Pulling Out This From A Chat I Had Literally 3 Hours Ago

*uncontrollable sobbing*

I really looked at all the clones and decided the fratricidal furry would be my top choice.

You guys ever think about how Zane's whole tyrannical genocide arc might have been a good thing for him?

No no no, wait, where are you going-? AT LEAST HEAR ME OUT-

Zane is one of the most complex characters of the entire show, and it's largely because he's literally the reverse of "you don't have to be a mythical beast to be a monster". No, Zane proves that you don't need to be human to have humanity, which is a subtle, overarching theme throughout the later seasons of the show that I'm choosing to believe is entirely intentional and not a side effect of Garmadon being Lloyd's endless migrane.

Anyway, where I'm going with this is that a very crucial part of who Zane is obviously connects to the fact he was built instead of born, and specifically created to protect those who can't protect themselves, an objective he's never failed to complete to the best of his ability. It's heavily implied and even indirectly stated that the reason he's so firmly attached to this directive is because it's the very essence of his code and function, and by extension, his sense of self. It's seen, even if largely just in offhand jokes, that his code has a very powerful influence over his choices and courses of action throughout the entire show. Sooo, how does this lead to me suggesting that the genocide he committed that is never talked about again except for in throwaway gags was actually good for him? Well, it wasn't, obviously, good for his mental health, but it was an important development of his character, and it didn't go to as much waste as I once believed. Think back with me, if you would be so kind, to the infamous mirror episode, when Nya, Zane and Lloyd were breaking and entering and bullying a hospitalized man.

We all know that Zane commented on how his worst fear was having his humanity stripped from him, to become nothing but cool, calculating code. We also know that it was subtle-not-so-subtle foreshadowing for the Never Realm bullshit. Here's the thing- Zane's code specifically dictates that he won't harm others unless it's to protect. So, if wiping his memories had stripped him down to his code, then... what would have changed? It's here where I would like to introduce the idea that over the course of the show, Zane's original code was overridden by him developing his own core values and following them with just as much vigor. Sure, his objective remains the same, protect who cannot protect themselves, but instead of being a core part of who he is because that's how he was designed, it remains a core part of who he is because it's who he chooses to be. Dr. Julian's code was replaced by his own little by little- so when his memory was wiped, there was simply nothing there. The only evidence left of his original instructions was what he remembered, and chose to follow of his own free will.

To summarize and organize my thoughts, the Never Realm was a lot of new and unexplored levels of fucked up and caused a lot of questions begging for answers- but weirdly, it also wrapped up a character arc that's been slowly building since season 1.

From now on, Zane is who he is purely because that's who he chooses to be, and even though it puts him at a huge disadvantage, he chooses to be human.

Arin: Oh I hope he’s not mad

Zane: It’s okay. Believe it or not, Kai is a really nice guy. And definitely not one to hold grudges

Lloyd: How’re you gonna lie straight to the guy’s face like that?

Sleep Soundly…

The clones run warm, hyperspace is cold, and these three deserve a cuddle. Ahsoka sleeps on the inside where it’s safest and Rex is used to waking up with dead arms. Anakin clings. He’s very effective at getting Rex to lay in by just refusing to let go and move; they all sleep better having each other close by anyhow and they need all the rest they can get.

Obi-Wan came in to ask them something and turned on their room’s night cycle instead.

Sad thought I had bc I just came back from a health awareness conference and need to share:

———— Warning: Pertains to ED ————

I wonder if ED is common among the clones. Since they’re all told to be the perfect “soldier”. All the same.

But some brothers weigh more

Some brothers weigh less

Some have genetic mutations that make them look very different

Some don’t have mutations and that makes them feel inferior

Some are situations where abuse from a superior is common

Some are in situations where praise from a superior is common and is desperately sought after

All of them strive for individuality, to be more, to be a “better” version of themselves.

I wonder how often the product of this upbringing, this thinking, is types of ED or other harmful “solutions”.

rip D-16 you would’ve loved Decora Kei

Namor: I have ways of making surfacers talk- to me, to me Jeff, taata’s working- Omgsh did you draw this? That is very good!

Jeff: Mrrrrr!

Rise fans, reblog this and put in the tags what position you are in your family (oldest, middle, youngest, only child) and who your favorite turtle is. I'm curious if there's a trend.