Slay The Princess Ramble
Ok I have been having Thoughts about the Voice of the Contrarian and am not afraid to share them. Will start under read more link because this might get a little long.
Ok, one of the Main Things about the Contrarian is that he doesn't follow the narrative, and I accept this, but I cannot emphasize enough just how Different he is from the other voices.
Ok, let's start at the tip of the iceberg here. Change. Born as counterparts to the Shifting Mound's Princesses, it makes sense that the Voices remain static in their personalities. Broken is submissive. Cold is apathetic. Hunted is animalistic. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. But Contrarian actually changes over the course of The Stranger path. He sees what he's done to the Princess, recognises that it has hurt her, and just ... drops the jester act immediately. The only other Voice that really changes at all is Hero, and that's because he's literally always by your side. And that's not even getting to how you find him Strange Beginnings.
Strange Beginnings. Oh, do I have Feelings about this ending, but I'll focus on just the Contrarian (for now). Out of all the Voices, all the cabins, the Contrarian is the only Voice other than the Hero himself that can join you in the finale. Maybe it's because his change has made him closer to the Shifting Mound than any of the other potential voices. Maybe it's because inside of The Stranger's cabin was the first you saw, rather than the Princess'. Maybe it's something else altogether, I don't know. However, what I do know is that once again, he's changed. He's ... honestly more downtrodden than even the Moment of Clarity version of himself. Only making jokes when he notices Hero's concern, accepting the knife without a second thought, (even calling himself the worst part of the Long Quiet in the most recent update, I've heard). But that's still not the end of things.
I think what interests me the most about Contrarian, though, is his relationship with the princess. He. Does. Not. Have. One. She is a literal stranger to him. He is not the Stranger's true counterpart, not really. Nothing about him contradicts her, unlike how all the other Voices have been named after their actions relative to their Part I Princesses. Instead, he is the Contrarian because he contradicts the Narrator. I can not emphasise enough how wild that makes my brain go. Because it explains SO MUCH about why he's Different from the others. Long Quiet is a foil for the Shifting Mound, his Voices are foils for her Princesses. Everything about them is static, unchanging. Because they are a single being, spiralling further into itself with every decision you make, only ever changing if you refuse to follow the path set out for you. And then there's him, the reflection of an echo of a mortal. (If he was there in the Spectre route, would she see him as something Other as well, something that once belonged but has been fragmented off of its given path).
Gah I'm obsessed with him. I want to dissect him for science. I want to tear and rip and pull him apart until I can understand what mysteries still hide behind the facade he shows the world. What are you hiding, you smiling little freak of nature?
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╰┈ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚
“I apologize for the trouble. Please take care of Nova for me.” [Y] scratch the back of his head. “Nova won't be any trouble for you. Will you be ok here, Nova?”
“...Yes, papa.” The child nodded, clenching the book to his chest. The taller male smiled, ruffling Nova’s hair, “Ciel and Mr. Sebastian will take good care of you. Have fun.”
“Hm…” Nova nodded.
[Y] turned to the earl and butler, “Thanks again for your kindness. I'll be back in three days. Behave, ok.”
“Yes, papa…”
“Bye-bye, now.” The taller male waved as he stepped into the train. He sent Sebastian a soft glance. The butler smiled at the male while waving secretly behind Ciel. [Y] chuckled as the door closed. Nova watched in sadness as the train railed away.
“...Now that's settled. Let's go…” Ciel sighed. Nova grabbed Ciel's hand, catching him off guard.
“Ciel-nii…”
“I say don't call me that…!” Ciel blushed.
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
The child sat in the library reading more books that Ciel recommended to him. Just as Ciel's command, Sebastian was ordered to watch over Nova. Since Nova is his husband's son, then maybe they could get to know each other—
“Are you papa’s lover?” Nova asked the butler. Sebastian hum in question, “Hm?”
“You and Papa seem really close. Papa was smiling at you and you smiled back.” Nova admitted.
“...Has your father never told you?” The raven haired butler tilted his head. Nova nodded, “He told me that he has a lover who used to work as his butler. So, I assume that it's you…”
“Ah. He really misses me, doesn't he?” Sebastian chuckled bashfully, happy to hear that he was talked about a lot. “He must be taking good care of you as a father.”
“Unlike my old mama, she never treats me like papa does. Papa isn't greedy like old mama.” Nova stated. The raven haired butler raised his eyebrows, “Sorry if this is personal, may I ask what your mother could've done?”
“...Mama abandoned me. Mama never wanted me after my old papa left for another woman. Mama…thought of me as a curse and tried to kill me but instead abandoned me…” the child explained.
Sebastian has never felt bad for a child before. Nova is lucky to have [Y] as his new father, but his mother, however…should he kill her? Perhaps…he could. Sebastian is a demon, he won't regret killing that woman for hurting his child. Yes, he says “his” child since Nova is [Y]’s child plus the demon and the human are married.
“You don't need to worry about that anymore. Now that you have a new home and family, you don't have to live a hellish life anymore.” the butler smiled gently. Nova perked up, “Really? Then…can you be my new mama?"
“Ah? Couldn't I be a father?” Sebastian tilted his head.
“But…I want a new mama. Can you…?” The child begged, giving the demon butler puppy eyes. Sebastian is a demon, he can resist cuteness except for cats. He's a demon he can resist. He can resist. He can re…sist…But, Nova looks like a kitten…The butler is trying to resist, but…fucking damnit! Nova is his baby and he can't say no!
“Very well. I'll be your mama.” Sebastian accepted in defeat. Nova beams before standing and rushing over to Sebastian, hugging his leg, “Thank you, mama!”
“Why? My heart is racing! Are children always this cute? No…Only Nova.” Sebastian clasped his hand over his mouth as the child continued to hug his leg.
“Mama, huh?” A voice snickered, catching Sebastian off guard. Ciel snorted, “So you're mama Sebastian, huh?”
“H…how much did you hear, master?” Sebastian blushed with embarrassment. Ciel smirked, “Since he asked if you could be your mama? Mind preparing me some tea and juice for us, mama Sebastian?”
“Damn you, master…!”
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
❝meanwhile w/ [y]❞
“Ah, I see~ Nova must've really loved you, mommy~” [Y] teased. Sebastian huffed from the phone, ❝Hmph! I'm only agreeing to be his mama because I couldn't say no to that face…❞
[Y] laughed heartily, “Hahaha! You're so cute!”
❝Have you arrived at your destination safely?❞ the demon asked his husband. It's cute to see the sneaky demon caring for a human like [Y].
“Unfortunately, the train stopped at a different destination because it unknowingly broke down…” the taller male sighed, “The train is being investigated and so are the passengers.”
❝I see. Where are you now?❞ the butler inquired.
“Hm…Ah, I think it's France. I have someone I know living in France. So I'm safe.” [Y] grinned. He could hear the sigh of relief coming from Sebastian, ❝Ah…I was getting worry. Eh? Someone you know? Who? Are you two close?❞
“Yeah. Real close~”
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
“Hm…? Close…?” Sebastian furrowed his eyebrows, feeling a little jealous. “How close…?”
❝We’re like two pea in a pod~ My favorite person in the world!❞ [Y] laughed.
The butler's face turned blank, is his husband stupid or what? His lover is right here on the phone, is Sebastian not his favorite person? He heard [Y] wince with realization, ❝Ah. Wait…That's not—❞
“Hm. If you want to be with someone closer then, have fun…” Sebastian deadpanned. Before [Y] could say anything, Sebastian hung up. “Favorite person in the world? Hmph! If he were to have an affair behind my back, I'm gonna— No, I shouldn't be mad or jealous. [Y] is an honest and loyal person I've met. He wouldn't do such a thing.”
“Someone's jealous~” Bard snickered after hearing Sebastian's conversation with his husband. The butler sighed, “Listening to my personal conversation is inappropriate. I would've pecked your eyes out or perhaps cut out your ears.”
“Oi! At least you're lucky to have a handsome husband with a kid!” The chef sweatdropped. Though, the chef is jealous that someone like Sebastian hasn't lost his loved ones.
“...You wouldn't know if our relationship will last forever. It's true that our love for each other is genuine.” Sebastian stated as he leaned against the wall. “But…we don't know for sure if one of us will one day lose trust in each other or maybe…lose each other…”
Awkward silence…Bard felt awkward cause he has never heard Sebastian’s voice sound so heartbreaking. Sebastian genuinely cares for his husband and he hopes that their bond will never be broken. Besides, [Y] was the first and only human that made Sebastian feel this way. And he can't bear to lose the only human he loves. Nova is another human who happens to make Sebastian feel this way. Nova is his and [Y]’s child and he will do anything to keep the child safe.
“Seeing you like this is unlike you. You're always so hard to understand. Smiling. I felt that some of them are fake.” Bard mumbled, leaning his elbow on the table. Sebastian sighed, “I should prepare the treats for master and lil’ Nova…”
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
“Damnit. Why didn't he let me finish…?” [Y] sweatdropped after Sebastian hung up on him abruptly. “I was going to say it's my sister…”
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
“Good~✨” Nova beamed after taking a bite of a cat-shaped sandwich. Sebastian chuckled, “I thought I could cut it up just for fun.”
“They're the best, mama!” The child grinned. Sebastian smiles genuinely, “How about some more?”
“Yes, please.”
Ciel wasn't convinced by the fact that it was shaped like a cat nor was he convinced by the fact that Sebastian is taking his role as a mother too seriously. Though, he's kinda suspicious of this. Why is Sebastian doting on a child? And he understands that the demon's smile was fake, but this smile is very much real. Odd…
“You must be loving this role as a mother, Sebastian.” Ciel narrowed his eyes at the butler, who's feeding Nova.
“Apologies, master. I couldn't resist it.” Sebastian smiled. Ciel raised his eyebrows as he took a sip of his tea “He's taking it too seriously…”
“Mama, can you marry papa?” Nova beamed, causing Ciel to spat out his tea while Sebastian blush. Is this child pretending that he didn't know that Sebastian and [Y] aren't married? Nova is a prodigy child after all. Surprise that he went to Weston College at such a young age.
“Pfft!” Ciel snorted, finding it hard to believe that Sebastian would marry a human. Plot twist: they're already married.
“A-ah…Such an unexpected question coming from you, young Nova.” Sebastian sweatdropped.
“You and Papa will make a great couple!” Nova grinned, this was enough to cause Ciel to burst out laughing. Sebastian twitches his eyebrows, “W-what’s so funny, master?”
“I…it’s just hard to imagine you marrying someone like Sire [L]...” Ciel snickered.
“Oh? Really…?” Sebastian twitches his eyebrow. Nova smiles, “By the way, today's Mother's Day. I drew you something last night.”
“Ah? You draw something for me? May I?” The butler asked. The child grabbed a folded paper from his pocket then unfolded it before handing it to Sebastian, “Happy Mother's Day~”
“...” The butler checks the drawings to see that it's a drawing of [Y], Nova, and himself as a big happy family. Ciel was already on the floor, laughing. Sebastian was holding it on the inside, “GAHHHH! WHY?! WHY IS THIS SO PRECIOUS?! 💕 💕 D-demons shouldn't be defeated by this…! Stay cool, Sebastian, stay cool!”
“It's lovely. Thank you for the gift.” Sebastian beamed.
╭ ⁞ ❏. facts
┊ ⁞ ❏. sometimes [y] isn't careful with his words
┊ ⁞ ❏. sebastian is mommy ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
╰┈ 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
➤ previous
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Your essay on Joong's underrated acting skills deepened my Joong appreciation so much, that I watched Mafia the Series, I'm watching Ploy's Yearbook (even though there is a serious lack of Joong so far), and I'm planning on watching The Warp Effect too. I haven't watched het shows in over ten years, so this is a big deal! 😂 I really liked him with Dunk in their shows, but MTS gave me another facet of him, because he's so timid in it, unlike in SIMM and HA, where he's (seemingly) very cool and in control. So thank you for making me a full time Joong (and Dunk) girl 💜
i saw this message first thing in the morning when i woke up yesterday and it instantly put me in a good mood!!! <3
YESSSSSS I'M SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT
mafia the series might actually be my absolute fave thai het-show, it's just SO funny!!!! and the entire cast is so great, like, not just joong but the entire cast plays off each other SO well. and don't even get me started on gina virahya and her portrayal of anna kondra!!!!
you know, when i went into mafia the series i saw the poster and was like "ughh i really am gonna have to sit through this standard (overly) dramatic mafia show just for joong, huh. the things i do for my boy..." and then. AND THEN. you can imagine my surprise. i was crying tears of laughter throughout the show and i was actually laughing so hard that my mom made a comment about how she could hear my laugh in my room
beam is my loser boy and joong portrays him in such an adorably awkward way, i love it <333
and yes there IS a serious lack of joong in ploy's yearbook so far :((((
it was quite funny tho bc in the one scene where joong does show up i immediately recognized him by the back of his head, like!! i saw this:
and instantly went "OH there's my boy!!!!!" 😂😂😂
and i can't wait to see him with film bc film did extremely well with gun in not me and i feel like film and joong will also work together really well
you know, i'm always happy to turn people into full time joong (and dunk) girls!!!!!!
i've adored them ever since simm which i watched live from ep2 onwards. fun fact, actually: when i started simm i actually had no idea who they were (even though technically i'd seen dunk in bad buddy already, except i wasn't paying attention to the random high school bandmates and so i didn't actually recognize dunk and only realized later on ahahah)
aaaanyway, i had no idea who they were, right? and so in 2022 my mom and i spent two nights in prague during easter and in the evening we were in our hotel room and we were kinda looking for something to watch. and i was like "hey look, gmmtv has a new bl out and it looks kinda cute and fluffy judging by the thumbnails?? and like something that doesn't require too much brain power?? plus, there's also only two eps out so far, so we'll be caught up right away" and so we watched the first two episodes and then the two of us ended up watching every new ep together every week hahaha
i actually didn't really talk about it on tumblr back then and when you go back on my blog you'll see that there are hardly any simm post. but really, with every new simm episode that aired i liked joongdunk more and more. and especially once the characters started dating i was actually so in awe about just how comfortable joong and dunk were with each other and how they absolutely weren't afraid to touch? like, their physical affection was just so casual, like it was the most natural thing in the world to them in an "i'm-not-even-thinking-about-it-bc-it's-so-normal" kind of way and that was just soooo refreshing to watch?? i was (and still am) truly amazed
and when just a couple of months later, at the end of 2022 gmmtv announced joongdunk were gonna get another show together i got SO excited!! and also when it was revealed that simm was included in our skyy 2!!!!
and then hidden agenda started airing and then i was tagged in that tag game and then i went to watch joong's entire filmography and then i ended up falling into a joongdunk rabbit hole and here we are...
anyway, i have multiple agendas and one of them is turning people into joong fans and dunk fans and joongdunk fans sllksdfd
and my other agenda is getting people to watch mafia the series, bc it's truly a gem of a show!!!!
(speaking of agendas: the only thing that's missing in your message is you telling me that you approve of my fight for a sexy joongdunk vampire bl, like... that would have made the message and the influence of my joong/dunk/joongdunk blogging complete 😂😂😂)
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went back to the sketchbooks around when i was going through yyh for the first time in 2019 and found a pile of near-yearly sticky note updates about my relationship with the series next to my first yyh doodles, a page full of kuwabaras. thought it'd be fun to share
+ more thoughts and old yyh art below
(it's crazy i didn't find any kurama-centric pages for months bc i think he's the one i doodled in the margins of class notes and stuff the most. his hair's pwetty and he gives me the least trouble outta any of the main 4)
something i noticed while skimming the two sketchbooks i took these from was how mean i was to myself at the time about my art. i guess it hit me more because i don't really spend hours going through my old sketchbooks over and over to track my progress and growth like i used to quite often. i guess it was only a little after when my self esteem was lowest (8th grade, tale as old as time), but... idk. i knew back then that i'd grown a lot in the few years since i started drawing more seriously (that's why i looked through my art so much), but like... i guess that never translated into being nice to myself about it. i ended up going back through about ten more sketchbooks to find more yyh art, and in the coming years i'm glad to say that negativity in the margins went away. hell yeah
but even so, my love for yyh was a constant and effusive thing, as it is now. it's probably the oldest of my current media interests. i watched myself get into rgg and develop my ocs and watched others fade in and out, watched my style loop back on itself and go all over the place, passed by pages of writing about crushes and album releases and gender discoveries and my grandparents dying, all surrounded by little drawings of the characters i love. including kuwabara in a maid dress right next to my dead grandma grief rambling that one time (no i'm not kidding. my grandma died in like late 2020 and the page where i poured my heart out after finding out she was gone just trying to process everything had one with catboy maid dress kuwabara directly opposite it, who i'd drawn like the evening before she died in her sleep. he killed my grandma from like 100 miles away he was that powerful. that wasn't even the last time i drew him like that and i don't even care about catboys or maid dresses much. i think it was just a bigger meme and he was the guy i most associated with cats. i put that man in a situation and he fucking got her because the book couldn't contain him. some victor frankenstein shit. anyway)
i took about 150 pictures, most with multiple sketches. i decided not to add any more though bc 1) i posted some of them on old accounts but i don't remember which ones, and tbh i value my anonymity a little too much 2) All Of The Pictures Turned Out Bad in ways i don't feel like getting into but just trust me it's like 6 layers of fucked up illegible image bullshit 3) i found it hard to narrow it down to things i felt were indicative of the development or interesting or anything like that. idk. i figured it was an interesting exercise for me and it probably wouldn't really mean anything to anyone else. and that's ok :) it was nice anyway. i mostly mention it to be like Oh My God i've drawn these guys a lot and i STILL don't know what i'm doing... :| it's fun
however i did transcribe the notes i left:
7/9/19: yo it's been less than a week & i'm on ep. 80 wtf i love this show
8/14/20: 1/2way thru my 3rd watch (first dub, first [with older sibling]) & honestly still love it & kuwabara being the first one i drew makes me happy
7/28/21: i'm watching it w/ [younger sibling] now! 4th(ish) watch, 2nd time through the dub, which is so much better than the sub really elevates the text. we're at the semifinals of the DT, which means this is technically my 5th time through yyh up until that point but eh semantics anyway i still love & obsess over yyh! <3
1/14/24 (present day): hey, i'm rewatching yyh for the.. idk 5th or 6th time. still love it & never stopped. now i'm writing fic & drawing & posting about it. i have friends i talk to about it. [both siblings] have seen it. so much has changed, and so little, but it made me sad seeing how much i insulted my own art. i love you 2019 me. god knows you needed it
[+ this drawing]:
anyway. forever fornever. if you even care
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