Tumgik
#you still can argue that he's a trickster
caxycreations · 5 months
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Okay, I've been nerd sniped, I'm sorry
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NOTE: If you're going to reblog just to say "not reading that" or some other rude shit, DON'T. I've seen so many notifications of people just saying they couldn't be bothered to read it. I don't know if it's just that they don't see how incredibly rude and disheartening that is or if they know and don't care, but either way it really hurts to see, so please don't reblog if it's just to tell me you won't read it.
So let's go through the canonical likelihood they could each beat Goku. For the sake of keeping canon, we'll keep groups/pairs together if they would never reasonably be apart for something like this. Long post below the cut.
So first up are the ones I see that would, without a doubt, beat Goku.
Saiki K
Saiki is an omnipotent psychic/psionic with quite literally every single possible power out there. Now, this on its own isn't enough to beat Goku. Versatility doesn't mean everything, but Saiki is also powerful enough to rewrite the genetics and reality of everything within range, and his range is, so far, "Earth".
So this, on its own, would allow him to rewrite Goku's biology to make him Human. Bye bye zenkai boosts, bye bye Saiyan transformations. And Saiki, with his powers, has no trouble beating a Human of any caliber if he truly wanted to. And for those who ask "Why would he ever fight Goku?"
One simple reason: Goku would sense his immense power, and be excited for a fight. Goku is respectful enough to not force one if he's refused, but he's persistent enough to badger Saiki until he's given a chance. And Saiki, being Saiki, would simply take off one of his limiters, or both, and rewrite reality as such: "Being an alien isn't possible", thereby making it effective immediately that Goku must be lying/insane, and he is, in fact, Human. Easy win for Saiki.
And for those who would argue against this, bear in mind, the funniest way to beat Goku in this instance would be to simply make him weaker than Saiki, and Saiki is a gag character from a gag series, and it's already been shown in the world of Dragon Ball, and again in Dragon Ball Super, that Goku is incapable of defeating a gag character regardless of that characters canonical ability.
Saiki could win without gag character status, but even in the instance of Goku "beating" him, the gag would turn out to be that Saiki only pretended to get beaten, and is actually entirely unharmed because it was the easiest way to get Goku to leave him alone. Followed by a reveal that Goku will still show up now and then to ask for sparring matches, to drive the point home.
Popeye
Gag character. Would get beaten handily, crawl his way to spinach, and then be exactly as strong as he needs to be to take Goku down in however many hits is funniest.
Bugs Bunny
The gag character to end all gag characters. Someone on this hellsite once described Bugs as a "Trickster God who traps us in our own societal expectations" or some such. Like convincing Thanos to remove the Infinity Gauntlet by establishing a security checkpoint with a metal detector and shaming him into cooperating by telling him there's others waiting.
He could beat Goku in a billion ways, and each and every one of them would involve some shenanigan like Goku throwing a spirit bomb, Bugs showing up behind him holding it, saying "Ehhh, can you hold this for a second?" and as soon as Goku takes it and Bugs is off-screen, it would explode and Goku would be a pile of ashes with blinking eyes. Bugs would win because Bugs' gag is that...well, he simply can't be beaten.
The Warner Trio
Gag trio. Yakko, Wakko, and Dot would snark, sass, and sarcastic-joke their way into the scene, and they would spend the entire time poking fun at him, roasting his look, being unfazed by his attacks because "Nice laser show but we didn't bring our glowsticks." and just being too unbothered to care.
They would undoubtedly annoy Goku into admitting defeat simply to get away from them.
Road Runner
Gag character. Would force Goku to chase him, Goku would fire some blasts, chase him around, and inevitably be led right into the path of a blast he fired earlier to be disintegrated by it.
Pop Team Epic
I know nothing about this series except that it is a gag series. They are gag characters. That means Goku is inherently incapable of beating them.
ASDF Guy
Gag character. Could beat Goku with a simple "Hello, Mine-Turtle!" or "I like Trains."
Heart Diagram
Goku was literally killed by a heart virus in Future Trunks' timeline. This is one that has actually canonically already killed Goku.
Chowder
Gag character. Would likely be after S-Cells for some recipe and need to take Goku's as he's "The only Saiyan in this episode!" or some such, thereby ending the fight with a shot of Chowder wearing Goku's Gi for comedic effect while Dahl stirs raw Super Saiyan aura in a pot to hint that Chowder killed Goku for his S-Cells.
Force Ghost Trio
Gag versions of serious characters, and also ghosts. Goku is canonically unable to beat ghosts or gag characters, and these guys are both.
Those are the ones that would, without a doubt, beat Goku.
Now, let's go over the ones that could, potentially, be it likely or unlikely.
Kirby
Kirby is often considered a gag character, but he isn't. He has a very specific level of power, even if that level of power is "fuck you" levels of power. Kirby has beaten Gods, but so has Goku, even more often and with greater ease. However, Kirby has absorption and power-theft. Kirby could, potentially, absorb Goku (he isn't the brightest and Kirby has his unassuming appearance on his side) and take on his strongest form, including its powerup, and given Kirby in base form is likely more powerful than Goku in base form (Goku needed SSJ to scare Supreme Kai, Kirby beats Gods in base), it's possible Kirby would be more powerful than Goku with the same power up.
Kevin McCallister
Okay, hear me out.
Kevin is technically a gag character, BUT. He is not TRULY a gag character. He just happens to be a comedy character.
So he isn't guaranteed to win, but he could still possibly do so. How you ask?
Goku has been somewhat injured or lightly shaken by the following: planet-shattering attacks. Punches that rock the universe. Energy blasts so potent they would destroy entire galaxies.
Goku has been rendered inconsolable from the pain of the following: chest pain and a half-heartedly, boredly tossed pebble.
It is canon that when Goku and the other fighters in the series are expecting an attack or primed for battle, they are protected by their ki, like armor. It's how they're able to knock away attacks that would destroy planets, or put their "bare" hands on plasma energy that would normally burn the skin off you from a mile away let alone touching it.
This is why when Krillin threw the rock at Goku, it left him in agony and bruised him despite Goku being in Super Saiyan form at the time. This is why Chi-Chi is able to injure Goku regardless of how strong he gets.
So, how does this relate to Kevin being able to beat him? It's everything. It's critical information.
Kevin McCallister's entire M.O. is unexpected attacks. You open a door, you see a bucket fall, think it's over, turns out no, second bucket pulled by the first, second bucket is full of paint and open, you're blinded, you get your bearings, you take a step and feel cars, you smirk and step over them only to find marbles, you slip, you land on the cars which turn out to have been rigged to break easier to let loose a single thumbtack which is now firmly stuck in your back or butt. You bolt upright only to slam your head on a 2x4 that was rigged to hang down from a rope when you fell because your impact shook things enough to make it fall from a precarious perch above.
You get the idea. Every time you think it's safe to let your guard down, that's when the next wave hits. So you say "well he would stop letting his guard down" right? You fool. You know nothing of Goku. He would never put his guard UP. This is a human child, Goku can sense his pitiful power level. His strength? His speed? His ki? Weak. Pathetic. Nothing. A scouter wouldn't even register his power it's so low.
Goku never raises his guard to Chi-Chi, or to Bulma, or to Hercule. He does not raise his defense against normal, powerless, non-combative humans.
"BUT KEVIN IS COMBATIVE" No. He isn't. Goku can sense intent, power, and location. But Kevin isn't actively intending to hurt Goku. He's intending to protect himself and his home. He's not actively wanting to hurt Goku, he's just wanting Goku to leave. He doesn't have power to threaten Goku with, so Goku won't pick up on any threatening aura. And while Goku could simply instant transmission to Kevin and do what he will, we're not talking about how Goku could win, we're going over the fact Kevin could POSSIBLY win.
Enough injury and Goku is down for the count. Otherwise, Goku leaves to avoid further injury, and thereby admits defeat. Both cases, Kevin wins.
Shedinja
This one took me...quite a while. I had to do a lot of extra research for this. So, my immediate thought was Shedinja is a Ghost type, so ghost rules, right? Nah. Bug and Ghost type, and they are the physical shell left behind that has been reanimated. So they very much are physical beings, and given their ability to faint in the games and show they are capable of being physically damaged.
But There's a real case to be made for Shedinja beating Goku.
It can learn Ghost type moves, which operate on ghost-logic, and therefore are a canon weakness Goku is known to have. So things like Shadow Ball, Hex, Curse, and the like would all effect Goku regardless of Ki or form.
It also has access to Wonder Guard, which renders it "immune to all damage types that are not Super-Effective". For those unaware, we can actually attribute Typings to Goku's moves based on attributes and traits they share with Pokemon moves. His melee is, by nature, Fighting type, which Shedinja is immune to. In fact, Shedinja is immune to ALL attack types except Flying, Rock, Ghost, Dark, and Fire type moves, which are all Super Effective.
Goku's most common methods would actually fall under Fighting and Normal type attacks. "But his Ki blasts-" would be Normal type moves. You want proof?
Focus Energy is Normal Type. Quick Attack is Normal Type. Self Destruct is Normal Type. Techno Blast is Normal Type. Tera Blast is Normal Type. These are all energy based moves similar to ki blasts. Know what other energy based move is Normal Type? Hyperbeam. Which is almost identical to the Kamehameha and every other beam attack in DBZ.
Those few attacks Goku has that aren't going to be Normal Type will be Fighting Type.
Shedinja is Immune to all Normal and Fighting Type moves. Goku literally can not damage Shedinja, but Shedinja can damage Goku through Ghost Type moves. Shedinja can beat Goku. But why is it not "absolutely will" beat him? Because Goku can also transform his Ki and if he finds out Shedinja is vulnerable to fire, he can and will use that to his advantage.
That's who could potentially beat Goku. Here's who absolutely could not.
Saitama
I forgot to go over Saitama originally so here's the edit that features that analysis. Bear in mind I am saying this as someone who has seen Seasons 1 and 2 of the show AND is aware of some of the events of the manga.
A lot of reblogs over Saitama claim he is a gag character. But there is a case to be made that he is NOT. What is that case you ask? Well, for the sake of fairness, here is how I am handling gag characters: if their gag is in effect in 100% of all cases (such as looney tunes like Bugs or Road Runner) or if the gag is triggered in 100% of all cases (such as Saiki K or Chowder) then they are a True Gag Character and will insta-win.
However, if their gag has failed (such as Wario, or, yes, even Saitama) in ANY case, then it CAN fail again, and the fairest fight is one against two non-gag characters, so we can safely apply non-gag Saitama here since his gag has failed and Goku meets the conditions to cause it to fail again, which I'll explain.
So, first off, how does his gag fail? Well, his gag is that he kills everything instantly in one hit, unless he actively chooses not to. So we can safely say his gag fails if any of the following are true: he fails to instantly kill an enemy with a single hit while intending to do so, OR if he fails to kill an enemy with a serious hit intended to kill.
He meets both of these conditions. Boros survived for several seconds AFTER Saitama hit him with a Serious Punch. It was a single hit that intended to kill...But he didn't kill Boros INSTANTLY with it. Another example of his gag failing, if that doesn't satisfy, is Garou. Garou, in the manga, has survived MULTIPLE Serious Punches with intent to kill. This, on its own, is proof Saitama's Serious Punch does in fact have a limit to its output. It also proves his gag can, and does, fail against certain opponents.
So the next thing we need to look at is similarities between Garou and Boros to identify what they share that could possibly allow them to get around Saitama's gag, or to nullify it entirely. First similarity is that both are determined to have a good, satisfying fight. Boros crossed the stars seeking one, and Garou sought to become a true Monster powerful enough to force every hero, every do-gooder, to unite under one banner just to take him down. They both seek a battle to end all battles, even if Garou's intention is to end it in his favor, not simply enjoy the fight.
The second similarity is that they have incredibly unique circumstances, even by OPM standards. Garou is a man who has always felt love for the bad guy, he looks to the monsters as inspirations, as the misunderstood and the victimized by those claiming to be heroes. He's trained by an S-Class hero, and has developed into a being of unimaginable power in the pursuit of his dream. Very much a true foil to Saitama, who looked to heroes in comics as inspirations, as the righteous and unshakably moral, self-taught through and through and developed into a being of unimaginable power in the pursuit of HIS dream. Garou is, in this way, a reflection of Saitama, the Tails to Saitama's Heads, the dark to his light.
Boros on the other hand is an alien, forced to become strong by his homeworld's unforgiving conditions, developing a level of power necessary to survive and then some, and on realizing he was far too powerful for his own good, he sought purpose, meaning, and when he heard he may find a worthy opponent, he did everything he could to achieve that future, to realize his dream of facing a foe that would give him a true challenge.
So what are the similarities we can identify? Notably unique circumstances even by OPM standards, sharing strong similarities to Saitama's desires or dreams (Garou dreaming of becoming the greatest Monster vs Saitama dreaming of becoming the greatest Hero, Boros feeling lost in life and seeking a worthy foe vs Saitama feeling bored with living and wishing for the sensation of a real fight again), and the desire for a serious and ultimate battle.
Goku fits ALL of these conditions. He is an alien sent to Earth for his protection, grew up in hostile conditions (surviving on his own for most of his childhood, constant battles with Nation-level threats throughout his teen years, constant battles with world or universe-level threats throughout his adulthood), trained extensively until he was the best of the best, has the ultimate dream of a truly satisfying battle (a dream he routinely seeks out by facing down powerful foes), and being entirely bored with mundane life because there's absolutely no challenge to it, not to mention the fact he has the ultimate dream of becoming the strongest, something he shares with Saitama's pre-OPM self.
Since Goku fits ALL the conditions needed to make this battle exempt from the gag, we will NOT be considering it, as Saitama is not a True Gag Character, and Goku fitting conditions for nullifying it means we can assume actual power limits and such.
So let's look at feats of power. Saitama's Serious Side Hop technique allowed him to create AT LEAST 60 after-images (based on the manga panel) which, when compared with Sonic's 4, means Saitama was moving 15x faster than Sonic in that moment (bare minimum). An afterimage like that is created by moving at least 572mph, stopping in each position for at least 1/255th of a second (any less and the human eye can't pick up on it), so by moving from position A to B for 1/255th of a second and back to A, going 572mph between the two, you create the afterimage.
Sonic creates 4 simultaneously, meaning he needs to move to 3 positions and then back to starting position, or go from A to B, B to A, A to C, C to A, A to D, and repeat.
This means Sonic, to move into each of these positions in less than 1/255th of a second, would need to be moving ~4x faster than the speed for one afterimage. That puts him as moving at 2,228mph while creating those 4 afterimages. Given he is capable of Mach 5 speeds (he's said to be hypersonic) this feat is easy for him, as Mach 5 is 3,805mph. I assume, just as it's easier to move at top speed in a straight line than at sharp turns for a normal person, it's likely more difficult to create such consistent afterimages and so the difficulty that makes it his best attack is from the technique and reaction involved, not the speed itself.
In any case, if Saitama made at least 60 afterimages, putting him at 15x faster than Sonic's speed while creating 4, that puts Saitama's speed at 33,420mph just to account for the 60 we can count in the manga panel. This means 33,420 is the MINIMUM speed we can assume for Saitama's max ability. To be generous, given he wasn't winded after doing that and given he was able to react incredibly easily to the near-instant directional changes, I'll be kind and put his maximum speed at 10,000x this number.
That puts Saitama's speed at 334,200,000mph, or 49.8% the speed of light. We'll be kind again and say 50% the speed of light, round up that last .2%
So we have a speed value for Saitama. Now what about Goku? Well, let's look at Goku on Namek, for a moment. Base form Goku, at the start of his fight against Freeza. Goku, BEFORE his super saiyan transformation, was moving at 3.26 (we'll round down to 3) times the speed of light. How do I get this number? Buckle up, it's involved.
The Namekian ship Bulma, Krillin, and Gohan took to get to Namek made it from Earth to Jupiter in "seconds". That means less than a minute, so we'll say it took them 1 minute just to lowball it and to have a solid starting number. Jupiter, when the two planets are at their closest to each other (assuming shorter distance for slower speed, another lowball), is 365,000,000 miles from Earth. This means the Namekian ship moved 365mil miles in 1 minute.
That puts the Namekian ship at a speed of 21.9 billion miles per hour. They made it to Namek in 30 days of travel. The ship Goku took to Namek made the trip in 5 days. That means Goku's ship is 6 times faster than the Namekian ship. Don't worry, the ship speed DOES matter in this, I promise you.
So Goku's ship moves at 131,400,000,000mph. That's 131 billion, 400 million miles per hour. Or 195x the speed of light.
Why does the ship speed matter so much, you might ask?
Because King Kai could visually keep up with the ship. He was able to track Goku's progress with ease, and could see his ships movements without problems. This means King Kai's eyes and brain are capable of perceiving and processing things that move at 195x the speed of light.
Why does that matter? Because Super Saiyan is canonically a 50x multiplier to ALL base ability. Strength, speed, durability, etc.
And Goku, in Super Saiyan, was moving so fast King Kai stated he could no longer keep up. King Kai, capable of seeing and processing the input of vision on a ship moving 195x the speed of light, could not see or process the input of vision on Super Saiyan Goku.
We'll lowball it, and say Goku only needed to move 1 mph faster than 195x the speed of light for King Kai to lose track of him. So whatever value we get, we'll add 1mph to for Goku's base form speed.
So 195x the speed of light +1mph. 195/50=3.9x the speed of light. That's 2,616,900,000mph, adding in the extra mph makes it 2,616,900,001mph. So Base Form Goku moves at ~3.9x the speed of light, ON NAMEK. Super Saiyan is a 50x multiplier, putting him at ~195x the speed of light. Super Saiyan 2 is a 100x multiplier to Base, so 390x the speed of light. Super Saiyan 3 is a 400x multiplier, so 1,560x the speed of light. Super Saiyan God is a 20,000 multiplier so 78,000x the speed of light. Super Saiyan Blue is a 1 million times multiplier, so 3,900,000x the speed of light. And lastly, Mastered Ultra Instinct is a 300 billion times multipler, so 1.17 trillion times the speed of light.
Why did I bother going through all those multipliers? He wins in Base as of Namek saga lol. Anyway, continuing on to strength now that we've established Base Goku on Namek could move 3.9x faster than the Speed of Light while Saitama could only move at 0.5x the Speed of Light.
Strength. Okay. This one is harder to gauge, but we CAN gauge it. We'll go in terms of level of damage, so human level (would be on-par or less than peak human ability), town level (small towns), city level (large cities), nation level (an entire nation, less than a continent), continent level (one or more nations that span an entire continent), world-surface level (the surface of an Earth-sized planet), Planetary (capable of destroying an entire Earth-sized planet), Solar (capable of destroying a solar system), Galactic (capable of destroying a galaxy), multi-galactic (capable of destroying many galaxies), Universal (capable of destroying an entire universe), Multiversal (capable of destroying multiple universes).
We'll start with Goku this time. Goku's punches are, as of the Battle of Gods arc, strong enough to match Beerus perfectly to nullify the shockwaves of Beerus' attacks. Mind you, the mere shockwave of Beerus' attacks are enough to rip and tear the fabric of the universe itself, as stated by Elder Kai. This puts Goku's punches as being powerful enough to tear the fabric of the universe in when he first obtained Super Saiyan God. Why does this matter for Base Goku? Because Base Goku retained his SSJG power, as stated by Beerus.
So Goku in Base, post-battle of gods, is physically capable of punches that can tear apart the universe from the aftershocks alone. This is important to note because Elder Kai could physically feel the shockwaves from the World of the Kais. This makes Goku Universe-level in strength. This means Goku, post-BoG, in Super Saiyan is 50x stronger than what's needed for Universal, while Goku, as of current manga canon (assuming he didn't actually get any stronger since BoG and is simply more powerful due to new transformations) is capable of a form (Mastered Ultra Instinct) that puts him 300 billion times stronger than minimum Universe level strength.
And Saitama? Where does he fit here? Well, I thought this gap would be bigger honestly? But after researching, it seems the gap isn't all that big. Saitama has, canonically, with a Serious Punch, snuffed out an entire cylinder of stars and presumably every planet, moon, asteroid, and more, at a distance surpassing that of our solar system, and with a diameter surpassing it as well. This puts Saitama's power (if we lowball it MASSIVELY) at Solar. He could, in a single punch, destroy our entire solar system, and he wouldn't even need to be serious to do it. It's worth noting this is coupled with Garou's own Saitama-level Serious Punch, so we can assume this level of power is double Saitama's own.
So how do we determine the specifics? Well, he cleared an area large enough to cover, presumably, half the area of stars destroyed in the path of his and Garou's serious punches.
Through future revelations in the series we learn they didn't "destroy" every star in that path, but likely only several were destroyed, and possibly a galaxy, while the remainder of the void left behind was from the shockwave forcing every other star within range into a new position, creating a void in space that all stars had been moved from, save the few that were in the DIRECT path of their attack.
Another theory is that the Serious Punch^2 simply distorted the photons in the area, resulting in the appearance of a massive void, and this theory is based on the angles in the manga and comments made by other characters that paint Earth as the only thing in real danger from the power of the attack.
To be fair to Saitama, where we would lowball Goku, we'll highball Saitama, and say the Serious Punch^2 outright destroyed every star in the area. That level of power would, naturally, have shockwaves that push nearby stars out of the way AND distort photons in the area, resulting in a massive cone of destruction surrounded by a large cylinder of force.
This puts Saitama at, quite easily, multi-galactic level of strength.
But why did I say this gap isn't as big as I expected? One simple thing. Saitama has canonically punched his way into a different dimension in the manga. That means he's capable of brute-forcing his way out of the bounds of his universe. He is capable of physically destroying the fabric of the universe.
Meaning Saitama's strength is, bare minimum, Universal in close proximity. That puts him, strength-wise, on par with Goku, who through training has become stronger than Super Buu (who was so strong he could shout his way out of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a dimension separate from our own), meaning Goku is also Universal in close proximity.
So...while I expected Saitama to be ~Planetary, MAYBE he'd be Solar at most...Research indicates he's actually Universal, or near-Universal, meaning the fight may not be too far a gap after all.
Goku may have Saitama beat on speed (given recent manga events in OPM, I'm willing to allow that Saitama is faster than light speed, but Goku having as many forms as he does (Kaioken, which he can combine with other forms and can hit a multiplier of x100 on top of whatever power he currently has, SSJ1-3, SSJG, SSJB, MUI) means even if Saitama matches Base Goku, he's likely not going to stand up to his stronger forms).
But on strength, I'd wager they're close enough for this fight to be one hell of a battle.
What about Durability? After all, all the strength in the world won't save you if you're as easy to kill as a simple bullet to the head, right?
Goku has withstood universe-ripping punches (from Beerus, the God of Destruction, and based on comments in the manga he's one of the stronger Gods of Destruction too), dimension-tearing attacks (from Goku Black, pre-Fusion), energy blasts that even the Gods of Destruction were nervous of (from Jiren during the Tournament of Power), and he survived multiple blasts from Granolah post-wish buff, who was renowned for his sniping power pre-wish, and post-wish was as powerful as he would be if he had spent every single second of the next 147 years training non-stop with the absolute healthiest amount of rest and physical care, making him, presently, as powerful as he would be at the END of that time, with the price paid being that he only had 3 years to live as he lost 1 year of his lifespan for each power boost.
It was also clear that Granolah was the strongest in the universe...at the time of his wish. Goku and Vegeta, who were already on their way, were not as powerful as Granolah even with their transformations. They became stronger during their fight with him, and stronger still during their fight with Gas (who was more powerful than Granolah after Gas transformed and mastered his transformation).
So we can safely assume Goku is Multiversal in Durability, as he himself was able to output Universal damage with each punch, and he was able to survive hits from beings drastically stronger than himself.
What about Saitama? Well, Saitama was able to survive the force of the Serious Punch^2 and he was able to casually bust his way into another dimension. So his Serious Punch, if he wanted it to, could easily destroy the barrier between universes or dimensions.
And given he survived the force of two of them impacting each other, I would put Saitama at, bare minimum, Universe-level durability. But given he was able to survive prolonged battle against Garou, who is a Power Mimic and has shown Saitama-level strength, we can safely assume Saitama is BEYOND Universal-level durability, and so we can put him right there with Goku at Multiversal durability.
So what do we have so far?
Goku has speed equal to, in Base Form, 3.9x lightspeed, and 1.17 trillion times lightspeed in his most powerful form.
Goku has Universal level strength in Base Form, 300 billion times that in his most powerful form.
Goku has Universal durability in Base Form, Multiversal durability in his most powerful form (300 billion times his Base Form's durability).
Saitama has speed equal to, at minimum, 0.5x lightspeed, and at maximum, if we highball it, 2x lightspeed.
Saitama has Universal strength.
Saitama has Universal durability at minimum, and Multiversal durability at maximum.
At this point, I'm convinced the speed difference between Base Goku and Saitama means nothing. Saitama's durability means even with Base Goku moving at his top speed, his impacts won't be enough to beat Saitama. At top speed Base Goku may be putting out Universal damage, but he's not putting out enough to actually BEAT Saitama. Only injure.
Making me rethink my "Goku wins in Base lol" claim earlier, how dare you!
Anyway, at this point, Goku would HAVE to transform to beat Saitama. His ability to sense power and Saitama's evident inability to suppress it (as evidenced by multiple characters sensing his ungodly power even while Saitama is completely relaxed) would mean Goku would know, right away, he needs to transform for the fight.
Saitama's durability means Goku would likely need Super Saiyan 2 or 3, or, more likely, SSJG. Super Saiyan God's multiplier to Granolah-arc Goku, after all of his training with Whis and Vegeta, would most likely be enough to beat Saitama. And given SSJG is enough to "most likely" beat him, then Super Saiyan Blue (aka Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, the form above SSJG) is surely enough, and Mastered Ultra Instinct (a form drastically more powerful than SSJB) is absolutely more than enough to beat Saitama.
And given Goku's mastery over the Kaioken technique, and he's been shown to enter Kaioken x 20 while in Super Saiyan Blue for fair amounts of time as of the Moro saga, meaning even if SSB wasn't enough, given MUI is overkill, it's possible SSB x10 or x20 would be.
The point being, Goku wins this fight due to a combination of technique, experience, and power from his transformations. Given Goku is faster than Saitama and would sense his power as Saitama doesn't know how to suppress it, nothing Saitama could do would be a surprise attack to Goku, meaning Goku would have ample opportunity to react to everything Saitama does.
And given the relatively similar strengths the two bear, Goku would recognize he needs to transform to beat Saitama's output.
And given Saitama's greater durability than Base Goku, and greater durability than even what Saitama himself can put out, Goku would see he needs to transform to have enough of his own output to beat Saitama's durability.
Conclusion: Goku would absolutely win this fight, BUT...I'll give Saitama credit where it's due.
Out of everyone on the entire list, Saitama is the fairest matchup here, and the one most likely to give Goku a truly satisfying fight, given it would be a battle on par with those Goku has enjoyed most.
Kingdom Hearts Mickey
K.H. Mickey has a clear power limit and ability set. He is not strong enough, fast enough, smart enough, or durable enough to beat Goku, but he is just enough of a threat for Goku to actually put his guard up, which is why K.H. Mickey would lose; Goku would see it as a fight, unlike with Kevin.
Crash Bandicoot
Crash isn't nearly powerful enough to be a threat to Goku, but he IS insane enough to push Goku to hostility. Goku would feel the need to put effort into getting him away and that is his downfall.
Hatsune Miku
Goku would assume she is a Red Ribbon android and fight her on assumption she's trying to kill him or bring harm to Earth. He would hit her full force expecting her to tank it and she would keel over dead instantly.
Wario
Everything he could possibly do, the Red Ribbon Army has tried and done better, and they've never beaten Goku. Neither would he.
Sans
Lost to a child with slightly above average human determination, and standard human strength and speed. He does not beat Goku.
And just because you specifically told me not to @ you, have this :)
@that-one-enby-onyx
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calcifiedunderland · 8 months
Text
Mirror, Mirror, Speak to Me~
or, Encounters of a Disney-aware Prefect ft. Vil Schoenheit
Part 1 (here), Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
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Hiii this is my first fic in a while, hope you like it I’m totally not nervous ahaha
SFW, no warnings. Please enjoy~
Reader is Prefect/Yuu, uses they/them pronouns.
—————
This was the fourth time today that Vil had to remind himself to relax his brow, before he got wrinkles.
First, he woke up and saw a brand new, bright red dot in the very middle of his forehead, undoubtedly thanks to stressing out over meeting you today. After he heaped on concealer and foundation to cover the nasty thing, his new heels he’d just bought snapped off just as he was about to leave the dorm. Third, while he was trying to put on a new pair of heels, some graceless first year slammed into him. They only spilled their alchemy potion homework over his carefully picked outfit that you would’ve undoubtedly complimented him, and also faceplanted his makeup all over the wall.
And now there was a smear of his carefully-applied makeup on the wall, his nose hurt, and his ego was about to shatter.
And fourth, but worst of all, he now had to stand you up because of some impromptu dorm head meeting. You, who had to deal with him and his antics during VDC. And his stupid jealousy of Neige. And his training regimen for the crew. And not to mention his overblot-
The two of you couldn’t pass a day without arguing in your dusty Ramshackle living room. Even still, it felt like aeons ago when he was nagging you about something-or-other, and you were yelling back. You were infuriating, but somehow it was nice to finally meet someone who didn’t see Vil Schoenheit the actor, world-class supermodel, and housewarden for Pomefiore. Someone who challenged him despite his authority and skill, someone who questioned him. Somehow, you pushed him to be better than he was already, but only after his overblot did he realize what you’d done for him.
And somewhere along the way, he started liking your presence, after you two warmed up to each other. Little things, like asking for your help in film club, to managing Epel, brought you closer. Until it finally came to taking you on a day-trip to his father’s movie set in the Shaftlands on a not-date date. Taking you out was the least he could do. He was taking you out to show you how film-making is done. And after he’d take you shopping. And maybe you’d notice the nice shade of red lipstick he’d bought and his eyeshadow to make his eyes pop and you’ll compliment him and you’ll tell him the things he wanted to hear from you oh-so badly—
He pinched the bridge of his nose, just as Epel poked his head into his room, dressed in his Spelldrive gear.
“Hey Vil, Rook wanted me to get you for the dorm meeting.” Vil stood and walked with him, meeting Rook at the hall of mirrors. His vice housewarden smiled at him.
“Bonjour mon roi, I see you’re as elegant as ever!” Vil’s brow twitched as Rook smiled innocently at him, reading him immediately. “Shall we head off? Afterwards, you can meet sa tricksteur for your little get-together.”
“Ya mean f’r his date?” Epel’s eyes widened as Vil glared at him, “I’m merely showing the prefect how film-producing is done. Besides, I haven’t seen my father since winter break, and unless you want to help me direct and edit the next movie in the Film Club-“
“You needn’t take the prefect all the way to the Shaftlands just to teach them about movie-making,” Rook pointed out, “you could just teach them. And isn’t your father’s set very close to some shopping centers you mentioned you wanted to take them to?”
Rook’s eyes narrowed and he smiled deviously. “You’re wearing your Tenebrés heels from monsieur mastermind and the lipstick the trickster said they liked on you. Not to mention, your pupils widened when you mentioned them.” Rook leaned in, grin widening. “Is visiting your father all you will be doing? ”
Epel smirked at Vil’s blank expression, adding “‘n when did they start bein’ prefect an’ not potato?”
Vil’s face felt hot. “Let’s go, Rook.”
———
Vil’s going to be late.
You frowned at your phone, staring at the message.
Good morning (y/n), the headmaster called for a quick housewarden meeting. It shouldn’t take too long, I sincelerelt apologize for the delay. I’ll be there soon.
-V.S.
You sighed and pushed open the doors of to the Mirror Chamber. You’d agreed to meet Vil here and take the Mirror to the Shaftlands after getting permission from Crowley, but you didn’t even see the message until now. And now you had time to kill until Vil arrived.
The Mirror Chamber looked strange while it was empty. The room was lit by the ever-burning green flame torches, but it still looked ominous. Probably thanks to the big-ass mirror with a face looming in front of you.
You looked at it. You vaguely remembered your life before NRC, barely a few months ago but still hazy to your memory. You remember crouching in front of a television, watching an animated movie with jaunty music play.
A black-haired girl in a blue and yellow dress singing to a well. A man with a feather in his cap, brandishing a dagger and a wooden box. A beautiful woman with a crown and a black cape sneering at her, then with a flourish of her robes marching to…
A mirror?
You frowned, plopping in front of the mirror. The dark voids of its ‘eyes’ stared emptily. She said something to the mirror. Mirrors can talk? What did she say to it?
Your head hurt as you remembered the dreams you had leading up to Vil’s overblot. That woman looked too much like the Fairest Queen. But that mirror can’t be the same.
What did she say to the mirror?
You thought for a long moment, then mumbled awkwardly “Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”
The Mirror loomed silently, not even regarding you. Well, you thought, the mirror isn’t really on a wall. It’s… floating?
Something about your wording still didn’t feel right. You shut your eyes and laid on the floor, trying to remember the Queen’s words.
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?
That sounded right, but you’d have to reword it to be true. You thought for a moment, then spoke slowly, “Magic mirror in front of me, who would the fairest of them all be?”
The Mirror remained silent, and you laughed to yourself, “of course the mirror wouldn’t talk, it was just some drea-“
“Eyes bright as the starry sky,” the Mirror intoned,
“Heart kind as the mountain tall.
Mind broad as the clouds are high,
Thou, (y/n), are fairest of them all.”
Congrats, Mirror. You broke the (y/n).
How the fuck did you get the mirror to speak to you? You thought it only spoke to the headmaster that was just a stupid rhyme from my dream why did that-
Your mouth felt dry. Why did that work?
You stared at the Mirror. Now it’s void-like eyes seemed to look back at you and regard you. Not just a magicless prefect now, huh?
Was that just a dream? Was that just a movie you watched when you were younger? Five different dreams relating to Seven couldn’t be a coincidence. Why did it feel like you knew those stories? Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy???
Your mouth opened but before you could speak, your phone buzzed at your thigh. You flicked your screen and picked up the call, swallowing thickly and tried to act as if a Mirror didn’t call you fairest-of-them-all while you talked to the dude who overblotted over it.
“H-hey Vil, the meeting ended?”
Vil walked as fast as he could, heels clicking. “Yes, I’m heading to the Mirror Chamber,” he flicked open a compact mirror with his other hand, “have you been waiting long? I’m sorry.” Yes. His makeup stayed pristine.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll see you soon,” you hung up just as Vil swung the door open. You smiled at him. Was his makeup more on-point today?
“Ready to go?” He offered you his arm, which you took. “Yeah…” you regarded the mirror again. It stared blankly into the distance. Vil seemed to notice your stare, and he smiled sadly.
“You know, I think you’d like the Shaftlands,” he said softly, “where I grew up. The mountains where Jack and I used to play are beautiful. The sky is clear, and when the Aurora appears, it’s breathtaking. Jack and I used to cloud watch too,” he chuckled at the memory while you reeled from what the Mirror told you. Vil noted your arm tightening on his, and he patted you, “don’t be nervous. You’ll like it.”
That’s not why I’m nervous, you smiled at him, calming yourself. “I’m excited, don’t worry.”
With that, he turned to the Mirror and in a voice as authoritative as the Queen in your dream, said “Take us to the Shaftlands.”
The glass swirled and as you stepped into the cobblestoned streets of the Shaftlands, you pushed your encounter to the back of your mind. After all, your own Queen needed all your attention now. <3
Besides, what could some dusty old mirror know?
——
Hi!! i hope this wasn’t too ooc, I had this idea for a while and the twst brain rot is real so I thought I’d write it. Likes and reblogs are appreciated, id love to know what you guys think 😄✨
I plan to do a pts 2 and 3 with rook and epel, stay tuned :3
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linkspooky · 3 months
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You need to make another one of those "metas written by comparing characters with another show you liked" post about Getou now that you experienced FGO Morgan/Aesc.
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Time to compare two characters from two different shows I liked (in this case Jujutsu Kaisen and Fate Grand Order: Cosmos of the Lostbelt 6 Faerie Britian) to illustrate what makes a good corruption / fallen hero arc. Two of the best examples I can think of in recent memory are Geto Suguru, and Morgan le Fay of Faerie Britian. They both have tragic arcs which follow similar beats which I think will illustrate exactly why audiences find these characters so compelling.
Both of these characters have their stories told out of order, appearing as villains first before their backstory is revealed but for the sake of simplicity I'm going in chronological order, the heroes they started as all the way to the villains they ended up being.
Before beginning though, a brief lesson on tragedy. Aristotle's poetics argued tragedy runs on the principal of catharsis. The audience feels for the characters on stage, no matter how terrible their acts may be. He argued in favor of moral ambiguity in its heroes. The tragic hero must neither be a villan or virtuous man, but a "character between these two extremes, ... a man who is not eminently goo and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice of depravity, but by some error or frailty [Aristotle's Poetics.]
The protagonists of tragedies are still heroes, but their good qualities are twisted against them. A tumblr post I see going around from time to time makes the argument that if Othello (the protagonist of Othello) were in Hamlet the story would not be a tragedy because Otello would just stab his uncle and avenge his father. If Hamlet (the protagonist of Hamlet) were in Othello, the story would not be a tragedy because Hamlet who is a characteristic overthinker would probably not fall victim to Iago's manipulations and jump to conclusions the way Othello did. Both of these characters are heroic, Hamlet is a clever and scheming prince, Othello is a talented general a moor who's managed to rise up the ranks in a racist society. However, they are both put into stories where those heroic values are twisted against them by the narrative framework itself. So to make the protagonists of tragedies into villains who were evil all along, ruins the moral ambiguity and therefore the catharsis of a tragedy.
Geto Suguru and Morgan Le Fay are heroes, placed in a narrative framework that twists their own heroic traits against them in ways they can't endure. They fall because of frailty, not because they were inherently evil to begin with. They are antagonists who have the qualities of protagonists, and once were arguably protagonists of the story, which is probably why they have so many fans in the audience despite the fact that they are both of them mass murderers and tyrants.
Now with the long preamble let's look at the stories.
Both characters start as essentially protagonists, and they foil the protagonists they are fighting against during their villain phase. Geto Suguru is a heavy foil for Yuji (we'll talk about this later) and Morgan so heavily foils Castoria because they are both the chosen one.
I'm going to start with Morgan because Fate/Nasuverse lore is a pain to explain. To simplify her story, Morgan Le Fay is from an alternate universe version of Britian. In that Britian everything is ruled by faeries. These are trickster faeries who are total jerks and extremely murderous at times. They were supposed to forge excalibur, but they just didn't do it because they were lazy. This was very bad, so the universe sent a big huge guy to tell them to forge the sword. They were lazy though so instead of listening to him they murdered him in his sleep and he died a horrible death.
The faeries could no longer be forgiven for failing to craft excalibur which is a really important sword that needed to exist, so god or heaven or fate or whoever decided to punish them and sent Aesc who will later be known as Morgan le Fay.
There's some time travel shenanigans but I'm going to skip it because it's confusing. Basically Aesc's job is to wipe out all fairy life and bring an end to their alternate universe, but she decides to defy her destiny instead. The heavens or whoever keep conjuring calamities to wipe out the fairites to punish them for their sins, but instead Aesc fights against them and saves the fairies.
I had a duty to paradise, but I knew that duty would result in Britiain's destruction. This other me, though... She loved Britiain dearly, even the lostbelt version of it. I thought about it, and I realized I wanted the same thing she did. From then on I chose to live as her. (Witch! Witch! Witch! You were the only one to survive the calamity) Countless times, I stopped the calamities. Countless times, I mended clan disputes to end wars. I did not mind. It was not the fairies I loved. I only loved britain itself and the home I would make here. It would be my very own Britian - something that was forever beyond my reach in Proper Human History. I did everything I could to make it a reality. Eventually though, I realized the best way to do that was to keep the faeries safe.
However, because Aesc is not one of them the fairies are generally ungrateful for her saving them again and again. Aesc gathers comrades around her to help ward off these calamities and save people, but she's often attacked by the same fairies she's just saved.
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She continues fighting the system of her world again and again, until she's betrayed for the last time in her attempt to save Britan. The final straw is when after years of hard work she's finally brokered a piece and made a king who rules over all the allied fairy tribes, only for his coronation to be ruined, the king to be assassinated along with the entire round table. The king was also her lover, Uther.
Aaah! Aaaah! Why? Why? Why? This was supposed to be the greatest day in fairy history... Everything was supposed to change for the better! BUt they killed Uther! They slaughtered my entire round table like they were trash! They asked the world of us! They thought the world of Uther! BUt now, they've poisoned him...THey were too afraid to even face him cowards. Uther talk to me, please say something! I never let failure stop me! I've kept trying all these thousands of years! Am I doomed to failure here, too! Is it still not enough? Am I not enough? Is it not... Can I not save Britain? Is there no Britain that can be mine! Peace, equality, I never should have tried for either! How dare they! I can never forgive them ever!
You see much like Geto Suguru which I'll later illustrate, Aesc is caught in a cycle where she must continually fight disasters for the faeries to save them only to be met with their continued disdain. Her own higher minded intentions to save the people are what damns her to this painful cycle. If she'd been less heroic, if she didn't care she wouldn't have suffered. She's sacrificing herself over and over again, but sacrificing yourself is in a way just suffering. No one actually wants to walk the thorny path of the martyr, you'll get your feet hurt from all the thorns.
The people who are now accustomed to being saved despite doing none of the work themselves, are by and by completely ungrateful for Aesc's sacrifice. Aesc is a hero, but she's not in a hero's story so she doesn't get any of the benefits of a hero really. She's working with higher minded and more idealistic goals in a deeply cynical world and punished for it. I remind you, she was just there to kill all the faeries and end the world but she tried to save them instead.
It's important to emphasize their good intentions, because a shallower character reading would suggest that they just came out of the womb wanting to murder people. However, they're driven to it because they tried to be good, because they tried to be a hero. They are like Hamlet, and like Othello in the wrong story. They're also sacrificing themselves going against the system of their world and trying to be better than it, only to get dragged down. Their resentment grows against the people they are trying to save, the selfish and weak people who don't seem all that grateful for their heroism. The ones who aren't making sacrifices, the ones who are just content being saved.
I finally understood. My enemy wasn't just the calamities, it was the faeries of Britain as well. They were pure and innocent in the truest sense, they enjoyed both good and evil things alike without losing either that purity or innocence. They are at their core, no different from the loathsome humans who drove me from britain. So I crushed every possible source of malice. Vested interests. Discrimmination. Oppression. Envy. Mockery. All of it. But it wasn't enough. A few fairies took a look at the foundation of peace so many had worked so hard to build ... and tore it apart, because they didn't like it, because they could.
This is what finally leads to Morgan's breaking point, to decide that actually... fairies don't deserve rights. Morgan decides that the fairies are unworthy of salvation and rather than being the hero the only way to accomplish her goals is to become the oppressor and tyrant.
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I give up, if everything has failed if it has all come to nothing, then I can never believe in people's so called goodness or understand it. Even if I did, what would be the point? Everything I did, everything I worked for... was just a waste of time. After all the times they betrayed me I should ahve known better... but I still clung foolishly to a sliver of hope. ANd now, because I wasted my time caring about something so utterly absurd, I've failed yet again. If my intent was to keep britain alive, then I was a fool to think being its savior was the way to accomplish it. No more. I will find another way. A better way. ...That's it. I won't deliver the fairies to absolution; I won't deliver salvation. Enough of this faerie of paradise, enough of being Avalon le Fae, I should have ruled this land from the start.
However, as I said it's only Morgan's repeated attempts to be the hero and save the fairies that drove her to this conclusion. However, I'd be amiss to say that Morgan didn't have flaws or selfish qualities from the start. Morgan le Fay is created from the Morgan le Fay we created with from proper legend. I'm not going to explain the lore, but basically she's an alternate universe version, who received memories from the Morgan le Fay of our universe. She knows the story of Morgan le Fay who tried to steal King Arthur's kingdom out from under him.
Alternate Universe Morgan le Fay still had the same chip on her shoulder, and entitlement that our Morgan did. She wanted the kingdom, and wanted Britain for herself. Her desire to play savior might have come from that very same entitlement that she deserves britain. Similiarly, she was most likely hurt so badly from the lack of praise because she also deserves praise for her actions. She has a bit of a superiority complex that places her above the fairies and makes her believe she has the right to rule.
However, as I said Morgan didn't start out as a tyrant she did earnestly try to save the faeries despite harboring those more negative qualities and selfish intentions. She may have had a more self-serving variety of selflessness but it's more the fragility of her that causes her fall. She didn't fall because she was rotten to begin with, she was just not strong enough to withstand years and years of ungratefulness from the faeries and betrayal. She has all the makings of a proper hero, she decides to defy destiny to save the people of faerie britain when she was supposed to be their destroyer. However, because she's in a tragedy she falls due to her insecurities and flaws overwhelming her rather than rising to the occasion.
Her manga chapter and the FGO Lostbelt game prose itself uses the light in the distance as a metaphor for this. Morgan continues going forward on the faint light of hope that things will work out for her and that even as a tyrant she can save Britain. However, it's that same light that damns her. In tragedies heroic qualities become flipped into flaws. Morgan's most heroic quality is her determination, the willpower to endeavor for thousands of years to try to save Faerie Britain, but that determination makes her unchanging, causes her to make the same mistakes over and over again, and just makes her continually suffer like Sisyphus pushing his boulder up the hill.
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But that light is just an insect trap - or at least that's how it is for the protagonist of the tragedy. Road to hell, and all that.
After reaching her breaking point Morgan decides she'll no longer try to save the fairies but rather only care about saving the kingdom itself. She goes from the kingdom's hero to its oppressive tyrant after seizing the throne for herself.
That's where we meet the villain we know today.
Now shifting gears to Geto Suguru, he is someone who starts out his story trying to be a hero. A little bit of context on the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, it takes place in an urban fantasy version of Japan where the jungian collective unconscious and the negative emotions of humanity create curses that kill and eat people. These curses need to be exorcised by a few special humans who are given superpowers known as jujutsu sorcerers.
There is an institution of sorcerers known as Jujutsu High, which raises sorcerers from a young age gifted with these powers to exorcise sorcerers. THese teenagers are often sent out on msisions. This is different from most stories of teenage heroes with superpower, because fighting curses is brutal and dangerous and most of these kids are going to die young. There's also no end in sight to the fight against curses, because no matter how many curses are exorcised humans will just keep making more.
Not only do they live in a cynical, and brutal world but most sorcerers are insanely selfish. Just to give an example of how immoral sorcerers are, one of the allies of the main characters is implied to molest her brother, and if she's not she still uses her like 12 year old brother as a child soldier. Nobody ever bothers to question this because the institution of sorcerers are inherently corrupt, it's an instituion that continually sends children off to their deaths and uses people as nothing more than cogs.
Caught within this unfair system and trapped in a cycle of exorcising curses that are just going to come back anyway is Geto Suguru, who is not only a model sorcerer he's presented as much more selfless than your average sorcerer. He's directly contrasted against Gojo Satoru who is kind of just a petty kid with a god complex.
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Gojo uses his powers selfishly, he only fights because he's really powerful and killing curses is a way to test and use his abilities. (This is literally stated as canon by Nanami don't fight me on this I'm simplifying his motivations because this is not a Gojo meta look at the entire fight with Sukuna saving Megumi was a secondary concern he wanted to fight a strong opponent). Whether people are saved by his actions are a secondary concern.
Geto on the other hand goes against the grain for most of Jujutsu Society, and believes that they as stronger people have a duty to use their strength to protect the weak. This idea of noblesse oblige is way way different from the attitudes of most sorcerers, who as I said usually turn into petty little people with god complexes.
Not to say Geto doesn't have a god complex, but we'll get to that later. Geto is explicitly contrasted against Gojo who's the only other powerful sorcerer and his best friend, but doesn't think they have an obligation to use their powers to help anyone.
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Right away we have two things in common with Morgan le Fay, number one they hold themselves to a higher minded ideal that of using their powers to act as a hero and protect the people underneath them. Number two, this is a choice they make to be better than the people around them. Morgan's destiny is to destroy the faeries and she tries to save them. Sorcerers usually just keep their heads down and do their jobs, they're not heroes, they don't save people they kill curses. In fact, the sorcerers who are selfish assholes (Mei Mei) are wildly succesful, the ones who try to help other people like Nanami die young.
They sacrifice themselves for others. Geto pursuing his higher minded ideal is faced with the same kind of tragedy that Morgan is, where his attempts to save a teenage girl named Riko not only blatantly fail, they fail because of Toji a person who cannot use cursed energy. Everyone they tried to protect died, and they're shown first hand not only does the world not really care about their idealism, but they're not really powerful enough to change this world in any way.
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Morgan's lover Uther and all of her allies is ruthlessly slaughtered, by the same faeries she was trying to save after she brokered peace. Geto tries to save a little girl, and he not only watches her die, but he sees an entire crowd of normal people, the people he is fighting to save applause for her death. They all applaud her death because they're a part of a cult that believes that the girl was an affront to their god, but she was mostly just a normal teenager. He witnesses first hand that normal people do not care for the fate of Jujutsu Sorcerers whatsoever.
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If Geto were more selfish he would be rewarded. If he didn't attempt to save people, if he just only cared about exorcising curses like Gojo did he'd probably become more powerful and he wouldn't succumb to despair the way he had. Geto exists in a narrative where selfishness is rewarded, and his selfless, heroic traits are continually punished.
This traumatic event makes him aware similarly to the brutal cycle he is caught up in. Morgan le Fay can't save the faeries, because faeries are jerks who can't change. Geto will just continually exorcise curses over and over again. Not only is humanity just going to keep producing more curses, but humans are vastly indifferent to the sacrifices that sorcerers (who are mostly children) keep making to try and save them.
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Geto's choice to protect people is the cause of his suffering, because sacrifice is inherently taking on suffering for the sake of someone else - therefore sacrifice is suffering.
This too, leads to Geto's eventual breaking point where he lets his resentment for the same people he's trying to save corrupt him. An incident where just after seeing his dear friend die because of a curse, he's brought to a village of people. The whole village put two little girls in a cage, who were capable of seeing curses and blamed them as the scapegoat for a curse reflecting his village. Geto sees a flash of what happened to Riko again, a crowd full of normal people who don't have to fight curses applauding for the sacrifice of a little girl who was innocent. It's the macrocosm, all of society forcing a few sorcerers to die exorcising curses for them, shown on the microcosm, one village scapegoating two little girls who did nothing wrong.
That's what leads Geto to snap and massacre the whole village. He's now turned against the masses he wants to protect. He then decides that instead of protecting the masses, he's going to kill them and build a world of only sorcerers. He's no longer trying to save them, like Morgan le Fay he's turned to the hero and the Tyrant.
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They both even utter similiar words.
I will never save the faeries! I will never forgive the faeries! I don't like monkeys. That's the truth I chose.
Monkeys is by the way, the word Geto uses to refer to normal people who cannot fight curses or even see them. People who don't have superpowers.
One more time I want to emphasize Geto did not come out of the womb wanting genocide. Hamlet didn't start out the play stabbing people. He does have his flaws, just like Morgan by assuming the role of the hero he sees himself in a separate, superior category to the people he wants to protect. There's a line I like in a youtube analysis for for Yuji that applies to Geto as well.
(Other people exist to be saved, which gives Yuji a role in the world) In a way Yuji thinks other people exist to validate his own existence.
Geto begins the story not seeing other people as people. They exist in a category separate from himself. Part of the reason that his failures hit him so hard, is because they disprove this idea of superiority he has for himself. He's shown his god complex is just a complex and he's as flawed and capable of failure as any mortal.
It's an inability to recognize that failure, learn from it, and reconcile it with themselves that causes both Morgan le Fay and Geto to spiral. They are the hero, they are trying to be just, they should reap the just rewards for being a hero. Geto even says as such in a moment of rare jealousy for Gojo, that Gojo is someone who also has godlike power and if Geto had that same power he could change the world the way he wants. He could create his more just world.
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Morgan and Geto are characters who begin their narratives with superior complexes and senses of entitlement, selfishly selfess heroes and those negative qualities eventually lead them to fail. Geto thought being a sorcerer made him superior, he just also thought that with that superiority came a responsibility to protect others. Morgan le Fay thought she was the rightful king of Britain, she also thought that divine right to be king also came with an obligation to protect Britain. However, they're not meant to be seen as people who all along wanted to oppress and hurt others.
The key word with tragedy is catharsis, we are supposed to feel for the protagonists of tragedies. We're supposed to see our own traits reflected in them. It's their human qualities to drive them to tragedy.
After all, you reader on tumblr would probably not be able to be a perfectly selfless hero. If you saved someone and then they immediately tried to kill you, you would probably just be a little bitter about it. If you were like Geto and you were working tirelessly to exorcise curses, and all you got was your friends dying, I don't think you'd be like "This is okay :D". If anything, going mad in their extreme circumstances seems like a reasonable response, because could we as the audience do any better in their situations?
Of course the last similarity between Geto and Morgan (besides the fact they both adopt daughters they raise up to be little psychos but this post is getting too long already) is the fact that they both heavily foil the heroes of the story they occupy. They see themselves as villain, they play the role of villain, but they're really just heroes of another story.
Paradise or god or fate or whatever in Faerie britain eventually conjures up another chosen one. This chosen one Altria or as the fandom calls her Castoria is far less heroic. IN fact unlike Morgan who embraces the role of savior she would rather do anything she could to avoid Britain.
This is because for similiar reasons as Morgan, the faeries have basically abused her and tormented her all her life. Yet they still expect her to selflessly step up as their chosen one and save the day from the evil oppressive tyrant Morgan.
You have one protagonist who embraces their heroic quest, and even goes above and beyond by ignoring her destiny to wipe out the faeries and saving them instead. You have another who continually runs away from the heroic quest, and honestly doesn't seem to care that much about saving faeries.
Morgan is actually openly sympathetic to Castoria, and even offers to ally with her a couple of times because she bears the same burden as chosen one. This is another example of how Morgan doesn't quite fit the role of either hero or villain, the ambiguity who makes tragedy.
However, while Morgan does everything to defy fate, Castoria just kind of keeps marching along every step of Joseph Campbell's the heroes journey until she ends up defeating Morgan. Well she doesn't truly defeat her, but Morgan meets her tragic end and gets stabbed a whole bunch of times.
There's a similiar foiling between Geto, and the series protagonist Yuji who both start out the story believing that as sorcerers they have a duty to save others. There are several in story comparisons and direct parallels between the two.
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Yuji attempts to save others with his power as a sorcerer over and over again, and is met with the same continual failure that Geto has. Yuji is the only real sorcerer in his generation that cares about saving strangers with his powers. Nobara wants money to live in Tokyo, Megumi only cares about protecting Yuji and his sister, Yuta only cares about his friends, Maki only wants revenge against her clan. Like Maki blatantly says whether people get saved or not by her actions is none of her business.
His own attempts to save people not only fail badly, but he watches people die. He watches a lot of people die in a situation where he is powerless to stop them.
He's met with the same tragedy of Geto but he doesn't succumb to it. The same for Castoria she doesn't decide to be a Tyrant the way that Morgan le Fay did. I would argue this isn't because of any inherent goodness that Castoria or Yuji have but rather because both of them are able to let go of their egoes. Yuji kind of believes the same thing Geto does, that other people exist to be saved by him. He's broken when he realizes that he's not a savior after all...but he's able to continue in a way that Geto isn't.
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Yuji lets go of his ego entirely and believes that he's just a cog in the machine and he doesn't need to be some big hero or be rewarded at the end of his hero's journey.
Geto and Morgan le Fay both long for a role in the grand scheme of things. They are still employing narrative thinking, they need to play a story role to validate their existences. It's just that they flipped their role, they tried being the heroes but it didn't work so they're the villains now.
Geto is similiarly rebuffed by Yuta who is his eventual killer by saying that he doesn't actually care about saving the world or if Geto is right that sorcerers are superior to humans, he's only fighting for his friends.
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I would say for both castoria and yuji it's not a matter of being inherently good people, but rather of being better at enduring than their counterparts are. Morgan le Fay and Geto try to take the world's suffering on their shoulders, and it breaks them because they're not heroes they're just normal people. Yuji, Castoria and to the same extent Yuta kind of learn to let go of their great heroic aspirations but because of that they're able to take on suffering better. They're trying to live in reality not a grand heroic fantasy.
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To bring the example back to FGO, for Castoria and for Morgan the light of hope that led them down their heroic journeys mean two different things. For Morgan that light is an insect trap. Her flying towards that light just causes her to keep suffering through her sisyphian task. Castoria has a much more realistic point of view, she's not trying to get a happy ending or even save people, that light is the hope that at the end of her journey her actions will have meant something. It's more about the journey itself and the people she met along the way, then some big grand reward at the end.
Morgan le Fay and Geto both fail because they are fragile, because they are human. That's the most important takeaway of this long rambling post. They may be selfish, they may be entitled but they're flawed in human ways. After all, who doesn't want a happy ending?
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rowanyx · 2 months
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So in the Adventuring Party, Brennan asked Beardsley whether there is a world in which Kristen gives up being a Cleric.
Mechanics-wise, I understand why the response was a no. That kind of big change would have a lot of restructuring to do, from the character sheet to minis to even plot changes, which would be difficult mid-season like this. (See Riz's sub-class change from Inquisitor to Arcane Trickster happening now, rather than when we actually met Pok)
Story-wise, though, I respectfully disagree. In fact, I posit there is many a world in which Kristen could change her class.
The big one, I think, would be Paladin. Especially either Redemption or Oathbreaker. After all, you could easily argue that this whole situation (i.e. Cassandra seeing Kristen not putting her priesthood first, dying, and the new mysterious voice that taunted the party with the rotting corpse of the god Kristen already failed) cumulates into exactly the type of description for an Oathbreaker (going back on their word and then joining up with some evil entity instead). And, well, after two gods dying, one you've very much stated to want to be good for but can't get yourself to do so, sounds very much like the type of person that would seek Redemption. If not for themselves, at least for others.
And this could also work to show sort of backslide into the Applebee's family drama. After all, we know Bucky just started as a Paladin himself. He's probably not high enough leveled to have a sub-class of his own, but doesn't Redemption fit? The kid who was forced into Kristen's old role, who is already going around trying to save his classmates from Hell? If Kristen did switch to Paladin, they would most likely share classes (something like Gorgug's Artificier track, school-wise). A perfect opportunity to flesh out the relationship there, either to save Bucky from Mac and Donna or have him 'save' Kristen.
Of course, these are just two of the easier paths to see.
Porter did want another Bad Kid in his classes, didn't he?
Maybe Kristen finds she desires a guide and becomes a Totem Warrior Barbarian.
Maybe Kristen decides that just because her parents suck, doesn't mean the whole bloodline did. This causes her to delve into old records and come out of it as a Path of the Ancestral Guardian Barbarian.
Another idea, given the Buff Kristen movement, is a Fighter. Especially the training and power describing a Champion or the fighting spirit of a Samurai, to lose so many gods and keep going.
Or maybe she finds the issue is the evangelizing. That she cannot dedicate herself to bringing others into her path, but still desiring a higher being to help her. There are many to make a Warlock Contract with. She's even living with one, technically, by way of Fig's Archdevil job.
You could even argue for an Eloquence Bard, with all the speeches and now the Presidency campaign.
Or hey, Cassandra was a moon goddess, wasn't she? Maybe even a Lunar Sorcerer.
Unlikely but theoretically possible, she's just desperate to fix something and takes up Artificing. After all, how different can a Battle Smith really be? It's still healing and protecting, right?
Or, let's revisit an old topic. At the top of the game, Kristen was called the Chosen One. We saw that title following her even after leaving Helio. Sol treated her kindly for it, she invented YES! and even reinvented it into YES?. An argument can even be made that that's part of why Cassandra was fixed so easily after clinging to her. But what is that? Where is that power from? Perhaps some new magic awakens in Kristen. That of a Divine Soul Sorcerer.
Just, Kristen, taking a hard look at religion and Clericdom and deciding maybe it wasn't right for her.
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the-s1lly-corner · 3 months
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Hii!! Can u do tadc x reader who's mute?? (If ur too tired to do the whole cast u could just do jax and pomni) tyy!! :33
Pomni, Jax and Ragatha x mute!reader !
except ragatha has already been done before and im just linking her post in since its the same prompt eheheheh! think im going to answer just a few requests today; feeling a lil blugh since i didnt sleep well last night and i still got art stuff to do ... might continue my metalocalypse rewatch binge too
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POMNI:
i think it would take her a moment to grow accustomed to your muteness. sometimes, at least in the beginning, she waits for you to speak before giving a soft "oh".. she doesnt mean to be malicious or mean, its all a matter of her getting used to things! add in that she has other things going on in regards to being thrusted into this new environment..! i think she would carry around a notepad and pen in her jesters hat for you to use when speaking to her, though i do think she is trying to learn sign language so you guys can more easily communicate... me thinks she might be a slower learner, though, mostly because as mentioned before theres just so much going on for her..! definitely very sweet about it though and tries to speak up if people are ignoring you in a conversation; though its a little meek and awkward she doesnt really give up on making sure you're heard
RAGATHA:
you can find her part here! funny enough this is my first TADC post (the random thing doesnt count)
JAX:
definitely a faster learner of sign language if thats your main means of communicating with other people. you guys have probably gotten into at least one argument before and yes hes the type to turn the lights off so he cant see your signing or your writing. is it petty? yes, but i can definitely see jax doing that. kind of reminds me of that one post/meme where op talks about how a deaf kid took their ice cream and when they signed to the kid. the kid just. closed their eyes. probably closes his eyes when youre trying to scold him for his trickster behavior LMAO. despite that, i think similar to pomni hes going to make sure no one talks over you, but unlike pomni hes not awkward about it. actually hes going to be obnoxious about it and may or may not unintentionally put you on the spot and embarrass you... or maybe he did that on purpose, knowing jax.. doesnt use your muteness against you though, in regards to pranks and his general assholery. like outside of him being kind of an ass when you guys are arguing, hes not going to do anything that could harm you. jax is an asshole but hes not a monster
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goustmilk · 3 months
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IkePri Men and their DND classes!
(I made a separate post for better reach!)
Ok so my friend @byakutie and I gave it a bit of thought, so here’s roughly what we’d think their classes would be ! fair warning, most of our opinions are based off what we know from bg3 and some minimal research.
Jin: High Half Elf. Eagle Heart Barbarian, probably a level or two of monk. He needs flurry of blows.
Chevalier: High Elf, most definitely a fighter but I could see him multiclassing into wizard? His love of books and perfect memory would suit him well in this class. But mostly Fighter. He probably does a bit of everything.
Clavis: High Elf, Alchemist Artificer or Arcane Trickster Rogue. My friend argued bard, which I can imagine him having a level or two in. He’d love to use Otto’s irresistible dance. My boy would go ham on the lute.
Leon: Changeling- transformed into the real Leon. He has been changed into Leon for so long, he has since forgotten what he originally looked like. Paladin, Oath of Devotion. I’m not too familiar with the Paladin Oaths but this seemed most fitting?
I made an edit for Leon- i’ve talked about it a bit and Changeling is very fitting. I think it would also make it the reason why it’s so easy for him to slip out of the palace and walk around town!
Yves: High Half Elf, Bard, College of Valour. Literally what else would he be??
Licht: High Elf, Fighter, or maybe even a Ranger Knight. His horse is his familiar. He has speak with animals cast at all times.
Nokto: High Elf, Bard, College of Lore. Nokto was very difficult to class, but i feel like his high charisma would be very fitting. i could totally see him using tf out of vicious mockery. His VA is also a musician so Nokto bard confirmed
Luke: Wood Half Elf. I’m stuck between druid, ORRRR Oath of Vengeance Paladin. If you wanna delve deeper, I could see him as a Paladin who broke his Oath on the path of vengeance. Who says he can’t multi class tho??
Rio: High or Sea Half Elf. I dont want to class everyone as a bard, but I will. College of Swords Bard. He is shown to have proficiency with instruments, probably has 22 charisma. Maybe add some fighter.
Sariel: Human, or Seldarine Drow if you want. Half Drow? No? Ran away from the Lolth and the Underdark, found Safety in Rhondolite. Took him many years to get used to the sun but he still prefers to stay inside the palace. Ancient, but still somewhat young for a drow. A Theif Rogue. Obviously, he doesn’t steal anymore but that doesn’t make him any less good at it. (now i must draw Drow Sariel).
Silvio: High or Sea Elf. I was completely lost at first with Silvio. I was thinking maybe Ranger. Bounty Hunter, or Mage Slayer? I can imagine him fighting many types foe’s on his voyages, looking for treasure.
Keith: Human, Circle of Wildfire Druid. It fits both him and Alter Keith. The ability to both destroy and create, while also keeping the ability to heal and knowledge of medicinal herbs.
Gilbert: Human, Battle Smith Artificer. I will not debate on this. There’s something beautiful about being in a world full of magic and just using a gun instead lmfao
some inspired doodles under the cut!
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Spoilers for Gilberts and Yves pt2 route: I imagine the Kloss family being human, which is why Yves is a half elf. It also explains Gilbert being sick, and his “short” lifespan. Don’t think about the timeline and ages too much. It’ll hurt ur brain
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The Trickster and her secrets (fem!Slytherin reader x Charlie Weasley)
Masterlist (To view my Masterlist, visit my Tumblr page)
Words: 12.5k
Summary: Things are not what they seem around you. You know how to get what you want from others. A few people seem to look through you, but it only bothers you when one of them looks through you. That one person is Charlie Weasley... Pairing: fem!Slytherin reader x Charlie Weasley
Extra information: The reader is an Animagus, who can turn into a fox. _______________________________________________________ Some would call you smart; another person would just call you a psychopath. Honestly, you didn’t seem to care. You wanted to become someone. You didn’t want to be living in your brother’s shadow forever. Still, some may argue the way you were going was much better than the path your brother chose. You were basically the master of manipulating others. You would do anything to achieve success. No one would get in the way of that. What did you have to lose anyways? People already had low expectations of you because of your Jacob. Not to mention, your parents had been pretty much cold towards you ever since you were born. It was your grandfather who helped you out with becoming an Animagus, giving you a way to escape. You learned most of your tricks from him.
Now, your grandfather was gone and you had no family who you felt connected to. Summers usually involved running away from home. You would turn into a fox, occasionally stealing away food from unsuspecting Muggles or other ways to survive. Whenever you came home, your parents didn’t even miss you. It didn’t matter how much money the family had. Home was bearable when Jacob was still returning home from Hogwarts every holiday and summer. No one was there for you. No one knew how things were at your home. The things you told others were basically lies. Perhaps they knew something was up, but they never asked anything about it. What did it matter anyways? You were Y/N Y/L/N. It wasn’t like they actually wanted to be friends with you, right?
Perhaps you had friends, but you were scared to tear down that wall between you and them. This was the safest. Luckily you weren’t born with the Legilimency trait, that would only make things worse. You couldn’t imagine anyone thinking something positive about you. The only one you didn’t make friends with during your search was Charlie Weasley. Perhaps Bill was careful as well around you. The two of them didn’t seem to fall for your way of talking. 
It kind of irritated you when Charlie didn’t seem to like you. At first it was a little annoying, now it just made you give less of the fake smiles. It made you a lot more honest around him. At least, the irritation was apparent. You weren’t sure whether he liked it when you were more honest or made him act more irritated as well. You were aware Rowan knew you didn’t like Charlie, but you were certain some more people would know about it as well. Bill probably knew about it too from Charlie. It was certain the two of you were not getting along great. Still, he occasionally helped you. Probably Bill’s work.
As time went on, you honestly weren’t sure whether you actually hated Charlie or if something else was going on. The boy managed to make you feel so much more than most people did. You nearly lost your temper because of him. How could someone like him make you do that? She didn’t understand why he could see right through her. It made her feel vulnerable and weak. She was taught that smiles made people happy, even when you weren’t happy yourself. It would help people with loosening up and you could achieve more. Of course, those were the words of your grandfather, who was known for his charisma and charm. He wasn’t an honest man either. You didn’t know what his reasons were, but you felt like you and your grandfather had different motives to be the way you were. He gave you ways to escape and make things a little more pleasant. The only person that seemed to be proud of you and smiled at you during your childhood. Your parents would only smile and laugh if they could laugh at someone else’s misery, even yours. 
“Miss Y/L/N, while your grades are very good, I know you aren’t putting too much effort into things.” Professor Snape, giving you a stern look. “I believe we have talked about this last year as well.”
“I am trying my best, Professor. Besides, you just said my grades are very good, so there isn’t really a problem, right?” You said, tilting your head a bit with a small smile.
Professor Snape rubbed the bridge of his nose, as if he was about to get a headache from talking to you. “We all know you can do better than this. You are lucky you are cunning enough to fool most people, but not me.”
You sighed softly. Great, another one who saw through her. “Then what do you want me to do, Professor? I believe I have proven myself I am not as ‘incapable’ as my brother was during your classes.” You said honestly with another fake smile on your face. “I have worked really hard during your classes. I may not be on Penny’s level when it comes to brewing potions, but I am not bad either.”
“Yes… You have proven that. Still, try to put a bit more effort into other subjects as well. It wouldn’t hurt your grades for your O.W.L.s, miss Y/L/N.”
“Does that mean I am free to go again?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. Thank you, Professor. Have a pleasant day.” You said with a sweet fake smile before leaving. 
Ugh, of course Professor Snape didn’t fall for your tricks. You wouldn’t be surprised either if Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore didn’t fall for your tricks either. Most others seem to fall for your tricks and charms. It worked for Professor Flitwick, Sprout, Quirrell, Trelawney, Kettleburn and Sinistra for sure.
You needed to unwind. You felt like that would be the only way to feel better like yourself. It was hard to keep smiling when you were irritated by something. Perhaps you could get in the forest. Maybe you could just have some fun walking around as a fox. It made things less complicated, that’s for sure.
Instead of going to do something productive like Professor Snape probably wanted, you went to the Forest. Of course, you made certain you weren’t seen by Hagrid. It wouldn’t be the first time you went into the forest without permission and you felt like Hagrid would be too honest to not tell anyone about it. It would be best to not be seen by anyone at all. Being around your friends would even be hard now. You needed some alone time. You were mostly surrounded by other people and it sometimes made you feel exhausted. Even more secluded places were sometimes occupied and the Forest wasn’t really a spot most people wanted to go to.
Except for one person… 
“Look what we have here, another trespasser.” You said, seeing the redhead you did not want to see. “How come you always end up in places where I wanted to go, Charles?”
Charlie rolled his eyes at you. “First, I don’t know why you and I often end up in the same place and second, don’t call me, Charles.”
“You want me to call you Charlie like everyone else? You and I both know I don’t see you like everyone else. Besides, Charles sounds very proper.” You said with a small smirk. “I suppose I should go further in the Forest. That way there would be enough distance between us.” You said, dropping the smirk.
“It seems like you show your true colours around me, Y/N. At least you stopped lying right in my face.” Charlie said, looking a bit annoyed.
“I am glad we understand each other so well. Why would I even smile around you anyways? The only thing that could make you excited is a dragon.” You said with a huff. “Besides, it is not like I am hurting anyone you care about.”
Charlie narrowed his eyes. “That doesn’t make you a better person.”
“Who said I was a better person? I am certainly not here to compete against you or anything.” You said before walking off in a certain direction.
“You really shouldn’t go that way.”You turned around to face Charlie. “Why not?”
“There are many Acromantulas in that area.” He said honestly.“I didn’t know you cared about my safety.” You said slightly amused. “Don’t worry, Weasley. I can handle it. It’s not like I have never been here.” You gave him a wink before walking into that direction anyways. 
“Hey! You really shouldn’t go in there, not during this time!” Charlie said, following you.
You gritted your teeth a little. Why would he even bother? It didn’t make any sense to you. You continued walking, ignoring him. Eventually he just stepped in front of you, blocking your way.
“Merlin, can you be even more annoying than you are now? I can handle this just fine!” You said, feeling a little surprised you were about to lose your temper.
“I am just trying to prevent you from getting in unnecessary danger!” Charlie seemed to lose his cool as well. “Do you want your friends to worry about you? Because you clearly don’t care about heading into danger.”
“Oh, just leave me alone, will you! Don’t you dare to lecture me about this. You probably have headed into the Forbidden Forest more times than you have entered the fucking library!” You yelled. Wow, that sounded strange. You hadn’t yelled in years. The mask you made has fallen apart. He was the first one to witness raw emotions.
“Just go in another direction than that one and I will just let you go.” Charlie seemed to be determined to keep you away from that direction.
“What is that?” You said, pointing at something to distract Charlie. Once Charlie looked away, you began to shift into a fox and began running past Charlie.
“Y/N!” You heard him say in the distance, but you didn’t care. You needed to go away. 
After a little while, you shifted back into your regular form. You walked over to one of the trees and leaned your back against it. Eventually you slid down the tree, beginning to hug your knees. Not only had you lost your temper around him, you also showed him you were an Animagus. Could this day turn out to be even worse than it already was?
You noticed tears were rolling down your cheeks. You put your hands to your cheeks, seeing you were actually crying. You rubbed them away and tried to make it stop, but you just couldn’t. All those emotions you had tried to repress for so long, they all had come out at once. Always trying to be cool and charming, it was all fake. You weren’t perfect, you didn’t feel confident… It was all a big lie. Just to feel like you were more than Jacob’s sibling, more than just nothing in the eyes of your parents. 
“Jacob mastered his Legilimency.” Your mother said one day during dinner.
“Yes, Jacob seems to be very talented. His professors seem to say good things about him. He always was talented.” Your father replied.
“You are getting a bit behind, dear. Jacob managed to do more than you can do when he was your age.” Your mother said to you.
“Grandfather said I am doing pretty good.” You replied softly.
“Your grandfather is just sparing your feelings; you are probably doing just average.” Your mother laughed softly.
“Or he is just losing his touch…” Your father grumbled. 
You hated them so much. Oh, Jacob was so talented and they made it clear you were not. You were just there. It still pisses you off. When Jacob disappeared, they made it clear the name Jacob was forbidden. It always surprised you how easily they gave up on Jacob. Even with him gone, they didn’t care about you. 
You shook your head a bit, trying to get a grip on yourself. How could you lose your cool like this? This never happened at school before. Perhaps you just couldn’t handle two people looking right through you. Although, you could deal with Snape. Charlie was a different case for sure. You weren’t sure how he managed to make you feel all kinds of things. You weren’t even sure why you began dropping your mask around him. The person you just couldn’t get along with after trying your best to make them like you just didn’t buy your act.
Sure, you didn’t get along with everyone, like Merula. But you didn’t even bother with her after she began spreading more lies about your brother and your sanity. You knew you probably had said many hurtful things back to her. Of course, it seemed to lack malice, you knew they weren’t nice. You could say them with a smile, as if you were joking. That didn’t make it better.
Perhaps everyone knew you weren’t always one of the nicest people. You could charm people with nice words, but you were also using your words well enough to passively insult others. Only your friends were spared from any bad words. While you kept some distance from them and you felt like they may leave you at any time. You lied to them occasionally, especially when you were talking about family. You tried to distract them with other things and just charm your way through things. Your life was just a big lie created by yourself, to stop feeling hurt.
“Who cares what they are thinking of me? It doesn’t matter… I just need to prove myself and show them I am better than Jacob. I… I want grandpa to be proud of me…” You said softly to yourself, trying to make you stop crying.
You froze when you noticed a shadow was coming closer to you. No, not one shadow, multiple ones. Perhaps you should have listened to Charlie. You slowly got back on your feet, noticing about four Acromantulas making their way over to you. This wasn’t looking too good for you. You would have to run quickly! Once again you began to shift into a fox.
You felt like you would be harder to hit if you were smaller and most likely quicker. You tried to find your way back. However, the Acromantulas didn’t give up so easily on their prey. You could feel the adrenaline. It helped you with running away as fast and as long as you could, but they weren’t slow creatures either.
You nearly avoided them attacking you, but you tripped. You began rolling down a hill, eventually hitting a tree with your back. You felt you were shifting back into your regular self and slowly tried to get back up. You hissed, feeling pretty hurt. You felt like you weren’t safe yet. You tried to move as quickly as possible, but you were much slower.
Suddenly you felt like you were pulled aside by something…. 
You wanted to scream, but you felt a hand cover your mouth when you did. Your heart was racing and kind of wanted to just kick your way out of there. 
That was until she heard a familiar voice whisper something. “Stay low for a moment… They may not be able to see us here.”
You tried to turn around a little, seeing Charlie once more. Did he go looking for you? Why would he even do such a thing for you? You did what he told you to do, not making any sound. You still felt your heart racing, still feeling scared. You could probably handle one Acromantula, maybe two. Four was definitely too many to face at once. You would probably end up dead.
Charlie had removed his hand from your mouth and was definitely staying alert for the time being. He was listening for any sounds, holding his wand in one hand in case they sneaked up on you.
After a while, Charlie slightly began to move, checking the area once more before moving away from the spot you had been hiding. “Come on… Let’s get away from this area. It is invested with Acromantulas this time of the year.”
You were hesitant to move after what happened. You may have witnessed the horrors of the Cursed Vaults, but this was a horrifying moment too.
Charlie suddenly just grabbed your arm pulling you along with him after seeing you weren’t about to move.
You were about to say something about it, but nothing seemed to come out of your mouth at this moment. Honestly, you felt pretty pathetic. 
Once you were back in the clearing you had first seen each other, Charlie let go of your arm and just looked at you. “Do you understand why I said you shouldn’t go to that side of the forest now?”
“....” You looked away a little.
“If you had listened to me, you would have known it was their mating season. Acromantulas tend to get pretty aggressive if other people or creatures are around.” Charlie muttered, shaking his head. “Honestly, are you trying to get yourself killed out there? Four Acromantulas could have easily killed you!”
You felt yourself getting smaller when he talked about it some more. He was basically scolding  you for what happened.
“It’s a good thing you turned yourself into  a fox, because it probably made it harder for them to target y-....” He stopped talking and looked slightly confused. “Are you… are you crying?”
You blinked, once again feeling your cheeks were covered in tears. You quickly turned away from him in embarrassment.
“Did you get hurt?” He asked, slowly stepping towards you.
“I… I am fine… I just need a minute.” You said softly, trying to get once more a grip on yourself, trying to take deep breaths. “You… you can laugh if you want… I probably look pathetic now.”
“Laugh? Why would I laugh at you for this? What kind of person do you think I am?” Charlie sounded a little shocked.
“Someone who hates my guts?” You mumbled softly, rubbing your eyes some more. “Merula would probably have laughed or anyone else…”
“Y/N… I…” He shook his head a bit, not sure what to say right now. “I do not hate you. I just don’t like the fact you are constantly lying or being dishonest around other people. You put this major wall around yourself, like no one even knows who you are. Not to mention, the many fake smiles you put up. It’s a bit scary.” 
“I just don’t know who you are and whether you can be trusted because of that. You know how people work and how they could help you, but do you even care about others? It is really hard to tell…” Charlie admitted.
“... That makes sense.” You said softly. “I… I don’t know who I am either sometimes.”
“Does someone force you to just hide everything from everyone?” He asked.
“No… maybe… It’s complicated.” You mumbled softly, before slowly looking back at Charlie again. “I can’t talk about this… Not now. I don’t know if I ever can. So please… Stop asking.” You were basically pleading.
“...Fine. Let’s get you out of here though. I don’t think you should probably stay here much longer.” He said softly. 
___________________________  Charlie noticed some changes in you after that day in the Forbidden Forest. You seemed to put down that mask around your friends more often. It was like he was getting glimpses of the real Y/N. Although, he could also see you struggling occasionally.
Every time the two of you ended up at the same place, it just felt different. You seemed to get less and less irritated by him and he felt less irritated by your behaviour. You were probably still the most honest around him. While you would still make remarks, it felt more like banter than anything else.
“Dragons again? I would have thought you would be thinking about the last Quidditch match before Christmas. It wouldn’t be fun if you would just let my house win the Quidditch cup.” You told him at the Great Hall. “Or at least think about how you will survive Christmas this year.
Charlie rolled his eyes at you. “Don’t worry about the Quidditch cup, I won’t make it easy for the Slytherin team at all. Also, I doubt you will try to kill me during Christmas. I still don’t know why Bill thought it was a good idea to invite you over from Christmas this year.”
“Ah, luckily, I don’t give a damn about the Quidditch cup. I would rather root for Andre. Maybe even for you if I feel like it.” You said with a shrug. “Oh, I believe Bill overheard me when I said I haven’t celebrated Christmas in ages. I kind of celebrate it here at Hogwarts, but it is not really the same.” 
“I feel honoured you would maybe root for me as a Slytherin.” Charlie said amused, shaking his head a bit. “Ah, so he felt bad for you? Well, maybe if you are nice, you will get a nice little gift from me too.”
“Well, I’d rather root for friends than just some people I don’t know.” You said honestly. “I can’t promise you that. It is hard to not tease you from time to time. You can always give me some coal like Muggles do with bad children.”
“I suppose I should consider giving you that for Christmas.” He chuckled, before he suddenly looked a little off guard. “Wait... You see me as a friend?” 
You gulped softly. “Well… I  thought… If you don’t want to be…”
“No…!” Charlie looked mostly confused at the moment.
“Oh… I see.” You said softly, feeling a bit disappointed.
“No, no! I don’t mean I don’t want to be friends with you. It just surprised me.” He quickly said. “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to make you think I did not want to befriend you.”
“It’s okay, I mean, I haven’t been the nicest to you. I would have understood if you didn’t want to be friends. I just thought… We seemed to be getting along better, so I thought this could be the time to start a real friendship. Thanks to you, I feel much closer to our other friends. I want us to move on from that moment I just… Was plain mean to you.” You rubbed your arm a little.
“Well… I forgive you for your past behaviour. The time we have spent together is definitely more pleasant. Although, your way of teasing…”
“Oh shit… I am sorry, did I say something too mean?”
“Nah, I was just messing with you.” He winked.You let out a fake gasp. 
“How dare you!”
“Let’s say it is payback time.” He said amused.
“Well… That’s only fair.” You said with a nod, giving him a smile.
Charlie was certain that was the nicest smile you had ever given or at least… The nicest smile you had given him. ___________________________  Christmas at the Burrow was definitely great. Charlie could tell you were pretty nervous at first, putting on that mask first, but she slowly let her guard down. His mum made sure you felt welcomed. You seemed to get along with everyone quite nicely. You didn’t try to be this perfect and cool person you pretended to be at first. You didn’t need to charm your way through things all the time. You felt much more relaxed and at ease.
You went to bed early Christmas evening. You said you didn’t want to wake up Ginny, so went to bed around the same time as she did. Honestly, you just thought it was the right thing to do. Also, you felt pretty tired from all the socializing and new people. It took quite some energy to let your guard down. It worked, but you knew it was still hard to do.
“Such a nice girl. It was definitely the right decision to invite her over.” Molly said. “You said she didn’t really celebrate Christmas with her family for a while, right Bill?”
“Yeah, she said they stopped celebrating it after Jacob’s disappearance.” Bill said with a nod.
“Really? After Jacob’s disappearance?” Charlie asked, tilting his head a bit.
“That’s what she said. Apparently, the family didn’t feel like celebrating anything at that point anymore.” Bill said with a shrug.
“I have always wondered how things were at the Y/L/N family. From what I have heard, they were pretty prestigious. They were often praising their son. I barely heard anything about Y/N before she went to attend Hogwarts with you.” Molly said honestly.
Charlie frowned a little. “So Jacob was always praised and Y/N wasn’t?”
“I wouldn’t know that. I just thought it was strange they barely mentioned her name.” Molly said, not wanting to make any conclusions. 
Bill shook his head a bit. “Well, I am just glad she will have a nice holiday this year. Probably better than to be alone. I believe no one was staying at Hogwarts this year. At least none of our friends were.”
“Merula would probably have stayed, but she and Y/N are definitely not meant to stay Christmas alone at Hogwarts.” Charlie shook his head a bit with a grin.
“Well, you and Y/N weren’t really getting along either until early this year.” Bill said honestly with a grin. “She definitely changed a bit too after you two began getting along. In a positive way.”
“Really? You two didn’t get along at first?” Molly asked, looking surprised.
“We constantly got on each other’s nerves at first. We had talked a bit and that seemed to help.” Charlie said, leaving the part of the Forbidden Forest out of it. He wasn’t going to talk to his mum about it.
“Well, I am glad you two talked to each other. You seem to get along pretty well from what I have seen.” Molly said with a smile. “You wouldn’t happen to fan-”
“Mum!” Charlie looked embarrassed. At least you weren’t there to hear it.
“What? It could happen, even to you.” She said honestly.
“That doesn’t mean I just…” Charlie shook his head a bit. “Let’s not talk about this now. What if she came back downstairs and heard this?”
“Well… Alright. What about you Bill, have you met anyone yet?” ___________________________  “What are you doing outside? Aren’t you feeling cold?” 
You turned around, seeing Charlie standing there. "I just wanted some fresh air."
"Without your coat?" He held up your coat, shaking his head with a small grin. "Honestly, are you trying to freeze to death?"
You snatched your coat from him and put it on with a small grin. “Give me a break. I didn’t even notice the cold before you said something.” You put on your coat and just looked at him.
“Be glad I said something or you would have turned into an ice sculpture .”
“Sounds fun. You could probably enter some ice sculpture contest if I did turn into one.” 
Charlie shook his head once more. “Well, since you are outside, perhaps you would like to just walk around for a bit.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad.” You said honestly. “Gives me some more room to tease you.”
“Oh? You don’t feel like you can do that indoors?” He said with a grin.
“Well, not as much as I like to. Besides, some people may misinterpret our bantering for something else.” You shrugged.
“Still making sure you don’t look bad in front of others, do you?”
“Of course, it’s not like I can completely change that. I mean, I haven’t really been really ‘dishonest’, have I?”
“No, you have been pretty genuine these days.” Charlie said honestly.
“Good, I mean, that’s what you wanted, right? Making sure you would actually know the real me?” You said with a grin.
“I hope you haven’t only done this for me….”
You snorted. “You would wish I did.” You shook your head a bit. "You did help me with getting in the right direction." 
Charlie kept walking around with you. You both didn’t say much after what you said. It didn’t really feel awkward though. It somehow didn’t really matter. You felt pretty at peace and Charlie didn’t seem to mind it either.“
You must have had a really nice childhood at home.” You suddenly said, breaking the silence.
“Well, it can be hectic sometimes, but I love my family. Even when some of them can get on my nerves from time to time.” He said with a chuckle.
“Must be nice.” You said honestly. “Very different from my childhood.”
Charlie looked at you, seeing this look on your face he just couldn’t describe. It did give him some negative vibes though. It was almost like an empty expression, like you didn’t show anything, but your eyes basically said enough. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I kind of want to, but at the same time I feel like I can’t.” You said, shaking your head a bit before giving him a sad smile. “Maybe another time I will be able to.”
“Alright, I won’t force you to talk about it. It is up to you when and who you want to talk to about this.” He said honestly.
“.... Sounds good.” You nodded a bit before you took a deep sigh. “I know I came up with this topic myself, but can you change the subject? Anything will be great.”
“Anything?”
“Yes, anything.”
“How about… Dragons?”
You snorted a bit. “Fine, talk about those dragons. Thanks to you, I probably know more about dragons than I probably should know at this point.”
“But they are pretty fascinating, aren’t they?”
“Very fascinating, Charlie.” ___________________________  The holidays were over. That meant you had to go back to Hogwarts. You definitely had a great time at the Weasley’s and thanked them multiple times for letting you stay over for the holidays. It was nice to be around a family like them. You were really surprised when you even received a jumper from Mrs. Weasley. You knew that was going to be a part of your lounging outfit during winter.
Back at Hogwarts, things slowly got back to normal. Well, as normal as life could be for you. Things were still a mess, but you were dealing with it. You occasionally put on this mask, especially around people you just didn’t trust. It was just hard to get rid of an old habit. Still, you also didn’t feel like fighting everyone who got in your way. Merula often got on your nerves, although not as much as she used to. Only Charlie had managed to break that mask. If he didn’t, you probably wouldn’t be friends with him now. You probably wouldn’t have gotten any closer to your friends either. It was sometimes scary, but your friends hadn’t disappointed you or betrayed your trust. 
Sometimes you were wondering how you and Charlie became such good friends. You just felt closer to him than anyone else. He made you feel things you didn’t think you would be capable of. You kept teasing him and he just began teasing you back. However, you found yourself around Charlie a lot these days. You couldn’t really figure out what it was about Charlie that made you keep going to him. You almost wondered whether you were put under some spell that made you keep thinking about him. 
“Sounds like you have fallen for him.”
If you had been drinking water, you would have spit it out. You looked at Rowan with almost a disgusted look. Fallen? For Charlie? That just sounded weird. “You must have understood me wrong, Rowan. Fallen for Charlie… Ha! What a joke!”
Rowan gave you an apologetic smile. “Well, what you describe to me just sounds like it… Not to mention, I am pretty sure I heard Penny and Andre talking about it.”
You huffed. “Honestly, it is almost like they want to make up silly rumours about me. Come on, there are already enough rumours about me, I don’t need more.”
“I am pretty sure that is not what they want…” Rowan said honestly. “Although, you do spend so much more time with Charlie these days… People just start to wonder.”
“Charlie and I are just friends. Things just seem less complicated around him.”
“So, you feel at ease around Charlie?”
“Yes, I feel at ease around him.” You rolled your eyes. “I am not in love with him!”
"Whatever you say, Y/N." Rowan said, shaking their head a bit.
You sighed softly, feeling like you were about to facepalm yourself. Rowan was wrong. You just felt at ease around Charlie, you felt free around him. You could just be yourself around him. While you could be much more open around your friends, it didn’t feel as comfortable as it did around Charlie. 
"I am just happy Charlie has had a good influence on you." Rowan suddenly said.
"What do you mean?" You tilted your head a bit.
“Well, you are much more open these days. I am happy you are trusting us." They said with a smile. "You used to be much harder to read and I wasn't always sure what to do. I felt like you were kind of trapped, but I didn't know how I could help you. Whatever Charlie did, it helped you out." 
You grinned a bit. “Well… I am glad about that too.” You admitted. “I thought it would be more... scary, you know? Being more open. It still is scary, but not as much as I expected.”
“I think you are doing really well. Our friends seem to be happy about it.” They said with a smile.
“I still think it would be hard to do around strangers or people I do not know well.”
“That’s okay, you just need to warm up to these people, at least the one you feel like you can trust.”
“I suppose so... “
“Just set up smaller goals. That way you feel like you have achieved more things than you thought. It helps you keep track of your progress.” 
“That may work.”
___________________________  “Jae probably thinks I am a robot.” You groaned softly when you sat down next to Charlie in the Great Hall again.
“Why do you think so?” Charlie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“That fake smile kept creeping up my face the entire time. I wasn’t sure whether Jae was creeped out or entertained by it.”
“Jae probably thought it was funny. I mean, you are trying your best. You don’t know Jae that well yet, right?”
“I know Jae mostly from detentions… I may have asked for some supplies too for ‘you know what I mean’.” You mumbled, not wanting to mention the Vaults.
“Look at it this way. You are trying much earlier than you tried with us all, that’s something.” 
“Is that supposed to make me feel better about my behaviour? Because it sounds like I have been a horrible friend to everyone.”
“That’s not what I mean and you know it, Y/N.” Charlie said with a small frown.
“Yes, yes, I know…. I am just frustrated.” You sighed. “Maybe I should let Jae follow me into the Forbidden Forest with some Acromantulas…”
“Y/N, I swear….” Charlie pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment. “If it was up to me, you would never get near the Acromantulas again. At least, not alone.” 
“Are you afraid I would freeze up again? I can handle one Acromantula, I have learnt the perfect spell for it.” You said with a grin. “I have to admit, I was really off guard at that moment.”
“As someone who goes to the Forbidden Forest occasionally, I think you should only go there if you need to be there. There is no need to get yourself in danger for no reason.”
“So it’s okay if you are putting yourself in danger, but not if it is me?” You raised an eyebrow.
"Well… I have more experience than you have when it comes to the Forbidden Forest."
You rolled your eyes, thinking the redhead’s ears were turning a little red. "Hypocrite." You mumbled amused.
"I don't like seeing you walk into danger for no reason." Charlie said, rubbing his arm a bit.
“Considering I have been looking for the Cursed Vaults, I think I have been walking into danger quite often.”
“Still, that’s no reason to put yourself in unnecessary danger.” Charlie just shook his head.
“Wow, you begin to sound so much like Bill now.”
Charlie’s eyes widened. “What? I do not!”
“Yes, you do. Very concerned about all of us and he tries to be strict with us when we do or are about to do something wrong.” You said with a small smirk on your face. “It could be worse, of course. You don’t keep telling me about the rules like Percy would do.” 
“I don’t see what you are talking about.” Charlie began to look annoyed. “Bill and I are not the same.”
“I am just saying, you are acting like him when we are talking about-”
“Bloody hell, Y/N…! I am just trying to look after you!” Charlie stood up, looking like he was about to get mad. “You know what? Do whatever you want. Clearly you don’t care what happens to you.” He grumbled before walking away.
You blinked in surprise by his reaction. You thought you were just joking around? Did you really offend him? You wanted to say you were sorry, but instead you stood up as well. “Maybe I will...!” 
He didn’t even turn around when you said that. You sat back down again, fuming you had made Charlie go away like this. Of course, it wasn’t the first time you two argued, but still… 
You felt angry with yourself. The longer you kept thinking about it, the angrier you became. So, you just grabbed your stuff and stormed out of the Great Hall to go back to the Slytherin Common room.
___________________________ “Wow, what is your problem, Y/L/N? Did you finally snap and go mad like your brother?” Merula said with a smirk when you had entered the dormitory. Of course she had to be here when she wanted to dump some stuff on your bed.
“Yes, should I infect you with my madness now?” You gave her a sarcastic look before roughly pulling out some books out of your bag. Rowan would probably have scolded you if she saw how you were throwing your books on the bed like that.
“Damn… Whoever made you act like this should probably be armed.” Merula muttered, definitely trying to anger you more.
“Maybe you should shut your damn mouth or it is you who should be armed.” You snapped at her, not wanting to deal with her.Merula rolled her eyes and ignored you after that.
You grabbed a notebook and put it in the bag. After that you quickly left the dormitory. You passed Liz and Barnaby, but you needed to calm down and couldn’t talk to them.  
You weren’t sure how many people you had seen, but you didn’t care. You needed to be away from people. Once again, Charlie had made you feel so many things at once. Honestly, everyone could say shit about you and you wouldn’t care. If Charlie said something, you reacted so strongly.
You kept walking until you reached the edge of the forest. You weren’t thinking clearly anymore and transformed into a fox, pulling the bag along with you. At least no one would bother you in the Forbidden Forest. The trees seemed to be passing by and you had not paid any attention to where you were going. The only thing on your mind was to keep moving. You didn’t care about anything else but going anyway.
This was what you were good at. Running away, like always. The way how you would simply spend the summers away from home. It was just like that. You were nothing special to your family. You would always remain in Jacob’s shadow to your parents. They would only be disappointed. They didn’t give you any attention nor did they care whether they saw you or not during the summers. 
“It doesn’t matter, child. They wouldn’t care if you performed advanced magic or anything. My son only wanted Jacob to have an heir.” Your grandfather told you. “Until they have found the perfect match for you to connect our family to a better one, you will basically be invisible.” 
“Is it because I am a girl?”
“I believe so… You won’t be able to carry our name when you marry. Therefore, they want to make connections with other rich and influential families. You are basically a tool to get them more connections.”
“So, I have no say in what happens to me?”
“I am afraid not. Unless you leave you won’t have a choice. Still, you wouldn’t leave this old man without someone to teach, would you?”
“... Where could I go anyways?”
“I have been in your situation. I was the youngest of the family. They told me I was an accident, so most care went into my older brothers. Still, that didn’t stop me from trying to become the best and eventually… I did become the best of all my brothers. I may not have acted like it, but I was quite bitter to my parents for how they raised me.”
“So, it would be possible to be better than Jacob?”
“In theory, yes. While Jacob has definitely talent, being able to become a Legilimens at an early age, I think you would be capable of great things as well.”
“Like what?”
“Tell me, Y/N. How familiar are you with the term Animagus?” 
Oh, you remembered studying for hours with your grandfather, trying to know everything about Animagi. You never talked about it with your parents though. You also studied other things with your grandfather you were allowed to talk about, but your parents didn’t think it was good enough. Jacob seemed to like it though, but was often silenced by your father who rather heard Jacob talking about his studies.
You loved Jacob, but you hated living in his shadow. He was your older brother and he was supposed to be there for you. Then he was gone… Only your grandfather was there for you, only to die soon after. You were on your own, trying to remember everything your grandfather had taught you. 
“It is better to keep things to yourself sometimes. Don’t share negative thoughts and be positive. Keep smiling and use the nicest words you can think of. That’s the key to gaining people’s trust.” Your grandfather told you when he was teaching you his way. “I didn’t become successful by speaking up my mind every time. Just think of it as twisting the words the right way. It will make you sound much more intelligent.”
“So I can’t be honest?”
“People don’t like listening to the negative aspects of life. In order to gain power, you need to be liked by everyone.”
“But my parents-”
“They are not the ones worth your time. Figure out what people you need in order to reach your goals. Do your parents help you with that?”
“No…”
“Exactly.” 
At the time, your grandfather’s lessons seemed to be helpful. You managed to set your plan in motion when you were old enough to go to Hogwarts. Now, you didn't know if this plan was actually helpful or just made you unable to form actual relations with your peers. You couldn’t be open with them in the beginning. Charlie was the first one not to buy the things you said to please him. He was the one who broke the mask and slowly got your true self out of you. 
You shifted back to your human form and stared at the ground. You kept walking slowly, not looking up.
Charlie….
The one who helped you out so much the past year. The one who reassured you when you were having doubts and the one who would hold up a mirror to your behaviour… He kept helping you, while you just did things that potentially hurt his feelings. You felt like an asshole. You probably were an asshole. You walked over to a tree and leaned your back against it. You slowly slid down and hugged your knees once you were on the ground.
You wanted to blame your upbringing for this all, but would that be fair? You felt like you could have done something yourself to change more…
___________________________
Charlie sighed when he was making his way to the Great Hall. He hadn't seen you after you two were basically yelling at each other. He knew he probably reacted a bit too harsh himself. Still, he hated being compared to Bill. Just like you hated being compared to Jacob. Perhaps he was just triggered when you said he acted like Bill. He just wanted to make sure you weren't doing anything dangerous.
You had made a good point about him going into the Forbidden Forest often. Still, he couldn’t help it but to be worried about you. He was quite fond of you and didn't want you to get hurt. He definitely had to talk to you. It wasn’t the first time you two argued, although it felt like a long time ago… Perhaps most arguments didn’t end up in basically yelling at each other either. He would have to admit, it felt different this time. 
Charlie stopped walking when he heard two familiar voices. He could swear he heard them say your name. 
"What do you mean Y/N didn't come back to the dormitory last night?" Penny asked Rowan, who looked concerned.
"She never entered the Slytherin dormitory. I don’t even know if she entered the common room. She wasn't there for dinner either." Rowan looked nervous.
"Have you talked to Barnaby and Liz? Maybe they have seen her…?"
"Liz did say Y/N was looking quite pissed yesterday… Merula also made some comments about it. No one has seen Y/N since yesterday."  
"Hold up, Y/N hasn't been seen since yesterday?" Charlie made his way over to Rowan and Penny. He definitely heard enough.
"Charlie, have you seen her?" Rowan asked, looking a bit more hopeful, thinking he knew more.
"No, not today at least." He answered, rubbing the back of his neck. "We may have had a little argument yesterday…"
Penny frowned. "A little argument…?"
"Okay, I think we're both pretty pissed afterwards…" He admitted.
"So, that would explain what Liz had seen and Merula's reaction… Still, that isn’t going to help us find Y/N. Where would she be?" Rowan continued to look worried. "She wouldn't have run away, would she?"
Charlie thought about the argument. He became a little pale when he thought about a place where you could be. "She wouldn't… would she?" 
"What? Charlie, what wouldn’t she do?" Rowan asked.
Without a word Charlie began running away from Rowan and Penny.
"Charlie!" Penny yelled after him, watching him disappear through the crowd. "Great… He may know where she is, but what if he needs help?"
"Let’s go to Bill…" Rowan suggested.The two went off to find Bill.
___________________________ 
Charlie had been running in the Forbidden Forest immediately once he made his way outdoors. He just knew you would probably go there. It was the place you two were discussing before he stormed off. 
“You know what? Do whatever you want. Clearly you don’t care what happens to you.”
“Maybe I will..!” 
Perhaps saying that to you was just one of the stupidest things he could have done. You were stubborn, especially when he was around. You weren’t afraid to go against him. You probably took his words to heart.
Charlie stopped running for a moment, trying to figure out where you could have gone to. He had to figure it out before whatever out there was going to hurt you or worse, kill you. There were many possibilities to die in the Forbidden Forest. Not all Magical Creatures would immediately kill someone, but if you did something unexpected… Well, he didn’t want to think about it. The last time you ran away from him, you ended up facing four Acromantulas.  
“That could have ended up worse than it already did, Y/N.” 
Charlie blinked when he heard your name once more. It sounded pretty familiar. 
“... Lucky me.”
“Honestly, what were you doing sleeping out here? You are quite aware of the dangers in the forest.”
“Avoiding the dangers of being completely shattered mentally in the castle.” 
Charlie made his way closer to the voices. He didn’t get too close, seeing you and Torvus. He grimaced when he looked at you. You didn’t look too good. You seemed to have some wounds and looked considerably pale. Your arms and hands seemed to be covered in scratches and you seemed to have a wound on your head. 
“Maybe people are right about me. I am mad ‘like Jacob’. I can’t even behave like a normal being. Wherever I go, I cause problems.” You sounded annoyed with yourself. “I have tried so hard to get liked by saying the right things, I barely know who I am. It was like it became my personality. The things my grandfather taught me were wrong, so wrong. I am getting more and more aware how fucked up I have become because of following his ways. It’s honestly pathetic. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had not helped me out back there.”
“The stars definitely tell me it is not your time yet. Besides, you have helped me a couple of times. It was no trouble helping you out.” Torvus said. “The ways you were taught were twisted, but it seemed to have helped you a little. It’s up to you whether you want to continue his ways or find your own ways.”
“Well… The latter sounds preferable…”
“Then you will have to figure out a way to do so.” Torvus said honestly. “Now, you should probably head back to the castle and get help to help you with your injuries. Your blood will definitely attract the attention of some more creatures.”
“Both options sound terrible. Getting the attention of other creatures and going back to the castle where people will most definitely scold me for being a complete idiot.” 
“Scolding you will be something to worry about later.” Charlie said when he finally made his way over to you and Torvus.
“Charlie?” You looked surprised to see him.
“Hello Charlie.” Torvus greeted. “You definitely have the perfect timing to get her back to the castle.”
“I am glad I have the perfect timing for that.” Charlie said to Torvus before turning to you. “Y/N, you need to come with me.”
“Why?”
He looked baffled when you asked him that. “Why? Because you are hurt and you need someone to look at these injuries.”
“...Why are you trying to help me?” You seemed to be avoiding his eyes when you spoke, like you didn’t dare to look up. You also didn’t seem to move an inch.
Charlie swallowed, before he just gently took your hand. “Because I want to.”
“... Okay.”  
Charlie gave Torvus a nod before leading you away. He would get you out of here as soon as possible. You needed some help. The walk… It just felt like forever, especially because there was a silence between the two of you. Charlie wasn’t sure what he could say to you. To be honest, he felt like yelling in concern for you when he saw you, but that wouldn’t solve anything. He felt bad to see you like this even if it was you who made the decision to go here. He couldn’t really blame you either. You weren’t thinking clearly. Still, he felt responsible for you ending up here. 
“... I am sorry.”
He looked at you when he heard you speak.
“I shouldn’t have teased you like that…” You mumbled softly. “Scratch that, I shouldn’t have said those things to you. You were just concerned about me and I made some stupid comments about you being a hypocrite and being like Bill.”
“... Well, I guess it was a bit hypocritical of me. I know going into the Forbidden Forest is dangerous and I could end up hurt as well.”
“That doesn’t matter, I was just stupid.” You mumbled. “I have been a hypocrite too. I don’t want to be compared to Jacob and I compared you to Bill when I know you don’t want that either.”
“I think we both were stupid then. We both reacted too quickly. I am sorry too.”
….
Once again there was a silence between them. Charlie knew they were getting closer to the castle. He glanced at you for a moment. You looked exhausted. You definitely needed to get back to the castle as soon as possible. “We are almost there.”
You nodded a little in response. 
“... You don’t hate me, do you?”
Charlie blinked when you asked him that. “Of course not.”
“It would be okay if you did…" You mumbled softly.
"Well, I don’t hate you. You…. You are important to me." Charlie said, feelings his cheeks were slightly getting warmer.
"Important enough to run into the Forbidden Forest to look for me." You said with a slight grin. You were amazed you could even grin, especially with a headache that was getting even worse. Your body was growing heavy and you couldn't wait to just drop down on a bed. 
"Yes, you are that important, Y/N." Charlie rolled his eyes in amusement. He turned to look at you. Your eyes didn't seem to focus on anything and he could tell you were struggling to keep up the pace. He frowned for a moment and stopped walking.
You blinked, wondering why they stopped. Before you could ask, he seemed to stand in front of you with his back towards you. He bent his knees a little.
"Come on, get on my back."
"Wha…?"
"You look like you are about to collapse. Let me carry you." 
You could feel yourself getting flustered, but you were too tired to argue. You placed your arms over his shoulders and he reached his arms underneath your legs. He slowly raised you up by straightening his legs and made sure he was steady enough to start walking. Once that was done, Charlie walked back to the castle, giving you a piggyback ride.
___________________________ 
"Y/N!" 
You noticed Rowan running towards you and Charlie. Penny and Bill had followed Rowan.
Charlie made sure you could carefully get off his back. You got off him and Rowan was immediately fussing over you. 
"Look at you…! You need to go to the Hospital Wing...!" They said, trying to support you on your way to the Hospital wing. 
Penny also seemed to get closer to you, standing on your other side. You glanced at Charlie, but he only gave you a nod, basically telling you to go with them. 
You sighed softly and nodded. “Alright, alright… Let’s get this over with.” You said, not looking forward to seeing Madam Pomfrey. You had a feeling she would not be too happy to see you injured again. 
Once you, Penny and Rowan were out of sight, Bill looked at Charlie. “What happened?”
“Torvus saved her from something in the Forest. I have no idea what happened there though.” Charlie said.
“I meant like what happened between you two.” Bill said, crossing his arms. “I have heard from Rowan and Penny you two had a fight.”
“It was more like an argument…”
“An argument that made her go to the Forbidden Forest for an entire night without telling anyone...?”
Charlie looked frustrated. “Look, Y/N and I both said things that were… well, not the best things to say to each other. I have never meant for her to run away to the Forbidden Forest…!”
“What things did you say to each other?”
“I don’t need to tell you everything, Bill.” Charlie said, looking away a bit. “The most important thing is that Y/N have talked about it and things are alright.”
“I am just looking after you, Charlie.” Bill said honestly. “I was worried when Penny and Rowan said you seemed to know where Y/N was, but didn’t tell anyone where you were going. If Y/N was in trouble and you couldn’t help her alone, who was going to help you both?”
“Okay, okay...! That may not have been smart, but I know my way around the place a lot better than most of you.” Charlie said honestly. “I wasn’t thinking much either. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.” 
“She drives me insane sometimes, you know?” Charlie looked at Bill. “It’s like she has more influence on my emotions than most people I know and I keep thinking about her.”
“I think you have feelings for her.” 
“You think… What?”
Bill chuckled softly. “She manages to make you feel all kinds of things, she is on your mind a lot and you run after her without a thought.” He pointed out a few things. “You like her more than just a friend.”Charlie’s face seemed to become a bit red. 
“That’s… Well…” He seemed to stumble on his words, not sure what to say next. 
“It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge, Charlie. I am not going to tell you to talk to her. You would have to do so on your own and when you feel like it’s the right time.”
“... Maybe.”
“I wonder what Mum would say if she knew this.” Bill said with a grin.
“Bill!”
___________________________ 
After Madam Pomfrey allowed you to go the next day, you made your way to the Great Hall. You were glad you were allowed to leave. Although, you had to spend another 15 minutes listening to Madam Pomfrey scolding you again before she actually let you go. You had a feeling she may write to your parents if something like that happened again, but you had a feeling they wouldn’t care too much about it. You were already a disappointment to them. 
You just wanted to find Charlie. You hadn’t had the chance to speak to him after Rowan and Penny ushered you to the Hospital Wing yesterday. You had hoped you could speak to him that day, but you had fallen asleep rather quickly once Madam Pomfrey gave you some Potions. You assumed one of the Potions was a Potion for Dreamless Sleep. Perhaps that was for the best, knowing you would probably have dreamt horrible things about what happened in the Forbidden Forest. It was probably a wonder you had slept for a few hours in the Forest at all.
Once you entered the Great Hall, you noticed some people looking at you. You could feel a fake smile about to creep on your face, but you tried to prevent it. Was it worth giving everyone a fake smile just to make people look at you in a certain way?
You began looking around the Gryffindor table, trying to spot Charlie. You noticed Bill, Percy and Ben, but no Charlie. You sighed softly, hoping to spot him there.  
“Y/N, over here!”
You turned around and noticed Penny waving at you from the Hufflepuff table. You gave her a small smile and made your way over to her. You couldn’t help it but to be a little disappointed you hadn’t seen Charlie just yet.
“Good morning, Penny.”
“Good morning. You look a lot better than you did yesterday.” Penny said with a smile.
“Good to know, I also feel a lot better than I did yesterday.” You said with a small laugh.
“That’s great. I am glad you are feeling better. Rowan, Bill and I were very worried about you when we were talking about how Charlie ran away to find you. Of course, our other friends were worried too.”  She said honestly. “Still, I couldn’t help but notice you were looking at the Gryffindor table just now. Were you looking for Charlie?”
Penny definitely knew what was on your mind. You nodded a little in response. “I was, but I didn’t see him.”
“I think you just missed him. He seemed to be quite in a hurry this morning.” She said honestly. “I assumed he was making his way over to the Hospital wing to see you.”
You felt like face palming yourself, but only let out a soft sigh. Of course, you have missed him on your way here. “I guess I will have to find him somewhere in the halls then. Thanks Penny.” You said when you quickly walked away.
“Shouldn’t you at least eat something?” She asked, calling after you.
“Breakfast can wait!” 
You quickly made your way back towards the Hospital Wing. Or at least, you weren’t planning to show your face to Madam Pomfrey. You didn’t want to risk her thinking you had already managed to get yourself in trouble again even though you haven't done anything just yet.
Things were quite busy in the halls and you had to get past the many students who were there. You hoped you would actually find Charlie. Once you were near the Hospital Wing, you spotted him walking out with a sigh. You tried to quickly make your way over to him, trying to wave at him. “Charlie, wait!”
You noticed Charlie turning towards you and had managed to make your way over to him. “Thank Merlin, I was worried I might have been too slow to find you here.” You said with a soft sigh.
“Y/N, I was looking for you.” Charlie said honestly.
“And I was looking for you. Here I thought you would be in the Great Hall like most people we know, but of course I missed you on the way there.”
Charlie rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. “I was, I think Bill would scold me if I skipped breakfast, so I quickly ate something before checking on you.”
“Penny said you seemed to be in a hurry.” You said honestly. “I quickly turned around to see if I could find you. Otherwise I would have probably made my way back to the Great Hall. Then I would have to eat breakfast without hearing you talk about dragons. That is not acceptable at all.” You seemed to be rambling a bit. You weren’t sure why; it was like you had to keep talking to him. 
Charlie shook his head a bit. “Well then, I suppose I should escort you back to the Great Hall.” He said with a grin. “As your friend I would have to make sure you reach the Great Hall and eat a proper breakfast after spending the night in the Hospital Wing. We don’t want to anger Madam Pomfrey after all.”
“Alright, alright. Lead the way.” You said with a grin. You were starting to feel more at ease again. It was like everything seemed to be alright between you two. There were some things you would still like to talk about, but things seemed to be okay between you two.
You seemed to be thinking a little too much, because she snapped out of it when someone bumped into you. You yelped softly when you felt like you were about to fall, but you were caught in Charlie’s arms.
“Are you okay?” He asked, tilting his head a bit.
Your face became slightly red and you nodded. “Uhm, yes. I am fine.” You said, getting out of his arms. “Thanks for the help.” You said with a smile.
You glanced away for a second before you looked at him again. He seemed to be glancing away as well, but you began noticing his ears were slightly red. 
“No wonder you are the Gryffindor Seeker. You have quick reflexes.” You said with a grin. Internally you began cursing yourself. Was that meant as a compliment or some kind of flirting? Why were you saying those kinds of things anyways? You knew you had opened up around Charlie, but it felt strange, like you had no filter around him anymore.
“Uhm, Thanks I guess?” You noticed him looking a little confused at you. He was still smiling though.
You could only feel your face heating up some. “Uhm, don’t mind me. I am probably acting a little weird because of the potions from last night.” You said, quickly coming up with some kind of lie to justify your behaviour.
“Uh-hu.” Charlie hummed, he didn’t seem to buy it. Of course he didn’t buy that. “We can talk about last night later if you want, Y/N. Just relax.” 
“Talk about last night?”
“That is what is on your mind, right?”
“Totally!” You could feel one of those happy fake smiles creeping on your face again.
“.... Now I feel like it is something else.”
The fake smile seems to be dropping from your face quickly. “Uhm… Let’s talk about it later. Please. I…”
“Of course, come on. Let’s get you some breakfast and we'll talk about it later, alright?” 
You took a deep breath and nodded. This wasn’t something to talk about in the halls. You wanted a bit more privacy
.___________________________ 
The talk you were supposed to have with Charlie seemed to have moved to another day. Once you have eaten breakfast, you were basically bombarded by questions from your other friends. You could only look at Charlie from a distance. Honestly, you wanted to talk about it. 
Now you couldn’t sleep. The rest of your dorm mates seemed to be sleeping. You were just feeling restless. You knew it could possibly get you into trouble, but you quietly sneaked out of bed. You put on your school robes and made it to the common room area. Perhaps you could arrange a meeting with Charlie. You began making your way towards the entrance and when the door was about to open, you transformed yourself into a fox.
You began navigating your way through the castle, trying to avoid most Professors. Once you had made your way to the seventh floor. If only you knew the password to the Gryffindor common room… Obviously, you hadn’t thought this through… 
Suddenly, you noticed the portrait opening. Perhaps this would be a chance to get through. You were ready to sneak past the person. However, you were surprised to see Charlie standing there with a look on his face like he was saying ‘I don’t know what I am doing.’
You noticed his eyes were suddenly on you. You two were staring at each other and then he quietly made his way over to you. “What are you doing here?” He whispered before he basically picked up. Then he walked back to the portrait and snuck you inside the Gryffindor common room. It was risky and clearly, Charlie was tired too. He basically entered the Gryffindor boy’s bathroom and closed the door behind him. He put you down on the floor and held his ear against the door, listening if someone was nearby.
You transformed yourself back and gave Charlie a nervous smile. “Before you ask… I couldn’t sleep and…”
“You decided to go to the seventh floor and go to the Gryffindor common room?” Charlie finished for you.
“Well… Something like that.”
“And how were you supposed to get in? You don’t have the password.” He whispered, frowning a bit.
“It wasn’t my best idea…” You admitted. “...Although, what were you doing? Why were you about to leave the common room at this time?”
Charlie rubbed the back of his neck. “Good question. I couldn’t sleep either. I thought about getting some fresh air.” 
“Funny how we both couldn’t sleep.” You mumbled, fidgeting with your fingers a bit.
“Yeah, very funny indeed.” Charlie mumbled, shaking his head a bit.
“Charlie… About what happened…” You began, rubbing the back of your neck.
“You wanted to talk about something else than what happened in the Forbidden Forest.” He said, remembering how that fake smile had crept on your face.“Well, yes. Partly yes. I wanted to speak about what happened in the forest and something else.” You admitted. “Please bear with me. I am not sure how this will go, because I haven’t talked about this a lot. The only one I confided in was my grandfather in the past and that hasn’t been working out either…”
Charlie blinked a little. “You want to talk about your upbringing...?”  
“Yes.” You said with a nod. “It will not be a pretty story to tell and will spare you some of the details, but I want you to know about it. It shouldn’t be an excuse for everything I have done, but it would be… well, some explanation to why I did certain things the way I did. Like… lying and manipulating.” 
“From a young age I knew my parents would never think as highly of me as they did of Jacob. Jacob was obviously their favourite. Jacob’s accomplishments would always be celebrated, mine would always be compared to his and seen as less.” You began. “At first, I wanted to do things better, trying to prove them wrong. However, it didn’t seem to matter. I was there… Just a tool to make more connections.” 
Charlie seemed to be frowning more and more when he listened to you. “So, they wanted to marry you off when you were old enough.”
“Yes, it was basically that.” You nodded. “Apparently I didn’t have the same talents as Jacob.” To be honest, talking about this kind of made you feel bitter towards Jacob, but mostly to your parents. “Still, there is a lot more to this all.”
“A lot more?”
“Yes, a lot more.” You sighed, wondering how you could tell this right. “I only had one person I could rely on. That was my grandfather. He became my teacher and mentor. He was the only one I could talk to without feeling like a complete waste of space.” You seemed to trail off a little, not sure how to continue. 
“But there is something more about him as well, isn’t there?” Charlie asked, having a feeling there was something about him.”
“Well, yes.” You admitted. “Still, I don’t want to think he is only at fault here… I think he didn’t know any better either.”
“Not only at fault here? What did he do, Y/N?” Charlie seemed to step a little closer to you.
“He was the one who taught me how to act around others. How I should not always speak up if it wouldn’t help me reach my goals. How I should try to be liked to gain more influence. How I should mostly smile and help those to reach my own goals, to become successful like him.” 
“He was the one who taught you all those things? Those things that made you lie or be dishonest around everyone, including the people who cared about you?” Charlie asked.
“Yes, but I don’t think he meant it as a bad thing…”
Charlie was baffled you seemed to defend someone who taught you those kinds of things. “He tried to turn you into a manipulative person, Y/N. That is not a good thing.”
“I know, I know...! But I didn’t have anyone else to be honest with.” You said, sounding a little frustrated. “Look, I am not saying he was a good man, I know he wasn’t. But he taught me ways to escape from feeling worthless and to actually escape from home. Besides, he was a lot like me during his childhood.” 
“Y/N…” Charlie could tell this was hard to talk about and that he couldn’t change your view of your grandfather immediately, but he couldn’t help it but to say something about it.
“Look, he was also the one who taught me to become an Animagus and I am grateful for that. These things he taught me made me feel better back then. I know it was wrong, but it was better than feeling like ‘that other child’ or just ‘Jacob’s little sister’.” You said honestly. “I have felt really lost when my grandfather passed away and when Jacob disappeared. Everything at home was just… unbearable. I have run away a lot as an Animagus to escape from home ever since.”
“You ran away a lot… Where did you go?” Charlie asked.
“Somewhere. I spent most of my summers as a fox, stealing food from unsuspecting Muggles to be honest.”
Charlie always had a feeling things were bad at your home, but he definitely wasn’t expecting this. “Damn, Y/N… Even your last few summers...?”
“Well, yes…”
“Why didn’t you…” Charlie stopped himself. Who would you ask to stay the summer with if you couldn’t even give them a reason.
“... Yeah, I could have asked for help, but I just couldn’t. I was just… scared, you know?” You admitted, looking at the floor.  
Things seemed to be a little quiet between you both. Honestly, what else could be said about this? You knew your upbringing was pretty bad and how it sounded even worse to anyone else. Charlie also wasn’t sure what to say next. He hesitated for a moment, but stepped even closer to pull you into a tight hug.
“Thanks for telling me about this. I can only imagine how hard that was to talk about.” He said honestly, thinking it was the only thing he could do now.You hugged him back and took a deep breath. It felt good to tell someone about this. 
“... Well, thanks for listening to me.”
“It’s the least I can do, Y/N.” He said honestly, looking at you. 
You looked up at him and gave him a small smile. You slowly let go of him and stepped a bit back. “I just had to tell you after what happened in the Forbidden Forest. I have been really mean to you and I was reflecting on why I was doing this. I felt awful for what I said and I didn’t want to blame everything on my upbringing. I want to change and I am trying to. I guess, I still have a lot to learn.” 
“You can’t change your behaviour in a day, Y/N. I know you are trying to change. Besides, I told you I forgave you.” Charlie said honestly.
“I know, I know, but you are important to me, Charlie. Merlin knows what happens if I lose you.” You said honestly. 
“You won’t lose me that easily.” He said with a small grin. “You are important to me as well, Y/N.
”You gave him a bright smile, feeling he was really honest with you. No matter what happened, you felt like you had each other to confide in. You wouldn’t want to lose that for anything in the world.
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burningvelvet · 3 months
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do you think heathcliffe can be seen as the devil (or at least the manifestation of the archetype) who loses his eden (cathy) to humanity (linton)
I LOVE THIS QUESTION! I've thought about this a lot in recent months and much has been written about this subject as you probably know. I studied a bit of Paradise Lost in a class on the Renaissance era in my last semester this past autumn, which is also when I had my Brontë class. I did an essay focusing on Edenic myth for my Ren class and now I notice it everywhere, & I've really been seeing the Miltonian Hero & themes in the Brontë works, & especially did in my re-read of Wuthering Heights about two months ago. But instead of just regurgitating all that's been written about the subject, I will discuss things simply as I understand them, although I do borrow a bit from professor Rodger Wilkie's lecture which I link below (I'm not affiliated with him in any way, I found his videos on my own when I was researching the Brontë novels).
Edenic Myth from the POVs of Cathy I & II as Eve:
I've been seeing the Edenic theme from Cathy I and Cathy II's lenses. I believe that the plotline of Cathy II being lured by Heathcliff into his "wolf's den" so to speak reminds me not only a lot of Little Red Riding Hood but also of Eve and the apple. I think there is a seductive undertone although I don't think Heathcliff is really attracted to her or vice-versa; he still attracts her using his son Linton Heathcliff. There is an essay I've been meaning to post excerpts from but haven't bc the material is triggering, but it's Juliet McMaster's "The Courtship and Honeymoon of Mr. and Mrs. Linton Heathcliff: Emily Brontë's Sexual Imagery" and discusses the weird dynamic between Cathy II, Heathcliff, & Linton II.
I find it very interesting that nature is so tied to Heathcliff that it's by disobeying her father's (God's) wishes that Cathy II meets him and ends up ensnared by him. As I see it, Cathy II "takes the apple" like Eve, because it is her overwhelming curiosity that leads her to the Heights, and Heathcliff does play the trickster with her, manipulating her and lying to her more than he does to any other character. He was upfront with his intentions to Isabella and everyone else he ever associated with. But with Cathy II, although he is partly honest about some things, he deceives her by forging Linton Heathcliff's letters to her, causing her to fall in love with "Linton" (Heathcliff pretending to write as him) — I'm glad I found McMaster's essay & that it talks about this point, because I find it to be one of the most fascinating plotlines in the whole story, and think Cathy II is the most underrated character & hate how Linton is often forgotten (I feel McMaster, like most readers, isn't as sympathetic to him as she could be). The description of Cathy I and her hair reminds me of the descriptions of Eve in Milton, and I believe both Catherines are meant to look alike.
I also think young Heathcliff and Cathy could be said to be like Adam and Eve in Eden (the moors) — the "I am Heathcliff" & other soulmate allusions are very much like Eve being made from Adam. I of course hate that aspect of this patriarchal myth perhaps more than any other aspect because it is in direct opposition to actual scientific biology with all males starting with the X chromosome of which females have two of — but I digress from my eternal feminist/atheist/evolutionist rage. When Heathcliff tells Cathy that she's damned them both, killed them both, this is very much like Adam and Eve being killed by Eve's decision (in this case, Cathy's choice to marry Linton). However, in this framework, Heathcliff would be both Adam and Lucifer, and Linton would be both civilization and to some extent a version of Lucifer, with the apple being marriage and normalcy, or maybe you could argue that Cathy also has a bit of the devil in her in that she came up with this decision herself and still wants to rebel much like Lucifer. The Fall is written all over this novel, however one may view the intricacies, which Emily was surely going off of intuitively and not racking her brain with explaining through any one official framework.
Heathcliff as Satan, Cathy as Eden or Heaven:
Yes. The metaphor works best with Heathcliff being the Miltonian Hero aka Satan, and I believe Emily was very influenced by this, especially seen by Heathcliff's exile, and the quest for vengeance which necessitates his return. However, I have never considered Cathy as being Heathcliff's Eden until now, but this works very well — what maybe works even better would be Cathy representing Heaven, which is what Satan is also barred from. However, Cathy's house is certainly like Eden, with Heathcliff having to sneak into it to escape Linton (who again, is sort of like God/a Godly, patriarchal figure). This is exactly like Satan sneaking into Eden — he's caught by the angels sort of like Heathcliff is caught by Nelly and the servants. But Cathy does die, and so she is lost, and Heathcliff can only hope to get her back one day like the promise of Paradise returning with the Second Coming or whatever (I'm not actually well versed in Christian literature). But I have read that apparently in the Bible, "paradise" can refer to both Eden and heaven, so it may be better to say that Cathy represents not only Eve but also paradise in both senses of the term. Note how both Heathcliff and Cathy say that they aren't going to Heaven, and indeed they both become ghosts damned to wander Earth -- yet ironically, that Earth is their paradise on the moors, and so they actually have gone to their own personal Heaven although it is not the Christian one.
On Linton representing humanity:
I wouldn't say that Linton represents humanity as much as he more accurately represents civilization/society as opposed to Heathcliff who represents the wild (and as his name indicates, the Heath/Moors specifically). But this fits with what you're saying as the post-Edenic world is society/civilization/humanity all at once and the distinctions between these heavy concepts are all blurry.
I find in much romance novels featuring love triangle dynamics, there is a Freudian triad of superego/ego/id going on. One love interest will represent the id (natural instincts/subconscious desires) and one the supergo (properness/upholding the status quo) to the main character's ego. To some extent this can be seen in all media ("the human heart in conflict with itself" as GRRM put it) but imo it's a great way to look at things categorically. The id and superego must be reconciled for the sake of the ego.
Example: in Titanic, Cal & her mother are the patriarchal/societally proper superego whereas Jack & the poor immigrants represent Rose's id of wanting to be free from high society women's standards. She ends up with neither Cal & co. nor Jack & co., but on her own with a newly refreshed ego that has learned not to repress the id side so much. Jack's whole role was to teach her (ie the spit practice scene) to unrepress her id, but as she demonstrates in the wild Irish party scene, she will always keep some of her high-bred characteristics (like ballet as a party trick).
Anyway, Cathy has to choose between Heathcliff and Edgar. As we learn from her speech which Heathcliff walks out on, she planned that her marriage to Edgar would benefit Heathcliff by allowing her to financially support him. She thought that by marrying Edgar she could have both men. As Nelly sort of tries to tell her, this isn't possible. In marrying Edgar and being a "proper lady" to him, Cathy has symbolically repressed her id; Heathcliff runs away as soon as he hears she makes the choice. By becoming a housewife and then a mother, she dies inside of that house, when all she wanted was to be free on the fields. It is specifically after Heathcliff comes back that she dies because he reminds her of what she's been missing.
Recommendation:
There's a professor named Rodger Wilkie who has a Brontë lecture series from one of his classes available on Youtube — I've seen them all and they're all amazing, 10/10 recommend every single one. In his second Wuthering Heights lecture he talks about the influence of John Milton's Paradise Lost in reference to Heathcliff: (https://youtu.be/WF3DDu2cH3Q?si=yM3mNXaVgQkOqVS3)
youtube
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Aaaah I see we are talking about Vikings. I like it .
I am still very interested in Loki meeting Harald and /or Rollo.
The headcanon about Rollo was wild. I like it.
Also….what is all this teasing with the Harald’s pictures. Mean woman.
Haha I just felt like bugging you hehehe. Anyway idk if this is what you wanted but....
Midgard
You haven't seen it in centuries
Not since your death
An end that saw you to a new beginning
Nothing more glorious than your mortality
Another term of dredgery
Even if your master is a god
The trickster of the bunch, the cruelest in your eye
He is not kind or patient
He demands and your eternal duty is to obey
So it is that follow him down to your former home
You do not miss the winters now that you taste them again
Loki walks ahead of you
Even afoot, he wears his status proudly
A trek that has you worn and wrought
Though he is unbothered by the distance
You know better than to ask why he's come so far
Another of his tricks no doubt
So long as you no their target, you will not protest
He summons a grand tent to sleep
You remain without, keeping watching through the darkness
Morning comes and you're off again
This time, with a mount beneath him though you stay afoot
His robes are untouched by the wilderness or the whipping salt of the coast
Your skin is raw and cracking
How is it you still feel as a mortal would
You stop again, this time he listens to the winds, holding a finger out to measure them
You don't question him, you never would dare
His jade eyes glimmer over you as he snaps the reins
The horse trots forward and you trail after
Over the ridge and down a hill, into a valley where men sharpen swords and boil stew in metal helms
He is undeterred as they stand to greet him on guard
As if they can sense his unearthly countenance, they let him pass
They do not see you behind him, can they?
He approaches the tent at the centre
He does not request entrance, rather he pulls back the thick flap and enters
You slip in behind him, the tent scented with heavy spices and smoke
There's a man there, binding his fur boots with strips of hide
The ink on his face sets a contrast to his bright eyes as he looks to his visitor
He stands, his hand on his hilt
"Did you not pray for me? Yet you would greet me with steel?" Loki challenges, his words flicking from his snakish tongue
"I pray to the norns, to valhalla, and the warriors," the man argues, "you look as none."
Loki scoffs, slithering around the tent.
The man's eyes fall upon you, the first to do so
You watch your master, ignoring his attention
"I know Valhalla, I know war, and I know you, Harald Finehair," Loki taunts, "and I know this place... this basin in which you've raised camp. What is it you Midgardians call it?"
"The Snake's Nest," the man, called Harald, turns his sights on the god.
"And do you know what we call it? My brothers, my father, and blessed Freya?"
"You are not--"
"What is it you prayed for, Finehair? A princess so fair," Loki interrupts, "to ease your sorrows and your loneliness."
"How..." the man gulps, and looks at you again, "you cannot be... you've brought her to me?"
Loki snickers, as he does when his brother has fallen prey to one of his traps, "she is a thrall. I should pity if you would believe her a princess."
You don't react. You are what he says.
"Which are you? Thor? Balder? Should not Freya balance the scales of love?"
Another crowing cackle from your master.
"I am the one who heard you, what should it matter?"
Harald, of the finehair, drags his hand from the hilt.
"What sacrifice do you require?" He asks.
Loki laughs once more, the seal on this man's fate.
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broodwolf221 · 4 months
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Wondered if you wanted to rant a bit about Merrill x Solas? Honestly never thought of the pairing before and I would like to hear your thoughts if you wanted? You'd don't think they'd argue?
oh! hi anon! yes i would love to rant about these two :')
it's a relatively new idea for me, too, and i do think they'd argue at first - solas is soooo condescending about the dalish and that would really bother merrill. but at the same time, she's a bit of a pariah within clan sabrae and would imo understand better the mixed feelings ppl could have about the dalish. not to say she'd roll over and accept his insults, but she'd consider his pov more than others might before arguing it, and i think that consideration would throw him off his stride a bit
and nicely, her use of blood magic would be a total non-issue, which i think would be kinda an amazing experience for her? to have another mage, another elf, even a non-dalish, accept her type of magic without blinking an eye or saying she's doomed to be possessed or whatever would be comforting. she doesn't need anyone's approval and has gone for a long time without it, but to get it, at least on that front? yeah, it'd be a pleasant surprise
and solas' disdain for the dalish tapers off when he realizes a dalish inky is willing to listen to his pov. he still holds them in some contempt but he's no longer as hostile about it, so i think if they could get past that initial rocky stage, and i imagine they could, then they'd find a lot to be interested in with each other.
merrill is extraordinarily powerful. within canon her immense skill is kinda undermined by the other character's perception of her, including the perception of her own keeper, but the truth is that merrill restored a blighted eluvian from a single shard. if solas learned about that? he'd be hella impressed and would question her all about it, but in an interested, engaged way rather than a condescending one. and i think she'd open up a lot when she realizes she can have a Mage Friend who is non-judgmental about her methods
imo a relationship btwn them would be something she pursues, bc he's still hung up on everything, same as he is with a dalish inky. and i honestly don't even think merrill would be upset that he's fen'harel? upset that he didn't tell her, yes, but not upset that he's the trickster/deceiver/etc. - she's very dalish, but like i said earlier, she's also somewhat removed from the dalish, a pariah amongst her own people who's had to forge her own path in many ways. and living among the city elves for so long would have broadened her perspectives on what it meant to be an elf. she wouldn't have painted him as a villain immediately or rejected him out of hand, but she would press him for the truth, bc just like him she wants to learn everything
nerds in love, frankly, is their dynamic in my head :')
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lorei-writes · 8 months
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In Gazebo at Night
Chevalier x Reader Fluff Word count estimate: 1k
Turns out I could not do any better with the title.
A little something written for Summer Days Sultry Nights CCC, hosted by @aquagirl1978 & @violettduchess :) Initially I wanted to incorporate a couple of prompts, but in the end... I decided to focus just on fireflies.
Content warnings: none
Gentle winds rustle among leaves, invisible hands easing any remnants of the day’s heat from the blooming roses. Tricksters, they steal the sweet scent away, lift it towards the sky, as if to offer it to the budding stars… Little do they know, however, the celestial bodies above are not the only ones enjoying the night. There is still light somewhere deep within the gardens of the Royal Palace of Rhodolite.
Gentle winds rustle among leaves, invisible hands easing any remnants of the day’s heat from the blooming roses. Tricksters, they steal the sweet scent away, lift it towards the sky, as if to offer it to the budding stars… Little do they know, however, the celestial bodies above are not the only ones enjoying the night. There is still light somewhere deep within the gardens of the Royal Palace of Rhodolite.
Pages turn quietly, not a word being exchanged under the watchful gaze of the lantern you’ve brought along. It is barely bright enough, wayward shadows distorting words whenever you blink. Nevertheless, you cling onto each, desperately grasping the thread of the story as it moves along – cling, until you can cling no more, tiredness accumulated over the past few days having your eyes prick and then burn. They need to rest. You raise your head, lean against the gazebo seat, stare somewhere far, far away. Futile effort it is, as it barely, if at all, remedies your state.
A page turns, and so does your head. Chevalier reads undisturbed, pale blue eyes following the rows of letters at a steady pace. However vast his library may be, he is not the type that devours books, starved for the ending to be unveiled. No, unlike you, he prefers to take his time. There’s a methodical element to the way Chevalier stalks his prey, following it leisurely until nearly the finale itself, only then breaking out into a chase.
You watch him transfixed, soft glow of the lantern illuminating his face. Between shadows and light, nothing can remain hidden. His brows twitch ever so slightly, the faintest of creases forming between them as a silent complaint nestles over his shapely lips. Chevalier is focused, or so you think… But then, you blink, and when you open your eyes, it is your face, not the book, that he reads. Blood rushes to your cheeks.
“For somebody who insisted to come here, you are quite distracted,” he remarks, smiling fiendishly.
“I did do some reading,” you argue. “It’s just that…”
… that you are tired and that your vision has rebelled against you, you have meant to explain if you could. If, as you can’t.
A single glimmer floats through the air, little different from a miniscule ember carried off from a hearth by the wind. You strain your eyes once more, willing them to follow after the light as it nears the gazebo, fading to then reappear from between the rose bushes. Perhaps it is part the fault of your exhaustion, but you’re fascinated by its every turn, every swirl, every dive it takes, only for your amusement to reach the peak of child-like delight as the speck’s journey ends on the very top of your head. Too preoccupied to think, with lips slightly ajar, you look up in hopes of seeing the odd creature again. A moment passes before you realise your mistake.
A snort escapes through Chevalier’s nose, the sound reminding you where you are. It has startled you a little, but you strive to hide the fact, instead glancing towards your love. You half-fear he may laugh, that he may point out how silly you are… But he does not. There’s only affection in his eyes.
“Have you not seen a firefly before?” Chevalier asks. The book he has been reading lies retired on the bench, gold shimmering within the marks embossed over its cover as a flicker lands on its corner. Now that you get a better look at it, it’s inconspicuously grey and rather small, the light of its abdomen being too weak to rival that of the lantern.
“No. They don’t live in the town, do they?”
“Indeed. They prefer tall grass and bushes, ideally in the near vicinity of trees.”
You nod at his words, you attention being pulled towards the garden once more. You do not stare long this time, however, the awareness that this is not why you’ve come there in the first place pricking your conscience. After all, it is late. Chevalier has already indulged you plenty. You should not exploit his kindness, or so you tell yourself as you get up, forcing your lips into a (hopefully) convincing smile.
“Thank you for spending time with me,” you offer, more meek and apologetic than you’d like. “But… it’s getting late, and I can’t read any longer. We should probably just go back.”
The light falters inside the lantern. Chevalier makes no effort to get up. A shiver runs up your back as he scrutinises you, not a gesture of yours going unnoticed. You never had a chance to hide your desires from him, you realise. He motions for you to come closer. You oblige, the boards creaking as the heels of your shoes strike them.
Your world turns the moment you find yourself within the reach of his arm, your back soon pressing against his chest. You wish to protest, to remind Chevalier that tomorrow is another early day, to tell him that he too should rest… But your voice never makes it out of your throat, darkness following the sudden metalic screech of miniscule hinges taking you off guard.
“You want to watch them, do you not?” he sighs, his lips just a hair’s breadth away from your ear.
“I do,” you admit. “But…”
“But you needlessly worry about the detrimental effects this could have on my health and performance.”
You nod, quite relieved he can’t see your face.
“I am not as foolish as to reevaluate my priorities because of insects. If you’re still concerned, you’d do better to utilise this energy thinking of appropriate means of compensating me,” Chevalier adds, and you can nearly picture the smile he wears. His arms tighten around your waist, prompting a part of you to think that this may be merely his excuse to have you longer just for himself. However, you shut the idea down, your eyes turning towards the floating lights. You relax, wrapped in his embrace and the sweet scent of roses.
--
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dreamties · 7 months
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Okay okay hear me out
Johnny with like a much shorter (I’m talking like 5’3) gf who’s also chubby
Just like a really soft sweet chubby gal, maybe she’s a lil insecure about her body type and it confuses him because he thought she was pretty either way if that makes sense??? Like he doesn’t get why she’s insecure he thinks she’s the prettiest person ever 😭
Okay so . . . I'm hearing you out on this SO HARD !!!! Ughhh I can totes imagine this !! ((also you sent in another ask like this?? sorry if i had originally interpreted this as a request and it wasn't?? 😭😭 idk hope you enjoy <3333))
Also also also... i would love to explore this prompt more in the future, if anyone has additional thoughts to spare <333 👉👈 apologies for any spelling errors
taglist: @friedwormeater @0ddmia @lambofjudgement @lizve @urfavsuh @rainbowcake1212 @sadsimp @marriedtoeddie @strawberry-moonpies
Johnny cares about his own appearance . . . In the sense if he doesn't upkeep his beauty, how else is he gonna pick up prey at the bar?
One of the other talented fic writers on this site, I don’t remember who <:O said he would have learned a lot about "how to act" through television. Now, I don't think he had much access to television, except when he was much younger and the slaughterhouse was still running. The one at the bar will also play old films or news stations that come in all funny. . . Anyways !! All of that absolutely applies to this too!! He's seen pretty boys on magazines that Drayton always glares at him for staring at them too long. He knows what girls are "supposed" to like and he feels confident in pulling it off. That's sort of where that desire begins and ends though. While I think the Slaughter family can care about looks- they each have personal, preferred taste- it's not high on their list of wants. It's always a delightful bonus when their partner is a cutie <3333
Johnny is such a little trickster !! Like what a little greaseball he's so annoying sometimes *sob emoji*
At the beginning of the relationship, he's gonna tease ya about your height. Not your body weight though, it's never polite to comment on a lady's weight.
He tends to pick on everyone though. It's like some demented love language, it seems.
Anytime you make a face or a disgruntled noise about it, he seems so confused??? Like what's up with you??? You never get like this. Why are you being weird around him . . .
Basically- gets annoyed that you're annoyed at him for "no reason"
If Johnny has had other partners before this, his handling of the situation would be different. I am in the camp of strongly believing you are his first partner tho <33333
So you're gonna have to spell it out for this mean ol guy cause he doesn't understand these "social cues" cause he's never quite seen it with his folks, and you can't really interpret gestures like yours in magazines and novellas and stuff. He's just a lil lost, why don’t ya give him a hand, huh?
You tell him your worries: that you feel inadequate to be his girlfriend. That you're small and chubby and he deserves someone who is just . . . more than that.
He's lookin at ya all bug eyed and funny the whole time Ya scared him half-to-death, darlin! He thought something was seriously wrong (side note: just because Johnny doesn't take it real seriously- at first- does not mean that it doesn't matter or isn't serious irl at all <333 stay safe out there folks)
She pouts, turning her head at her shoulders and swiveling her body- hands clenching her arms in a crisscross- away from him.
Johnny pulls a face. What had he done this time? He approaches her cautiously, as to not spook her- she had argued for him to leave her outside for right then. He wasn't having much of that.
"Darlin'?" His hand lands on her shoulder, not quite as gentle as he should be with his love. She turns her head the other way, hoping this will somehow make her able to evade any heated arguments. "Darlin', no no- c'mon."
He's not one to give up, though. Which- in this moment- she hates that was one of the qualities she fell in love with him over. The drive, compassion; the awful persistence he had.
She sniffles, not wanting to cry over some- dumb comment he made. A stupid inference of her body to something else. She had half the mind to be angry, instead. She couldn't be angry at Johnny, though. At least not so . . . forthright.
"S'just, you're always teasin me for my height, Johnny. And- and I know you're just holdin' your tongue about my body."
Johnny looks at her with an incredulous squint. "What?"
"I get it, Johnny. But it's no need to tease me for it." He's slow on the uptake. The gears finally turn and whirr into life. He sets his palm, steady and firm, to her shoulder. His fingers curling against her clothed body gently.
"Ah, sweet-cheeks. I think you're stunning. I haven't been teasin' ya." His lover interrupts him with a look. She returns her head strictly to its position.
"Yeah, yeah, I have been. I know. I love you, though. You're sweet, darlin. Hottest girl I've ever laid my eyes on. Now stop pouting." She's feeling much better already. She wants to pout more just to spite him, which makes her giggle audibly. "C'mon. Let me kiss you," he smiles when he hears her laugh. It's toothy, it's sharp. It's inviting, though. "Look at you, sweet thing. Smilin' already. C'mere."
She turns around, letting Johnny pull her into a tight embrace. Kissing the top of her head, her cheek, her pretty lips. Lips he hopes she'll let him kiss a dozen times over.
She still weeps in his arms, less from the residual sad feelings and more from just how sweet her man could be.
"Love you too, John."
(Is calling him john sacrilege . . . it nearly feels like it should be. but i couldnt help write this bit like that hehe <3333)
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house-bound · 5 months
Text
Trickster mode and things on people's heads
Y'know, I have seen an interpretation saying that Caliborn replacing his broken tooth with a candy corn as representative of the control he has over the trolls, while he "is" Doctor Scratch at least. The trolls having horns shaped like his teeth would be representative of him sinking his teeth into their minds, controlling their culture and shaping what their internal struggles are.
And I love this type of "In your head" symbolism bc I can see that happen in two other places
1-Roxy has a spiral on her hair, Calliope is hidden on a spiral for the months between the start of the alpha session to it's end. That is fairly minimal but it does add a neat little thing for Callieroxy
2-The Tricksters all remarkably have thematic foods stuck to their heads, specifically Roxy's Cotton Candy and Jake's pumpkin, those are ship names that get referenced through Caliborn's art commissions.
And for the trickster in general I have some thoughts about what the foods represent, we have three types:
The Small ones
Jane is associated with cakes, her trickster form has a cupcake, it's a smaller version of a food already associated with her
Dirk has an orange soda can when he has like 5 orange soda bottles on his inventory
Dave, despite being associated with apples, has a strawberry on trickster. You can argue strawberries look enough like smaller apples if you are weird about fruits, which I am.
I guess the symbolism in that is that their trickster forms keep some sense of their sober selves at least subconsciously, they still have their old selves on their minds, Dirk is the most noticeable example, but Jane also has her TM self express her frustration and unresolved feelings for Jake. (We only see TM Dave once so uh)
The Shipping ones
Like I said, Roxy who mocks the idea of being into Jane while also calling her hot has Cotton Candy on her head, Jake who has too many feelings about Dirk for me to mention succinctly, has a Pumpkin on his head
June
We only see her trickster twice, for the first time on an easter egg way before we even see the meaning in the trickstermode, she has a pink sucker, the sucker is a symbol of TM so I think it's just that she is the basic-starter-level one and not much else? And for the "Mind" interpretation I guess it means instead of thinking of an unresolved relationship or a reminder of her sober self, she is just thinking about being on TM while being on TM? A meta/self-referential/feedback loop about TM itself? Sure, she shows up for two pages, that might as well be the case.
So yeah. Things on ppl's heads. Wonder if there are other examples
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distort-opia · 2 years
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Has there been moments when Joker had been eluded to knowing he's a fictional character, at least in some part and/or breaking the fourth wall? I didn't know about that so I'm curious
Oh yes, plenty!
He does it a couple of times in Superman: Emperor Joker, the comic in which Joker gets Mr. Mxyzptlk's powers. For instance, he talks to the audience:
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God, this story though... It has so much commentary on Joker's meta-awareness. He becomes a God who can shape reality, but deep down he senses it's not actually reality (because it's all fictional). No matter what he does to escape the narrative, he cannot. Batman is still essential to him as a character; he can't ever erase Batman from the Universe, he's beholden to him. And that's what Clark uses to defeat Joker. A fascinating story, and if you haven't read it, I fully recommend it.
Moving on, another entertaining case of Joker breaking the fourth wall is the comic series Joker's Asylum (2008), in which Joker talks directly to the audience, presenting us with stories about each of the Gotham Rogues. For example, in Two-Face's one-shot, he tells you to turn the page:
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Another classic example of interfering with page-turning is from The Sign of the Joker, or Detective Comics (1937) #476:
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Although, regarding this topic, I most dearly recommend Batman's 80-Page Giant 2010 -- Reality Check, since it's literally about Joker's meta-awareness. The short story tackles Joker's partial knowledge of being a fictional character who senses that there is an audience, a narrative around him...
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Hah. But the fascinating thing with Joker is, as this comic later shows, Joker isn't sure. He's not entirely certain that he isn't real (keeping in theme with Superman: Emperor Joker, too).
Joker's status as a cosmic trickster, a super-sane mad genius, affords him some insight into his existence that other characters don't get. However, he still doesn't fully know he's just a comic book character. One could even argue that Joker's perception of being fictional is part of what is driving him mad within Universe. On some level, he knows that the world around him doesn't really matter, doesn't really exist, so he obviously feels that he can do anything he wants -- but no one else can sense what he does, so he can't be sure.
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Thus, he tells himself, "I must be crazy." I talked about this before, about Joker (and Bruce's) need to believe that Joker is insane, even though... well, he isn't. Not in the classical sense. He's clearly mentally ill, but he is in control of his own actions and fully capable of reason. Which is also what the doctor who's been assessing Joker's mental state in this comic says; that Joker is something they don't have words for, but he isn't crazy. And after he kills him, this is Joker's reaction:
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He doubts it. He doubts his perception of our existence as the readers; he's not sure of himself, and he needs to believe he's crazy. Because the alternative is that he's right. The alternative is that the world he lives in has zero meaning -- it's all made-up, and no one has any control over what they do. This is also one of the main reasons Joker needs Batman; deep down, he needs Bruce to prove him wrong. There's a part of him that wishes that Batman would prove to him that the world isn't absurd and meaningless, that there is a point to being alive, that there is something out there to live for.
Of course, the tragedy is that Joker is right. Joker senses that their world isn't real, but Batman never will.
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mdhwrites · 4 months
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How would you imagine Caleb and Evelyn personalities?
OOH! I like this one! Admittedly more for Caleb than for Evelyn because we don't even get relations for Evelyn. We are almost entirely in the dark for even actions on her part besides falling in love with a human and taking them home. For Caleb, falling in love and leaving his brother behind is pretty much all we know about him too action wise but we can at least extrapolate a little from this.
Let's start with Caleb because he is the more robust topic and the honestly funnier one. So we have an orphan who was then adopted by a community of witch hunters, looked after his brother, was taught to hate all witches... And then fucked off without telling his brother so he could go bang a witch.
There's two main ways to make that sequence of events function AT ALL. The first is that you make him tired and kind of an asshole. Losing his parents, caring for his brother, etc. like that makes him want an escape. Want to just say fuck it to everything, even if it means breaking his morals. When a witch tempts him with a chance to leave it all behind, he takes it, even if it traps him with her.
The main problem is that that's a really unattractive personality (even if one could argue it's Luz's personality eventually) so why in the world a witch would choose to fall in love with that is pretty questionable, especially when the guy comes from a society of people who want to murder her. It'd be really difficult to justify a meet cute between them so... I think Caleb was a himbo.
The dude was too dumb to realize that Evelyn was a witch until he'd already fallen in love, decided love mattered more than anything else, didn't remember to tell his brother because how to broach the subject made him worried and his brother probably showed up on one of his various trips to the Isles, not a permanent one. It also explains why he'd have his guard down still so Belos could murder him eventually. Just... kind and stupid and good for him for that.
And honestly, that fits what extremely little we know about Evelyn. We have to assume she left the Titan's Blood and she left a puzzle leading to it. So, bare minimum, she's smart. She also interacted with a culture that was actively hostile to her and that she had nothing to gain from due to it being at least technologically similar, if not worse, than the Isles. Something about them must have either benefited or amused her and honestly, I'd lean into witch culture for that. That she was a trickster and a manipulator, looking for people she could play with with her magic and riddles because she enjoyed it. Then comes a guy who falls for literally everything and still sees her as a friend in the end. That means a lot to her and she falls in love, wanting to play little pranks on him for the rest of her days.
Her personality traits are another reason why I can't stand by world weary Caleb either because she wouldn't find his bitterness or seriousness charming. He'd be a stick in the mud who wouldn't play along. That'd make him different but it would also make him boring. Also this one lacks the moral compass that apparently EVERY Golden Guard has and none of them really betray Belos maliciously, at least if you want to go off of Hunter, but because of a moral obligation.
At least from what the show wants Hunter's arc to be for rejecting Belos. -_-
Thank you though! I love shit like this because I get a real kick out of character and concept creation. As always, you guys want a story or something, or at least how I'd do it, go ahead and ask. I am a writer first, analyst second.
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Hm, Loki’s a god whether his timeline is gone or not. In that regard, he is one of them. “Them” being gods.
That “left out” comment... There’s kind of an interesting little parallel between the MCU and actual Norse mythology happening—scholars argue that Loki wasn’t a “god” and was never worshipped in ancient times. He was powerful, he was Odin’s blood-brother, he often accompanied Odin and Thor, but he was only a trickster. In a sense, he was left out.
Balder was probably an easter egg or tease, since he was supposed to be in Multiverse of Madness. He could still show up at some point somewhere.
I get what you're saying (and keep in mind I'm not watching this season so if I read a dialogue in an ask I don't really have any context and I don't know about tone, etc), but Mobius' line of "You are one of them" while they're standing in front of statues of Odin, Thor and Balder + knowing he was never truly part of that because he's a Jotun... at the very least it's tone-deaf.
I'm sure it can be interpreted as Mobius saying "You are a god, I can't believe I'm talking to an actual god", but in the context of Loki's story, it sounds a little mean. And it came after Mobius had teased him by implying he was envious because there was no statue of him.
I would be a lot less sensitive and far more accepting if the series had scenes where Loki gets to express himself and he talks about his experiences, if that so-called "enviousness" was explained, if they actually let him tell his own story then I'd be more forgiving with scenes like that one in the Fair and I'd just consider it some funny moment not meant to be taken seriously. But the problem is he never has a chance to do that, his life is always told and defined by others, and his motives are reduced to "he's envious, he got mad, he's a narcissist, etc".
I like the parallel you draw between that line and the mythology though. I can see your point but I feel like that's even more reason to have Loki take control and own it. He should prove them wrong by demonstrating he's as much a god as the others, that the mere idea of him being any lesser is bullshit and not based on reality (we saw how flawed Odin was, Thor was too but in the MCU most of their actions are protected by the narrative unlike Loki's).
I don't see the series doing this though. I only see them basically confirming he is not one of them and inferior in every way.
I didn't know that about Balder and MoM though, so thanks for letting me know. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in those meetings, I'm imagining Waldron and the others thinking of a million characters to include and someone asking "Uh, do we need to have Stephen Strange in this one too?". 🤦‍♀️
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