5/19/25 - Ace of Hearts - Labyrinth of Birdcages sub 16, 4081 words (V)

[Appol PhD they/he]

Additional content warnings for torture and ableist slur usage.

We're getting into the climactic conflict here, revolving around J's dynamic with his doppelganger. Any insight on their interactions would be especially helpful.

 

Thanks as always! 

[ginger_reckoning]

I'm definitely interested to see exactly what revelation J got that makes him feel like he can get out of this one. Overall, good sub and it feels like we are definitely getting close to the end. The electroshock definitely made me uncomfortable, which is probably what you are going for. I'm hoping J's insights that he gained of the doppleganger will play into how he defeats it. Sorry I don't have more notes on the interactions, but I'm excited to see where this goes!

 

 

Pg 1 “so how do I work around that” might want a new sentence after “situation” 

 

“Did me thinking” honestly that might be the problem haha

 

“Beaks tear into” wait, does she not just poof away like normal?

Wait nvm I see that later down. 

 

Pg 2 I do like this confrontation so far. Really gets to the core of what it believes vs what J believes

 

“Databases” nice

 

Pg 3 “Without pain” This discussion seems to be more about physical pain, which makes sense since that is a part of classical conditioning, but also it seems like most of its tactics so far have had to do with inflicting emotional pain as well, which is more what I associate it with, though it has taken a step up in the physical punishments

 

“Digging into” I like this line

 

 

Yeah the introduction of the electrosock machine legitimately gives me an icky feeling, mostly that is as a queer person (and who lives near BYU, which is infamous for using electroshock ‘therapy’ on queer students). It definitely evokes bad emotions for me. So it makes me very afraid for J for sure

 

Pg 4 “exploited all” not sure what this is saying

 

Pg 6 “look online right now” Okay, but like you can find any opinion online haha. I feel like this is not as strong of characterization as it could be, because saying “you’ll find comments of people saying this” feels a little weaker than just making the claim about (for instance) the antivaxxers itself, Then it could say that lots of people agree with it online

 

Pg 7 “the one claim about pain” I am not sure what this sentence is saying 

 

I’m hoping the appearance of P isn’t just DEM. I hope J is still able to find a solution to the doppleganger himself

Okay, it seems like that is not the case haha

 

I like the direction that them appearing is setting it actually 

 

I’m glad he’s finally approaching this larger issue of thinking he’s unlikable

Edited May 26, 2025 by ginger_reckoning