Date: July 11 2022 1:13 AM Title: The Beginning
Quick update: Still alive, so sorry for the wait. Life has been crazy, but I am wrapping up something that occupied my attention for a month and a half. I've still been writing whenever I can, so there chapter is almost finished. I'm aiming to publish Monday-Wednesday.
But Guys.
This chapter is long--irresponsibly long. I still have one more scene to add, but the current word count is 20,000 +. Let me know if that's absolutely fucking insane and I'll skim it down.
Thanks again for the wait.
-- WOP
[Report This]Date: June 21 2022 8:26 AM Title: The Beginning
This is my first time making a review and I just want to say I really been enjoying this story for a while, I just read this story for the fifth time so far and I got to say I loving the to development of the characters and Annabelle, but I was wondering seeing as you said the story coming to a end soon after the FF background arc, I kind of wondering will this series be ending around fourty chapters then, or will it get to around fifty or sixth chapters before it end just curious. P.s your story is around my top three spot close to Deliverances by kardo.
Author's Response:
Thanks Nightwatch, as a chronic lurker, I appreciate your review. I'm not entirely sure how long this story will be by its end. The only limit I forced myself to adhere to was the two chapters per FF backstory rule, because if I didn't, I know this whole arc would be over fifteen chapters long. I mostly write based on plot points that I need to hit. Sometimes I'll realize I need to add a scene for a reveal to make sense later down in like five chapters, so then that may add to the chapter--and overall story--length.
So with that said, when I say coming to an end, I mean I have about five major plot points I need to hit--as opposed to the dozens that I already have. So after the FF backstories there is something else that happens that most can probably guess (the rule of parallelism and what not). Then I'm going to introduce something that has been simmering in the background--and then there's a mini arc/ B-plot that a lot of people will love/hate.
And you know what? I'm not going to say anything else, because I already feel like I may have somehow spoiled something.
But congratulations, Nightwatch, your first ever review and you managed to get so much outta me.
Date: June 20 2022 11:33 PM Title: The Beginning
First of all I agree with redfoot, life comes first, and congratz on the oppurtunities that have come your way.
I would like to apologize for asking so much for updates.
U take care of your life first we will still be here when u come back ( if u take a break or what ever). Congratz again on the course your life is on.
[Report This]Date: June 20 2022 8:10 PM Title: Chapter 31
Absolutely never any need to apologise WriteofPassage - we all love your writing, but fully appreciate it takes time and life can get in the way.
Great to hear of the exciting opportunities you've had recently :)
Very excited for the next chapter, and conclusion of the best story I've ever read on this site.
Date: June 20 2022 12:54 AM Title: The Beginning
Hey Guys,
I'm really sorry for the delay. I've gotten some really fantastic opportunities lately and my days have been pretty busy, so I haven't had as much time to write as I did previously. I try to write whenever I have time (I wrote the majority of the next chapter this weekend).
Like I said previously, I'm not going to abandon this story. I really appreciate you all for sticking with this for so long. I know my sporadic publishing times haven't made it easy.
After the FF's background arc, we'll be entering the final (&In my opinion, most exciting) section of this story. When I was writing this upcoming chapter this weekend, there was a huge part of me that just wanted to upload whatever I had before Monday, but I knew it wouldn't be fair to half-ass this story so late in the game (don't want to Game of Thrones this thing).
So I'm going to add the scenes that will best convey the themes I want to convey, and develop the characters to the best of my ability. Sorry again for the wait, and thank you for your patience.
--WOP
[Report This]Date: June 10 2022 6:40 AM Title: Chapter 31
@Ralgar, WriteofPassage has already stated several times that they are busy with their own personal life and you go all thanks and then a few days later you come to ask "is it done yet??are you updating yet??" and is not even the first time you do it. For some reason you keep coming just to poke the author demanding updates, and at this point you are starting to be rude. This story has always managed on a slow update schedule. This is not a paid job, this is a hobby and the author can post updates whenever they are able to or wish to do so. Just wait like the rest of us, and stop coming like a child on a road trip "are we there yet?are we there yet????"
Stop being annoying, respect the author, their time and their personal life. The update will come when it comes, so for once, please, pretty please with a cherry on top wait for it without complaining.
Date: June 09 2022 2:39 AM Title: The Beginning
was just wondering if there will be an update this weekend.
Date: May 28 2022 9:28 PM Title: The Beginning
Thankyou for the update. It hasn’t been that long since u last updated, it’s just I have experienced to many great stories just die with not a word from their author.
I hope your national test went well. Life takes precedence after all.
So can’t wait to see what comes next after the girls chapters. There is still so much needing to happen, between the resistance and Zoey and the college friends. And of course poppy and the imprinting.
So yea this story is awesome and I can never get enough of it. I can’t wait to read it in its entirety and see all the foreshadowing.
Date: May 25 2022 10:44 PM Title: The Beginning
Hope everything is ok
Author's Response:
Thanks Ralgar,
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been studying for a huge national test (amongst other adult things), but I'm back to writing again! I've had to reread the story and return to my notes/outlines to refresh where I was (There's so many plot points in this damn story).
I don't want to give out any hard fast dates, but maybe next weekend? All I know is that I'm going to publish the chapter whenever I finish instead of waiting for the weekend like I usually do.
Thanks for your patience,
WOP
P.S
For my next story, I'll definitely write the majority of it first, so I don't have any hiatuses when life catches up with me.
Date: May 19 2022 7:50 PM Title: Chapter 31
Toe Jam: I feel bad for her, she seems to just want to be Leah's one and only. I like the dynamic between her and Annabelle.
Byte: He's a good boi. It's honestly refreshing having a completely able and competent tiny in such a dour environment, at first he almost felt too cartoony but I came to like that. I am glad he's back and hope he comes around more, I would like to see more of this plot line.
Warren: Put him down, kill him. Though I admit I am not as into cruelty as most people reading this story probably are, I found him to be almost too evil, though that might be because baby eating (symbolism aside) was so heinous it took me out of the story, both due to the evilness and that I don't like thinking of children in these stories.
Looking forward to see where the story goes, despite not being a fan of cruelty the narrative and Annabelle's plight has captivated me and I am very interested to see more!
Author's Response:
They'll be more Toe Jam in upcoming chapters--don't know if it will be what you're expecting though.
Byte is a good boi. He is definitely over the top, and when he starts to get more scenes you'll see why.
Hahahaha! It's so funny to see the different ways you all react to these characters. Warren and Zoey seem to be the most polarizing (Although, everyone agreed that Mrs. Gates' should've burned). I'm with you on the children thing though, I try to keep them in the peripheral--or only referenced (like in this chapter).
Thanks DarkStarGoddess for commenting!
Date: May 15 2022 1:24 AM Title: Chapter 31
I’ve been meaning to ask if this is your first story ( if so then I think u have real talent), if not where else do u have stories posted.
Also have u Thought about posting this story elsewhere, like archive of our own, or literotica. Just wondering.
Author's Response:
Yeah, this is my first story (hence the pacing and timely uploading problems), but thanks. I don't really know how those other sites work, I posted here, because this seemed like a very specific type of fetishy story and those other places you mentioned I think are a bit more broad? I don't really know enough about them though.
Date: May 04 2022 2:07 AM Title: Chapter 31
Well this was an interesting chapter. So instead of out right domination, she went for straight manipulation, yea u get a choice, ( as long as its the choice i pick). So then we go to the governor and he is about what I expected, caught me by surprise though with the other tines though. You also caught me by surprise with poppy looking to the governor as a candidate (can i just say that Poppy has very lousy taste in candidates). I liked toe jam a lot, I really am interested to see where you go with her.
Now i really hope the next chapter we see a lot more of Leah cause I was really looking forward to her and we didn't get a hole lot with her this chapter. I am very curious to see what she will do to establish that Poppy is hers and that her father has no place in that relationship. She should have known that Annabelle would never where that collar, so i am really curious to see what she does.
You also caught me by surprise with Byte and his return. I didn't expect his return until after the 4's chapters. Also I really hope that statement about killing shrunken who have been exposed to her blood doesn't include Rachel, hopefully its worn off of her by now, but we will see. Also yea u keep teasing this commander ( who is totally her sister).
So the governor is now in play, cant say i saw that coming. You have made a very interesting villain with him, I want to say he is probably a sociopath, and also a little unhinged to with his messing with Anne's mind on her mother, also the way he went after that one guy even beating him after he admitted to the raid. I get a kind of Joker vibe from him, which is good cause I love me some joker. To bad i doubt he has a Batman counter part.
So yea I see where Leah gets her attitude from, though she seems far more stable then her father. This is per speculation on my part but i have a feeling that shrunken would be better off ( for a given value of better) with her in charge of the BSA as opposed to her father. Also plz don't have let her have eaten kids ( i know that might be asking for to much) I don't know if i can stand her being redeemed if she ate kids to. I know there should be know difference from eating kids and college students and killing shrunken in general, but damn it there is, if your going to kill some one don't be sadistic about it, just do it. From what we have seen, yes she has gotten off on domination she hasn't been down right cruel except to Nich and Amy. SO she can be cruel but doesn't do it very often. I really like Leah and I don't know just want her to be better. I like how she was handling Toe Jam, they seemed to have a some what decent relationship ( if still massively wrong and messed up). I know that's after years of indoctrination though.
I am very excited for the next chapter and then Naomi well.
Author's Response:
Haha, yeah Poppy truly has awful taste. Glad to see you like Toe Jam, because she'll be making more appearances beyond Leah's chapter. And yeah the first part of of these FF's typically acts as the introduction to their home lives, or a showcase of their parents.
Byte is a super fun character to write. His perspective is also interesting, and I'm excited to share his worldview in the upcoming chapters. The Commander (whoever she may be ;)) will also be appearing soon.
I'd say the governor is a bit more reserved than the Joker. He may not have a batman counter part but that doesn't mean he's completely unopposed.
Ha, I will say the FF were not around for that specify kid-eating fiasco.
I honestly can't comment on anything else you wrote because I'm afraid of spoiling things, but I will say Leah is in an interesting position right now where she needs to consider Annabelle's feelings if she wants to successfully manipulate her, which makes for an interesting dynamic.
Anyways, thanks for commenting as always, Ralgar!
You got some interesting thoughts that made me consider some things, so thanks!
[Report This]Date: May 02 2022 7:17 AM Title: Chapter 31
Okay I have a confession to make. I really like gobernor Windsor. He is a sexy, manipulating, evil motherfucker, and from the set of parents he really is my favorite, so when the spotlight went to him I was really happy. Now, I do expected him to go for manipulation over sex or punishment/training, but I wasn't expecting him trying to get Poppy to imprint on him at all. I really doubt that will ever happen, but it showcases the weird rivalry relationship he has with Leah. Now, what does makes him worthy while the Abbots weren't?Can't be cruelty, they are cruel too, and literally ate a shrinkie like if it was the meatball scene from Lady and the tramp, can't be attractiveness since the other dads are attractive too, so, what is it?what do you want Poppy?
With that said, Leah will always be number one darling in my heart, and her seeing Poppy sing her father praises had to be awful for her. So of course she is tense and anxious and will want for Anabelle to imprint on her ASAP. Now, what will this end in?who knows. I'm indifferent to toejam, don;'t think she is a type 0 at all just some deluded girl, Byte confirming that Anabelle's blood brainwashes tinies into servitude which bodes bad for when Naomi's mother experiments on her blood and possibly discovers it??
Waiting for more of our beautiful goddess Leah next time!!
Author's Response:
I agree Naoru! There's a reason I introduced him first to Annabelle. His cruel laugh when she first tried to call for help in one of the earlier chapters was meant to be the first instance of a bait and switch from one of the FF's parents.
Hahaha what does Poppy want, indeed. The imprinting whys, whos, and hows will be explained in a few (two??) chapters. Honestly it's a huge reveal that will amaze some people and disappoint others. The clues are there, but I don't think anyone can guess because I haven't connected them yet.
Not going to say anything about the blood thing because I'm afraid I'll spoil something, but keep up that thinking, Narou.
Thank you for commenting again, Naoru, your lust for arguably one of the most evil characters in this story always makes me laugh.
[Report This]Date: May 02 2022 4:39 AM Title: Chapter 31
I called it right with Leah which means the next round of guessing should be a cinch!
As for the clothing choices I would expect nothing less from one of the fearsome foursome so Anna herself shouldn't be too shocked either. A very nice save on her reasoning to want to see the other shrinkees again but judging how you've written the nightmares it is entirely understandable how bad they'd be to Anna living them in real time.
Steven seems to have his work cut out for him after her time with Harper and especially Molly so hopefully he's got something cooked up to reach her before Poppy makes another powerplay. I do enjoy tea so I am curious to see what tea time in a nightmare scenario would be like...I'm guessing like Greta's death in Dream Child but we'll see.
----
I don't mean to trivialise this tension with a fetishy wonder but I really need to know more about "Toe Jam" now and their life with Leah.
That said the Governor is a tremendous prick, kudos on his ability to truly dig in and grate people when they are at their lowest. Teasing Anna about her mother AND making her have to decide the fates of other people is really epic, he was also the one who screwed up her initial escape attempt over the phone so hopefully he has an ass whooping coming from somebody before we reach the end of our journey.
As always it was nice to see Leah stand up for Anna ever after all the degrading treatment in her bedroom. One on one or in the foursome they seem irredeemable but every once in awhile when with their parents you kind of see just a wee bit of humanity shining through the monstrous exterior.
----
It would seem even Poppy has forsaken her Goddesses for this monster.
Truly dark stuff, I knew they were evil but eating kids knocks that level way higher than even I expected. Anna is a wonderful person but even she has to understand there really isn't much for these people to fight for right now.
Maybe down the road if the resistance ever manages to storm the castle so to speak but there is not guarantee of that so she could be selling them a bill of goods no matter how much she wants to help them. They've already lost everything they held dear and facing the prospect of more misery may just be better off being eliminated as opposed to having to pledge their loyalty to satan himself.
-------
Poppy playing very dirty here.
You're really putting poor Anna through the ringer and if she gets through this unscathed or at least unbonded really deserves an ice cream. She's been holding out for as long as she could but Poppy seems possibly the most focused she's ever been.
Though if she -were- to bond with him it would create quite the interesting rift between him and The Foursome as they would no doubt blame Leah for this. So in a way maybe if Anna loses herself she could potentially sew the seeds of discourse that could crack the foundation of the BSA if one of the girls(I'd guess Molly) were to spill the beans out of anger or jealousy.
----
Once again the Foursome's actions seem to be explained by simply meeting their families.
Leah showing passion is nice given her calm demeanor most days but depending on who ends up on the receiving end it might not be great for -everyone-. At least Anna managed to save the people even if there was some shenanigans and things she is glad to not know about involved so involuntarily Poppy actually made things somewhat -better- for somebody at least...as better as they could be given the circumstances.
---
I'd still like to learn more about Leah and Toe Jam's time together but judging by her attitude either she is also a type 0 or Leah destroyed her mind enough to block out anything but praise for her to mask any pain or sadness Toe Jam might have had prior. Given how far gone she seems to be it makes me wonder if -she- possibly sold out the others somehow or helped the Governor decide on eating the children in the first place and this is her coping mechanism to deal with her grief like Joy in We Happy Few.
---
I fully understand Toe Jam's anger here.
Possibly years of dealing with Leah's bullshit and god only knows what level of painful tortures just to be upstaged by what she perceives as an ungrateful interloper who the girl she pledged her life to cares more about than she ever could for her.
The poison blood thing seems a curveball here but you seem to have removed the prospect of using it against the Foursome or their families. Doesn't mean it won't come up later on if needed I imagine.
Surprise appearance by Byte but always nice to see Anna get a little reprieve from the insanity with somebody who cares about her. I also have my theory on the Commander but I'll wait until the potential reveal to share it.
---
Toe Jam:
The sub/footboy in me loves the name and the way Leah seemingly treats her at times. The normal human reading this really feels like she is hiding a dark secret that Leah either forced upon her or somebody else did leading to her mind being broken. It could just be from years of being under Leah's rule that she just accepted things and shut herself off but I still think there is something there behind the broken psyche.
Byte:
Always happy to see Byte, he gives Anna somebody else other than Steven to keep her grounded in this insane situation. Given his abilities he also seems like he will come in handy later if Anna ever hopes to escape or they somehow manage to bring the BSA public etc.
Warren (The governor):
A true piece of shit and this is coming from both a fan of pieces of shit in various movies/games/shows at times and somebody who has read many stories with some truly evil giant folks and rp'd with a few over the years.
Leah:
My guess is she wants to break Anna before she leaves for Naomi's.
Where Harper and Molly failed due to their underneath kindness she is definite ballbreaker of sorts and seems determined not to let her escape without full of imprintation of Anna. Perhaps she feels Naomi will no doubt do the same given they are the two alpha females of the Foursome so she wants to get out ahead of her.
Gemma: I'm not sure yet but given her demeanor maybe a former Nanny of Leah's who looked the other way on a lot of things and helped foster Leah's more terrifying tendencies whilst showing her a bit of love and care that her parents likely didn't...sensing a theme here so far through three of them.
Author's Response:
Ha! If you can guess the next series of events I'll be seriously impressed.
---
Lol well I guess you got your wish about Toe Jam. She is such a tragic character, but so fun to write. If she hadn't shrunken, she would've been an honorary member of the FF, so it' s interesting to write her interactions with Leah.
Haha, I can't say anything about ass whoopings, but I will say that even after Leah's backstory chapter is over, he will still be an influential part of the story.
And the FF truly care about Annabelle more than anything else in their lives, they can justify the way they torture Annabelle, but they really don't like the unpredictability of their parents' interactions with Annabelle.
--
Oh you haven't seen anything yet. They've hinted at some of the BSA's doings, but it'll be a few chapters before we really get into it.
Oof Adam, you almost got me talking about future plot points. All I will say is how the resistance and the captive Shrinkees interact will be interesting.
---
Annabelle isn't really a fan of ice cream, but I agree that she definitely deserves a good book or something.
--
Hee hee, I like your Toe Jam theories--though I guess now you know the truth. Somehow it's a bit worse maybe?
--
Toe Jam's anger is definitely understandable, I agree. But it comes more from the idea that because of what she believes, means Annabelle's status as a beloved pet shouldn't exist. If she was taught and shown that "humans" and "Shrinkees" should only have a strict master/slave relationship with minimal to no affection, then Annabelle being coddled is in direct opposition to that belief. I'd like to think that she had dreams of Leah showing her 1/4th of the affection she shows Annabelle, but felt guilt about said dreams because they go beyond what a Shrinkee "deserves" or should wish for.
But if Annabelle just shows up and is receiving all of this love, then that means it was possible for her to receive it during all of those years (at least in Toe Jam's mind who doesn't really understand the concept of Type 0s). Annabelle's existence and perceived loving relationship with Leah makes Toe Jam look inward and question her value (even as a Shrinkee), which frustrates her and causes her to become enraged with Annabelle.
Annabelle and her blood will definitely be coming up again--along with Byte and the Commander.
----
Wow you were kinda on the mark with Toe Jam, Adam!
--
Yes, I also like it when Byte comes. He and Annabelle have a very natural partnership.
----
Ha! I actually like Warren (I'm biased though).
---
Good guess about Leah. She most certainly wanted to break Annabelle down. She had been planning since a few chapters ago when she first spoke to Oliver in the parking lot. And yeah, she and Naomi will definitely take on the more aggressive approach when dealing with Annabelle's imprinting.
--
Also very close with Gemma.
You're really observant, Adam X
---
I'm not sure if you'll be thrilled with what's coming next for Annabelle, but you'll definitely be intrigued.
Thanks for commenting as always. You always make me snort aggressively when I read your comments.
Date: May 01 2022 8:13 PM Title: Chapter 31
I thought we were going to Naiomi, but it looks like we're getting the 'final boss' early!
I knew the good governor was going to be a handful, which means to say, he wasn't as much of a shocker as the Gates were. Still, he has lots of dirt on Annabelle, and a mess of a mind to use it to its full potential. He's the perfect overarching villain to this tail, and you portray him to his diabolical potential.
Leah is going to be a tough nut to crack. Annabelle, despite the fact that she was submitting to Molly and Harper, also managed to get them wrapped around her little finger. Leah, however, appears to have a rather healthy relationship with her father, at least, as good as you can get with that man. She's competing with him, this means she'll be alert for any signs of Annabelle's machinations in a way Harper and Molly weren't. She is my favorite of the four, even though she's probably the coldest.
Good chapter, although I felt we got less development out of Leah than we did Molly or Harper. Looks like more character intros than anything, especially with Toe Jam. I'll be waiting on the next chapter with baited breath as always.
Author's Response:
Hey Divediveburners
Yeah I'd always planned on Leah being the penultimate FF--should make sense as to why when you read Naomi's chapter. I'm glad the governor's diabolical-ness is apparent. Though I'm not sure how ready you'll be to see the extent of his grand plans.
Yup, I put Leah and Naomi towards the end because they're more shrewd when it comes to Annabelle's motivations. They're not completely blinded by Annabelle's cuteness. Leah and her father have a relationship that works for them, but In don't know if a psychologist would label it as "healthy." They do certainly love each other though.
Hah, your comment about Leah and Toe Jam is super funny to read after the most recent chapter.
Always great to read your comments, Divediverburners!
Date: April 27 2022 12:29 AM Title: Chapter 30
So i as was just wondering if there would be another chapter before the end of this month, totally fine if its not, just wondering.
I am looking forward to Naomi cause as i said in a previous chapter she has in my opinion had the least amount of on screen interaction with Annabelle save for the swallowing and the makeout session in chapter 20, which is the first time anne got lost i think in her role. ALso this will be interesting because unlike the others she will have to compete with her sister and that will drive her nuts,
Author's Response:
Oh definitely, I'm aiming for this weekend actually. I only saw your comment because I've been coming back to recheck some plot details. This chapter is going to be another long one (big surprise, right?). I just checked and it's at 9,000 + words so... I have maybe two more scenes to write and that should take me a couple of days to finish and edit.
This chapter has been really fun to write (take that how you will) and I'm excited to see how you guys react to it.
Thanks again for your continued interest, Ralgar.
[Report This]Date: April 15 2022 4:01 PM Title: Chapter 30
Thinking about my last comment in ch. 30, an idea popped up concerning honesty and the next arcs. It’s not that Harper and Molly aren’t being honest about their feelings for Poppy, but that They lack a motive to really surpass that wall between. Everyone around threats Annabelle as Poppy, as a beloved pet, so they don’t have a reason to threat her any different, because really doesn’t matter what she says, since she can’t escape them anyway.
The momment Molly threated Poppy as a lover and Anna had her episode was the night she felt her grasp slipping because of the parents interference. But she soon secured Poppy, wenting back to her usual self despite the great shift in her house dynamics.
This might be even more pronounced in Naomi’s house, because she will have, not only her parents inteference, but a direct competition for Anna’s atention with her sister – and Nell uses Poppy real name, genuinely acknowledging her humanity and has a lot in common with the shrinkee (including being bullied by her sister).
My guess: the questions for the next arc will lie with the sisters feelings for Poppy and for Anna – how jealousy will affect all the imprintings.
Sorry for commenting twice on the same chapter again. And Happy Easter!
Author's Response:
You're absolutely right, Mr in A suit. I think you'll see when the FF start getting some push back how they re-evaluate their relationship with Annabelle/Poppy. Based on this comment, I'm sure you'll have a lot to say about the most recent chapter.
[Report This]Date: April 15 2022 7:11 AM Title: The Beginning
Obviously the answer for who is next will be Zoey. If only (I am very curious to see them meeting, not that I want poor Annabelle to suffer, part of me wonders if she'd treat her little sister differently seeing her like this?). Though Nell and Annabelle are cute together too.
First time reviewing, I do not have much to say, just that I am very much enjoying this story and am always looking forward to the new chapters. Thank you for sharing, I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes. There are a lot of side characters and I am very curious to see if and how they come back into the story.
Author's Response:
Ha! I also think Zoey deserves her own (second) chapter. Who knows, maybe she'll get one...or two...or three.
There will definitely be some more Nell and Annabelle moments coming up, though they may not be what you're expecting, or maybe they are ¯_(ツ)_/¯ (who can say, right?).
Thanks for the review, DarkStarGoddess, happy to see that you're liking the story. And yes! After, (and maybe even during) the FF's chapters, you will be able to see some familiar faces.
Thanks again for commenting!
Date: April 15 2022 3:19 AM Title: Chapter 30
So first off thsi was another great chapter. YOU go Molly and tell your bitch of a mother ( use that term very loosely) off. I loved that she defended Poppy ( Annabelle), it does so some serious growth on her part. That talk at the end did really show that she has grown, cause she's right earlier in the story she wouldn't have cared why Annabelle was being disrespectful, only that she was. Now she does actually care about Poppy ( not Annabelle, not yet, but I do think she will in time).
I love that discussion at the end about why the giantesses think the way they do about owning a pet person, its fate/ the universes/destiny/God, if u weren't meant to be a slave/pet you wouldn't be, but since u are in that position u are meant to be that way, it finally clarified what harpers parents said both in the initial meeting ( because they can) and what they said in The Abbots first chapter. That reasoning is as old as time and very human. I really liked it, it helped to humanize Molly and by relation the other giants as well. That scene was sweet to, because Annabelle was right Molly was actually treating her like a person for the first time in this story and i loved it, i really hope this is a trend that will continue when we catch back up with molly.
Now on to the dream sequence, I loved that dream, i loved the spicy scene even if not as blunt as some others, also yes Molly's butt does need some screen time. I really have enjoyed these dream sequences for the fact that it allows you to show ( instead of tell) us her in psyche. This one was very poignant that Poppy is the dominant right not, and that ending was very scary, and I do think Molly was some what right about why the dream freaked her out, cause she does care about the 4 even though she hates them. Poor Annabelle is in trouble.
Now i do think Leah is next, would prefer Naomi because I cant wait for Leah but i think she should be the last. I am also excited for Naomi and to see how clingy she will be especially with her sister around, so this should be fun. Also i am in trepidation for the parents of Naomi, and of course the Governor. Naomi i think will be clingy and very sweet on Annabelle. Hopefully her parents arent as bitchy as Mollies but we will see.
I think Leah should be last because it fits her to have the last word I think, and also it will build her jealousy that she will not have had any interaction with Poppy at all, so i think she will feel very threatened by that, and she will have missed poppy to. Honestly i don't know what to expect from the Governor other than emotional manipulation.
Now some thing i have been thinking about is your proposed what if, (plz yes) I have a thought, i ahve two areas that i would like to see a what if on, the first is how would things have played out if on that first night she had left before Harper stopped her, and two how would Harped have reacted if Belle had chosen not to come that night. My main thing is if she didnt have the initial massacre to bring back up, i do think bell would have been so love starved that she prob would have attached to one of the 4. ALso my other big what if is if Zoey had scene her at the house. THat one I have no idea how that would play out.
SO yea still loving this story and i cant wait to see where this ends up.
P.S. How proud were you of that line in chapter 22 i think where leah stills thanos's line about not taking pleasure in killing shrunken. ( THat was a great line and i loved the delivery).
Author's Response:
Haha, I figured you would like the scene where they tell her to fuck off, Ralgar. I'm glad the ideology of the BSA is being conveyed. I think in each chapter, we understand more about about how they perceive the world. Unfortunately for Annabelle, a lot of their values do not align with each other.
And I would agree with you about Annabelle struggling with Poppy. Only time will tell how she'll be able to handle it--or if she'll be able to handle it at all.
I think you'll be surprised of the order of the remaining FF.
About the what ifs, I'm constantly daydreaming about that night that Harper and Annabelle spoke. It truly is the catalyst for everything. I don't think the FF would've allowed her to leave. This isn't mentioned (we really only see 10% of what's actually happening, because the story is mostly told through Annabelle's perspective) but there were suits guarding the perimeter of the house, just in case anyone attempted to escape. If Annabelle attempted to escape, it would've soured the night (in the FF's opinion) because they would have been forced to skip the bait and tease of the massacre, and jump straight into the crushing and eating.
Now, the story of Annabelle not coming is ridiculously interesting. I've created an entire story in my head, so I think I have to write it. It would be a mini story though--not a one off chapter. And you're not far off about Annabelle reacting to the FF differently if she were in the dark about the massacre. (Okay enough Ralgar, you're getting me too hyped--I still have to finish this story).
I'm not going to address the Zoey scenario because anything I might say could potentially be a spoiler...so take that how you will.
P.s Haha, I didn't know that line was something Thanos said (I haven't seen that movie in years--gun to my head I could not give you a single line of dialogue). But he and Leah have a lot of similarities, so I guess it makes sense .
Thanks for commenting, Ralgar, your reviews are always a highlight of my day.
ALSO!
SPOILER FOR CHP. 31
I know most people were expecting Leah to be last (I understand this), but when you read the remaining FF chapters, you'll understand why they're in the order they're in.
Date: April 14 2022 11:57 AM Title: The Beginning
I would like to warn herewith that I make speculations about the end and do not want to spoil anyone's fun if I should have cracked the "code" (Even if I do not believe that, but warning does not hurt).
However, to explain my wishful thinking, I must first classify how I see the story systematically. It becomes more and more apparent with each chapter, from my point of view, that there is not just one major strand of development, but two. The first development thread is the more obvious one and from my point of view a trap for us readers. Annabelle loses her humanity in competition with Poppy with each chapter. (Here one should not only pay attention to the body, it is about the "idea" Annabelle). At the beginning Annabelle stood among many other shrunken humans as a representative of a human being, the idea of being a subject, but with each chapter she becomes more and more a "pet", the idea of being an object. This is what the debate is about, whether Annabelle in the end preserves her humanity and escapes (subject) or eventually becomes a will-less slave (object).
However, this debate necessarily presupposes that there is a legitimate reason for Annabelle to escape, which of course seems obvious at the beginning of the story. However, one must pay attention to the second plot line, which changes the "rules of the game" more and more. The "rules of the game" because of which there is a debate about the first storyline. Namely, while Annabelle loses her humanity, the FF will - I suspect - gain more and more humanity and stop being pets of their parents (+ world) themselves - so that these four, of all people, end up reaching the ideal state of humanity that Annabelle is trying to preserve. The FF are not only portrayed more and more human, they BECOME more and more human, that is to say self-autonomous beings. However, I'm afraid that the FF's humanity will only finally come through when they lose Annabelle to the object. The moment they lose Annabelle, the human Annabelle, the "idea" Annabelle will live on as a subject in the FF, because Annabelle will have made the FF from pet to human, while the FF will have made Annabelle more and more from human to pet (by the way, you pet animals, too, you don't just torture them through. Just because the FF become nicer and nicer to Annabelle does not make Annabelle human to the FF). For the turn, however, a bond of the FF to Annabelle is necessary, which is built up more and more. At the same time a world is necessary, from which the FF will emancipate themselves at the end and fight for the idea of Annabelle, the subject position of all (!) humans. The realization will probably take place with the FF, however, only when Annabelle is "gone" as a material being. In the moment where Annabelle finally becomes a pet, the FF will finally see in Annabelle the pet what they have always been to their parents (+ world) and break out. The person Annabelle is then gone, but the idea Annabelle will live on eternally with the four.
Or to explain it another way. The FF, without realizing it, make Annabelle what they actually are. To the pet. The FF break Annabelle so that Annabelle becomes what they are to their parents (+ world). Annabelle on the other hand breaks the FF more and more to the human being, means to the subject. The FF will become more and more the self-autonomous acting being, what Annabelle has been in the beginning. At the beginning of the story Annabelle was the subject, the FF the objects. At the end, Annabelle will be the object, but the FF will be the subjects. Annabelle will worship FF as Poppy, but the FF will cry about it, that's why they will hold up the idea of Annabelle. Poppy will have no one to desire at the end, maybe even Annabelle will be "saved" with it at the end.
In my theory, the *person Annabelle* may be gone then, unfortunately, but she has achieved what she always wanted. To preserve her humanity, carried by the FF. It is not only a competition between Poppy and Annabelle. It is a competition between Poppy (body/desire) and idea Annabelle (spirit/idea) for the person Annabelle, her legacy. However, it may also be that Poppy wins, but still dies in the end, because the FF want Annabelle back, from the moment Annabelle becomes Poppy. Maybe this will even make Annabelle grow again and become the fifth in line. Poppy, after all, can only survive as long as the FF are specifically pets (of the parents and the world) and therefore want to be desired by the pet (Poppy). However, the moment the FF become the idea Annabelle, when Annabelle becomes the objects Poppy/FF, Poppy dies, since Poppy will have no one left to desire. Annabelle can therefore defeat Poppy, to return to the first plot line, not by escaping, but by the FF becoming Annabelle. However, Poppy loses if Poppy ends up being able to desire NONE of the four.
(Don't wonder, deleted the post several times to correct it).
Author's Response:
Yeso, I believe this is your first time commenting, and yet you've utterly wrecked my mind.
I've said this a couple of times, but you guys are so damn perceptive. Obviously, I can't declare any validity to your theories without spoiling anything, but I will say that I like how you're thinking.
I'm really debating adding this part, because it may be delving into spoiler territory so read at your own risk.
Maybe, kind of spoilers:
I think your thinking may shift, when more is revealed about the imprinting process (all is not what it seems). The binary nature of Annabelle/ Poppy or Subject/Object as you so astutely put it, may possibly become less binary as the story progresses.
I can say that you are absolutely correct about the relationship between the FF and their parents, and the relationships between the FF and Annabelle/Poppy. I'm not sure if the FF realize it yet, but a part of what makes obtaining Poppy so attractive, is the agency possessing her will provide. As of now, they are "pets" to their parents--as you said--but with Poppy under their control, they would become freer in a sense.
Ugh Yeso, you've forced a lot more out of me than I intended (other commenters have done the same). This comment section is dangerous.
Anyway, excellent analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.