothing happens, he just goes back to being moral.

Minho is a moral in this Au, he does not have a role in this Au right now but he is the main focus of this Au, with Newt and Thomas being side characters at the beginning before being main characters later on.

The Graveyard Shift [Newtmas Au]

A simple sweet Au that was inspired by "The Nightmare Before Christmas" & "I have read the complete works of Montague Summers as well as Vampires: Burial, and Death and would just like to say the Penny Dreadful's are horribly inaccurate" by Singtome & "Amalgamation" by Tattered_Dreams

Thomas is a part of the Zombie population and quite literally lives in a graveyard, he is a part-time worker at a gas station that runs 24 hours, with him taking up the Graveyard shifts. Something features about Thomas is that he can not feel pain but that does not mean he isn't hurting, he's hand could be on fire and he wouldn't know until someone pointed it out. He is also able to rip off his hand, but only his left hand specifically since that was cut off before he became a Zombie.

Newt is basically Mothman and likes bothering the shit out of Thomas during his shifts. He has bright red eyes and large moth wings, at the beginning Newt would try to scare Thomas by popping out of nowhere, hanging upside down by the ceiling but Thomas has gotten used to it and doesn't even bat a eye.

There was a time when Thomas did scare the shit out of Newt when he got stabbed by a Robber but didn't notice until Newt pointed it out and all he said was "Oh,,,how did that get there? 🤨☝️"

Basically; Strangers to Friends to Lovers

Extra --> A small concept writing of this story expect Thomas works at a coffee shop instead with Brenda

October weaves through September, summer sun green leaves turning into fall orange and reds. Pumpkin spice hangs in the air, breeze passes through the town, and the sun covers up.  Thomas yells a “see ya” before leaving his home, closing the chain link fence behind him and sprinting through the dead weeds and cracked brick path.  He rounds the corner, using the lamp post as leverage to make a sharp turn. Busting open the doors of a dingy old looking coffee shop made of dark oak wood and filled with books, webs, and mold. 

The Flower Shop Down the Street [Newtmas]

Another short and sweet Au expect with superpowers

Thomas and Newt are around 26-30 years old, they are married and run a flower shop together, their flower shop is considered one of the most popular for the fact that Thomas has water base powers that allow him to water the plants more easily, with him being able to pick up water.

Newt on the other hand is a Planter but more on the weaker side of being a Planeter where he can't fully grow a plant but he can aid them in the growing process.

Extra--> I did write a short story about this but will only show some since I do not like the writing of it, I was like 14 when I wrote this LOL

Thomas places the watering can down the floor, next to a row of multicolored roses. And like magic, the water in the can float up, Thomas having his hands out. The water parted into four balls of water, all for different kinds of roses. He puts them into place above the plant stand, spreads his fingers out and let the water drop onto the roses like small rain droplets. Minho claps his hands in slow motion "ah, impressive" Minho says sarcastically. Thomas rolled his eyes " yeah I know, am the best " Thomas replies. He continues watering the plants the same way he did with the roses. Minho watching, the thing is, Minho wasn't born with powers and he always had an interest in them. When he was a kid he would pretend to have super speed and run across the field making 'zooming' sounds. He was kinda jealous of Thomas and Newt but he got over it and accepted the fact he was powerless. 

This is it for now but in the future I probably will draw fan art of some of these Aus or built more onto them

#Me full on just vomiting all the Aus of the Maze Runner into this post 💀 #The maze runner #The maze runner aus #thomas the maze runner #newt the maze runner #minho the maze runner #Tmr #The maze runner thomas #the maze runner newt #The maze runner minho #newt tmr #thomas tmr #minho tmr #Theseus Talks

[madd-many]

mem am timeline is wack

its a blanket paracosm that is abt a bunch of sub paracosms that take place in the same universe abt serial killers

the main one is midnight prowler which is usually what i/we mean when we talk abt “mem am” it was the first n definitely the most developed n expansive

the other sub paracosms rlly only exist to flesh out the world bc my paraself likes true crime n is aware of the killers that came before him in the 60s/70s these other paracosms r

unnamed para for prestiges paraself who was the first known serial killer in this universe he believed himself to be a vampire n may have had ties to the occult

love & war (charley & severin massey the cult leaders n freddie forgothislastname late 60s/early 70s)

miserably ever after (samson rhussel a killer in the 70s called the druid of death)

until death (ethrill & aeryn- may be scrapped, takes place in the early/mid 90s)

sins of the mother (theo hyster a cannibal serial killer, takes place in the early 90s)

jessleys n antouni have been scrapped

since these all take place in the same universe obvs theres some ref to each other but mostly these r all standalone stories

then theres memento amouri: starved animals or just starved animals for short its a au of memento amouri: midnight prowler n there r two sub paracosms under the starved animals blanket paracosm: hunting grounds n butterfly

hunting grounds deviates from the original midnight prowler canon instead of meeting hartley n continuing on the original timeline horrance meets a trio of other serial killers/criminals: darrow corrigan a cannibal felix faust a grave robber n a mysterious con artist known as “a” horrance thinks hes found somewhere he belongs but ends up in a abusive relationship w the trio at the end of the story hes abandoned by them n left to pick up the pieces on his own this takes place from the point that midnight prowler does in 1985 n goes into the late 80s

butterfly picks up after a time jump following hunting grounds when horrance was w the abusive trio hed left cali n gone up to oregon to live w darrow obvs this means the serial killings in la stopped but also horrance kinda stopped killing in general once w darrow n mainly acted as an accomplice to his serial killing bf who would kill ppl to eat them for meals after the abusive relationship ended horrance went back down to cali- but away from la-n went to therapy for a bit to deal w the grief of the fallout of the relationship n to confront some other demons from his past

horrance had immersed himself into the gay clubbing scene in the 90s n ended up meeting theo hyster then butterfly turns into a au of sins of the mother where horrance n theo (fang) end up together n learning to navigate a relationship as two guys w a shit ton of trauma n nothing but maladaptive coping mechanisms to lean on ie substance abuse n serial killing hahaha

theres another midnight prowler au called happiness is a butterfly where toyhouses paraself weary is the detective that catches horrance n instead of sending horrance off to jail to be tried n put in prison on death row weary takes horrance in as a sort of guard dog

weary is an alter in a system the system core was raised in a orphanage were the core was groomed to become the worlds leading detective after a big case cost the lives of everyone the system core cherished the system core couldnt take it anymore and committed a failed attempt at sui this resulted in the system being forced into retirement the systems spends their days in a cabin located in the middle of the woods as a safety precaution

weary takes the serial killer in to act as a sort of guard dog n provide insight on light cases that weary n her system r given despite one being a serial killer n one& being a detective the two learn they have a lot in common mostly childhood trauma n pain n suffering n feeling alienated from society as a whole

#user: hollow🐺👑 #paracosm: source 💀🥀🔪 #paracosm: starved animals #paracosm: hunting grounds #paracosm: source: 🎀🧸🫖 #paraportal #fictional abuse

[mhathotfic]

Something came up for the other person so I’ll give you her backstory now:

TW: child witnesses her father die first hand, police mention, selective muteness as a trauma response, robbery

Aikiko Fujimoto was born to a middle class suburban family in Mitaka (real place) to Harumi and Shuyo Fujimoto. Shuyo was a quirkless man who worked as an accountant for a tech company a few miles off Hibarigaoka Station (also real). Harumi had a quirk that gave her heightened senses but it wasn’t nearly as powerful as her daughter’s, and primarily effected her hearing.

When Aikiko was 12 she went with her father to his job for a school project and tragedy struck. Above the subway a major earthquake caused the ceiling to collapse resulting in many casualties, one of which was Shuyo. Aikiko witnessed her father being crushed by layers of rubble, clutching on his lifeless body she wept only to be dragged away kicking and screaming by the local police.

Her father’s death traumatized her so deeply that she went non verbal for two years. She only fully recovered at age 15, allowing her to graduate high school with passing grades.

She still lacked motivation in life but went to university with the goal of becoming an agent for the hero committee. After just becoming an intern at 22, she witnessesthe atrocities the committee put people, including herself. She quit and moving into a tiny apartment in the city where she earned her money through various odd jobs and freelance gigs. At age 25 she was victim to robbery in her apartment which she was surprised to find rookie pro hero Dynamight stopping the robber. Apparently Dynamight, or she soon learned to be called Katsuki Bakugou, lived in a nearby complex with his former classmate/best friend/on again off again boyfriend Kirishima. He heard the ruckus and decided to step in. Aikiko wasn’t a big fan of hero society so she just thanked him and moved on, assuming she would never see him again.

She did, however, see him again… and again… and again. She was unfortunate enough to fall victim to many a villain attack out of sheer bad luck and circumstance. Slowly she built up a relationship with Dynamight and a few other young pros, smoothly blending into their friend group. From then on she was able to have a life much more enjoyable.

Darling this is so well thought out! Aikiko being polite but indifferent to Bakugou who is not the most polite person or one to take indifference towards himself lightly is an interesting start to their relationship and the way they just keep ending up in similar circumstances that leads to an eventual friendship?

I would read the hell out of a story like this

#pretty petra #mutual❤️ #other’s ocs #bnha bakugou #mha bakugou

[truck-fump]

From Robber Barons to Bezos: Is History Repeating...

New Post has been published on https://robertreich.org/post/730907453424795648

From Robber Barons to Bezos: Is History Repeating...

From Robber Barons to Bezos: Is History Repeating Itself?

Ultra-wealthy elites…Political corruption…Vast inequality…

These problems aren’t new — in the late 1800s they dominated the country during America’s first Gilded Age.

We overcame these abuses back then, and we can do it again.

Mark Twain coined the moniker “The Gilded Age” in his 1873 novel to describe the era in American history characterized by corruption and inequality that was masked by a thin layer of prosperity for a select few.

The end of the 19th century and start of the 20th marked a time of great invention — bustling railroads, telephones, motion pictures, electricity, automobiles — which changed American life forever.

But it was also an era of giant monopolies — oil, railroad, steel, finance — run by a small group of men who had grown rich beyond anything America had ever seen.

They were known as “robber barons” because they ran competitors out of business, exploited workers, charged customers exorbitant prices, and lived like royalty as a result.

Money consumed politics. Robber barons and their lackeys donated bundles of cash to any lawmaker willing to do bidding on their behalf. And when lobbying wasn’t enough, the powerful turned to bribery — resulting in some of the most infamous political scandals in American history.

The gap between the rich and poor in America reached astronomical levels. Large numbers of Americans lived in squalor.

Anti-immigrant sentiment raged, leading to the enactment of racist laws to restrict immigration. And voter suppression, largely aimed at Black men who had recently won the right to vote, was rampant.

The era was also marked by dangerous working conditions. Children often as young as 10, but sometimes younger, worked brutal hours in sweatshops. Workers trying to organize labor unions were attacked and killed.

It seemed as if American capitalism was out of control, and American democracy couldn’t do anything about it because it was bought and paid for by the rich.

But Americans were fed up, and they demanded reform. Many took to the streets in protest.

Investigative journalists, often called “muckrakers” then, helped amplify their cries by exposing what was occurring throughout the country.

And a new generation of political leaders rose to end the abuses.

Politicians like Teddy Roosevelt, who warned that, “a small class of enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power,” could destroy American democracy.

After becoming president in 1901, Roosevelt used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up dozens of powerful corporations, including the giant Northern Securities Company which had come to dominate railroad transportation through a series of mergers.

Seeking to limit the vast fortunes that were creating a new American aristocracy, Congress enacted a progressive income tax through the 16th Amendment, as well as two wealth taxes.

The first wealth tax, in 1916, was the estate tax — a tax on the wealth someone accumulated during their lifetime, paid by the heirs who inherited it. The second tax on wealth, enacted in 1922, was a capital gains tax — a tax on the increased value of assets, paid when those assets were sold.

The reformers of the Gilded Age also stopped corporations from directly giving money to politicians or political candidates.

And then Teddy Roosevelt’s fifth cousin — you may have heard of him — continued the work through his New Deal programs — creating Social Security, unemployment insurance, a 40-hour workweek, and requiring that employers bargain in good faith with labor unions.

But following the death of FDR and the end of World War II, when America was building the largest middle class the world had ever seen — we seemed to forget about the abuses of the Gilded Age.

Now, more than a century later, America has entered a second Gilded Age.

It is also a time of extraordinary invention.

And a time when monopolies are taking over vast swathes of the economy, so we must renew antitrust enforcement to bust up powerful companies.

Now, another generation of robber barons is accumulating unprecedented money and power. So once again, we must tax these exorbitant fortunes.  

Wealthy individuals and big corporations are once again paying off lawmakers, sending them billions to conduct their political campaigns, even giving luxurious gifts to Supreme Court justices. So we need to protect our democracy from Big Money, just as we did before.

Voter suppression runs rampant in the states as during the first Gilded Age, making it harder for people of color to participate in what’s left of our democracy. So it’s once again critical to defend and expand voting rights.

Working people are once again being exploited and abused, child labor is returning, unions are busted, the poor are again living in unhealthy conditions, homelessness is on the rise, and the gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else is nearly as large as in the first Gilded Age. So once again we need to protect the rights of workers to organize, invest in social safety nets, and revive guardrails to protect against the abuses of great wealth and power.

The question now is the same as it was at the start of the 20th century: Will we fight for an economy and a democracy that works for all rather than the few?

We’ve done it before. We can — and must — do it again.

#Uncategorized

[mintb0w]

"Get out!" 

A senior, in his late 40s, threw me out of the store. My hands and cheek simultaneously received cuts as a result of my face brushing against the coarse sand. This stunned everyone, but they proceeded with their current tasks. I glanced behind me while adjusting my hat, which was concealing my vision. Those fiery brown eyes that could penetrate through me met mine. I quickly crouch in his direction and bow my head in forgiveness. 

"You must understand, please! To support my son, I need money!" I pleaded with my life. He chuckled at my face as I looked up with tears streaming down my face. "What gives you the impression that I'll hire you? You deceived to my face admittedly, and now you want something from me. Ha, women are expected to take care of their families at home."

I was cognizant of it. These folks wouldn't comprehend. "How am I supposed to care for my family if my husband is gone? Only eight years old and ill, my son."

He moved to kick me out of his path. He roared indignantly, "Don't question me and just go! The conversation has ended; you won't be hired for this position. You're upsetting my clients."

I stood up and grabbed my waist where he kicked me.  Another attempt to find employment has failed. Once they hear my voice, they can identify me. For lying about my gender, they strip me of my clothing and beat me. Barely inches before grabbing my wallet, I bent down. It was instantly taken by a hand with quick movement and fled. 

"NO!" I shouted and followed after him. He hasn't gone very far, I think to myself, and I come up with a strategy. I ran after him and decided to slip around him. Once he realizes he no longer needs to be concerned about me, he will let his guard down. 

I halted and started to pant. I catch of him looking behind and smirked. Of course, this infuriated me, but I managed to disappear into the crowd and chase after him. We don't want him to venture too far. I concealed myself behind this location's rugged walls. He paused his sprint to survey his surroundings. I continued to look at him. 

I lowered my hat to shield my front eyes as he entered a shoe store. I followed them inside and took a few minutes to look around. Various shoe styles are hung throughout the store. I saw a few little pairs of shoes and wondered if my son needed some new ones. No, I have to remain focused. From above, I could hear gasping noises, so I followed them. When I entered the room, a sleepy man was strangling the elf-like robber. Legs around his neck and squeeze his neck hard. I grinned maliciously, thinking that this might be my moment to steal my money. I moved in closer and attempted to take the man's wallet, but he pulled me away. He sure is greedy, for someone is suffocating to death.

"Listen, thief, I'll help you but in return, I want my money. I know the exact money I have to so don't try anything. Deal?" He hesitated but he turned blue and nodded his head quickly. I let out my hand in expecting my money out. He went through his pocket as he gasped desperately. Tossed my wallet and random money too. Which I accepted and started to look around. I pulled a string which seemed like it kind of worked. He looked better but the sleeping man began to squeeze again and groaned. the thief began to whimper so I panic. I don't want to see a dead man here. So, I pulled on the sleeping man's leg in attempt to get on off. Didn't worked; he is extremely strong which is scary. 

I know! I approached the man and tickled his neck close to his face. On everyone, it typically works, and it did. He laughed before letting the thief go. Before I could grab him, the thief panted and fled. I groaned quietly and turned to face the man. Probably a restless sleeper. Maybe there is a job vacancy for him. In an effort to look like a man, I tucked my hair under my hat. Women can work, yet sexism exists, and men are typically paid more. I approached him and gave his right leg a little kick.

The sleeping man yawned as I sensed him shift. I stooped and prodded his shoulders. He quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me down before I could react. I gasped and tripped over him. He encircled my waist with his legs while stabilizing me with his arms. He squeezes hard and then gently releases. For him, I resemble a teddy bear. It seems as though my brain stopped thinking because I didn't move a muscle. What shall I do? Move him aside? Attempting to rouse him? But why do I feel as though I want to stay where I am?

It's very cozy and secure. Since having my son, I haven't experienced this. I was able to forget about everything because of the warm, cozy sensation. Despite the fact that he is a stranger, perhaps I could continue like this for a while. I was desperate to have this from someone. I shed a few tears because I was so at ease for once. How pathological that a hug made me feel so emotional...

NO! Why am I doing this? This is untrue. I kick him while using my feet to free my legs from his grip. My knee struck his region. He immediately shrieked in pain as a result, released me, and put his hands on his area. He began to roll about. I'm aware of how delicate the area is there, but I didn't mean to hit.

"Oh, dear! I apologize; I was just trying to get you to move away from me. I wasn't trying to hurt you." I brushed away my tears and stayed away from the man. I doubt he will hire me after what I did to him... He remained on the ground for five minutes as I kept hunting for something to assist him. Sincerity be damned, I have no idea why I'm still here. I'll flee as soon as I can if he does try to hurt me. He stood up and the space between us was silent. He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side. Oh! He requests an explanation of my presence.

"To start with, I wasn't intending to steal from you or act creepily. I came here to apprehend a thief who broke into your store. You affix him to your trousers," He looked down and saw a few tiny holes when I pointed out his overalls. "I succeeded in separating him from you, but regrettably he got away. I apologize; he also stole from me, but I was able to recover it. But you didn't." He patted my head as I made a small bow. His face was relaxed when I raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and pulled out his pockets, which were empty.

"Are you trying to say that you didn't have the money before?" I asked and he nodded his head. That got me thinking, if I worked for him, he might be able to recoup his costs. I'll also be paid!

"You own his business, yes?" He cocked his head to the side and nodded when I asked. "Great, I could work for you--" I quickly stopped talking when he immediately shook his head "no." My eyes started to tear up once more, and my smile faded. I can't take it any longer. I didn't mean to kick his crotch, so maybe that's why. Why is getting a job, which I only desired, so difficult?

"Why?" My voice quivered as I questioned. He looked down before his eyes widened when I got closer to his face. "I need a job. I need to make money to save my son. Please, I beg of you."

He gave me a little shove away as he continued to stare into my (f/c) eyes. He pulled one of the tacks out of his mouth and spoke, "My business isn't going so smoothly, I'm afraid you have to find someplace else." I sank on the ground and begged. "Nobody will work with a woman like me! I'm running short on time! If you want, I'll put on a man's suit and market your company everywhere." I stumbled over my words. My heart bleeds at the idea of my son leaving me as well, and I started to cry in an ugly way. The idea makes me feel hopeless and like a failure in front of my son.

He extended his hand to me, and I took it. I must depart and look elsewhere. How humiliating. crying in his presence. He raises me up and pushes my facial hair out; I flushed since this seems unusual. His smile grew softer as I stared into his kind, blue eyes. He said "Your devotion to your son is admirable. I'll give you a job, but I also advise acquiring a second one. Please, if you need anything, come to me. I'll want you to get dress--" I interrupted him before he could continue his thought because I held him so tightly that I started crying. I needed to let this out before I let my son see me like this, but I couldn't control myself. I'm so used to crying alone at night, but at this moment, I needed support. He cradled me tenderly in his arms and ran his pale fingers through my hair.

His fingers dried my tears as I pulled away, and as my heart began to race, I badly blushed. I hesitantly allowed him some room and inquired, "I apologize for not having introduced myself. What is yours, I'm Y/N?"

His left hand still held his tack and showed it to me, "I'm Tack. Pleasure to meet you."

What an odd name...

~~~

(I watched the Princess and the Cobbler. I know he is mute in other movies, but that shit is hard to describe and I'm lazy too)

Follow me at my Wattpad: MintB0w

#tack #tack the cobbler #tackxreader #tackthecobblerxreader #romance #cute #oneshots

[himbo-blacksmith]

Eskom (South Africa's power generation & distribution company) has been On One for a few weeks. Or, rather, a few years. More than a decade, really.

Under Thabo Mbeki (called himself the African Thatcher), the state owned entity was forbidden from building more generation capacity in order to make space for the private sector to build generation capacity. During this period, a white paper was released showing that the company needed to add 24 GW of generation capacity, none of which should be coal powered. Rolling blackouts begin in 2007, a year before Mbeki is ousted as President.

Then, under Jacob Zuma (Currently under investigation for multiple corruption related cases), the company sought to build two of the world's largest coal burning power stations, which even international firms refused to undertake because the projects were doomed. Kusile and Medupi were begun in 2011, expected to finish construction in 2017. Neither are finished, and the units that are functioning on both power stations continuously break down and require expensive repairs. The company refuses to build renewable energy. During this period it goes into so much debt that it is at risk of defaulting, and it is only this ill-advised borrowing that allows for a handful of years without rolling blackouts.

Under Cyril Ramaphosa (Tries to be the New Deal Guy, ends up just being Jimmy Carter), the company has been trying desperately to recover from the debt crisis that Zuma's policies put it in. This would not be a problem if the company were just an organ of state, rather than a nominally independent state owned entity. Malcontent contractors have scored maintenance contracts worth millions of rands which they are not qualified for, leading to half-measures which result in breakdowns that require even more repairs, creating a feedback loop of perverse incentives to continue sabotaging infrastructure for ever more money.

We are finally investing in renewable energy, slowly, but things are being severely hampered by Minister for Mineral Resources & Energy Gwede Mantashe, who is widely rumoured to be bankrolled by coal barons. He also brought in a Turkish company that provides grey hydrogen power generation, the Karpowership, which was irregular and which would be environmentally detrimental in the harbour it would be docked in.

Essentially, due to a reduction in state capacity and political paralysis, local elites have been allowed to usurp the functions of state for their own profit. Like wolves nipping at the heels of a sick cow, these robber barons are profiting from the death spiral South Africa finds itself in. Only drastic and punitive action will stave off these scavengers, but due to the aforementioned political paralysis, no one is going to take that necessary action.

#anyway im going to have 6 hours of electricity tomorrow #this has been going on for weeks #just build solar power #fuck eskom #fuck the anc #specifically thabo mbeki and jacob zuma

[linuxgamenews]

Code Alkonost adventure horror will make its way onto Linux

Code Alkonost survival horror game will end with a Linux and Mac port with Windows PC. Due to the creative works and further details from developer Remote Human. Working to make its way onto Steam in 2023. Remote Human is eager to announce the official teaser for the highly anticipated horror game Code Alkonost. Due to release on PC in 2023 on all major digital platforms. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, Code Alkonost explores psychological and survival horror elements inside a dark fantasy world. All inspired by Slavic mythology and medievalism style. On top of that, Linux and Mac support are also in the plan.

Firstly, we will release the game for PC platforms (Windows, Linux, and Mac) with VR integration support.

Code Alkonost will release on Windows PC, then evolve onto Linux and Mac. Due to deliver the native port, roughly, by March 31st, 2023. Where gameplay uses an immersive feature (Sanity Effect). Which will track user behaviour during gameplay. So you can see, there is a reason to keep the Early Access release focused one platform. So be sure to Wishlist the game for Early Access (it's free). With enough support, the developer "will provide Linux build for playtesting."

Code Alkonost | 10 Minutes of Gameplay

Code Alkonost is an upcoming single-player adventure horror game. The game features story-rich and setting inspired by Slavic mythology. Players will travel through a dark fantasy world and face possessive spirits. These are spirits from the underworld. Along with a unique art style and stories never before seen in horror games. In Code Alkonost, two twin sisters Sasha and Aleksandra go out to leave gifts. Doing so in front of the idol of the Slavic god Perun. Since they believe the gods would give them health and peace in the Jawia world. While Sasha is handing over food to the idol, Sister Aleksandra decides to become playful and hides from Sasha. Which also leads Sasha to the entrance to the Forbidden. A place where robbers are sent when they receive the death penalty. Where it was believed that demons wander. After arriving at the Forbidden Forest, she hears her sister screaming. After she decides to enter the forest. As a result, the entrance to the forest is closed and there is no way out for Sasha. The sunset has set as you enter the Slavic survival horror.

Features:

Sanity effect: The sanity effect can impact the Code Alkonost overall gameplay. Doing so by adding tension and fear inside the game setting. It's a patented gameplay feature that will make you think outside the box. On top of letting you use external PC equipment. Due to make your gameplay deeper, based on your emotions.

Travel from Jawia to Nawia: Exciting story-rich game inspired by Slavic mythology and culture. Dark fantasy books and comics heavily inspire the game story. Visit Slavic mythology versions of the human world and the underworld. Face mythical creatures, solve Slavic god's quests, and discover mysteries. Delve inside dynamic and deept settings. Learn how to use Slavic witchcraft to protect yourself from enemies. Get to know the Code Alkonost characters and solve puzzles to progress.

You can't fight back: The Code Alkonost hero has no weapons or way to fight back. Instead, she needs to run and hide from creatures. The creatures will have various temperments, so it is up to the player to decide how to deal with them. All due to further progress through the game world. Are they friends or foes?

Real actors and realistic setting: The unique visual art style and scanned objects form an ethnographic museum and famous locations. Since they have never been in any game before. Scanned face models and voiceovers of real word actors. Due to provide an amazing cinematic experience. All developed using novel state of the art tech. Professional voice actors provide the voices to create the feeling that someone is watching you.

maturity and Progress:

The psychological horror story of maturity and progression: Code Alkonost

Authentic Slavic music: The Code Alkonost game soundtrack consists of ethno and traditional Slavic folklore music. But all due to offer different arrangements. Music speeds up in certain situations to make the player aware of approaching danger. Frightening music and sound effects will create tension. Since the player is inside dark forests and empty castles.

Code Alkonost is available to Wishlist now on Steam. A public demo is planned for fall 2022. Free-to-play during Early Acces or until Q1 2023. Due to arrive on Windows PC, followed by Linux and Mac. With enough Wishlist support on Steam, we will have a Linux build for playtesting.

#code alkonost #survival horror #linux #remote human #ubuntu #mac #windows #pc #unreal engine 4 #gaming news

[artrmeblog]

ARCANE OC IDEA: Helena from Noxus (update)

General Information:

She is an escape-y who fled Noxus to escape her notoriously sadistic and high ranking parents by faking her own death and escaping to Zaun. She knew Mel when she was growing up, but Mel was terrified of her, on the count of her parents turning Helena into a killing machine from a very early age. (The bottom picture is Mel’s point of view and how she remembers Helena). The scar was given to her by her mother, after failing to execute someone who fled the household when she was 13.

Now Helena is older and trying to live a comfortable life, stealing and looting whatever she finds. This is how she meets Jinx, whom she rescues after getting knocked out (picture two is how Jinx sees her before she passes out) . She is immediately drawn to her, as she reminds her of both Silco and Young Vi. Helena has Silco’s cunning manipulative edge and dotes on her like a parent, but Vi’s warmth and caring hand with Jinx. Both spend their days tinkering bombs, pulling pranks, and laughing. Its thanks to Helena that Jinx manages to find ways to manipulate and control force of impact from her bombs. On top of that Helena is the person she comes to crying about Vi, Silco, and the explosion that killed her family. She helps Jinx work through a lot of trauma, even joking about “cutting those guys some slack every once in a while” (in reference to Ekko, Vi and even Caitlynn)

Despite appearing “sane” especially in contrast to Jinx, Helena is actually troubled by things such as paranoia, nightmares, insomnia and severe panic attacks, as a result of her earlier years and the abuse she endured. They are most commonly set of by witnessing (large pools of blood, screaming kids etc.) (picture no.4)

Once Mel finds out that Helena is actually alive, word of this gets back to her mother, who makes it a personal mission, to capture Helena and bring her back to her parents, “by any means necesseary” in hopes of securing political support from her parents. While Helena evades capture, her and Mel actually become something sort of frenemies, getting along while bickering, and even saving each others asses numerous times. During their adventures, Ekko, Vi and Caitlynn have to work with them a couple of times, to achieve a similiar goal. (picture no.6)

…More to be added…

Love interests?

The Designated doctor who worked for her family had a son, Ernest, who was around her age. He and his father would be witness to the many MANY violent punishments her parents would dish out to Helena. When she “died”, both him and his father were devestated (even creating a special memorial statue for her). A few years later, Ernest is in Zaun working as a doctor and engineer in the undercity, when he catches Helena trying to rob his clinic for medical supplies. He is overcome with joy when he realises who his robber actually is. Helena appears happy as well to see him, but when they go out to “catch up” she tries to kill him, thinking that he is still working for her parents, and thats why he is in Zaun. Instead she takes him as “prisoner” but when she realises that he is actually not a spy, she offers him to stay with her and Jinx, under the guise of helping out with their missions. He obviously still has a crush on her, but for most of the story she does n’t see him in that way, until the very end.

How does her story end?

After a series of adventures, Helena does manage to defeat her crazy family, but their downfall causes mass problems back in Noxus. With this, both of her and Mel are tasked to go back, in hopes of fixing things and restoring peace, which is a task that would take several years. She does offer Jinx to go with her, however Jinx (still attached to Vi despite no longer being on best of terms) declines. This leads to a very tearful goodbye, as Helena goes on the ship to take her to Noxus. Before leaving she tells Jinx. “Contrary to what your name may imply, your presence in my life has brought me nothing but greatness and fortune, and I want you to know that.” This departure would be the first time Jinx has a proper goodbye with someone. (picture no.5)

Age: Older than Caitlynn but younger than Mel

Height: 6ft2

Characteristics: Cunning, Playful, Warm and protective of those she cares about, Skilled, Analytical and Observative, Manipulative, Foul Tempered, Prone to Mood Swings, Can become Sadistic when enraged passed a certain point.

Weapon: A giant axe that has the ability to extend the handle pole. This was her weapon from when she was even a still a kid being conditioned to become a killing machine by her family (thus getting the nickname “HeLLena the Executioner” for her most common method of execution, decapitation). She is also an exeptionally talented and agile fighter.

Sexuality: Asexual but romantic

Pronouns: She/her or they/them

Fun Facts:

-Helena’s family was inspired by the history of the Bathory Family (whose most famous member is the serial killer Elizabeth Bathory). This is in reference not only to their sadism, but also their status. So wealthy and influential that they are LITERALLY above the law. This is why Mel’s mother was so keen on bringing Helena back to them.

-The name Helena was in reference to “the face that launched a thousand ships”. Mel’s mother goes to great lenghts to try and find her, and it plays a huge part of the story.

-Her appearance was strategical. Earlier, it was mentioned that the reason Jinx gets attached so quickly is due to her reminding her of both Silco and Young Vi. This is seen in her big bold eyes and brows (Vi) contrary to the greasy brown hair and the scar on the face which is on the same side as Silco’s.

#oc #aesthetic #original #digital art #fan art #art #story #process art #arcane #arcane netflix #netflix #jinx #jinx arcane #vi #vi arcane #ekko #silco #arcane oc

[giveamadeuschohisownmovie]

“The Suicide Squad” movie review:

Short review:

It’s better than the 2016 movie. I give it a solid A rating.

Long review: 

I’m going to approach this movie from a different angle than my usual reviews. For me to really talk about this movie, I have to go back and discuss how I felt about the 2016 movie. First and foremost, let me just say that I hate the 2016 Suicide Squad film. It was clunky, pointless, and felt like a bunch of scenes stapled together rather than a cohesive picture. What’s interesting is that a big reason why the 2021 movie succeeds is that it fixed a lot of what I felt were the 2016 movie’s problems. 

This is why I have to take a different angle for this review. To really talk about the good points, I gotta go into what I felt were problems in the 2016 movie and explain how the 2021 movie rectified those mistakes. Alright, let’s begin.

1) The mission is more appropriate for this type of team. I felt that the 2016 movie went about the wrong way by sending the Suicide Squad in to stop Enchantress from conquering the city/world. I know that it was more so to rescue Amanda Waller, but I felt that the mission in the 2016 movie was more suited for a Justice League-type team. 

The Suicide Squad is a black ops team made of imprisoned supervillains that is sent in to do Waller’s dirty work. They should be doing shady shit that rubs the audience the wrong way. And in the 2021 movie, that’s what they’re doing. The mission is objectively horrible since it’s the US intervening in a South American country to cover up their illegal actions (insert real world parallels here). That’s far from heroic, but it works for the movie since that’s exactly what the Squad should be used for.

/

2) The movie actually lives up to the “Suicide” part of “Suicide Squad”. If I recall correctly, only two members of the Squad and some rando Navy SEALs died in the original film. While I generally frown on stories just killing people off for shock value, Suicide Squad is an exception since a high body count is to be expected for this team. Heck, even Deadshot called out that there’s a high chance most of them will die during the mission. So yes, most of the team dies in the 2021 movie, but it’s fine since it’s being true to the story and the comics.

/

3) The movie did a better job at portraying the team as villains being forced to do another villain’s dirty work. Deadshot repeatedly says in the 2016 movie that they’re bad guys, but the movie didn’t do a good job showing that. It’s Will Smith, the audience knows his character is actually a good man on the inside. And that’s not even covering Diablo, the tragic man who is trying to repent for his past actions, or Katana, who isn’t even a supervillain.

In the 2021 movie, it’s a lot more clear that the characters we’re following are horrible people. Bloodsport is a shitty father who competes with Peacemaker over who can kill the most creatively. Peacemaker is Captain America but if he was a crazy, right-wing monster. Ratcatcher 2 is an apathetic bank robber. Polka Dot Man is basically Norman Bates. And Harley Quinn is...Harley Quinn. While the team does get their hero moment, I like that the Squad was actually portrayed as supervillains being forced to do good. 

/

4) Way better characterization for Amanda Waller. While 2016 Amanda Waller was no saint, 2021 Amanda Waller is straight up an irredeemable monster. And that’s good because the concept of the Suicide Squad (forcing prisoners to do illegal operations for the government) is vile to begin with. 

/

5) The found family dynamics feels more earned in this movie than the 2016 film. I already wrote this in another post, but it’s not enough to just tell the audience that the team is a family. Harley Quinn can say her teammates are her family all she wants, but it’s not convincing since there were barely any scenes of the 2016 team just bonding. Yeah, they had that scene at the bar, but most of that scene was dedicated to Diablo’s backstory. Other than that, the team were just sorta together. 

In the 2021 movie, you actually believe that the Squad is a found family just based on how they interact. What’s the big difference? Well, the team actually...you know...interacts with each other. This is where James Gunn really shines through since the “Guardians of the Galaxy” vibe really works for this type of story. You can’t just tell the audience that the team is a family, you need to show it, which Gunn does. 

/

6) The movie utilizes the team way better than the 2016 film. A big problem I had with the first film was that the story didn’t really justify why the Squad had to be the ones to handle Enchantress. The US government already had the Navy SEALs. Plus, there were several members who didn’t really contribute to the mission. I kept forgetting that Killer Croc was there, Captain Boomerang wasn’t given that much to do, and Katana was completely wasted.  

The 2021 movie did a better job justifying why each member of the Squad was important. Yes, most of them died, but the deaths established just how expendable the team was. And for the final battle, each member contributed in taking Starro down. I never felt that there was a teammate who could’ve been left out of the movie. Even the members who died early on were more memorable than the 2016 roster. 

/

Okay, that’s a good stopping point. To sum up, this movie feels like James Gunn read the negative reviews for the 2016 movie and used them as a reference in directing the 2021 movie. Even though Warner Bros and DC don’t want to call this movie a reboot, it really does feel like one due to how much it feels like a do-over. And you know what...I’m fine with that since the end result was a much better, more cohesive story.

#suicide squad #the suicide squad #DCEU #movie review #film review #dc movies #bloodsport #harley quinn #ratcatcher 2 #polka dot man #king shark #peacemaker #rick flag #katana #killer croc #captain boomerang #james gunn #amanda waller #dc comics #warner bros #nanaue #enchantress #dc spoilers #movie spoilers

[thefanficmonster]

Few Too Many

Corpse Husband x Reader (Female)

Warnings: Swearing, In-game violence and death, Suggestive comments

Genre: Protective fluff, Humor, RPF (Real Person Fic)

Summary: Jealousy is a dangerous thing, especially when the jealous person is armed with a gun....in a game of Counter Strike. At least Y/N’s friend will now know not to mess around and flirt with her, especially not with Corpse around.

Requested by 🐐 Anon. Hi dear! Thank you so much for your request! Sorry it’s taken me so long to complete and post your request but here it finally is! I didn’t want to make it IRL violence to avoid triggering anyone while I also felt it’d be very ooc for Corpse to beat someone up but I still hope you enjoy the fic if you come across it and read it! Love, Vy ❤

“Hey everyone!“ Y/N greets her squad as they all customize their characters while I sit there, observing and unknowing of what I’m supposed to do. “I invited Corpse to play with us today, hope y’all don’t mind.”

“Of course not! Nice to finally meet you, Corpse. We’ve heard a ton about you from Y/N, thanks for making our girl the happiest she’s ever been.“ One of her friends says, the tone of his voice suggesting he’s only half-joking with the dad like comment he made.

“Nice to meet you too, man. Glad I’m the one she gave the chance of making her happy. That’s all I ever wanna do.“ Though it may sound cheesy, as guys, her friends can probably read into how genuinely I mean what I’ve said.

Dating a girl with only guy friends has it’s pros and cons. Which outweigh which is still up for debate since I’m still researching, but so far so good in my opinion. This is the first time I’m interacting with them directly so I’ve still got a long way to go in terms of getting to know them and the details of their relationship with Y/N better. Regardless, I at least know they can easily understand me and put themselves in my shoes if I ever ‘mess things up’ with Y/N and she goes to complain to them - something that will most likely never happen. I’d never dare make this girl upset. Chances are, if I do, her friends won’t get to me on time - I would deliver my own punishment just the way I think I deserve it. However, there’s also the chance of them getting super protective of her and ganging up on me over something as small as a fight. By the many things and stories Y/N’s shared with me about them, I believe they wouldn’t think twice about kicking someone’s ass for her. They’re not massive dudes - I’ve seen pictures of them - but I for one don’t ever wanna see em angry.

“Ay bro, what’d you do to score our best girl? You must know what she likes. If so please, by all means, do tell.“ One of them, not the one who was previously talking, speaks up, his words making me furrow my brows in both confusion and irritation.

I open my mouth to complain as I slowly start cracking my knuckles when Y/N and her friends beat me to it. Thing is, Y/N’s friend group consists of three guys and her and yet four voices scolded the guy that made that suggestive comment. That being said, this guy probably isn’t considered to be one of her friends, at least not one that’s a permanent part of her friend group.

“Seth, cut it out!“ The guy I was previously speaking to says sharply before softening his tone to refer to me, “Sorry about my brother, excuse his lack of brain cells, please.“

Just then, I also receive a message from someone. Checking my phone, turns out it’s Y/N who by the way is currently in the living room while I’m in the recording room. Her text reads:

Y/N ~ Ignore Seth. I told Leo to not invite him but he’s still here somehow

I send her back a quick reassuring text before answering the guy I now know is named Leo, “No worries, it’s fine.”

“See? The guy can take a joke, you’re all just freaking out over nothing!“ Seth laughs, reminding me and the others of how loud he is compared to us.

Despite acting like it’s no big deal, I can’t help but admit to myself that this behavior of Seth’s has awoken a deeply buried suspicion of mine that’s not only mine but also arises in every guy whose girlfriend hangs out with a lot of guys. It’s not that I don’t trust Y/N - she could literally blindfold me and tell me to walk through a pool of lava, promising it wouldn’t hurt and I’d do it - but we all know about that saying that every guy in a group with one girl has liked said girl at least once.

Disturbing to think these four, including Seth five, dudes could’ve possibly been my competition at some point. It’s nice that they’re all super chill about it, mostly cause some of them have girlfriends as I was told.

Nevertheless, we get over that hiccup and carry on with the small talk and preparations for the game. Since it’s my first time playing CSGO, Y/N, Leo and her other friend Clancy explain the mechanics to me in detail to avoid me getting confused mid-game and getting myself killed. When they finish, we start the round and wait for the game’s algorithm to separate us into two teams which Y/N jokingly refers to as cops and robbers. Unfortunately, the end result of that separation ends up being me getting put in the terrorists’ force with Leo and Clancy while Y/N’s with the FBI, partnered with Seth and her other friend Evan.

“Alright, team, we shall now disperse. Corpse, remember, if you see more than one of them, radio in and lay low, we’ll be with you as soon as possible.“ Leo informs me as he runs off in one direction, Clancy going in the opposite. I confirm I understand and go along my way too, heading for this ancient looking structure that looks like it could belong in an old-timey movie. 

Walking in, I realize the place is way bigger than it appeared on the outside. A quick look up confirms that there are three fucking floors above, not to mention that the ground floor is huge. Luckily, there are many crates and barrels to hide behind if I come across an FBI agent. I sure as hell hope it’s Y/N, I could maybe even try talking her into giving me a second chance at life and pretend she never saw me. Come to think of it though, I’d probably prefer getting killed by her rather than her friends - especially Seth.

Given that we’re in a Discord call, I can hear all the conversation going on. They are all quiet though, I can just periodically hear the mumbles of someone muttering to themselves as they navigate the map cautiously out of fear of running into their opponent unprepared. The silence is put to an end though when Seth speaks up, addressing Y/N.

“Yo, your boyfriend’s with the terrorists, ain’t he? That’s like the universe giving you a sign that y’all shouldn’t be together.“ The fucker laughs at his own joke while I can literally hear Y/N rolling her eyes.

“Have you heard of Romeo and Juliet, Seth?“ She asks sarcastically, almost getting a chuckle out of me but I suppress it to avoid getting caught listening in.

“Yeah, they both die at the end. Fucking boooriiinngg.“ Just then, I spot two silhouettes entering the building. Aiming my gun at them reveals their names - just the people I’m currently involuntarily eavesdropping on. Seth and Y/N don’t notice me though so I quickly duck behind a crate and prepare to radio in when Seth continues verbally torturing Y/N and dancing on my last nerves, “I personally think the friends-to-lovers trope is far more interesting...“

Did this guy just- no, he’s gotta be fucking kidding me

I’m left with my jaw hanging in disbelief at this guy’s audacity. I have no doubt Y/N’s about to put him in his place herself but I just gotta have my own chat with this guy. And by ‘chat’ I mean I mindlessly rush out from behind the crate towards where I saw him and Y/N and open fire on him.  I hear his startled and upset screams with Y/N’s laughter in the background. She doesn’t try to stop me as a teammate of his should and would, instead she just observes the scene unfold, laughing her ass off.

“Yo man what the fuck was that for?!“ I hear Seth’s yell but only faintly since the sound of gunshots is still echoing through my headphones. Yeah, I’m not done shooting this fucker.

“Corpse...Corpse, buddy...“ Y/N manages through fits of laughter she cannot tame, “That’s a few too many bullets, he’s already dead.”

“And that was a few too many comments for him to be let off the hook.” I answer as sharply as I can with the new-formed smile on my face. What can I say, her happiness is contagious.

“Well, you got your first kill in CSGO. Good job, babe! I’m super proud of you!” She cheers for me, clapping her hands excitedly. 

“Nah that was my first overkill.“ I quickly add, with a more threatening tone: “And it won’t be my last.”

“Let’s just hope there aren’t few too many of these overkills either.“ She snickers.

“That doesn’t depend on me, babe.“ I say smugly, suggestively enough for Seth to pick up the dropped hint. Mother fucker’s officially been put in his place and I couldn’t possibly be happier - with the added bonus of getting a ton of laughter out of Y/N who also decides to walk away, leaving me unharmed but promising to shoot to kill next time she sees me.

I’m ok with that. She could kill me anyday.

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[septembercfawkes]

Getting Passive Protagonists to Act

Many beginning writers struggle with protagonists who are too passive. The plot seems to constantly be happening to him or her, but the protagonist doesn’t take an action to make the plot happen.

Ideally, when an event happens to a protagonist, the protagonist responds by taking an action that influences the next event, which then influences the protagonist, which then influences an event—and on and on. But that can be easier said than done. Especially if you have a protagonist who prefers to live life passively.

This could all get confusing, though, because in story structure, almost all protagonists will more or less become more proactive. But for the sake of this post, I'm talking about protagonists who are characteristically passive. A protagonist who may want to kick up his feet in a hammock with a glass of lemonade and watch the world deal with its own problems. How do we write a story about that guy?

Many people will tell you that you can't--you must change the character.

But that is not wholly true.

It's true in a good story, we need the protagonist to act--especially at key moments--but that doesn't mean he innately yearns to act.

Often the best solution in dealing with a passive character is to strengthen the stakes. Let me explain.

Anyone will Act with the Right Stakes

The stakes are potential consequences; they are what are at risk in the story. We often think of them as negative things (someone's life may be at risk), but they can also be positive things (the opportunity to be taught by a professional in your ideal vocation).

Stakes are important because if there is nothing at risk, then what happens, doesn't really matter, which means what the protagonist does, doesn't really matter, because it doesn't change any outcomes. The story only matters insomuch as we understand potential outcomes. The protagonist's choices only matter if they affect the outcomes.

For example, we only care about Frodo destroying the Ring because we know doing so could rid Middle-earth of Sauron’s evil. If we didn't know that, what happened with the Ring wouldn't really matter. And what Frodo did wouldn't carry any weight. (You can learn more about stakes in my article "How to Write Stakes in Storytelling.")

When struggling with getting a passive protagonist to act, (almost) always look at the stakes.

No Stakes

Make sure that you’ve at least laid out stakes. Sometimes writers feel like the stakes are obvious, so they don't mention them. Just as bad, if not worse, the stakes may be too vague. And definitely worse: nonexistent.

If the protagonist doesn't have anything clearly to gain or lose, why would she act? If what happened to the Ring didn't change something, why would Frodo go to Mount Doom? Why would any of us do anything if it didn't make some kind of difference?

In a case like this, clear stakes need to be on the page.

Let's look at some examples of what one might consider passive people within the context of their stories.

Shrek wants nothing more than to live alone on his swamp. If there is nothing at risk, is he really going to go on an adventure to rescue a princess? Probably not.

In The Edge of Tomorrow, I think it could be argued that the protagonist, Bill Cage (played by Tom Cruise) is somewhat passive in relation to the main conflict. The story is about him fighting in a war against aliens, but he has absolutely no desire whatsoever to enter combat--in fact, he's a coward. You think he would sign up to be the first in combat out of the goodness of his heart? No way.

In Trigun by Yasuhiro Nightow, protagonist Vash would rather spend all day, every day eating donuts, playing with kids, and helping out the person down the street. He'd rather live life under an alias than face the fact he's the only one capable of standing up to the antagonist and saving the human race.

If none of these characters ever had anything at risk, then they would have never taken the actions they needed to, to move the story forward. They would have been forever passive.

In short, they only acted once there were stakes.

Wrong Stakes

If there are stakes on the page, and the character still isn't acting, then chances are they are either the wrong stakes (things she doesn’t care about) or the stakes are too small (the potential consequences don’t pose a real threat or a meaningful gain).

If they are the wrong stakes, you need to think about what the protagonist cares about and put it in jeopardy. We all care about something--whether that’s a reputation or a pet.

For a passive person, you might need to dig deeper and brainstorm longer to figure out what it is. And if you are having trouble, keep in mind that it's also possible the passive protagonist wants something for someone else or his environment. Maybe she's satisfied drinking lemonade and getting picked on, but she's not okay with her kid getting bullied--that's not something she can let happen.

Shrek mostly cares about living alone on his swamp. If his distant neighbor is at risk of dying in loneliness, Shrek's likely not going to do much about it. The best way to get him to act, is to put his home and lifestyle at risk. He will be willing to take action to save that.

Bill is afraid of dying (it's part of what makes him a coward). If he's put in a situation where he could die, he'll be forced to act.

Vash is obsessed with saving people. Children, friends, innocents, criminals. It doesn't matter who. He doesn't want anyone to die. If no one is at risk of dying, then it's unlikely he will be drawn to fight his antagonists. Almost always he is led to act because someone's life is at risk.

Small Stakes

If the stakes are too small, you need to make them bigger by making them broader or more personal.

Even the most passive person is unlikely to feel passive with a gun pointed at them. Unless they have a death wish, in which case, you could have the gun pointing at a loved one, or you could threaten torture. Even people who have a death wish don't want to be tortured. Almost all of us will act if the stakes get big enough.

Alternatively, you can promise an opportunity that is too good to pass up. If all I want is to live out my life on a hammock by the beach sipping lemonade, then maybe the best motivation is the promise of getting that. Maybe I'd be willing to act, if it ensured that.

It's bad enough for Shrek to have a few creatures come on his swamp, but the fact that countless numbers of them will be exiled to his swamp, is even worse. This is a big enough issue to get him to act--he decides he must visit Farquaad, which moves the story to the middle.

It's bad enough to die once, but it turns out for Bill, that he has to die over and over and over again. He also has to go on the battlefield over and over and over again, too. He keeps repeating the same events. This is enough to get him to try new tactics (and really, what other choice does he have?).

It's bad enough that Vash can't save everyone. But when it turns out the antagonists plan to destroy the whole human race, well, he can't live out life in donut-filled peace, playing cops and robbers with tykes. He has to act.

Inaction Stakes

If your passive character still really does not want to act, it's worth keeping in mind that inaction is an action--it just needs significant stakes. There needs to be negative ramifications for the protagonist not acting. Ideally, eventually these negative consequences get so big or so personal, that the protagonist has to do something about it.

For example, at one point, Vash decides to live under an alias and do nothing. He decides to be inactive. Unfortunately, this results in an entire town getting wiped out by the antagonist. Doing nothing has steep consequences. He needs to at least try to do something.

This can become a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation--where "damned if you do" at least carries a small chance of success over "damned if you don't."

At one point in Edge of Tomorrow, Bill decides to do nothing. He even goes to a bar to drink in the middle of the day. Guess what? He still has to repeatedly die. Whatever he does, he ends up dying, and having to repeat that time frame. He can either be endlessly in a tortuous loop where he dies, dies, and dies, or he can keep trying to fix the situation. On the surface, it seems like he has a lot of options, since he gets to make different choices each time he repeats the day, but 99% of them lead to the same outcome. So in reality, he has very few choices. Act and maybe die. Or don't act and keep dying.

Limit Options

Related to the last one, one way to push a passive character to act, is to limit her choices and the outcomes. In fact, if we want to take this to the real world, studies show that the more options people have, the less likely they are to make a choice--or even make a good choice.

Like Bill, when there aren't really any options, the protagonist will be pretty much forced to act. Either keep reliving the same torture or try to do something about it.

Add to it some kind of countdown or convergence, so that the protagonist has a very limited window to act, and she'll have to do something.

Stakes Reveal Character

How the protagonist acts when there are things at risk, will reveal what kind of person she is.

In this sense, one might argue, that by strengthening the stakes to get her to act, you are changing her character after all.

Or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that you are now revealing who she truly is.

Whatever the case, it can become an argument of semantics.

Similar things can happen with the term "passive."

Just understand the concepts and the tools.

The Reluctant Hero

In most, if not all cases, a characteristically passive protagonist will create a reluctant hero. Shrek doesn't want to save Fiona. Bill doesn't want to win the war. Vash doesn't want to confront the antagonist. They just want something to not happen, more than they want to do The Thing™️.

In this sense, while the passive protagonist will ultimately still be acting within the plot (which is necessary to write a good story), he or she may still yearn for passivity.

Of course, the character's arc may possibly shift that yearning by the end.

And it should go without saying, that pretty much all these same tricks will work for passive side characters, as well--when you need to get them to act. For example, in The Office, Stanley is characteristically passive. He pretty much sits in silence and does crossword puzzles. But when pushed far enough, he will back talk his boss. And when he wants something bad enough (like a free pretzel on pretzel day), he'll actually act.  

#Writing tips #writing tips and tricks #writeblr #writer problems #writing reference #protagonist #fanfic

[sweet-by-and-by]

Baptized In Your Name - Arthur Morgan x Charlotte Balfour

summary: The rugged stranger who found her at her lowest turns back up on Charlotte Balfour’s doorstep, offering help as she navigates her new life in the remote wilderness. Determined as hell, she lets him teach her a thing or two about guns, and finds herself offering her own help in turn. But as questions of his past bubble to the surface, will she find the man she believes him to be, or will she learn of a darker side? word count: 3819 pairing: Arthur Morgan x Charlotte Balfour

AO3

The Northern air had always been healing. Arthur took a deep breath in, the fresh air from the Northern Kamasana River calming and crisp.

He had travelled across the Eastern Grizzlies after his ride with Rains Falls. He decided to take the long way back to camp, needing some time away after all his talk of ghosts. Away from Dutch, from John, from everyone who reminded him of everything he had lost.

The painful memories played in his mind as he rode through the mountains. He rode down into Roanoake Ridge, stopping as he approached the fork in the road at Doverhill. He chuckled at the memory of the mad scientist there, a frown settling across his face as he recalled another life lost. He wondered if he was cursed, if to meet him was to meet the angel of death itself.

It had been a few days since he found the widow of Willard’s Rest, Arthur thought to himself as he hesitated at the crossing of pathways. He eyed the road to his right, the one that would take him back to camp. His frown deepened at the thought of seeing Dutch just yet, and he spurred his horse Eastward.

It didn’t take long before he was turning off the main path towards Charlotte’s cabin. He savoured the beautiful scenery, idly watching a buck stand guard over his family as they sipped from the river’s edge.

He startled at the sound of gunfire, his attention drawing towards the sound. He reached for his holster, ice running through his veins as he realized the gunshots were coming from Willard’s Rest.

He dug his heels into his horse’s side, the loyal beast sensing his panic and darting off towards the cabin. Visions of robbers and bandits danced across his mind, fearing what he would see when he rounded the bend up towards the cabin.

He pulled his horse to a stop as he crossed through the gate, eyes scanning the homestead to assess the situation. His brows furrowed in confusion when he saw that Charlotte was alone, and he quickly holstered his weapon before she could take notice.

“Oh, it’s you!” she exclaimed as he swung out of the saddle. His worries drained away at the tone in her voice and the beaming smile she wore as she turned to greet him.

He took in the state of her, his confusion only deepening at the rifle in her hands. He tried to focus as she thanked him again for the rabbit, doing his best to keep his concern off of his face. He had only just met the woman, but he found himself worrying for her already.

He listened as she told him of her plan to shoot at some bottles, his heart lifting at the excitement in her eyes.

He offered his tips, his heart racing as he leaned in close to her. He shuffled slightly as he adjusted her stance, begging his hands to stay steady as he pointed down the barrel to guide her aim.

They worked together to improve her shooting, and by the end of their session Arthur was impressed. She may not be taking on Annie Oakley anytime soon, but he could see she took pride in her gained skills and her determination was infectious.

“Thank you for everything,” she smiled, her melodic voice drowning out his thoughts. “Would you join me for a meal? It’s the least I can do.”

Arthur nodded, not daring to speak as his chest tightened. His heart hammered at the invitation, hammering against his ribs. He followed her into the cabin and glanced around her home. The solid wood logs were familiar to him, but the decorative touches screamed of rich inhabitants. Arthur felt starkly out of place against the backdrop of luxury. He awkwardly took a seat in the ornate dining chair at Charlotte’s prompting.

He looked around and took in the rest of the cabin, and could practically hear Hosea scolding him for his gawking. Her home was full of beautiful items, the likes of which Arthur had never seen in a cabin in the woods.

He whipped his head around at the sound of the stew pot slamming down on the table, Charlotte’s hiss at the heat drawing his eyes to her. He smiled politely as she dished up his dinner, passing it to him with a “bon appetit”.

“Huh?” he slipped out before he could stop himself, and he quickly cursed his muddled response. Charlotte spoke of Aristotle with grace that would have Dutch draped at her feet, and here Arthur was sounding like some back country hick in Murfree territory.

“Please, enjoy,” she said, her eyes casting downwards in embarrassment. Arthur felt himself flush at the realization he thought it was cute, casting his own gaze down to a spoonful of stew. “And thank you again, for everything. I really am grateful.”

“Ah, it was nothing,” he dismissed, scraping his spoon against the porcelain bowl to keep himself busy.

“You’re a good man,” Charlotte said decidedly, turning away before she could see him react. He was taken aback by her conviction.

“Oh, you don’t really know me,” he murmured, his conscience heavy with the weight of misleading a poor widow. He thought of his deeds, of the list he could give her to prove his case.

“I know enough,” she retorted, busying herself around the kitchen.”There’s always more to find in ourselves, you helped me to see that.”

“My husband Cal was such an optimist,” she said fondly as she took her seat across the table from him, “I found that to be quite contagious. We were both born with the silver spoon...banquets, butlers, valets,” she trailed off.

“Sounds awful,” Arthur chuckled, a cough working its way through his chest. His ears rang and his vision wavered as he tried to suppress it. He blinked to clear his eyes, listening pointedly as Charlotte told him of her father and her fear of being crushed by the wilderness.

“Well, I reckon you’re gonna be just fine,” he coughed, struggling against his labouring breath.

“Are you alright?” Charlotte asked, her worry evident. His coughing worsened but he waved her off, rising to his feet.

“I’m fine,” he stammered, rising to his feet. The spell he was under broke, and he realized the risk he was putting her at by having come in for dinner. He rushed to get himself out the door, out of her home and away from her with his disease. The angel of death had forgotten his place, let himself enjoy Charlotte’s company and foolishly put her in danger.

“Thank you for this,” he struggled, staggering forward as the room spun around him. He forced himself to keep going, splatters of blood peppering his fist as he coughed even harder. “I think,” he wheezed, “it’s best if I just-”

And he was down on his knees.

He heard Charlotte rush towards him as he collapsed to the floor, trying to keep her back as his body shook. His lungs burned and his abdomen ached, rendering him helpless as he curled into himself.

“Stay right there,” he faintly heard, “it’s going to be okay.”

The melodic promise carried him away as darkness swallowed him.

--

He startled awake, another cough bringing him back to life. This one was less debilitating, just the usual tickle through his chest and throat.

He propped himself onto his elbows, looking around to register his surroundings. He forced himself to roll onto his side, pushing himself to a seat with a groan. He shook his head and ran his hand down his face, stopping to wipe blood from the corner of his mouth. He glanced around again and noticed a note at his bedside, ignoring the pain in his ribs as he leaned forward to reach for it.

“My Dear Arthur,” he read, blinking at the words before him. His face sunk as he recalled his letter from Mary just a few days before, the same greeting pulling at his heartstrings.

He smiled as he read the rest of the letter, fought through the confusion from the sleep-addled fog that still clouded his mind. He admired her penmanship, her decorative sprawl surely a result of her higher education.

He scowled at her words about the money in the jewelry box. He knew she had plenty, but his stomach turned at the idea she thought his visits were for some kind of payout. He tucked the letter away, reaching around the jewelry box for his hat. He stood, glaring at the box that stashed the bills as he pushed past the door and into the main room.

True to her letter, Charlotte was out hunting. He took another chance to gaze around the room, no memory of Hosea’s reprimanding stopping him this time. A fire roared in the great stone hearth, warming the cabin from the slight chill in the morning air. This far North the chill lingered late into Summer, and Arthur was grateful as a shiver crept down his spine.

Though he wasn’t sure the cold was to blame for that.

He looked at the fine furniture, wondering to himself how much they had brought from Chicago. He was sure it wasn’t purchased around here, though he supposed it could have been shipped up through Annesburg.

He looked at the pictures in their frames, photographs and paintings decorating the dark wooden walls. He was struck with a longing to stay, to hang his own photos alongside her relatives.

His heart ached as he continued to look around the cabin. He imagined a life here, of coffee brewed on cold mornings and conversation shared over breakfasts. The fancy furniture would take some getting used to, but he could easily see himself settling into it. Could even imagine the patter of small feet running across the floors, the chime of a child’s laugh bouncing off the walls.

He shook his head to clear that thought, the echo of ghosts rattling in his skull. He turned to the door, walking towards it as he left those images behind. There was no point in pining for something so intangible. All just hopelessly romantic dreams of a life he stopped deserving long ago.

He pushed the front door open and stepped out onto the porch. His eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun, and he faintly wondered how long he’d been out for. A misty fog hung low in the air, the weather seeming to reflect his somber thoughts.

Arthur sighed and stepped down from the porch, greeting his horse from across the homestead. He strolled down the path at a leisurely pace, trying to savour the last few moments before mounting up and heading back to camp. He approached his steed with a pat on the neck, wiping away some dirt from their journey. Arthur noticed the horse’s trepidation to his touch, his own hair rising on the back of his neck. He was suddenly overwhelmed by an encroaching feeling of being watched.

He reached into his saddle compartment and pulled out his rifle, gripping it tightly as he checked the chamber. He looked for cover, but found nothing useful in sight.

“Well look who decided to make an appearance!” a voice cried out from the woods. Two men on horseback emerged from the thicket, guns already drawn and aimed.

Bounty hunters.

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” Arthur warned, “payday ain’t worth the risk you’re about to take.”

“I dunno,” the other one snickered, “they really seem to want you. I reckon we could get ‘em to ten thousand if we brought in that lovely lady of yours too, I bet she’s got all kinds of things to say.”

The first man hummed, his eyes darkening, “If we even hand her over,” he smirked devilishly.

Arthur growled, his fists clenching around the cool metal of the rifle. His lips cured up in a snarl as rage rushed through his veins. Before he could think, his barrel was pointed between the man’s eyes and a bullet ripped through the air. Arthur quickly dispatched the other one, whose bolt was still half-cocked in loading when his body slumped down the side of his horse.

Arthur heaved as his rage coursed through him, snorting furiously and spitting at his feet. He fought back another cough, not willing to let his victory be spoiled by another fit.

He watched as their horses took off, throwing their heads back and whinnying as they galloped away. He sighed and shook his head, slinging his rifle across his back as he went to get rid of the bodies.

He whistled for his horse, who met him dutifully as he hoisted the first bounty hunter up. He slung the body over the horse’s rear, the man’s arms and legs dangling morbidly as he hung from the beast. He reached down to lift the other hunter over his shoulder, and he whistled again for his horse to follow him.

They walked the bodies down to the water, stashing them behind a rocky coverhang at the base of the waterfall. He quickly washed the blood from his coat in the pool of the river, hoping it wouldn’t stain. He wasn’t sure how much laundry the girls were doing anymore, not that he would be in camp long enough to have it washed anyway. His stops there were getting shorter and shorter between Dutch’s errands, the state of the camp only adding to his souring temperament.

Once he was satisfied with his cleaning, deciding it wouldn't get much better than this, he walked back up the hill to Willard's Rest. He wanted to make sure there was no trace of the bounty hunters left, get their horses good and gone before Charlotte returned from hunting. He held back another cough, frustrated by the ache in his lungs. He had barely done any heavy lifting, nothing that would even have him breaking a sweat a few months ago, but now he could feel himself on the edge of exhaustion.

He passed under the wooden arch and paled when he spotted Charlotte standing on the front porch. She held a hat and a pistol in her hands, remnants he had missed from the bounty hunter’s corpse. He sighed and cast his gaze down to his feet, keeping his eyes hidden beneath the brim of his hat as he approached her.

She turned to look up at him, her confusion evident as he drew nearer. Her mouth opened as if she was going to speak, but no words came.

"Mrs. Balfour," Arthur murmured, stopping when he reached the steps of the porch. He kept his head dipped, resting his hands on his gunbelt and waited for her to speak.

"Please, it’s Charlotte" she said, looking between him and the hat in her hand, "is everything alright? I found this by the gate, a-and there was blood in the dirt…"

Arthur said nothing, just refused to meet her gaze.

"Did something happen? Are you alright?" she asked, her tone more insistent. Arthur heard worry in her voice, foolishly hoping she was afraid for him, not of him.

"I'm fine," he muttered, "some...some men came lookin up here, tryin' to find somethin'."

"Oh my," she gasped, "did you chase them away? What on earth would they be looking for up here? Perhaps it was Cal's relatives, I wrote to them regarding his...incident."

Arthur almost smiled at the innocence in her eyes, but the weight of the situation kept him serious.

“No,” he drawled, shifting uncomfortably where he stood, “they-uh. They were lookin’ for me. Bounty hunters,” he admitted after a long pause.

He watched Charlotte’s expression shift as she realized what he was saying. He waited for the moment she kicked him off of her porch, shooed him away like the mangy dog he was.

“You’re a criminal,” Charlotte said simply. Her tone was dangerously even.

“I told you, you don’t really know me,” he warned, “I’m not a good man.”

He cringed as Charlotte unconsciously took a step away from him. The action cut through him, made his shame swell and his chest ache. He knew he deserved it and so much more..

The two of them stood there for a moment, tension hanging thick in the morning air. Arthur turned away, clenching his hands into fists at his side and hung his head as he walked away from the cabin. “You don’t want me,” he said forcibly. “I’ll leave. You won’t have to worry about seein’ me no more.”

“What kind of outlaw would just leave?” Charlotte called out, and Arthur froze at her words.

“What?” he gaped. He turned to face her, finally looking up.

“Should I expect to go in and find that you’ve robbed me blind?” she asked.

“No,” Arthur said slowly.

“And will you turn your gun on me and force me to lie with you?”

“No!” Arthur sputtered, appalled that she would even suggest it.

“Well, I’m not sure you’re quite the bad man you seem to think yourself,” she said, her face set with that same determination that he admired so much. She stepped down from the porch and walked slowly towards him. “In the city, everything is painted so black and white. But out here,” she gestured to the forest that surrounded them, “I see clearly now that there are so many shades of grey.”

She closed the last of the distance between them and reached out to rest her hand on his arm. He felt himself relax at her touch, noticing the sweet scent of her perfume that mingled with sweat from her hunt.

She placed her other hand under his chin, dragging his gaze up to meet hers. “You’re a good man,” she said, the steadiness of her voice and the fire in her eyes almost too convincing, “I can feel it in you.”

Arthur didn’t dare to move, barely dared to breathe. Worried that at any moment he would wake to see the waxed canvas of his tent and find that all of this was just some far-fetched dream. His eyes searched Charlotte’s, looking for some kind of trickery or deceit. All he could see was kindness, and he found himself leaning forward against his better judgment.

He startled when his lips pressed against hers, surprised by their softness. It had been some time, but he didn’t remember it feeling this easy in the past. Not even Mary, whose secret, stolen kisses always gave him such a rush.

He was shocked to feel Charlotte return his affections; kept waiting for her to push him away. Instead, she met him with a soft passion that entranced him, made him unable to stop himself from running his tongue along her bottom lip and deepening the kiss.

She opened to him willingly, wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in close. Their tongues danced, the taste of coffee on her lips swirling around the cigarette smoke that lingered on his. Nothing else existed in that moment; not bounty hunters or wolves or even Dutch and his plans. Nothing mattered but the taste of her on his tongue, the soft fabric of her shirt beneath his fingertips.

She pulled away after what felt like eternity, leaning her forehead against his. He ducked his head to steal one more chaste kiss in case this was the last chance he had.

He drew back when he felt a teardrop against his cheek. He opened his eyes to see Charlotte’s brimming with tears, silently crying as she squeezed her lids tightly. Arthur reached up to cup her cheek, wiping away the falling teardrops gently with his thumb.

“I-I’m sorry,” he said lowly, his voice all whisky and honey, “I shouldn’t’a- I mean I-” he stammered, returning to his senses. He stepped back and pulled his hand away like it had been burned.

“No,” she choked, “it’s not that. I wanted it- I do want it. I just...,” she hesitated, hiding her face in her hands as more tears flowed, “it’s Cal.”

Arthur’s stomach dropped, a wave of guilt and shame washing over him at the reminder. Widow or not, Charlotte was a married woman. And here he was, stepping right over her husband’s grave to make his move.

His mouth tasted bitter, no longer of coffee and cigarette smoke or the underlying hint of her. He stepped back farther, putting even more distance between them.

Not knowing what to say, he stood aside as Charlotte cried. He forced himself not to reach out to comfort her. He didn’t trust himself not to take, not to hold her in his arms and will everything else to fade away again.

“I make a terrible widow,” she laughed humourlessly, “my husband is barely ten minutes into the grave and I’ve already fallen for the first handsome stranger that crosses my threshold,” she shook her head, her voice catching in her throat.

She smoothed her skirts and wiped away her tears, straightening herself to try and regain composure. She looked to the sky and smiled sadly.

“I think it’s best if I go,” Arthur said, adjusting his hat.

“I wish I could say that I didn’t agree,” Charlotte replied, “but just for now. I’d like to see you back soon, though perhaps without the bounty hunters next time.”

Arthur frowned as the guilt returned. Charlotte stepped forward to place a kiss on his cheek, resting her hand on the other side of his face to draw him in.

“I don’t care what you are,” she whispered against his skin.

“I ain’t got long,” he replied, his head swimming with thoughts of bounty posters and doctors and Pinkertons.

“Once a widow, always a widow,” she joked, “at least now I come with some experience on the matter.”

Arthur laughed, wondering how such a fine society lady could have such humour. Before he could think on it for too long, she was backing away to return to her porch.

“Goodbye, Arthur,” she said, “Arthur Whoever-You-Are.”

“Morgan,” he said, “but, uh, don’t go lookin’ it up. Please.”

She nodded in understanding. He took in the sight of her one last time, trying to memorize each detail of her for his journal. He stared as she reached for the door handle, opening the heavy wooden door and disappearing into the cabin.

Arthur sighed and whistled for his horse, swinging himself into the saddle as he prepared to ride away. He turned back to look at the cabin, his mind racing. He tried not to let himself hope, but he felt lighter than he had in years. So maybe, just for now, he could let himself believe that things would work out. That he could find something he needed at Willard’s Rest, and he could be something in return to the widow that lived there.

#red dead redemption #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #arthur morgan #charlotte balfour #arthur morgan x charlotte balfour #arthur morgan/charlotte balfour #fanfic #fanfiction #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 fanfiction #red dead redemption 2 fanfic #arthur morgan fanfiction #arthur morgan fanfic #my goal was to make this read like a paperback novel with a shirtless werewolf on the front of it #so i hope you enjoy 😅 #my fic