#love how 6/8 of my transforming transformers are seekers
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I've finally acquired a Bayscream to join my Seeker ranks!!
#love how 6/8 of my transforming transformers are seekers#and 3/8 are scream#i love these silly robots so much#transformers#tf#maccadam#tf toys#starscream#g1 starscream#bayverse starscream#thundercracker#skywarp#sunstorm#cobra commander#once again that f-14 is most definitely a genuine hasbro skyfire#ignore cc#they're just sniffing him
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How did you come up The idea of project and how did he come to be like what sparked your mind to create him? I’m very curious.
Project started out as a “what if he was there in the tfa series”
He had his personality, and his design in set but had no actual background, no interest, and no story. Basically made for fun, and for me to keep to myself privately since
1. I was kinda anxious for what might people say about my character
2. I didn’t have a good following as I do now to share
Pre-Project design:
Pre-Project had quite the cartoonish style like design when I first made him
His shape and body design was kinda hard to come up and puzzle piece it together, but nevertheless, this is what I had set down on digital paper
Some of Project’s design was inspired by an old friends art style on megaman
(I’m not into megaman, nor will I get into it, maybe someday :V)
It starts out as a fun little thing for me, myself and I, but then later forgot about him due to my expanding interest in other things
Then somehow, the character came back into my mind as I was scrolling through old art and decided to give this another try
And also ROTB brought back my fixation in transformers :,)
Spoilers for in future comics:
Small Bio of Present Project:
Project, not only is he a seeker, but is a alien robot like Team Optimus and the rest
He is not an Autobot, nor a Decepticon. Heck he’s not even a- shhhhhhh
Nevertheless, PJ is a laidback, extrovert, quick-thinking guy, who knows what to do and how to execute it, hence why he’s named Project by his parents (basically the “three steps ahead” trope personality)
Projects kind of love is to mess/joke around with the ones he cares about, but will always be there for you. He can go on and on about his interest, and that good chisme to which your become so drawn to what he got to say
Though of his chill nature, he tends to become distant when something is bothering him. In his distracted state, or when things go so wrong, he becomes frozen. Does this have to do with the fact that he might hear someone calling his name, yet no one said anything to him.
Or with the fact that he sees things that seem out of place, or those who aren’t there. Maybe even seeing things that caught his eyes that trigger a bad memories.
Why does it seem like he’s trying to block out anything of hurt from his mind. “Out of site, out of mind?”
How about when he interpreted words aim to him that are so negative, he takes it the wrong way, and becomes cautious. Yet no one said anything negative…
Hmm…
When meeting Project:
1. If y’all meet and get to know each other in a good way, he welcomes you with open arms, drops “the proper” act and starts to mess around with you, makes jokes, tells you all the tea/chisme that even your ancestors would be invested to hear
2. If y’all meet in a bad way, he stays as far away from you, just giving you that silent treatment, maybe even hear some snide comments in Spanish from him, or just straight up giving you that stink eye (lol side eye)
So this is the gray area
Although, it doesn’t always have to be that way though. You can earn his trust when doing good deeds, or maybe just saving him from danger, or when he saves you. He will start to warm up around you :)
Heck, who knows, maybe even become friends
3. If y’all meet in the worst way possible, like you hurting him, hurting his friends/family, and/or you become the root of all evil and vile… oh babes, you’re dead to him
Facts about Project (the updated version):
P.S: they are canon
1. He speaks Spanish
2. He can play music in his Speaker
3. The gem placement in his forehead is his heart/soul (tf terms, that’s his spark)
4. Schizophrenic
5. He does have parents :) (I’m not cliché bruv)
6. The blue side of his face is not his natural color (his face was never divided/split to begin with)
7. He likes to sing, and create murals/graffiti art
8. Can play the guitar
9. Loves to build and tinker up some nice gadgets
10. His fighting technique consists of acrobats, dance, jumping and moving so quickly. Planners got to think creatively, you can’t just be plain. Agility through the roof.
11. Loves to fly so much, the wind make him feel so free and relief.
In Conclusion:
Overall, I am so happy to see my character come this far from being kept to myself, to him finally being shared and coming into the limelight.
Although, there are some rough edges that are in need of soothing out, some that I’m aware, and some that I’m not aware, I am proud to see my character being loved by all of you :) ❤️
And thank you so much for being here, loving my work and everything
Spoilers for Prison Break:
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My top 5 most wanted worlds for kingdom hearts are, in order:
Moana. Literally the first thing I thought when watching moana was “this would be a sick kingdom hearts world”. The Caribbean in kingdom hearts 3 made me want it even more. I’d KILL for a tamatoa boss fight. I don’t even know if I’d like it as much as the rest of the potential worlds on this list but a moana world is the world that I’ve always wanted so it holds a special place in my heart. It was also first on regularpar’s kh4 Disney animated canon world watch sooooooooo
The incredibles. Big hero 6 world but actually good??? Jk I loved sanfran but this would fit perfectly. The only difficult part is deciding which of the parrs to make sora’s party members, because all 5 might be unfeasable, leading to an 8 member party. It’d be cool if you had to choose between the 5 (or maybe 4 without Jack Jack) parrs and Donald and goofy, maybe even frozone too, and assemble your squad based on the situation. Basically like choosing your party in kh1&2 but the world is designed around it. Anyway this world would be great. If these two are chosen it would be a bit strange having two water worlds and two super hero worlds in a row though. The other worlds I have are mighty different though!
Star Wars. PRACTICALLY CONFIRMED!!!! But seriously, the original trilogy plot is just light versus dark, pretty kingdom hearts. Sure, it might not be the focus of the series now after the dark seeker saga, but Star Wars also has themes of looking for masters and stuff it could work. And with how big a Star Wars fan Nomura is I doubt he’d let it be anything but great.
Muppets. Imagining Sora, Donald, and Goofy’s transformations for this world gives me so much life. It’d be really cool if they were actual puppets, but I don’t know how they’d do that, whether there’d be a hand sticking out beneath them or if there’d be strings from the sky or cords from below or whatever. Or if they don’t go that route at all. I just want to see the gang as puppets, and for Kermit to be a party member. I want Kermit to beat the shit out of the darkness, is that too much to ask?
Inside out. You thought monster’s inc was a great place for the unversed to show up? Wait until you’re literally in someone’s head. What would make it even cooler is if you could go to other’s heads psychonauts style, but I won’t get my hopes up.
Honourable mentions go to Mary Poppins (going between the live action world and animated world like in the movie would be so cool and have a wonderland/symphony of sorcery type world that I think every game in the franchise needs, just a bit of weird absurdism), the emperor’s new groove (it’d be funny), coco (I genuinely think this would work nearly the best out of all of them, just I like the other five more), and zootopia(or zootropolis for my fellow Brits <3) because it’d be really funny if sora transforms but Donald and Goofy stay the same LMAO
I actively do not want the mcu in kingdom hearts, I think it’s just a bad idea and incredibles would do superheroes better. Have Star Wars be the acquired IP rep and leave it at that.
For returning worlds (apart from Olympus which is all but confirmed) I’d love a Toy Story 3 world, and I’d like to see hundred acre wood BUT ONLY IF IT MAKES SENSE AND ISN’T JUST CANDY CRUSH. Numbered titles don’t NEED hundred acre wood, but I still think there’s room for it at the moment. The game is about Sora being apart from his friends, explore that through Sora and Pooh growing apart y’know?
#long post#text post#kingdom hearts#randyposting#kh4#prediction#predictions#kh4 speculation#kh4 sora#kh#Disney#moana#the incredibles#Star Wars#the muppets#inside out#kingdom hearts 4
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Welcome To The Dream Job System Podcast Hey there and welcome to the Dream Job System podcast! I’m your host Austin Belcak and my aim is to carry you fast, extremely actionable methods that can assist you land a job you're keen on with out “conventional” expertise and with out making use of on-line. These trendy job search techniques stem from my private expertise touchdown gives from Google, Microsoft, and Twitter in addition to my expertise serving to hundreds of job seekers get employed on the world’s finest firms with out making use of on-line. What You Get: Module #1 THE UNCONVENTIONAL JOB SEARCH BLUEPRINT Introduction & what to anticipate from the course Uncover why 99% of individuals fail to land jobs they love Reveal my 7 step “Dream Job System Blueprint“ Leverage my “Discover Your Why” system to find the correct profession path and position for you (even if in case you have no concept what you wish to do!) 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Future Past
10 BBY
“Children are not taken from their families, Luke,” Ben explained patiently. Luke didn’t exactly remember how the conversation came up, really, but he didn’t mind where it was going. He loved hearing about the Jedi. It just made him more determined to become one himself, or, at least, as much as he could with the absence of the Order. They were on a planet side of fields of grass and an abundance of flowers and hadn’t been attacked in weeks. Using that calm time to visit a place, to relax on a planet they had settled down to pick flowers, meditate and talk. Luke loved it when they could just sit and meditate and talk. “They are adopted. If a Finder or Seeker does happen to find a child, they may ask for custody, explaining why and the like. More often than not, however, there were plenty of children given to the Jedi.”
“Why would parents give their kids away?” Luke asked, curiously, looking up at him with his head shifted to the side as he plucked a few blades of grass. Ben’s smile was so warm and nice, and he always had good feelings to send towards Luke and Luke always caught them whole-heartedly. “Don’t they love them?”
“They do, I imagine,” he agreed with a small nod as he bunched up a few of the smaller flowers with longer stems into a bouquet. “But being a parent is a bit about doing what you think is right for your child, even if it hurts. Many times, force sensitives can have a hard time with control without the proper training. Children like this are better raised in an environment with other force sensitives. Especially as a child, they can lash out when having intense emotions, sometimes even accidently hurting those around them.”
“Oh,” Luke sat back and glanced at his hands, studying them closely. He wondered, passively, if couldn’t really be a good jedi or if he would lash out because he wasn’t around more like him. Maybe Ben was enough? He would be enough, Luke determined stubbornly. Luke wouldn’t lose control; he would grow up strong and kind and good. “What about…if they don’t have any parents? Or…or if their parents don’t want them?”
“If they do not have parents, the Jedi will try to find any remaining family for their permission,” Ben continued, wrapping a long strong blade of grass around the stems of the flowers he had taken. “If there is none, a petition can be made to adopt the child. Sometimes a jedi may technically take a child if they are being endangered or the parent tries to harm them. A jedi will do that in any case, even if the child is not force sensitive.”
“Like me, when Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru were…gone,” Luke pointed out, fiddling with his fingers, unable to meet his teacher’s gaze. He picked up a few of the flowers that he himself had picked and put them in a pile, carefully placing the stems away from the petals. They were beautiful, he thought, with so many colors and so soft to touch. “And you took me away.”
Ben nodded, although a bit sad, like the prospect of having to take Luke away was sad. It was a little, Luke thought. He did miss Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru, sometimes he wished they were with him. But he was also glad he was with Ben. Being with Ben was better in some ways, learning how to control his feelings and abilities. He didn’t have nearly as many accidents anymore. But he still missed his aunt and uncle. They were gone, though, and Luke would have to accept that. It was okay, because they were everywhere now. “Yes. To protect you, I had to take you away,” Ben agreed.
“I’m glad you did, Ben.”
***
“Children are raised in what we called the Creche,” Ben started, Luke curled up into his side in his room. Normally Ben stayed outside on a pullout cot, as he claimed to want to give Luke space and a bit of privacy, but Luke had just awoken from a nightmare and nearly begged Ben to stay with him. It hadn’t taken much. He asked about children of the Jedi, after they were adopted from their biological parents. It was a random question, Luke hadn’t even really understood where it came from.
“What happens there?” Luke murmured, messing with a little block toy Ben had gotten him a few days prior.
“Well, they are raised all together,” Ben started, trying not to let his voice crack with emotion. “Everyone becomes brothers and sisters. My crechemates and I were friends for our entire lives, long after we had parted ways and found masters, becoming padawans.”
“Was it nice, in the creche?” he asked.
“Yes. We had a few adults of course, to help teach us and protect us, to love and care for us. We found a lot of love within those walls. The creche was one of the places most imbued with so much innocence, love and light. You never think anything truly bad can happen there.”
Luke knew something bad must have happened, especially since all the Jedi were gone. If not, he imagined Ben would be there right now. Perhaps it would make him happier and less lonely. He doesn’t say it, Luke thought it would make him even more sad, but Luke believed he would have been rather happy in the creche.
6 BBY
“Can you tell me more about Master Windu?” Luke asked eagerly, leaning forward across the table and nearly knocking over Ben’s cup of tea. He snatched it away as it precariously set on the edge of the cup. He let out a chuckle which just seemed to make Luke even more eager, biting his lip with his eyes pleading.
They were in hyperspace, far away from their jaunt with the Empire and the stormtroopers trying to follow them. If they were lucky, they could hide for a week before they finally caught up. Ben talked about visiting a planet, one full of water and colorful plants. Luke had wondered if they had an underwater garden and if they did, he would love to see it. Ben had just laughed shortly.
“What do you want to know?”
“You said he used a different lightsaber form? And you said you pranked him once with Master Vos and he never knew, what happened and you said he was a theater person, did he actually act or did he just like going to plays, can you tell me about his padawan, Master Billaba was she pretty she sounds like she would be pretty, you were friends with her right was it weird to be friends with both Master Windu and Master Billaba since they were master and padawan at one point did Master Billaba take another padawan, did Master Windu, was his lightsaber really purple why was it purple is there a reason for that do the different colors mean different things why is your saber blue what do you think my color would be if I got a saber-.”
Ben laughed out loud which eventually led Luke to stop talking in such a rush and ended his ramble. “You must calm down, little beacon,” he said, waving his hands in a gesture for the boy to slow down. “I cannot answer any of your questions if you do not allow me time to hear them and answer.”
Luke sat back down, a bit sheepish. “Sorry, Ben.”
“Now, Master Windu was an incredible duelist and a great friend,” Ben started with a fond smile. “And both he and his former padawan, Depa, were my friends. For different reasons, I suppose, but they were both great people and amazing jedi.”
Luke settled down, leaning down with his chin and arms resting on the table below him, his eyes never leaving Ben as he told him about his old friends.
4 BBY
“Aurek 5,” Luke called out. They were on their ship, in the middle of hyperspace with an old children’s game between them. Ben had explained the rules – it was fairly simple, and they had just spent hours going back and forth, trying to take down each other’s ships.
“Miss. Leth 7,” Ben responded, easily.
Luke scowled. “Hit. Qek 2.” Despite Ben’s amused smile, Luke placed a marker on part of one of his ships to indicate the partial destruction. “Why are we doing this? This isn’t a strategy game; it’s just a game of chance. Wouldn’t it be better to do something that would help with strategy and tactics?”
“Miss,” Ben replied. “Sometimes, little beacon, in a situation you are blind and can only work with what you have and what you cannot see. Besides, it can be fun if you let it. What has caught your interest on strategy and tactics? Wesk 1.”
“Hit,” Luke grumbled, lowering his head to stare. He studied his board and glowered. “Last night, you told a story about Commander Cody and the 212th. I think I can find wisdom in knowing some of the things you know, some of the things you learned in the Clone Wars,” Luke explained, eyes flitting over the board as he tried to figure out his next move. “Osk 10.”
“Miss,” came Ben’s answer. “You have an interest in war? Is there something you aren’t telling me, Luke? Jenth 6.”
“Miss,” Luke said, a bit relieved that he hadn’t hit his ship. It was close and if he had, it would have been destroyed and taken out of the game. “It’s not so much an interest in war, but I know about the rebellion. Maybe…. maybe some time we could help. Osk 2.”
“Miss. That would be mighty dangerous,” Ben replied, calmly. “We both garner a lot of attention from Vader and the Empire, it would put a lot more danger and pressure on the rebels. Jenth 7.”
“Miss,” Luke said, shifting his arms. “They’re not at war yet, not quite. But when they are, I think we can be of help. At least even just to occupy Vader so they can do missions or retreat. Aurek 2.”
“Miss. Is this interest in the rebellion or is this interest in finding and seeing Boil again?” Ben questioned, raising an eyebrow at the teenager. Luke just sighed and rested his chin on his arms. “Wesk 3.”
“Hit,” Luke grumbled. “It’s not about Boil, not really. I just…I know you have been teaching me all you can, and I really appreciate it. I love it, more than you know, but I also know, without the Jedi Order, I can’t really be a Jedi.”
There was a brief silence. “What?”
“Krill 8,” Luke called.
“Luke, do you no longer wish to be a jedi?” Ben asked, masking his surprise. “It is alright if you no longer wish to continue your studies, I will not be offended. The way of life is not for everyone.”
“That’s not it,” Luke insisted, looking up. “I swear, I want to be a Jedi more than anything else. But… the Jedi Order is gone, there is nothing I can do, nothing I can be… a part of. I thought, maybe, if I can’t really be a jedi, I’m a decent pilot.”
“Your talents are not to be denied, for sure, young one. But being Jedi is not dependent on the survival or continuation of the Order,” Ben murmured, softly. He didn’t quite meet Luke’s eyes, but he didn’t mind. It was okay. Miss. “It is an attitude, a way of life, a philosophy and spirituality if you will.”
Ben has told him this before, Luke knew, but somehow, it did not always do a good job of convincing him.
“Am I any less of a Jedi because the Order no longer exists?”
The question had caught him off guard. “What? No, of course not. You are a jedi, that’s who you are.”
“And if you wish it, it can be you as well, but only if you want it,” Ben pointed out. “The Order is gone, yes, but the Jedi still remain. We are alive. There are not many of us left, but there are some.”
Luke nodded. “Okay, Ben. I believe you.”
“Krill 8 did you say?” Ben asked, raising an eyebrow curiously at him.
The teenager nodded.
Ben’s smirk grew into a knowing smile. “Hit.”
4 BBY
Luke didn’t meet another Jedi until he was nearly sixteen. He wasn’t sure if Ahsoka Tano would have appreciated being called one when he did meet her, so just to be safe, he kept her off the list. And the person he met didn’t completely entertain his thoughts on what a Jedi was either, but, at least, the sight of him had made Ben quite happy, despite him bursting into tears.
They had been on a small, backwater plant that was mostly covered in thick forests, dotted with cities that stayed tight knit, possibly out of fear of what was in the forested areas. They had found a little place just outside of the domed areas, out of sight to practice lightsaber katas. Luke had learned the basics of the forms, the ones that he knew initiates had learned before they became padawans and then those learned in classes as padawans. He had excelled swiftly, and they found Luke was a rather quick learner, picking up movements when he had a good peace of mind. It had taken him some time to learn meditation, which in the end, had certainly helped his ability to learn and keep information as well as keep a sense of calm.
Picking up lightsaber forms was easier after learning meditation and learning to enjoy it. There wasn’t a lot to do on their little ship and Luke was determined. It wasn’t so much that learning it wasn’t hard, but in the end, Luke had realized what he had gained through it. His patience had grown exponentially. He had a sturdy sense of self, of empathy and self-reflection. Something that helped him with going over intense feelings, being able to think and work through those feelings before acting.
He wasn’t perfect at it, but he was a lot better than before.
Luke was strong and fierce, often having a bit of force behind his blows and leaning towards Shien and Djem So, his father’s style. His blows often ended up being choppy and powerful, but he could never match Ben’s steady and impenetrable defense of Soresu. Luke tried to have a focus on that too. Aside from Vader, there wasn’t anyone they really tended to fight with sabers and Luke knew he could never really overpower Vader – the man was practically a force of nature. Most of the people they fought against were stormtroopers and pirates and although their aim was rarely great, they used blasters rather than sabers. Soresu was an excellent defense and Luke was determined to make Ben proud, no matter how many times the man told him he need not follow his style.
Aratu was something Luke found some fun in, and Ben had been surprisingly good at it. The flourishes and jumps got Luke moving and kept him in shape. He often found himself laughing too hard when he and Ben sparred, and the youngster decided to work on this style. It was entertaining and enjoyable.
The training in hand-to-hand combat had been most helpful as well. Ben had taught him plenty, which often ended up helping him with his lightsaber sparring, but Boil had also taught him some things (as well as blaster care) and Luke found it handy. He wasn’t to bring out a saber, if he had his fathers on hand, unless it was absolutely necessary, instead having to lean on the blasters Ben could get alongside fighting with his hands.
Luke had nearly fell over the first time he had flipped Ben over.
The “good job” however just made Luke nearly scream inside.
They had been through several hours of steady katas which made Luke’s muscles certainly burn. Technically he knew that Ben’s favored form, that of defense and endurance, had helped Ben’s ability to go on for hours and hours, but sometimes Luke had no idea how he could just keep going and going and going.
Luke did actually fall over when Ben finally told him they could stop. He just barely had enough time to clip his father’s saber to his belt before literally flopping over in the grass of the clearing they were working in.
Ben had just stood over him with a chuckle. “Are you alright?”
“Totally,” Luke grinned, giving the older man two thumbs up. “I know how you do that, but I just don’t know how you do that.”
He laughed a little more. “I have had plenty of practice and experience, dear boy. How about some dinner, yes?”
Luke sat up in a scramble. “Really? Like, on planet? Sit down with plates and forks and napkins?”
This really got the amusement out of him as Ben helped him stand and continued to laugh. “Absolutely. My treat.”
The boy snickered. “It’s always your treat, old man,” he grinned. Grabbing their cloaks, Luke slipped his on and put his father’s saber in the bag Ben carried on him. Ben would let him carry it plenty and probably would have let him then, but it was more habit, to just put it away. Besides, the crystal didn’t really resonate with him.
He wished someday he would be able to find his own.
The two of them packed up what little they had and headed back into the domed city, going through a checkpoint once they got to the border to make sure they hadn’t picked up anything. The security teams didn’t reach into Ben’s bag enough to find the lightsaber and the examination was mostly for diseases or bugs. It was a bit slow, but they got through it with flying colors.
Cities on the planet weren’t particularly tall and didn’t reach into the sky as Luke had noticed on some other planets, but what it lacked in height, it made up in surface area. Miles upon miles were shops and homes, parks, schools and churches. Anything anyone could want under their white sun.
Luke and Ben didn’t have a lot of money, but they did a little window shopping on their way to find a good place to eat. Luke nearly spent an entire half hour browsing in a droid parts store.
“I’d like one someday,” Luke muttered to himself as he admired an old astromech. It was charging and powered down, but it was painted in a brilliant gold, tints of little blue stripes alongside. “Just a little one,” he murmured.
Ben was at his side, although Luke hadn’t noticed at first. “Nearly enough.”
Luke nearly jumped and glanced over at his guardian. “Huh?”
“I have nearly saved enough,” Ben replied, evenly, giving the boy an entertained side eye. “It isn’t much, you won’t be able to get a large droid, not even an astromech, as I don’t have enough and it probably wouldn’t fit well in our ship but, Luke, soon, I think we might be able to start looking for a droid for you. If that is something you would still like.”
A grin grew on the blonde’s face as he grinned wildly. “Are you serious?”
Ben nodded. “Yes.”
“Oh! OH! Yes! Thank you so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Luke cheered, practically bowling the older man over in a hug. Ben nearly didn’t have time to brace himself, but he somehow caught Luke anyways. He always caught Luke. “I can’t believe it!”
“We will have to talk about what kind,” Ben started prudently. “And we will have to go over proper care, not only for the droid’s sake but to make sure that if it is ever captured or lost, it cannot be traced back to us.”
“Of course, of course,” Luke nodded impatient and eager. “I don’t want anything big anyways. Maybe a little BD unit? They’re really fun and kind of cute, have you seen them run? And they are explorer class so they would be alright with any terrain we come with, tiny little things. I know they aren’t very common, but I think it would be a good choice,” he rambled. “I think we could find one.”
Ben smiled gently and took his hand, leading him out of the shop. “That does seem like a good choice. I think, if we research well enough and keep our ears and eyes open, we will be able to find one. But, for now, let’s get something to eat, shall we?”
His nod was enthusiastic as the teenager practically hopped a long. A droid! Finally! It was something that Luke really wanted for quite some time. He found them fascinating and some of them really adorable. It was another to talk to other than just Ben. He loved Ben, he didn’t want anyone to think otherwise, but it would be nice not to talk to someone like him sometimes, about some of the dumb and teenager stuff. Ben was a great listener but he was also a lot older than Luke; he didn’t actually want to listen to Luke’s dumb teenager stuff. Droids may not be like humans, but they could, generally, carry on with a conversation with their programming.
The droid talk ceased as the two of them finally got into the part of town that held more of the bars, pubs and restaurants. They had peeked into a few but eventually found one that wasn’t too expensive but wasn’t a palace of dirt either. The table they had gotten was out of the way and outside, something that was fine with the both of them. If something was to happen, they could easily cut and run.
Luke had never really sat down at a restaurant. They were on the run a lot and even if they got food from a restaurant, it was always take-out. Since they were always on the move. Ben would talk about his favorite diner back on Coruscant, before the downfall of the jedi and the republic. His friend, Dexter Jettster owned it, a former arms dealer and criminal he had befriended who had acted as his informant in multiple missions throughout his career as a jedi, as a knight and a general in the war.
Whenever Ben would have a nerfburger, Luke would ask how it held up to Dex’s.
Ben would just laugh and say no burger held up to Dex’s.
Luke didn’t remember precisely what they were talking about, but something happened, something shifted around them. A presence. Luke hadn’t known what it was but by the stiffness Ben quickly displayed and the look in his eye, he did.
“Impossible,” Ben whispered and glanced around.
“Hey there,” a low voice chuckled, near humorlessly.
The two of them swiveled around. Luke narrowed his eyes at the man before them. He was a Kiffar, if he wasn’t mistaken, with a yellow stripe over his nose and dreadlocks hanging around his shoulders, dark eyes staring at Ben as if he couldn’t believe it either. Luke glanced between the two.
“Quinlan,” Ben mumbled, shocked.
“Just…Vos for now,” the kiffar shrugged. “Can I sit down?”
Ben was practically in tears already and just stared at the man.
“Go ahead,” Luke answered for him.
The man sat down between them and studied Ben for a moment. “You did not age as well as I thought you would.”
“I…I…I spent almost ten years under the twin suns of Tatooine,” Ben confessed, his voice thick and barely coming out audibly with a hint of some kind of amusement. Luke was a little surprised how open and honest he was being. Rarely was Ben this straightforward, much less so entertained by a slight.
The kiffar – Vos – nodded. “That would do it. I can’t believe you’re alive. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised, you’ve always been pretty good at the whole surviving against all odds thing,” he chuckled but it was with very little actual humor. “Didn’t think you would take on a padawan, though,” he added, glancing at Luke, curiously. His smirk contained more humor than his chortle had a moment prior.
“He’s not…” Ben shook his head as his denial started, trying to get a hold of himself. Luke glanced away; he did not need to be reminded of what he was not. He knew all too well. “He’s not that. This is Luke. I am his guardian. I go by Ben these days.”
Vos glanced at Luke and looked him up and down and gave him a lopsided smile. “Nice to meet ya, kid.”
Luke gave him one in return. “You too, Master Vos!”
The kiffar just smiled at him before glancing curiously at Ben. “Not your padawan, huh?” Ben shot him a scowl, but Luke could feel the overwhelming happinessrelieflovethankyouin the air, directed towards the newcomer. Master Vos’s expression softened into something of an entertained and pleased smirk.
Those two had been friends, Luke knew it.
The realization kind of hit him like a sandstorm because if this person, Ben’s friend, named Vos, probably a jedi.... Luke’s eyes became saucers as he whipped around to stare at the newcomer. “Wait…are you…you’re Quinlan Vos?”
Master Vos laughed out loud and tried not to attract any attention. “Gotta be careful with the name, kiddo. That stuff can be dangerous in this galaxy. But, uh, you know of me?”
“Of course!” Luke nearly cried, grinning madly. “Ben has told me all about his friends. We have a lot of time to spare so we have to fill that with something to do and Ben tells all the greatest stories! He can even get your voice down pretty good.”
The bust of laughter than came out of Master Vos made Luke’s heart swell and Ben look rather thoroughly embarrassed. “Oh man, I think I might love this kid. This…this is a good one, Obes, oh wow.”
Luke felt himself shine up brightly. This was amazing. This was -. “Luke,” Ben warned, putting a hand on his shoulder gently, ushering Luke out of his thoughts. “Be mindful of your feelings and your surroundings.”
Blushing with a bit of mortification, Luke wrapped his shields, trying to button them up tighter. “Sorry, Ben.”
Ben just nodded. “Why don’t you grab some desert for yourself and Vos,” he suggested, calmly, patting his shoulder lightly. “I think he could use a…pick me up.”
The blonde perked and nodded, eagerly. Dinner and desert? And they had gotten through with a long lightsaber practice and Ben was really ready to talk about getting a droid? And he got to meet another jedi?
This had to be the best day ever, even with his mistake.
Luke was off like a shot once Ben had handed over some money, leaving the two alone. It hadn’t taken long, although Luke tried to find an amazing place with some of the best deserts. He didn’t have a lot of experience when it came to the sweet things, especially choosing them, as they often didn’t have enough for such treats. But Luke had long heard of the incredible feel and flavor of ice cream. Ben had explained where it came from once, which Luke found only a bit odd but then again, it wasn’t that much different from Bantha milk, just kind of frozen. After finding a place that sold it, he got as much as he could, and the owner was kind enough to put it in a cooler for his travels. Luke couldn’t imagine he had gotten too far from where Ben and Master Vos were, but Ben always told him it was best to be prepared.
He slowed down as he neared their table again. They had moved even further from the other patrons, virtually out of sight. Luke hadn’t known what possessed him, perhaps it was the words he had caught before they could notice him, but he had stopped and hid behind the corner, listening in. He felt bad, he knew it was rude, but he didn’t really want to interrupt such an intense conversation either.
“This is Dooku’s assassination all over again,” Ben hissed under his breath. “You remember what happened last time? You tried to go after him, and you ended up falling to the dark side.”
“I know, I know,” Master Vos shook his head. “It’s a stupid idea. I just…I know what they say about what happened at the Temple. What really happened. Not that bull the propaganda and the government, and the Empire are spewing.”
“You’ve talked with Dex,” Ben murmured.
“Of course, I talked with Dex,” Master Vos replied, spinning one of his dreadlocks in his fingers. “He’s a friend to the Jedi, always has been. He helped a couple escape Coruscant. He knows Vader led the clones on the Temple.”
“The clones were brainwashed,” Ben muttered, near absentmindedly. “Luke and I came across a couple. Kix, almost seven years ago in a stasis pod on a droid ship. Cody and Boil, just a few years ago on Vader’s ship. We…we helped them. Or tried to.”
Quinlan’s shoulders sagged. “The Jedi dead and the clones brainwashed. It seems sometimes like we were the only ones who gave a damn about the galaxy and what did we all get? Genocide and slavery,” he shook his head and Luke could feel the anger seeping off of him. “I just…I thought if I could at least get Darth Vader out of the way, that would help just a bit. One less powerful force user for the galaxy.”
Ben frowned and shook his head. “That isn’t a good idea, Quin. He is much too powerful for you, much too powerful for either of us.”
Master Vos eyed Ben, carefully. “You know who he is,” he realized.
Luke’s breath caught in his throat. Ben didn’t say anything.
“Obes, who is he?” Master Vos quietly demanded. “If I know who he is, I can at least-.”
“At least what?” Ben snapped, just as hushed. “You’ll only get yourself killed or worse, Quin. There are barely any of us left, why would you want to throw yourself away like that?”
“Obi-Wan,” Quinlan assured, putting his gloved hand over Ben’s. Ben looked at it, a little startled. “He massacred the Temple, he brainwashed the clones, the clones that we loved and trusted, the ones that… the ones Aalya loved and trusted. Don’t you think we deserve to know at least who was behind it?”
Ben just looked pained. “You will only find anger and fury, Quin. The Emperor is the one behind this, Palpatine. He is the one to blame. He is the one who created the war, who created and brainwashed the clones. Blame him.”
“Yeah, I know that,” Vos even looked like he believed it. “Palpatine is top dog, he is the one to blame for everything,” Master Vos agreed, sincerely. “And…I know what it is like to be tortured and manipulated into the dark side. I’m not…disputing that. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Vader had been manipulated into it,” he offered. “I’m sorry, I just…I need to know.”
Neither Ben nor Luke realized what Master Vos was doing until it was too late. Master Vos’s other hand, the one that was suddenly not gloved had reached towards Ben’s lightsaber on his waist, just barely brushing against it with his skin.
A lot of things had happened at once.
Master Vos had frozen, his eyes glazed over and after an incredibly long moment, he fell over from the table with a small thud. They were out of the way from the other patrons, but Ben cursed under his breath – Mando’a maybe? – and dragged Master Vos further out of sight.
He let out another string of curses Luke didn’t recognize and laid Master Vos out on the ground “You idiot,” he hissed. “You know better than that. A lightsaber, of all things.”
Time and space seemed to stop and go completely silent. Luke was frozen in his spot, staring wide-eyed as Ben checked Master Vos’s pulse. He apparently hadn’t found what he was looking for and Ben started chest compressions, talking to the kiffar in a language Luke didn’t understand. Or maybe Luke just couldn’t hear it right, he couldn’t be sure. Nothing felt right.
It seemed like forever before Ben stopped completely and sat back. Luke didn’t hear anything at first but then the sound of Master Vos’s coughs reached his ears. Time started to move again. Space and sounded started to be able to be heard once more. Whatever had happened, Luke didn’t know what to make of it.
“You idiot,” Ben growled again but he helped Master Vos up to a sitting position and leaned him against the wall. Master Vos learned to breathe again.
He looked straight at Ben. Luke couldn’t see his eyes, but his posture was stiff and some terrible and sad feelings were emanating off of him. “Does Luke know his father turned into one of the galaxy’s worst genocidal maniacs?”
Luke forgot to breathe, and his brain just didn’t understand.
Ben swallowed. “What am I supposed to tell him Quin? That his father, my brother, is acting as a monster and has become a killer? That Anakin Skywalker – Darth Vader – is trying to kill him, that someday, we might have to kill him instead?”
Luke doesn’t hear anything after that. His hand indistinctively clutches the case of ice cream, and his mind goes blank. There is only thing he understands.
Anakin Skywalker is Darth Vader.
Anakin Skywalker is Luke’s father.
Darth Vader is Luke’s father.
Luke’s father is trying to kill him and Ben.
He can’t breathe and suddenly, he found himself moving. He couldn’t stay there; he didn’t know what to do, what to say. His mind went so blank, and his feet were moving. They kept moving and moving, objects and places became blurs. Buildings meshed together; people became little blobs. The city became a mix of browns and greens, and things were crunching under his feet. He was in the woods, his brain barely realized.
Luke didn’t know where he stopped or how much time had passed since he had started running. All he knew was that his entire body was burning, his legs felt like they were going to just vaporize at any moment and his lungs just could not get any oxygen at all. They just burned.
Gasping for air, the teenager felt to the ground, his palms scrapping on fallen twigs and pebbles, his knees hitting hard. He had no idea where he was, and it didn’t really matter at the moment. Mind racing with everything and nothing at all, Luke leaned against a large tree in front of him, his hair tangling in parts of the bark and lightly sticky with sap. How…. how…
After some time, Luke finally managed to turn himself around, sitting against the trunk of the tree, trying so desperately to get control of his breathing. He just… he just couldn’t seem to get in air. Why couldn’t he breathe? Why couldn’t he breathe?
Anakin Skywalker is his father.
Anakin Skywalker is Darth Vader.
Darth Vader…. Darth Vader is his father.
Oh Force, Darth Vader is his father.
One of the worst people in the entire galaxy was his father. The father than Ben told fond stories of. The father that was Ben’s brother, his best friend. The father who was a jedi, the ancient enemy of the Sith.
Which meant Ben lied.
Ben had never lied to him before.
Had he?
Luke had finally got a hold of his breathing, but it was still shallow and quick. He reached up, his fingers dashing against the skin on his face. They came back more than damp. He was crying. His whole face was quickly becoming blotchy and red, tears in a constant stream down his cheeks.
Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker. Darth Vader was his father.
Luke let out a loud, choking sob, trying to swallow down any breath he could. Ben lied to him. His father wasn’t dead. It was worse, it was so much worse. Why had he lied? Did he not think he could handle it? Did Ben think that Luke would just gooff on his own? Did he think that Luke would leave him just because his father was alive? His father may be alive, but he was a monster and tried to kill the bothof them several times. He just…didn’t understand.
“Luke?” a voice echoed through the trees. The boy couldn’t see a thing through the tears and the choking sobs coupled with the whistle of the wind through the leaves and trees made it hard to hear, made everything muffled.
“Ben?” It was a shot in the dark, it could have been anyone and honestly Luke didn’t know if he really wanted to talk with Ben right now, he didn’t think he wanted Ben to see him like this but yet he still…he wanted Ben.
“Luke?” the voice shouted louder. “Luke? Luke?!”
The teenager just let out another choked sob, but a presence brushed up against his mind. And then, soon after, against his side.
“Goodness, Luke!” the voice was close now, right next to him. It sounded like Ben. Oh, he hoped it was Ben.
“It’s me, beacon,” the voice whispered, like an answered prayer. “It’s me, it’s Ben.” Relief flooded him and everything around him like nothing before and Luke blindly threw himself towards the voice. He hit something firm but soft and arms snaked around his torso tightly. “Goodness, Luke. You’ve been gone for hours. What happened?”
Luke just sobbed into his chest. How could he possibly explain to Ben what was happening? How did one tell their guardian that they knew they have been lying to them for years about something so prominent? Ben had told Luke all of the bestthings about his father. He told him that he was actually like his father. Did that mean Ben thought Luke was like Vader? Did he think that Luke would turn into a Sith, like his father before him?
He never would.
“I was just…” the words tumbled out of his mouth before Luke could really think about what to say and process them. “I was just feeling so much. I couldn’t…. I’m so sorry.”
“Ssshhhh,” Ben hushed, tucking his nose into Luke’s hair. “It’s alright. But if you are feeling too much, you need to find me. I can help you; I promise.”
He didn’t think that Ben could help with this, but he just nodded against the old soft robes that Ben had on, even trying to burrow within them like he used when he was small and a child. “I know, I’m sorry Ben. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright, it’s alright, hope,” Ben murmured. “It’s alright.”
Present past
“Master Vos.”
Anakin’s greeting was mostly out of necessity and perceived respected than anything else. Quinlan knew this. Generally, the two of them got along fairly fine, at least for the most part. They used to get along better, when the young man was younger. Anakin tolerated Obi-Wan having friends, as long as he made it appear he would prefer Anakin’s company over theirs. Anakin liked to fancy himself as Obi-Wan’s family and to Hell with everyone else. Quinlan did admire the boy’s protectiveness, to an extent, as people had a habit of not being like that with Obi-Wan. But everyone had at least some idea that Anakin’s possessiveness was rather unhealthy.
It was difficult for anyone to try and make Anakin get help during a war.
Anakin thought he knew Obi-Wan best. It was a joke, really but vaguely amusing. Compared to a few others, Anakin barely knew Obi-Wan at all.
“Anakin Skywalker,” Quinlan plastered on a grin. He almost missed the days where Anakin’s protectiveness was cute and innocent, when he was a kid and he thought Obi-Wan was just amazing. He was, of course, but sometimes it seemed Anakin did a one-eighty on how he thought of his old master. Although still protective, it was far too much, and he often seemed to accuse the older man of all sorts of things. Quinlan wondered if Anakin was ever truly happy with his former master. Sometimes, it was not easy to tell. “Good to see you, wish it was under better circumstances,” he snickered.
The knight just hummed, uncharacteristically quiet. Things must be really dire if Skywalker didn’t have some kind of snarky comeback, especially for Quinlan. Instead, he turned briefly towards the crew. “Admiral, please bring us back to hyperspace. We need to assist General Tiin and General Krell.”
“Of course, General Skywalker.”
Anakin turned back towards Quinlan, but the latter was the one to speak up. “How bout we head down to the Medical Bay,” he suggested vaguely. “We have a moment before we get to the Umbara system.”
Mutely, the young General nodded and turned on his heel, off the bridge. Quinlan quickly followed. It was silence for several moments before Quinlan just couldn’t take it anymore and started a conversation. They should have probably talked anyways. “Alright, I know the bare basics,” Quinlan started, numbering things off on his fingers. “Obes is in a coma, not entirely sure why and he’s being stalked by a teenager?”
Anakin nearly rolled his eyes and Quinlan couldn’t quite tell if he was amused or not. “Luke,” he answered. “Interesting kid, I guess. Won’t leave Obi-Wan’s side. He’s…claiming to be a time traveler.”
Quinlan paused and blinked, right, he forgot about that. Or did he? Did Master Windu mention that? Sometimes it seemed difficult to keep track of all the weird things that were happening during the course of this war. “Ah…that is a new one. Thought this would be more of an easier thing, like uh, drugs or psychosis or ghosts.”
“Helix looked him over and tested for drugs, nothing.”
“Crazy?”
“No unusual brain activity.”
“Ghosts then, perhaps,” Quinlan suggested. Ghosts were easy.
Anakin just shot him an unimpressed stare.
Okay so probably no ghosts then. “Alright, alright. Geez. Someone is serious today.”
“My master is in an unexplainable coma,” Anakin replied, pointedly, frustration leaking into his tone like sieve.
“Anakin,” Quinlan’s voice turned oddly soft as he stopped in the hall, turning to put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. Sometimes it was hard to see just how young Anakin was. He really should still be a padawan. Obi-Wan had always been so proud of Anakin as the day was long but even, he agreed the boy wasn’t really ready to be a knight. He lacked a lot of control and patience something that, if the boy just listened once in a while, he could learn. Obi-Wan was a good teacher with that. He was a good teacher in general, Quinlan thought. But it is hard to teach someone who thinks they already know everything best and doesn’t want to learn. Quinlan had been so incredibly lucky with Aalya. “Obi-Wan is going to be just fine. He has been through far worse.”
Anakin sighed, a little tension seeping from his shoulders as he looked away, Quinlan’s hand fell from his shoulder. “I’m dead in the future, Obi-Wan isn’t with the Jedi and on the run and apparently his grief is so bad it-,” he drifted off from his miniature ramble, shaking his head and the thought. He talked about it like it was unbelievable. “I’m…worried the Obi-Wan that wakes up won’t be the same one that I know.”
“He might not be,” it was a confession Quinlan didn’t like making. But people didn’t stay the same over time. Obi-Wan of this time wasn’t the same Obi-Wan Quinlan had grown up with. They were still friends, of course, but it was different. People changed. Kids changed. Times changed. Quinlan knew for sure that Anakin’s death would certainly change Obi-Wan drastically. They didn’t talk about it, Quinlan and Obi-Wan didn’t particularly care to talk about death with one another, especially their own, unless it was a quick, morbid joke, but Quinlan knew that Obi-Wan always thought he would die first. He wanted to die first, and he didn’t want to die alone. It was something that had scared Obi-Wan for a long time, probably still did. He would have nightmares – or visions, Quinlan thought – of being alone in a wasteland. It was a horrible thing to see, he imagined. “But one thing is for sure,” Quinlan continued, confidently. “He is going to be happy to see you. Obi-Wan loves you so much and if what this Luke said is true, he is going to be so grateful you are alive again,” he pointed out.
Anakin shifted uncomfortably. He was letting more feelings out, getting a little more comfortable with Quinlan’s presence. Quinlan didn’t know if the boy had even realized what was happening. Had it been so long since Anakin had been comfortable in others’ presences? Obi-Wan had always been so worried about Anakin, perhaps…. perhaps Quinlan could do something to help. “I…just want him to wake up,” Anakin confessed.
“He will,” Quinlan promised. He didn’t like make promises, especially not like that, but even he had to believe it. “And then he’s going to get so many hugs he will literally get sick off of them.”
Anakin laughed.
They walked again, this time in more comfortable silence. Apparently, it didn’t sit well with Anakin, as he continued to ask another question. “Do you…think you can tell if he is telling the truth? Luke? About the time travel?” Anakin inquired.
“Probably,” Quinlan shrugged as he passed a couple of troopers. They barely gave him a glance before quickly moving out of the way.
“Do you think you can help Obi-Wan? Wake him up?”
Quinlan caught his eyes. He hated how he kept being reminded of how young he is. He’s terrified, although Anakin had gotten pretty good at not showing it. To an extent, Quinlan can understand. He and Obi-Wan hadn’t been around each other in a while, especially with the differences in careers but they couldn’t stop being friends. It reminded him of their teenage years, getting into trouble, talking about the future and what they would do in service of the galaxy and the Order. He missed that.
Obi-Wan would do almost anything to help Quinlan’s former padawan, Quinlan could at least attempt to return the favor.
“Uh…less probably,” he confessed. He continued, trying to make things sound a bit less depressing. “It hasn’t even been a day, Skywalker,” he pointed out. “He’s been in a bacta tank longer than that.”
“At least when he was in a bacta tank, we knew what was wrong with him and how to fix it,” Anakin scowled, looking away.
“If nothing else, he could use a break, do you disagree?”
“Of course, not but…ugh…. this is really messed up. I just want him to wake up.”
“We all do, Skywalker. I’m sure even the kid wants him too.”
Anakin’s expression turned a little dark but in a way that was confused. Quinlan could imagine; this whole situation was rather confusing, most of all the kid.
“Something on your mind?” Quinlan inquired slowly.
“Just…something Luke said,” Anakin finally professed, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. “He claims to know Obi-Wan really well, know him for years in fact. We…we had this conversation about love.”
Okay, this was not really where Quinlan expected the discussion to be going. “What about love?” he asked, cautiously.
“He said Obi-Wan shows that he loves people with…acts, rather than just saying it,” Anakin pointed out, just was wary. Oh, that was a lot easier.
Quinlan nodded in agreement. “That’s true.”
Anakin glanced at him, surprised. “It is?”
Okay so maybe not that easy. Did Anakin not really know this? “Oh yeah, for sure,” Quinlan continued to nod. “When it comes to caring about people, Obes’ communicative skills have differed over the years. Pretty sure he got it from Jinn, really.”
“He did?”
“Right,” Quinlan shook his head, his dreadlocks falling over his shoulders. “I keep forgetting you didn’t know Qui-Gon.” Anakin made a bit of an offended noise, but Quinlan didn’t give him time to respond. “Jinn didn’t really tell anyone that he cared,” Quinlan started carefully. It was an understatement really, he rarely explained everything, rather just kind of throwing it all out into situations to figure things out. “It drove Obi-Wan crazy for a while. He never seemed to know if Jinn was happy with what he did or proud or loved him. Jinn and verbal communication just…did go hand in hand,” Quinlan shrugged. It had bugged him for years, sometimes it still did. It was easier to see, looking back on it, that at least Jinn cared some. “So, Obi-Wan just tried to be, well, perfect. He eventually did learn to speak Jinn’s not-really-communicative language and then, I think things were easier.”
“I never knew that,” Anakin murmured.
“Jinn is a bit of a tough subject sometimes,” Quinlan shrugged. “Not just with you, with most people really. I only know because he was practically my best friend during our padawanship. We spent a lot of time together.”
“So, was Qui-Gon like Obi-Wan? Luke said Obi-Wan shows love through acts of service, like doing small things for the people he cares about, like somehow those types of actions tell others that he…cares about them. Was Qui-Gon like that too?”
“Ah, not so much, I don’t think,” Quinlan winced. He never completely understood how Obi-Wan figured out that Jinn cared about him. “Honestly, I’m not really the best person to talk about the specifics. If Obes won’t say specifically, you’ll more likely to find out from Siri or Bant, he talked about those types of things with them,” he shrugged.
Anakin looked a little disappointed.
“People…express love in different ways,” Quinlan tried. This was not his wheelhouse, his chest told him to abort. “Like, uh… do you remember kitchen duties when you were a padawan?”
The wrinkles that appeared around Anakin’s nose were a good indication he did. “Yeah.”
“Well, I always volunteered for dishwashing duty,” Quinlan started. Please let this work.
“Why would you do that?”
“I liked feeling the plates and bowls, feeling what the person who used them was feeling, what they had gone through, the imprints they left behind,” he explained, steadily. It was a warm memory he didn’t mind sharing.
“Psychometry, yeah, okay.”
“The others hated it, Garen detested it with a passion, the entitled brat, and Luminara would just wrinkle her nose all funny-like at the hot water, she didn’t like her hands getting all pruny,” Quinlan explained with a bit of a smile, a fond expression at the memory. “But Obi-Wan…Obi-Wan was always there for dishwashing duty with me. I would volunteer, he would come, and we would stand side by side, washing dishes without gloves and he would listen to the stories I would tell, gathered from the silverware and bowls. It was a small thing, but Obi-Wan didn’t have to tell me that he cared, he showed it. That’s just how he does things. I’ve never really doubted how much he cared.”
This seemed to really make Anakin think harder. Quinlan just hoped he got his point across, that it was understandable. How Obi-Wan had actually taught this kid, he wasn’t entirely sure.
“I can’t say that I completely understand,” Anakin finally replied, a bit hesitant but not entirely closed off and stubborn. “I don’t really understand why he can’t just sayit,” he admitted. “But I guess, people do learn things and pick habits up from their teachers, it makes a little sense that he would do things similar to Qui-Gon.”
That…wasn’t really what Quinlan’s point was but it was a step in the right direction, he supposed. It was better than Anakin thinking Obi-Wan didn’t much love him just because he didn’t wear his heart out in the open.
Thankfully, they got to the medical bay hall and quickly up to the door that led to the room Obi-Wan was staying in. Anakin stopped. “Aren’t you coming in?” he asked, vaguely curious.
“The boy, Luke, doesn’t trust me much…” Anakin said with a bit of a lip curl. “As much as I am loathed to admit it, he might open up to you more if I’m not around. Besides, someone has to lead the reinforcements and try to help Cody with a plan for Umbara. It won’t be long until we reach the system and it…would be better to have a plan immediately.”
“Good thinking,” Quinlan replied, trying to sound easy.
When Quinlan entered the room, it was empty. He didn’t see any child lounging around or standing near Obi-Wan, but he did see Obi-Wan himself. He laid on the cot in front of him, a machine beeping slowly to indicate that he was alive and breathing decently. He was quiet and still, and Quinlan fell back on horrible moments in the years before, when he had seen his friend like this. He wasn’t half dead, Quinlan reminded himself.
Quinlan reached out, ready to brush his hand over the saber on the table. He wasn’t sure if he was brave enough to go to the source, perhaps the light saber would reveal enough. So many questions could be answered.
“I would be careful about doing that,” a young voice called out warily.
Quinlan jumped nearly feet in the air and twirled around, trying not to appear too ruffled. “Sneaky little kid, aren’t you?” he tried to joke. The boy was blonde, the kind of bright sunshiny color that Obi-Wan’s padawan used to have when he had just come to the Temple. His eyes were blue, narrowed a little in a mix of vague amusement and suspicion. It was an odd look. He had on some dark pants and a jacket where the collar sprung up around his neck. It reminded Quinlan a bit of how high Obi-Wan would make his robes, all neat around his neck and shoulders.
Luke maintained that peculiar amusement and wary expression. “I just used the lavatory.”
“Obes and his fancy words,” Quinlan muttered to himself, with a small smile. Obi-Wan, being such a diplomat and negotiator, had picked up more than a few phrases Quinlan had always thought of as fancy. If what was believed was true, that his friend had raised this boy, it wasn’t completely out of the question certain words would be picked up. Louder, he continued, trying to keep an easy smile, but it was rather broken. “Why not?”
“I’m not saying don’t,” Luke replied, with certain emphasis. “You obviously need to be convinced but be careful,” He looked like someone who knew exactly what he was talking about, specifically with Quinlan himself. Quinlan knew he hadn’t met him before but then again, if Luke was right and he was from the future, perhaps it just hadn’t happened yet. “You barely touched Ben’s lightsaber last time and your heart stopped,” he explained, calmly.
Quinlan swallowed. He hadn’t had a reaction like that in a long time, since before he mastered his psychometry. Even with the war going on, nothing he had done or touched had nearly killed him. Things must be pretty bad in the future for that to happen.
Did he believe him?
“You must be Luke,” he said instead.
“That’s me, Master Vos,” Luke nodded with a polite smile. “I would act really excited to see you again but your suspicion is rather poignant and so I will leave that until we can get better…reacquainted.”
Quinlan nearly wanted to laugh or cry or something. This sounded hilarious and ridiculous at the same time. This entire situation was certainly something else. He couldn’t wait for Obi-Wan to wake up, only to ask where had he found this boy? “Do you want to tell me who you are or would you rather me guess?” he asked.
“You did pretty well the first time I met you,” Luke paused with an amused smile but then shrugged, as if it didn’t matter than much. Quinlan had a feeling it mattered more than he was letting on. “Skywalker.”
That…both made a lot of sense and no sense at all. “You do look like him when he was very young,” Quinlan confessed, nearly choking on air. Another Skywalker, of course it was another Skywalker. Poor Obi-Wan couldn’t get away from them, could he? Quinlan was rather unsurprised. If Anakin was dead and had a child, it would make sense that Obi-Wan would look over and protect the boy, if nothing else. Even if it was out of obligation. Obi-Wan knew plenty about that. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. Hopefully Quinlan could get some responses. “You give Obi-Wan a lot of Hell too?”
“I try not to, he’s had enough,” Luke replied, softening his voice.
“We can agree on that.”
“Touching me for psychometry won’t yield as many answers, I think,” Luke continued, calmly. “But I have a lot less baggage.” That did not fill Quinlan with any confidence.
“You’re still young.”
Luke’s nose wrinkled as he studied the older master. “I thought you were funnier.”
“What do you mean?”
“When Ben talked about you, he made you out to be funny.”
Quinlan’s heart stuttered a little bit. Did they continue to be friends? They had been a bit distant as of late. Quinlan had been meaning to rectify that, but everyone was so busy during the war, most of all Obi-Wan. He always tried to justify things that his friend was much too busy to be bothered by Quinlan trying to reconnect more. Was he dead in the future? But then again, Luke had said they had met before. He really needed some answers if he was going to be able to make choices moving forward. “Oh, I’m hilarious. A tad surprised, however, that Obi-Wan would tell you that,” he chuckled lightly. “He likes to act as if I’m not comical at all. Let’s just say I’m a bit suspicious… and worried about my friend.”
Luke’s gaze tempered into something Quinlan felt a little less concerned about. “I’m worried too,” he admitted, jumping up to sit on a nearby cot. “That he’ll wake up of this time and not know of me or the future. Or that he will have come back from the future, only to watch everything get destroyed again because I karked up.”
“Did you kark up?” Quinlan asked. He found that unlikely, as Luke had only been here for several hours, not even a full day.
“Not yet,” he tried but didn’t look completely certain. “I don’t think so. I hope I didn’t. Hope I won’t.”
“Well,” Quinlan shrugged and sat next to him. “I’m here to help. Whatever happens, whether Obi-Wan wakes up and remembers you or not, I will help you.”
Luke’s glance at him looked both slightly skeptical but mostly relieved and reassured. “I didn’t think you believed me yet.”
Quinlan didn’t realize he had believed him either. He shrugged, trying to play it off. “I don’t think you are crazy. I don’t get that feeling from you.”
With a brief pause, Luke hopped down from the cot and picked up Obi-Wan’s robe, which was lying over some unused medical equipment. He brought it over and got back up on the cot before holding it out. “You might want to start with this. The last time you touched Ben’s lightsaber, your heart stopped. I think…this might be better to begin with.”
He tugged off one of his gloves. “You said you have less baggage; would you mind me starting with you?”
The surprised look on the boy’s face smoothed into something calm and content. “Sure. I don’t mind. Just…maybe try not to kill anyone afterwards?”
Quinlan didn’t know what that meant but put a hand on Luke’s bare arm. He didn’t know how much time had passed when he came back.
“Oh,” he muttered flatly. “Now I understand why you told me to try not and kill anyone,” he grumbled as he pulled back. “Skywalker…he…wow.”
Luke glanced away. “Yeah, I didn’t take it too well the first time either. And I don’t know if we can save him or anything, but he hasn’t done it yet, at least not for you or the others. I would like to save him or try too at least. I’d like to know if the person Ben told him, he was existed or if Ben was just trying to conjure happy memories.”
“That beast…he’s Skywalker,” Quinlan shook his head. “Anakin told me that Obi-Wan’s grief was apparently great, but I didn’t realize… it probably would have been better if Skywalker had died.”
“Ben told me that,” Luke replied. “He told me that my father had died. I found out by accident, but I’m not sure if he was still in Vader somewhere or if Vader actually had killed Anakin Skywalker and just became someone else.”
Quinlan nodded. “I won’t kill him, for now. But one wrong move… I won’t let Obi-Wan go through that again.”
“It gets worse,” Luke confessed, clearly not wanting to admit what he was about to say. “I didn’t know it at the time, as when Ben talked about Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, he talked about them like they were two different people. Vader had marched on the Jedi Temple.”
He didn’t know his heart could sink any further than this. Luke didn’t explain his statement, but the implication was pretty easy to interpret. Obi-Wan and Luke had been on the run, not with the Jedi. It was hard to be with the Jedi when there was no more Jedi.
The string of curses that came out of his mouth were impressive, Luke clearly didn’t understand all of them. Out of all the things Quinlan had guessed, this had not even sort of made the list. It was unimaginable. He couldn’t even wrap his head around such a thing. But Luke’s next question caught Quinlan so off guard, he nearly fell off the cot he was sitting on.
“Have you gone on your mission to assassinate Dooku yet?” Luke asked, abruptly.
Quinlan twisted his head around and stared at him, more confused than he had been in a long time. Assassination? “What?” he scoffed. “No! What? Why…no! No, I haven’t been sent to assassinate the leader of the Separatists. I don’t even know if I could.”
Luke sighed in relief and took Quinlan’s hands, careful not to make skin contact. He stared straight into his eyes, wholly and completely serious. “Do not to do it,” he ordered. If nothing else, Quinlan felt the need to listen to him. The Force whispered nonsensical things in his ear, not quite distracting, but rather highlighting what Luke was telling him. “Do not go anywhere near him, no matter how close you think you can get. It does not end well. Do you understand?”
Quinlan didn’t even realize words came out at first. “Does he kill me?”
Luke shook his head vehemently. “No. Worse.”
There was really only one thing that could be worse, and Quinlan felt nearly sick. “Oh,” he exhaled out. “That is…not good. Did…did you see that? Or did Obi-Wan tell you? Do you know what happened?”
“You and Ben talked about it when I first met you,” he said. “I didn’t understand a lot of it, but you clearly didn’t stay in the Dark Side-.”
“I came back?” his voice sounded more like an echo.
“I think so,” Luke shrugged. “He was really happy to see you before. I think you liked me too, but it was hard to tell, we didn’t get a lot of time together.”
Before Quinlan could continue the conversation, his commlink beeped. As he answered, a communications officer spoke up through. “General, sir. We will be approaching the Umbara System within minutes. Your presence is requested on the bridge.”
“Copy that,” Quinlan responded before turning it off. “I probably will have a lot more questions but right now, that will have to wait.”
Luke nodded. “A battle?”
“Uh yes…we got detoured. We are hoping it won’t be too long. They just need a little backup. Look,” Quinlan pressed. “We are about go into battle,” he started slowly. “And I need to help Commander Cody. So, I need you to stay with Obi-Wan. If something happens and we need to evacuate, either I will send someone or come myself to get you.”
“I won’t be a problem,” Luke promised innocently.
Quinlan shot him a wary stare. “Stay. Here. Yeah.”
Luke just smiled and nodded.
***
Luke waited less than ten minutes before he moved. He tightened up his clothes so nothing would be flapping in the wind, retied up his boots and took off the cloak, setting it near Ben’s bed. “I’m really sorry, Ben. I know I said I wouldn’t leave you…but I’m pretty sure they’re going to need me out there and I think it would be best for me to help. I will make you proud,” he insisted, curling his hands over Ben’s saber. “You aren’t here and awake to protect your men this time around so it is up to me. Hope you don’t mind me borrowing this. Please, please wake up soon.”
He didn’t wait any longer and ran out of the medical bay, for the first time, leaving Ben behind.
Finding a hiding spot on the gunship was…. not easy. And Luke was quickly discovered. He had gathered a few things, a set of armor, a blaster and tried to blend in. Luckily for him, they were in a hurry and already making their way down to the surface and so by the time he was noticed, it was far too late.
“And just what do you think you’re doing?”
Even though every one of the clones technically sounded the same, Luke just knew it was Waxer who had discovered him. Luke had thought he was doing a fairly good job hiding. But then again, Waxer probably knew his men pretty well. He didn’t ask how he knew but Luke took off the helmet, his eyes darkening into something gleaning with determination and confidence. “I’m coming with you,” he declared.
“You’re a little short for a clone trooper, kid,” Waxer answered his unasked question. Luke could completely see Waxer and Boil as friends, even if it wasn’t completely obvious to a lot of others. “And you are not doing anything.”
“Yes, I am,” he insisted.
“I know for a fact you are supposed to be in the medical bay by General Kenobi’s side,” Waxer pointed out, shaking his head. “Look, kiddo. We love you but you have no idea what you are getting yourself into.”
Luke’s unimpressed look ended up being, well, rather impressive. “I’ve been on the run since I was eight,” he shot back, emphatically. “Chased by an Empire with tons of soldiers trying to kill me. In droves. You know what they say about experience.”
Even Luke knew he was being cheeky.
“You have nothing to prove, kid,” Waxer offered, his voice suddenly serious and quiet. It was a bit of whiplash for Luke but his shoulders hardened and he abruptly became unable to meet Waxer’s eyes.
“Contrary,” Luke’s voice was even quieter, to the point that Waxer was probably the only one who could currently hear him. “I have everything to prove.”
Waxer just sighed and shook his head.
Before he could speak, Luke looked up at him, eyes narrowed and determined. This was a bit more personal, he supposed. “Boil won’t lose you again, not if I can help it.”
Waxer’s eyes tempered into something sympathetic and kind once he had gotten over his brief glance of surprise. He realized that he must have been dead in the future, especially if he wasn’t with Boil. Luke seemed to know him pretty well, which meant his brother talked about him. Waxer had no idea how he would work without Boil, it seemed unimaginable. He always thought they would die together. He did even have an inkling on how Boil would act if Waxer had gone marching on without him. “Kid, soldiers die in war. It’s a fact,” Waxer said, calmly. “You can’t stop me from dying.”
“No,” he agreed, but his fists curled up into one another. “But I can lessen the odds and help protect you. Please, Waxer, let me do this. I won’t slow you down. I won’t get in your war. Nothing has to change with your plans. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Waxer sighed and ruffled his hair, affectionately, shaking his head. He obviously didn’t like this, and he certainly thought there would be consequences but there was little he could do now. “Too late, kiddo.”
“Do you have a weapon?”
Luke brandished the hilt of Ben’s lightsaber with a smirk. “I know how to use this.”
“I have no doubt,” Waxer replied. “General Kenobi does this style called Soresu. It’s apparently-.”
“The ultimate defense form,” Luke finished with a smirk. Waxer must talk about Jedi things with Ben. It was nice that some of the men were interested in that sort of thing. Ben loved to teach. “I’m aware. And quite adequate. I will try to keep with that style as much as I can. I promise I won’t get in the way.”
“Sir!” one of the other soldiers called out, apprehensively. “This is…highly against protocol,” he choked out.
Waxer just shook his head. He wasn’t going to get rid of Luke. Even if he physically could, the boy would never leave them alone. And now they were well on their way down to the surface. “As far as I’m concerned, Luke here is General Kenobi’s new padawan which makes him your commander,” he pointed out.
“I won’t make any choices,” he vowed, looking around at the whole squad. “I’m just here to help, an extra body. You don’t have to protect me or anything.”
The clones glanced at each other, uncertainly.
“I’m just here to make sure as many of you come out of this alive as I can. Ben isn’t awake this time around to help so it is up to me.”
He didn’t tell him the other reason. Boil had never told him specifically what planet or campaign that Waxer had been on when he had died but Luke had a few clues. One. It was a dark and gloomy planet. Check. Luke had looked it up on a terminal. There were few planets darker or gloomier or grosser. Two. There was a traitor general. Possibly, General Krell was the only general on the ground as of currently, so he would be the main suspect if this was it. Luke hadn’t been able to do much research about him but he definitely got an uneasy feeling about this. Three. There was an act of friendly fire. Part of the 501stwas down there and part of the 212th as well. They were coming from different directions. With the natural darkness of the planet and no large amount of deception or confusion necessary, it could easily turn into a case of friendly fire.
Luke didn’t know if this was the planet where Waxer died the first time. But he knew somethingbad was going to happen here. The Force was practically blaring like a megaphone. Luke would do his part.
“Do you mind if I keep some of the armor?” Luke asked.
They all just stared at him.
“Uh yeah,” Waxer choked out. “Of course.” Then he paused and realized what Luke had said. “Wait. Some?”
Immediately, Luke took off a few of the pieces. He hadn’t planned on keeping all of them, they would hinder his movements significantly, but he kept the greaves, vambraces and pauldrons. They could only watch as he set the extra pieces in the corners.
“Not gonna wear all of it?” one of the troopers asked.
“Can’t move easy,” Luke shrugged. “It was a disguise.”
Waxer just shook his head with a vaguely amused smile. “You Jedi.”
The gunship rocked as an explosion went off near enough that the pilot had to swerve, and the sound blasted through his ears. Waxer and another trooper tried to shelter him as best they could, protectiveness and care emanating from them in strong waves.
“Please wake up,” Luke whispered quietly into the air, as they got closer and closer to the planet’s surface. He was nearly inaudible, no one could hear him, but he wasn’t talking to the troopers. It was some kind of prayer to the Force, something, anything, to beg it for assistance. For him. For Ben. “Please wake up, Ben. I could really use you soon. I can’t do this alone.”
#revolving suns art#revolving suns au#obi wan kenobi#obi-wan kenobi#quinlan vos#anakin skywalker#waxer#clone trooper waxer#luke skywalker#protective luke skywalker#obi-wan kenobi raises luke skywalker#planet umbara#umbara arc#time travel#fix it#it's coming okay
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Ameridan’s End: Talk to Ameridan
(Previous quest - Ameridan's End: Assault the Jaws of Hakkon)
Main questline: Ameridan’s End: Talk to Ameridan
Characters involved: Ameridan
This is the second part of “Ameridan’s End” questline.
Gurd Harofsen is defeated. The time magic surrounding the dragon begins to falter. Inquisitor Ameridan is revealed.
PC: Inquisitor. (Bows their head.)
Ameridan: Inquisitor.
(If the Inquisitor is a human.) Ameridan: How fares Drakon? Has he brought the Chant to the whole world yet? [1]
(If the Inquisitor is an elf.) Ameridan: Andaran atish'an. I am glad Drakon's friendship with our people has remained strong. [1]
(If the Inquisitor is a dwarf.) Ameridan: Has Drakon's empire brought in even the children of the stone? [1]
(If the Inquisitor is a Qunari.) Ameridan: Drakon's empire has spread far while I slept. [1]
[1] Dialogue options:
History: You've been gone a long time. [2]
Elf: No. The humans betrayed us. [3]
General: I am sorry. I have news. [4]
General: You're a little out of date. [5]
General: Drakon is dead. [6]
[2] History: You've been gone a long time.
PC: Inquisitor Ameridan, you disappeared in 1:20 Divine, around the time of the signing of the Nevarran Accord.
Ameridan: You say it as though it was… [7]
[3] Elf: No. The humans betrayed us.
PC: It has not. Drakon's son, Kordillus the Second, destroyed the Dales.
Ameridan: Drakon's son… [7]
[2] General: I am sorry. I have news.
PC: Inquisitor Ameridan, you have slept longer than you perhaps understand. [7]
[3] General: You're a little out of date.
PC: How long do you think you've been here?
Ameridan: You say it as though it was… [7]
[4] General: Drakon is dead.
PC: Emperor Drakon died a long time ago. [7]
[7] Ameridan: How long?
Party comments:
Cassandra: You were the last Inquisitor. There has not been another since you disappeared 800 years ago.
(If no companion makes a comment.) PC: There has not been an Inquisitor since you disappeared... 800 years ago.
Ameridan: Drakon was my oldest friend. He would have sent someone to find me.
Party comments:
Vivienne: He would have, had the Second Blight not swept across Orlais, demanding his full attention.
Solas: He never had the chance. The darkspawn that rose in the Anderfels threatened all of Orlais.
Dorian: I'm afraid Drakon was a little busy with the darkspawn pouring down from the Anderfels.
Ameridan: I see. [Go to 7a]
(If no companion makes a comment.) Ameridan: But evidently he was occupied elsewhere. The darkspawn, perhaps, or… [Go to 7a]
[7a] Telana escaped the battle. Did she... do the records say what became of her? [8]
[8] Dialogue options:
General: She lived well. [9]
General: She died trying to reach you. [10]
[9] General: She lived well.
PC: Telana died of old age many years later. She never forgot you.
Ameridan: You lie well, but I hunted demons and maleficarum long before I was Inquisitor. (Sighs.) [11]
[10] General: She died trying to reach you.
PC: She returned to the island. From what we can tell, she died trying to reach you through dreams.
Ameridan: I asked her not to. She was a good hunter and the love of my life, but she never... (Sighs.) [11]
[11] Ameridan: I never wanted this job. Hunting demons was so much simpler than politics. [Go to 12 or 13, depending on whether Cassandra is in the party]
[12] (If Cassandra is not in the party.) -> [Go straight to 23]
[13] (If Cassandra is in the party.) Cassandra: Inquisitor Ameridan, how could the leader of the Seekers be a mage?
Ameridan: Has history forgotten so much? I was not a Seeker myself, as most Inquisitors were. I used my magical gifts in the hunting of demons and maleficarum. Do the Seekers no longer welcome the aid of mages?
Cassandra: No. That was forgotten... among many other things. [14]
[14] Dialogue options:
Special: We know the Seekers' secrets. [15] (If Cassandra’s personal quest “Promise of Destruction” was completed and the truth about the rite of Tranquility was uncovered.)
General: Cassandra is a Seeker. [16]
General: Not the time, Cassandra. [17]
[15] Special: We know the Seekers' secrets.
PC: Cassandra is a Seeker... and after the Seekers went rogue, she discovered the truth about them.
Cassandra: We learned they developed the Rite of Tranquility.
Ameridan: You mean sundering one from the Fade? The Seekers do it briefly when granting an initiate their abilities.
Cassandra: It has become a way to control mages deemed dangerous. They are left Tranquil. Permanently.
Ameridan: (Sighs.) Killing a man is ugly work. You learn not to look to it as your first recourse. But sundering them from the Fade is easy. Bloodless. I told them spreading such a "solution" would lead to abuse. They swore that would never happen. They promised. I am so sorry. [18]
[18] Subsequent dialogue options:
Special: Cassandra is rebuilding them. [19] (If Cassandra was encouraged to rebuild the Seekers after completing her personal quest “Promise of Destruction”.)
General: It was not your doing. [20]
General: That doesn't matter now. [21]
General: Sorry doesn't solve it. [22]
[19] Special: Cassandra is rebuilding them.
PC: Cassandra will rebuild the Seekers into an organization to be proud of again... with the Inquisition's help.
Ameridan: Then you both have my thanks.
Ameridan: I was a good hunter. I did not want to lead an organization. [Go to 23]
[20] General: It was not your doing.
PC: You could not have known.
Ameridan: The Inquisition was a vital force, but feared. We fought so many dangers... with so many terrible weapons. I had no wish to chase a dragon to the far reaches of nowhere. I had my people to deal with... and the Nevarran Accord. [Go to 23]
[21] General: That doesn't matter now.
PC: What matters now is the dragon you hunted. [Go straight to 29]
[22] General: Sorry doesn't solve it.
PC: The Inquisition created the templars and the Circle as we know it. Do you know how many mages died when templars abused their power? How many people died when the mages rebelled?
Ameridan: I can guess. The Inquisition hunted evil. It was too easy to see threats wherever we looked. I did everything I could to transform them into a force for peace. I had no wish to chase a dragon to the far reaches of nowhere. I had my people to deal with... and the Nevarran Accord. [Go to 23]
[16] General: Cassandra is a Seeker.
PC: This is Cassandra Pentaghast. She is a member of the Order of Seekers.
Cassandra: I am honored, Inquisitor.
Ameridan: As am I. Your predecessors were good men and women in difficult times. As the Inquisition joined the Chantry, we required a leader who inspired loyalty, not fear. [23]
[17] General: Not the time, Cassandra.
PC: Cassandra, we have more pressing concerns.
Ameridan: You do indeed. [Go straight to 29]
[23] Ameridan: But Drakon told me I was needed... as I suspect you were needed. [24]
[24] Dialogue options:
Sad: It takes everything from you. [25]
Mad: I didn't want this. [26]
Pleased: I’m all right. [27]
Stoic: Let's focus on the present. [28]
[25] Sad: It takes everything from you.
PC: I wasn't Inquisitor by choice. Whatever my life was before…
Ameridan: Take moments of happiness where you find them. The world will take the rest. [29]
[26] Mad: I didn't want this.
PC: I had goals for my life. I had plans and dreams.
Ameridan: And now you have responsibility... including that which I was unable to fulfill myself. [29]
[27] Pleased: I’m all right.
PC: It hasn't been all bad.
Ameridan: I am glad to hear it... and sorry to burden you with my unfinished business. [29]
[28] Stoic: Let's focus on the present.
PC: What matters now is the dragon you hunted. [29]
[29] Ameridan: The dragon carries the spirit of an Avvar god. I lacked the strength to kill it. My own magic was able to bind us all, locked in time. But when the cultists drew that spirit into another vessel, it disrupted my bindings. It is breaking free. [30]
[30] Dialogue options:
General: I will carry on for you. [31]
General: Fighting gods is old news. [32] (If the main game wasn’t completed.)
General: I've killed gods before. [33] (If the main game was completed.)
General: We will kill it together. [34]
[31] General: I will carry on for you.
PC: I'd be honored to finish what you started.
Ameridan: Thank you. [35]
[32] General: Fighting gods is old news.
PC: I'm already fighting one would-be god. I can make time for one more.
Ameridan: Then I leave the world in good hands. [35]
[33] General: I've killed gods before.
PC: I killed the would-be god who unleashed the Blight upon the world. He had a dragon, too.
Ameridan: Then I leave the world in good hands. [35]
[34] General: We will kill it together.
PC: You won't be fighting it alone this time.
Ameridan: No. You will. [35]
[35] Ameridan: The passage of years can be delayed, but not ignored. I will soon join Telana at Andraste's side. Take this. It holds the last few memories of an old hunter who was neither as wise nor as strong as he thought. Fight well, Inquisitor. I am honored to have met you.
(Ameridan dies. The dragon escapes the time-freezing spell.)
Party comments:
Blackwall: We'll have to deal with that dragon, especially if it's possessed again.
Cole: She still has Hakkon inside her. We have to stop her before she hurts people.
Cassandra: We need to stop the dragon. It still carries the spirit of Hakkon.
Iron Bull: (Grunts.) Still need to deal with the dragon at some point. Probably has the Avvar god back inside it.
(Next quest - Hakkon Wintersbreath)
#dragon age#dragon age inquisition#jaws of hakkon#dragon age transcript#transcript#main questline#ameridan's end#talk to ameridan#first inquisition#ameridan#telana x ameridan#drakon#emperor drakon#second blight#seekers of truth#seekers
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my swiftie origin story:
as taylor would release albums i would listen to the popular songs (i.e. i knew you were trouble, love story, bad blood, etc.) but was never a full on fan (never listened to her entire albums).
growing up i had a lot of internalized misogyny. i was also young (i am just 20 now), so my little brain was easily influenced by others and social media. all of this led to me believing that taylor swift was someone who only wrote songs about her exes, was an attention-seeker, and was fake. i never spread hate or attacked her character in everyday life; this is just what i thought
well, last year, taylor released miss americana on netflix and i watched it bc i was bored and couldn’t find anything else to watch. this documentary made me aware of this internalized misogyny and unnecessary dislike. the movie made me realize that i have little reason to hate any celebrities (except a select few whose actions deserve criticism). miss americana made me so sad to see all the pain and suffering taylor went through as a result of ignorance from people like me. after watching miss americana i forever changed my perception of taylor swift.
in june, taylor released folklore. i heard a little about this happening and saw the album on spotify but never listened to it. i didn’t know what kind of music it was. my preferred genre of music at the time was indie and alternative. in september i was searching for new music and came across cardigan. i had heard the song a few times before but (1) didn’t register it was a taylor swift song and (2) didn’t pay enough attention to the song. so i listened to cardigan and realized how much i liked it. this then made me question why i hadn’t already listened to any of the songs off of the album. so i made the decision to put aside an hour to listen to folklore. masterpiece. after. masterpiece. i quickly became obsessed with the album (it is still my favourite taylor swift album)
over the next few months i only listened to folklore from taylor’s discography. i followed her on all socials, watched a few interviews for folklore and folklore: long pond studio session.
in december, taylor announced evermore. i was so excited to hear that my favourite album was going to have a sister album. needless to say, the album was amazing and i fell in love with it as well.
in february, i was bored with music so i decided to listen to lover. long story short: OBSESSED. the album was so good!! this was definitely the tipping point for my transformation into a swiftie. i listened to lover for three weeks in order to give myself a good amount of time to fully appreciate/experience the album.
after listening to lover, i made the decision to gradually listen to taylor swift’s entire discography. i planned to give myself 2-4 weeks in between each album so that i could properly appreciate each one. my intention was to listen to the albums in a backwards order (lover, reputation, 1989, red, speak now, fearless, debut); however, i decided to move fearless so that i could listen to it the first time on it’s re-release weekend. i also moved speak now ahead of red due to the overwhelming love for it that i witnessed in the swiftie community.
throughout this year i have attempted to fully educate/integrate myself in the swiftie fandom. i have watched countless videos/interviews on youtube, i have created stan accounts on twitter, tiktok, and (now) tumblr, and i have cried when she won AOTY and performed at the grammys. i know all the theories, relationships/friendships/enemies, and have even participated in many clown attempts at analyzing “easter eggs”.
i love taylor so much. i have so much regret for not having spent my childhood apart of the swifite fandom. it is my biggest regret in life.
the order i listened to taylor swift’s discography...
folklore, evermore, lover, reputation, fearless (tv), 1989, speak now, red, debut, singles/features
my album ranking...
1. folklore
2. reputation/red/fearless
3. evermore/lover/1989/speak now
4. debut
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
a quick review of each album...
evermore: i love it sooo much (just not as much as i love folklore).
top 3: (1) right where you left me, (2) tolerate it, (3) cowboy like me
folklore: absolutely obsessed, i will die a folklore swifite, AOTY for a reason.
top 3: (1) this is me trying, (2) cardigan, (3) the lakes
lover: such a happy album, holds a sweet spot in my heart.
top 3: (1) the archer, (2) false god, (3) cornelia street
reputation: probably the most iconic era, amazing tour, was genuinely shocked at how many great songs never got recognition by the general public.
top 3: (1) don’t blame me, (2) king of my heart, (3) i did something bad
1989: POP ALBUM OF HISTORY, this album is good, it’s the album that i already knew the most songs off of, does not disappoint.
top 3: (1) new romantics, (2) clean, (3) i wish you would
red: what. a. surprise. i’m not going to lie; i saw a lot of people listing red low on their album rankings, i had very low expectations, i thought it would be my least favourite, but omg, it is a masterpiece, i am a hardcore red stan and cannot wait for red (taylor’s version).
top 3: (1) all too well, (2) the moment i knew, (3) state of grace
fearless: this album is sooo good, i genuinely didn’t know i could like country music this much... but here we are, taylor’s version ofc
top 3: (1) the way i loved you, (2) you’re not sorry, (3) tell me why
speak now: i had really high expectations for this album because (1) she wrote every song herself and (2) the swifites love it. IT DID NOT DISSAPOINT!!
top 3: (1) better than revenge, (2) sparks fly, (3) enchanted
debut: this is my most recent listen (within the past 2 weeks), i see why it sparked such a great career, it is insane to hear just how much she has developed as a singer and a songwriter, thought i would like it less than i do but there’s just something about her country twang.
top 3: (1) should’ve said no, (2) picture to burn, (3) teardrops on my guitar
lol i know nobody is going to actually read this but it just felt good to write it out
#redtv#fearlesstv#taylorsversion#speaknow#swifties#evermore#folklore#taylor swift#taylorswift#taylor’s version#reputation#ts 1989#taylorstans
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02/09/2021 DAB Transcript
Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalms 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26
Today is February 9th welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I'm Brian it's great to be here with you today as we continue our journey through this week and through the territory that we are covering in the Bible right now. In the Old Testament we are in the book of Exodus. So, I want to keep us rooted to this story because it can get so tedious. We are at Mount Sinai. We are around the mountain of God and the people are in the wilderness and they're gonna be in the wilderness for a while. But right now God is weaving together a tapestry that will form a people that have only ever been slaves. It will pull them forward from slavery into becoming a nation, a nation of people, God's chosen, the Hebrew people. And, so, let’s pick up that story. We’re reading from the Christian Standard Bible this week. Exodus chapter 29 verse 1 through 30 verse 10.
Commentary:
Okay. Let's just start here at the Proverbs because it's like we…we entered into today's reading in…in mid thought, which is kind what happened. This is the voice of wisdom speaking here to us saying, “I possess good advice and sound wisdom. I have understanding and strength. It's by me that king's reign.” Like, it's by wisdom that things are done and that things that matter, stay. They’re not just passing. They’re a solid truth. So, wisdom tells us, “I love those who love me.” So, there it is. There it is. “And those who search for me find me.” So, you know, we’re just getting going in our year, but we’re…we’re well underway. We’re moved in now. We…we can't see the shore. Like we’re or out in the deep now and wisdom has been telling us all along that the most valuable thing we could achieve in life would be her, that we would be wise, that everything else follows wisdom. And that it’s not just us. It’s God. Like, I quote from Proverbs, “the Lord acquired me at the beginning of His creation before His works of long ago. I was formed to before ancient times from the beginning before the earth began.” Okay. So, wisdom is what God used and uses to create. And we are, in black-and-white, invited to pursue wisdom above everything else in life. And, so, let's remember that. Let’s remember that reminder.
I remind you of the Daily Audio proverb, which is, like if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app it’s just another one channels. It's like five minutes a day and you go through the entire book of Proverbs in a month. You can go through the entire book of Proverbs 12 times in a year. Just pouring that…that wisdom into your mind and letting it seep into your heart and then, I mean, over time these things build up. And, so, we become less reactionary. We’re not just reacting to life and more being proactive and deciding in advance what life is gonna look like instead of just letting it happen all around us just being pulled in every direction by…by influences that have nothing to do with us on our walk with God. Or we can be wise. So, let’s remember this.
And then let’s just back up into the book of Matthew just for a quick second here because we are coming to some territory, that this is the first time we’re encountering it, and that is the betrayal of Jesus and, yeah, His arrest and trial and His execution and His resurrection. So, this is the first time that we’re entering into this story and it's important that…that we embrace it and not let it just be something we've heard before. We’re gonna, I mean, we’re gonna hear it in the Gospels and then we’ll move on from there, and it's important that we embrace this because it’s the centerpiece of the faith, it’s the centerpiece of the story that we’re living in. And, so, to understand how this all goes down, this envy, this jealousy, this uncertainty, that Jesus is who He says He is, but also that He is gaining power because He is speaking with authority and He is calling out the truth from the shadows and exposing the truth and in the process exposing the power structures that are dominating the people and making them confused and polarized and marginalized. Yeah, they…they ultimately decided they needed to kill Jesus to shut Him up and we need to pay attention to this as we go through it because it's the story of our salvation.
Prayer:
Jesus, we thank You for this. We thank You for the counsel again toward making wisdom the centerpiece and we thank You that we have an example as we watch Your life and ministry of what it looks like to seek the truth, to see the truth, to live wise. Come Holy Spirit we pray into these coming days, we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Community Prayer and Praise:
Hi DABbers my name is Hineron I'm from New Zealand. I just want to start this off by thanking everybody in the community and Brian and everyone who's behind this because, what a change to my life this has brought. I look forward so much to listening to the daily word and how it's explained by you Brian and it just…I don't know how many times I have read the 1st three books of the Bible and nothing’s ever really sunk in, but I'm really enjoying where we are at the moment in the Bible. It's just incredible. So, thank you. I just want to quickly ask for some prayer for myself and my family. My dad took his life a few days before Christmas in 2020 and I've recorded this a few times but I think what I actually need is just a covering. I know that God knows exactly what it is that I need and what I'm struggling with and what my family needs. The list is too long to try to fit in. So, just some prayer, just general prayer for a covering of God's goodness, which already has been so prevalent, was such a blessing. But this community is powerful. God…God moves through this community and I really wanted to tap into that because the situation is…is not a good one. There's a lot of heartbreak. He was only young. There's a lot of division in our family now. But thank you all. I love you. Hope you have a blessed week.
Hello this is Wonderfully Made in Albuquerque and I am calling to pray over Kingdom Seeker Daniel and your children, Daniel, Hannah and Bianca. I just listened to the prayer requests from today about just the heaviness there that's going on with each of your children. I think today is the 6th of February so prayer requests for today. So, heavenly father I lift up Daniel Hannah and Bianca. Each situation is heartbreaking, and you know the details that are going on, you know their hearts and their minds, and I just pray that you'll deliver each of these children Lord. Deliver them from the different struggles that are going on and guard their minds, guard their hearts with your peace and shine through. I pray for the mental health issues and what's going on there for the past assault and that situation, how that really…the influence there and then the identity crisis Lord. I just pray that you’ll intervene and transform these lives and that there’ll be a beautiful testimony there for each child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Good morning this is Dennis from Los Angeles it’s February 6th I just got done listening to today's DAB and I felt inspired to call. Lately there's been a lot of prayer requests from families that are estranged from their children. I myself am suffering with that same fate. My oldest daughter has decided she doesn't want to speak to my side of the family. And I've been dealing with this on my own, but I figured why not reach out to the DAB family for prayer. I always pray alongside all of the others that are going through a similar circumstance and I would like for the family to pray for me. And as I listened to the prayer requests today, I felt so inspired to call and just share my prayer and that I'm praying for Tiffany and Tony in Ohio who lost their child and her prayer request to love her husband. Just know I'm in prayer for you. My wife and I also lost our son over six years ago, so I know what you're going through. Also, for Emily in Minnesota, your pain, I hear it in your voice. Know that I'm in prayer for you and your situation, the loss of your son and your family’s difficulties and then right behind that Kingdom Seeker Daniel came on and asked for prayer for his son,0 his mental health issues, and his daughters’ situations. Just know that we're in prayer for you, that we come together as a family and even though people might not call in, they’re in prayer with you immediately. So, just have faith and hope. Father God is gonna be doing miraculous things in our lives and we just have to have the faith of a mustard seed. So, I thank you for this podcast and I thank you for your prayers. God bless.
Hey DAB family this is Brookee545. I was just listening to the prayer request from January 6th and I just want to lift Emily up in prayer, Emily from Minnesota. As I was praying for you I was getting a vision of a pillar that was in rough weather but it was still standing firm. So, God I just thank you for Emily and her strength and her faith in you and that she called in and that she's a part of this community. Lord I lift up her…I just lift up her family to you right now, that they have the same strength and wisdom and knowledge that Emily has to run to you. Lord I pray for multiple anointed divine appointments for Emily and her family, that they listen and they accept your truth Lord and that they can work together for your glory in this time. Lord they've had a lot of attacks from the enemy. So, God I just pray that you protect them from that. And God again as I was praying for Emily proverbs 31 came to mind and how she's just a pillar for her family. And a verse from 31 that always encourages me is verse 25. She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come. She can speak with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. So, Emily I just encourage you to press into the Lord, let Him be your guide and your strength, and always be patient with your family in these times because they're hurting. And I know that you're hurting as well. So, I just pray for the Holy Spirit just to guide your family.
Hello this is just another Joe calling in on February 6th. I'm calling in response to Kingdom Seeker Daniel. I want to encourage you and pray for your…your son. At the beginning of this year on the 6th of January I also snapped and was admitted into a crisis Center for 13 days. And it's really, really disorienting, and you don't even know if…if what's happening is real sometimes. So, Father God I just want to thank you for bringing me out of that situation and I want you to show Daniel the 2nd that…that same kindness and mercy that you…that you showed me through those 13 days as you were with me the entire time. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Hello DAB family this is Greg, Greg from Bethel Washington. I just wanted to call in and thank everyone for being so transparent about your pains and your griefs and your challenges. I've been part of this community for many years, but I've had so many distractions and this is the first year I've actually really committed, daily being here with you all. I've survived a heart attack in 2014. I've talked to you about that before. I survived all these things and this last week has been a really challenging. I've seen my cardiologist. I'm having angina chest pain. They put me on a new medication for hypertension. I also have had, you know, diagnosis of bipolar. And I don't know that that's really true. You know the medical community treats our bodies, but they don't know what our spirit is about. My wife and my daughter and my grandkids are not saved. I live in this home and there's forces that are all around us impact them and I try desperately to carry it, but I can't. So, just…I just wanna give this all to you to pray for my…my wife Jane, my daughter, Robbery my granddaughter Carolina and Bradley. Please Lord Jesus protect us all. In Jesu’s name I pray. Amen.
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My thoughts on Netflix/RT’s War for Cybertron: Siege
THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS (SOMEWHAT) SO DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE WATCHED ALL SIX EPISODES OF WFC: SIEGE ON NETFLIX.
This is otherwise known as: Sai has random thoughts and would welcome discussion!
EDIT: I missed an episode like a great big dingaling sooooo I have added more thoughts!
1. I genuinely liked it. As someone who hasn’t had much exposure to G1 Transformers (too young to have watched it originally, need to get around to doing that since I own the series + movie), it was a bit confusing at points, but I didn’t mind it. It wouldn’t exactly be my favourite, but it wasn’t too bad.
2. Optimus Prime is a bit arrogant, how I see him. However I think we can put that down to the fact he appears to be still navigating through being a Prime, possessing the Matrix of Leadership. What does get me is his voice. Jack Foushee does a great job, don’t get me wrong, but at some points it’s almost like he tries too hard to replicate Peter Cullen’s voice.
3. Ultra Magnus’s disguise. How did nobody see through it. HAVE YOU SEEN THOSE SHOULDER PADS?! HELLO?! And speaking of Ultra Magnus, why did he have to go get killed in the third fourth episode? Using him as the conduit for the virus was... rather smart, though. And I was genuinely horrified when he was tortured! I didn’t miss that episode somehow initially, no.
4. Jetfire being a Decepticon and a Seeker Commander was unanticipated to say the least. I’ve always heard he was an Autobot and I didn’t actually realise he wasn’t always one!
5. Starscream’s still as talkative as ever. Though I do like the fact he’s true to literally every other Transformers continuity, most of the time he was on screen all I could think was “shut up, Starscream”.
6. Soundwave, what in the world happened to your voice? I would have liked it had it sounded a bit more... even in tone? It was just all over the place.
7. Megatron’s lips were highly disconcerting throughout the whole series and every time I saw them I just... cringe but also hello.
8. Elita-1 was good in this series, though once more I haven’t had much experience with her. She has the Autobots’ best in mind, though she does question Optimus a lot (and in turn, Optimus really doesn’t listen, which is also a fault. Magnus summed it up best: “You’re as stubborn as Megatron!”).
9. Good to see Ratchet’s still as grumpy as ever. Though I am surprised to learn he used to harm people! Hatchet the Harmacist. Even though he... apparently isn’t a doctor...
10. I loved seeing Chromia, Arcee, Moonracer and Elita-1 purely on the basis of “ooh ladies!!” Don’t hate me.
11. The cast of this new series... I do have hope for them! They’re doing well, even if at some points it’s... not great.
12. Who the fuck is Soundblaster and why does he sound better than Soundwave (note: I know Soundblaster is a clone of Soundwave and failed Shockwave experiment).
13. A lot of the midsections of the bots seemed to not move how you’d expect a robotic lifeform to move. They seemed to move like their grills were painted on rather than... actually a grill. It’s noticeable with Optimus. And upon watching the episode I missed, it’s noticeable with Megatron too.
14. It’s a lot darker than other series, it makes everything shades of grey rather than black and white. It portrays the Autobots and the Decepticons as two different factions, yes, but at the same time it also doesn’t seem clear as to why they’re fighting. Maybe I missed something or maybe it just wasn’t clear, who knows. I absolutely missed something and now it’s a tiny bit clearer. However there were still points where it blurred the line.
15. I love how Ratchet’s safe space allowed everyone to be safe. Bot, Con, no matter your allegiance, you were safe with Ratchet.
So there we have it. My thoughts on War for Cybertron: Siege. It was good, but not the best. I would have liked for it to be a bit more unique and a brand new continuity, but it just seems like it’s another take on the original Transformers, from what I’ve seen. Here’s hoping Chapter 2 and 3 will be a bit better or improve on some things. I’m excited to see how this goes for them and definitely would watch more.
#transformers war for cybertron: siege#war for cybertron: siege#wfc:s#transformers#war for cybertron: siege spoilers#spoiler alert#please don't read if you don't want spoilers!#sai talks
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The Best Anime of 2020 (So Far)
It's a huge year for anime titles.
'Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!' were proper to long-time anime lovers and freshmen alike. Over the path of the past decade, simulcasting and online streaming offerings which include Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, and Hulu reshaped the character of the medium in each diffused and top notch approaches, transforming how anime lovers observed, shared, and celebrated the shows and films they loved. Japanese animation is a stronger medium now than at any other time in its life, and from the appears of what 2020 has to provide, matters are only going to get higher. Do see: Watch anime online free
Otaku and anime freshmen have lots to look ahead to this 12 months, with not most effective one but two new suggests from Masaaki Yuasa, the long-awaited release of studio Orange's Beastars inside the West, the exceedingly-anticipated most effective of Toonami's adaptation of Junji Ito's nightmarish Uzumaki, and a new CG installment inside the Ghost inside the Shell: Stand Alone Complex collection from Netflix. Not to say an entire host of returning fan-favorites with new seasons of Fire Force, Fruits Basket, The Promised Neverland, and the very last season Attack on Titan at the horizon. But till then, here are our favorites of the 12 months to date.
Want even MORE anime? Don't sleep on our favorites from last yr, and our favorites from the entire decade.
Darwin's sport
NEXUS
nine. Darwin's Game
Release date: January three
Director: Yoshinobu Tokumoto
Animation manufacturing: Nexus
If you have been to pass Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman's adrenaline-charged social thriller Nerve with the mystery-driven extremely-violence of Hiroya Oku's Gantz, it would in all likelihood look something like Darwin's Game. Based on artist "Ginko" and author Yuki Takahata's manga of the identical call, the anime centers on 17-12 months-old Kaname Sudo, who, after accepting an mysterious invite from a currently deceased friend, is thrust right into a lethal supernatural bloodsport regarded only as Darwin's Game. Pitted against a cadre of sociopaths and without a way to are trying to find assist from the out of doors global, Kaname have to depend upon his wits and could to continue to exist at the same time as trying to find a means to escape this dwelling nightmare. Produced by studio Nexus, the eleven-episode collection is penned entirely by way of series author Yuki Takahata, ensuing in an version that is a close to one-to-one suit with the source fabric. If you're seeking out a taut movement collection with critical mystery drama, Darwin's Game is a strong choice.
Available on:Crunchyroll, Funimation
puppy anime
GENO STUDIO
8. Pet
Release date: January 6
Director: Takahiro Omori
Animation production: Geno Studio
Pet is a real mindscrew, in extra ways than one. Based on Ranjo Miyake's manga of the equal call, the series follows Tsukasa and Hitomi, empaths with the capacity to delve in the minds of others and manipulate their recollections and perceptions. Employed by way of a shadowy company acknowledged actually as "The Company," the pair are tasked with the usage of their capabilities to cover up crimes, assassinations, and dedicate all kinds of unsavory acts, more often than no longer at the expense of harmless lives and their own fractured psyches. The speak may be frustratingly obtuse at instances, with crucial terms like "peaks" and "valleys" thrown out of left area with little if any formal clarification, and the initial episodes can be a piece tough to follow with regard to what is being visible or perceived with the aid of whom at any given moment. Hang in there, though -- it's a story that progressively makes greater sense the longer it is going on and rewards the nearer you pay attention. And barring even that, it's nevertheless really worth a look ahead to the psychedelic visuals on my own. Think of it as a greater freakish take on Christopher Nolan's Inception by way of way of Philip K. Dick's Ubik.
Available on:Amazon Prime
somali and the forest spirit
SATELIGHT
7. Somali and the Forest Spirit
Release date: January nine
Director: Kenji Yasuda
Animation manufacturing: Satelight
If your tastes veer greater towards the whimsical fare of Studio Ghibli than explicitly movement-oriented titles, Somali and the Forest Spirit is a great choice. Set in a global of magic and sorcery populated by using spirits, goblins, and all styles of creatures, the collection follows the adventure of a wooded area-shielding golem and their companion, a precocious baby named Somali. Together, the two embark on a look for a domestic for Somali most of the last of the humans, a race of beings formerly thought to were persecuted and hunted to the edge of extinction ages ago. Think Alphonse and Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist, however as opposed to two brothers searching for the truth seeker's stone to repair their bodies, it is a father determine and their adoptive ward searching for safety and safety in a global of dangers at every flip. With great backgrounds, disarming humor, and a story with proper emotional pull, Somali and the Forest Spirit is a spirited myth of parenthood and love located inside the maximum unlikely of circumstances.
Available on:Crunchyroll
in/spectre
BRAIN'S BASE
6. In/Spectre
Release date: January 11
Director: Keiji Gotoh
Animation production: Brain’s Base
Supernatural thriller collection are a dime a dozen in terms of anime, so it’s refreshing when one comes along that has as exciting a premise and character as In/Spectre. Based on Kyo Shirodaira’s novel collection, In/Spectre follows 15-12 months-antique Iwanaga Kotoko, a university pupil who four years prior to the collection’s start become anointed because the "Goddess of Wisdom" of the spirit global at the fee of her left leg and proper eye. Acting as an intermediary between the human and spirit world, Kotoko is tasked with fixing disputes and discrepancies among the 2. There’s just one problem: Kuro Sakuragawa, Kotoko’s speedy-made partner and boyfriend, is a noticeably fearsome entity with mysterious powers that strike worry within the spirits who Kotoko is charged with protecting. A serial mystery crossed with an abnormal-couple rom-com that sometimes pokes at the fourth wall, In/Spectre is a gorgeously animated series with a laugh twists, delightful characters, and engrossing cases that'll hold you hooked to the stop.
Available on: Crunchyroll, HBO Max
tower of god
CRUNCHYROLL
five. Tower of God
Release date: April 1
Director: Takashi Sano
Animation production: Telecom Animation Film
Tower of God has been one of the maximum talked-about new collection of 2020, and for precise reason. A collaboration among Crunchyroll and digital comedian publisher Webtoon, the series is an anime version of the online 'manhwa' (Korean for 'comic') via artist S.I.U. And the contemporary in Crunchyroll's recent push into producing its very own unique anime content material. The series follows Bam, an amnesiac adolescents who's mysteriously teleported into the eponymous Tower of God, a metaphysical structure that apparently encompasses the complete world and is designed to bestow mammoth powers upon the ones capable of reaching its heights. On his journey to attain the tower's peak in search of his loved friend Rachel, Bam should surround himself with allies in order to triumph over the Tower's deadly trials and even deadlier adversaries. A gorgeous fable-journey with wealthy characters, dense mythology, and delightful animation, Tower of God will satisfy all people hungry for a brand new shonen series to binge.
Available on:Crunchyroll
kayuga-sama season 2
A-1 PICTURES
4. Kaguya-sama: Love is War (Season 2)
Release date: April 11
Director: Mamoru Hatakeyama
Animation production: A-1 Pictures
Student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice chairman Kaguya Shinomiya go back for every other season of machiavellian shenanigans and romantic hijinks! The first season of Kaguya-sama: Love is War become one in all last year’s standout new collection, a devious and hilarious twist on the conventional ‘will-they-gained’t-they’ components of excessive faculty rom-com anime. Season 2 has even extra within the way of lovestruck mishaps between Miyuki and Kaguya, as well as more time spotlighting vintage and new breakout favorites consisting of the Kaguya's hyper-capable assistant Ai Hayasaki and Miyuki’s icy cool sister Kei. And better, the second one season is just self-contained enough that viewers new to the collection should pop in to watch this one without lacking a beat. Kaguya-sama: Love is War is uproariously hilarious, stylistically inventive, and easily one of the great anime rom-coms to pop out this yr.
Available on:Funimation
dorohedoro
MAPPA
three. Dorohedoro
Release date: May 28
Director: Yuichiro Hayashi
Animation production: MAPPA
Based on Q Hayashida’s cult darkish fable sci-fi manga of the identical name, Dorohedoro is set inside the Hole, a harsh derelict city populated by humans and an ever-increasing number of unfortunate souls transformed into chimeric monstrosities with the aid of malicious sorcerers from another measurement. The series follows Caiman, an amnesiac bounty hunter and his great friend Nikaido as they scour the depths of the Hole searching for the sorcerer who cursed him with a lizard’s head. Oh yeah, he’s additionally were given a sentient human head in the back of his throat that pops up Xenomorph-fashion every time Caiman swallows his prey to search for the perpetrator. It best gets more bizarre from there. Packed to the brim with gnarly violence, leather-based-clad weirdos, pitch-black humor, and a number moments of mild-hearted levity, Dorohedoro is a darkish and wonderful hybrid-CG anime that mixes dystopian frame-horror and slice-of-life comedy to make for one of the maximum thrilling and precise new collection to come out in 2020.
Available on:Netflix
beastars
ORANGE
2. Beastars
Release date: March thirteen
Director: Shinichi Matsumi
Animation production: Orange
Set in a global of anthropomorphic animals, Beastars is the story of Legoshi, a benevolent if dour young lupine who crosses paths with Haru, an emotionally aloof and promiscuous dwarf rabbit, through serendipitous circumstances and starts to broaden complicated feelings for her. Legoshi's primal and emotional awakening is exacerbated through his status as a carnivore, forcing him to confront the terrifying query of whether or not what he feels for Haru is simply his instinctual urge to seek and kill, or some thing more. From a technical and creative viewpoint, everything about Beastars is masterful. From its without a doubt nuanced depiction of a society frayed among one of a kind competing castes of carnivores and herbivores, to its inspired feel of composition and lighting, Beastars is an absurd, terrifying, horny, and heartfelt anime that stands head and shoulders above the %.
Available on: Netflix
hold your hands off eizouken
SCIENCE SARU
1. Keep your Hands off Eizouken!
Release date: January five
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Animation manufacturing: Science Saru
Based on Sumito Owara's manga series of the equal call, Keep Your Hands off Eizouken! Follows high schooler Midori and her pals Sayaka and Tsubame as they attempt to set up an anime club on their faculty's campus and convey their very own animated film. What follows is a wild odyssey of the highs and lows of attempting to break into animation, the type of comedic and disarmingly earnest portrayal of youthful ambition within the face of competition, and inexperience that reaffirms why you fell in love with anime within the first location.
Conclusion:
Brimming with meticulous nods to a number of the medium's best creators and a mischievously meta experience of creativity that'll have even the most stone-confronted of visitors grinning ear to ear, it's the kind of show you could simplest anticipate from the likes of Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby, Ping Pong the Animation, and many others.) and the crew in the back of Science Saru. Top that with an infectiously trippy identify topic and score courtesy of rap duo chelmico and experimental manufacturer Oorutaichi and you've got one of the maximum memorable and hilarious anime of the 12 months.
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Are you dating a narcissist??
QUANTUM HEALING & THE 22 STAGES OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN EMPATH & A NARCISSIST: 1 The empath gets attracted (ENERGETIC ALIGNMENT) to a narcissist. Their relationship (albeit: FRIEND. PARENT. CHILD. FAMILY. LOVER. STRANGER) starts. Empath loves deeply and unconditionally. They feel emotionally fulfilled even though the narcissist plays no role to develop a stronger bond. The empath feels satisfied and thinks their love is reciprocated just by being around the narcissist. 2 The empath gets the false notion that they have finally met the kind of love (AKA CONNECTION) that people don’t find even once. Narcissist affirms this by creating an illusion that leads the empath to believe that what they have is special. The empath feels a deep bond that is almost impossible to break free.(ENMESHMENT OCCURS BY THIS PHASE) 3 Sometimes it appears that the narcissist wants this relationship as much as the empath. Actually, what they want is someone who invests their time, energy and love and is in their complete control. (ROOT OF ALL NARCISSISM DERIVED FROM UNCONSCIOUS: CONTROL DYNAMICS, PROJECTIONS, LACK OF SELF-WORTH, ABANDONMENT, & FEAR) 4 As the time will pass, the narcissist will make the empath feel weak, un-confident (DIS-EMPOWERED) , and bereft of the abilities to do even the simple things. The narcissist will never launch an open attack, but use statements like “don’t want to hurt you but…” to point out some shortcoming. They will try to take over anything which symbolizes control such as handling bills or making decisions about purchases. The empathy will be looked down upon for their interests and many such things that form their identity. Gradually, the empath starts to believe that they are less capable and they “need” someone like the person in their life. They get the notion no one would want them. (THE START OF GAS-LIGHTING AND SCAPEGOATING) 5 For an empath, this relationship (ALBEIT: FAMILY, FRIEND, LOVER, ETC) will be everything as they are the ones who are in love (LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY) OutSIDE of love, they would always want to soothe and cheer the narcissist, talk to them, help them and do whatever it makes them feel good. The narcissists project themselves as the victim of their past, their relationships, and the circumstances. The empaths are givers; they try to make up for all the unfortunate things that have ever happened to the narcissist. (THE EMPATH SUBCONSCIOUSLY TAKES ON THE EMOTIONS BEING PROJECTED OR MANIPULATED TO EMOTE BY/FROM THE NARCISSIST AKA BEGIN TO EMOTE/VIBRATE AT THE SAME CONSCIOUSNESS AS WHAT IS BEING PROJECTED THUS ALLOWING FOR THE NARC TO FULLY MANIPULATE THE EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND FREE WILL CHOICES OF THE EMPATH - AGAIN ON AN UNCONSCIOUS ENERGETIC/VIBRATORY LEVEL) 6 The empath has a good and a clear heart and cannot imagine the deep and unresolved wounds of the narcissist are not the same as their own.Healing those wounds is different from their own. (MANIPULATION OF THE EMPATHS ENERGY BODY AKA AURA FIELD - THIS IS INTENTIONAL COVERT EMOTIONAL ABUSE TO YOUR HEALTH:MIND.BODY.SOUL AND THE NARCO IS FEEDING OFF THE MANIPULATION OF YOUR EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND ACTIONS. Google/YouTube: ENERGY-VAMPIRE) 7 The relationship is all about the narcissist. The empath realizes this slowly, and a time comes when they feel afraid to talk or fight for their needs and desires. In their attempt to please they don’t want to voice their true needs. They would rather be likable than give any reason to be disliked. But, secretly they are not too happy. (CONFLICT AVOIDANCE 101 IS A SELF-INFLICTED DETRIMENTAL STATE OF ALLOWING - IT IS FAR BETTER TO BE AUTHENTIC, TRANSPARENT, AND TRUE TO YOUR PERSONAL ALIGNMENT TO YOUR JOY - REGARDLESS OF ANY OTHER PERSONS THOUGHTS OR BELIEFS. QUESTION YOUR OWN BELIEFS. OBLIGATION IN AND OF ITSELF IS A SELF-INFLICTED BELIEF, ESPECIALLY IF THE OBLIGATION - REGARDLESS OF WHO TO - ONLY MAKES YOU FEEL WORSE - ALLOW YOUR FEELERS/EMOTIONS TO BE YOUR GUIDE. TRUST YOUR GUT. IF SOMEONE MAKES YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF EVERY TIME YOU ARE AROUND THEM - DO YOURSELF A FAVOR & SEVER TIES WITH LOVE --> SELF LOVE) 8 The more devotion, love, care, affection, and effort the empath puts into the relationship, the narcissist feels completely in control over the relationship. The empath literally dances to the tune of the narcissist. As long as the empath continues to appease/JUSTIFY/SATIATE the narcissist, it’s impossible to detect any problem in the relationship. The problem occurs when the empath finally reaches the breaking point. (YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH. STOP JUSTIFYING YOUR THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, & ACTIONS TO ANYONE, AND STOP DOING STUFF FOR OTHER PEOPLE OUT OF OBLIGATION OR TO SATIATE SO AND SO TO AVOID THE POTENTIAL OF MALICIOUS, BITTER, RESENTMENTS, CONFLICTS, OR ANIMOSITIES DOWN THE ROAD. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE AWARENESS NOW VS RESENTFUL FOR THE PAST EXPERIENCE - FORGIVE YOURSELF OF THE CHOICES YOU MADE WHILE YOUR STRESS WAS BEING INDUCED & YOUR EMOTIONAL RESPONSES MANIPULATED. THE NARC IN YOUR LIFE IS/WAS THERE TO TEACH YOU A LESSON. IF YOU DO NOT LEARN THAT LESSON - THEY (NARCISSISTS) WILL CONTINUE TO MANIFEST IN YOUR REALITY - REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY YOU'VE ALREADY 'SEVERED BONDS' WITH. HEAL YOUR WOUNDS, IF THE INFECTION HAS NO WHERE TO INFECT, THE 'VIBRATORY' NEED FOR "HEALING/LESSONS" WILL DISSIPATE ;) ) 9 Finally, the empath raises a voice because they can no longer keep up with the suppressing ways of the narcissist. Day after day their emotional needs remain unfulfilled. This happens because from the beginning of the relationship they have believed their NARCISSIST's emotional needs are all that matters. When they finally understand their well-being also matters, and speak out, they seem selfish. The narcissist does not like it. (YOU WILL FEEL THIS IN EVERY FIBER OF YOUR BEING STARTING AT YOUR GUT. OF COURSE THE GAS-LIGHTING & SCAPEGOATING CYCLE KICKS UP A NOTCH HERE. YOUR NARC WILL HAVE YOU QUESTIONING YOUR OWN SANITY AND BELIEFS WHILE CONCURRENTLY MAKING YOU FEEL WORSE ABOUT YOURSELF. ANY ATTEMPT TO BREECH A HEARTFELT CONVERSATION ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS AND HOW THEY/HE/SHE IS DIRECTLY MAKING YOU FEEL WILL BE MET WITH NOT ONLY DENIAL, BUT NOW AN EVEN MORE INTENSIFIED ENERGY OF THE CULMINATION OF PROJECTED: ANGER, RESENTMENT, MALICIOUS, AVARICE COVERED BY DENIAL THAT YOU WILL 100% FEEL, AND TRY TO ADDRESS ONLY TO HAVE THE SCRIPT FLIPPED ONTO YOU HAVING YOU IN A WHIRLWIND OF SELF-PRESERVATIONAL JUSTIFICATION WHILE LEAVING YOU APOLOGIZING WHILE WONDER WTF JUST HAPPENED) 10 The narcissist is an attention seeker. They get satisfaction when people fuss around them. (THEY THRIVE IN CHAOS) Their needs can never be met, they can never be satisfied. They may move to other PEOPLE, partners, open a new business, travel around the world, get involved in new creative pursuits, and so on and so forth, but they will never be happy. The empath isn’t aware of this fact. (MUCH OF THE TIME NEITHER IS THE NARCISSIST) 11 When the empath finally bursts out something like “My feelings also matter,” the narcissist is quick to call the empath “crazy”. They call them over-dramatic and their concerns unfounded. This kind of dismissive behavior is the tactics used by them to gain control over the empath’s mind. (PSYCHOLOGICAL TERMS: GAS-LIGHTING & SCAPEGOATING - UNCONSCIOUSLY MAKES YOU QUESTION YOUR OWN SANITY, AND MOST CERTAINLY MANIPULATES YOUR EMOTIONS AND FREE WILL CHOICES OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH YOUR BEST INTEREST OF HIGHEST INTENTIONS) 12 The empath gets confused. Why they have meted out such behavior, is beyond their understanding. They start blaming themselves and wonder if they are at all worthy of being loved by anyone at all. (UNTIL THE EMPATH HEALS THE NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES AND INTEGRATES THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL FRACTURED ASPECTS AND CHILDHOOD WOUNDS, ABUSES, OR TRAUMAS - THE NARCO/EMPATH CYCLE OF DETRIMENT WILL PERPETUATE, AND SHOW UP IN ONE RELATIONSHIP AFTER THE OTHER SUBCONSCIOUSLY SCREAMING FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT & INTEGRATION) 13 At this point, the empath is not able to understand that they are just being manipulated. (Google Scholar: ENERY VAMPIRES or ENERGY MANIPULATION) Their NARCO has bent everything around them to create a twisted view of the circumstances. There can be anything around them to let them know the truth that they are the one who is “right” (VALIDATED) and it’s their NARCO who is tremendously “wrong” (and MALICIOUSLY SPITEFUL). AWARENESS IS EVERYTHING - THE MORE AWARE YOU BECOME OF THESE PATTERNS, THE MORE CONTROL YOU HAVE OVER YOUR CHOICES. JUSTIFYING ANYTHING TO A NARCISSIST IS WASTED ENERGY THAT WOULD END UP 'FEEDING THEM' - LEAVING YOU DEPLETED. 14 The empath will try to communicate with the narcissist in all truthfulness (HEART-FELT AUTHENTICITY, TRANSPARENCY, & SINCERITY) The narcissist will, however, justify their behavior and pass the blame (WHICH LEAVES YOU FEELING LIKE THE BAD GUY AND QUESTIONING YOURSELF AND YOUR BELIEFS WHILE LOWERING YOUR OVERALL ENERGETIC ALIGNMENT TO HEALTH, JOY, LOVE, AND SOURCE AKA WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING BAD ABOUT YOURSELF OR YOUR CHOICES, GUILTY, AND SHAMEFUL. THIS IS ENERGY MANIPULATION 101, AND COVERT PSYCHOLOGICAL & EMOTIONAL ABUSE.) 15 It is normal to feel lost, confused and hurt. But despite all the heart-break, the empath will need to be calm and do some self-evaluation to figure out how they became so defenseless. This is how they will start transforming. (TRUE SPIRITUALITY IS TRUE HEALTH/WELL-BEING IS ALCHEMICAL TRANSMUTATION IS INTEGRATING PERSONAL SHADOWS TAKING BACK YOUR POWER: FREE WILL. ULTIMATELY - WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS OR FEELS ABOUT YOUR LIFE, YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICES IS NOE OF YOUR BUSINESS - THEIR IDEAS SIMPLY DO NOT MATTER; BUT ESPECIALLY 1000% "Dont Make A Flying FCK Homeboy" {to quote Sausage Party} IF THEIR IDEAS MAKE YOU FEEL WORSE ABOUT YOUR SELF. YOU DO NOT NEED THEM IN YOUR LIFE & YOUR PRECIOUS LOVING SOUL DESERVES SO MUCH MORE -- YOUR AWARENESS, ATTENTION, FOCUS, FORGIVENESS, ACCEPTANCE, PRESENCE, & UNCONDITIONAL LOVE) 16 The EMPATH will know that they are by nature HEALERS. They have the inner strength to help others in the right ways, sometimes as a duty and sometimes when life brings them to such situations. (DISCERNMENT IS KEY. YOU WILL FEEL WHAT YOU NEED - QUESTION IS WILL YOU LISTEN OR WILL YOU DOUBT/DENY YOURSELF) 17 The empath has to realize the bitter truth that not everyone deserves their love, care, and affection. Not everyone who seems distressed and unhappy is revealing their true self. There are some people who have sinister motives and have a very different outlook towards relationships and people than they do. Not everyone they fall in love with (FAMILY FRIEND LOVER OR FOE) can be trusted so quickly. (NOT EVERYONE IS DESERVING OF YOUR ATTENTION, EFFORT, AND TIME - WHICH ARE ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS PRICELESS COMMODITIES. WE MUST LEARN TO DISCERN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEONE'S INTENTIONS VS THE WORDS THEY ARE SAYING OR EMOTIONS THEY APPEAR TO BE EMOTING. THEIR WORDS MAY SEE IN ALIGNMENT WITH YOUR TRUTH, BUT THEIR INTENTIONS/ACTIONS WILL FEEL/SEEM QUITE DIFFERENT. TRUST YOUR GUT. TUNE INTO YOUR EMOTIONS. IF IT DOES NOT FEEL GOOD TO BE AROUND SOMEONE - DO NOT BE AROUND THEM - THE ONLY OBLIGATION YOU EVER REALLY HAVE IS TO YOURSELF. STOP LETTING OTHERS MAKE YOUR CHOICES) 18 In this situation, the empath must realize that they too are in a very bad situation something of which the narcissist in their life always spoke of. But, in their case, it would be different. They would make positive efforts and heal themselves. The narcissist will not.(KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AND AWARENESS IS EVERYTHING. TO KNOW THYSELF IS YOUR POWER. FOLLOW YOUR JOY. LET GO OF THE CHOICES YOU MADE IN YOUR PAST, THEY ARE NOT NOW - YOU ARE. RELEASE IT. RELEASE WHAT NO LONGER SERVES YOU - RELEASE WHAT NO LONGER ALIGNS YOU TO YOUR JOY AND THUS HIGHEST INTENTIONS. RELEASE ALL ENERGY CORDS THAT NO LONGER SERVE TO ALIGN YOU TO SELF LOVE. YOU ARE SO WORTHY - YOUR NARCISSISTS KNOW THIS - THAT IS WHY YOU INTIMIDATE THEM, AND WHY THEY FEEL THEY MUST TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU VS DISCOVERING IT WITHIN THEMSELVES. TRANSLATES INTO THE NEED TO BE CONSTANTLY ENTERTAINED/VALIDATED BY OTHER PEOPLE. -- KNOW THE CYCLE IS THEIRS, SO WHEN THEY CYCLE BACK TO YOU DO NOT FALL FOR THEIR GUILT TRAPS TO SUCKER BACK INTO THEIR 'FOOD-SOURCE'. 22 The empath will be stronger, wiser and be more cautious about who they time, affection and love. (YOUR TIME IS PRICELESS. IT IS PRECIOUS. AS IS YOUR ATTENTION AND ENERGY. DO NOT GIVE IT TO THOSE WHO DO NOT APPRECIATE IT OR WHO ONLY WHICH TO HARM IT/YOU. REMEMBER LAW: Love Above Will - QUESTION EVERYTHING AGAINST THE RESONANCE OF YOUR OWN SOUL: ASK YOURSELF: WILL THIS ALIGN ME TO JOY, LOVE, HAPPINESS OR WILL THIS ALIGN ME TO GUILT, FEAR, SHAME. GO WITH YOUR GUT. RELEASE. CUT CORDS. FORGIVE. HEAL. LOVE. AND THRIVE ON! YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THESE EXPEREINCES, AND THEY ARE INCREASING COLLECTIVELY. THE SOONER YOU ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR OWN NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES AND CYCLES - THE SOONER YOU CAN FLOW INTO THE VORTEX OF LOVE, JOY, & ABUNDANCE - HAPPILY DANCING IN THE RAIN! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P47Tn2iEC5A
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McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics—Shortlist Announced!
The nominees for the fifth annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics are here!
After reading scores of comics published in 2018, the judges have selected their top ten. In alphabetical order, they are:
Be Prepared, by Vera Brosgol, sends young Vera, a Russian girl living in an American suburb, to summer camp—Russian summer camp, the only one her single mom can afford and the one where she just might be able to fit in,
The Cardboard Kingdom, by Chad Sell, follows a neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary cardboard into fantastical homemade costumes as they explore conflicts with friends, family, and their own identity.
Hidden Witch, by Molly Knox Ostertag, continues the story of Asler, hero of The Witch Boy, as he takes magic lessons from his grandmother and tries to help his non-magical friend Charlie escape from a curse that's trying to attach itself to her.
Last Pick, by Jason Walz, takes readers to an earth overrun by alien invaders, where only those too young, too old, or too "disabled" have been spared from abduction...but maybe the kids last picked can step up and start a revolution.
Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass, by Lilah Sturges and polterink, finds the Janes separated during an orienteering outing, thanks to a mysterious compass that others very much want to lay their hands on.
My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder, by Nie Jun, introduces Yu'er and her grandpa, who live in a small neighborhood in Beijing that's full of big personalities—with a story around every corner and a hint of magic each day.
Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter, by Atelier Sento, transports readers to the places where natural and supernatural meet, as it explores some of the lesser-known parts of Japan in a story that is part fantasy and part travelogue.
Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths, by Graham Annable, tells the story of two best friends who are nothing alike—Peter loves their tree and never wants to leave, while Ernesto loves the sky and wants to see it from every place on earth.
The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang, finds Prince Sebastian hiding a secret life―taking Paris by storm wearing fabulous dresses as the Lady Crystallia―and relying on the brilliant young dressmaker Frances, who guards his secret but has dreams of her own.
Sanity & Tallulah, by Molly Brooks, features best friends who live on a dilapidated space station at the end of the galaxy―but when Sanity creates a definitely-illegal-but-impossibly-cute three-headed kitten, the havoc it wreaks may mean the end of their outer space home.
Many, many thanks to judges Faith Roncoroni, Tameshja Brooks, and Nola Pfau, who were assisted by Kids Read Comics and A2CAF co-founder Edith Donnell!
The winner will be announced on Friday evening, June 14 at the Ann Arbor District Library
*********************
Here is the complete list of books that were considered for this year’s award:
5 Worlds 2 by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun
Akissi by Marguerite Abouet and Mathieu Sapin
All Summer Long by Hope Larson
Amulet 8 by Kazu Kibuishi
Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill and Ari Yarwood
Banana Sunday by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
Brobots 3: Brobots and the Shoujo Shenanigans! by J. Torres and Sean Dove
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
Catstronauts: Robot Rescue by Drew Brockington
Caveboy Dave 2: Not So Faboo by Aaron Reynolds and Phil McAndrew
Chasma Knights by Boya Sun and Kate Reed Petty
The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott and Robin Robinson
Clem Hetherington 1: Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race by Jen Breach and Douglas Holgate
The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo 2: The Monster Mall by Drew Weing
Crush by Svetlana Chmakova
Cucumber Quest 2: The Ripple Kingdom by Gigi D G
The Dam Keeper 2: World Without Darkness by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom by Terry Blas, Molly Muldoon, and Matthew Seely
Delilah Dirk and the Pillars of Hercules by Tony Cliff
Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
Dog Man 6: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
The Dream of the Butterfly Part 2 by Richard Marazano and Luo Yin
Earth Before Us 2: Ocean Renegades! by Abby Howard
Edison Beaker, Creature Seeker 1: The Night Door by Frank Cammuso
Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge
Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner
Fruit Ninja: Frenzy Force by Halfbrick Studios and Erich Owen
The Ghost, The Owl by Franco and Sara Richard
The Girl Who Married a Skull: And Other African Stories by Nicole Chartrand et al
Gordon: Bark to the Future! by Ashley Spires
The Hidden Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag
Hocus & Pocus: The Legend of Grimm's Woods: The Comic Book You Can Play by Manuro and Gorobei
How to Spot a Sasquatch by J. Torres, J. and Aurélie Grand
Illegal by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano
Last Pick by Jason Walz
Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass by Lilah Sturges and polterink
Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuck
Mega Robo Bros by Neill Cameron
Modo: Ember's End by Arthur Slade and Christopher Steininger
Monster Mayhem by Christopher Eliopoulos
Monsters Beware! by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado
Mr. Wolf's Class by Aron Nels Steinke
My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder by Nie Jun
The Nameless City 3: The Divided Earth by Faith Erin Hicks
Narwhal and Jelly 3: Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton
Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales 8: Lafayette!: A Revolutionary War Tale by Nathan Hale
New Shoes by Sara Varon
Nick the Sidekick by Dave Whamond
Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter by Atelier Sento
Petals by Gustavo Borges and Cris Peter
Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable
The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection 1 by Robert Deas, Jamie Smart, Laura Ellen Anderson, Dan Baultwood, and Jess Bradley
Pizzasaurus Rex by Justin Wagner and Warren Wucinich
Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Quirk's Quest 2: The Lost and the Found by Robert Christie and Deborah Lang
Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo 2: The Middle-Route Run by James Parks and Ben Costa
Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks
Scarlet Hood by Mark Evans and Isobel Lundie
Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas Taylor
Science Comics Sharks by Joe Flood
Sci-Fu 1: Kick It Off by Yehudi Mercado
Secondhand Heroes: The Last Battle by Justin Larocca Hansen
Secret Coders 5: Potions & Parameters by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes
Secret Coders 6: Monsters & Modules by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes
The Secret of the Wind by Jim Pascoe and Heidi Arnhold
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
Short & Skinny by Mark Tatulli
Even More Monstrous! by Rémy Simard
Small Things by Mel Tregonning
Smash 2: Fearless by Chris A. Bolton and Kyle Bolton
Sparks by Ian Boothby and Nina Matsumoto
Star Scouts 2 The League of Lasers by Mike Lawrence
Star Wars Lost Stars 1 by Claudia Gray, Claudia and Yusaku Komiyama
Space Boy 1 by Stephen Mccranie
The Stone Man Mysteries 2: Sanctuary by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple, and Orion Zangara
Super Potato 1: The Epic Origin of Super Potato by Artur Laperla
Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki and Joelle Jones
The Unsinkable Walker Bean And the Knights of the Waxing Moon 2 by Aaron Renier and Alec Longstreth
Wings of Fire 1: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland and Mike Holmes
Wires and Nerve 2: Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer and Stephen Gilpin
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Top ten KH3 moments?
***SPOILERS AHEAD! SPOILERS AHEAD! SPOILERS AHEAD! DON’T READ UNLESS YOU’VE EXPERIENCED THE WHOLE GAME OR YOU DON’T GIVE A DANG ABOUT SPOILERS!***
Confession: in trying to come up with my answer for this post, I came up with THIRTY. I’ll just put the ten here, but if anyone wants to ask about those other twenty, feel free :-D
10. The reveal of who Luxu really was the whole time. It tied together a lot of things that made sense and it set up EXACTLY THE CHARACTER IT NEEDED TO to take up the villain helm in place of Xehanort. I’m actually going to skirt saying this name, even though I warned for spoilers, because this reveal is just SO good. And a lot of the endgame made me feel sour and numb due to THE HORRIBLY TRAUMATIZING DEATH OF KAIRI, but this scene picked me almost all the way back up to normal again.
9. When Xemnas assembles Demyx, Larxene, Marluxia, and Luxord at the Keyblade Graveyard and it’s NONSTOP BANTER. Larxene firing off the most hilarious insults at Demyx (a CEREAL BOWL), Demyx openly admitting that he’s not imposing on purpose, Larxene trying to get Marluxia to start another coup, Luxord listening in the whole time and not letting on until his name is called, Luxord fiddling with the cards and making gambling metaphors, Demyx playing his sitar the whole time…and let us not forget the line that embodies a Big Mood: “Ugh. Xemnas.”
8. When Sora reunited with Hades. It was less “MY MORTAL NEMESIS WHO MUST BE STOPPED” and more “Oh, my weird friend of opposing morality who I don’t really like but have to say hi to.” Their reactions to each other were so hilariously casual. Then Hades introduced the Titans in the most EPIC way…only to realize he sent Sora EXACTLY WHERE HE SHOULDN’T GO and deciding this was fine. Also, bonus points for Sora later calling him “the H-ster.”
7. When the Demon Tornado (my personal name for the GIANT CYCLONE OF SHADOW HEARTLESS; canon will probably prove this wrong later) is about to wipe out everyone, but Ephemer helps Sora summon ALL THE KEYBLADES OF THE DEAD WIELDERS OF THE KEYBLADE WAR IN ORDER TO PULVERIZE IT. There’s so much going on there: the epicness of using a hundred Keyblades at once, the beautifully victorious arrangement of “Dearly Beloved,” the shout-outs to the player names in the commands, and, perhaps most of all, the realization after the fact that these blades were all of people who died killing each other for petty reasons…and after death, their spirits realized it was time to set aside their differences and focus on not letting Xehanort win.
6. Battling Davy Jones and the Kraken at the same time. The Kraken is one of the two Disney boss battle fights I have wanted for a DECADE (the other was Randall Boggs; you had your chance and you BLEW IT). I actually was half-disappointed with the naval battle portion because I had imagined it should be melee, but then Davy Jones turned out to be the first true Disney villain boss fight that wasn’t transformed into a Heartless or somesuch, and I’d been thirsty for content of him since arriving in that world. But then it turned out THE KRAKEN WAS WAITING IN THE WINGS TO ASSIST HIM and I actually DID get to fight it melee and it was just the PERFECT way to close out PotC’s role in KH.
5. Fighting Ansem, Seeker of Darkness; Xemnas; and Young Xehanort at the same time. First of all, BEST BOSS THEME IN THE ENTIRE GAME. It was the perfect culmination of putting all the Xehanort themes into one piece that flowed and made sense. Second, the sheer epicness of this CONCEPT. Third, the coordinated triple attack they make where Young Xehanort freezes Sora, Xemnas shoots him with the vines, and Ansem lets the lasers fly.
4. Even and Demyx’s one interaction. While I still don’t think Vexen/Even is hero material, the one thing that made that redemption worth it was this. Seeing these two diametrically opposing personalities, who you think would hate each other, play off each other perfectly. They’re just the right amount of annoyed with each other to be hilarious, and then there’s obviously some genuine respect passed between this odd couple. I will never be over how they have to shush each other in succession.
3. Ienzo’s intro to the plot, though this is kind of in two parts - I’m counting his initial reveal as Sora’s guide with his almost immediate return to help with tech stuff when Pence logs into the computer. Ienzo is just such a CINNAMON ROLL. He just wants friends now, he’s a total ambivert, he keeps slipping into jargon before realizing he’s the only one in the room who knows what he’s saying and reverting to layperson’s terms without being condescending, he flinches at sudden loud noises, he has a cute smile and a nervous laugh…oh. Oh, no. JCMorrigan has a crush.
2. When Vanitas is on the cusp of wrecking Sora on the Laughfloor…and Sulley intervenes by picking him up and YEETING HIM into a door. Oh, but not just that. Taking that door and THROWING IT INTO ANOTHER DOOR, THEN INTO ANOTHER DOOR, THEN INTO ANOTHER DOOR AND SHREDDING THAT ONE. I could NOT stop howling with laughter through this whole sequence. And about four hours later, it hit me that Vanitas could just Corridor out of wherever he got thrown, so Sulley basically did all that for nothing, AND NOW IT’S EVEN MORE HILARIOUS. BONUS POINTS STILL IF YOU THINK ABOUT THE KIDS’ ROOMS WHO EITHER HAD A DOOR FLUNG INTO THEM OR VANITAS HIMSELF. Also, can we appreciate how Sulley somehow knew after five minutes that Vanitas was THAT much worse than Randall that he’d need this treatment?
1. Randall Boggs hijacking the Monsters, Inc. factory. Randall is a legacy favorite villain of mine. He was a big part of my late childhood/young adolescence, and I was CRAZY over him. Over time, I’ve found he still holds up. I could gush about how KHIII’s additions to his entire characterization pretty much renewed my love for him afresh, but let’s focus on his finest hour. Normally, the designated villain of a KH world just peaces out and waits for you to find them at the boss location. Randall, instead, turns the entire factory into death traps and TAUNTS HIS QUARRY OVER THE PA SYSTEM GLADOS-STYLE. Not only that, but he makes TERRIBLE puns (”This one’s got some spark in him!” during the electric fence, “I’ve decided to ramp up the difficulty” as Sora climbs an upward-headed conveyor) and he easily slides from Large and in Charge (”Enjoy what’s left of your miserable little lives!”) to realizing he’s getting humiliated and trying to cover (”You get one freebie, but that’s it.”). KHIII did Randall so good I can’t even.
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Better late than never: my top 10 Transformers of 2017
Yes, yes. I know I’m about 7 months too late but it’s been a tough slog. I was 90% complete in January but have only snailed along since then. I love doing these to really collect my thoughts on a year of collecting but I ended up letting it slip way more than I intended to. Anyway, with that aside out of the way, let’s get cracking.
Here we are again, that time of the year when everyone reflects on the best of the year that was.Twelve months on and the job of selecting my top 10 figures for 2017 was no less daunting than it was the last time. I found myself drawn to my closing remarks from last year as a starting point.
“Hasbro and Takara look to be continuing their winning formula with a strong opening salvo in the form of Topspin, Quake and Krok. It’s also a movie year and I’m very curious how they’ll apply this design ethos to the movie line. The Masterpiece line will welcome more Beast Wars figures and will deliver arguably the most important release of the year: the despot we all want, but will it be the one we deserve?
Third party continue their onslaught of amazing product. MMC’s stable is ready to burst with Kultur on the cusp of release and IDW Megatron due later this year. Maketoys have MP Jazz and Targetmasters on the way whilst pushing the aesthetic and action figure boundaries of the franchise with their Cross Dimensions line. Master Made will turn their eye to their next project after they finish Scorponok and Fort Max. SparkToys will deliver the follow up to their War Within Optimus Prime with Megatron and maybe even the King. Having wow’d us with what they can do at Legends scale, Iron Factory will deliver combiners and a six changer.”
As it turned out, all these things happened. And more. The mantra of “there’s never been a better time to be a Transformers collector” has never been more true. It’s with this backdrop that I embark on disambiguating my own ever-changing proclivities.
Some honourable mentions first because it feels like a transgression of the highest order to not acknowledge at least a slither the other amazing figures that did not make this list.
First off, dear Iron Factory I love everything you guys do. It’s a travesty that nothing you guys made ended up on my list. But the bite-sized delight that you guys deliver time and time again cannot go unacknowledged. From Ultimate Commander to Sixshot, you guys pack an impossible amount of articulation, fun and detail that should not be possible at such a scale.
Planet X Mors: Planet X has been a regular occupier in my lists over the years and as amazing as their Trypticon was, there’s nothing more ambitious than dethroning an official version of a toy. They did that with Grimlock and then repeated it with Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker. It’s a stunning toy that has not left the coffee table since it’s arrival and it was hard leaving it off this list.
MAS-01 Optimus Prime: I have an Ultimetal Optimus Prime. I should not need this. There’s only so many humungous, non-transforming toys one should have in an era that is delivering knockout citybot after citybot. But I succumbed and gratefully so. Whilst Ultimetal delivers an impeccable amount of diecast, detail and finish, MAS-01 delivers insane poseability that will never be possible in a transforming version of our favourite Autobot commander.
Titan Returns Black Shadow: It’s been awhile since an official leader class figure has been of interest to me. Black Shadow outshone the main course that he was an appetiser to. Beautiful headsculpt, wonderful colours, topped with an incredibly clever and satisfying transformation.
Titan Returns Gnaw: It’s a rarity that Hasbro could outdo Takara but they did. Fun and so full of character, Gnaw was a wonderful addition to our fandom. You can see it in the amount of fun photos this little fella has graced. I’ve had a Legends figure in my top TFs in the last 3 years and it was really hard to not have one on the list this year.
TAV-60 Bisk: A fading line that accompanied an uninspiring TV show, TAV managed to deliver some amazing Decepticons with unusual shapes and transformations. Bisk was the epitome of this. A muscle car that turns into a hyper articulated lobster, Bisk was a bundle of joy I found hard to put down for many months in front of the TV or on holiday.
I’ll have to stop there as I’ll be here all year otherwise. Let’s rollout for the top 10.
10: Beast Wars Optimal Optimus (Perfect Effect Beast Gorira)
Never having owned a toy of this quintessential character, I drooled enviously while everyone picked this up at TFNation because it was too large to lug home. The FOMO factor egged me on to buy it on eBay at TFNation in the early hours of the morning. I ship it so it’d be there when I got home. However, upon arriving home after having been away for almost two months I allowed it to gather dust alongside my backlog of unopened toys. It led me to more than once question if I’d just been a sucker for convention hype.
Finally opening it in December, I discovered the perfection that is Perfect Effect’s Beast Gorira. The sculpt is immaculate but what elevates this is the premium finish. Perfect Effect brought their trademark paint and attention to detail to the table and made this the ultimate representation of Beast Wars Optimal Optimus. As much as I love posing Gorira, what holds him back from climbing higher is the finicky transformation.
9: Maketoys G1 Pointblank (Maketoys MTRM-06 Contact Shot)
A surefire way to my heart is a futuristic alt mode. The Autobot cars and Decepticon jet Targetmasters have always occupied a mystical spot in my head for that reason. When Maketoys dropped Pointblank, a Masterpiece of a toy I’d only known from the well-read pages of my G1 toy catalogue, I had high expectations. Those expectations were well and truly blown out of the water when I handled it for the first time. The way those legs compress, the way that chest works, the playability and detail of that cockpit, that insane articulation… it’s a stunning feat of engineering. So much so that it made not one but two trips as a holidaybot in 2017. Subjecting a masterpiece toy to the rigours of a holiday is something that makes most collector’s cringe. But it was that good. That’s a hell of an achievement for a Masterpiece toy.
8. G1 Starscream (MTRM-11 Howling Meteor)
In a heated 3rd party masterpiece scene, if you were going to dislodge an official figure from being the preferred representation of a character, you’d go after the decrepit Seeker mould. But it’s a risk. There was no shortage of collector relief at having finished the Seekers this year so it makes Maketoys ambition all that more audacious. But if anyone was going to pull it off, it was Maketoys. They did. The presence, paint and peerless articulation of everyone’s favourite scheming whiner is a joy to behold, pose, and play. All that stopped it from usurping higher spots on this list was the lack of upwards head articulation and its unphotogenic dark face.
7. MP-32 Optimus Primal
I’ll confess to being one of those “Trukk not Monkey” people once upon a time. But Beast Wars was a show that I grew to love. It lacked the cast of thousands of G1 but it more than made up for that with a story and characterisation that still withstands the test of time. When I liberated this figure from its packaging, the love I felt was instantaneous. The CGI perfect blue, the multiple faces, the loving attention to the sculpt, I was sure I’d have to file for divorce. It went everywhere with me even to the distant fjords of Norway as seen in the picture I’m using here. But there was drama. Gutwrenching heartbreak ensued when I discovered I’d broken it in a fall on a climb in Husedalen. It was an expensive replacement but one I did at TFNation before returning downunder. My personal story with this figure would have catapulted it into the number one spot in any other year but such a time it is to be a collector that this was as high as it could climb.
6. MTMTE Rodimus (SXS R-04 Hot Flame)
If you know me well, you know the place MTMTE and Lost Light holds in my heart. There was a crack at this by a more accomplished third party company that satisfied most. Not me though. SXS stepped up to the plate to deliver the perfect rendition of the cavalier Co-Captain of the Lost Light. It rendered MMC’s Calidus to a mediocre representation of a Hot Rod / Rodimus. The sci-fi vibe of the rugged alt mode, the perfection of the chest sculpt relative to the shoulders, and the exceptional articulation were exhilarating to experience. It’s a toy that will not leave the coffee table anytime soon.
5 . War Within Megatron (SparkToys Spartacus)
It was the year of Megatron. Whichever line you look at, there was not just a good one but a great one. That’s why there are three on this list. War Within got me back into buying Transformers. It lit the spark that re-ignited that childhood love that I’d had for Transformers. Last year, SparkToys Optimus Prime almost took the top spot and they were always going to be in contention in 2017 again given how much nostalgia this plays up in me. Collectors talk about paint and finish but this is a whole different level. Not only is the detail of the sculpt exceptional, every nook and cranny of this pre-war despot is coated in loving layers of vibrant paint. Add the commanding presence of a gladiatorial Megatron and a generous armoury, this figure is packed with endless fun as well as beauty.
4. Titan Returns Decepticon Targetmasters: Triggerhappy, Slugslinger, Misfire
This is a cheat as Triggerhappy had already made my list last year but there was an overwhelming sense of achievement unlocked when I completed this triplet of Targetmasters. All cut from the same cloth but each so uniquely distinct with tonnes of articulation, personality and clever little design decisions, I spent whole evenings playing and photographing these handsome lads. Another important factor was that I acquired all three of these locally and with my boy. As someone who largely imports these days, the fact I could experience the thrill of the hunt again chasing such great figures cemented their place in my memory banks.
3. Chaos Theory Optimus Prime GT-03 Optimus
I mentioned the importance of James Roberts’ MTMTE to my love of Transformers. It’s fiction that elevates the characters and their journeys to a level that we haven’t experienced before. But before there was MTMTE, there was the two part story Chaos Theory. I remember reading it amid the Costa era of TF comics and knowing straightaway this was special. The gravitas with which it regarded the four million year old war and the relationship between the two diametrically opposed leaders gripped me like nothing else. It was not till much later that I realised it was the start of James Roberts’ meteoric rise in TF fiction.
It was only in October 2017 that I secured all the variant covers of those two issues of Chaos Theory (Transformers #22 and #23) after having stopped buying physical comics for many years. But to then obtain a Masterpiece version of that Optimus? With perfectly stunning articulation, paint and detail? A sculpt that oozes a sense of heroic gravity? That I did not expect.
2. Chaos Theory Megatron (GT-02 Tyrant)
Chaos Theory was a tale in two parts. The covers represented the two halves of the story: Optimus Prime and Megatron in both their current day and youthful forms. Generations Toys completed the other half of that equation with their wonderful designed Chaos Theory Megatron. With transformation steps that evoke Masterpiece level ingenuity and a transformation that is a pleasure to switch back and forth between, it’s amazing how Generation Toys designed such a Megatron full of fearsome presence yet is also a stealth bomber at the same time. .
1. MTMTE Megatron (MMC R-28 Tyrantron)
This was a hard choice. On the one hand, of all the figures on this list, MMC’s MTMTE Megatron has the laziest of transformations on top of being a heavy partsformer. On the other hand, never has a character stepped off a page more than this. This wonderfully epic rendition of the tormented Megatron knocks it out of the park. Not only is the every part of the body sculpted to perfection but the head sculpt captures the grim introspection that dominated the former Decepticon leader’s tenure on the Lost Light. If that wasn’t enough, the figure does double duty and with a few bits of parts forming becomes pre-war Megatron from Chaos Theory. It’s a monumental effort from MMC and allowed me to round out 2017 with the 3 most important representations of Megatron to me.
So there’s my list for another great year. 2017 was a special year for me. One dominated by the realisation of some of my favourite characters from my favourite Transformers fiction. It’s a reflection of how vibrant the transforming scene is at the moment that it supports not only a heavy masterpiece market but multiple TF canons as well. There’s truly never been a greater time to be a fan.
#transformers#transformers idw#more than meets the eye#tf mtmte#MTMTE#mtmte megatron#mtmte rodimus#lost light#optimus prime#beast wars#beastmode
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You might have answered this before and I know it’s a detailed question, but what do you find are the benefits or distinctions of being both Luciferian and Buddhist? I myself am drawn toward both paths and am fascinated by the intersections of both and how they could potentially balance each other out or just what impact following both of them in tandem has on your outlook on daily life or w/e. Please, feel free to answer at whatever level is most comfortable for you Love your blog btw! -S
Bear with me as this is going to be a lengthy post!
*I reference my Luciferian Questionnaire which is running until 1 July 2018. Date of reference is with 81 responses on 27 March 2018 at 6:10pm.
When I think of either path alone or together, the biggest benefit is change. You change as a person. You grow. I would say “a better person” but I feel that would be highly inaccurate. Perhaps you become a more authentic person by one definition but again, I feel like that cheapens and is misleading.
I originally clung to Luciferianism due to my own misunderstanding of Buddhism. I just could not see how “Buddhism” could be engaged with the world. In my eyes, it seemed a bit more detached. I am by no means an activist but I strive forward when I can. My view of Buddhism and my experience of it had not yet opened up to engaged Buddhism at the time and now it is. With that being said, I still do value Luciferianism. I namely consider myself still a Luciferian because I work with Lucifer. Who for Buddhists out there reading this, do not equate him with Mara.
I think there is a lot more commonality between Luciferians and Buddhists but I also think there are differences. “Pride” can be one such stand point difference between Luciferians and Buddhists. There are still some who do value humility over pride. There are some who believe pride can be self-deceptive and blinding towards truth.
Resistance or Rebellion can be…interesting. This is not to say that resistance or rebellion does not have it’s place in Buddhism. Take a look at the guy who founded the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Bad laws are meant to be broken. Protesting can be important. But the question for me, who is a Luciferian Buddhist is does it fall in line with the dharma?
Buddhism is about the Middle-Path, not falling into asceticism or hedonism. While Christianity certainly does not have to be ascetic, I count it as it versus Satanism which I think of is hedonistic. It does not have to be. When I asked people on the Questionnaire about how they felt about moderation as a Luciferian value 10 people disagreed, 31 felt neutral, and 38 people agreed with it.
Another quality I asked about Forbearance which means patient self-control or restraint and tolerance. It can be used in a legal manner but I think of it as situational with dealing with others. While 6 people disagreed, 37 felt neutral, and 36 people agreed. Considering tolerance was also used, 8 people disagreed, 20 felt neutral about tolerance, and 51 agreed about tolerance.
So yes, there are some out there who take it in a different manner. Is it wrong for a Luciferian to do so? No. Generally most agree to not be an asshat but like all religions you have different sorts of people.
So let’s talk about commonality or what I see as common between my experience of my personal Luciferianism and with Buddhism. Where do they intersect? This is much easier for me to discuss than where they differ because of the fact that Luciferianism is so incredible personal!
Critical thinking is encouraged in Buddhism. The Buddha specifically encouraged that the seeker question his teachings. There is critical thinking to discern the dharma, to investigate the dharma, to see the dharma. Critical thinking is encouraged by all Luciferians and if they are not then I would gently point out they are probably not a Luciferian as I see critical thinking as a core traits to Luciferians.
Another part that plays into Luciferianism is this focus on enlightenment. What is enlightenment to Luciferians? That is a personal question that can only be answered by each Luciferian. Perhaps some would call it apotheosis and perhaps gnosis can play into this. You are the divine. You are god. You are one with the universe for it is all interdependent. We are part of the Tree of Life. This focus of mine is where Buddhism and Luciferianism intersects for me.
I think of knowledge/learning as important to both. I do separate wisdom and knowledge. While I see nothing wrong with knowledge without the right wisdom we do not wield our knowledge right. Here is a bit about Buddhist Attitude to Education. I also recall a long time ago quote that went along the lines of “Education a mother and their community will prosper, deny them education and the world will suffer.” There is a lot of studies done about this. Education is so incredibly important and it is beneficial for all people to go.
Responsibility for our own actions is in both Buddhism and Luciferianism. We create our own karma after all. There are many levels to karma and I am not going to get into it.
Back to referencing the questionnaire, 41 people strongly agreed that compassion was a Luciferian value (and it goes without saying as a Buddhist value). In some ways it lines up with forbearance and tolerance. Having sensitivity towards another person’s suffering…I am not sure of the words I want to place here. I would say a sign of a mature human but that feels inadequate. Being compassionate towards others reveals a lot about the person you are. It makes you treat others in different ways, instead of reacting with anger when someone comes at you with anger, you can respond, you can answer differently.
Another value comes to me is equanimity, which if you do not know what it means, it is mental calmness, composure, presence of mind, etc. It is a wonderful way to respond instead of react.
Let me take on how it has created an effect on my life.
At first I was addressing personal issues such as my mental and physical health. This is not to say I used it to treat my mental health but that it has helped with it along with going to professionals. I engaged in more self-care. I got to exercising and changing my diet for the better, remembering that moderation is key. That enjoying chocolate is alright. My whole existence is not bound on the happiness that chocolate can bring. My attitude grew into one that is far more optimistic and more go-getter. After a while I ended up getting engaged with an activist group in my state. I am beginning to stand a little taller. I have begun to have dialogue with people. I am still educating myself and finding my voice but I am learning.
I have changed on a mental and emotional level. I’ve changed in how I think and how I act. I keep changing. I keep reaching for the inner Buddhahood. I do not really have the words to describe it. My life is still transforming and in surprising ways.
I know that change is inevitable as all things are transient. I do not think I would be the person I am today without both Luciferianism and Buddhism. They have inspired me to engage in the world, to make a difference of what I can within my sphere of influence. They inspire me to blog, to create the questionnaire, to be working on a book, to create the discord servers that I run, to the new tumblr @dharmacraft and even as I slowly work on the creation of my future podcast.
I do not expect myself to be the Dalai Lama or Thich Nhat Hanh or Khandro Rinpoche. I do not aim to be them because only they can be they and only I could be they. Sure we are all part of the ocean but we are each an individual wave.
I keep striving forward because I want to be a light-bearer. I want to be someone who is able to give, and give, and dig in deep to give in more. I want to be the energizer bunny that keeps on going. I want to inspire by my deeds more than my words though words is all I have online. I want to be merely a ripple with my very existence. I don’t want a cookie cutter. I don’t want people to follow exactly what I have said or done. I want people to find their way, for them to find that inner light and become lights themselves.
So this is what I think about. How do I act that stays true to the dharma? How do I engage in the world while staying true to Buddhism? What do I say to inspire? To encourage? How to represent myself as Lucifer and the Buddha?
Hope this helps ;)
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Prophets and Kings, pp. 340-348: Chapter (29) The Ambassadors From Babylon
In the midst of his prosperous reign King Hezekiah was suddenly stricken with a fatal malady. “Sick unto death,” his case was beyond the power of man to help. And the last vestige of hope seemed removed when the prophet Isaiah appeared before him with the message, “Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” Isaiah 38:1.
The outlook seemed utterly dark; yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been his “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. And so “he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech Thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” 2 Kings 20:2, 3.
Since the days of David there had reigned no king who had wrought so mightily for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God in a time of apostasy and discouragement as had Hezekiah. The dying ruler had served his God faithfully, and had strengthened the confidence of the people in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler. And, like David, he could now plead:
“Let my prayer come before Thee:
Incline Thine ear unto my cry;
For my soul is full of troubles:
And my life draweth nigh unto the grave.”
Psalm 88:2, 3.
“Thou art my hope, O Lord God:
Thou art my trust from my youth.
By Thee have I been holden up.”
“Forsake me not when my strength faileth.”
“O God, be not far from me:
O my God, make haste for my help.”
“O God, forsake me not;
Until I have showed Thy strength unto this
generation,
And Thy power to everyone that is to come.”
Psalm 71:5, 6, 9, 12, 18.
He whose “compassions fail not,” heard the prayer of His servant. Lamentations 3:22. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of My people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for Mine own sake, and for My servant David's sake.” 2 Kings 20:4-6.
Gladly the prophet returned with the words of assurance and hope. Directing that a lump of figs be laid upon the diseased part, Isaiah delivered to the king the message of God's mercy and protecting care.
Like Moses in the land of Midian, like Gideon in the presence of the heavenly messenger, like Elisha just before the ascension of his master, Hezekiah pleaded for some sign that the message was from heaven. “What shall be the sign,” he inquired of the prophet, “that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?”
“This sign shalt thou have of the Lord,” the prophet answered, “that the Lord will do the thing that He hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?” “It is a light thing,” Hezekiah replied, “for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”
Only by the direct interposition of God could the shadow on the sundial be made to turn back ten degrees; and this was to be the sign to Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer. Accordingly, “the prophet cried unto the Lord: and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.” Verses 8-11.
Restored to his wonted strength, the king of Judah acknowledged in words of song the mercies of Jehovah, and vowed to spend his remaining days in willing service to the King of kings. His grateful recognition of God's compassionate dealing with him is an inspiration to all who desire to spend their years to the glory of their Maker.
“I said
In the cutting off of my days,
I shall go to the gates of the grave:
I am deprived of the residue of my years.
“I said,
I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of
the living;
I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the
world.
“Mine age is departed,
And is removed from me as a shepherd's tent:
“I have cut off like a weaver my life:
He will cut me off with pining sickness:
“From day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me.
I reckoned till morning, that,
As a lion, so will He break all my bones:
“From day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me.
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter:
I did mourn as a dove:
Mine eyes fail with looking upward:
O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
“What shall I say?
He hath both spoken unto me,
And Himself hath done it:
I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my
soul.
“O Lord, by these things men live,
And in all these things is the life of my spirit:
So wilt Thou recover me, and make me to live.
“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness:
But Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the
pit of corruption:
For Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.
“For the grave cannot praise Thee,
Death cannot celebrate Thee:
They that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth.
“The living, the living, he shall praise Thee,
As I do this day:
The father to the children shall make known Thy truth.
“The Lord was ready to save me:
Therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed
instruments
All the days of our life in the house of the Lord.”
Isaiah 38:10-20.
In the fertile valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates there dwelt an ancient race which, though at that time subject to Assyria, was destined to rule the world. Among its people were wise men who gave much attention to the study of astronomy; and when they noticed that the shadow on the sundial had been turned back ten degrees, they marveled greatly. Their king, Merodachbaladan, upon learning that this miracle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the God of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah to congratulate him on his recovery and to learn, if possible, more of the God who was able to perform so great a wonder.
The visit of these messengers from the ruler of a far-away land gave Hezekiah an opportunity to extol the living God. How easy it would have been for him to tell them of God, the upholder of all created things, through whose favor his own life had been spared when all other hope had fled! What momentous transformations might have taken place had these seekers after truth from the plains of Chaldea been led to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the living God!
But pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiah's heart, and in self-exaltation he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which God had enriched His people. The king “showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.” Isaiah 39:2. Not to glorify God did he do this, but to exalt himself in the eyes of the foreign princes. He did not stop to consider that these men were representatives of a powerful nation that had not the fear nor the love of God in their hearts, and that it was imprudent to make them his confidants concerning the temporal riches of the nation.
The visit of the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion. The record says, “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 32:31. Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the Lord of hosts. He “rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up.” Verse 25.
How disastrous the results which were to follow! To Isaiah it was revealed that the returning ambassadors were carrying with them a report of the riches they had seen, and that the king of Babylon and his counselors would plan to enrich their own country with the treasures of Jerusalem. Hezekiah had grievously sinned; “therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” Verse 25.
“Then came Isaiah the prophet unto King Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them.
“Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
“Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken.” Isaiah 39:3-8.
Filled with remorse, “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.” 2 Chronicles 32:26. But the evil seed had been sown and in time was to spring up and yield a harvest of desolation and woe. During his remaining years the king of Judah was to have much prosperity because of his steadfast purpose to redeem the past and to bring honor to the name of the God whom he served; yet his faith was to be severely tried, and he was to learn that only by putting his trust fully in Jehovah could he hope to triumph over the powers of darkness that were plotting his ruin and the utter destruction of his people.
The story of Hezekiah's failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit of the ambassadors is fraught with an important lesson for all. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour's love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find expression in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure.
Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?
Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear. Every day, our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we associate. How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard carefully our steps! One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the surging waves of some strong temptation may sweep a soul into the downward path. We cannot gather up the thoughts we have planted in human minds. If they have been evil, we may have set in motion a train of circumstances, a tide of evil, which we are powerless to stay.
On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are helped by our unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving, sin-loving world he reveals the power of God's grace and the perfection of His character.
#egw#Ellen G. White#Christianity#God#Jesus Christ#Bible#hezekiah#king hezekiah#Isaiah#prophet isaiah#miracle healing#miracle#God's mercy#God's compassion#Missed Opportunity#self-exaltation#moral test#be a witness of God#prophets and kings#conflict of the ages
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