My Elderly Father Started Talking About How Frustrating He Finds “the Pronouns Thing” And I Was Like.

reblog if you believe fanfics are as valid as books that were published and sold by authors who write as their main careers. I'm trying to prove a point

Sometimes, I find myself breaking down Kix’s character, turning over his traits, his patterns and behaviors… and more and more I find the personality construed by fandom for Kix to be so wildly jarring from what we do have of Kix.

Kix has, roughly, 17 minutes of screen time across the entirety of TCW, which, when compared to the likes of Fives and Rex, who clock much more screen time than most other clones, this doesn’t seem like a lot—but when you factor in most clones' screen time, we get a lot of Kix, and there’s a lot you can learn about him if you pay attention to the moments he does have on screen.

And to illustrate my point, and because I genuinely love Kix, I’m taking it upon myself to examine what we do have of Kix—both for my own purposes, creatively, and because I also happen to enjoy being neurotically intense about my favorite characters.

From “The Deserter” (S02:10) which is also Kix’s debut episode:

1. Kix speaks with a softer and gentler affliction in his voice compared to other clones (as seen with Jesse, who debuts alongside Kix and contrasts him in being more assertive.) I generally extrapolate this to be reflective of a softness that underscores Kix’s mannerisms. 2. When confronted by Suu, Kix doesn’t react with aggression of defensiveness (even if he’s also escorting an injured Rex and has a rifle pointed at him,) instead he opts to gently, and slowly, explain the situation, (in fact, Suu cuts him off and it is Jesse who has to explain, Jesse, who speaks quickly and in a more assertive manner than Kix did.) Kix’s tone is also likely influenced by caution. 3. The most notable scene in this episode that Kix appears in is when he’s tending to an injured Rex—I say notable because I think it informs much of how Kix treats his patients, even when they’re being uncooperative. Because in this scene, Kix is nothing but gentle an caring towards Rex, even when Rex tries to order Kix into letting him back into the fight despite the nerve damage he’s taken from the shot to his chest. When he pulls rank on Rex it is done so firmly, but kindly, and his face is one of sheepishness. If this scene shows anything, it’s that Kix is patient.

From Kix’s debut episode, what can be described about his character is that he’s much more reserved and gentle in comparison to the much more assertive personality of Jesse—from his mannerisms to the tone of his voice. He will be firm, but he is not unkind. He also shows patience towards his patient, even when said patient is, initially, being uncooperative.

From Umbara (S04:07 - S04:10) which is when Kix gets the most screen time:

1. The first moment of note Kix appears in is when he raises concerns to Rex about the pace Krell has had them marching at, that this pace is taking its toll on the men and they need to rest. Kix raises these concerns respectfully, secondly, Kix is doing his duty as a medic, which, is fundamental to his character, finally, Kix cares about those around him and he does what he can to ensure the welfare of these men. (And also, I think it’s quite telling that Kix doesn’t press the issue after Krell scolds them for it, as noted before, Kix does not have an assertive personality.) 2. When Kix is taking care of an injured clone he’s dragged into cover Kix retains his professionalism and keeps himself together even under stress. Kix comforts his patient instead, and I think it speaks of that gentleness I keep mentioning that Kix says, “You’re gonna be okay, buddy, this’ll ease the pain.” Kix is comforting, and he holds himself together under stress because he has his brothers to take care of. 3. I think it’s also notable that when Torrent is starting to express their distrust in Krell, though you can tell Kix is beginning to get frustrated with the treatment of the men (expressing that with Krell’s plan, casualties will be high,) his comments are not nearly has harsh as those of Tup or Jesse. Once again, Kix is shown to be more reserved, and I see it as him maintaining his professionalism in raising these concerns, even as he is beginning to grow frustrated with this poor treatment. 4. The note of Kix beginning to grow frustrated with the treatment of his brothers will be expanded upon throughout the Umbara arc; especially in light of Kix taking his frustration and horror out on the wildlife of Umbara for feeding on the corpses of his brothers. If I am to extrapolate, those dead clones serve as a reminder to Kix; a remainder that he, more and more, has been unable to properly care for all his injured brothers. These clones are a reminder to Kix of the brothers he could not save. This is the first crack within Kix, due to the stress of Umbara, and I have to emphasis, this is not Kix’s normal pattern of behavior. 5. Continuing the thread of Kix beginning to crack under the pressures of Umbara, there is a moment in Umbara where Kix is tending to an injured clone—one that’s in his arms, and this clone gets shot to death in Kix’s arms. This is directly Kix being unable to save a clone’s life despite being right there, because Umbara is that overwhelming—to such a degree that he’s forced to leave behind the injured in this moment, even if he can save them. And this is another crack in Kix’s composure, because he snaps at Rex, he drops his professionalism and his respect, and even resorts to barbed comments against Rex for ordering him from tending to the injured because Torrent needs Kix alive. This is not Kix’s normal behavior, this is Kix, stressed and crumbling under the weight of Umbara. 6. The last notable scene Kix appears in, and this is the moment where Kix finally breaks under Umbara’s pressure—it’s the moment where he starts haphazardly firing his blaster at the enemy. This is intended to be shocking—because this is not how Kix nominally acts, he’s in immense distress, and it takes Tup pulling him into cover to get him to calm down. Kix holds his composure for so long, and when he does break, he breaks hard. 7. To cap off the Umbara thoughts, though Kix does have more scenes, he is relegated to a background character for the most part—but, I can only imagine what was going through Kix’s head when he had, under the orders of Krell, fired upon other clones, it is completely counter to who he is, both as a person and as a medic, and I imagine it cuts deep—as it did for all clones involved in that moment, but for Kix… some of that hurt I imagine would be coming from how he’s meant to save his brothers lives, he’s the medic… and yet, in that moment, all he did was take theirs.

Umbara shows that Kix—who has been shown to be a respectful, kind, and helpful clone who just earnestly wants to do his duty in providing his brothers with the care he needs—is broken by an inability to help.

From the Chip arc (S06:01 - S06:04):

1. Not much to be said about some of Kix’s first appearances in this arc, as Kix is doing what he does as a medic (and expressing concern for Tup.) But the scene where Tup is in the infirmary, and Kix is confused about what’s wrong with Tup, I do think that Kix being willing to say that he can’t figure out what’s wrong, and that if they want answers, he’ll need to be sent back to Kamino, is indicative of Kix is aware of the limitations in his knowledge and is willing to humble himself. 2. This is more light-hearted scene (at first, anyway,) and is mostly conjecture on my part but I find it too amusing to leave out. That is the scene in which Kix is checking himself out in the mirror at 79’s. I do not think this is indicative of Kix being conceited about his looks—rather, I think it’s indicative of something else entirely in light of how he also talks in this scene. When he realizes someone else walks in, he talks with a deeper tone that I can only describe as Kix trying to present himself as being cool and mysterious. All the while he’s nonchalantly brushing his shoulders off. It’s so funny to me, especially when he realizes it’s Fives who just walked in, and immediately he tone switches to his typical inflection—and his mannerisms return to the typical ones we’ve seen of him. (Yes, I also think Kix had the haircut he does because he tries to present himself as cooler than he actually is, I imagine he grew embarrassed by this insistence given he grows it out later on—Kix is a dork, I said what I said.) 3. And yes, Kix immediately jumping to concern, before offering his help to Fives—even if his duty would insist that he turn Fives in because of the attempted assassination—I think, this is because Kix fixates on Fives’ distress, and he focuses on how to alleviate that stress, so even as it’s clear he’s confused by what Fives has gotten himself into, Kix still offers his help, and gives it freely in getting Fives in direct contact with Anakin and Rex at his behest. It’s a strong moment for his character, and his face when he asks what he can do to help… it’s so earnest. He’s loyal to his brothers.

And finally, there is the Echo arc of season 7, (S07:01 - S07:04):

1. When their gunship gets shot down, Kix is the first to notice that Cody was injured in the wreck and is trapped; I put this down to Kix being attentive and keeping track of the head count of the party he’s with, something done because he is the team medic and he is responsible for the well being of those around him first and foremost. 2. Then there is the scene at the campfire, which, firstly shows the bond Jesse and Kix have given the ease of banter between them and the comfort between them in their interactions. Secondly, I find it interesting how when Wrecker strangles Jesse, while Rex resorts to more direct action (trying to pull Wrecker by his collar,) Kix kind of just hovers, it’s a pretty… non-violent action when Rex and Jesse both jump to the defensive with the batch (Rex, even more directly, later on, when he actually punches Crosshair.) Similarly, even when Crosshair shoves Kix away, Kix shoves back before getting stuck in a headlock, and even after getting out of the headlock, at most he puts his hands on Crosshair to keep shoving him away. Generally, Kix is a lot less confrontational compared to either Jesse and Rex are in regards to the batch—which, circles around to my point of Kix not being as assertive, neither will he be overly aggressive towards allies. (This may be extrapolated as Kix refusing to take more direction action against another clone, given Umbara. But, that’s just extrapolation; a theory, a musing on motives.) 3. (Also yes I am aware that Kix makes jabs about the batch and I mostly construe this to be that Kix can be judgmental about others he’s skeptical of them, I have my reasons as to why I’m not putting a lot of weight on this but it’s tied to a critique of the arc’s writing, which is not what this is about.)

In summation, Kix is shown, repeatedly, to be someone whose kind and helpful—what matters most to him is the care and well being of his brothers. He’s earnest in that care, and he’s got a softness that underscores a lot of his mannerisms and speech. He does his best to hold himself together for the sake of his brothers. He gets frustrated and breaks down in the face of mounting casualties and an inability to help his brothers. He’s respectful and professional in how he conducts himself as a medic, and even if he pulls rank, he’s firm but kind about it—he expresses patience in how he handles those under his care. Additionally, and in my own conjecture of his character, Kix tries to present himself as cooler than he actually is, suggesting a level of dorky insecurity to him. He’s also shown to lash out and make barbed comments when he’s incredibly stressed, and Kix carries judgment towards others when he’s skeptical of them.

What Kix is not is a hard ass medic whose sick of everyone’s shit, who berates and scolds his patients relentlessly—complaining about how they make his job harder. He is not quick to anger nor does he easily take his frustrations out on those around him—especially those under his care. He does not constantly throw his rank around to get those under his care to do what he wants.

It is a far cry from Kix’s character, and I think it’s a damn shame Kix’s actual character gets ignored in favor in fanon, because honestly, Kix as he is in canon is incredibly interesting—carrying a host of traits that can be explored and examined in their own right.

(Also, in quick references, I’ve narrowed down two videos that compiled Kix’s screen time across TCW, this one which clocks at ~14 minutes, and the second one with clocks in at ~17 minutes.)

I'm not ready. I don't think I'll ever be ready to tell my favorite ever fictional character goodbye. And you know what? I'm okay with that. This show, this beautiful, beautiful show, ends tonight. But the world of The Owl House, the characters and the places and the love we have for them? They'll live on. They will carry on as long as the fandom does, and we're a persistent bunch. But regardless, we still have to say goodbye to the show itself tonight. A show that didn't get the room it deserved to tell the whole story. But what we got with this show, what we've seen and experienced from it and loved about it, those are still just as beautiful as if it has gotten its full time. No, I'm still not ready to say goodbye to The Owl House. But, as Lemony Snicket wrote at the end of A Series of Unfortunate Events, "If we wait until we're ready, we'll be waiting for the rest of our lives." So it'll have to happen anyways. But, such is life.

Ah, what the hell. I'm not saying goodbye. I'll keep rewatching and loving my favorite show, even though Disney isn't putting out any more of its story. I'll never say goodbye, because it will always be with me. With us.

Ever After High Pokemon Teams - Apple White

This will be a series on my headcanons for what Ever After High characters would be like if they were in the Pokemon World. This will include what their trainer class is, why, their teams and their Pokemon's movesets, why and their motivations. Without further ado, lets get started!

Apple White

Daughter of the Ever After Region’s Champion, Snow White, Apple is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become the Region’s next Champion. 

Apple hoped that the daughter of her mother’s rival, Raven Queen, would become a Trainer too so they could compete with each other like their mother’s did. However, this did not come to pass as Raven chose to become a Coordinator instead. 

Apple does not understand why Raven became a Coordinator, mostly because Raven never seems to catch “beautiful” Pokemon. She often tries to dissuade Raven from the Pokemon Contests because she doesn't think she has the right team for it and she does not want Raven to be hurt - but Raven never listens to her!

Trainer Class: Pokemon Trainer

Apple's team is made up of Pokemon that look good while also being well balanced and honor her story.

Candy the Hyrapple

Moves:

Syrup Bomb

Fickle Beam

Recover

Earth Power

Apple's first Pokemon and main partner, Apple did so much research to figure out which of Candy's branch evolutions would be best for her and her team and by Grimm did she make it happen!

I was always gonna put an Applin and one of it's evolutions on Apple's team - it was so obvious - and I thought Hyrapple suited her and her team the best.

Crispin the Ninetales

Moves:

Flamethrower

Extrasensory

Will-O-Wisp

Energy Ball

Apple's secondary main Pokemon, Apple caught Crispin as a Vulpix and Apple strategically planned when to evolve her!

Ninetales was also an easy Pokemon to place on Apple's team to represent Apple's pet Arctic Fox, Gala, from the books. I didn't give her an Alolan Ninetales because I felt like the OG Ninetales suited her better. Both in color scheme and for her team.

Pacific Rose the Milotic

Moves:

Surf

Ice Beam

Dragon Pulse

Draining Kiss

Apple was never gonna pass on the opportunity to own a Milotic! On top of them being know as the most beautiful Pokemon, it is also a strong Pokemon with a great moveset!

Milotic was another obvious choice for Apple, with her being the future "Fairest of the All", it wasn't even a choice! Apple had to have a Milotic!

Jazz the Lopunny

Moves:

Headbutt

Bounce

Flatter

High Jump Kick

Caught as a Buneary, Jazz evolved rather quickly due to Apple's ability to befriend almost anyone! Lopunny is quick on their feet and their moves and will almost always strike first!

Apple has been frequently shown to love bunnies, both in the show and the books, so Lopunny was another obvious choice.

Melrose the Clefable

Moves:

Moonblast

Dew Life

Metronome

Thunderbolt

Apple found Melrose as a shy and scared Clefairy that quickly bonded with the Pokemon who soon joined her team. She has often saved the team when using Metronome, which Apple is grateful for despite not liking the unpredictability of the move.

I really wanted Apple to have a Fairy Type Pokemon because I thought the Type would fit. I landed on Clefairy and Clefable because the have "fairy" and "fable" in the names.

Honeycrisp the Pawmot

Moves:

Thunder Punch

Brick Break

Dig

Slam

Apple's final team member! A cute little mouse-like Pokemon like Pawmi was an easy sell for Apple! This was also a good Pokemon to help Apple round out her team!

I really thought that an Electric Type Pokemon for Apple's team and, after looking through the options, Pawmot fit Apple the best.

Aaannd that is Apple's Pokemon Team! Raven will be the next one! Hope you liked it!

Love these responses! Sometimes your kids are just gay! Also, poor teachers..

it’s funny to think that albus’ best excuse for his and scorpius’ disappearance was that the two of them wanted to run away and start a new life together

Reblog if you're on team "don't touch me without my permission but if you have my permission please never stop touching me"

Polycule but it’s just two people in a romantic relationship with each other and their third who’s pretty obviously aroace but also somehow so deeply intertwined in their lives that it’d just be wrong to not count them as involved. Is this anything.