Personally I hate how dumb they make our characters (the MC) look it’s actually rather offensive considering this 11-18 YEAR OLD HAS GONE THROUGH MORE TRAUMA IN 7 YEARS THEN ANY NORMAL KID SHOULD! Not to mention we seem to have a terrible mother, an inactive or dead father, and our brother who IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THEIR LIFE abandons us again continuously, …oh and let’s not forget we saw our best friend be murdered in front of us by a spell that was originally meant for another one of our longtime friends!
My point being you’d think after all that they could give us some credit in the brains department! (This is why I ignore JamCity’s dialogue choices half the time)
I’m not sure if you sent both asks or it’s just a crazy coincidence that I got them in such a short time, but I’m joining them anyway as they’re pretty much about the same thing.
When it comes to MC, they’re… a weird protagonist. Or maybe I should rather say "inconsistent".
As for whether or not I like them – well, I do like past MC. In earlier years, they were simply better written, more lively, and they had more personality. Because yes, MC always had personality. We could shape it a little, but overall, MC was their own character. And truth be told, there wasn’t much to not like about them, in my opinion. I mean, they were a good kid, a bit of an outsider, rejected by their peers because of their brother, but still very determined to save the said brother and to defend underdogs.
They were a little dorky at times (our interactions with Sickleworth are still one of my favourite moments of the game). They were also pretty witty and even cheeky at times. For example, in their first year, when they tricked Filch that they heard Peeves planning to mess with his office, so MC and their company could sneak into the Corridor with the Icy Room? It was probably smarter than a lot of MC’s actions in Y6 and Y7. Their thought process was just more complex in general, and they questioned more things – and other characters were included in this, too. A good example of this is the Letter From No One situation from Y3 (I talked about it HERE).
Of course, it doesn’t mean that they were infallible. For example, when MC talked to Rowan after being attacked by the Red Cloak for the first time, they suggested that it was Rakepick – which doesn’t really make much sense when you think about it. In Y4Ch2, Rakepick told us that we have to continue our search for the Cursed Vaults, but in Y4Ch3, the Red Cloak told us to stay away from both Rakepick AND the Cursed Vaults. So, hon, how it could even work together? But you see, this is the kind of lack of logic I can accept. First of all, MC was only 14 at the time. Secondly, Rakepick just arrived, she was acting very suspicious, therefore it’s totally possible that she made MC a bit paranoid, and so the kid forgot about logic for a moment.
But now, let’s compare it to the situation from Y6 when MC was investigating the possibility of Snape being the mole. And I’m sorry, but THIS is something I can’t accept. First of all, MC was over two years older than in the previous example, so they also should be smarter. Secondly, we knew Snape for much longer and there were a lot of things proving that he can’t be the mole. Like, he was always suspicious of Rakepick, he even gave us the Garrotting Gas to use it against her! How could he work for R?! We’ve spent a big part of a chapter on that, and we didn’t even question any of these inconsistencies.
Truth be told, I can’t say I hate MC, but this stupidity makes it very hard for me to simply care about them as a character at this point. Ironically, they became more of a blank canvas than they were at the beginning. It’s just like… the things happen to them, and that’s it. I don’t know, I feel like MC became more of an empty shell and a plot device, in a way. They don’t think, they barely react. They don’t really influence their environment.
I believe that partially it’s because the writers have a hard time working beyond the original plans they have, but also because they think that MC should be stupid. And to a degree, I wouldn’t mind it, because MC not remembering everything etc. is an opportunity to refresh the plot. The problem is that Jam City made MC too stupid, and they extremely simplified the whole mechanism. As a result, instead of focusing on different and more important things, we have Y6 where MC figures out every single chapter that the Sunken Vault might be underwater.
Another problem I see with MC is their lack of reactions I mentioned already. Sure, we all respond to trauma differently, but I do think that MC should’ve had a breakdown moment at the end of Y5. I talked more about it HERE.
But the saddest thing about it is that even with MC remaining so "reactionless", it still could've been a very interesting part of the story. See, this is what Snape told us after our Occlumency lesson in Y5Ch18:
It was never elaborated on, yet, I can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t intentional. That originally, there was a reason why MC is so good at controlling their emotions – despite all the trauma they went through, despite feeling guilty about the events happening at Hogwarts. MC’s reactions to traumatic events are always very timid, and they rarely show us that part of them proving that they’re indeed filled with guilt. Sadly though, it’s just another thing that was neglected by the writers, and so it simply makes MC… kind of hollow. It’s harder to sympathise with them because of that, at least for me personally.
Do u think Vigil still talks to his adoptive parents? I imagine he’s grateful but just doesn’t visit or talk to them often. What’s ur opinion?
Hmmmm I thought about this quite a while ago and kinda came up with three possible scenarios.
1. He is an awkward son who doesn’t talk much and kinda hovers around his adoptive parents. The adoptive mother is the kind who is chummy and tries to be very friendly with his son and adoptive father is gentle and stoic man, but shows bits of love from time to time. Despite looking like a stiff board around them, he relaxes a little and gives his adoptive mother a little squeeze when she hugs him. That’s the warmest he will ever be. They understand where he comes from and continued to show unconditional love and support. There were times Vigil had turbulent adolescence, but the adoptive parents regarded it as a sign of him opening up. Acting like how a teenager should, although Vigil kept his mask on and tried to suppress whatever insecurity he felt. He’s still the same as an adult and they fully accept him they way he is. So yeah! Vigil visits them often during holiday and they call him (she would be like, “How come you never call? Have you eaten? Gained some weight? Any lover?” and there is a voice in the background “He’s already too busy answering all of your questions. Also tell him he doesn’t have to send us the money! Your old man still working and active, in his prime!”) Key image: Sunny day with bits of cloud that cast cool air.
2. Awkward and distant. Vigil never opened his mind to them, secretly clinging onto the name given by his birth parents. Perhaps the adoptive parents were people who signed the contract out of desperation because they couldn’t have a child of their own. They thought love can conquer all, thinking they are capable of giving the poor North Korean boy a better future and life. That’s where they went wrong. The downfall of this new-formed family could be pity in disguise, a short-lived, goal orientated empathy. Or their intention to love had more meaning to them, but the shadows that was drawn upon Vigil’s young face became darker, deeper as he lost those baby fats. The adoptive parents couldn’t handle it. Vigil in this scenario doesn’t visit or call often, but continues to send some of his earnings as a gratitude. Key image: Grey skies, thick blanket of storm clouds and not a speck of warmth.
3. The adoptive parents have this cautious attitude around him. They don’t have to tiptoe or treat him like a ball of trauma that’s about to burst, but that tense air has been around since the day of adoption. Vigil noticed and tried to live quiet, obedient and agreeable so they would like him more. They do love him, and have been aware that their attitude pushed Vigil further into his shells. But how many people are experienced with a child who had his father committing suicide and went through hell that no one else should? So yeah. Things were directionless and confusing for a while but the adoptive parents kept reaching out to Vigil. They share some kind of bond that’s weirdly formal and rigid, but Vigil do visit them once a year. No earnings are sent, though. I think Vigil in this scenario would be very eager to live his life and be independent from them, the whole ‘I’d like to live my life without making them feel like I’m a burden. I deserve to be selfish,’ (but this is a thought in sub-conscious level. It’s not as elaborate in his head, but that’s the idea.) Key image: Partially cloudy with streaks of sun ray from time to time.
Kitty Superstar #bookstorecat #catsofinstagram #kitty #felinelife #meowgang #lifestylecat #catlove #kittenlife #hollowbookco #drinkingbuddy #catsareawesome (at New York, New York)
I’ve been thinking about this a while and finally got an idea for it! Thought about doing this after I finish the Dokkaebi/Hibana fic, but THEN! I’ve written two chapters worth of their fluff and you’ve been waiting for a long time. Although I tend to complete my requests really late, I wanted to let you know that your request has been on my mind, never forgotten. So yeah! Here it is and I hope you enjoy :D
Dinnertime is probably the most relaxing moment for the operators. Leave the hard day’s work behind, chill down and take things slow while enjoying each other’s company. Of course there are exceptions to those who need to attend nightly duties, such as patrol, further training and research, or readying for a departure to mind oversea businesses. These operators tend to hasten their meal because their work isn’t yet to be done. They have places to be and at times their presences are requested almost immediately.
“야. (Hey.)”
“So I was saying, she doesn’t have to shove us all into those workloads. I’m like, okay Elena. I know you want to get this off our asses so we can move onto something different, but come on!”
“야. (Hey.)”
“Grace, look behind you.” Ying twitches her brow and resumes back on her meal.
“Nah, don’t bother. It’s probs Chul Kyung,” Dokkaebi waves at whoever is behind her, “Shoo. I don’t wanna do anymore practices on BOSG.”
“Grace.” A mention of her name, an English name, prompts Dokkaebi to finally whip back and check who this rascal might be. One thing is that Vigil almost always call her by Korean name, but she assumed it would be the older Korean since he’s the only one who would call her out with something tasteless as just ‘hey.’ What she had forgotten is the fact that her boyfriend has been learning her mother language, and came to develop a speech manner in its simplest form.
“Oh hey, babe! What’s up?” Her face lights up at the sight of the Brit. Their history as a couple is akin to the honeymoon phase, a period where Dokkaebi is positively glowing with unadulterated passion and affection. She is quick to hold on his hand and shine rose-tinted gaze.
“소금. (Salt.)” Mute returns the squeeze and that’s pretty much it. He accepts the salt shaker from Dokkaebi, tips it onto his panini and leans over to place it back on the table. A sneaky peck on Dokkaebi’s forehead as he stretches away from her; that’s all the honey he manages to display in a public space.
“Late night duty?” She pulls him closer, inviting a seat next to her.
“응. 간다. (Yeah. I’m going.)” He shakes to free his hand and pats on her shoulder before leaving in haste.
Watching Dokkaebi bidding a farewell in sing-song tune and Mute responding to her with a lazy wave, Ying frowns a little, “Wow. You’d really settle with that?”
“Yeah! You know I like my boys handsome and shy.” Dokkaebi winks and shoves a piece of sausage in her mouth.
“Well, but still. I don’t know whether that’s being shy or standoffish,” Ying clicks her tongue, “I used to know a guy like that. You know him.”
“Oh right,” Dokkaebi shrugs, “But hey. Mark and Masaru aren’t in the same league. Chill out.”
“Just saying. As long as you’re fine with him talking to you like that. I don’t understand a thing about Korean, but it sounded pretty cold to me.”
Dokkaebi blows off her friend’s words with another shrug and changes the topic. She is well aware of what Ying is trying to say and the generous concern as a good friend, but no one knows Mute better in this base. Not many would have seen Mute’s way of being romantic through gentle touches, soft words and undivided attention; all those traits are reserved for their private get together. And think about it - how many partners out there would put in time and effort to learn each other’s language? Korean language hadn’t been deemed as universally popular until the rise of the KPOP industry. So what prompted Mute, a man of efficiency, to learn Korean while not being a fan of Korean idols? Dokkaebi and her alone. The sheer fact is sickly sweet and endearing, which adds to the point that Dokkaebi would never stay with a man who treats her like a pebble on the road.
Here is the issue. Mute knew about specific honorifics in Korean language and asked Dokkaebi about it, to which she claimed that it’s not necessary for him to learn those at the early stage. She said it would be better to learn those before he meets her parents, so that’s a mutual agreement behind their private lessons. But then when Mute learned how simpler and direct the casually impolite forms are, he chose to use those in everyday language. He claimed it to be a good practice in pronunciation, and noted how his personality matches with the speech manner. Hence the reason why he appears rude, cold and almost passive aggressive to those who aren't aware of the context. Even Vigil had been giving Mute a mean look. While Dokkaebi doesn’t give two rats’ ass about what the older Korean thinks, she might need to do something about it sooner than later; before Vigil lectures her about the importance of manners and etiquettes.
Mute returns after two days since their last encounter. First thing he does is shower and change into comfortable clothes. He then wolfs down a meal while sending a text message to Dokkaebi for a meet up. Her bed in SMB dorm is their lair, regardless of what they do behind the locked door. No other place is comfortable other than cushiony mattress and blankets infused with her scent, and he can melt into her arms without a word.
“Say, 자기 (babe.)” After some time since they began to cuddle in her bed, Dokkaebi breaks the peaceful silence.
“Yeah?” Mute shifts to level their faces and meet her gaze.
“I think it’s about time for you to learn formal forms.”
“Formal forms?” Mute pauses for a bit and it clicks, “Oh. For Korean?”
“Yup. You’re ready.” She strokes those brown curls and plants a kiss.
“I don’t know,” He hesitates, “I was getting pretty comfortable with what I know so far. Am I not delivering my message across when speaking the casual form?”
“You do, but it would only work with me or people younger than you. I mean, you shouldn’t speak like that with anybody just because they are younger than you,” She reaches out to grab a phone and unlocks the screen, “It’s more like, casual impolite forms are really for those who are your friends or young individuals that you’re really comfortable with.”
“So many rules,” Sighs Mute, “Can’t I do it when we’ve decided to meet your family? I’ve got a lot to do on my plate nowadays.”
“Don’t think about it like a big homework. It’s simple. You just gotta add a few variants of at the end of what you would normally say in impolite form.”
“Maybe some time later, darling,” Mute wraps his hands around her hips and pulls in, “나중에 (Later.)”
Among several aspects that Dokkaebi has learned about Mute, she is aware of his tendency in hiding inexperience. It took him a while to reach out for help because he underestimated the difficulties in learning something that’s on a completely different branch of the language tree. It wasn’t hard for Dokkaebi to teach Mute on speech because he built the basic knowledge from books that he read. Perhaps it was her mistake to start her lesson with informal form, downgrading the lesson with the easiest form to speak at the time. It helped to grow his confidence. But it’s time for a new challenge, as all learning shouldn’t be so stagnant.
“You know what,” Dokkaebi pushes her lips out, “Sometimes I feel like you don’t really listen to me.”
“What makes you think like that?” Mute cocks his head, eyes eagerly focusing on her pout.
She turns away from him, “Well, I know it’s easy to talk in one word or two. But you sound angry or bored with me when you do that.”
“자기 (babe,)” Mute is quick to spoon her, “I thought you didn’t mind that. Didn’t you say that it’s okay to say like that between us?”
“I did. But who likes it when their boyfriend talks like an army sergeant? Like ‘you,’ or ‘hey,’ or ‘give me now.’ It kinda sounds like you’re ordering me around.”
“Grace! I would never!” The mattress shakes and within the blink of an eye, he jumps off from the bed and scoots over to her side, kneeling to have their faces up close, “Is this about me not wanting to be PDA?”
“No, no. I know you don’t like being affectionate in public,” Dokkaebi tenses her jaw, putting an immense effort to not smile or laugh at those googly brown eyes. It’s within her intention to fake a tear or two, believing that he would see her through. What a bonus to find him antsy like a puppy, desperate to earn her affection and happiness? She better come clean before he promises something out of his comfort zone, “I was joking. You’re fine the way you are.” He might swear to show more love when there are bystanders, and cringing pain is not what she’s after.
“Oh. I see.” Mute relaxes and returns to the bed. They continue to spoon; Dokkaebi feels a waft of his breath against her neck, enjoying the subtle nuzzling as they enjoy each other’s company.
Time passes and Dokkaebi feels the similar shift of weight being lifted from her bed, “Going so soon?”
“Yeah. Got early training tomorrow, so I better stay with the rest of SAS.”
“Hm. I wish you’d stay the night,” She hooks her finger on the hem of his shirt, but lets go with a smile, “Okay. See you tomorrow.”
“See you,” Mute gives her a parting kiss, deep and delicate as their lips meet for the last time of the night, “사랑해 (Love you.)”
“나도 (Me too.)” She waves back and focuses back on the phone, but her mind replays the conversation they shared. Bits of doubt and regret for bringing up the issue so early; speculations on whether she wants to teach him the formal form purely in his interest or because of what Ying had said earlier the day. She did say it’s not crucial for him to speak formally with her, and there’s no doubt in Mute’s love. But sometimes, sometimes it would be nice to hear something loving from the man when they are with other people. Anything warm outside of their bedroom, so other people won’t misinterpret their dynamics and how deep their affection runs for each other. No matter. Dokkaebi will not be discouraged by what other people think and say. That’s not her and it’ll never be who she is. Closing her eyes, Dokkaebi decides to sleep off the tangled stream of thought and hopefully it will straighten itself the next morning.
A week passes and it’s pretty much the same between them. Barely touching during the day and fully in contact at night. Mute seems to speak less Korean, but his mannerisms are short and curt. Dokkaebi expects no change until he is ready for the next lesson.
“Can you pass me the pepper?” Ying taps on Dokkaebi, “This soup is a bit bland.”
“Martello won’t be happy if he hears that. Too proud with his cooking skills.” Dokkaebi slides it across the table towards her friend. She may have exerted too much strength, making it whoosh faster than expected. Ying misses her chance and leaps to chase after, hoping she will catch it before crashing onto the wooden floor.
Thankfully someone else catches it, “Thank you so much, Mark.” Ying lets out a sigh as Mute passes her the shaker.
“No worries,” Mute nods, “좋은 밤, 나의 사랑요 (Good evening, my love madam.)”
“Hey, darling,” Dokkaebi replies while taking a bite into her pasta, then halts to give her boyfriend an incredulous stare, “Huh?”
“당신, pepper를 떠러트리 뻔 했다습니다. (Dear, you do- might have drahpped the pepper.)” Mute lay his hand on her back. It’s quite a miniscule movement, but she can sense that he is giving her a rub.
“Oh. Sorry.” Dokkaebi nearly slips food out of her mouth that’s gaping in surprise and awe.
“걱정 맙시다. 내가 요기 있다요, (Don’t worry. I’m be heere for you,)” He shines a serene grin, “사랑님, 나 불러, 필요하면요. (Madam love, call, when do need I.)” Mute walks along to sit with his teammates. Among the SAS, Dokkaebi notices Vigil staring at her. His vacant expression breaks when he notices her gaze, and the man locks eyes and gives her a slow nod.
“Wow, he sounds like a gentleman today. Is it your anniversary?” Ying nudges at Dokkaebi.
She doesn’t take a leer off from her teammate and replies, “No. But I think he asked around to sound like one.” Those sentences she had heard are far from perfect. They are sloppy and amateurish at best, simply against Mute’s personal standard. Despite all that, Dokkaebi is dumbfounded by the gesture. Showing what he has learned without mastering it to a degree, being open to appear imperfect and quite foolish to someone who speaks Korean on a native level. People say it’s the intention that matters and while that is true, Dokkaebi is touched by the choice of words. She doesn’t doubt his love and devotion, and yet it is definitely flattering to hear it aloud from someone who means the world to her.
Yuki: I made these back in 2016 for a bunch of Christmas mugs I planned on giving to Flour, E, and Mari (or “me mugs” as Mari would call them). I made one for Sinpie too but I won’t be posting it here. Since FD and Ali are outside of the country, I wasn’t able to have theirs printed on mugs. They wouldn’t tell us where they were either so I just sent them the drawing. (These are old character designs for Mari and E trollolololol):
Yuki: Ahhhhh the days of my old windows laptop, paint tool sai, and mouse. Yep, did these with mouse. Didn’t have my bro’s ipad and a stylus before trollololol. Pretty proud, if you ask me.
