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bitebitesnap · 7 months

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Something that interests me sometimes conceptually is yanderes.

Now I'm not a fan of them. The obsession, the downright horror vibes-it just bothers me..sometimes. There had been a few times where it's actually been kind of interesting, though it's usually because it's not super involved with making the Reader useless or just prey to be hunted.

But that aside, it's not the point, I was thinking about something.

Goku as a yandere would be horrifying.

And I'm not talking about his power. Technically, Vegeta is within the same range so it's not like it's much different from him going on a rampage. No what I mean isn't so much strength. It's reason.

Let's say Goku takes in what happened with Frieza and puts it to heart. Let's say the anger, the rage of becoming a Super Saiyan boils through to his core and changes him at the root-but also not quite. He's still the silly, goofy sweetheart everyone knows....but not quite.

Being on Namek during it's destruction taught him that he can't just let people go as easily. Just because they could be good deep down doesn't mean anything. If they have the chance, remote as it is, to turn on any of them then it's game over no matter how powerful they are. Maybe they aren't a threat to him, but to everyone else they could be the worst thing alive.

So he can't take that risk. Won't allow it to even take root.

He cuts off Gero before he can even release the other androids. Blasted to bits the minute he saw him. 19 went down too because he wasn't prepared to take the attack at full power.

Sure. A few buildings were destroyed, maybe a few people lost. But that's what the dragon balls are for right? And besides, he could feel the virus starting up so he had to act fast! Don't blame him for doing what needed to be done!

Cell is a surprise but not much more of a challenge either. Poor bastard barely got the chance to get away in his first form, and without the other two androids around to fuel his perfect form he had nothing else at all. Okay so some people got hurt in the fight but it's okay too! Dragon Balls, okay?

And without the Cell games, without his sacrifice...there's not much else to do now, is there? He's got nothing to fight, nothing to worry about. Sure he's got Piccolo and Vegeta so it's not like he's completely bored. Also, Gohan is getting seriously strong! He'd love to have a good spar against him when he gets older!

But....it doesnt'....feel quite right..

With nothing to fight, nothing is threatening his friends anymore. He should feel relieved, happy even.

So why does he feel like something is wrong..? Why does he feel anxious, afraid..almost like something is going to happen.

He kept a close watch on all of his friends, going so far as to intrude into their lives to make absolutely sure they were fine. He'd pop in at any point jsut to 'check in', he said, and when nothing was found and everything was fine he'd pop out. 'See?' He'd tell himself, 'Everything is fine. Don't worry about it!'

But he couldnt'...stop...

Simple check turned into hours long stalking. Stalking turned to obsessively watching over them at all hours, staying awake all night hopping between their homes. He couldn't count how many days and nights he'd been awake anymore. Only keeping track of when the sun rose and fell so he could go back to his home and watch over Gohan and you/Chi-Chi.

But it;s still not enough...! What was wrong!?

Then it happens. An inconspicuous little event that could have been missed by anyone had he not been so deranged by the need to keep an eye out for it.

A simple robbery. Not even a well planned out one, the robber had the bright idea to wander into Bulma's open window to steal a few pieces of her jewelry. It was so one-track and clearly idiotic that even she could have handled it.

But Goku was there. He saw it happen.

Poor bastard had no idea what was going on until he was several miles up in the air, dangling by his throat in the hands of a sleep deprived, wild-eyed Saiyan.

He knew of wars, petty battles between factions for something or another. Some part of him envied the rivalries humans could have with each other without running the risk of blowing up a planet. Being weaker, they had countless other's just like them to fight. No stagnation, always another challenge or threat right among their own.

Being himself, a Saiyan as powerful as he was, Goku never had to look down at them as a danger. His friends were strong, stronger than anyone like this little bug in his hands.

....Weren't they..?

His eyes harden, ignoring the squirming roach.

If they were...then why didnt Vegeta do anything to stop this attempt? Why didn't Yamcha?

Were there other infractions like this? Were they all ignoring it? Just letting it happen, right behind their backs where they could get stabbed just like he was when Frieza-

The crunch happens in the back of his head. His eyes watch the pest's neck flop over his fist but see nothing.

Quiet. It was quiet for the first time in a long, long while.

No noises catching his attention. No anxious energy driving him mad. No wild emotions left unchecked from exhaustion.

He was...calm.

Slowly he brings the body closer. The life force is long gone. No light blinks in the eyes. It's dead. Gone. No threat to anyone.

...Because of him..

And it clicks.

It doesn't matter if Vegeta didn;t get to him, he did. Yamcha wouldn't have fought anyways, he was a coward now and terrified of death.

But because he was here, he did. He caught the bastard. He ended the threat. He saved Bulma.

He saved her from something no one was looking for.

With everyone fresh out of a series of disasters centered mostly around the stars or his past, no one was focusing on the present. How could they? They'd been subjected to it for so long they'd grown numb to it by now. A simple robbery was nothing to them-less than nothing.

They were blind to an enemy they couldn't even think of anymore.

So he clenches the body's neck even tighter. Flesh engorges into a red mass in his palm but he ignores it. Even when the balloon bursts and crimson runs down his fingers. As meat squeezes out into and over his palm, the tongue forced out in a breathless gag.

He was their champion right? The strongest under the sun. The warrior who bested the worst of the universe, the tyrant Frieza, the android's maker, even the warrior built specifically to destroy him. He'd done it all. He'd do it a thousand times over if it meant protecting those he loved.

What was a few, measly little lives of a few bugs that dared to call themselves humans? Did their lives matter, even, if they dared to stoop so low as to be like the monsters he's conquered? Were they lives at all or simply dust under his heels?

The body is flung in a random direction. He doesn;'t care where it lands. His muscles are tight with renewed energy, mind clear and focused on a single, soul driven purpose.

He would protect everyone. He would destroy anything that got in his way. Be the wall between them and total destruction.

He was Son Goku the Saiyan, the warrior, Earth's mightiest protector. But if the Earth itself wanted to turn on anyone he cared about....

Then not even the Earth mattered to him anymore.

#another long ass ramble for y'all I guess #like I said yandere's aren't really my thing #....but sometimes #it's fun to think about #also I didn't mean to let this go on for so long because it was meant to be a small ramble about an idea and uhhhh #whoops #jawbones #goku #goku x reader #kinda #didn't really think about the reader insert side of this too much #had a lot more set up tbh #also working out how to make it about Goku's slow descent where his desire to protect his friends warps into murderous obsession killed me

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cowboisadness · 2 years

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Hang ‘Em High {Arthur Morgan x F!OC} Chapter 27

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x FemOC

Summery: Belle Hawthorne is high society looking to escape her mean husband. A robbery by the Van Der Linde gang could be her chance. Can she escape his cluches and possibly discover what love should feel like?

Warnings: Physical violence, blood

…..

Chapter 27

My blood turned cold. But I tried to keep an air of calmness about me.

“What am I doing? Just organising. I think I’m done with the shed for now, thought I might start in here.”

“I have three maids for that.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want them to waste their time going through all this jewellery,” I steadied myself and my words as he took a few steps forward. His eyes darting to the bag that I had faintly tried to keep behind me and out of his view. “Besides, some of them are in need of a cleaning”

“Hand over the bag and I’ll see what needs to be given over to the maids for servicing.” Shit I kept willing myself to not shake, not to falter in his presence lest I give away the situation he should be angry about. “As I said, it would be a waste of their time. They are busy.”

“Alice is available.”

“Alice…the one that spends most of her time only cleaning your office?” I knew that was the wrong thing to say before the words had left my mouth. His affairs weren’t something he cared to keep hidden from me. Some of the poor women being ones that he plucked from events or off the street. Paid to keep their mouths shut regarding the marks they would leave with. One of them didn’t leave alive. Before I could think or speak, he lunged, making a grab for the bag and I wasn’t fast enough. Slamming me into the dresser so hard it slammed against the wall with a thud. The wooden edge biting into my lower back as he pressed his weight onto me. I tried to keep hold of the bag, but it was futile as he ripped it from my grasp. Then proceeded to fling me onto the floor with a sickening snarl on his face.

I watched as he emptied the contents at my feet. Rings and necklaces and broaches and clothing. The snarl was still there, all teeth like a wolf ready to make the killing bite on its prey. But then he smiled. Not the sweet smiles that had first made me happy to become his wife. The smiles that made me view every day as a sunny one. This one was manic.

“The truth reveals itself.” He made his way to me as I cowered under his towering frame. “You think I don’t know?” I just looked up at him, not saying a word. “Samson told me the shed has been the same for a couple of weeks now. I started to have my suspicions. Especially when he informed me of a bottle of gun oil, there one day and gone a couple of days later. What need do you have for gun oil?”

I couldn’t control my shaking now. My heart beating out of my chest, and I struggled to take a breath as my lungs felt like they were collapsing. He towered over me; feet planted firmly on the skirt of my dress to stop me from dragging myself back.

“I I I it’s not wha-“ his balled-up fist came crashing down onto the left side of my face. My vision going blurry and pain bursting through my head.

“Nothing but a lying whore!” He snarled, another blow hitting its mark. This time the pain was met with the cooling of liquid on my cheekbone. I tried to pull away, to find purchase within a room that was spinning. Trying to think how to get out of this one. But then his hands were around my throat as he dropped down onto me. He squeezed. Looking up at him through hazy eyes I could see the fury he was unleashing upon me. Face red and teeth bared in gross determination. All I could do was squirm and try to push him off but all he did was squeeze harder. His eyes were about to pop out of his head at any moment.

His eyes.

I could just to say reach, despite the lack of air making my vision start to dim and darken around the edges. So I clawed and clawed until my thumbs found his eyes and I pushed and grabbed and scratched until he was shouting. He lifted off me slightly, just enough for those desperate breaths my lungs were screaming out for. And I kept going. Using whatever force I could muster.

Then he was off me, flung to the side with such force he slammed into the vanity I was previously pillaging from. Air. I needed more air and it burned with every inhale. I didn’t know what happened until I noticed another form in the room. Stomping on the head of the one on the floor.

It was Arthur.

He continued his assault until blood was splattered onto the plush carpet and his worn boots. I didn’t notice the knife in his hand until it was plunged into Frank's chest. He wheezed out in pain. Gurgling on the blood that had accumulated in his throat. Then I was being lifted in strong arms. It took me a moment to realise he was speaking to me. “Are you okay?” His voice was as soft as his grip on my arms. Probably worried that if his hold was too tight or his voice too loud, I would shatter into pieces. “Bella?”

“Yeah-yes. I’m okay” I breathed “I’m okay.”

We made our way out of the room then, I only stopping to quickly grab at whatever I could that Frank dumped onto the floor. Then he was dragging me out of the room. The sound of gurgling and faint moans of anguish behind us.

Samson was at the bottom of the stairs as we made our quick descent. He took one look at us and then promptly moved to the side. His shocked expression being diverted to the floor as we passed him without a word.

We wasted no time leaving the grounds. His horse being spurred into breakneck speed to get as far away as quickly as possible, headed towards what I presumed would be camp. He had me sit in front of him. His arms and thighs enveloped me as we travelled. Once the house was on the horizon, I finally broke the silence. “Did you kill him?” My voice was so quiet I didn’t think he heard me over the rush of the wind until he said. “A knife to the heart would do that to a man,” then quietly, as he gently pulled me to lean into the warmth of him, “Rest sweetheart, we will be home soon.”

@kashasenpai @fallout-cowgirl @averyspicybaguette @joscelyn02

#arthur morgan #arthur morgan x oc #arthur morgan x fem oc #arthur morgan fic #rdr2 #hang em high #hang em high fic #rdr2 fanfic #Red Dead Redemption #red dead redemption 2

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truglori · 3 years

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Homebody (Ch.5)

Summary: Amiyah is the younger sister of local drug dealer (Durkio). Shy and reserved she keeps to herself and stays out the way. But lately she began to find interest in his right hand man/ best friend (Erik Stevens). Wanting to get him to notice her she discovers that he already had her wrapped around his finger without even trying! There was only a few problems that kept her away from her fantasies , her brother that controlled almost every single breath she took and would kill anyone who looked at her that way and lastly Eriks girlfriend, Alexis , who they called the queen of the hood according to her lavish lifestyle as well as being with the next newest top boy in the making. While Alexis was his girl to the streets all Amiyah wanted to do was be his Homebody...

Pairing: Erik Stevens x Thick OC

Warning: Language, Robbery, Smoking

The smoke from the three burnt out blunts fogged the car. Erik’s head hung low as he tried to focus on the topic of discussion. Looking to his right he watched as Durk sparked a lighter to light up the fourth one and started a new rotation. Taking it from his hand Erik put the blunt to his lips and pulled. He had to admit that he was feeling high but yet nowhere near done with the session.

It was a Monday morning. Almost ten am to be exact. They were parked in Erik’s car in front of Frank’s Auto Garage. To a normal person it look like a regular place of business but it wasn’t. Durk used the shop to clean his money so he wouldn’t have anything tracing back to him. Erik glanced up and watched two corner boys walk out with a backpack each before getting into their vehicle and driving off.

“Aye man I appreciate you for coming through with this assignment. Once I get this nigga Shawn out the way I could finally do some business with the new connect.” Durk spoke before inhaling the blunt.

Nodding his head Erik slouched in his seat.

“I told you it’s nothing. Just don’t forget I’ma need one person to come with me. Someone who can watch my back.”

After going into almost two years without doing a job Erik felt a little rusty. He wanted to be certain that he could bring someone with him who could look out. Someone who he could trust that had to be skilled enough to keep up. The last thing Erik wanted was for this to go wrong and he end up in prison or even worst, dead.

If it was any other person coming to him to offer him work Erik would decline them with a quickness. This wasn’t something that he wanted to be a part of anymore. He had aspirations to become a better man. And with that, that means he had to give up the lifestyle to live a better one. But it was Durk. The man who had the opportunity to gun him down right in front of the trap house when they first met five years ago spared him. Gave him a second chance.

Erik witness Durk do way worst to people who didn’t do nearly as half as much compared to what Erik was going to commit that night. So he felt in a way obligated to come through for his best friend. There was no other option. He owe him his life.

“No doubt. Actually I got this one associate that’s in debt with me. Told him I could use his help whenever I needed him to pay me off. Heard he a shooter that don’t miss. Anybody who have your back I think it’ll be him.” Durk grinned confidently.

Erik nodded his head absorbing the information. Trusting his brother with whatever choice he went with he continue to ask him where the drop would be.

“Okay so what about this nigga Shawn. You got an address.”

Durk pulled out his burner. Going to a text message he clicked on it and passed the phone over to Erik.

He read over it. 4523 Lanely Rd. Pulling up his notes icon Erik typed in the address and saved the information. He gave the burner back to Durk. Realizing the area that it was in Erik shook his head. Nice suburban area where it was mostly Caucasian which amount to one thing. Nosy ass neighbors. It was a risk but he would just have to deal with it.

Hearing Durk sighed he studied him. His hands was rested over his eyes as he was leaned back in the chair. His boy looked stressed.

“You good?” A genuine tone came out.

“I think my sister fucking around with someone but I just don’t know who yet.”

Erik’s eyebrows lifted up. Glancing up to the ceiling as he listened carefully.

“I just really hope it’s not one of these fuck niggas. I might need yo ass for another job after this. We could rob this nigga together.”

The two chuckled.

‘Damn I can’t rob myself.’

Erik thought to himself before engaging back in the conversation.

“What makes you think she fucking with someone?” Erik curiously wanted to know. It would give him an advantage on what he should not be doing.

“Well the other night I walk in the livingroom and there she was sitting there with her titties all out, make up done like she was getting ready for a dick appointment or sum shit.” Durk replied in a stressful tone.

Daydreaming at the ceiling, Erik’s memory jogged back to her outfit from that night. He could still see the way her cleavage appeared in front of him as she sat across from him in the diner. The soft flesh looking at him. He had to control himself multiple times that night from staring at them so much. But he couldn’t with the way they would bounce a little every time she laughed.

Speaking of her smile. Erik adored that about her the most. He love how her lips curled up showing off those pretty white teeth. The way her lipgloss color made her lips appear more fuller than what they already were. The same lips that drove him crazy from the softness. If he could sit in the booth kissing her all night he would have. That was enough to satisfy him. Erik sucked in his bottom lip as if he could still feel hers on his. She just had to let him get a taste.

‘Why she let me do that?’

Erik berated himself with that question as he shook his head about his lack of self control. He felt guilty. He was the nigga who his best friend was worried about hurting his sister. Right now he was feeling like a pussy. It was like he didn’t have the balls to speak up and tell him the truth. He was feeling Amiyah.

“Why you don’t like her dating anyway? I get you trying to protect her but I mean she is 21, you can’t stop her from living bro.” Erik wanted to sound reasonable but without suspicion.

“I know she got a life to live but the fact that mine is tied up with hers don’t help.”

“What you mean?”

Durk paused glancing at his phone. “ I mean besides you I can’t trust none of these niggas man. What if whoever she talk to know that she my little sister? No telling what they’ll do to her just to get to me.”

Erik listened understanding his perspective.

“I done did some foul shit out here that I’m not proud of, you know this. This why I am what I am because if I don’t get them first then I know for damn sure they’ll try to get me. I’m just worry about Amiyah getting caught in between.”

To Erik it seem like Durk just wanted was best for his sister. To him family came first. It was important to him. He valued it and would do anything to protect the ones he love. Erik comprehend this.

“You worried she won’t be able to know who and who not to trust?”

“Every-fucking-day. That’s why I don’t want her going anywhere besides home and work. I just want the best for her.”

“You should that’s your sister. Just trust her. She not gon let you down.”

Durk looked at Erik, who gave him a sincere look. If there was anybody else he could trust with his life aside from Amiyah it was his friend. His brother. Erik.

____________________________

Amiyah leaned against the register as she wrote down her completed work assignment. Blowing the air out of her mouth she let the pen fall from her fingers and on to the counter. She was exhausted and ready to clock out and lay in her bed. Her mind began to wonder about the events that transpired over the weekend.

The last time she spoke to Erik was after he dropped her off. He sent a text asking if she made it in safely and that was it. Nothing else since then. His on and off again of inconsistency irritated her. She wanted him to be all about her just as much as she was for him. Of course under the circumstances they had to be cautious but he didn’t have to go another two days without hitting her up.

Checking the time on her Apple Watch she had an hour left before she was up and out of the boutique. She started cleaning certain areas and rehanging the merchandise back onto the racks to make time go by faster. Hearing the sound of the bell ring brought her back to reality.

“Welcome to Bella Ella’s.” She greeted them without looking up and only focusing on her task out of habit.

“Thank you. Hey girl!”

Peering in the direction of the voice she saw Alexis. She was going through the dress section. Amiyah sighed inwardly before walking over to her.

“Hi welcome back. Can I help you look for anything?” She faked a smile.

“Yes actually, I’m looking for something the same as last time just not too revealing this time. I want to tease him. You know?” Alexis sent her a smirk as she walked in front of one of the mannequins observing the clothes.

Hesitant but curious Amiyah asked her. “For another date?”

“Uh you can say something like that. It’s a surprise.” Alexis eyed her up and down.

“Well we have this ruched bodycon dress. It’s an off the shoulder long sleeve lace type of look. I think it’ll fit you. Check it out.” She handed her the dress.

Alexis put the dress up to her frame. Looking in the mirror she smiled at the choice of clothing. Shaking her head she grinned pointing her finger at Amiyah.

“See girl you get me. It’s crazy. Almost like we like the exact same thing.”

“You can say that again.” Amiyah whispered under her breath.

“Huh?”

“Oh I was just talking to myself. If you’re ready I can ring you out.”

They walked to the counter. Amiyah logged in and scanned the dress. Folding it up and putting it a bag she heard Alexis speak.

“Girl how do you do it?”

“Do what?” Amiyah answered confused.

“Work a nine to five. I mean don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just that I personally wouldn’t do it.” She smiled.

“ I like working honestly. I get to meet new people. I have fun here sometimes. This is where I met my best friend and I get to get away from home.” Amiyah shrugged her shoulders as she spoke truthfully.

Alexis nodded slowly. “Right. So are you seeing anyone? Anybody caught your attention?”

Laughing lightly Amiyah shook her head. “No. I met this one guy and gave him my number but nothing popped off yet.” She was talking about Cane.

“Hm if that don’t work out you should let me hook you up. I know a few niggas that’ll blow ya back out and then pay ya bills after.” Alexis grabbed her bag and started to walk away.

Before she could stop herself the question came out faster than she expected. “Is that what you do?”

She stopped midway before turning back around. Her face was contorted. Sizing Amiyah up as she stepped in front of the counter.

“Bitch I do whatever the fuck I have to do to get what I want. Even if it mean that I have to fuck around here and there. It keeps my bills paid and my nails from getting dirty. Maybe I could teach you a thing or two.” She gave her one last look before she strutted out the shop.

Amiyah rolled her eyes. Taking a ‘How to get a man’ class from Alexis was the last thing on her list. Girls like her and Amiyah don’t mix too well. She just couldn’t understand how you could trade in time spent on a fake relationship just to get what you want with true happiness.

Her shift was finally coming to an end. Amiyah sent her brother a text fifteen minutes early just so he would be on time to pick her up. Looking towards the entrance her coworker Kacy was coming in to relieve her.

“Hey Kace, it was pretty much a slow day so there’s not any go-backs that you have to do. I would just try to act like you’re cleaning up. Look busy because you know Rhonda be watching the cameras.”

They both laughed.

“I know. She think she slick but go ahead and get out of here. Enjoy the rest of the day. See ya Amiyah.”

Waving goodbye Amiyah exited the boutique. There she spotted her brother waiting outside in his all blacked out Audi A4. She strolled in his direction and got in.

“Wow it’s been forever since you’ve been here on time.” She teased fastening her seatbelt.

Durk kissed his teeth as he pulled off driving to their home. “How was work?”

“Boring I do the same thing everyday.”

“So quit.” He took a quick glance at her.

She sighed irritated. “I’m not quitting my job Durk.”

“You the one who said it’s boring. Just quit.” He laughed.

Amiyah rolled her eyes. “Why? So you can keep your eyes on me 24/7. You always trying to babysit me, damn.” She snapped at him. The mood changed instantly.

Durkio’s jaw clenched as he turned looking at her with his eyes blinking rapidly.

“Babysit you? Where the fuck you get me trying to babysit you from telling you to quit-“

“I know that’s what your intentions are! Not that you care about me not liking my job but because you just want me to have to depend on you and ask you for everything!” Amiyah’s voice kept getting higher with every word.

“Miyah you already depend on me. That two thousand dollar bed that you sleeping on I brought that. Your whole bedroom set, I brought it. The apartment that you living in comfortablely without worry about having to pay one muthafuckin bill, is because of ME!”

Durkio’s hand gripped the steering wheel tightly as he parked in front of their building. He could feel his breathing began to spike as he felt himself get more agitated and angry. Getting out of the car he headed towards the entrance to avoid going any further with her.

Amiyah jumped out and followed closely behind going inside. The elevator ride going to their floor was quiet and tensed. Amiyah tried her best to not argue with her brother but she had more to get off her chest that she didn’t want to go unheard.

“You know you’re a fuckin control freak.” She slammed her purse and jacket on the couch one they made it threw the door.

Durk paused his steps from going into his room.

“How? Tell me what I do Amiyah.” He walked leaning against the counter with his hand folded over the other waiting for her to talk.

“Durk stop playing dumb. Everything that I do you have to be a part of somehow. Like the time I couldn’t take the job offer from the mall because it was ‘too far’. Or how whenever I want to hangout with Kelley you think I’m going to fuck some man-“

“That’s because you are! I know Saturday night you ain’t go out with no fucking Kelley dress the way you were. I’m not fucking stupid Amiyah.”

Amiyah got in his face. “Why would I go fuck someone and I’m still a virgin Derrick. I’m not dumb. I’m not just sleeping with any and everyone.”

Her eyes burned with tears threatening to fall.

Durk used his forearm to move her out of his space. It triggered him whenever someone would walk up to him with disrespect. He knew he would never put his hands on his sister but he didn’t want to feel the urge like he would so he gave her a light push.

“Miyah back the fuck up.” His jaws were tensed and his nostrils became flared out.

“So you can speak your mind but I can’t? I’m not your girl Durk so stop putting rules and regulations on me like I am. I wish our parents were still here so I wouldn’t have to be in this shit hole of a place you call home.”

Amiyah’s blood was boiling. She spoke without thinking. She let her emotions get to the best of her before she could calm down to try and talk to her brother like the young adults they were. But it was too late. She’d gone too far.

Durk shook his head before releasing a dark chuckle.

“You an ungrateful ass bitch, you know that?” His voice spoke lowly but loud enough for her to hear.

Amiyah looked at him in disbelief as the tears came down her face.

“I had to put my life on hold to take care of you. I put myself at risk everyday just to make sure you’re taken care of. So that you won’t have to go out there doing anything you didn’t want to do just to put food in your mouth and clothes on your back. And this how you show some fuckin appreciation?”

He looked at her confused.

“Durk I do appreciate-“

“Get the fuck out my crib.” His voice spoke coldly.

“What?” She unfolded her arms before she walked towards him.

“You heard what I said. By the time I get back you better be gone. Good luck supporting yourself with that weak ass job.”

With that being the last thing spoken to her he brushed past her shoulder and left. Amiyah waited in the same spot hoping that her brother would come back and just tell her to forget this whole argument. But he didn’t.The tears that she thought she had control of were now cascading down her face nonstop.

“What the fuck did I just do!” She scolded herself as her hands covered her face.

She walked to her room. Pushing her door opened her eyes scouted around the room taking in all of her belongings. Where would she go? What could she take? How much could she take without having a vehicle of her own?

Walking over to her bed she sat in silence. She had to think. She had to find away to get her out of the mess that she put herself in. Picking up her phone she dialed the number of the only person she could run to without judgment.

“Hey, Kelley.”

_______________________________________

Erik rolled up to Frank’s Auto Garage. It was time for him to go on the mission. His attire was all black to make himself easily invisible in the shadows. Getting out and walking to his trunk he popped it opened and lifted his secret compartment befor grabbing a duffel bag.

Closing the trunk behind he locked it using his key fob and walked to the front door. He banged four times doing the code knock before he was invited in. One of Durks look out men opened the door.

“Oh shit, what’s good E. You working tonight?”

Giving a silent head nod of approval Erik dapped him up.

“Ok. Well boss is in management. I don’t know what’s going on but he definitely not in the mood. Tread lightly man.”

Taking note Erik walked to the room where Durk was. When he reached it he saw him sitting at his desk talking to someone that he never seen before. Erik tapped lightly on the door making his presence known.

Durk eyes shifted up. “Erik what’s good? Why you knocking? You my brother, you know you ain’t gotta do that.”

“Didn’t wanna interrupt. What’s good? How you doing?” Erik gave him dap with a hug. When they pulled apart he looked in his eyes trying to find an answer. Durk was hiding something.

“Yeah I’m straight. But I want you to meet the person who gon be going with you tonight.” He replied quickly before walking back to his desk.

The guy that sat there quietly got up from his seat. From Erik’s view he didn’t look too much younger than him. He seen his attire matched his as he seen that the young dude already had some leather gloves and a ski mask rested on his head.

Erik gave him a fist pump. “What’s up, I’m Erik.”

“Cane. Nice to meet you bro.”

Durk watched the two interact before interrupting.

“Alright it’s almost 3am. Just got word that nigga Shawn was at the club,which should be closing now. If y’all make it to the address before him-“

“That’ll give us time to find an area to stakeout and then bum-rush him. Catch him off guard.” Cane spoke.

Durk turned to look at Erik before smirking giving him a ‘I told you’ look.

“Exactly. Listen just make sure y’all get the M and dip.” He was referring to the million dollars stashed away.

“I know how this go. Just make sure this nigga straight before we go out there. You know what you doing lil nigga?” Erik questioned Cane.

He kissed his lips. “Look man this ain’t my first rodeo and if I didn’t know what I was doing I’m sure ya boy wouldn’t be calling me.”

“Whoa nigga you owe me a solid. Don’t act like I need you.” Durk stepped in to check him.

Cane waved the two off.

“Aight I trust ya judgment Durk but if shit hit the ceiling, you bailing me out nigga.”

Durk laughed. “Nigga get fuck and go get my money.”

They dapped one last time and Erik left with Cane trailing behind him. He went up to a shelf that had multiple sets of keys sitting on it. Erik grabbed one before walking to the back. There were five different cars out there. He hit the unlock button on the key fob that led him to a dark burgundy Toyota. It was the getaway car for the night. Erik never used his own when he had to do jobs.

He opened the back door and place the duffel bag in the bag. It had two Beretta M9’s, an Ak-47, as well as a roll of duck tape and rope in case the situation went left. Erik got in the driver side. He heard Cane slipping in the passenger seat as he place the address in. It would take them 37 minutes to get there.

Glancing at the clock it was now 2:24 am which gave them plenty of time to find a place for a hideout. Entering the highway Erik and Cane rode in a comfortable silence. Cane every now and then giving Erik a quick glance over before turning his head.

Some time had past when they noticed that they were arriving in the neighborhood of the house where Shawn stayed. The houses were a few yards away from each other but Erik knew that they would still be able to hear the sound of a gun if one went off.

“If you park on this side that bush will be a blind spot. That nigga won’t be able to see us when he pull up.” Cane pointed to the area.

Erik shook his head in agreement. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Pulling into the spot Erik parked the vehicle and shut it off. The light from one of the houses landscape slightly shined in the car to make it possible for them to see each other as they waited.

“So you the infamous Erik I heard about. Ya name got some clout to it with all them licks you did when you was coming up.” Cane broke the silence.

Ignoring his comment Erik reached in the back unzipping the duffel and taking out one of the Berettas. He began to load the clip.

“I never thought I see the day where I would be doing a job with you. Heard you was one hard ass nigga”

Chuckling Erik stopped to face Cane. “What you want an autograph or something. Damn nigga you sound like a fan.”

Cane smacked his lips and then laughed.“Aight you got it. But nah I’m just showing respect to an OG.”

“I don’t look that much older than you.”

“Still one of the OG’s.” Cane showed him respect.

“I appreciate the courtesy. I heard some good things about you as well.” Erik was referring to his previous conversation with Durk.

Cane shrugged. “I do a lil sumn.”

Reaching in the back Erik pulled out the Ak-47 and handed it to him.

“So then you should be able to handle this then.” He was testing him.

“What! This is personally my favorite. This thing could make any nigga dance.”

Erik laughed watching the thrill of excitement in Canes eyes. He reminded him of himself when he was first getting started. Ready and down for everything.

The headlights of a Cadillac SUV caught their attention. It was Shawn pulling up. They watched as he hopped out the driver side.

“Heard this nigga keep one on him. You think he gon try and pull it.” Cane took the safety off of the AK. He was talking about his piece.

“I don’t give a fuck what that nigga got. He better not flinch.” Erik pulled the mask over his face. He watched Shawn walk to his passenger side and opened the door.

“Oh shit! This nigga got a bitch with him.” Cane blurted out.

“Plans don’t change. It is what it is.” Erik spoke truthfully. He had to get the job done.

Cane nodded his head and pulled his mask down. They watch Shawn walk to the front door with the girl following close by. Three minutes later the couple went inside the house.

Erik and Cane exited the vehicle making their way onto the front lawn. Staying away from the security lights they crept on the side. There was a side door that they found that lead right into the kitchen. Peaking through the crack of the blinds Erik spotted the two in livingroom sitting on the couch facing the opposite way.

“Let me pick this lock.” Cane bent down to eye level with it. It took him nothing but a minute to get it open.

Quietly Erik turned the knob and entered. Both him and Cane slowly tipped toe to the livingroom putting a gun to both of their heads. Erik had Shawn and Cane had the girl.

“If you want you and your girl to make it to see another day I suggest you to comply with my instructions and not try anything stupid.” Erik threatened as he cocked the gun.

Shawn froze in his seat as the girl next to him started to scream. Cane hopped over the couch and snatched her up by the arm.

“Bitch shut the fuck up before I put a bullet in yo head. You know what get against the wall and stare at that muthafucka.” He pushed her towards the wall.

“Y’all niggas know who I am?” Shawn finally spoke up.

“Yeah nigga. Why else you think we here? We just want the money. It’s simple.” Erik negotiated with him. He pulled him off the couch by his shirt.

“I don’t know what you talkin-“ He was interrupted by Cane hitting him in the mouth with the butt of his gun.

“Nigga quit fuckin playing with us. Run that shit.”

Erik shook his head but smirked. This was one reckless ass dude and he liked it.

The girl screamed again. Erik could hear the terror in her voice. It sounded like she was going to cry.

“You got five minutes to give us that money or you and ya bitch die. Which one is it? Yo life or some dead presidents”

Cane started to run the show and Erik let him as he sat back and watched.

“Aight nigga. It’s in the fucking safe.” Shawn spit the blood out of his mouth.

“Lead the way then bitch.” Cane pushed him and followed him to the back.

Erik was left alone with the girl who was facing the wall. From behind she had a bad ass body. Gazing over her wardrobe she was Burberry down and her fire red locks fell down her back. He kept glancing back and forth between the dark hallway and her back before Erik finally heard a few words slip out of her lips.

“Please don’t hurt me.” She pleaded.

The moment her voice reached his ears his face scrunched up. Walking up to her he turned her around to face him. Backing up he put his gun down shaking his head with disbelief.

The bitch that Shawn had with him was Alexis.

____________________________

Please excuse any mistakes! I will edit this chapter soon!

Tag-list (If you’re not on it let me know and I’ll add you if you want to be added)

@supersizemeplz @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @hearteyes-for-killmonger @curls-and-crosses @killmonger-dolan @killmongerkink @migosis @raysunshine78 @alookintohersoul @popcorn803 @just-juicee @mllover260 @kimmyblckswan2 @koriiii @tchallasbabymama @toniilaney @marvelmaree @mia-faith @adreamsublime @queen-b1 @mcdesij @vintage-pvssy @viewsfromrose @ceeverse @smuttywriter @harleycativy @callmemckenzieee @theblulife @bvssmob @everything-is-awesomesauce @xoxomyaah @19jammmy @tchallas-ikumkani-wam @suburbanblackhoe @allhailqueennel @admirehermind @mymeira12universe-blog @bellanay

#black panther #erik smut #erik killmonger #erik x plus size reader #killmonger fanfiction #erik stevens #killmonger x reader #truglori #black panther killmonger #homebody

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paperstarwriters · 3 years

Text

In Faerie Forests

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a fic. Admittedly, I started this some time ago and I just recently got the chance to finish it. It’s another Optimus (or technically Orion) x reader fantasy AU where Cybertronians are just another fantasy race in the world like elves dwarves and humans. Everyone is sized down a bit. Bots & cons are still unfairly tall, but not building level tall at least.

Anyways, enjoy!

It wasn't exactly often that this happened, considering how the Cybertronians viewed the organic races of earth. However, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about them and possibly gain the upper hand. That most certainly was not what the other guests thought, as they hurried into satin dresses and suits and donned their makeup and masks. It shouldn't be so difficult for you to get into costume really. It was a simple outfit befitting of a lowly townsperson, and it wasn't like you haven't attended these parties before. It is however, your first time attending one that included Cybertronian guests. The fae were out of their mind to do such a ridiculous thing— but then again the fae were often crazy weren't they? It's not like the two races had too many differences after all, fae used to kidnap children, replacing them with changelings, and Cybertronians used to kidnap humans and use them for all manner of Cybertronian experiments. At least it was fun and temporary when Fae kidnapped you.

Nonetheless you forced yourself into the star themed outfit. It was a black formal getup with white stars that could be traced into constellations, you had made it yourself. Well, the stars at least. The clothing itself was made by the local weaver, a young boy who was able to pursue his dreams of sewing and fashioning clothes like his late mother from the aid of your books. As was taught in your annual balls with the fair folk come spring, no deed should go unrepaid lest it be used against you, and he offered to make you clothes for three specific events. One, in case you lost everything—from a robbery or something and you had lost most of your clothes—he vowed to make you some for free. Two, for the fae party that you were currently attending and thus the first outfit he had made you on that deal. And three, should you ever get married, he wanted to make you your wedding outfit. Suit or dress didn’t matter to him, but you declined, stating that you would likely never need that.

"I hope you never need the first one, but we can never be too sure," he had said, having just finished taking your measurements. "Who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone during the party!"

You rolled your eyes at the statement then, and you were rather intent on finding him just to stroll around the crowd and prove him horribly wrong. For all your years attending these faerie parties, you have never seen one so colourful and outright chaotic. The Cybertronians took at least minor precautions to "dress up" and had temporary paints decorate their armour in fanciful colours and a few, presumably high ranking ones, donned beautiful capes. One, a grey gladiator if any of his spiky armour was something to go by, donned a violet cape with the fluffiest collar you could ever lay your eyes on. For a mechanical race, they sure seemed to enjoy soft things if the feathered or fur collars everyone donned was anything to go by.

"Ah, excuse me?"

You spun around with a jolt. You had just arrived and your intention of staying hidden and away from the crowd was already shattered at your feet. It was a young looking mech with red plating on his chest decorated with blue patterns that looked almost like text. He had red paint smudged around his eyes in a mocking attempt to copy a domino mask. As shoddily made as it was, it highlighted his bright blue eyes a glittering and friendly glow resonating from his gaze. Presumably the same look you made when presented with a new book, he made this face while presented with a "cute little animal".

"What do you want?" you replied curtly, almost—almost— snapping at him. You didn’t want to make him get defensive. The last thing you needed was a rant from an eight foot tall metal golem about manners.

"it's just your vest, is that the constellation Orion on your back?” He grinned like a dork just about to explode with his info on constellations— again a look you’ve likely made before, and a look you are all too ready to reciprocate now.

“Oh yeah it is! Most people don’t pay too much attention to constellations outside of a select few, how do you know about it?”

He was grinning now, practically bouncing on his toes as he was given the permission to gush. It made you feel a twinge of guilt for thinking badly of him at first, but there were still chances to reveal himself as some stuck up jerk.

“I’m an archivist in Iacon, my name is—“

“NOPE!” You bark, cutting him off. You can safely identify him as an idiot now at the very least. “Sorry buddy, but in case you didn’t notice we’re in Fae territory right now. Look, unless you want to become a giant metal plaything for at least a few years for a bunch of faeries, you don’t mention your name here. Names have power, after all.” You watched his glee fade a bit before dropping to an all out pout that shouldn’t be so darn cute for someone so big, cybertronian or otherwise.

“What can I call you then?” It’s your turn to think then a contemplative look crossing your face for a moment before you beam up at him as you’re struck with an absolutely genius idea.

“How about Orion? Since you pointed it out. Pick a constellation and use it as your name.” You give a quick spin, and find yourself staring up at a very surprised bot. He flounders torn between saying something and keeping his mouth shut as it opens and closes several times.

“I.. Ah.. Well… uh… how … um Draco!” He finally managed to sputter out. He poked you gently in the stomach to point out the large constellation, accidentally shoving you back a bit. He didn’t even need to say sorry, as the apology was already shown bright on his face. “Ah! I’m sorry!”

You can’t help but burst out laughing at his frenzied display because despite being so much bigger than you, he acts like a tiny puppy. You ignore the shove entirely and point out a very curious predicament your names gave you.

“Draco? I’m the hunter! Am I to hunt you?”

You can’t help but laugh even harder when instead of a cocky “I don’t think you could little hunter” that would warrant a shoe shoved down his throat, he replies with a feeble, “not all hunters would go out to hunt the dragon…” He even poked his pointer digits together nervously.

Again. Unbefitting of the dragon, but then again, the hunter shouldn’t be feeling so friendly with the dragon they ought to hunt.

“So Draco, what were you saying?” His timidness melted as you steered the conversation from star based names and back towards the stars themselves.

“Uh, I am an archivist from Iacon--that is the reason I recognized the constellation on your back.”

You couldn’t help the wince that crawled onto your face as he responded flatly. He was still smiling respectfully at you, but that excited glimmer had died somewhere amidst his embarrassment. Not that it remained dead for long. Perhaps sensing the seed of awkward tension the fae seemed to deem that moment the exact time when they would start the music. It was a gentle song, light hearted as it played out, like a lullaby or a romance song—Likely the latter as you could see petals being strown about by the mischievous fae seeking to lure an unfortunate couple into intoxicating bliss.

He took it hook, line and sinker.

"May I have this dance?"

Aglow with golden light reflecting off of his armour, you found yourself caught in the net he was swimming to, but you couldn't find it in your heart to care. You knew how to get out from the fae's tricks. All you wanted right now, was to watch that hazy glow from his blue eyes as it mixed with the golden light while the both of you swayed to the gentle music that played around you.

"Your forests here are so enchanting." He tore his eyes away from you, to stare at the trees blooming with delicate spring flowers. Many of which, were a tasteful and vicious red, explaining the petals that were beginning to coat the grassy floors. The red did little in comparison to the red finish of his armour.

You placed your hand in his outstretched one, watching from the corner of your eyes as his head spun back around to face you and an eager grin spread across his face. You tried to pretend to focus on the beauty around you that he had so kindly pointed out, but his eager look held your attention, and you had to eventually resign to attempting to stare at the sun before you. A smile far too bright for mortal eyes.

"Thanks, Cybertron doesn't have forests right?" Draco winced casting his glance away nervously.

"I assure you, despite common belief, we did not invade and destroy land to create our space any more than you humans did. We simply took to the more… rocky terrain and—"

"Oh, no, I know that already," you chuckled interrupting him.

You recall the moment you learned of it vividly in your mind; hearing of it from some elven gossip followed by cautious research on the topic. Many works by other groups were able to attest to the fact that Cybertron was metallic for a long time, and that they did not chop down surrounding trees and forestry. Simply speaking, they tended to take up residence in desert areas. At the moment of the revelation it had caused you to tiredly roll your eyes and make some sarcastic comment about, "not adding deforestation to the list of terrible deeds."

Now however, you wished you had the chance to re-read every book you had from Cybertron, if only to be able to have a competent conversation with Draco. You were forced to flounder for information asking questions that were probably very basic to him or even worse, judgemental. You're current knowledge of Cybertronians was highly biased, information from former "pets" and those who met the primes and war frames at the battlefield. Sure those acts sucked, those people suffered immensely, but it wasn’t like Draco was directly responsible for that. Humans sucked too, but there were still good people around.

Regardless of your bias, Draco was able to easily educate you on the various topics he knew. He didn't shy away from bad history either. Often when you spoke badly of the current ruler, Sentinel prime, you were met with a wry smile and a few bitter or sassy remarks about the prime behind his back. It was hilarious to listen to. You probably gained more information about the prime through Draco's salty remarks than you would from a textbook.

In fact, the jokes and quips still lingered in your mind today.

After your dance together, the gray gladiator you had noticed earlier broke out into an argument with another Cybertronian. Draco had apparently known him and scurried off to help out before he damaged something. The celebration ended early when the Fae began getting angry at the disturbance. Since then, you didn't have the chance to meet Draco again and unfortunately you never got his actual name. Regardless you did your research on Cybertron hoping for a day when you could meet him again.

The door of your humble bookstore, creaked open the little bell hung by the frame notifying you of a customer's entrance. A flash of a vivid blue eyes and red finish you had not seen in a while.

He was a large mech with a calm but regal expression that radiated a sense of royalty, or at least noble blood. Yet he did not show off or look down at you like most of the high class would. Instead, he looked at you with surprise then flashed you a radiantly warm smile that might as well have been all the blinding beauty of a sunset condensed into a singular expression on his metallic face. You had to tear your eyes away from the sight, lest you go blind. Instead you directed your attention at the finish that coated his frame. Vivid red, but his frame was vastly different from you old friend Draco. Regardless, the simple similarity brought a smile to your face as you brought your gaze back to his blue optics.

"Hello there, what is your name?"

Again he flashed you a radiant smile, with a twinge of mischief that reminded you of Draco's sass.

"My name is Orion. Orion Pax."

#optimus prime #transformers prime #tfp #transformers fantasy au #optimus prime x reader #Orion pax x reader #Orion pax #Optimus x reader #Orion x reader #tfp optimus x reader #optimus x you #transformers #x reader #reader insert

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rachelbethhines · 4 years

Text

Tangled Salt Marathon - Beyond the Corona Walls Part 2

Part two is here, so let’s get on with the rest of the stupid shall we...

You can find part 1 here - https://rachelbethhines.tumblr.com/post/624977559380213760/tangled-salt-marathon-beyond-the-corona-walls

Summary: Rapunzel and the group return to Vardaros to find Eugene, only to learn about his engagement to Stalyan, leaving Rapunzel heartbroken and regretting her decision on rejecting Eugene's marriage proposal. However, after being encouraged by Cassandra, Rapunzel returns to Vardaros and stops the wedding between Eugene and Stalyan. Meanwhile, Adria gives Raps another piece of the scroll and an ominous hint to her future.

So Why is the Baron Still Operating If Both Raps and Eugene Know Who He Is?

Keep in mind this guy still has a house in Corona that they know about, he’s still a crime boss who’s criminal actions still affect their kingdom, and they both have the ear of the man who is in charge of running things and who has had a vested interest in cracking down on crime for the past 19 years. So why hasn’t Frederic gone after this dude? You can’t say it’s because he’s hiding out here, when he has a base of operations and living quarters in the kingdom itself. And if it’s because he has money, then that’s just further proof that Frederic is corrupt.

The Writers Undermine Themselves When They Try to Make Conflicts Lopsided

So the writers are trying to have their cake and eat it too in this episode. They want to make Stalyan just unlikeable enough so that the audience won’t hold Eugene accountable for his past actions, but not so unlikable that she’s irremediable later. Hence the excuse that the blackmail is her dad’s idea and that she still believes that Eugene is really in love with her and is just playing hard to get.

The problem is, by having Stalyan still aware of the situation and complacent in this plan instead of fighting against it, the audience isn’t inclined to see things her way and less inclined to give her a second chance when they try to pull her redemption later.

Moreover, this also undermines Eugene’s character arc as well, because him learning to be more responsible has to include acknowledgement of his past wrongs. Instead all he does is make excuses or look vaguely guilty over shit that’s only implied not stated. There’s no outright admittance of wrong nor apology for the way he treated her.

Staylan can’t be sympathetic later on if don't show things from her perspective in the now and Eugene can’t grow as a character if he doesn’t realize what he’s done wrong specifically.

Context Is Key

Yeah, that’s a lot of screenshots, I know, but you need to hear/read the line in full. Because there’s not enough context within the episode to make this line work.

What does ‘someone like you’ mean? What was his relationship with Stalyan like before the break up? When did the break up happen? Why did he leave her at the altar? Why is she still trying to be with him after such a thing? Why wouldn’t Stalyan believe him when he says he’s really in love with Raps? And why, oh why, are we going with this ‘marriage is a prison’ metaphor when the person saying it wants to get married herself? To the very person she’s saying ‘don't get married’ to, no less!

Now we get hints to answer some of those questions, but none of those hints are in the actual episode itself. Hence the main failing of the episode. That’s because the writers still don’t want to admit fault in their mains. Because, at the end of the day, for all of their talk about how ‘it’s not a kids show’, they can’t or won’t tackle actual mature topics like ‘relationships are hard and failed ones can be the fault of both parties or neither party’.

‘Contrived Misunderstanding’ Is Literally the Dumbest Plot Point Ever

Unless you are the Bard of Avon risen from the unholy grave himself, don’t fucking do this. Even then I still criticize Shakespeare heavily for bullcrap like this. It’s lazy and more over it’s not fun.

We already know what the ending outcome is going to be so there’s no tension to be had here. It’s just a cheap way to have conflict between the mains without having them actually address shit or grow as people. Instead of having believable conflicts where people have competing needs or desires, they just throw Stalyan in here to be a scapegoat; and then throw the Baron in here on top of that to be her scapegoat.

So Let’s Talk About Staylan’s Thought Process Here

Okay, if we’re to make any sense of Staylan’s actions here, we have to answer some of those above questions.

What does ‘someone like you’ mean? What was his relationship with Stalyan like before the break up?

We honestly don’t know what their relationship was like. We never see them before the break up, only afterwards, and that’s not a good indicator of anything really. All we know are five things;

Eugene wasn’t a very good person during his Flynn Rider days

He is hinted to be a former womanizer in both the movie and during certain points in season one (the threesome joke in TRoS comes most to mind)

He left Staylan at the altar instead of being the bigger person and breaking things off with her respectfully

He’s known Staylan since they were both teenagers (he’s had a crush on her since they were 15/16) and they’ve been in some sort of long term relationship for some undetermined amount of time

They use to pull jobs together, with Staylan sometimes goating him on, possibly taking charge most of the time.

That’s it. That’s all we got. You can’t really judge Stalyan based off that information alone. All we get from this is that she’s sometimes bossy and probably a little spoiled, but so is Rapunzel honestly, and neither of those things mean that they’re abusive on their own. If anything, knowing those things actually puts Eugene in more of a bad light, but he’s pulling the woobie card here; so you’re not meant to think about those things in the moment which is manipulative writing.

When did the break up happen? Why did he leave her at the altar?

Now here’s the million dollar question, because honestly the show doesn’t give us a consistent time frame of events and contradicts itself all the time. Some have argued that the break up happened eight years ago when the Baron screwed Eugene and Lance over during that robbery flashback in TRoS. Yet in Flynnpostor the Baron says that he had hired Eugene to steal the crown in the movie indicating that they were still working together all the way up until he met Rapunzel.

So which is it? Cause either answer drastically changes the context of his relationship with Staylan, their subsequent break up, and informs the motivation behind Stalyan’s words and actions.

Why is she still trying to be with him after such a thing? Why wouldn’t Stalyan believe him when he says he’s really in love with Raps?

Here’s what I think went down, and what I think the writers are trying to poorly imply here.

Eugene and Staylan had a tremulous on again/off again relationship for several years; where she’d be bratty and controlling and he’d cheat on her and/or leave, only, for whatever reason, to come crawling back and she’d ultimately ‘forgive’ him and they start at square one. The ‘leave her at the altar’ can’t be a one and done thing otherwise she wouldn’t be conditioned to take him back so readily, nor believe his relationship with Raps isn’t serious.

In fact, if we take ‘stealing the crown for the Baron’ thing at face value then it implies he stood Stalyan up just to be with Rapunzel. Which makes sense as no self respecting woman would wait around for 8 flipping years. One year is already pushing things as is, but if Eugene has a history of con artistry and cheating then, yeah, she could convince herself that Eugene is pulling a scam and still loves her instead.

To Staylan’s mind, she’s just trying to convince Eugene to give up his cushy life of royalty to live with her in a less comfortable but ultimately ‘truer’ way of life. She doesn’t see it as asking him to choose between her and Rapunzel cause she doesn’t see that what he has with Rapunzel as love. She thinks he’s faking it, like always. She thinks that ‘Eugene’ is his latest con and that Flynn Rider is his true identity.

And why, oh why, are we going with this ‘marriage is a prison’ metaphor when the person saying it wants to get married herself? To the very person she’s saying ‘don't get married’ to, no less!

Well the real reason is cause the writers have really messed up ideas about marriage, but the in universe reason is that Staylan sees ‘love’ as ‘unconditional acceptance’. Eugene, or ‘Flynn’, doesn’t have to pretend with her. She knows every awful thing about him, been hurt by him, and she still takes him back, and vise versa. Their on again/off again relationship has convinced her that putting up with mistreatment means that you must really love that person. She doesn’t understand that people can change and grow and that being in a healthy relationship requires both of those things.

That’s the only interpretation of their relationship that actually makes sense of Stalyan’s actions to my mind. Feel free to interpret it another way if you’d like, because we really have no clue. Just don’t try to pass off you’re interpretation as fact. And if you still see Staylan as the only person in the wrong here; I have to ask you to ask yourself why? Is it the manipulative writing, is it cause she’s not conventionally ‘nice’ like Rapunzel, or is just cause you see her as a threat to New Dream? Because holding her actually accountable for her actions is one thing, calling her ‘a child abuser’ (fandom’s words not mine) just cause she’s a bitchy and bitter ex is another thing entirely. (also they’re the same freaking age what the hell tumblr)

This Song Would Hold More Weight If They Gave Us an Actual Real Interpersonal Conflict

I’m just going to split ball a few ideas here, just to show what we potentially missed out on..

Stalyan is blissfuly unaware of the Baron’s plot, meaning Eugene now has to wrestle with admitting the truth of his past actions to her, along with keeping Lance safe, and trying to figure out a way to save his relationship with Rapunzel

There’s is no Baron involvement, Stalyan is his ex, but he comes to realize that they have more in common than he and Raps does. Meaning that the narrative has to actually address his and Rapunzel’s relationship issues; like their lack of communication and their seemingly conflicting life goals

Once again, no Baron involvement and Stalyan is his ex, but she’s just a victim Eugene screwed over when he was still Flynn Rider. She warns Rapunzel of what he use to be like and she has to confront the fact that she rushed into a relationship with someone she barely knows while he has to confront the fact that simply giving up his ways isn’t always enough and other people are still hurt by his actions

Dump the ‘ex’ plot altogether and have Rapunzel meet someone new instead. Have her question if a committed relationship is what she wants, and if Eugene really is the person for her. Address the fact that she has no experiences to in which to judge their relationship by.

What makes these options stronger is that there’s no clean cut bad guy (except for the Baron). There’s no right or wrong answer to the problem; no easy solution. The less sure an outcome the more tension you can add to the conflict, and these conflicts can go any number of ways; from a temporary break up to a reaffirmation of love.

That’s mature. That’s complex. That’s not reaching for the easy low hanging fruit. The creators seem to think thing dark, edgy, and shocking is ’deep’ but it’s actually quite shallow, especially when you constantly present one sided conflicts like today’s episode.

Your Name Literally Means ‘Lettuce’, Rapunzel

Unlike some fans, I don’t mind Rapunzel being jealous and hypocritical. As I said before, I like my heroines to have actual flaws. The problem is that the show goes out of its way to justify her bitchiness instead of calling it for what it is.

I Don’t Usually Bring Shipping Into These Reviews But,

Eugene and Lance have the healthiest relationship in the show. Like there is zero competition, here. Outside of a few ‘not-so-serious’ crack pairings, like Pete/Stan/Willow or Caine/Trevor, I don't really have any other ‘canon’ ships. I’m like 90% of the time shipping crossover pairings and 90% of those are Varian ships.

But this is still a flaw because it’s not intentional. The writers genuinely think that New Dream is a healthy romantic pairing and that Cass and Raps are a genuinely good friendship/sibling relationship, but they aren’t. And before you say anything, Casspunzel, isn’t the intent of the creators; regardless if you or some of the non-writing staff ship them. Like, it’s okay to ship them, but they aren’t intentionally written to be romantic any more than Lance and Eugene.

My point in bringing up all this up is this: A bunch of male writers only knew how to portray a male friendship well; not a female friendship, not a sister relationship, not a mother and child relationship, not a father and child relationship, not a gay romance, not even a het romance. That tells me that the creators on this show have an extremely limited world view. Which you need to expand upon if you have any inspirations as a creative writer.

You’ll Have an Ice Sculpture of Shorty at Your Wedding, Raps.

You don’t get to judge, woman.

I Usually Love the Art Direction on the Show, but, Not Gonna Lie, I’m Disappointed We Didn’t Get an Actual Wedding Dress for Stalyan

This is animated in what? Toonboom? Flash? Would it really have been that time consuming just to make a palette swap of her regular dress here? I mean you made a bunch of new character designs and gave Raps a new outfit just for this episode so clicking a few new swatches on an already existing model doesn’t sound that hard.

But yes, I’m nitpicking here. That’s cause I hate where all this is going, and I’m trying to put off the inevitable.

Deactivating the Rocks Was a Mistake

Like I said, making the rocks no longer a threat means that our heroine no longer has a reason for her quest. You’ve just ended your main conflict and now we’re going to have to sit through a whole season of watching the creators spin their wheels trying to find a new one. While also invalidating both the previous and future conflicts cause all she had to do was touch a rock and that’s it. That’s what this whole story amounts to.

Also you’re telling me that the main hero was just now willing to risk the life of a bunch of innocent bystanders just cause she be jelly?

Lack of Remorse Undermines Stalyan’s Future Appearances

If you want to pawn off the blackmail stuff onto her dad then you need to have her stand up to her dad on screen. Because we get no indication that she learns anything from these events in this episode, we have no reason to root for her redemption later. I mean she’s literally declaring revenge here.

Say it with me; It’s a lack of setup and resolve.

Nothing Is Resolved

Rapunzel tries to hold an honest conversation for once and Eugene just shuts her down. Yet, this is presented as a form of positive growth for him? The whole point of their relationship problems is their lack of communication and Rapunzel not being assertive about what she wants. But sure, let's have them still not communicate and have Eugene actively talk over her in order to drag out this plot point that doesn’t need to be dragged out.

Stop Treating Marriage as a Trap

Okay, first off, she was about to ask you to marry her, you dolt, so stop assuming. Second off, this a really bad lesson and the fact that Rapunzel now feels pressured to lie through her teeth about what she really wants contradicts this whole ‘Rapunzel needs to choose for herself thing’ the story’s got going on.

I want to make it clear that the writers threw in this ‘forced marriage’ plot not teach Eugene responsibility, you know the thing he actually needs to learn, but to teach him that ‘marriage is bad’. Even though respectfully asking the person you're already in a committed relationship with to marry you is not in any way, shape, or form the same as a bitchy ex blackmailing you into doing something you don’t wanna do.

Marriage is Not a Trap; Stop Treating It As Such.

Oh Look, Now It’s Eugene’s Turn To Have His Feeling Ignored

Yes, how dare Eugene have an opinion that different from Raps.

Remind me again which relationship was the toxic one?

‘Destiny’ Is Not a Reason

Like ‘destiny’ in a narrative sense means that there’s either an unavoidable consequence for not fulfilling it, a fate that can’t be avoid no matter how hard you try, or a prophecy to help show the characters what needs to be done. It’s a tool to create tension and foreshadowing. It’s not a goal in of itself. But the series never expands upon this ‘destiny’ stuff. It’s treated like an end all and be all for the characters actions, but that’s not how its supposed to work.

So, What Was the Point?

You’ll hear me ask this question a lot during season two. But for this episode specifically there’s barely anything worthwhile to the ongoing narrative here.

None of the mains learn anything, none of the side characters learn anything, the Baron and Stalyan wind up not adding anything to the overall narrative, and Vardaros and its inhabitants never come back into play after this season. So what was the point?

The only reason why I don’t recommend skipping the episode altogether is because of Adria’s introduction, the DK flashback, and the scroll pecice. But all of that is so divorced from the episode’s A plot that it might as well not have been here.You could have taken nearly all of Adria’s scenes and fitted them into another episode. Meaning, you could have easily cut all of Vardaros, the Baron, and Stalyan out of the show and it wouldn’t have made a difference to the story arc.

Conclusion

I’ll give the opening this much. It lets you know what your in for for the rest of season; lots of filler, a disconnected arc, and no Varian (or other main threat) to be seen. Ugh!

#tangled #anti-tangled #tangled the series #rapunzel's tangled adventure #stalyan #eugene #rapunzel

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whitecatindisguise · 4 years

Note

Ok, so here goes. How about a lil mashup? (TTS would be modern, to match the other fandoms) Imagine what would happen if Varian travelled to San Fransokyo for some kind of science expo and meets Hiro and Baymax there. There is a robbery at the Expo and Player asks them for help (he already knows Hiro) as it's V.I.L.E.'s doing but Carmen's on another mission somewhere else. I know it's a bit chaotic but I tried to explain idea as good as I could

Okay, took me a while. It might be different from what you imagined, but that's what you get when you ask your sister dearest to write you a story lmao.

------

“Alchemist to Zero. What’s your status?” The communicator in Hiro’s helmet sounded and the boy rolled his eyes.

“I see the target. They are entering the building. Can’t see the cargo, tho.” He replied. “And what’s with the codenames?”

“Because I think it’s unfair only Player gets to have one.” The person on the other side replied and Hiro rolled his eyes again. So childish.

“Because I have to stay anonymous.” Another voice cut in. “And remember this is only for one job. Normally I’d send Red, but she has her hands full in Seul already.”

“Yeah, yeah.” The previous voice dismissed and Hiro could hear the sizzling of acid. “Anyway, I’m in. Let’s get my stuff back and go already. I have an Expo to win.”

“In your dreams, Va- Alchemist.” Hiro corrected himself quickly. No matter what he said about codenames, he didn’t want to risk anyone hearing their real names. “The prize is mine.”

“You wish!” The other replied and Hiro chuckled.

“Guys, work now, bicker later.” Player called with an exasperated huff. “Besides, if I was there, none of you would even stand a chance.”

Hiro decided to leave it at that, opting to focus on the mission instead. He still had no idea why someone would steal Varian’s chemicals, but it was always better safe than sorry.

The Expo was an international science event, when the scientist from all around the globe met in one place to show their latest inventions and fight for the main prize, the title of Scientist of the Year. What was amazing about the Expo, it allowed both adults and teenagers like him, or Varian, compete alongside.

You never know where the genius is hiding, was the Expo’s motto. He and Varian met on the event few years ago, and became quick friends, despite being rivals in the contest.

Varian didn’t live in San Fransokyo. The boy was German and was extremely intelligent. He spoke several languages, English, French and Italian being only few of them, except for his native German. He was into chemistry the most, but also had a knack for engineering.

They often spoke online, comparing their latest inventions, sharing stories and giving advice to one another.

Player, on the other hand, was a mystery. Hiro never saw the guy, but from what he’d learned, he was only a year or two older than himself, and extremely intelligent too. He was a talented hacker who lived in Ontario, Canada, and preferred to stay at home.

He contacted Hiro on the day of the Expo (how he got his phone number, he had no clue) and told him about the upcoming heist happening at the Expo. Apparently, some group called V.I.L.E. was planning to steal some very dangerous chemicals during the event.

Player explained he’d normally didn’t bother uninvolved people, but the chemicals are supposed to be extremely dangerous in wrong hands, and his usual team was busy somewhere else.

A short talk with Honey Lemon confirmed Player’s info, so Hiro decided to help the boy, if only to stop the criminals from doing something really bad. So, imagine his surprise, when the stolen chemicals turned out to belong to Varian.

The German scientist absolutely refused to let Hiro go after the thieves alone, claiming his knowledge of what exactly the chemicals were and how to best contain them will only help him. Player agreed shortly after and Hiro gave the boy a spare communicator, so they can all communicate with no trouble.

Hiro’s scaled down from the building across the street, where he was positioned, and approached the abandoned warehouse the criminals went in. He pushed himself against the wall, stealing a glance through one of the windows.

There were only two people inside, a blonde woman in a tight suit and mask covering her face, and a man dressed like a mime. Quick conversation with Player revealed their names to be Tigress and Mime Bomb respectively.

The woman held out a hand with a suitcase. A quick glance told Hiro it contained the stolen chemicals, as he noticed the moon emblem on the front, which was the symbol Varian used to mark his property.

Hiro peeked out some more, and noticed the said boy crouching behind one of the crates in the warehouse, observing the two. Varian’s hands twitched and Hiro knew they didn’t have much time.

“Don’t do anything stupid, V.” He whispered into the communicator, which only earned him an annoyed huff. God, this was terrible idea to bring him along.

Varian was extremely possessive over his things. Sure, he let people see them, but if you try to even touch them without his consent...

“Va-Alchemist!” He called out more urgently, hoping to stop the boy from doing anything reckless.

Varian had literally no experience with criminals. Hiro met and fought with his fare share, but the German boy was a complete rookie. If he doesn’t do anything now it’s-

Just then it seemed like Varian’s patience finally reached his limit. He jumped from behind the crates with a battle cry, brandishing some colourful balls in each hand, strangely similar-looking to the ones used by Honey Lemon.

“Crap! Player, I’m going in!” Hiro called out and pushed away from the wall, running to the door.

He heard shouts and some explosions from the inside. He pulled the door open and hoped for the best, bursting inside. His eyes felt on the scene in front of him and stopped, dumbfounded.

“Zero, what’s going on there?” Player called out in his ear, but the boy was too shocked to reply. “Hiro!”

“You... just access my helmet camera and see for yourself.” Hiro sounded tired.

He heard fast typing and then a gasp of surprise, which told him Player finally had a visual. And what visual was that.

Mime Bomb was sprawled out on the floor, stuck in some pink goo, looking confused at the ordeal. Tigress was on the other side of the room, stuck to the wall with the same kind of substance, snarling and shouting in anger at someone crouching on the floor.

That someone was Varian, who frantically worked to open the suitcase, his hands trembling in fear. Finally, the lock clicked open and the boy let out a sigh of relief.

“Nothing is broken. Thank the Sun.” He breathed out and closed the suitcase. He picked it up and stood up, staring at the woman glued to the wall. “What were you thinking, throwing it like that?! Don’t you know if any of those broke it would be a disaster?! We could all die!”

“I wouldn’t have to throw it, if you didn’t attack us!” Tigress snarled back angrily and tried to pull herself free. “Who even are you?”

“I’m the one who made those chemicals, you dumbass!” Varian shouted back, not even noticing Hiro standing in the now-open door. “If you steal something, at least learn what to NOT DO with it!”

“Is Varian just... lecturing her?” Player asked. Hiro could almost see his wide-open eyes threatening to fall out of the eye sockets.

“Yup.” He confirmed, staring blankly at the scene.

“Is he normal?” The Canadian sounded shocked. Hiro shrugged.

“Is any of us?” He replied and earned a sigh and a snort in return. “Are the police coming?”

“Oh, yeah. I gave them an anonymous tip few minutes ago, They should be here soon.” Player finally seemed to shook himself awake. “Better leave before they arrive.”

“Sure. Hey, Alchemist!” He called out, sparing the trapped woman another tirade of insults.

Varian turned around and smiled.

“Hey, Zero. Got my stuff!” He raised the hand with the suitcase and waved with the other. “Easy-peasy.”

“Good, ‘cause the police is going to be here soon.” Hiro could already hear the sirens coming closer. “We gotta go.”

“Oh, right!” Without further stalling, Varian ran up to him and they left the two criminals still stuck by the peculiar goo.

They were already several blocks away, when Player finally deemed it safe enough to stop running.

“By the way.” Hiro turned to panting Varian, who rose his head in question. “What’s with the goo?”

“Oh, that?” Varian grinned, showing his bunny teeth and pulled out a pink ball from his pocket. “It’s my own invention. Sticks to everything it touches. I actually came up with it as a more humane way to get rid of the pests back in Old Corona. But it works just as well at stopping idiots from doing more harm than they already did.”

“Nice.” Hiro nodded. “How long does it take to dissolve?”

“Few hours. That is, unless you have a dissolver at hand, which I have right here.” Varian fished out another ball, this time green and cackled. “Serves them right for stealing from me.”

“Remind me to never get on your bad side.” Hiro laughed and shook his head at his friend. “Are we clear to go back to the Expo now, Player?”

“Sure thing. Thanks for the help, guys.” Player replied.

“Oh yeah! Go Team Genius!” Varian laughed and raised a fist in the air.

“We really have to talk about those codenames.” Hiro let out a tired sigh and Player laughed in his ear.

#tts #carmen sandiego #bh6 #tts/cs/bh6 crossover #varian #player #hiro hamada #team genius

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thedyingmoon · 5 years

Text

💜 This I Promise 💜

***

LXIV. Reunion

***

(F/N) waited patiently in the living room as Rogers the Head Butler finally let her visitor in.

And it was none other than Kenny Ackerman, himself.

"Kenny?" she asked, confused as to the man's sudden visit. "What are you doing here? I thought you're on the run from Rod's men?"

But, Kenny had no time for idle chit chat.

"You,... IDIOT!" he screamed at her.

"Why did you say that?!" she was definitely taken aback by what the man had just told her.

"Why are you marrying Smith?! I thought you made yourself clear!"

"Of what?"

"And I even made sure that you and him would end up with each other!"

Him?

"I'm sorry, who?"

Kenny just clicked his tongue. A very familiar gesture.

"Forget it." he answered dejectedly. "It seems that I was wrong about you and I have made the wrong choice. No. You made the wrong choice. Guards!"

All of a sudden, several Military Police uniformed men showed up in front of them bearing guns and pointing them at Kenny. (F/N) stood up in fright.

"Whoa! What are you doing here in this household?!" (F/N) blurted out. "I thought you're not allowed here?!"

"I let them in." Kenny simply said. And to the men, he said, "I'm yours now. Take me away."

(F/N) watched in total disbelief as Kenny just let himself be manhandled and taken away forcefully from the room. She screamed and begged for them to let him go, but they would not listen. Kenny would not listen.

Helplessly, (F/N) collapsed to the sofa. She had little time to process what just happened, when, all of a sudden, Rogers announced the next visitors.

Or visitor.

"Captain Levi?" (F/N)'s eyes were wide open as she gazed at the handsome man who stood right in front of her.

And what's more, he was wearing a formal suit, coat, and even a tie.

"(F/N), I just wanted to let you know,..." Levi began as solemnly as he could.

"W-what is it?"

"I'm getting married."

"Getting married?!" as if earlier's events didn't shake her hard enough, here was the man she loved, announcing he was getting hitched. "With who - ?"

Her voice dropped to a depressing degree as a very beautiful ginger - haired woman paraded the room and joined Levi on his side. It was none other than Petra Ral, herself. And she was wearing the most beautiful white gown she had ever seen in her entire life. She linked her arm together with Levi's and smiled sweetly at her.

"I'm so happy I'm gonna marry the man of my dreams. Me!" Petra announced happily, still smiling gorgeously at her. Then, she faced Levi and kissed him on the lips. "I love you, Levi."

And to (F/N)'s horror, jealousy, and dismay, he answered, "I love you very much, Petra."

"Let's get going!" Petra sang as she dragged Levi away from the room.

And away from (F/N)'s life.

She felt her heart sink to the ground as strange, painful sensations invade her broken heart. It was not even a minute when another visitor showed itself in front of her.

It was that same dark - haired child from before.

And she looked really sad.

"Don't you love me anymore, mom?" the beautiful child said to her, with eyes beginning to glisten with tears. "Don't you want to see me anymore?"

***

(F/N) sat up in bed, bewildered by what she just dreamed of. It just,... felt so real.

The dream was still in her head when she went down to join her grandmother for breakfast. Almost a week had passed since she met her true family, and since then, the Dowager Duchess would only allow her to go out at night when nobody would see her come out of her mansion. The poor old woman just didn't want to lose her grandchild again, and she was afraid that the enemies would take her away from her. The woman even went to extreme lengths to ban each and every visitor who would call on her, save for her closest friends, to prevent anyone from seeing her.

And as she sat down and read the news regarding her grandmother's eccentric and anti - social behavior, she looked at her with sad eyes. The Duchess noticed this but remained composed as she spread butter on her fresh bread.

"Is anything wrong, dear?" she asked.

"It's,... this." (F/N) said, pointing at the newspaper. "Why do they treat you like this? It's like,... they don't even consider you as a member of the society."

The Duchess just smiled and answered, "Oh, it's nothing new. They can call me whatever they want, and I would never care. You're here and I' am more than glad for that."

"I see,..." (F/N) said and was about to pick up her bread when Rogers the Head Butler came in.

"Lady (F/N)'s friends wanted to see her, Your Grace." he announced with his throaty, solemn voice.

"By Walls, who are those friends?" The Dowager inquired.

In a space of a second, Rogers eyes went from composed to alarmed as he slightly turned his head towards the living room, where a strange sound and an "oof!" and a "watch it!" could suddenly be heard.

And (F/N) knew who they were before Rogers could even announce them.

"They said they're from the Scouting - " Rogers began but was interrupted when (F/N) sped past him towards the living room like an excited child. " - Legion,..."

Surely enough, when she arrived there on the spacious living room, she saw them there.

"Guys?" (F/N) said, afraid that they would vanish at slightest sound she would make.

"(F/N)!" Nifa screamed excitedly as she threw herself at her long lost friend in a huge hug. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you, too, Nifa, everyone!"

"Hi, there, (F/N)!" Jean suavely said as he waved at her from the sofa.

"(F/N)?" Eren went closer to her, as if to inspect her. "Are you sure you no longer have amnesia?"

"Amnesia? I heard that word before." (F/N) answered back, trying to recall where she heard the word.

"It's a disorder wherein a person suffers memory loss due to severe head trauma." Eren answered expertly. "But, you're not Carlstead anymore, right?"

"Wait, how did you even know that?"

"It's uncle Grisha." Mikasa provided the answer. "Eren's father was Shiganshina District's only Doctor. "He was the one who taught Eren those things."

"Oh, I see. Then," (F/N) said when the memory of that evening finally returned from her. "that woman from before. The one from the Winter Season Ball who was being chased by an old, bald man,..."

"That's Eren." Hange stood up from the sofa and went towards (F/N). "And, it seems that Commander Pyxis could tell him even under disguise and heavy makeup."

(F/N)'s mind made different flips as she remembered that night and how Eren looked like. And she became wide - eyed, both in confusion and amusement.

"Wait! So, you were that lady!"

"Not only him." Jean told her. "We, I mean Mikasa and I, were there, as well."

For almost an hour, Hange and her friends told her everything that happened when she had amnesia, things that occured in the Legion and their reasons for going undercover that evening during the Winter Season Ball.

"Erwin told me that." (F/N) told them. "But, he said he never even got the answers he was looking for. Turns out they were only using him for another purpose - to lure him away from the Legion even further for the enemies to purge the witnesses of that day."

"And they almost succeeded." Hange said. "They even injured some of the recruits that night. But, thankfully, we managed to apprehend them. If we didn't return in time for them to tell all the things that were happening and prepare for what's to come, all of the Scouts, and not only the witnesses, would surely end up dead."

"We didn't go down without a fight!" Eren added.

"But, the news only mentioned that the reason behind the violence was due to a robbery. Those scoundrels!" Jean exclaimed, his teeth gritting in anger.

"They really don't want anyone knowing about these events. They're clearly hiding the truth from the people." Nifa mentioned. "Remember all the fake news Berg spread last year about that incident where Captain Levi was involved? And the fact that there were - "

But, Nifa immediately stopped talking upon seeing the glum look on (F/N)'s face at the mention of the Captain's name. Hange noticed this and took matters to her own hands.

"Nifa, Jean, could you inform Your Grace about the news we just brought? You know, that?" Hange asked the two.

The two just nodded, stood, and went directly towards Rogers, who was standing attentively on a corner waiting for orders, to inquire him of the Duchess whereabouts in the huge mansion to deliver their news.

"And while we're at it, Eren, Mikasa, I think you left the parcel outside in the garden. You dropped it there, remember?" Hange told the two.

"Oh, you're right!" Eren's eyes widened as he recalled about it. "We'll get it now. Let's go, Mikasa."

The two went out, leaving (F/N) and Hange behind. (F/N) was oblivious as to what will happen, and only waited for some answers.

"News? What news is that, Miss Hange?" (F/N) innocently asked, fairly avoiding the dreaded topic.

To this, Hange just smiled. She just took (F/N)'s hands and saw the ring on her finger.

"Are you happy with this?" Hange carefully asked.

"With what?" (F/N) replied, certainly knowing the answer deep within her aching heart.

"With your decision to marry Erwin?"

At the mention of her stupid decision, (F/N) felt her heartbeat slow down for a while as cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

"I made the decision, Miss Hange. There's no turning back."

"Alright, then." Hange let go of her hands. "Did Levi tell you why we even pursued you in disguise?"

(F/N) thought hard about this, when she realized that she never really gave him a chance to explain in the first place.

Hange saw the answer in her melancholic eyes and spoke,

"You see, that one time when we saw you on Stohess District, we, Levi and I, were already searching for you when we found out that you're still alive and being hidden from us by Erwin. Levi was going to take you away, but you refused him, because you don't remember him. And you were scared of him, so you told him to get away from you. Do you remember that?"

Slowly, all those memories from Stohess went back to her, of Levi's sad face, him begging her to go home with him,...

... and her refusing him just because she doesn't remember him.

"Y-yes, I remember."

The smile on Hange's face disappeared and was replaced with a distinct frown.

"Levi doesn't want to hurt you anymore. In fact, he dreaded it. He changed his ways and decided to make it up to you for all the things he has done to you in the past because of his blindness and ignorance. But, simply taking you home with him proved to be painful to him, seeing you confused and scared like that. So, I suggested we look after you in disguise. That's how you met - "

"Lord Elvis Shunerman and Lady Jacqueline Baxter." (F/N) said, recalling that day they were intorduced in the Dawk residence.

"Yes, that's it. Levi was afraid to show you his face, but at the same time, he really wanted to see you, to hear your voice again and to get closer to you. And he put up with my silly idea just to do all that."

"He,... really wanted to see me." (F/N) quietly said.

"And, not only that. I think he believes that if you fall for him once more, despite your condition, that is, he would have a chance to take you away and make it up to you. He seriously believes that you would no longer be afraid of him by that time should you regain your memories. But, that didn't work out, am I right?"

(F/N) absorbed all of this and just nodded.

"Will you tell me what happened? That night you found out about everything?"

As much as (F/N) dreaded the day this would happen, she told Hange everything, from the moment she recalled everything to that day Levi took her by force. And, as she recounted all of this, she couldn't help but break down in front of the older and wiser woman.

Hange, on the other hand, couldn't do anything but comfort the younger woman upon hearing the story from her side. Of course, as one of Levi's closest, well, friends, she had already heard of this story from him. And Levi was not any better. That day she bugged him about (F/N)'s rejection, he was drowning himself in misery and a lot of liquor ( of course, he could not get drunk ) and refused to go outside the apartment in Trost District he was renting.

"I hurt her." he cried to her that night. "Oh, God! I hurt her!"

And she listened to him mumble all night about how he loved her and that he could not live without her. The poor guy even told her that (F/N) must've thought that he was only longing for Petra, that's why he wooed her in the first place. And that would start his poor ramblings all over again and his cries of how he hurt her so dreadfully.

"(F/N), listen to me." Hange put her hands on (F/N)'s shoulders, just like that time she told her to wear that dress that started all of this. "I want you to consider this very carefully. Levi loves you. And no, he does not feel that way with you just because he missed Petra. He really loves you. I suggest you give him the chance to explain."

"What if he doesn't go back?"

"He will. But, it's all up to you now. It's not too late."

(F/N) wiped her tears and nodded, her body still trembling.

"That's my girl." Hange smiled.

(F/N) was beginning to smile, herself, being given the clarity she most definitely needed, when Eren and Mikasa returned.

"Section Commander Hange, we retrieved the parcel." Mikasa told them.

"Oh, that reminds me. (F/N), these are for you." Hange took the box from Mikasa and handed it to (F/N). "It seems that your father has been giving you letters this past few months. I believe there even was a box of cake and another one with a dress. But, the cake, well, Sasha already ate it. The dress is there, if you would open it."

"From father?" (F/N) asked. That meant that the package was from Mr. Ral, whom she was guilty she quite forgot due to the turn of events. She opened the box, and sure enough, there was a dress. And some letters, including one that was written by someone else ( who she believed was a Doctor due to the letter's nature, and not to mention, awful handwriting ), and not her father. With boiling curiosity, she picked it up first. She opened it, read the contents,...

.... and dropped it the floor,...

"(F/N), what's wrong?" Mikasa asked, concerned of the sudden change in her demeanor.

(F/N)'s tears came rolling down her face once more as she faced her friends.

"M-my father,..." she cried. "H-he's,..."

***

~ @levi4mikasa , @yepps , @chocolate-mmilk , @nerdyphantomlady , @unhappysap , @shewolfofficial , @super-peace-fangirl , @fangurl-ontgeside , and @emilyackerman78 . 💜

***

💜💜💜

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#shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan #levi ackerman #captain levi #this i promise #levi x reader #levi x you #chapter 64 #reunion

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jedimaesteryoda · 5 years

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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

I am going to talk about my favorite Batman film of all time, and some have even argued it to be the best Batman film out there. This Batman movie showed what many DC fans agree to be the best Joker and one of the best Batman performances. It has an excellent story that draws the viewer in, and a great film score courtesy of Shirley Walker. No, I am not talking about Nolan’s The Dark Knight, or even Tim Burton’s Batman, as great as those films were. I am talking about Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. It’s a direct-to-video film based on Batman: the Animated Series, the first show of the DC Animated Universe that to this day is acclaimed by critics and fans alike. It came out the same year as Schumacher’s Batman Forever, yet didn’t get as much attention due to not just being overshadowed by the live-action film, but lack of advertising on the part of Warner Bros. Of course, a number of critics agree that between the two films, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was arguably the superior film. Bat nipples aside, what made the Mask of the Phantasm superior to Forever in some ways was the story, the love interest and of course, the way Batman was portrayed.

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD:

If you haven’t seen it yet, I advise you see it first before you read this essay. If you choose to read ahead anyway, and don’t plan on seeing the film then that’s a shame. Seriously, just watch the film, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Plot

A shadowy figure appears going around murdering mob: the Phantasm. Batman is mistaken as the culprit, and is trying to figure out who this mysterious figure is, and the connection to the murders. The Phantasm isn’t the only arrival, so is Andrea Beaumont, an old flame from Bruce’s past. We get to see glimpses of their relationship in flashbacks, and learn that Bruce once had a chance at a normal life. And of course, it wouldn’t be a classic Batman film without the Joker, who is also drawn into the story in a way that works.

One thing you will notice about the plot that separates it from most Batman films and every live-action film is that it is a detective story. We never get to see him solve a mystery on-screen, or rather solve a mystery the audience doesn’t already know the answer to. We so often associate Batman with his sobriquet “The Dark Knight” to the point that it is in the title of two Batman films, and often forget his other sobriquet, “the World’s Greatest Detective,” even though his character was first introduced in the DC series, Detective Comics.

Batman’s story is also straight out of noir: organized crime, corrupt politicians who deal with them and the protagonist being a single man, usually a detective, who is psychologically wounded and might appear morally ambiguous or compromised, but generally adheres to his own personal code of ethics.

Setting and Tone

The setting comes straight out of the original comics with the style being late 1940s from the cars and clothes to the Tommy guns. In contrast to a lot of Batman films, you see actual blood from the wounds as well as teeth getting knocked out, which helps to convey a better feeling of the violence. The animation used is what the producers called “Dark Deco,” Art Deco combined with noir imagery. It helps to give the film a dark atmosphere not seen in a few of the live-action films (Nolan’s), and while I’m not saying dark = better, as Snyder proved that with his Superman films, it works perfectly with a dark character like Batman. There is a tragic, melancholy tone to the whole film with the exception of the flashbacks. The dark overtone of the present scenes contrast nicely with the much brighter and more colorful past scenes of a young Bruce and Andrea’s blossoming relationship, giving the past scenes a nostalgic feel and reflecting a happier time in Bruce Wayne’s life. It only helps to emphasize the tragedy of the couple’s story.

Characters and Acting

Bruce Wayne/Batman

Kevin Conroy, himself a Shakespearean actor, does an excellent job as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman. He manages to convey different sides of the character from the dark, tough Batman to the friendly Bruce Wayne seen at social events and the more vulnerable, younger Bruce Wayne in the flashbacks. I remember seeing him live at New York Comic Con 2018 for a panel promoting the Blu-ray The New Batman Adventures; he said regarding the character: “Batman is his true identity, and Bruce Wayne is the performance.” Batman’s serious, commanding voice is present when he is wearing the mask or unmasked with Alfred, his most trusted confidant, but changes when he’s in public as Bruce Wayne with a more warm, friendly tone. This is opposed to Christian Bale’s Batman who used his Batman voice only when in the suit, and otherwise, used his Bruce Wayne voice, even with Alfred present.

We get the Batman we expect with his first scene being knocking a mob meeting, and beating up the mobsters. Likewise, we first see Bruce Wayne (excluding when he’s in the Batcave with his costume off) hosting a black tie party at Wayne Manor surrounded by a group of female admirers as well as a young, pre-Batman Bruce Wayne in the flashbacks. William Faulkner in his Nobel Prize speech said that there is nothing worth writing about more than the heart in conflict with itself, and we see this with Bruce Wayne’s dilemma between becoming Batman and wanting a normal life. This helps to give a kind of complexity to the character, and shows the personal sacrifices that came with being Batman.

Andrea Beaumont

Dana Delany is good as Andrea Beaumont. Andrea is Bruce’s ex-girlfriend, and practically the only person he ever had a chance of a future with. She managed to pull Bruce out of his dark solitude, and provide him a kind of happiness that likely had been missing in his life since his parents died. She also is a femme fatale straight out of a hardboiled detective fiction novel: intelligent, beautiful and harboring dark secrets. However, to the filmmakers’ credit, Andrea wasn’t a one note character, as in just a manic pixie dream girl who teaches a broodingly soulful young man to embrace life, a femme fatale out to fulfill her personal ambitions, or even a passive damsel in distress who always needs saving by her hero, but a layered character with agency.

Joker

Mark Hamill is legendary for being the voice of the Joker, and he is consistently rated by fans as the best Joker. They borrow from Jack Nicholson’s Joker, and Hamill’s experience in the play Amadeus was incorporated into the Joker’s laugh, which he made into a song. This adaptation of the Joker fits the sobriquet of “the Clown Prince of Crime,” with a flower on his suit that squirts acid, and a laugh combined with his unsettling smile that manages to be chilling. On the surface, he has the friendly, funny demeanor one would expect from a clown, but you also get the sense that beneath that lies the heart of a nihilistic, murderous psychopath. He manages to be both funny and terrifying, the ultimate scary clown.

Alfred Pennyworth

Clive Revill does a decent job as the usually dry, proper Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred is the stoic British butler with a stiff upper lip, not without his own dry sense of humor (“What rot, sir! Why, you're the very model of sanity. Oh, by the way, I pressed your tights and put away your exploding gas balls”) except for two moments in this film. The first moment is when he sees Bruce don the cowl for the first time, and one sees the horror on Alfred’s face. The second is at the end when to comfort Bruce, Alfred drops the whole butler schtick for a moment calling him not his usual “Master Wayne” but “Bruce” to connect with him on a more personal level, and speak to the boy he knew. Giving him emotional support during his time of sorrow in that scene demonstrates how much Alfred is a father figure to Bruce.

Arthur Reeves

I know this is just a minor character, but Hart Bochner also does an excellent job as City Councilman Arthur Reeves. Just by listening to his voice, you can feel this guy practically oozing a sleazy politician. Reeves calls for a special police force to capture Batman after the murders, and you can tell how much of an opportunistic, vain man he is. He also plays a quiet, minor role in Andrea’s story.

The Promise vs Falling in Love: The Tragedy of Batman

Through flashbacks, we follow a young Bruce Wayne becoming Batman alongside pursuing a relationship with Andrea. You see his future hinted in the background whenever he is with her, with wishes of optimism and hope waiting to be crushed by an inevitable dark fate. Bruce meets Andrea at the cemetery as he was visiting his parents’ grave while Andrea was visiting her mother’s grave, and yes, that’s the most Batman way of a first meeting. We see his first attempt at crimefighting when he stops a robbery, and he wears just all black with a ski mask. He stops the robbery, but he mentions afterwards that the issue was the thieves didn’t fear him when they saw him. Andrea arrives just right after he mentions that. They have some playfighting, and surprisingly, he laughs, and they share their first kiss. He also sees the precursor for the Batmobile on their date, and bats appear from what would become the Batcave right after he proposes to her.

It all comes to a head while on their date at a theme park, Bruce tries and fails to stop some bikers from robbing a man. He is later in his manor trying to design a costume for his superhero persona, and talks to Alfred about his internal conflict over his promise to become Batman alongside wanting a future with Andrea. Conflicted and confused, he goes to his parents’ grave.

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Now, what this film does a great job doing is displaying Batman’s dark psyche. Look at all the Batman films, and Bruce Wayne’s decision to become Batman is treated as a reasonable decision with Bruce in Batman Begins saying “People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy. I can’t do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I’m flesh and blood. I can be ignored, destroyed. But as a symbol . . . as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting . . . Something elemental, something terrifying.” He becomes Batman to become a symbol that could do things he couldn’t do as Bruce Wayne, and motivate the people of Gotham into taking action against the corruption and crime of the city. Compare that to Bruce Wayne’s decision to become Batman in Mask of the Phantasm in this scene.

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Bruce Wayne is at his parents’ grave, begging for a way out of his promise to be a crime fighter, and apologizing for falling in love and wanting happiness. He is losing a reasonable argument to the dead over a promise they never agreed to, and as any person would have told him, would have wanted him to be happy and be with the person he loves. His decision to become Batman isn’t portrayed as a healthy, rational decision at all, but a delusion. It isn’t largely driven by a personal desire to motivate the citizens of Gotham into combatting the problems of the city, but by childhood trauma and an obsession with vengeance for the deaths of his parents. For all of Nolan’s attempts to make his Batman as realistic as possible as opposed to the Mask of the Phantasm of the DCAU going for the more comic book feel, Mask of the Phantasm’s portrayal of the man who chose to don the cowl is, in my opinion, more realistic than anything we’ve seen in any Batman film.

It makes it all the more tragic as his words “It just doesn’t hurt so bad anymore” show that his relationship with Andrea managed to provide a way for him to finally move on from his parents’ deaths. In their final scene together in their past relationship, we see Bruce finally propose to her, leaving behind his decision to become a vigilante crime fighter, and instead choosing a chance at happiness. Sadly, he gets the ring back the next day with a note telling him that she rescinded his proposal and he should forget about her.

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This is one of my favorite scenes. Batman first donning the mask combined with great musical direction by the late Shirley Walker captures both how epic and how tragic this scene is. It is epic seeing him put on the mask for the first time, and see only Batman’s eyes as he gives the famous Bat-glare, something that hasn’t been able to be replicated on live-action films. However, as scriptwriter for the film Michael Reeves stated: “When Bruce puts on the mask for the first time, and Alfred says 'My God!' he's reacting in horror, because he's watching this man he's helped raise from childhood, this man who has let the desire for vengeance and retribution consume his life, at last embrace the unspeakable." Alfred sees the Bruce Wayne he knew is gone, replaced by Batman. Bruce donning the mask isn’t portrayed as a happy event that the story had built up excitement for, but a tragic one as Bruce, having lost his one chance at happiness, sees becoming Batman as the only thing left for him.

The Ending (MAJOR SPOILERS):

The Phantasm is unmasked, and revealed to be Andrea. She comes to the theme park to kill the last of Valestra’s old gang, Jack Napier AKA the Joker. Unmasked Andrea and Batman, whom she figured out is Bruce earlier on, are at the theme park where they had their date in a flashback. The park was named “World of the Future,” and it symbolized the bright and hopeful promised future Bruce had with Andrea. Now, it was abandoned, dark and decrepit, occupied only by the Joker, Valestra’s ex-hitman who killed Andrea’s father. It represented not just the state of Bruce and Andrea’s relationship, but the people they had become. Andrea’s story by the end is revealed to be so much similar to Bruce’s. She is motivated by the murder of a parent, lost out on a chance for happiness and with seemingly nothing left, donned a dark visage to carve out a path of vengeance. (These two are perfect for each other.) As opposed to fighting criminals and super-villains to defend Gotham’s citizens, she decides to murder all the mobsters involved in her father’s murder. Her path is more vengeful, and shows what Batman could have become were it nor for his own code. The park is later destroyed by the bombs the Joker placed around it, symbolizing the end of their relationship, as it is the last time Batman sees her (on-screen at least) with her final words being “Goodbye, my love.” Andrea is later on a cruise ship, and when asked if she wants to be alone, replies sadly: “I am.” Batman in the final scene is standing on a skyscraper looking up at the sky with the Bat signal, and just fires a grappling hook as his mission goes on with his life unchanging. These two people who are practically made for each other are destined by fate to never be together, but spend the rest of their lives apart and alone.

As is typical in noir fiction, the story ends in a lose-lose situation for the protagonist. Every other Batman film ends on a happy note, or at least with some optimism with the most pessimistic ending being The Dark Knight with Batman taking the blame for Dent’s murders and Dent’s death himself, and Rachel is dead after deciding to choose Dent over Bruce, but he at least won some victory as he stopped the Joker, and achieved his aim of preventing Dent’s case from being dismissed and the mob being set free. In Mask of the Phantasm, one doesn’t get the feeling that Batman won anything: no criminals were put away, and no overarching goal was achieved with even the unmasking of the Phantasm not feeling like a win. The only thing that could be seen as a victory is Andrea ending her quest for vengeance, but Bruce is still left heartbroken. The real tragedy of Batman is the price he pays to be him, his personal life is unchanging and he is never able to enjoy any peace or anything resembling a healthy, normal life.

MOTP manages to be everything I think a Batman film should be: dark, action-packed, intelligent, entertaining and surprisingly, emotional. This will always be my top recommendation for a Batman film.

#batman #dc comics #batman the animated series #bruce wayne #joker #mark hamill #kevin conroy #bruce timm #dcau #dc animated series #dc animation #dc animated movies

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spidy-cents · 5 years

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“I Know You’re Spiderman”

Peter Parker x Female OC

Elena had known about Peter’s secret for a long time, and all she wanted was for him to tell her the truth. But when Peter refuses to give up his hero identity, she takes matters into her own hands.

Being a respectable adult was still something Peter Parker and I had yet to achieve. Trying to keep up the appearance of being at least a little-bit grown up was hard when we were surrounded by some of New York’s most revered individuals. The elegance of the Stark Charity Ball was astounding, and the gowns and tuxedos that adorned the honored guests were something straight out of a movie.

Peter and I stood on the outskirts of the grandiose ballroom trying our best to look like we belonged there. The truth was, we didn’t. Everyone else here was rich, accomplished, and bursting with confidence. They had contributed to society and held great esteem, while we were just two kids who didn’t know what ‘black tie formal’ meant. Thank God for the internet.

It quickly became clear that we were the only people here not old enough to drink the champagne being handed out to guests. That was probably why Peter had begged me to come as his date, he knew there wouldn’t be anyone else here who was still a teenager. I had mainly agreed because, well, when would there be another chance to meet Tony Stark? It also helped that he promised to pay for me to get a dress for the event. He said something about money from his Stark internship. A part of me was a bit surprised that he had actually been invited to the Charity Ball; I was beginning to worry that the internship he spoke so often of was fake. However, it was clearly real, as evidence of us standing in the presence of the man himself and trying not to spill punch on our expensive clothes.

Stark stood on the stage, gathering the attention of his guests to thank them for attending the event. All eyes were turned to him as he gave his speech, giving shout-outs to certain attendees and advocating for the cause he was supporting. It was something about funding education in lower economic areas of New York. In all honesty I wasn’t paying too much attention, my mind was mostly focused on Peter.

We had been dating for almost a year, and I couldn’t have been happier. There was only one that had bugged me for the ten months we’d been together, and it had to do with a red and blue suit. Once Peter and I started dating we got much closer and spent more time together. The more we grew close, the more it became clear to me that Peter didn’t really have an average internship. He would be gone at night quite often, of course chalking it up to his connection with Stark. Sometimes he’d have bruises or cuts when I’d visit him late at night. He would try to hide them, but I couldn’t help but notice how odd it was that they’d be there one evening and gone the next morning. He was on edge quite often, and seemed to have a sixth sense for certain things. Before I’d even walk in the room on a bad day he’d ask me what was wrong. All the little things kept building up, and eventually I realized that there was a clear reason why Peter was the way he was. He was Spiderman.

Of course it seemed crazy to me at first. I didn’t tell anyone my suspicions, and I definitely didn’t bring it up with Peter. I wanted to dismiss it at first, thinking he would have told me if it was true, but all the evidence didn’t lie. Spiderman would be seen breaking up a bank robbery the same time Peter said he couldn’t come over. Whenever the topic of the hero came up at the lunch table he got quiet and didn’t speak up until the discussion had changed. The final straw was when Peter was flipping through his history notes and I briefly saw a page with chemical combinations labeled Web Fluid. My thoughts were confirmed, all I had to do was wait for him to come forward and tell me. But he never did.

I had known for months now, thinking each time we hung out would be the fateful day he would break the news. I kept waiting and waiting for it, and I was getting fed up with the secret. Sure, I understood how important it was, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. But I was his girlfriend, and I’d known him for years before that. If there was anyone he could trust, it would be me. That’s why my mind was on Peter; it was clear to me that the reason he was invited wasn’t because of an internship, it was because he was our friendly neighborhood Spiderman.

I only knew Tony Stark had finished his speech because the space filled with applause. I joined in, pulling myself back to the moment. Peter looked at me with a half-smile, extending his hand to grab mine. He asked if I wanted to dance as the band struck up a soft melody, and I smiled and nodded. He led me to the dance floor where people had already begun swaying slowly together. I rested my hand on his shoulder, and he took my other one to lead me in a soft step.

“You seem distracted,” He noted. I smiled again.

“Sorry, I guess I’m just not used to all this. It’s a lot to take in,” I lied, but he nodded in agreement anyway. I couldn’t tell if he believed me, but he dropped the subject. We danced for a bit longer, eventually retiring back to our spot on the wall to talk about the midterm coming up in our biology class. We were taking turns ranting about how harsh our teacher’s tests were, when we were silenced by the sight of Tony Stark walking towards us.

“Parker!” He called out, and I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I was a bit star-struck, and did my best to smooth out my blue satin gown.

“Hi Mr. Stark!” Peter didn’t sound nervous talking with him, but rather excited. I couldn’t blame him. Stark walked over to us, shaking Peter’s hand and then patting him on the shoulder.

“So, are you going to introduce me to your date?” He asked, motioning to me.

“Oh, yeah. This is Elena.” He extended his hand, and I shook it gently.

“Nice to meet you. Peter’s told me a lot about you,” I say after getting over the initial shock of shaking Tony Stark’s hand.

“All good things I assume,” He jokes, and Peter and I both laugh.

“Parker, do you have a minute? I wanted to show you what I’ve been working on while I’ve got you here,” Stark says. Peter tenses up a bit and tries to subtly shake his head, but I still catch the movement. It isn’t hard to figure out that they’re talking about something related to his suit.

“I don’t want to leave Elena alone, I mean– ”

“It’ll only be a minute. I’ll let you get back to the party soon,” He says, now guiding Peter away by the shoulders. “I’ll return him in one piece, don’t worry.”

I give a fake laugh as I watch them go. Peter glanced over his shoulder one last time, giving me a smile that was laced with guilt. I didn’t do anything to hide the suspicion in my face. Tony and Peter entered a room that had a security guard posted out front, as if the whole exchange couldn’t have gotten any more sketchy. He would have to tell me now. It was excruciatingly obvious that he was hiding something, and there was no way he thought I was too dumb to notice. I decided that once they got back we would go somewhere quiet, and I’d give him the chance to admit it. I didn’t want to be the one to confess that I knew, it was his secret to tell after all. But I was done being in the dark, and tonight was the night it was going to end.

Sure enough, the two exited the room after only a few minutes. I watched Stark lean in and say something close to Peter’s ear before giving him a final pat on the back and approaching a new group of guests. Peter glanced around the room as he tried to subtly slide something off his wrist and into his coat pocket. I only caught a glimpse at the item, but it was clear what it was: web shooters.

I feigned ignorance as Peter came trotting back over to me, apologizing for the interruption. He muttered something about a new project he was working on, but I ignored it and took his hand in mine.

“Let’s go get some fresh air,” I suggested, and he looked relieved that I didn’t ask any questions. He started walking towards the front entrance, but I tug him in another direction.

“No, let’s go somewhere that doesn’t have any fancy billionaires walking around. I need a break from all the formality.” I spot an entrance to a stairwell off to our left, and pull Peter towards it. A sign was posted at the foot reading Roof Access.

“Stairs?” Peter groans, and I nod my head.

“Come on, I bet the view from the top is amazing.” I was right, as soon as we exit the door onto the roof of the building were surrounded by a beautiful scene. The sun was setting on the horizon, casting oranges and pinks across the city sky. The massive building sat near a cliff side that overlooked the Hudson river, beyond which the skyline could be seen. It was so breathtaking that for a moment I forgot why I had come up here with Peter in the first place. I step closer to the edge, taking in the view. Peter walked up behind me, placing his hands on my waist and resting his head on my shoulder. He hugs me from behind as he places gentle kisses on my cheek. I can’t help but melt into his hold, but my mind is still filled with anticipation. If now wasn’t the perfect time to tell me, then what was?

One minute passed, then two, and three. Peter hadn’t said anything about his special abilities, in fact the only thing he’d said the entire time was that the view was almost as gorgeous as I was. While I was flattered, it wasn’t what I was hoping to hear. I was getting more and more fed up, and as much as I enjoyed being in his arms I couldn’t just stand around anymore. I pulled away, turning to face him. This wasn’t the way I wanted him to tell me, but If I had to force him out of it then so be it.

“Peter.. I know.” He looks at me confused.

“You know what?”

“I know you’re Spiderman.” He goes wide-eyed, and starts to laugh a little bit.

“El, what are you talking about? I’m not Spiderman. Was there something in your punch tonight?” He says, hesitation in his voice. My heart sinks a bit, realizing that he wouldn’t tell me even now that I admitted I knew.

“Peter you don’t have to keep it a secret anymore, I’ve known for a while. You haven’t exactly been doing a great job at hiding it. Do you think I’m too dumb to put two and two together?”

“I don’t think you’re dumb, but I’m telling the truth. I’m not a superhero, I’m just Peter.”

I sigh, getting frustrated with him. He really wasn’t letting up. I’m about to protest again when I get an insane idea. I look over the edge of the building at the drop below. It’s at least 15 stories, if not more. The side of the building we’re on doesn’t have any big windows facing out, and no one is around to see us. Perfect. I walk closer so my toes are touching the edge, and turn to face him.

“Fine,” I say simply, and Peter steps towards me in worry.

“Elena what are you doing?”

“Proving it.”

With that, I lean back, and let myself fall over the edge. My heart falls into my stomach and time seems to move in slow motion. For a split second, I get a terrible feeling that I was wrong, and just jumped off a roof for no reason. But I knew I was right, and the thwap of web hitting concrete only solidified it. In seconds I felt a body collide with mine and a strong arm wrap around my waist. I grab onto Peters chest, taking in the feeling of the wind wiping all around me. It was unlike anything I’d ever felt, just soaring through the air. It didn’t last long though, as Peter shot web after web until we had safely reached the ground. He let go of me, and now that I could see his face I could tell that he wasn’t exactly happy. I hadn’t ever seen him mad, but this was probably the closest I would get to that.

“Elena that was one of the stupidest things you’ve done! You could have gotten yourself killed!”

“But I didn’t, because I knew you’d catch me.”

He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. This happens a few more times before I eventually start laughing. He tries to stay serious, but he starts to crack, and laughs as well.

“I’m sorry, but you weren’t going to admit it so I kind of had to force it out of you,” I grab onto both his hands, swinging them back and forth.

"I want to be mad at you so badly, but I can’t,” He sighs, still smiling at me.

"You’re Spiderman.”

“Yeah, I’m Spiderman.”

I give him a hug, and he squeezes me tight. I felt so relieved at having the weight of the secret off my chest, and now he wouldn’t have to sneak around me with his heroic adventures. I knew things weren’t going to be the same from here on out, but I was ready for whatever changes were ahead.

“I’m going to go make sure my hair isn’t too messed up, then we should probably head back inside,” I say to him.

“That’s probably a good idea. And now I can tell Stark that his new web shooter prototypes work perfectly,” he adds. I take his hand and we walk back to join the high end event.

“So.. am I really that bad at hiding my identity.”

“Oh yeah, definitely. Don’t worry though, I’ll help you work on that bug boy.”

#spiderman #peter parker #one shot #female oc #this is my first time publishing writing on here so i hope you enjoyed it

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pyre-prism · 5 years

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Creepypasta Story - No Adults Allowed

I’m not sure how to start this, but I suppose that might be how everyone feels when they’ve got a story to tell… well, at the very least, whenever it’s like the one I have.

Up until a few days ago, I was a teacher at the primary school in my neighbourhood; right now, I’m writing this on my laptop in my hospital room –I’m just glad that the staff here realised that I needed something to keep my mind busy… But I’m getting a little sidetracked.

I was in charge of some of the fourth-graders, and I guess my story truly begins during the morning classes when I got one of my students –a typically-shy boy by the name of Lachlan– to do his class presentation. I’d given each of them the chance to choose what they talked about, with the only requirement being that it was based from true events.

For once, Lachlan seemed happy to be standing at the front of the classroom, bouncing a little on the balls of his feet as he shuffled the papers held tightly in his hands. I gave him a smile, shushed the other children, and nodded at him to begin. However, my expression tightened as he spoke while I tried to keep it from falling into a confused frown, knowing quite well that such a thing would only cause the boy to stumble over his words until he fell completely silent and then force me to pull his mark down for not finishing the schoolwork.

He had launched himself into a story about a boy named Robin who he’d met on the previous Saturday, which in and of itself wasn’t the problem… the problem was that Lachlan told the class that this new friend of his was always floating in midair, that this new friend wore metal cuffs around his wrists, that this new friend could make toys appear out of nowhere…

For all of its fanciful nature, Lachlan’s story seemed to enthral the rest of the class. They stared at him with a sort of eagerness that they’d never shown the boy before, and this attention –instead of making his shyness rear its ugly head– actually had Lachlan grinning and laughing in between his sentences.

I didn’t have the heart to interrupt and remind him that the presentation was supposed to be on something that was real… In fact, I decided to let this one slide, and only talk to him about it if something similar ever came up again. When the story finished, Lachlan got an honest applause from his classmates, which seemed to snap him back to his usual self as his face became redder with each step he took back to his desk.

The rest of that day passed without any further strange incidents… but the next day, Lachlan had become the centre of attention once again. Several of his classmates crowded around his desk or followed him around the playground whenever they had the opportunity, asking him questions about his strange new friend.

By the end of the week, the sudden popularity had evolved into something much nastier, once one of the other children declared that Lachlan had made up the whole thing, and in light of the bullying they levied at him –despite my best efforts– he retreated further into his old shell than ever before. I took him to one side when classes ended that Friday, offering him a few chewy mints as a sort of bribe to keep his attention.

“Lachlan, I wanted to ask you something about your presentation.” I said, starting things with an easy opening into what I really wanted to discuss. He nodded, chewing slowly, and I smiled. “Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. In fact, I think you did really well with it.”

“What did you want to talk about, then?” he asked, blinking and fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

I laced my fingers together and tilted my head slightly. “I noticed that the others are harassing you over it… Are you okay?”

He started, eyes wide, and he was silent for a while before giving me a shaky smile. “I’m fine. In a way, it’s kinda nice that things are going back to normal…”

Nodding, I leaned back a bit in my chair and made a mental note to crack down even harder on the bullies under my care, offering him a bright smile at the same time while nudging the subject in a slightly different direction. “Well, if nothing else, you’ve got that new friend of yours to do things with, right? Does he go to a different school?”

“I don’t think Robin goes to school at all, actually… I’ll ask him when I see him next.” Lachlan’s smile steadied, and I couldn’t help but grin. “I need to get going, though… My mum’s picking me up, and she won’t be happy if I’m too late.”

“Alright. Have a good weekend, and tell your mother that I just wanted to congratulate you on your class presentation, okay?” I waved him out of the room and sat down to go through the day’s schoolwork.

As I worked, in the back of my mind, I ran through Lachlan’s story once again. Something about it just didn’t sit right with me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Shaking my head, I tried to focus on my job, and eventually the tale about a floating boy named Robin who made things appear out of thin air faded into the background.

Maybe, if I’d pushed Lachlan for more information, I wouldn’t be lying in a hospital bed now. Maybe we might have avoided what happened…

It was late on Sunday night when the next thing in my story took place. I was leaning against my kitchen bench, waiting for the coffee machine to work its magic, when the knife block fell over with what seemed like an ear-splitting clatter, sending the knives skittering across the bench and to the floor. A sharp yelp left me when the meat cleaver spun to a stop with its blade just millimetres away from my bare toes.

For a couple of minutes, even after my coffee had finished brewing, I just stood there with my heart beating powerfully in my chest… only for it to stop when a noise that simply didn’t belong graced my ears.

Laughter… Musical giggling of a child, seemingly coming from all around me.

“Who… who’s there?!” My voice came out louder than I’d intended but whatever the giggles were coming from didn’t seem to mind, as the sound merely grew in volume until my head was starting to spin. Frustrated, I blurted out, “This isn’t funny!” and a sudden and very empty silence was the response I was given. Once I could think straight, I picked up all of the knives, put them beside the sink to be washed, and grabbed my much-deserved drink.

Monday morning came… and the knives were back in their proper places with the knife block standing upright, as if the previous night hadn’t even happened; at the time, I actually believed I’d imagined it all. While I got ready to head to the school for a new day of teaching, I turned on the television in my living room, letting the first news program I came to fill the silence.

I wouldn’t have noticed anything out of the ordinary, if it weren’t for the news anchor starting to talk about some ‘breaking news’…

“At 3am this morning, police found an entire family murdered in their home, after being called by neighbours multiple times over the course of several hours regarding horrific screams reportedly coming from the property. While we don’t know all of the details, we can say that the home was in an absolute shambles and while police haven’t completely ruled it out, it appears that robbery isn’t the reason behind this terrible event. Both of the parents were found strangled and half-buried under numerous household objects… but their nine-year-old son was found in such terrible shape that the authorities haven’t even released the information to the press just yet. We’ll cover this story more as more information is made available to us.”

A sinking feeling started to tie my insides into a heavy knot. Somehow, I was certain that the boy they were talking about was Lachlan… I tried to reassure myself that there wasn’t anything to say one way or another, given what I’d heard, but it didn’t do much to alleviate the feeling.

Suddenly, I jolted, one hand flying up to cover my ear; it felt like someone had stuck something cold and wet into it. Looking around and rubbing my ear to rid it of the sensation, nothing out of the ordinary met my gaze, and a deep scowl pulled at my features. The knot in my gut tightened when that same laughter from the night before sounded out from somewhere near the television.

My mobile phone rang, making me jump once again. I fumbled with it for a moment before I brought it up to my ear. “Hello?”

“You heard about it, right?” the familiar voice of the school’s principal asked, skipping any of his usual preamble or pleasantries. “The murders this morning, I mean?”

I nodded, gripping the phone tightly while my other hand reached for the TV remote to mute the speakers. “Yes, it was just on the news. Do you know who they were?”

“The kid was one of yours,” he replied curtly, following it with a muttered apology before launching into the real reason behind his call. “Look, I’m calling to tell you not to come in to work, today… there was an incident at the school, too.”

I was shocked, blurting out “What? Why, what happened?” before I even realised it.

He was quiet for a while, more than long enough for the knot to start to freeze. “…The police think that Lachlan was killed at the school –in your classroom– and they’ve rightly shut it down for the day, at least, to gather evidence… The whole room’s a mess, and whoever did it fancies themselves a damned artist…”

“…An… artist?” I pressed, my voice coming out strangled and hushed; being right had never felt so disgusting and painful.

A harsh grunt was my only answer at first, but after clearing his throat, he told me… and even now, I wish I hadn’t even asked… “They used blood to paint pictures on the walls, furniture, even the ceiling! What has the police really worried, though, is this warning they left… ‘Who needs school? All he needed was a friend… I was his friend and you made me kill him… You’re next’.”

It felt like I’d been dunked in icy water. Could it be a coincidence, or had Lachlan and his family actually been attacked by that boy who couldn’t possibly exist? “Do… do they know who it’s supposed to be for?”

“Not a cl—…” his voice was cut off and sharp static filled my ear, making me wince and quickly pull the phone away. Looking at the blank screen, I scowled… I was certain I’d charged it overnight…

Again, those giggles cut through my train of thought and I looked around wildly. The sound was closer this time, and I’m not sure if it was my panic or not, but I could see a sort of rippling effect in the air –like a mirage– at the entrance to the kitchen; large enough to be one of my students, hovering about half a foot above the floor, my mind supplied unhelpfully.

At this point, I was terrified… Logically, I knew that Robin, as Lachlan had described him, couldn’t be real. It was impossible. But, so were objects falling over for no reason, let alone sounds coming from nowhere…

I walked over to the knife block and grabbed the largest knife there. Leaving my home wouldn’t do anything to protect me in the long run, as –if there really was someone in the house with me– it would simply give them free rein to do whatever they wanted while I was away… and I’d need to return eventually. As I passed by the old fireplace that I never used, I grabbed one of the pokers as well, and then I hurried into my bedroom and closed the door.

I could recharge my phone there, and once it had enough power, I’d call the police and tell them everything –no matter whether it made me look like I’d lost my mind or not.

A strange pattern of rasps coming closer to the bedroom door caught my attention, almost like a set of light footsteps on something other than my carpeted floor, and I could swear I heard a soft humming alongside it. My hands tightened around my chosen weapons, slowly at first but clenching suddenly tighter when something knocked on my bedroom door. I didn’t move… I didn’t dare move. A few muffled thumps came next; I could swear that who or whatever it was had hit the ceiling followed by the walls, before knocking again.

“Who’s there?” I tried to keep my voice from shaking, but going by the answering laughter, I didn’t really succeed. “Answer me!”

There was complete silence for a bit; it felt like hours, though it was probably only a minute at most. For all of a few naïve seconds, I thought that this whole thing was over…

Then something slammed against the door.

Just like the night before, I yelped, and then that mocking childlike laughter came once again. I was about to say something else –perhaps demand that they leave my home– when my throat went dry. The doorknob was turning.

I stared, frozen in place, as my bedroom door opened to reveal… nothing? My door just… opened by itself? I couldn’t believe it. That’s when I noticed that strange mirage-like effect in the doorway, and I sprang to my feet, holding the knife out in front of me. I tried to ignore the shaking steadily overtaking my body, made obvious by the quivering blade in my grasp, and glared at the doorway.

Whoever –whatever– it was, giggled yet again, and slowly, the rippling in the air seemed to melt away to reveal a child… floating in midair…

He seemed to wait, letting me take in his appearance with a wide sharp-toothed grin on his face, and I took advantage of that; I hoped that, if I could survive this encounter, that I could tell others about him and even provide a clear description of the strange boy…

His hair was messy and bright red, with long pointed ears peeking out from the midst of the curls –although, it almost looked like his hair was becoming more and more frizzy the longer I stared at him. His eyes were almost fever-bright –one silver and one golden– and were ringed in deep, dark shadows that stood out against his tanned and heavily-freckled skin. The clothes he wore looked like they were almost out of another time, and could even have belonged to a farm boy two hundred years ago, complete with old heeled boots that no boy of around ten years old would be caught dead wearing, in my experience.

While my eyes travelled over his form, he started to giggle again, swinging his arms and legs as if this encounter was completely normal and we’d been playing hide-and-seek, or something. As he did so, I noticed the horrendous scars that littered his lower arms, drawing my gaze down to the manacles wrapped securely around his wrists –the chains that dangled from the cuffs jingled quietly with each movement he made…

I licked my lips, forcing myself to look back at his face. “Are you… Robin? Lachlan’s friend?”

In response, his cheery expression morphed into an animalistic snarl. “Bingo! Guess you oldies ain’t always complete morons, then! Good f’you!” He floated closer to me, stopping just short of the shaking tip of my knife, then clasped his hands together and tucked them under his chin. “Poor li’l Locky… I told ‘im you bloody adults don’ like stuff they can’t make no sense of… then, ‘e jus’ had t’go an’ tell people ‘bout me.”

A soft sizzling caught my attention, and I looked closer at his hands; when he let them fall back to his sides, there were red marks where the manacles had touched the skin there. “He told people, and you hurt him for that? You hurt his whole family over being talked about?”

Robin’s hair spontaneously frizzed up to resemble an afro and he let out an almost catlike hiss through his teeth. “Not ‘coz o’that, y’damn twat! ‘Coz he wen’ an’ talked to you! A grown-up!” Again, he floated closer, skirting the blade in my hand for a moment before slapping it out of my grasp. His face was almost right in front of my own, and he spat at me. “If Locky’d only talked ‘bout me t’other kids, I’d’a been fine with it! We could’a had even more friends an’—…!” The strange boy took a deep breath, his hair smoothed out into what seemed to be its natural curly texture, and he drew back away from me, giving me space to wipe the saliva off of my cheek.

I also moved back, only to freeze once again as he bent to pick up the knife he’d made me drop. “Look, Robin, I was only worried about him… The others were—…”

“I know. I was watchin’ ‘em. They weren’t very nice, were they…?” he interrupted me, his voice dipping lower than seemed right for someone who looked that young. The hand holding my knife waved a bit in the air, as if he was testing its weight, and my stomach dropped. “Maybe, after this, I should pay ‘em all a visit, whaddaya think?”

“No!” My own hands raised, although I’m not sure if I was trying to stop him or just trying to get him to calm down before anything went too drastically awry… Regardless, he was startled, staring back at me with his eyes wide and almost fearful. His body slowly drifted down until his feet were touching the floor, and it was only after a few seconds of tense stillness that I noticed what his stare had locked onto…

The poker in my other hand.

I’d almost forgotten that I’d even grabbed it. Without thinking, I swung it at him like it was a baseball bat and his body was a very large ball.

He shrieked loudly the moment that it started to move, but the sound that came out of him when my swing hit home… I’ll never forget it. It pierced through my entire body, and didn’t seem like it was even from our plane of existence. That sizzling I noticed earlier was much more obvious now, and his body was actually smoking…

I drew the poker back, preparing to strike again, but he rammed the knife into my leg. The pain sent me to the floor, and before I could even blink, his hands had wrapped the chains on his manacles around my throat…

That’s the last thing I remember, before waking up in this hospital bed. I suppose someone called the police, or something, and they startled Robin before he could actually kill me. Apparently, just like at the school, they found pictures and writing all over my home, though they haven’t told me what the message actually was, yet.

Since waking up, I’ve been trying to figure out what actually happened… and what Robin really was. I mean, it’s blindingly obvious that he’s not human! Unfortunately, nothing really came to mind that makes any sense… then again, maybe I need to stop thinking about what makes sense, in light of what I saw…

There’s tapping at my window, now… and something red is being painted onto the glass, with nothing there to even do it…

He’s here. Has he come to finish the job? I’ll try to keep writing for as long as I can, but…

‘Found you’.

Whoever finds this, please, don’t just dismiss it as madness.

‘I like playing, but…’

I don’t think I’ll survive his second visit… I’m not crazy!

‘…NO ADULTS ALLOWED’.

…Goodbye.

#creepypasta #Creepypasta OC #Robin #story and art

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aion-rsa · 3 years

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Will Tony Rob Feech La Manna’s Card Game in The Many Saints of Newark?

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David Chase hates it when sloppy pop journalists tag The Many Saints of Newark as a “Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) origin story.” This is a gangster movie about Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), the father of Christopher (Michael Imperioli) on The Sopranos. But we will get to see the first steps the future boss of the DiMeo family takes towards crime. We know young Tony (Michael Gandolfini) made his bones on the murder of Willy Overall on Labor Day of 1982, from the episode “Remember When,” but it’s doubtful the film will go that far in the timeline. That being said, it doesn’t mean Tony didn’t have to pop someone as a tax on past misdeeds.

There is no mention of the character Feech La Manna in the Many Saints of Newark IMDb page, but there are enough wise guys listed as characters to fill in the blanks. There is honor among thieves, at least when gambling, and the first thing the young punk Tony did which got him noticed was rob a room of criminals. Not just any game, either. It was run by one of the most respected standup guys in the Tri-State area, and parts of Sicily: Freech LaManna. He was so much of a legend he had to be played by a legend.

Robert Loggia is cinematic gangster royalty, and it goes way beyond telling Al Pacino not to get high on his own supply in Brian DePalma’s Scarface. He followed that one with the lesser-known mob masterpiece Prizzi’s Honor (1985), made by the iconic director John Huston. Loggia’s first film role was as street level mob associate Frankie Peppo in Somebody Up there Likes Me. That 1956 film, which starred Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano, was based on a book the middleweight boxing legend himself wrote, and was fairly accurate on street crime. Loggia personally was so tough, when Bill Maher said he thought Independence Day was stupid, on his old show Politically Incorrect, the actor convinced him to change his opinion. All it took were the words “what do you mean?”

Michele “Feech” La Manna was equally mythic. Tony says it himself. The old-school gangster was made in Italy, came to America in the 1950s, and settled in on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. The DiMeo crime family was under the leadership of Ercoli “Eckley” DiMeo at the time. Feech ran gambling and bookmaking joints, and was in the same class, but in a slightly better league, as Giovanni “Johnny Boy” Soprano and Corrado “Junior” Soprano (Dominic Chianese). He also had a bakery and catering company on the side which did so well that Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri (Tony Sirico) calls him “The King of Breadsticks.” Feech quickly became a caporegime and had a fearsome reputation. But his real street cred came from his friendly Saturday night card game. It was a high-stakes, VIP event, and he ran it with style and humor, and was very hands on.

The Sopranos’ Best End Credit Songs

By Shawn Laib

How The Sopranos Changed TV Analysis Forever

By Shawn Laib

Jackie Sr. and Tony would have robbed Feech game’s sometime between 1978 and 1979. According to the myth, sticking up the venerated game proved Tony and Jackie had balls, and solidified their status as rising stars. By all rights, Feech could have had them killed. Jackie’s older brother, Richie Aprile (David Proval), was a good earner, and a high-ranking soldier in the family. He intervened on his brother and Tony’s behalf. Tony’s father and uncle were capos in the DiMeo family. Johnny Boy probably had to go into his own pocket to make things right with Feech.

The major takeaway of the card game stickup was that nobody died, and Feech was repaid at least some of his money. But the point had been made. These were street legends in the making. It doesn’t go the same way when Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano) tells the story to the future generation of mob wannabes. Ralph thinks he never moved up the ranks because he wasn’t part of robbing La Manna’s card game. When Ralph tells Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone) and Dino about it, he makes it sound like such an easy entrance to mob life they try to make history repeat itself.

They target a card game run by Eugene Pontecorvo, a member of Ralph’s crew. They smoke crank before the stickup to get up the nerve, and go through with it even though Christopher and Furio Giunta (Federico Castelluccio) are at the table, and the card dealer, Sunshine, gives them a chance to get out before they get in trouble. Jackie kills Sunshine and shoots Furio in the leg. Christopher and Albert Barese kill Jackie Jr.’s small crew. Furio’s leg wound is treated by urologist Dr. Ira Fried.

It’s a hanging offense for Jackie Jr. Even though he is the son of a former boss. On behalf of Jackie Jr.’s mother, Ralphie asks for a pass for Jackie Jr. But he does have Vito Spatafore (Joseph R. Gannascoli) do the job on the kid. It might have come closer to that for Tony and Jackie than the word on the street. In season 2, episode 3, “Toodle-fucking-Oo,” Richie Aprile tells Tony: “I’m the guy who saved you from the hit parade.” He fills in the details. “Feech was a made man. If it wasn’t for me, you would’ve got a vicious beating, to say the least.”

The legend says Tony and Jackie were on a fast track to being made because of the robbery. It is possible the Willie Overall hit was part of the tax Freech put on the clemency. Aprile’s details might explain why Feech wasn’t so hot to take orders from Don Tony Soprano.

Feech was convicted of RICO in 1984, and sentenced to 20 years. When he gets out in 2004, La Manna returns to North Jersey to find the guy who robbed his gang is now the boss of the family he owes allegiance to. He wants to “get back in the game,” and that includes getting his card game back. Tony agrees, just so long as Feech doesn’t step on anybody’s toes. Feech swears he is a great dancer, and to be fair, nobody’s got moves like his. First, he trims the limbs from under the landscaper who pays Paulie for protection. Then he jacks every car parked for Dr. Fried’s daughter’s wedding, even after being told the doctor was not to be touched.

Tony had already gone through this when Richie got out of jail and pulled a power play. Feech La Manna is loosely based on Bonanno crime family capo Carmine Galante, who tried to overthrow Phillip Rastelli after getting out of prison. Tony nips it in the bud, sending Christopher and Benny Fazio over to Feech’s place with a garage full of hot plasma screen TVs. They are there when his parole officer comes by and Feech goes back to prison.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

The Many Saints of Newark will be released in theaters on October 1, and will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from the theatrical release.

The post Will Tony Rob Feech La Manna’s Card Game in The Many Saints of Newark? appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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sebeth · 6 years

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Babs-a-thon, part 2

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

Barbara’s first appearance in the post-Crisis DC universe was her revised entry in Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory Update ’87 #1.

Known Relatives: Roger (father, deceased), Thelma (mother, deceased), James (adoptive father/uncle), Barbara (adoptive mother/aunt), James Jr (adoptive brother/cousin)

Occupation: Former librarian, former Congresswoman, now civil servant

DC decided to make Barbara taller – before the Crisis she was 5’6”, post-crisis she is 5’11”

I’m not going to quote as much from Barbara’s updated Who’s Who entry as her Secret Origins issue expands on it.

A few items of note:

“Barbara’s mother died in a car accident when Barbara was four years old, which ultimately led to her father’s death from alcoholism. At thirteen she moved to Gotham City to live with her aunt and uncle, who later adopted her.”

The changing of Barbara’s parentage was pointless and only adds unnecessary tragedy to her past. Was it changed because Frank Miller was unwilling to write Barbara into Year One. Or is it simply not allowed to be a hero in Gotham unless you’ve lost a parent?

“After earning her Master’s degree in Library and Information Systems from Gotham State University, Barbara worked as head reference librarian at the Gotham Public Library until the chance to run for Congress came along, and success made her a one-term Congresswoman. A re-election defeat led her to a position at Humanities Research and Development, where she works as an Associate Director, mostly on public work projects.”

The de-aging of Barbara has begun – first her Ph.D. is downgraded to a Master’s degree and her term as a Congresswoman is later hand-waved away.

I’ll be honest – the de-aging annoys me. It takes away from Barbara’s character and history. It only gets worse as Chuck Dixon and DC become hell-bent on making Bab’s Dick Grayson’s “one true love”.

“James Gordon later learned of her identity.” – Then why did I read dozens of post-Crisis comics of Barbara trying to hide her secret from her dad?

“Barbara’s nocturnal adventures are less frequent lately, due partly to what she perceives as her ‘failures’ during the events known as the Crisis…”

For those who weren’t reading DC Comics in the immediate aftermath of the Crisis –

1) Psycho-Pirate is the only individual with full memories of the Crisis and the pre-Crisis multiverse

2) Everyone else lost their memories of the pre-Crisis multiverse and have murky memories of the actual Crisis.

Could Barbara’s “perceived failures” be subconscious memories of Supergirl’s death?

Barbara’s hand to hand combat abilities are the same pre & post Crisis – she’s still a brown belt. However, Babs is now an Olympic-level runner.

Secret Origins #20 – “Flawed Gems” by Barbara Randall & Rick Leonardi

The issue opens with Barbara pursuing a thief.

“As always, my mind races to catalog the image, then file it away among similar ones. My brain’s a tidy place, lists and pictures in endless lines. Nothing is ever lost. They call it a photographic memory?”

An upgrade from pre-Crisis Babs: photographic memory.

“I like flawed gems. They remind me of me. It’s impossible to tell from the outside what’s hidden on the inside. The gem keeps private corners, holding secrets. So do I.”

Babs recalls how her mother and aunt died in a car accident when she was a toddler.

“I wish I had a sister or a friend or someone who knew what it was like to do this. Why I was compelled to be here to protect others. I used to pretend I had a friend. But it hurt much more when I realized I was talking to myself.”

Barbara’s lived a lonely life. Babs chooses not to let her father in on her crime-fighting career. She’s not close to the Bat-Clan either. It’s especially sad that the Crisis erased/made her forget her close friendship with Supergirl.

We receive another clue about Bab’s intelligence: “Years ago, I developed a multi-light tracer for my bike.”

Bab’s reflects more on her childhood. Barbara had an active imagination and created many super-hero personas: Rocket Girl, Marvelousgirl, Batgirl, Supergirl. Babs often played super-hero with Marcy, a childhood friend. We see Bab’s bedroom where all of her stuffed animals are dressed in hero costumes.

Bab’s father has descended into alcoholism since the death of his wife. He eventually drinks himself to death. Barbara moves to Gotham to live with Jim Gordon, her uncle. Barbara discovers that Jim’s wife is also named Barbara. Jim and Barbara have recently given birth to a son. The couple eventually adopts Barbara.

Babs developed an interest in helping Jim with his cases:

“This Two-Faced guy – did he ever kill anybody?”

“Only nosy thirteen-year-old girls.”

“Right. Gothcha”

Bab’s continues to sneak into Jim’s home office to peak at his case files. Batman sneaks her a note that states “Don’t get caught. He’ll get angry!”

Bab’s decides she’s going to become Batman’s partner. She develops a list of skills and courses to improve herself: karate lessons, track, visiting the library to study maps and city information, and concentrating hard-core on her academics.

I like this determined, ambitious Barbara – it’s a better approach than the “hey, this looks like fun” motive of pre-Crisis Barbara.

Fearing she’s attracting too much attention, Bab’s tones down her academic and physical performance. She’s already graduating two years early.

Barbara, at 16 years old, attends Gotham State University for a library and information systems degree. Barbara completes her master’s degree.

The night of the policemen’s masquerade ball arrives. Barbara is going to attend in a Batgirl costume. Barbara, in costume, breaks up a robbery by Killer Moth and his henchmen. The victim of the robbery? Bruce Wayne! Needless to say, Batman is not impressed by these shenanigans. An infuriated Batgirl stalks off. Babs skips the costume ball and starts her career as Batgirl.

Barbara later decides to run for Congress. She wins but is found to be too liberal for re-election.

Bab’s notes how her later cases were strange: mindwiped, impersonated, and turned into a snake!

“I flirted with the first Robin for a while, but he was so young. Batman was always the one on my mind. Is he the reason I do this? I can’t help feeling I know who he is.”

The above passage is notable for several reasons:

1) It explains why I could never get aboard the Babs-Dick ship. There is clearly a big age difference between the two. Babs’ mind is clearly on the older, more age-appropriate Batman. Think about it – when Dick and Babs meet – Bab’s has a master’s degree and is preparing for a Congress run, Dick isn’t even old enough to have a driver’s license. You have to be 25 years old to run for Congress so we have an age gap of 7 to 10 years.

2) It’s also why I was never bothered by a Bruce – Barbara pairing. Barbara’s first post-Crisis story states she was aiming for the older, not the younger, Gotham hero. Barbara went on a date with Clark Kent in the pre-Crisis. Babs dated and later became engaged to Jason Bard, another adult, in the pre and post Crisis. To me, Barbara has always been an adult peer to Batman, not one of his teenage sidekicks. I don’t ship Barbara and Bruce but I’m not against it.

3) It also shows the distance between Babs and the Bat Family. Bruce clearly didn’t trust her enough to reveal Robin or his identity to her.

“There’s only one face I can’t remember. Coromant. He killed me. A dummy fell to the ground. But part of my soul fell with it. He made me realize I could die doing this. I should thank him. He made me work harder. Next time, he’s the one to take the fall. I saw his face everywhere. When the red rains came, when all the heroes left to save the world, I was left behind to fight him. He was everywhere. I’m chasing him now. I’ll always be trying to catch him, and when I do…first, I’ll strip off his mask. Expose his secret identity. Know his face. I never forget a face. I’ll make him as afraid of me as I was afraid of him.”

The red rains are reference to the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Babs seems to be battling some PTSD when it comes to Coromant. Apparently, Coromant is Barbara’s “perceived failure” during the Crisis. I still like “my subconscious memories of Kara’s death” theory. As far as I can tell, Secret Origins #20 is the first appearance of Coromant. The Coromant panels also set-up the Batgirl special that came out later in the year.

This issue would top my personal list of essential Barbara Gordon issues. It establishes Barbara’s new origin, hits the pre-Crisis highlights of Batgirl’s career, and sets the stage for her next appearance. You were able to get inside Barbara’s head and understand her motivations and fears.

Babs-a-thon, part 3 will feature the 1988 Batgirl Special, the Killing Joke, and a Death In the Family.

#Batgirl #Barbara Gordon #babs-a-thon

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thehallofgame · 5 years

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Review - This is the Police

Release: 2016

Technical Score: 7

Enjoyability Score:5

Before you shake your game for the press, you should probably see how the professionals do it. (Make a game, that is).

I was the target audience for this game and I was so ready. A strategy game about becoming a hardboiled cop months from retirement juggling his own corruption, politics, and subordinate policemen sounded great. I had my blinds half- closed, my noire soundtrack playing, and my coffee brewed darker and more bitter than these mean, mean city streets. So you can imagine my disappointment when I found the game slow, repetitive, and offensive to the senses.

This game had a great concept but it seems like the devs stopped there. Basically, it’s a management sim that puts the player into the shoes of an aging police chief. A scandal has numbered their days in office and it’s up to the player to earn a comfortable sum for the chief to retire on. Agreeing to the mayor’s fickle demands can be leveraged for wages, favors for ‘friends’ nets some cash under the table, bigger favors for local mafia bosses nets even more cash, and occasionally, doing the police’s job right brings in a bounty on a wanted criminal.

The game occurs in a (long) series of days in the chief’s life. The chief wakes up, gets some newspapers that provide the state of the city, goes to work, and sometimes afterwards there’s a bit of story cutscene that provides the context to the chief’s actions and allows the player to make some decisions to steer the story.

There are two shifts of officers that work on alternating days. These shifts are composed of beat cops, a few detectives, a swat team, and later a paddy wagon (aka a big prisoner transport van). The action takes place on a city map. Emergency calls come in from across the city the chief dispatches resources. Most cases can be handled with a few officers, but others need a crowd of officers or could benefit from swat and/or the paddy wagon. Every dispatch takes a certain time to reach, respond to and return from, which means the officers are unavailable until they make it all the way back to the station (unlike in real life, where police forces have radios). Swat and the paddy wagon may only be used once a day, making them very precious resources. Occasionally, officers in the field will call in for the chief to make a decision about how they should approach a scenario, or to call for backup. This provides some limited interaction from the player, but that’s about as lively as the day gets. Detectives work in a similar way, except that they are instead dispatched to investigate crimes that have already happened such as robberies or murders. There’s a lead detective that gets sent out to get the ball rolling, and then once the investigation is started the chief can add more detectives from the cases menu. It’s usually a good idea to have detectives from both shifts working the case, because otherwise the case can only be advanced every other day.

Solving the detective’s cases is an odd sort of mini-game. Initially the detectives come back with interview statements from witnesses that give the player a good idea of what happened. Then, day by day the detectives bring in literal picture snapshots of events. The player must arrange the correct snapshots in order to portray the crime, which breaks the case and allows the perpetrator to be arrested. Unfortunately, this minigame feels very silly in the first place because the interviews gathered on the first day are apparently all it takes to break the case, but it takes about an in-game week and some random guessing to, apparently, receive divine revelation of who the detectives should be sent to arrest.

All of this stinks of wasted opportunity. All emergency calls boil down to deciding whether or not to respond, and how many people to send. There was an excellent chance to have even a simple tactical gameplay system, or even just a more in-depth choice system. Or at the very least some more variety as the calls the police get are the same over and over. Likewise, the detective’s cases were a wasted opportunity to get the player involved in selecting actual leads to follow and people to interview.

As the game advances the chief has to navigate the pitfalls of his relationship with a selfish and capricious mayor, as well as a murderous local mob boss. Usually, both of these parties ask for officers to be sent or specifically not sent out as they require. Sometimes, either party has more complicated requests that involve changing staff or, ultimately, spending money.

The chief’s money pool is the other major resource in the game beside his officers. Doing favors for private citizens or the mob earns big payouts, and staying in the mayor’s good books makes him more amenable to granting raises to the chief’s weekly salary. The goal of the game, after all, is to acquire 500,000 on the side in six months. However, there are constant draws on the money. Some are above-board, like arranging barbecues to keep officers happy or hiring consultants to help detectives. Other options become available over the course of the game that are more shady. These include ability to bribe officers so they don’t rat on the chief to government investigators, as well as increasingly dark mafia favors up to and including assassination of police personal in order to make space on the police force for new hires, which is a lot easier than finding reasons to fire cops. In fact, the system for dealing with politics and money-dispensation is a lot more expanded and detailed than any of the policing that takes up most of the time. I didn’t even unlock all of the options because I never made it far enough into the game.

Why? First of all, the core gameplay is boring and repetitive. Every day the player fields the same handful of requests to skip work from officers, answers the same calls, and usually waits for a countdown to expire: time to the next mafia assignment, time till the mayor’s office can be approached for a favor again, time until officers return to the station, so they can be sent somewhere else. Second of all, the game is ugly. The city map the player spends all their time looking at is a white and grey representation of a downtown and some suburbs. It’s static, nothing moves except for the lighting that changes every several hours and the glowing lines of police cars going to destinations. The game was going for a simple, evocative art style that really works in the cutscenes. But in gameplay the stark lack of detail or shading makes for an eye-sore. Likewise, the game gets hard to listen to after a while. At the start of every day the player selects a vintage record to play while they manipulate events on the police map. The initial choices are jazz or one classical record. More can be ordered through a in-game catalog at great expense to the in-game currency, but there is never enough variety to prevent listening to the same music over and over and over. Of course, there’s always the option to go with silence instead.

Unfortunately, This is the Police is a sad shadow of what it could have been. There’s great content in here somewhere. Many of the plot threads are intriguing and I’d have liked to see where they lead, but I didn’t have the endurance to make it through endless repetitions for long enough to resolve any of the game’s conflicts. Staring at the same scenery all the time, for hours on end just adds to the monotony. It’s hard to overstate how much the ball has been dropped here. With all the controversy surrounding policing all over the world right now it’s either the best or the worst time to make a game handling the intricacies of police corruption. But one thing’s for sure: it’s never a good time to waste a good concept on a bad game.

#this is the police review #thehallofgame review #video game review #the hall of game review

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junker-town · 6 years

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Auburn’s sideline hedges gave the Tigers more of a challenge than Alabama did

The evidence of what happened in the Iron Bowl is all over the lawn.

AUBURN, Alabama — The hedges at Jordan-Hare Stadium sit between the stands and the field on two sides. In the event of an emergency, they can be scaled, jumped, or tumbled through on the way to the field. The first wave always has a few casualties, brave souls, stuck ass over teakettle for a moment before the shrubbery spits them out onto the field. Note to those who might try it some day: You will win, but not before the hedges throw you around a little.

The list of those emergencies worthy of fighting the shrubs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama includes but is not limited to: fire, earthquake, lightning strike, stampede, and Iron Bowl.

There is no debate about Auburn’s 26-14 win over Alabama being an Iron Bowl. It qualifies categorically for hedge-stomping.

However, exactly when the hedges were doomed is up for debate.

A scientific person would have written the hedges off at the half. After 30 minutes, Auburn had run 42 plays, stymied Alabama’s run game, and had the Crimson Tide in the rare situation of working from behind. When Alabama can’t get off the field on third down, the play count creeps up. (Auburn went nine-of-18 on third down.) When the play count creeps up, the short gains get longer, and even the big, relentless bodies of the Alabama defense fatigue. (Hint: it’s the same thing that happens to everyone, i.e., you give up yards, points, and ultimately a loss.)

The superstitious person might have called it at another point. Trailing 20-14 in the third quarter and in good field position after a 55-yard kickoff return by Trevon Diggs, Alabama sputtered around on offense, though not before Jalen Hurts launched an insane third-down pass into double coverage in the endzone, had it tipped, and sent the entire stadium into a temporary state of delirium when Alabama tight end Hale Hentges nearly caught the tip for a touchdown.

Note: Hale Hentges isn’t even from the state, and his name already sounds like an Alabama governor’s name. If he’d caught that TD, he would have eventually been made governor, if not immediately. It’s bad for the Tide that he did not, but probably good for Hale Hentges personally, given how many Alabama politicians end up indicted.

Then Alabama faced a fourth-and-9 on the Auburn 17 and sent out the kicker.

This should be a normal moment in a football game. It can’t be for Alabama against Auburn, because once upon a time, a kindly mountain sorcerer helped a young Nick Saban out of a jam in West Virginia. In repayment, the sorcerer asked for one thing: That Saban never, ever kick a field goal in a crucial situation on short yardage, because field goals are for cowards. Saban agreed, and the wizard was appeased.

A young Nick Saban forgot his promise, though, and called for a field goal in his first game at Toledo. From that point forward in crucial situations, Nick Saban’s teams would be cursed on field goal attempts.

This is an absurd and completely fictional explanation of what happens to Alabama on crucial field goals, particularly against Auburn. But it works as well as any other theory because nothing else explains why, on a routine attempt, Alabama’s otherwise reliable holder J.K. Scott bobbled a snap, reset, and found himself playing improv quarterback with the entire Auburn defense after him. Holder/placekicker Andy Pappanastos is in the box score officially as a receiver, because Scott did complete a pass to him for a loss of nine yards.

Maybe all that greenery was doomed before this ever started, though.

It might have started after LSU beat Auburn 27-23 in Death Valley on October 14th, when, after some soul-searching, Auburn went on a blind tear through the rest of their schedule. The Tigers topped 40 points in each of their next four games. That run included the outright alarming, 40-17 upset of Georgia that proved Auburn was definitely no longer the same team that lost to Clemson and maybe even a real threat for the conference championship.

Gus Malzahn said as much himself, post-Alabama: “This time of year, very few teams are playing their best football, and we are doing that.”

What also started well before this game: The sideways slide of injury and attrition for Alabama.

Alabama started out by ruining Florida State’s season in a 24-7 game that looked a lot like every other Alabama game ever under Saban. That similarity, however, faded down the stretch. The defense got injured, particularly at linebacker, something that most observers laughed off because of Alabama’s almost unfair depth at every position. That laughter stopped vs. Mississippi State and became a dead serious issue against Auburn, especially with Jarrett Stidham gaining crucial yardage off zone reads and scrambles.

That’s not all. The offense — don’t laugh — did really lose something with the departure of Lane Kiffin. The plays are still there, including the quick horizontal stretches Alabama used early to spread out Auburn. Jalen Hurts, Calvin Ridley, and the stable of running backs are still there, too. The rhythm, timing, and ball distribution, though: they’re different, and not for the better. When Alabama gets behind the sticks or on the scoreboard, it’s all on Hurts to bail out the offense with QB runs and long passes.

It works, sometimes. It only worked sporadically against Mississippi State. Against a disciplined Auburn line, it ceased to work altogether. The entire Auburn defense is too young to know what a phone booth is, but that’s what they had Hurts playing in for much of the night.

For the first time in recent memory, Alabama’s offense looked inept. Auburn did that to them.

When the hedges and Alabama and all sense of order were collectively doomed doesn’t even really matter.

With the final seconds ticking away, a mob poured out onto the field. Over the hedges, past former Auburn QB Jason Campbell, past a sheepish but clearly pleased Tim Cook of Apple, past grinning offensive line coach Herb Hand, past boosters and random grandkids gawking for selfies with players, past ESPN’s Marty Smith, diving into the scrum to get a mic in the face of Malzahn, who was was so swarmed with cameras that bystanders could only point at the flashbulbs and yell, “I GUESS THAT’S GUS,” while holding up cellphones.

Auburn was what it is by charter: an engineering and agricultural school. First there was the controlled demolition on the field, done cleanly in 60 minutes. The celebratory vandalism is designed, too. Toilet paper in designated trees (and a few unofficially chosen ones here and there), a rush to the field, and the removal of the hedges that the groundskeepers already know they will have to repair and regrow.

The Kick Six four years earlier was the most glorious robbery in the history of college football. Auburn took away Alabama’s offense, defense, special teams, chance at a national and conference title, undefeated season, and did it all with a single play. That’s a robbery — a swift, effective, and stunning theft accomplished in a single 109-yard swipe of the football across the field.

What remains of the hedges at Jordan Hare Stadium http://pic.twitter.com/EzahVDzxou

— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) November 26, 2017

This was different.

When you do all that according to plan for four quarters, dominate Alabama at almost every position, accomplish all the same things in 60 minutes of clean work, but then play Alabama’s “Rammer Jammer,” followed up by a just-sarcastic-enough singalong of Alabama’s crowd favorite “Dixieland Delight?” afterwards? When it all happens by the numbers, and then you steal their theme music?

That’s not a theft, Auburn. That’s a heist.

And like any good crew of jewel thieves, Auburn left its calling cards behind so everyone knew who did it. A set of decimated hedges here, a light dusting of toilet paper waving in the trees over there.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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