#DART AI Review

[marketingprofitmedia]

DART AI Review – Unlimited High Quality Free Buyer Traffic

Welcome to my DART AI Review Post. This is a real user-based DART AI review where I will focus on the features, upgrades, demo, pricing and bonus, how DART AI can help you, and my opinion. This is where DART AI Generate Unlimited High Quality Web 3.0 Backlinks And Free Buyer Traffic On Demand In Less Than 3 Minutes.

Imagine, before diving headfirst into this enticing proposition, it’s crucial to delve deeper. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on DART AI, analyzing its features, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about its role in your SEO strategy. We’ll explore the tool’s claims, its purported functionalities, and potential benefits and risks associated with its use. Ultimately, we’ll equip you with the knowledge necessary to determine whether DART AI aligns with your ethical and sustainable SEO goals.

<<>> Click Here & Get Access Now DART AI Discount Price Here <<>>

DART AI Review: What Is It?

DART AI, marketed as the “World’s Premiere Google DeepMind Gemini AI-Based Technology,” claims to utilize cutting-edge AI to generate high-quality backlinks and drive free buyer traffic to your website, blogs, and social media profiles. It promises to achieve this “in just 3 minutes” and rank your content on top of search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, YouTube, and Rumble.

The tool boasts an effortless user interface, making it accessible even for individuals with no prior SEO experience. Additionally, DART AI claims to integrate seamlessly with social media platforms, potentially boosting your online presence across various channels. However, the specifics of its workings remain shrouded in some secrecy, raising concerns about the legitimacy and potential risks associated with its methods.

DART AI Review: Overview

Creator: Art Flair & Pallab Ghosal

Product: DART AI

Date Of Launch: 2024-Feb-16

Time Of Launch: 10:00 EST

Front-End Price: $17

Official Website: Click Here

Product Type: Software (Online)

Support: Effective Response

Discount: >> Get The Best Discount Right Now <<

Recommended: Highly Recommended

Skill Level Required: All Levels

Refund: YES, 365 Days Money-Back Guarantee

Coupon Code: “DARTAI4” For $4 Off On FE

DART AI Review: Key Features

Create, Use & Sell Limitless High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks For Websites, Blogs, Pages & Funnels

Backlinks For Videos & Social Media Profiles

Top Rankings On Google, Yahoo, Bing & YouTube

Get Limitless Targeted Free Buyer Traffic

50+ Top SEO Tools & 20+ YouTube Tools Included

In-built SEO Website Auditor App

Works In Multiple Languages

Works In Multiple Niches

Super Fast Website Indexing

Fully Automated — No Manual Work Needed

Easy 1-Click Automation

World Class Support

STOP All Of Your Monthly Fees

Create A Recurring Income Stream

Silly-low 1-time price

Anyone can do this!

FREE Commercial License for Early Adopters

365-Day Money Back Guarantee

DART AI Review: Who Does It Work?

You’re 3 steps away From Saving $1,000s & Potentially Making Up To $2,000 Per Day, Just Like Endless Freelancers And SEO & Digital Marketing Agency Owne

.

<<>> Click Here & Get Access Now DART AI Discount Price Here <<>>

DART AI Review: Can Do For You

Start making sales online, without needing the experience or tech skills to start

Lower your monthly fees to zero, and use that money you’ve been spending on something else

Help business owners get more new paying customers and have them thank you for it

Possibly quit your 9 to 5 as you won’t be dependent on the paycheck every month

Get the respect and admiration of your family and friends

Have the freedom to do whatever you want — go on holiday, buy a new TV or a new car

Spend the time doing what you want, not what you have to earn a salary

DART AI Review: Verify User Feedback

DART AI Review: Who Should Use It?

Website Owners

eCommerce Store Owners

Bloggers

Freelancers

Small Business Owners

Agencies

Influencers

Content Creators

Translators

Advertisers

YouTubers

Podcasters

Marketers

Vloggers

Coaches

Authors

DART AI Review: OTO And Pricing

Front End Price: DART AI (Price: $17)

OTO1: DART AI Unlimited ($39)

OTO2: DART AI DFY ($197)

OTO3: Dart AI Automation ($39)

OTO4: DART AI 6 Figures ($197)

OTO5: DART AI Platinum ($39)

OTO6: DART AI Diamond ($49)

OTO7: DART AI Reseller ($197)

OTO8: DART AI Backlink Maker ($39)

OTO9: DART AI Link Cloaker ($29)

<<>> Click Here & Get Access Now DART AI Discount Price Here <<>>

DART AI Review: My Special Bonus Bundle

My Special Bonus Bundle will be visible on your access page as an Affiliate Bonus Button on WarriorPlus immediately after purchase.

And before ending my honest DART AI Review, I told you that I would give you my very own unique PFTSES formula for Free.

DART AI Review: Free Bonuses

Bonus #1: Done-For-You Videos

Grab your hands on our done-for-you videos, ready to skyrocket your business and sales in just 3 easy click

Bonus #2: Simple Sales Copy Software

Generate an extra $200-$500 daily for yourself. By using our sales copy generator software. Generate high-converting sales copies for your sales pages in the blink of an eye.

Bonus #3: Snap Video Pro Software

Use our Snap Video Pro software which lets you take snaps from any part of the video. These ads fuel the fire if used with VideoAce.

Bonus #4: Make $200/Day With Video

This special training reveals the exact way we use to make over $200/Day with videos. It’s very simple and easy to use.

Bonus #5: YouTube Saturation

This special bonus cracks the code of YouTube and lets you from this giant $343 billion YouTube company.

Bonus #6: Video Creation Scientist

You’re Also Going To Get our video creation scientist which lets you create high-quality videos in easy 3 clicks. This lets you create and sell videos on complete autopilot.

Bonus #7: Freelance Expert

This shows you the exact blueprint used by multi-millionaires in cracking the freelancing like a PRO.

Bonus #8: Content Curation Mistakes

Say goodbye to expensive content creation software, this one-click content curation software lets you create content in just 1 click. Simply select a few keywords and rest it does the magic.

DART AI Review: Money Back Guarantee

Try Out DART AI RISK FREE For 365 Days With Our Money Back Guarantee

If you’re still on the fence, after witnessing all DART AI can accomplish, I’m not sure what more I can do So, that’s why I’ll eliminate ALL the danger from your end. I’ll offer you a full 365 days to try DART AI risk-free. If you don’t like it for any reason, just contact us and we will return your money in full, no questions asked. That implies you can’t lose here.

<<>> Click Here & Get Access Now DART AI Discount Price Here <<>>

DART AI Review: Conclusion

DART AI’s claims of instant results and “unlimited free buyer traffic” raise red flags regarding its legitimacy and potential use of unethical SEO practices. While the tool might offer a seemingly easy solution, the potential risks and lack of transparency outweigh the potential benefits. Investing in ethical and sustainable SEO practices, such as content creation, on-page optimization, and organic link building, is a more reliable and long-term approach to achieving sustainable online success. Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, understand the potential risks involved, and consider alternative

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Do I need to pay a monthly fee?

NO. If you grab your copy during this initial launch period, you can pay once and use DART AI forever.

Q. Is a Commercial License included?

YES! We include a full Commercial License, which means that you can create sites not only for yourself but for your clients as well.

Q. What will be the price after the launch period?

We reserve the right to raise the price as high as we need to AND introduce a monthly fee.

Q. I’m not a techy person — can I use DART AI?

ABSOLUTELY! Everything is easy to use with 1-click. Plus we include video training on how to move around the member’s area.

Q. Will DART AI work on both PC and Mac?

Yes, it works on any device, including mobile.

<<>> Click Here & Get Access Now DART AI Discount Price Here <<>>

See my other reviews: InsightHub AI Review, Nova App Review, Anonymous AI Review, WebBookAI Studio Review, VoiceGenesis AI Review, Visionize Ai Review, Stealth AI Review, Mail Mate Review.

Thank for reading my DART AI Review till the end. Hope it will help you to make purchase decision perfectly.

Disclaimer: This DART AI review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Before making a purchase decision, we recommend conducting your own research and exploring the software.

Note: Yes, this is a paid software, however the one-time fee is $17 for lifetime.

[dollerinna]

WOULD YOU LIKE AN ALMOND JOY .ᐣ

( black noir x gn!crime analyst reader )

summary: after a long day of work, you try to unwind by watching your comfort show, but your solitude is interrupted by yet another visit from noir, who seems to be finding more and more excuses to spend time with you… (includes a C.AI bot as part 2 below!)

wordcount: 2k

tags: brief mention of NSFW pop-up ads, nerdy n’ socially awkward reader, noir’s disdain for almond joys but he makes up for it at the end <3

It had been a long day at the crime analytics office in Vought. As the sun began to set, exhaustion crept over you after reviewing incident report after report. Your eyes strained from the blue glare of your computer screen. You knew you had promised your boss you would organize the ever-growing database, but the tiny voice of procrastination was pleading for rest before your overworked brain turned into a pile of mush.

Rather than more paperwork—you, being the slacker of all slackers in this department, decided a well-deserved break was in order. And what better way to recharge than turning off the noggin and filling it with good ol’ fashioned mindless entertainment?

With a few tired clicks of your mouse, you booted up your go-to streaming site, which was none other than 123movies. Scrolling through the options, your cursor hovered over the play button of your favorite trashy drama. The kind of cheesy, perfectly predictable melodrama spun from the worst of amateur YA plots. It was practically comfort food for your fatigued mind, just what you needed to loosen up after the mental marathon that was this long day.

As the opening credits began to roll, your computer began to whir and hiss like an overtaxed engine, emitting gusts of unusually hot air from the vents. Suddenly, its screen slowed to a sluggish crawl, cluttered with a barrage of not-so-savory pop-up ads. Barely a minute in, the pixels already scrambled to form images better to left unseen—half naked women in risqué yet tacky mermaid-like attire, claiming they were ‘just around the corner and ready for a good aquatic fuck.’

First of all, what the absolute living hell is an “aquatic fuck”??

Did you even want to know? And most importantly, what happened to the ad blocker you installed just the other day? Judging by the contents, you had a sneaking suspicion that slimy, sea-dwelling degenerate, The Deep, had tampered with your computer… yet again.

“For the love of-… what’s with all these pop-up ads?” you muttered under your breath as excessively explicit ads crowded out the episode. Your eyes darted furtively around the room to check for wandering glances, hoping against hope that none of your coworkers had noticed the unwanted filth invading your screen. Heart pounding, you squeezed your chair closer to your monitor into a makeshift barricade, shielding the display as best you could while hastily clicking away at the intrusive ads.

As you hurriedly closed the remaining windows, an ominous shadow fell across the screen. Dreading what—or who—might be behind you, you slowly swiveled your chair around to find Black Noir's stoic stare boring into your own.

You stifled a yelp as you instinctively clutched the armrests, catching yourself on the edge of your seat before an ungainly spill to the floor. Noir had a way of materializing without warning, and it never failed to unnerve.

“N-Noir!” you managed, inwardly cringing as your voice broke on his name. “Fancy seeing you in these parts. I was just taking a quick break and y’know- stretching ‘em brain cells.” You tried for a lighthearted chuckle, but it emerged as more of a strained squeak that faded into an anxious hum.

With a jerky flurry of clicks and the browser minimized from view, whatever dignity you still retained disappearing along with it. All that did remain was you praying to the heavens above that he hadn't noticed its questionable contents (even if he most definitely had and simply chose not to comment)

When Noir offered no response, you of course charmingly barreled ahead in your frazzled daze. “But anyways, s-sorry about that… how uh, can I help you today?” your words tumbled out in a breathless rush, punctuated by a shrill laugh you hoped disguised the mortification simmering beneath.

Noir cocked his head, observing you with that same silent intensity. You fidgeted, hands twisting in knotted discomfort, the heat in your ears now engulfing your entire face. Was it the invasive pop-ups that had you squirming in your seat? Or the fact he could snuff out your existence faster than you can say “workers’ comp”?

Either way, beneath the weight of his stare, you already felt as if you were some peculiar, freakish creature pinned for study, rather than some bumbling employee just trying to unwind and watch their comfort show.

And to him, you indeed were a fascinating, bizarre little human.

Mercifully, Noir chose to extend a folder toward you, putting an end to your somewhat pathetic withering. You accepted it with a wordless nod, nearly sagging in your chair as tension drained from your shoulders.

Whirling towards the familiar clutter of your desk once more, you pretended absorption in the folder’s material, hoping this signaled Noir’s leave. After all, has anyone seen the state of you? It certainly wasn’t a flattering one. Yet from the corner of your eye, you detected no movement, no receding footsteps—his shadowy form remained statuesquely in place.

Believe it or not, this has been becoming a thing, a growing habit of late—and a suspicious one at that. Lately his breaks had grown longer, minutes lengthening to quarters of an hour, all spent hovering at your desk as you worked. However, his focus was solely on watching and observing you. He never exhibited a hint of thought or motive for his reason there, only leaving you with questions that seemed to multiply by each and every visit.

Noir, on the other hand, was somehow utterly convinced that you and him were two peas in a tightly-knit pod. He swore you two were best of buds for life—even if "life" so far had only amounted to the past two weeks' worth of half-hour stretches where he silently observed your work from the corner.

Ironically, you didn’t have the slightest inkling of how he really felt. Instead, you always assumed that he, like most supes, regarded you as little more than a puny mortal—a fragile, near-useless sack of flesh and bones whose skull he was one misstep away from caving in with bare hands.

But nope, Noir was simply here to bless you, the nerdy but cute crime analyst, with his presence—his rather… unsettling presence.

The familiar hush settled as you reluctantly returned focus to the task at hand. Hocus-pocus-focus, you chanted mentally, peeling away the last shreds of stray thoughts to tap into the zone of productivity. Unfurling the dossier Noir provided, you began sifting through documents for insight on his purpose in approaching you. Meanwhile, a flick of movement in the edge of your vision revealed Noir's attention veer off course, the almond joy perched beside your keyboard capturing his notice.

You tensed, hocus-pocus-focus breaking, all too aware of past disappearances of snacks in these briefings. Sure enough, his hand drifted noiselessly toward the candy bar, no doubt spurred by ingrained impulse to dispose of it per his usual custom. But you'd grown wise to his methods by now.

Not again, you sighed inwardly, snatching the almond joy and cradling it protectively as if it were your dear, beloved child.

Noir made no move to withdraw, palm outstretched expectantly. You frowned, struggling to keep frustration at bay. "Please, come on- not this time!.. It's my last one for the day." Brows pinching, your tone threatened to rise before steadying with a slow and calm inhale. No use losing composure over candy, no matter the principle. So all you could do was peer beseechingly at Noir in silent appeal, legs jittering restlessly under your desk in building apprehension.

Unfortunately, you found no signs of leniency in his obscured face—only his hand beckoning relentlessly for the almond joy. You plea was once again met with stony resolve, as if he was internally distressed by the mere presence of it. What was he? Deathly allergic to almond joys or something?

With a resigned breath, you delivered the almond joy towards Noir's waiting glove, unable to hide the disappointment dimming your features. Your lips curled into a slight pout, gaze sinking heavy into your lap at being parted from the treat. Though Noir was never one for words, it really didn’t take a rocket scientist to see you felt bullied into submission by his demands. At the end of the day, what power did a measly analyst like yourself hold against one of the Seven? As your fingers uncurled, releasing the candy into Noir's grasp, you couldn't help but feel a bit put upon, even if that wasn’t his intention at all.

Noir was well aware of the upset feelings his request had caused, so in an attempt to remedy the situation, his arm was sent in a backwards reach for the notepad he often used to communicate. However, he found himself at a loss as words eluded him, his thoughts swirling in frustrating circles of “What should I even say?”—muddled and incoherent. For a moment he stared at you, mask betraying no emotion as he grappled to find the right words, despite the prick of guilt nibbling at his conscience. Then, lacking any better option, he simply tossed the offending candy into the trash, perhaps with more force than intended.

Clearly, socializing was not Noir’s strong suit.

With no further acknowledgment, Noir spun on his heel and marched away. You watched his retreating, rigid form with discomfort clenching your insides, eyes falling onto the lonely candy discarded in the trash, its colorful wrapper mocking your current disheartened state.

Wearily, you turned away from the almond joy, redirecting your attention toward the computer as a means to divert your now soured mood. Maximizing the browser, you hoped that your planned show may have had time to load during the interaction. But upon inspecting the screen, you found the video remained stubbornly stalled, stuck on buffering dots and refusing to roll despite the minutes passed.

Just. Peachy.

One (super)human encounter had sucked the very life source out of your dog-tired body, and now this. It was really shaping up to be one of those days.

Thoroughly worn out, you gently laid your head down onto the desk, pillowing it against the crook of your folded arms as eyelids slid shut. All you craved was to simply sleep away the remaining time until you could finally escape this wretched shift and retreat to the sanctuary of your home sweet home.

─────────────────

As your shift wound down to its end, you were finally stirring from your slumber. Rubbing the sleep from your bleary eyes, your blurred vision sharpened to show your colleagues had long since departed while you were snoozing away.

Rising and squaring your shoulders, you began to gather your belongings in preparation to leave as well. Once you had collected everything and lifted to your feet, something in the far corner of your desk caught your eye. Approaching for a closer look in the dim lighting, the fuzzy outline gradually came into focus—a cluttered collection of Hershey's Kisses, their jumbled placement grouped to form the shape of a heart.

You blinked in bewilderment, rubbing your eyes once more to ensure you weren't imagining things. Stepping closer, you spotted a sticky note nestled within the heart of chocolates, scrawled upon in a crude, blocky hand. At first, you assumed it was some silly prank from one of your coworkers, but you knew you recognized the handwriting anywhere—it was Noir's.

Gingerly, you plucked the sticky note from the desk, lifting it to your line of sight to read the message. “Kisses taste better than almond joys…Sorry.” you read softly, your voice trailing off as confusion crept in.

Designed as a very apparent flirty gesture, the intent behind the note and chocolates still managed to whoosh straight over your head. As always seemed the case, even the most painfully obvious social cues could so easily evade your understanding—this proving no exception.

You slipped the sticky note into your pocket, then selected a foil-wrapped Kiss from the pile. Gently rolling the chocolate between your fingers, you unwrapped it and popped one into your mouth. You took time to savor its light cream filling beneath a smooth outer shell, face crinkling in thought and head tilting as you considered your verdict. “Eh… I’d beg to differ.” you mused with a shrug, slinging your bag over your shoulder as you took your leave from the office.

-------☆-------

Pssst- likes, comments, and reblogs are greatly appreciated in this household and keep me motivated! <3

-------☆-------

a C.AI bot as your very own part 2 where you thank Noir the following day:

a/n: saw somewhere that kisses don’t contain nuts but then I also saw someone else say they actually do??? So let’s just pretend the kisses Noir chose are completely nut-free for the sake of the plot 😭

also, the reader is very much based off Anika if it wasn’t obvious enough haha! She’s so y/n coded 😤💗

♡ divider credits: @/ianrkives

[thaoworra]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association recently released the poems that made it to the finalist stage for consideration for the 2024 Rhysling Awards for Short and Long Speculative Poems of the year. Congratulations to all of the nominees! This will be the 46th year these awards have been conferred!

Short Poems (50 finalists)

Attn: Prime Real Estate Opportunity!, Emily Ruth Verona, Under Her Eye: A Women in Horror Poetry Collection Volume II

The Beauty of Monsters, Angela Liu, Small Wonders 1

The Blight of Kezia, Patricia Gomes, HWA Poetry Showcase X

The Day We All Died, A Little, Lisa Timpf, Radon 5

Deadweight, Jack Cooper, Propel 7

Dear Mars, Susan L. Lin, The Sprawl Mag 1.2

Dispatches from the Dragon's Den, Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 46.2

Dr. Jekyll, West Ambrose, Thin Veil Press December

First Eclipse: Chang-O and the Jade Hare, Emily Jiang, Uncanny 53

Five of Cups Considers Forgiveness, Ali Trotta, The Deadlands 31

Gods of the Garden, Steven Withrow, Spectral Realms 19

The Goth Girls' Gun Gang, Marisca Pichette, The Dread Machine 3.2

Guiding Star, Tim Jones, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa, ed. Lee Murray (Clan Destine Press)

Hallucinations Gifted to Me by Heatstroke, Morgan L. Ventura, Banshee 15

hemiplegic migraine as willing human sacrifice, Ennis Rook Bashe, Eternal Haunted Summer Winter Solstice

Hi! I am your Cortical Update!, Mahaila Smith, Star*Line 46.3

How to Make the Animal Perfect?, Linda D. Addison, Weird Tales 100

I Dreamt They Cast a Trans Girl to Give Birth to the Demon, Jennessa Hester, HAD October

Invasive, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Polar Starlight 9

kan-da-ka, Nadaa Hussein, Apparition Lit 23

Language as a Form of Breath, Angel Leal, Apparition Lit October

The Lantern of September, Scott Couturier, Spectral Realms 19

Let Us Dream, Myna Chang, Small Wonders 3

The Magician's Foundling, Angel Leal, Heartlines Spec 2

The Man with the Stone Flute, Joshua St. Claire, Abyss & Apex 87

Mass-Market Affair, Casey Aimer, Star*Line 46.4

Mom's Surprise, Francis W. Alexander, Tales from the Moonlit Path June

A Murder of Crows, Alicia Hilton, Ice Queen 11

No One Now Remembers, Geoffrey Landis, Fantasy and Science Fiction Nov./Dec.

orion conquers the sky, Maria Zoccula, On Spec 33.2

Pines in the Wind, Karen Greenbaum-Maya, The Beautiful Leaves (Bamboo Dart Press)

The Poet Responds to an Invitation from the AI on the Moon, T.D. Walker, Radon Journal 5

A Prayer for the Surviving, Marisca Pichette, Haven Speculative 9

Pre-Nuptial, F. J. Bergmann, The Vampiricon (Mind's Eye Publications)

The Problem of Pain, Anna Cates, Eye on the Telescope 49

The Return of the Sauceress, F. J. Bergmann, The Flying Saucer Poetry Review February

Sea Change, David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Ann K. Schwader, Scifaikuest May

Seed of Power, Linda D. Addison, The Book of Witches ed. Jonathan Strahan (Harper Collins)

Sleeping Beauties, Carina Bissett, HWA Poetry Showcase X

Solar Punks, J. D. Harlock, The Dread Machine 3.1

Song of the Last Hour, Samuel A. Betiku, The Deadlands 22

Sphinx, Mary Soon Lee, Asimov's September/October

Storm Watchers (a drabbun), Terrie Leigh Relf, Space & Time

Sunflower Astronaut, Charlie Espinosa, Strange Horizons July

Three Hearts as One, G. O. Clark, Asimov's May/June

Troy, Carolyn Clink, Polar Starlight 12

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary, John Grey, Medusa's Kitchen September

Under World, Jacqueline West, Carmina Magazine September

Walking in the Starry World, John Philip Johnson, Orion's Belt May

Whispers in Ink, Angela Yuriko Smith, Whispers from Beyond (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Long Poems (25 finalists)

Archivist of a Lost World, Gerri Leen, Eccentric Orbits 4

As the witch burns, Marisca Pichette, Fantasy 87

Brigid the Poet, Adele Gardner, Eternal Haunted Summer Summer Solstice

Coding a Demi-griot (An Olivian Measure), Armoni “Monihymn” Boone, Fiyah 26

Cradling Fish, Laura Ma, Strange Horizons May

Dream Visions, Melissa Ridley Elmes, Eccentric Orbits 4

Eight Dwarfs on Planet X, Avra Margariti, Radon Journal 3

The Giants of Kandahar, Anna Cates, Abyss & Apex 88

How to Haunt a Northern Lake, Lora Gray, Uncanny 55

Impostor Syndrome, Robert Borski, Dreams and Nightmares 124

The Incessant Rain, Rhiannon Owens, Evermore 3

Interrogation About A Monster During Sleep Paralysis, Angela Liu, Strange Horizons November

Little Brown Changeling, Lauren Scharhag, Aphelion 283

A Mere Million Miles from Earth, John C. Mannone, Altered Reality April

Pilot, Akua Lezli Hope, Black Joy Unbound eds. Stephanie Andrea Allen & Lauren Cherelle (BLF Press)

Protocol, Jamie Simpher, Small Wonders 5

Sleep Dragon, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

Slow Dreaming, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

St. Sebastian Goes To Confession, West Ambrose, Mouthfeel 1

Value Measure, Joseph Halden and Rhonda Parrish, Dreams and Nightmares 125

A Weather of My Own Making, Nnadi Samuel, Silver Blade 56

Welcoming the New Girl, Beth Cato, Penumbric October

What You Find at the Center, Elizabeth R McClellan, Haven Spec Magazine 12

The Witch Makes Her To-Do List, Theodora Goss, Uncanny 50

The Year It Changed, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Star*Line 46.4

Voting for the Rhysling Award begins July 1; a link to the ballot will be sent with the Rhysling Anthology, as well as with the July issue of Star*Line. More information on the Rhysling Award can be found here.

[feral-ffa]

Updated list of my fave offsite stories. Will continue to update. A couple of these are pretty heavy slob FYI.

test

[glennriley49]

The Watchers Complex

A short ghost/cosmic horror story by Glennis

Jake fumbled with his keys, struggling to balance the last box of his belongings while unlocking the door to his new apartment. The smart lock beeped cheerfully, a stark contrast to his weary mood. As he stepped inside, the lights automatically flickered to life, illuminating the sleek, modern space he now called home.

"Welcome home, Jake," the apartment's AI assistant chimed. "Would you like me to adjust the temperature?"

"No thanks," Jake muttered, setting down the box with a heavy thud. He gazed around the empty living room, devoid of the warmth and memories that had filled his old place. But those memories were tainted now, poisoned by the bitter end of his relationship with Sarah.

Jake shook his head, trying to dispel thoughts of his ex. This move was supposed to be a fresh start, a chance to leave the pain behind and begin anew. The Nexus Apartments promised cutting-edge technology and unparalleled security – the perfect place to lose himself in work and forget about his heartache.

As he began unpacking, Jake's phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message from the building's management:

"Welcome to Nexus Apartments! As our resident security consultant, you now have access to the complex's camera feeds. Please review the system at your earliest convenience."

Jake sighed, remembering the agreement he'd made with the management. In exchange for a significant discount on rent, he'd agreed to help set up and monitor the building's state-of-the-art security system. It had seemed like a good idea at the time – a distraction from his personal life and a chance to put his skills to use.

After a few hours of halfhearted unpacking, Jake decided to take a break and check out the security system. He booted up his laptop and logged into the building's network, bringing up a grid of camera feeds from around the complex.

The system was impressive, with high-definition cameras covering every angle of the building's exterior and common areas. Jake flicked through the feeds, familiarizing himself with the layout. As he watched, he noticed a flicker of movement in one of the hallway cameras.

Leaning closer, Jake squinted at the screen. For a moment, he thought he saw a dark shape dart across the frame, but when he rewound the footage, there was nothing there. He rubbed his eyes, chalking it up to fatigue from the move.

"Just tired," he muttered to himself. "Time to call it a night."

As Jake settled into bed, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had crept over him. The apartment felt too quiet, too sterile. He tossed and turned, eventually drifting into a fitful sleep.

In the early hours of the morning, Jake was jolted awake by a piercing scream. He sat bolt upright, heart racing, before realizing it had come from outside. Rushing to the window, he peered down at the street below, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Shaken, Jake decided to check the security feeds. He pulled up the exterior cameras, rewinding to a few minutes earlier. At first, he saw nothing unusual, but then a flash of movement caught his eye. He paused the footage, zooming in on a shadowy figure near the building's entrance.

The image was grainy and distorted, but Jake could make out what looked like a woman in a long, flowing dress. Her face was obscured, but there was something off about her posture – almost as if she were floating rather than standing.

As Jake watched, the figure seemed to flicker and disappear, like a faulty hologram. He blinked, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. When he looked back at the screen, the figure was gone.

"What the hell?" Jake muttered, rewinding the footage again. But no matter how many times he replayed it, he couldn't find any trace of the mysterious woman.

Unnerved, Jake decided to head down to the lobby to investigate. The hallway outside his apartment was eerily quiet, the smart lighting dimmed to a soft glow. As he approached the elevator, Jake felt a sudden chill, as if a cold breeze had swept through the corridor.

The elevator arrived with a cheerful ding, but as Jake stepped inside, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone – or something – was watching him. He turned, half-expecting to see a figure lurking in the shadows, but the hallway remained empty.

In the lobby, Jake found no sign of disturbance. The night security guard, a middle-aged man named Frank, looked up from his crossword puzzle with mild interest.

"Everything alright, Mr. Chen?" Frank asked, setting aside his pen.

Jake hesitated, unsure how to explain what he'd seen. "Did you hear anything unusual a little while ago? Maybe a scream?"

Frank furrowed his brow, shaking his head. "Can't say that I did. It's been quiet as a tomb down here all night."

Jake suppressed a shiver at Frank's choice of words. "And you haven't seen anyone coming or going in the last hour or so?"

"Nope," Frank replied, glancing at the lobby's security monitors. "Just you. Why do you ask?"

Jake debated whether to mention the strange figure he'd seen on the cameras, but decided against it. He didn't want to sound crazy on his first night in the building.

"No reason," he said, forcing a smile. "Just thought I heard something. Must have been dreaming."

As Jake headed back to his apartment, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The building seemed different somehow – colder, more oppressive. As he passed by the other apartments, he could have sworn he heard muffled whispers and the sound of shuffling feet behind closed doors.

Back in his own unit, Jake pulled up the security feeds again, determined to find some explanation for what he'd seen. He spent hours poring over the footage, but found nothing concrete – just fleeting shadows and inexplicable glitches in the video.

As dawn broke, Jake finally gave up and collapsed into bed, his mind racing with possibilities. He drifted into an uneasy sleep, plagued by dreams of dark figures and echoing screams.

The next few days passed in a blur of unpacking and settling in. Jake threw himself into his work, both his day job as a software engineer and his duties as the building's security consultant. He told himself that the incident on his first night had been nothing more than a combination of stress and an overactive imagination.

But as the week wore on, Jake couldn't ignore the growing sense of unease that permeated the building. Other tenants began to complain of strange noises in the night – scratching sounds in the walls, whispers in empty rooms, and the sensation of being watched.

Jake did his best to reassure them, chalking it up to the quirks of a new building and overly sensitive smart home systems. But privately, he was becoming more and more concerned. The security cameras continued to pick up anomalies – fleeting shadows, unexplained temperature drops, and occasional glitches that seemed to obscure entire sections of the building.

One evening, as Jake was reviewing the day's footage, he noticed something that made his blood run cold. In one of the hallway cameras, he saw a familiar figure – the woman in the flowing dress he'd glimpsed on his first night. This time, the image was clearer, and Jake could make out more details.

The woman's dress was old-fashioned, reminiscent of Victorian-era clothing. Her long, dark hair obscured most of her face, but what Jake could see looked pale and gaunt. As he watched, the woman turned slowly, seeming to look directly into the camera. Jake felt a chill run down his spine as he realized her eyes were completely black, like empty sockets.

Just as he was about to call building security, Jake's phone rang, startling him. It was Lisa, one of his neighbors from down the hall.

"Jake?" Lisa's voice was trembling. "I'm sorry to bother you, but something really weird is happening in my apartment. The lights keep flickering, and I swear I can hear someone whispering, but there's no one here. Can you come check it out?"

Jake hesitated, glancing back at the frozen image of the ghostly woman on his screen. "Sure, Lisa. I'll be right there."

He grabbed a flashlight and hurried down the hall to Lisa's apartment. As he approached, he noticed the temperature seemed to drop dramatically. His breath fogged in the air as he knocked on Lisa's door.

The door creaked open, revealing Lisa's pale, frightened face. "Thank god you're here," she said, ushering him inside. "It's gotten worse in the last few minutes."

Jake stepped into the apartment, immediately noticing the oppressive atmosphere. The air felt thick and heavy, and there was a faint smell of decay that made his stomach turn.

"Have you called building maintenance?" Jake asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Lisa nodded. "They said they'd send someone up, but that was an hour ago. No one's come."

As if on cue, the lights in the apartment began to flicker wildly. Jake heard a low, guttural moan that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. Lisa let out a terrified whimper, clutching Jake's arm.

"We need to get out of here," Jake said, pulling Lisa towards the door. But as they reached for the handle, it began to rattle violently, as if someone – or something – was trying to force its way in.

Jake and Lisa backed away, their hearts racing. The temperature in the room plummeted, their breath coming out in visible puffs. The moaning grew louder, and Jake could have sworn he heard his name being called in a raspy, inhuman voice.

Suddenly, the lights went out completely, plunging them into darkness. Jake fumbled for his flashlight, his hands shaking as he switched it on. The beam cut through the darkness, illuminating a horrifying sight.

Standing in the corner of the room was the woman from the security footage. Up close, Jake could see that her skin was a sickly gray color, her flesh seeming to rot and slough off in places. Her mouth hung open in a silent scream, revealing rows of sharp, blackened teeth.

Lisa let out a blood-curdling shriek, and Jake felt his own throat constrict with terror. He grabbed Lisa's hand and bolted for the door, which mercifully opened this time. They ran down the hallway, the sound of shuffling footsteps echoing behind them.

As they reached the elevator, Jake risked a glance back. The hallway was empty, but he could have sworn he saw a dark shape lingering at the edge of his vision. The elevator arrived with a ding that seemed obscenely cheerful given the circumstances.

Once inside, Jake jabbed the button for the lobby repeatedly, willing the doors to close faster. As the elevator began its descent, he turned to Lisa, who was shaking uncontrollably.

"What the hell was that?" she whispered, her eyes wide with fear.

Jake shook his head, struggling to find words. "I don't know. But we need to get out of this building. Now."

When they reached the lobby, they found it deserted. The security desk was empty, Frank nowhere to be seen. Jake led Lisa outside, where they huddled on a bench, trying to catch their breath and make sense of what had happened.

"We should call the police," Lisa said, her voice still trembling.

Jake nodded, pulling out his phone. But as he dialed 911, he realized with growing horror that there was no signal. He looked up at Lisa, who was checking her own phone with increasing panic.

"No service," she said, her face pale in the glow of the streetlights.

Jake stood up, looking around desperately for help. The street was eerily empty, no cars or pedestrians in sight. Even the neighboring buildings seemed dark and lifeless.

"This is impossible," Jake muttered. "We're in the middle of the city. There should be people everywhere."

As they debated what to do next, a blood-curdling scream echoed from inside the Nexus Apartments. Jake and Lisa exchanged horrified glances before Jake made a decision.

"We need to go back in," he said grimly. "There are other people in there. We can't just leave them."

Lisa shook her head vehemently. "Are you crazy? We barely made it out alive!"

"I know," Jake said, understanding her fear all too well. "But I'm the building's security consultant. I have a responsibility to the other tenants. You don't have to come with me, but I have to try to help."

Lisa hesitated for a moment before squaring her shoulders. "No, you're right. We can't abandon everyone else. But we need a plan."

Jake nodded, thinking quickly. "Okay, here's what we'll do. We'll go to the security office first. There are weapons there – tasers, at least. And we can use the building-wide intercom to warn everyone."

With a deep breath, Jake and Lisa re-entered the Nexus Apartments. The lobby was still deserted, the only sound the quiet hum of the smart building's systems. They made their way to the security office, Jake using his access code to get inside.

The office was in disarray, papers scattered across the floor and chairs overturned. There was no sign of Frank or any other security personnel. Jake quickly located the weapons locker, distributing tasers and flashlights to Lisa and himself.

As Jake booted up the main security terminal, Lisa kept watch at the door. The system came online, displaying the grid of camera feeds Jake had become all too familiar with. But now, many of the feeds were dark or filled with static.

"This is bad," Jake muttered, typing furiously as he tried to restore the system. "It's like something is interfering with the cameras."

Suddenly, one of the feeds flickered to life, showing a corridor on the fifth floor. Jake and Lisa leaned in, watching in horror as a group of shadowy figures moved across the screen. They seemed to be dragging something – or someone.

"Oh god," Lisa whispered. "What are those things?"

Before Jake could respond, the building's intercom system crackled to life. A garbled voice filled the air, the words barely discernible through the static:

"Jake Chen... We've been waiting for you... Join us..."

Jake felt a chill run down his spine as he recognized the voice – it was Sarah, his ex-girlfriend. But that was impossible. Sarah was hundreds of miles away, and the voice had an otherworldly quality that made his skin crawl.

"This can't be happening," Jake said, his voice shaking. "It has to be some kind of trick."

Lisa grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with fear. "Jake, we need to get out of here. Now."

But as they turned to leave, they found their path blocked. Standing in the doorway was Frank, the night security guard. His skin was pale and waxy, his eyes glassy and unfocused.

"You shouldn't have come back, Mr. Chen," Frank said, his voice flat and emotionless. "Now you'll have to join us. All of you."

Jake raised his taser, pointing it at Frank. "Stay back! What's going on here, Frank? What happened to you?"

Frank took a shambling step forward, a grotesque smile spreading across his face. "I've been enlightened, Mr. Chen. The Watchers have shown me the truth. They can show you too, if you'll just let them in."

As Frank lunged forward, Jake fired the taser. The electrodes hit Frank square in the chest, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, his body seemed to flicker and distort, like a glitching hologram.

"Run!" Jake yelled, grabbing Lisa's hand and pushing past Frank. They sprinted down the hallway, the sound of shuffling footsteps close behind.

As they ran, Jake's mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. The Watchers? Who or what were they? And how was Sarah involved in all of this?

They reached the stairwell, opting for stairs over the potentially trapped elevator. As they climbed, Jake could hear the sounds of chaos echoing through the building – screams, crashes, and that same unearthly moaning they'd heard in Lisa's apartment.

"We need to warn the others," Jake panted as they reached the third floor landing. "There has to be a way to get everyone out."

Lisa nodded, struggling to catch her breath. "Maybe we can trigger the fire alarm? That would at least alert the authorities."

It was a good idea, but as Jake reached for the nearest fire alarm, he hesitated. Something told him that conventional means of escape might not work in this situation. Whatever was happening in the Nexus Apartments seemed to defy the laws of reality.

Before Jake could voice his concerns, a piercing shriek filled the air. Looking up, they saw a figure leaning over the railing several floors above. It was the woman in the Victorian dress, her long hair hanging down like a curtain of shadows.

"Oh god," Lisa whimpered, pressing herself against the wall.

The ghostly woman began to descend, not by walking down the stairs, but by crawling along the walls like some monstrous insect. Her head twisted at an impossible angle, black eyes fixed on Jake and Lisa.

"Keep going!" Jake yelled, pushing Lisa ahead of him. They burst through the door onto the third floor, running down the hallway in a blind panic.

As they ran, doors began to open along the corridor. Pale, twisted faces peered out – their neighbors, but changed into something inhuman and horrifying. Hands reached out to grab at them, voices calling their names in a grotesque chorus.

Jake and Lisa dodged the grasping hands, their hearts pounding as they searched for an escape route. At the end of the hallway, Jake spotted a maintenance door that led to the building's exterior fire escape.

"There!" he shouted, pointing. They sprinted towards the door, the sounds of shuffling feet and inhuman moans growing louder behind them.

Jake fumbled with his key card, praying that his security access would work. For a heart-stopping moment, the lock blinked red, but then it flashed green with a reassuring beep. They burst through the door onto the metal landing of the fire escape, slamming it shut behind them.

The cool night air was a shock after the oppressive atmosphere inside, but they had no time to catch their breath. Jake could hear pounding on the other side of the door, the metal beginning to buckle under some immense force.

"Down!" Jake yelled, urging Lisa onto the stairs. They clattered down the metal steps, the entire structure shaking ominously beneath their feet.

As they reached the second-floor landing, Jake heard a terrible screeching sound from above. He looked up to see the maintenance door torn from its hinges, a mass of writhing shadows pouring out onto the fire escape.

"Keep going!" Jake shouted to Lisa, who was frozen in terror at the sight. He practically pushed her down the last flight of stairs, the two of them jumping the last few feet to the alley below.

They ran out onto the street, expecting to find help or at least other people fleeing the building. Instead, they were met with an impossible sight. The busy city street they had walked down just hours ago was gone, replaced by a foggy, desolate landscape. The buildings around them looked ancient and decrepit, as if centuries had passed in the blink of an eye.

"What... what happened?" Lisa whispered, her voice trembling. "Where are we?"

Jake shook his head, struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. "I don't know. It's like we've stepped into another world."

A cold wind whipped around them, carrying whispers that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. Jake strained to make out the words, his blood running cold as he began to understand:

"The Watchers... they see all... they know all... join us, Jake... join us..."

Lisa clutched Jake's arm, her nails digging into his skin. "Jake, what are they talking about? What do they want with you?"

Before Jake could answer, a figure emerged from the fog. His heart nearly stopped as he recognized Sarah, his ex-girlfriend. But this wasn't the Sarah he remembered. Her skin was pale and translucent, her eyes black voids that seemed to swallow all light.

"Hello, Jake," Sarah said, her voice echoing strangely. "We've been waiting for you."

Jake instinctively pushed Lisa behind him, raising the taser with a shaking hand. "Stay back! You're not Sarah. What are you?"

Sarah – or the thing wearing Sarah's face – smiled, revealing rows of needle-sharp teeth. "Oh, but I am Sarah, Jake. Or at least, what's left of her. The Watchers showed me the truth, just as they wanted to show you."

"What truth?" Jake demanded, trying to keep his voice steady. "What are the Watchers?"

Sarah's form seemed to flicker, like a faulty hologram. "They are the true owners of this world, Jake. They've been watching us, studying us, for millennia. And now, they're ready to reclaim what's theirs."

As she spoke, more figures emerged from the fog. Jake recognized his neighbors, the other tenants of the Nexus Apartments. But like Sarah, they were changed – pale, hollow-eyed versions of themselves.

"You were the final piece," Sarah continued, taking a step closer. "Your work on the security system, your connection to the building's network – it created the perfect conduit for the Watchers to breach our world."

Jake felt a wave of guilt and horror wash over him. Had he inadvertently caused all of this? "No," he said, shaking his head. "This can't be real. It has to be some kind of mass hallucination or-"

His words were cut off as Sarah lunged forward with inhuman speed. Jake fired the taser, but the electrodes passed right through her flickering form. She grabbed his arm, her touch burning cold.

"Let him go!" Lisa shouted, swinging her flashlight at Sarah's head. But another figure – Jake recognized him as Mr. Patel from the fourth floor – grabbed Lisa from behind.

Jake struggled against Sarah's grip, his mind racing. If what she said was true, if he had somehow been the key to all of this, then maybe he could find a way to undo it.

"The network," he gasped, an idea forming. "If I can shut down the building's systems, maybe it'll sever the connection."

Sarah's grip tightened, her nails digging into his skin. "It's too late for that, Jake. The Watchers are already here. Soon, this entire city will be theirs. And you'll be part of it."

As she spoke, the fog began to thicken, swirling around them in unnatural patterns. Jake could see glimpses of impossible things in the mist – twisted landscapes, writhing tentacles, and eyes. Hundreds of inhuman eyes, all fixed on him.

"No!" Jake shouted, summoning every ounce of strength he had left. He twisted in Sarah's grip, managing to break free. In the same motion, he grabbed Lisa's arm, pulling her away from Mr. Patel's grasp.

"Run!" he yelled, and they took off down the strange, fog-shrouded street. The whispers grew louder, more insistent, as shadows pursued them through the mist.

Jake's mind raced as they ran, trying to formulate a plan. If the Watchers had used the building's network as a conduit, then maybe the key to stopping them lay in the central server room. It was a long shot, but it was the only idea he had.

"We need to get back inside," Jake panted as they ran. "To the server room in the basement."

Lisa looked at him like he was crazy. "Back inside? Are you insane?"

"Trust me," Jake said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. "It's our only chance."

They circled back towards the Nexus Apartments, the building now a twisted, impossible version of itself. The sleek, modern facade was replaced by ancient stone, covered in strange, pulsing growths. The entrance yawned open like a gaping maw, darkness spilling out onto the street.

Jake and Lisa paused at the threshold, both acutely aware that stepping inside might mean never coming out again. They exchanged a look, no words necessary to convey their fear and determination.

Taking a deep breath, they plunged into the darkness.

The interior of the building was a nightmarish fusion of modern architecture and eldritch horror. The smart lighting system flickered erratically, casting strange shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. The walls pulsed and writhed as if alive, and Jake could have sworn he saw faces pressing out from within them, mouths open in silent screams.

They made their way to the stairwell, the steps now made of some strange, spongy material that squelched under their feet. As they descended towards the basement, the air grew thicker and harder to breathe, filled with spores or ash or something worse.

"Almost there," Jake wheezed, his lungs burning. Lisa nodded grimly, unable to speak through her coughing.

When they reached the basement level, they found the corridor leading to the server room blocked by a pulsating mass of tentacles and eyes. The eyes swiveled towards them, and the tentacles began to writhe more violently.

"Now what?" Lisa gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jake looked around desperately, his gaze falling on a fire axe mounted on the wall. Without hesitation, he smashed the glass and grabbed the axe, its weight reassuring in his hands.

"Stay behind me," he said to Lisa, before charging towards the blockade.

Jake swung the axe with all his might, the blade sinking into the fleshy mass with a sickening squelch. Black ichor sprayed out, burning where it touched his skin. The eyes blinked rapidly, and a psychic scream tore through Jake's mind, nearly causing him to drop the axe.

But he pressed on, hacking and slashing at the writhing tentacles. Lisa joined in, using her flashlight to bludgeon any appendages that got too close. Slowly, agonizingly, they carved a path through the nightmarish growth.

Finally, they broke through, stumbling into the server room. The space was transformed, the racks of equipment now fused with organic matter, pulsing with an otherworldly energy. At the center stood a pillar of swirling darkness, tendrils of shadow reaching out to connect with every piece of technology in the room.

"That must be it," Jake said, pointing to the pillar. "The conduit the Watchers are using."

As they approached, Jake could feel an immense pressure building in his head. Whispers filled his mind, promising power and knowledge beyond his wildest dreams if he'd only submit to the Watchers' will.

Jake gritted his teeth, fighting against the psychic assault. He raised the axe, ready to strike at the heart of the dark pillar.

But before he could swing, a familiar voice rang out. "Jake, stop!"

He turned to see Sarah standing in the doorway, her form flickering between her human appearance and something far more alien and terrifying.

"You don't understand what you're doing," Sarah said, her voice echoing strangely. "The Watchers can give us everything – immortality, knowledge, power beyond imagination. Why fight it?"

For a moment, Jake hesitated. The offer was tempting, the promise of transcending human limitations almost overwhelming. But then he looked at Lisa, saw the fear and determination in her eyes, and remembered all the people in the building who had been twisted and changed against their will.

"No," Jake said firmly. "Whatever the Watchers are offering, it's not worth the cost. This ends now."

With all his strength, Jake swung the axe into the pillar of darkness. There was a moment of resistance, and then the axe sank in, as if cutting through thick syrup. An unearthly shriek filled the air, and the entire building began to shake.

"Again!" Lisa shouted, and Jake obliged, swinging the axe over and over into the writhing mass of shadows.

With each strike, the pressure in Jake's head increased, and he could feel something vast and alien pushing against his mind, trying to break through. But he focused on the task at hand, channeling all his fear and anger into each blow.

Sarah lunged forward, her form twisting into something inhuman, but Lisa intercepted her, swinging her flashlight with all her might. The two grappled as Jake continued his assault on the pillar.

Finally, with one last, mighty swing, Jake felt something give way. The pillar of darkness exploded outward, a shockwave of energy throwing everyone off their feet. Jake's world went dark as his head struck the ground hard.

When Jake regained consciousness, he found himself lying on the floor of a normal, if somewhat battered, server room. The organic growths were gone, replaced by sparking, damaged equipment. Lisa was stirring beside him, a nasty bruise forming on her forehead but otherwise appearing unharmed.

There was no sign of Sarah or any of the other transformed residents. The oppressive atmosphere that had permeated the building was gone, replaced by an almost painful normalcy.

As Jake helped Lisa to her feet, they could hear sirens in the distance, growing closer. Somehow, impossibly, it seemed they had done it. They had driven back the Watchers and restored the world to its proper state.

But as they made their way out of the building, leaning on each other for support, Jake couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't truly over. The Watchers had been watching humanity for millennia, biding their time. Who was to say they wouldn't try again?

As paramedics and police swarmed the scene, Jake made a silent vow. He would be ready next time. He would watch the Watchers, and he would make sure they never again came so close to claiming our world as their own.

For now, though, he allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. The nightmare was over, at least for the moment. And in the light of dawn, the Nexus Apartments stood silent, its secrets once again hidden behind its sleek, modern facade.

***Epilogue***

Six months had passed since the incident at the Nexus Apartments. Jake sat at his desk in his new apartment across town, surrounded by monitors displaying various security feeds and data streams. He had thrown himself into researching the Watchers, using his computer skills to scour the darkest corners of the internet for any sign of their influence.

As he sifted through lines of code, a notification popped up on one of his screens. It was an email from Lisa, who had become a close friend and ally in the aftermath of their shared ordeal.

"Jake,

I hope this finds you well. I've been following up on some of the leads we discussed, and I think I've found something. Remember the strange energy readings we detected near the old factory district? Well, I went to check it out, and... Jake, I saw something. I can't explain it over email. Can we meet?

Stay safe,

Lisa"

Jake frowned, a familiar sense of unease creeping over him. He was about to reply when his lights flickered, just for a moment. It could have been a simple power surge, but Jake knew better than to dismiss such things now.

He glanced at his security camera feed, scanning for anything out of the ordinary. At first, everything seemed normal, but then he noticed something in the corner of the frame. A shadow that didn't quite match the others, moving in a way that defied natural laws.

Jake's heart began to race as he zoomed in on the anomaly. For a split second, he could have sworn he saw a familiar face forming in the darkness – Sarah's face, her eyes black and empty, her mouth stretched in an impossible grin.

Then the image was gone, leaving Jake to wonder if he had imagined it. But deep down, he knew the truth. The Watchers were still out there, still watching, still waiting for their chance to break through once more.

Jake took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. He began to type a reply to Lisa:

"I've seen something too. Meet me at the usual place in an hour. And Lisa... be careful. I don't think we're as alone as we thought."

As he hit send, Jake couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes were upon him, watching from just beyond the veil of reality. The battle, it seemed, was far from over. In fact, it might have only just begun.

[hrsoftbd]

We are Hiring Flutter Developer (Onsite)

Job Context: HRSOFTBD is one of the progressive software company in Bangladesh providing best ERP, AI, OMR Solution, Website, Mobile App, Software, Bulk SMS & Voice Call Marketing Service. We are looking for an enthusiastic Flutter Developer for desktop/mobile application development. . Vacancy: 02 Last Date: 15 September 2024 How to Apply: Only appropriate candidates are requested to apply through email [ hr@hrsoftbd.com] and mention the job title as subject. Applicant must enclose his/her photograph with cv. Job Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and maintain high-quality features for our mobile/desktop app (Apple/Android/Windows) using Flutter. • Very Good UI/UX Design Knowledge. • Developing user interface components and implementing them by following well-known Flutter/Dart workflows and practices. • Good understanding of state management, Flutter flavors and app architecture • Good Practice of Clean Code & Documentation. Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience. • Good communication skill. • Applications from freshers are welcome, though candidates with experience will be given priority. Job Nature: Full-time. Working days: 5 days Full Time, 01 Day Half and Friday Off. Salary: Negotiable Others Facilities: • Festival Bonus: 2 (yearly/ Eid-ul-adha and Eid-ul-fitr). • Salary Review: Yearly or Semiannual • Yearly Extra Salary of 15 Days. • Lunch Facilities: Partially subsidize. (Minimum 50%) • T/A, Mobile bill. Internet Bill Job Location: P-7, Nurjahan Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. #job #hrsoftbd #jobpost #flutterjob #vacancy #jobopportunity #flutterdeveloper

[sathiray]

INFLUX AI Review

Welcome to my INFLUX AI Review Post. Generating leads and securing free buyer traffic stand as a pivotal aspect in any business endeavor, be it online or offline.

The ability to attract potential customers serves as the cornerstone for sustained success. Leads are not merely contacts; they signify potential sales, conversion and ultimately revenue.

Yet, the crux of the matter lies in discovering a solution that blends effectiveness with affordability.

 While the market brims with a plethora of tools and platforms for lead generation and traffic acquisition, a substantial number of them come with a hefty price tag. Subscribing to multiple services or investing in premium features can swiftly escalate into substantial monthly expenses.

For numerous businesses, these expenses can easily burgeon into thousands of dollars annually. Enter INFLUX AI, a paradigm shifting solution in the realm of lead generation and traffic acquisition.

With its innovative approach, INFLUX AI not only delivers effectiveness but also ensure cost efficiency.

Art Flair and Pallab Ghosal stand as the driving forces behind InFlux AI, reshaping the landscape of AI-powered digital marketing.

Their collaborative efforts and forward-thinking approach have birthed a groundbreaking platform that leverages a loophole in 2024, granting user’s access to free buyer traffic and the potential for effortless income generation.

Their commitment to innovation and value provision has solidified Art Flair and Pallab Ghosal as trailblazers in the digital marketing sphere. Through InFlux AI, they have empowered countless individuals to reach their financial aspirations.

Their track record speaks volumes, with successful launches like SLICK AI, DART AI, Perpetual Host, RISE AI, VIP NEW YEAR DEAL, Flipped AI, AI MOGUL, MIRACLE AI, STELLAR AI, PREMIER AI, and many more, serving as testament to their expertise and influence.

InFlux AI emerges as a comprehensive marketing automation platform harnessing AI to optimize lead generation, nurture leads, and facilitate conversions into loyal customers. Its array of tools is meticulously crafted to simplify marketing endeavors, enabling businesses to realize their growth objectives seamlessly.

Picture abandoning laborious manual lead scouting and generic outreach strategies. InFlux AI employs AI algorithms to pinpoint and engage with your ideal customer base, thereby conserving invaluable time and resources. The platform hosts an array of features tailored to streamline the entirety of the marketing journey.

From built-in email marketing, complete with an AI-driven email composer for crafting personalized messages, to social media management tools facilitating audience interaction, and even AI-driven content creation to churn out compelling content resonating with your target demographic.

read more : https://rkt-review.com/influx-ai-review/

[logisticsservice]

Find Your Perfect Delivery Partner: Top Logistics Services in Delhi

Delhi, the bustling heart of India, thrives on a complex network of deliveries. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a casual online shopper, navigating the city’s logistics service in mahipalpur landscape can be daunting. But fear not! This guide serves as your compass, highlighting top-notch Delhi-based logistics services to suit your every need.

Masters of Speed and Efficiency:

Delhivery: Boasting India’s largest integrated third-party logistics network, Delhivery offers express parcel delivery, warehousing, cross-border solutions, and supply chain management. Their cutting-edge technology and extensive reach make them a go-to for businesses of all sizes.

DTS Logistics: Specializing in air freight and express cargo, DTS boasts a track record of unparalleled speed and reliability. Their door-to-door services with real-time tracking ensure your valuables reach their destination swiftly and safely.

FedEx & DHL: These international giants offer premium delivery services within Delhi and beyond. Their global network and expertise are perfect for businesses with international clients or high-value shipments.

Budget-Friendly Champions:

Shiprocket: This aggregator platform brings together multiple courier companies, allowing you to compare rates and choose the most affordable option for your needs. It’s ideal for small businesses and individuals looking for cost-effective solutions.

DTDC & Blue Dart: These established couriers offer reliable delivery services at competitive rates. Their wide network covers most of Delhi, making them a convenient choice for everyday deliveries.

NimbusPost: With an AI-powered system and transparent pricing, NimbusPost helps you find the best deals from over 27 local and national courier partners. Their focus on affordability makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious customers.

Beyond the Package:

Dunzo & Grab: These hyperlocal delivery services cater to your immediate needs within the city. From groceries and medicines to documents and food, they offer quick, on-demand deliveries within specific areas.

Safexpress & AWL India: These companies specialize in bulk cargo and heavy machinery transportation. Their expertise in specialized logistics makes them invaluable for businesses dealing with complex deliveries.

Paradise Logistics & Holisol Logistics: These providers go beyond basic delivery, offering warehousing, supply chain management, and value-added services. They’re ideal for businesses seeking a comprehensive logistics partner.

Choosing Your Perfect Match:

Consider your specific needs, budget, and delivery urgency when choosing your logistics partner. Research service areas, customer reviews, and pricing structures to find the best fit. Remember, communication is key — don’t hesitate to contact potential providers to discuss your requirements and get personalized quotes.

With this guide and a bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect delivery partner in Delhi. So, say goodbye to delivery dilemmas and hello to seamless cargo journeys!

Bonus Tips:

Negotiate bulk discounts or long-term contracts with logistics providers for more favourable rates.

Utilize online tracking tools to stay informed about your shipments.

Choose eco-friendly logistics options, if possible, to support sustainable practices.

Remember, a well-chosen logistics partner becomes an extension of your business, ensuring smooth operations and satisfied customers. So, choose wisely and conquer the capital’s cargo with confidence!

I hope this content is helpful and comprehensive. Please let me know if you have any other questions or want me to elaborate on specific aspects of Delhi’s logistics landscape.

[this-week-in-rust]

This Week in Rust 530

Hello and welcome to another issue of This Week in Rust! Rust is a programming language empowering everyone to build reliable and efficient software. This is a weekly summary of its progress and community. Want something mentioned? Tag us at @ThisWeekInRust on Twitter or @ThisWeekinRust on mastodon.social, or send us a pull request. Want to get involved? We love contributions.

This Week in Rust is openly developed on GitHub and archives can be viewed at this-week-in-rust.org. If you find any errors in this week's issue, please submit a PR.

Updates from Rust Community

Project/Tooling Updates

esp-rs quarterly planning: Q1 2024

Meilisearch 1.6 - AI search & 2x faster indexing

capnproto-rust: 0.19 - ergonomic setters and faster reflection

hyper - 2023 in review

Observations/Thoughts

A universal lowering strategy for control effects in Rust

Passing nothing is surprisingly difficult

The memory remains: Permanent memory with systemd and a Rust allocator

Higlights of 2023 for cargo-semver-checks

The bane of my existence: Supporting both async and sync code in Rust

A Guide to Rust ORMs in 2024

Semantic search powered by WASM and WebGPU

Embassy on ESP: UART Echo

Rust Walkthroughs

Adventures in Binary Serialisation

Creating 2 'Simple' Allocators

Rust macros and Lambda boilerplate

Let's make an information display in rust Part 2: The Frontend

Miscellaneous

Clap - subcommands for command line applications in Rust

SurrealDB in-memory with SQL demo in Rust

Multi-counter with embedded SurrealDB database

Xilem 2024 plans

Rustaceans, say goodbye to lifetime errors: announcing nolife 0.3

Auto-generating API service using Rust, to TypeScript & Dart

From the rust community on Reddit: Rust in Aviation

[audio] Apollo - Rust in Production Podcast

[audio] Prossimo with Josh Aas

Crate of the Week

This week's crate is fish, a friendly interactive shell that used to be written in C++, but was recently rewritten in Rust (though admittedly they'll have to do some work until it hits your distro's repos).

Despite a lamentable lack of suggestions, llogiq is reasonably satisfied with his choice.

Please submit your suggestions and votes for next week!

Call for Participation; projects and speakers

CFP - Projects

Always wanted to contribute to open-source projects but did not know where to start? Every week we highlight some tasks from the Rust community for you to pick and get started!

Some of these tasks may also have mentors available, visit the task page for more information.

ZeroCopy - Use cargo-semver-checks to make sure derive feature doesn't change API surface 2

Ockam - remove_address_record function is called two times per Address during Processor shutdown

Ockam - Command - refactor to use typed interfaces to implement commands for kafka services

Ockam - Library - Validate CBOR structs according to the cddl schema for nodes/models/services

Hyperswitch - [FEATURE]: Make cache configuration configurable at runtime

Hyperswitch - [FEATURE]: Implement Code cov for local system using makefile

Hyperswitch - [FEATURE]: Setup code coverage for local tests & CI

Hyperswitch - [FEATURE]: Add domain type for client secret

Hyperswitch - [FEATURE]: Have get_required_value to use ValidationError in OptionExt

Fluvio - connector: fluvio-http-source, add an option to read data from a websocket

Fluvio - MQTT Connector: Prefix auto generated Client ID to prevent connection drops

If you are a Rust project owner and are looking for contributors, please submit tasks here.

Updates from the Rust Project

418 pull requests were merged in the last week

GNU/Hurd: unconditionally use inline stack probes

rustc_codegen_ssa: Enforce rustc::potential_query_instability lint

~const trait and projection bounds do not imply their non-const counterparts

add assume into NonZeroIntX::get

add explicit none() value variant in check-cfg

add more information to visit_projection_elem

allow ~const on associated type bounds again

avoid silencing relevant follow-up errors

check rust lints when an unknown lint is detected

coverage: add enums to accommodate other kinds of coverage mappings

coverage: simplify building the coverage graph with CoverageSuccessors

delegation implementation: step 1

disallow reference to static mut and adding static_mut_ref lint

don't ICE when noting GAT bounds in report_no_match_method_error

don't reexport atomic::ordering via rustc_data_structures, use std import

exclude well known names from showing a suggestion in check-cfg

exhaustiveness: abort on type error

exhaustiveness: track overlapping ranges precisely

exhaustiveness: use an Option instead of allocating fictitious patterns

fix ICE when suggesting dereferencing binop operands

fix all_trait* methods to return all traits available in StableMIR

fix allow_internal_unstable for (min_)specialization

fix is_global special address handling

fix unused_parens issue when cast is followed LT

fix an ICE that occurs after an error has already been reported

new flag to emit all the delayed bugs as errors (add -Zeagerly-emit-delayed-bugs)

making User<T> and User<[T]> Send

merge dead bb pruning and unreachable bb deduplication

never patterns: Check bindings wrt never patterns

pass LLVM error message back to pass wrapper

register even erroneous impls

remove -Zdont-buffer-diagnostics

stop mentioning internal lang items in no_std binary errors

store the segment name when resolution fails

suggest upgrading compiler for gated features

suggest quoting unquoted idents in attrs

support async recursive calls (as long as they have indirection)

taint _ placeholder types in trait impl method signatures

unify query canonicalization mode

remove a large amount of leb128-coded integers

varargs support for system ABI

stabilize mutex_unpoison feature

A more efficient slice comparison implementation for T: !BytewiseEq

tune the inlinability of unwrap

cargo metadata: Stabilize id format as PackageIDSpec

cargo resolver: do not panic when sorting empty summaries

cargo: add guidance on setting homepage in manifest

cargo: add unstable --output-format option to cargo rustdoc

cargo: crates-io: set Content-Type: application/json only for requests with a body payload

cargo: add rustc style errors for manifest parsing

cargo: only inherit workspace package table if the new package is a member

cargo: implementation of shallow libgit2 fetches behind an unstable flag

cargo: introduce -Zprecise-pre-release unstable flag

cargo: strip debuginfo when debuginfo is not requested

rustdoc-search: reuse individual types in function signatures

clippy: from_over_into: suggest a correct conversion to ()

clippy: useless_asref: check that the clone receiver is the parameter

clippy: correctly suggest std or core path depending if this is a no_std crate

clippy: extend useless_asref lint on map(clone)

clippy: fix false positive in PartialEq check in unconditional_recursion lint

clippy: fix suggestion for map_clone lint on types implementing Copy

clippy: make HirEqInterExpr::eq_block take comments into account while checking if two blocks are equal

rust-analyzer: add notable_trait predicate to CompletionRelevance

rust-analyzer: assist to merge nested if

rust-analyzer: acknowledge pub(crate) imports in import suggestions

rust-analyzer: differentiate between vfs config load and file changed events

rust-analyzer: fix ast::Path::segments implementation

rust-analyzer: fix incorrect parsing error on method call on range

rust-analyzer: fix nested includes resolving from the wrong base file

rust-analyzer: fix rust-analyzer-proc-macro-srv failing to spawn on windows

rust-analyzer: preserve comments for extracted block expression in 'extract_function'

rust-analyzer: remove sysroot-abi feature flag from proc-macro-test

rust-analyzer: replace SourceRootCrates hashset output with slice for deterministic order

rust-analyzer: resolve panic in generate_delegate_methods

Rust Compiler Performance Triage

This week had some small regressions that did not warrant further investigation, several of which were dismissed as being noise/blips in the data. There were also a number of gains. (Don't get exicited about that 20.6% improvement, its an measurement artifact from a temporary blip in the PR that immediately preceded this week's triage.)

Triage done by @pnkfelix. Revision range: 76101eec..f9c2421a

3 Regressions, 5 Improvements, 5 Mixed; 3 of them in rollups 55 artifact comparisons made in total

Full report here

Approved RFCs

Changes to Rust follow the Rust RFC (request for comments) process. These are the RFCs that were approved for implementation this week:

RFC: Precise Pre-release cargo update

Add RFC combining Infra and Release teams

Final Comment Period

Every week, the team announces the 'final comment period' for RFCs and key PRs which are reaching a decision. Express your opinions now.

RFCs

[disposition: merge] Avoid non-local definitions in functions

Tracking Issues & PRs

[disposition: merge] Stabilize single-field offset_of

[disposition: merge] Undeprecate lint unstable_features and make use of it in the compiler

[disposition: close] Fix non_camel_case_types for screaming single-words

Language Reference

No Language Reference RFCs entered Final Comment Period this week.

Unsafe Code Guidelines

No Unsafe Code Guideline RFCs entered Final Comment Period this week.

New and Updated RFCs

RFC: Out-of-tree test suite

Call for Testing

An important step for RFC implementation is for people to experiment with the implementation and give feedback, especially before stabilization. The following RFCs would benefit from user testing before moving forward:

No RFCs issued a call for testing this week.

If you are a feature implementer and would like your RFC to appear on the above list, add the new call-for-testing label to your RFC along with a comment providing testing instructions and/or guidance on which aspect(s) of the feature need testing.

Upcoming Events

Rusty Events between 2024-01-17 - 2024-02-14 🦀

Virtual

2024-01-17 | Virtual (Vancouver, BC, CA) | Vancouver Rust

Rust Study/Hack/Hang-out

2024-01-23 | Virtual (Halifax, NS, CA) | Rust Halifax

Rust&Tell - Halifax

2024-01-24 | Virtual (Berlin, DE) | WeAreDevelopers Community

WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Rust Day

2024-01-25 | Virtual (Charlottesville, NC, US) | Charlottesville Rust Meetup

Crafting Interpreters in Rust Collaboratively

2024-01-25 | Virtual (Mexico City, DF, MX) | Rust MX

Iniciando 2024 con Rust

2024-01-28 | Virtual (Wrocław, PL) | Stacja IT Wrocław

Wprowadzenie do języka Rust

2024-01-30 | Virtual | Bevy Game Development

Bevy Meetup #1

2024-01-30 | Virtual (Buffalo, NY, US) | Buffalo Rust User Group

Buffalo Rust User Group

2024-01-30 | Virtual (Dallas, TX, US) | Dallas Rust

Last Tuesday

2024-01-31 | Virtual (Cardiff, UK) | Rust and C++ Cardiff

Rust for Rustaceans Book Club launch!

2024-02-01 | Virtual + In Person (Barcelona, ES) | BcnRust

12th BcnRust Meetup - Stream

2024-02-01 | Virtual (Berlin, DE) | OpenTechSchool Berlin + Rust Berlin

Rust Hack n Learn | Mirror: Rust Hack n Learn

2024-02-03 | Virtual + In-person (Brussels, BE) | FOSDEM 2024

FOSDEM Conference: Rust devroom - talks

2024-02-03 | Virtual (Kampala, UG) | Rust Circle

Rust Circle Meetup

2024-02-04 | Virtual | Rust Maven

Web development with Rocket - In English

2024-02-07 | Virtual (Indianapolis, IN, US) | Indy Rust

Indy.rs - with Social Distancing

2024-02-08 | Virtual (Charlottesville, NC, US) | Charlottesville Rust Meetup

Crafting Interpreters in Rust Collaboratively

2024-02-08 | Virtual (Nürnberg, DE) | Rust Nüremberg

Rust Nürnberg online

2024-02-10 | Virtual (Wrocław, PL) | Stacja IT Wrocław

Rust – budowanie narzędzi działających w linii komend

2024-02-13 | Virtual (Dallas, TX, US) | Dallas Rust

Second Tuesday

Europe

2024-01-17 | Girona, ES | Rust Girona

Que és Rust i els seus beneficis / What's Rust and its advantages

2024-01-17 | Praha / Prague, CZ | Rust Prague

Rust Meetup Reloaded 2024

2024-01-17 | Zurich, CH | Rust Zurich

How to Community - January Meetup

2024-01-23 | Aarhus, DK | Rust Aarhus

Hack and Learn

2024-01-23 | Paris, FR | Rust Paris

Paris Rust Meetup #64

2024-01-24 | Zagreb, HR | impl Zagreb for Rust

Rust Meetup 2024/01: WebGPU intro using Rust

2024-01-25 | Augsburg, DE | Rust Meetup Augsburg

Augsburg Rust Meetup #5: Async Part2 and Async in action

2024-01-25 | Vienna, AT | Rust Vienna

Rust Vienna Meetup - January - Blockchains and Data Pipelines

2024-02-01 | Hybrid (Barcelona, ES) | BcnRust

12th BcnRust Meetup

2024-02-03 | Brussels, BE | FOSDEM '24

FOSDEM '24 Conference: Rust devroom - talks | Rust Aarhus FOSDEM Meetup

2024-02-06 | Bremen, DE | Rust Meetup Bremen

Rust Meetup Bremen [1]

2024-02-07 | London, UK | Rust London User Group

Rust for the Web — Mainmatter x Shuttle Takeover

2024-02-08 | Bern, CH | Rust Bern

Rust Bern Meetup #1 2024 🦀

North America

2024-01-17 | Chicago, IL, US | Deep Dish Rust

Rust Happy Hour

2024-01-18 | Seattle, WA, US | Seattle Rust User Group

Seattle Rust User Group Meetup

2024-01-22 | Boston, MA, US | Boston Rust Meetup

North End Rust Lunch

2024-01-24 | Austin, TX, US | Rust ATX

Rust Lunch - Fareground

2024-01-27-28 | Calgary, AB, CA | Rust Calgary

Harnessing Rust for Real-World Problems hackathon: Day 1

Harnessing Rust for Real-World Problems hackathon: Day 2

2024-01-30 | Cambridge, MA, US | Boston Rust Meetup

Harvard Square Rust Lunch

2024-02-07 | Brookline, MA, US | Boston Rust Meetup

Coolidge Corner Brookline Rust Lunch, Feb 7

2024-02-12 | Minneapolis, MN, US | Minneapolis Rust Meetup

Minneapolis Rust: Open Source Contrib Hackathon & Happy Hour

2024-02-13 | New York, NY, US | Rust NYC

Rust NYC Monthly Mixer

2024-02-13 | Seattle, WA, US | Cap Hill Rust Coding/Hacking/Learning

Rusty Coding/Hacking/Learning Night

Oceania

2024-02-06 | Perth, WA, AU | Perth Rust Meetup Group

Rust Feb 2024 Meetup

If you are running a Rust event please add it to the calendar to get it mentioned here. Please remember to add a link to the event too. Email the Rust Community Team for access.

Jobs

Please see the latest Who's Hiring thread on r/rust

Quote of the Week

Congrats to the #Rustlang and #Rust-for-#Linux community: the #LinuxKernel now contains the first useful thing built using Rust!

– Thorsten Leemhuis on FOSStodon

As with the crate of the week, this week saw a total lack of suggestions, so llogiq would like to offer you this piece of good news from the Linux side of things.

Please submit quotes and vote for next week!

This Week in Rust is edited by: nellshamrell, llogiq, cdmistman, ericseppanen, extrawurst, andrewpollack, U007D, kolharsam, joelmarcey, mariannegoldin, bennyvasquez.

Email list hosting is sponsored by The Rust Foundation

Discuss on r/rust

[scintillatingfish]

Concept: real life superhero costume.

This is just how I would do it if I actually had expendable income.

Anyway.

First point - superhero strength and speed.

I've seen many videos on YouTube etc about "kangaroo shoes" that act as springs providing both extra jump height and speed when running. However these are clunky so it would be ideal if these were retractable. In this sense you could run and walk normally but then activate the special shoes to run faster or jump higher. Alongside this you could use hydraulic presses or something similair to allow for massive explosive jumps. These would be attached to the legs.

Hydraulic presses could also be used on the arms for big punches. These things would be incredibly heavy so an exoskeleton suit would have to be used. Minimalistic bars of steel that create a frame around your body which help to take the weight off your fragile limbs.

Second point - Web slinging/miscellaneous projectiles

The exoskeleton steel frame thing would take the weight while swinging so by attaching to the frame and using a harness I think you could do it.

As for the "web", intertwined fishing line might do it if it was braided or something.

On each arm there could be projectile shooters that use pressurised gas canisters these could be pumped up by said hero before hand. These could be loaded with anything like crossbow bolts or flash band grenades or even microphones to eavesdrop on people from afar.

Third point - improved senses

Goggle could be used with a tiny projector. Using buttons on the side of the headset you could zoom in with a camera on top of your head which would then be relayed onto your goggle lenses. In addition you could have an AI software analyse everything you look at so you can recognise criminal faces or calculate the price of a car just by looking at it. This camera would have infrared night vision etc. It would also record your activities so later you can review them and pull a Tony stark by learning from your mistakes.

You could also have microphones that pick up really white things and play them to you louder.

Fourth point - gadgets plus wrist screen

Me personally I would have a foldable drone that could be controlled. On top of this I would have a swarm of tiny Drones which could fly through windows and hallways and swarm people. It would have a camera a microphone and darts that put people to sleep. Also I would have little microphones I could chuck out that eavesdrop on people. I would also have a backpack with food, Swiss army knife etc. This is a bit random but I would also have laser tripwires I could put down to know who was coming.

I would have a wrist screen to control the Drones. I could also use it to send texts etc

Fifth point - weapons

As for weapons I already have projectile shooters, Drones and powerful punches so I would probably use a big club as my exoskeleton allows me to use heavier than usual weapons. This means it also wouldn't be instantly lethal if fighting criminals

Sixth point - suit itself

Colour scheme of the suit would be dark colours to blend in with shadows.

It would have spikes on shins and forearms to allow me to climb up surfaces. Appendages on back of ankles to allow for speedy swimming

Seventh point - name

I dunno

[strawberrysoup]

Let’s Review || Chapter 1

Peter Parker knew that his big sister would do anything for him to be safe and happy. She’d given up everything for him twice over already and would do it again in a heartbeat. And that’s why, when the criminal mastermind Tony Stark started inextricably following him around, he didn’t say a word. Because he knew without a doubt Penny would do whatever she had to if it meant keeping Peter safe. He had to protect her, just like she always protected him. He never considered what would happen if Stark decided both Parker siblings were worth taking. Never considered who else in Stark’s inner circle would agree. He just wanted to protect her and yet somehow, they both ended up with needles in their necks

relationship: Steve Rogers/Original Female Character/Bucky Barnes, background Peter Parker/Tony Stark rating: Explicit warnings: Dark Steve Rogers, Dark Bucky Barnes, Dark Tony Stark, Dark Avengers, kidnapping, non-con/dub-con elements, underage Peter Parker, emotional and psychological abuse, very dark, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat

This story is, as advertised, fucked up. It’s inspired by the recent influx of Dark!Steve and Dark!Tony fics and there is a lot of potentially triggering material so please read with caution. Our heroes are not heroes in this story; they’re criminals with limited to no consciences. 

There weren’t many things that Penny Parker could really rely on. Her paychecks fluctuated unfathomably every two weeks, the electricity bill was never consistent, and for some reason even when she drove her car dry it never took the same amount of gas to fill the tank. Peter’s class schedule seemed to change every time she asked about it, his after-school club activities were never on the same day, and why did she have to sign this report card but not last quarter’s, Pete? Consistency was something she’d learned not to hope for. Mostly she kept her fingers crossed that things would somehow work out to her advantage, day by day.

For the most part, it did. She’d dropped out of high school when uncle Ben died to start working, to help support aunt May and Peter. It had taken three years to get her GED between the three jobs she worked, but she managed. GED accomplished, she checked off that box on her mental list and signed up for night classes at the local community college. It was hard, but she could make it work. Then aunt May had died.

Custody of 14 year old Peter Parker had been hotly contested, as Penny had only been 21 at the time of aunt May’s death. Technically, she was an adult. She had two jobs, a steady income, an apartment, a decent credit score. Somehow, like most things in her life, it had just kind of worked out and she was granted sole custody of her younger brother. She’d dropped her night classes, picked up a third job overnight, and kept her fingers crossed that social services never asked why her “two bedroom apartment” only had one bedroom.

Semi-decent luck was the only thing that really kept her life running, and by extension Peter’s. She knew it would wear off someday, she’d been granted the lion’s share of good fortune in Queens when it came to looking after her brother and it wasn’t super fair. She just didn’t think it would end so spectacularly. The end of the luck was supposed to be a low, painful fizzle.

Instead, it was a flashbang that started with Peter acting like a cokehead. Peter had never been a particularly twitchy kid; Penny had leeched all the chaotic energy from their mother’s womb and left the intelligence behind for her kid brother. Over the course of several months though, he’d begun jumping at the drop of a hat. Penny would turn the corner into the kitchen and startle him so badly he’d have an asthma attack. If she even glanced at his phone when a notification lit up the screen he’d lose his mind, accusing her of not respecting his privacy and dart away into his room. Asking if he needed anything from the store was suddenly the Spanish Inquisition and god forbid she offer him a ride to school.

Because she’d graciously left all the IQ points for Peter, Penny had a tendency to do stupid things. Like assume Peter’s behavior was because he had gotten a girlfriend or was just going through usual teenage boy hormones that made him act like a jackass. Luckily the dumbass wasn’t actually a cokehead, considering he still blanched whenever she had weed in the house, but fuck if he wasn’t acting like a freak. It came to a head when she happened to be coming home from her second job at the same time he was getting home from one of his after-school club meetings.

She hadn’t been sure what she was seeing at first. It was definitely Peter, he’d hit a growth spurt finally and started to put on some height and muscle mass but was still a lanky little shit, and he was arguing with a man in a suit who was walking next to him. Both were being followed by a slow-moving car with blacked out windows and no front license plate. Peter’s body language was uncomfortable, arms crossed over his chest, shoulders angled away from the man and tucked in, eyes down.

When Penny called out to Peter, the man had gotten into the backseat of the black car which promptly drove away. Her brother had gone red in the face and ran up the steps to their apartment complex without waiting for her to catch up, locking himself in the bedroom and refusing to come out when she followed him in. She’d given up on being the casual guardian, the cool big sister who let him live his life. Penny had begged him to come out, to tell her what was going on. She just wanted to help, how could she help him if he wouldn’t talk to her?

It had started with simple answers, after Penny had started to cry, through the door.

Who was that man? Tony Stark.

What did he want with Peter? To offer him a job.

Why were they arguing? Because Peter rejected the offer.

He was lying. Penny knew what it sounded like, the way his voice changed. She’d been glued to his side since their parents died when she was 13 and it had only gotten worse with uncle Ben’s passing. Peter was lying through his teeth and Penny had no idea why, no idea what to do. Helplessness had settled over her shoulders like a lead blanket, her chest tightening. If Peter was willing to lie to her, then whatever was happening with Tony Stark was really, really bad. And she had no fucking idea what to do.

***

“JARVIS, bring up Peter’s file.”

The voice cut through the silence of the car like a shot, Happy glancing at the man in the backseat through the rearview mirror questioningly. Usually his boss was in a pretty good mood after having harassed the high school kid he’d become obsessed with over the last several months, but the tone of his voice said otherwise.

“Of course, sir,” the AI responded dutifully from the Stark phone, a document appearing on the screen, “anything in particular, sir?”

“Peter told me he was emancipated after his aunt’s death and that he lived alone. I think my boy’s lying to me, J,” Tony’s voice was lower than usual, irritation apparent in his stony expression.

“Straight home, boss?” Happy asked quietly, humming in response when the man in the backseat nodded.

“Records show that Peter Parker is under the guardianship of one Penelope Parker, 24 years of age, relation: sister.”

“So he did lie to me,” Tony ran a hand over his goatee, sighing through the motion in disappointment before anger overcame him again, “You mean he lives in that shithole with someone? She’s supposed to be taking care of him, that place is a fucking drug den!”

“The police have indeed responded to 23 calls involving illicit drug use in that apartment complex in the last 10 days, sir. Another 10 calls were answered in response to domestic violence, 5 calls in regards to loitering, 7 calls in—”

“Thank you, JARVIS,” he waved his hand impatiently before the AI could recite every reason his boy shouldn’t be living in such a fucking pigsty, “tell me more about Penelope.”

The name was said with enough venom that Happy’s eyebrows went up, glancing once again at his boss in the rearview mirror as he navigated through the congested New York City streets.

“Penelope Parker, 24 years of age, born in New York City, New York. Dropped out of high school at 16, accomplished a GED at 19. Currently employed at Little Hands Daycare, Starbucks Coffee, and Kroger’s. Owner of a 2001 Toyota Camry, license plate 605-CEG, rents a one-bedroom apartment in Queens for $1,200 a month, credit score of 713, 1 speeding ticket, no medical insurance—”

“Stop,” Tony grit his teeth, tilting his head from side to side to crack his neck, “a one-bedroom apartment. No medical insurance. Didn’t even graduate from fucking high school. How the hell did she get custody of my boy?”

“Custody of Peter Parker went to his closest living relative, with the stipulation that social services kept up regular visits on account of the young age of the guardian. Records show that visits kept up for roughly 3 months before ending.”

“3 fucking months, those useless fucks,” it came out as a snarl, “look up the case workers, I want their names. And their heads. On a platter. Get a lock on their wifi signal, I want to know what they’re doing at all times. I already have a tracker on Peter, hack into the GPS on Penelope’s phone and keep track of her too.”

“The phone number listed on Ms. Parker’s work forms is a prepaid burner with no GPS capabilities. I can use triangulation to pick up on her general location when she connects to cell phone towers.”

“Seriously, a burner phone? Is she a drug dealer?” Tony’s eyes shot up to meet Happy’s in the mirror, “Oh my god is my baby’s guardian a drug dealer?”

“There is no evidence of any misconduct on the part of Ms. Parker, sir,” JARVIS stated calmly, despite the edge of infuriated panic from Tony, “she has no arrest record or suspicious activity.”

“That doesn’t mean anything and you know it JARVIS,” Tony pressed his head back into the cushion behind him, squeezing his eyes shut, “I’ve got to get him out of there, sooner rather than later. Happy, once we get home, start coordinating with Rhodey for extraction plans. JARVIS, keep an eye on any activity on their WiFi network.”

“Shall I connect to the webcam on the laptop computer, sir?”

“And the camera on my baby boy’s phone,” on his own phone, Tony opened his picture gallery to swipe through the images he already had of Peter, a small smile taking over his mouth in the process, “Keep any recorded video for at least 24 hours, let me know if anything interesting happens.”

“Of course, sir.”

“Happy, let’s get everyone ready for my boy’s homecoming,” Tony stated, shifting in his seat as they pulled into the private garage beneath Stark Tower, “its coming up sooner than we anticipated.”

***

Penny had started googling Tony Stark the moment she realized Peter wasn’t going to part with anymore information. The longer she sat in front of the laptop, the more panic began to grow in her chest.

Tony Stark was a bad man. A very, very bad man who made very, very dangerous weapons and had lots of very, very important and powerful people in his back pocket. There was no real evidence, of course. None of his misdeeds could be proven in court, none of the weapons he invented could be traced to his company, none of the people he practically owned would even admit to knowing the man. He was incredibly powerful and so fucking dangerous that Penny’s teeth ached at the thought of him even being near her baby brother.

“Fuck,” she muttered dragging both hands through her dark brown hair, “fuck, fuck, fuck.”

There was no reason for a man like Tony Stark to be offering Peter a job. Sure, Peter was smarter than anyone she’d ever met. The kid’s IQ had to be off the charts, he’d gotten into that insanely expensive private science school in Midtown. But there was no reason for Tony Stark to recruit a high school senior, even if he was a budding genius.

“What are you doing Pen?” Peter’s voice was raspy from crying and the sound made Penny jump, turning in her seat to look at the teenager behind her.

“I’m…,” she glanced guiltily at the laptop before sighing, “I didn’t know who Tony Stark was off the top of my head. I had to look him up.”

Peter quickly reached out and closed the internet browser before shutting the lid of the laptop, running his hand through his hair in a way rather reminiscent of his sister, “You shouldn’t google him, he’s got enough of an ego that he probably gets an alert every time his name comes up.”

Penny bit her lip, rubbing her hands together in her lap before gathering as much courage as she could and pushing out the chair at the table next to her, “we need to talk, Pete. I need you to tell me the truth about why he was talking to you, no bullshit. I can’t help you if I don’t know the situation.”

The teenager hesitated for all of 30 seconds before dropping into the chair, his expression one of dismay, “I can’t tell you anything, Penny. Its too dangerous, he could hurt you—”

“I’m not worried about me, Peter,” she cut him off, hand rising when he started to open his mouth again, “Stop. Listen. Its my job to take care of you, to keep you safe. Start from the top, how did you meet Tony Stark?”

Another hesitation, eyes darting away from her face before he answered, “on accident. He saw me on the street, I was looking for a job at one of the coffee shops near school.”

Penny held her tongue, refusing to lecture him on getting a job and derailing the current conversation, “and he approached you?”

“Yeah,” Peter rubbed a hand over the back of his head, “Asked me my name, about my uniform. Asked me if I liked science since I went to a special school. I thought it was cool, he runs a research and development laboratory. Then he started… showing up in different places.”

“You think he was in those places deliberately?” The question was a quiet prompt when Peter seemed to clam up and he nodded in response.

“It was weird, but I… I liked the attention,” it was whispered, tears gathering in his eyes as shame built in his chest, “He told me how, how smart I was and how impressed he was by me. Talked to me about science and then just… about me. He wanted to know what kinds of things I liked to do for fun, what kind of movies I liked. I kind of thought we were friends but then…”

“Its okay, Peter,” Penny reached out and grabbed both of his hands in hers carefully, tears in her eyes as well, “what happened then?”

“He started getting handsy,” he murmured, a shiver going down his spine, “at first it was just, just like him putting his hand on my back when we walked through a door. Or he’d put his arm over the back of my chair and touch my shoulder. It was weird because he was an adult but… he’s handsome, Pen. He’s really, really handsome and I was excited because he was interested in me for some reason but now I realize that it wasn’t good and it’s not good and I shouldn’t have let him and I’m so sorr—”

“Don’t say sorry, Pete,” a quiet sob escaped Penny’s mouth and she covered it with her hand, the other still clutching at his, “Don’t apologize, you have done nothing wrong. Oh God, Peter, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I noticed that you’d started acting differently but I passed it off. Oh my God, I should’ve talked to you so much sooner. I should’ve asked what was going on. How long has this been going on, Peter?”

He was quiet for so long that another sob was ripped from Penny’s lips and she shot forward, dragging her little brother into a nearly suffocating hug. Fuck, fuck how long had that piece of shit been conditioning her little brother. That fucking pedophile how long had he been stalking her little brother. Fuck the age of consent in New York, fuck the law, Peter was a baby—he was a fucking child.

“You don’t have to answer, Peter, its okay,” it was a soft whisper, her hand carding through his hair while he cried against her, “I’m going to figure something out, okay? I don’t know what yet, but I’m going to make sure that he leaves you alone. I’m going to take care of this, I’m going to take care of you.”

“You can’t, Penny,” his cries were breathy and quiet, “you can’t take care of me this time, he’ll hurt you—”

Penny couldn’t say it out loud, because Peter would lose his mind, but Penny would let Tony Stark murder her in front of an audience if it meant he’d leave Peter alone. Every promise she’d ever made, to her mother on her deathbed, to aunt May on hers, was to keep Peter safe. To make sure he had every opportunity. Peter was so smart, he had so much potential, if she could just give him the chance, if she could just get him to the point where he could make something of himself—then she would consider her life perfect. She’d die knowing she had done her job, she’d opened the gates for her brother’s success.

“I’ll figure it out Peter, one way or another.”

[stregacorvina]

She-ra!! (part 1)

Good morning! As you may have noticed, I decided to add a new entry on my journal routine: every Tuesday I will show you a single set, not a collection.

And from the title, you can easily tell what is the topic of this new entry, She-ra! This weekend I bing watched the 5# season on Netflix and I was so ispired to do a Bjd version! I will miss this show soooo much now that is gone, I really want more episodes...

I have to say that it has been a very long time since I fell so in love with a tv show, even if I wasn’t a big fan of the 80s version (I have seen it when I was a child but I don’t remember much) I think it is so full of positive messages and representation, we needed a show like this from a long time, especially if we consider it is a show for young people.

I will not write a full review here as there is plenty around the web, but I really suggest you to check out the show!

The animation is just average-good, modern anime get us used to excellent quality levels, but every character is so well characterized (well, the main ones, the background cast are just...background unfortunately) and as I said it is full of positive messages and LGBT representations that are still lacking in most tv shows, most of all the ones for young peoples... in conclusion, it is not the BEST show ever but a very interesting example in the wide world of the tv shows! How I wish a show like this when I was a teenager!

Going back to the costume, I will not spoiler you the new costume of this latest season (even if you probably have seen it in the Netflix thumbnail as I did) and also because I do not like it very much, I decided to make the first one, very different from the 80s one but very fitting for this new teen reboot!

I was already studing this costume when the first season aired because I was thinking of cosplaying She-ra in some conventions (as right now I have almost the same bodytype), I am still thinking about it... never say never...

Let’s start talking about the...

- Materials

I chosed white spandex for the main part of the costume: the top and the shorts, golden spandex for the details (with some foam structure inside to keep the shape) and red cady fabric for the cape - I have already used this fabric for a Thor cape some times ago and even if it is a bit pricey compared to my usual materials but it is really worth the price! It has the perfect flow and the look...speaks for itself! -

For the chest and the tiara’s gems I will use some glass gems I bought from Aliexpress some time ago, painted with different nailpolish; for the shoes, the armbands and the tiara I will use foam and fabrics...I am still thinking about making the sword or not...we’ll see.... 

 - Step 1: patterns

I decided to use the patterns I did for the pajamas set with a few alterations.

For the top I used the t-shirt base without the sleeves (I am still thinking about making a binder - a sport bra to compress the chest, often used for female cosplayers to do male characters - because these dolls have sooo much breast compared to the original character...)

For the shorts I used the pattern for the pajama pants, already altered to make some leggins a while ago (I will show you their set in a few weeks)

When the She-ra set will be done you will find the PDF pattern pieces, including accessories, in my Etsy shop.   Done with the bases, last’s start with the...

- Step 2: shorts

I decided to start from the shorts because I tought they will be the quickest piece, so after cutting the white spandex base I started to handmade sew the golden stripes on the sides...you will see A LOT of handsewing in this project!

Before joining the two parts I decided to give the stripes a good press and I fitted them on my model doll to check the lenghts.

After I decided the hem lenghts I sewn waist and legs with a very tiny zig zag stitch on my machine and i noticed that the spandex elasticity was enough to not use an elastic band on the waist.

(After seeing them with the top on I then decided to shorten them for the second time because I didn’t like the final lenght) With the shorts done, it was time for the...

- Step 3: top 

I made the base in white spandex but before joining the pieces I decided to do the crest on the front. 

As you can see in the pictures, at the beginning I was going for a single piece, a top with a flared bottom, but in the end I decided to redo this part because I didn’t like the “skirt”.

I decided also to add two little darts on the bust because these dolls have really too much breast! As everythig is soo small in this project it was almost all handsewn, so I decided to discard my initial idea to make the crest with foam covered in golden spandex and I went for a golden spandex cut-out, handsewn obviously.

After finishing the crest I decided to wait until the end of the top to add the glass bead because I will probably work with this piece a lot! So i decided to go on with the flared part and to do the final version of it. Firsty of all I cut away the wrong part,

then I redraw it as a half circle “skirt” in three parts, one for the back and two for the front, with the center front slightly shorter than the back. I was thinking about leaving the raw edge but in the end I made a little zig zag stitch just like the shorts.

And then, for ending with the white spandex, I made a tiny hight neck collar, mostly handmade as well. I was thinking about the usual stripe of velchro fastener in the back but I noticed that a small slit on the back was enough to fit the doll’s head, so I didn’t add it but only a small snap button on the neck (most of the back will be hidden with the cape anyway...)

To finish the top I started to make the epaulettes, with 2 mm foam as a base. I drafted the basic shape in paper pattern, then I made it two times in foam and then on a double layer of golden spandex.

I sewn the little gap with tiny handmade stiches and the I attached them on the sleeve cap with some others handsewn stitches.

This is the (almost) finished top! Isn’t it lovely? My fangirl soul is so eager to finish this costume!

This is a little preview with the flared part attached...I’m alredy in love!!

- Step 4: cape and belt

Before starting with the accessories, that I will probabily show you in Part 2, I made the cape and the belt to finish the base of the costume.

For the cape I made an half-circle to add more volume at the hem and I also made the top wider than the shoulders so I can gather it a bit more.

(BONUS PIC - Salem wants to try the cape on)

I really love the look of it! I put the cape aside for now because I still need white thread on my machine so I will hem it later on...

For the belt I decided to sewn it onto the top instead of doing another single piece (also to hid the waist seam because I didn’t like that much)

I made a mock up with white spandex to check the lenght and the V depth, then I use this mock up as the pattern for the final one on golden spandex.

And this is the finishe top! I really like it and I cant’ wait to finish this project! As finishing touches I still need to add the glass bead on the crest and the snap button on the neck.

See you on Thursday as usual for the second part of this loooong entry where I will show you the accessories and the final look.

See ya!

Chiara (StregaCorvina)

Bentornati! Ho deciso di inserire una piccola “deviazione” alla pubblicazione del giovedi: il martedi sarà dedicato ad un set singolo, non una collezione!

E come potete immaginare dal titolo, questo primo martedi è dedicato a She-ra! Quest weekend ho divorato la 5° Stagione appena uscita su Netflix e mi sento decisamente orfana percio ho deciso di realizzare anche la sua versione BJD.

Devo dire che il reboot Netflix di She-ra è una delle serie che mi ha “preso” di più negli ultimi anni, era da tanto che non mi appassionavo così tanto ad una serie, sebbene non fossi una grande fan dell’opera originale (che ho visto da piccola e non mi ricordo quasi per niente...) Secondo me è una serie piena di messaggi e rappresentazioni positive, c’era davvero bisogno di un cartone simile, soprattutto se consideriamo che si tratta di un prodotto indirizzato ad un pubblico giovane.

Non starò qui a fare la recensione dello show visto che in giro se ne trovano tantissime, ma vi invito caldamente a guardarla se non lo avete ancora fatto! Le animazioni non sono eccelse ma sono belle, gli anime più moderni ci hanno ormai abituato ad un livello qualitativo davvero alto, ma i personaggi sono caratterizzati benissimo (per lo meno i principali, diciamo che i secondari sono davvero...sullo sfondo e basta) e come dicevo la serie è piena di messaggi positivi e rappresentazioni LGBT che sono ancora un po troppo trascurate dagli show per ragazzi...insomma, non sarà il capolavoro del secolo ma una piacevole novità nel panorama cosi vasto delle serie televisive! Avrei tanto voluto crescere con una serie cosi vent’anni fa...ma mi rendo conto che ai tempi una serie così per ragazzi era impensabile! 

Parlando di She-ra, per non spoilerare troppo il nuovo costume che indossa nel corso di questa serie e che non mi piace particolarmente, (ma se avete visto la copertina su Netflix ve lo sarete spoilerato comunque come è successo a me) ho deciso di riprodurre quello della prima trasformazione, che si discosta parecchio da quello originale degli anni 80 ma che calza a pennello per il mood più teen di questo reboot!

Avevo già puntato questo costume quando uscì per la prima volta su Netflix perche avendo un fisico abbastanza simile ad Adora, avevo in mente di farne il cosplay in qualche prossima fiera....progetto che non ho ancora abbandonato del tutto chissà... perciò partiamo con la scelta dei materiali.

- Materiali

Ho deciso di utilizzare lycra bianca per le parti principali del completo, la casacca e i pantaloncini, lycra oro per tutti i dettagli (irrigidita da una base di foam qua e la in base alla funzione) e cady rosso per il mantello - avevo già usato questo cady di medio peso per il mantello di Thor in un precedente cosplay e anche se è leggermente più caro del tipo di materiale che sono abituata ad utilizzare ne vale decisamente la pena! Cade benissimo e l’aspetto...si commenta da solo -

Per il petto e il diadema userò degli ovali di vetro colorati con smalto per unghie per lasciare intatta la trasparenza, mentre scarpe, bracciali e diadema avranno un’anima in foam e il resto in tessuto... sono ancora in dubbio se fare la spada o meno, vedremo un pò in futuro...

 - Step 1: patterns

Avevo in gran parte le basi gia pronte da quando ho fatto i pigiamini, perciò per la casacca sono andata abbastanza tranquilla con la base della tshirt (sto ancora valutando se fare una sorta di binder - per chi non lo sapesse è una sorta di reggiseno sportivo che comprime abbastanza il seno, usato parecchio dalle cosplayer per avere un aspetto più “maschile” - per nascondere un pò il seno delle bambole e restare più in linea con la fisionomia del personaggio)

Per gli shorts invece ho utilizzato il cartamodello dei pantaloni del pigiama che avevo precedentemente modificato per fare un paio di leggins super aderenti (che vi farò vedere prima o poi)

Quando il set sarà finito troverete il cartamodello in PDF nel mio shop su Etsy completo di accessori.   Le basi ci sono, perciò iniziamo subito con...

- Step 2: shorts

Ho deciso di iniziare dai pantaloncini perchè mi sembravano la parte più rapida del costume, perciò dopo aver tagliato la base in lycra bianca ho iniziato ad applicare - rigorosamente a mano per mantenere l’elasticità - la striscia dorata sui lati.

Prima di unire le due parti ho dato una bella stirata alle strisce e ho fatto una prova sulla bambola che stavo usando come modella per vedere la giusta lunghezza.

Soddifatta degli orli ho cucito gambe e vita con uno zig zag stretto e alla fine ho deciso che l’elasticità della lycra era sufficente perciò non ho inserito nessun elastico in più.

(Una volta finita anche la casacca ho deciso di accorciare ancora un po i pantaloni perchè mi sembravano troppo lunghi). E con i pantaloni finiti era il momento di passare alla...

- Step 3: casacca

Ho realizzato la base in lycra bianca e prima di unirlo al dietro ho iniziato subito sul davanti la decorazione in lycra oro.

Come potete vedere nelle immagini, inizialmente avevo pensato di fare una casacca svasata sotto, in un pezzo unico, invece poi sono tornata su questa decisione perchè non mi piaceva la parte della “gonna”. 

Ho anche aggiunto delle piccolissime pences nel giromanica perchè queste bambole sono troppo prosperose per non averle! Viste le dimensioni ridotte dello stemma sul petto alla fine ho deciso di scartare la mia idea iniziale di farlo in foam e ho semplicemente fatto un’applicazione di lycra cucita poi a mano con micro punti nascosti.

Una volta cucito tutto il contorno dello stemma ho deciso di aspettare la fine della base per incollare la pietra al centro visto che avrei dovuto manipolarla ancora tanto, perciò sono passata oltre e come vi accennavo all’inizio, ho deciso di cambiare la parte bassa della casacca perchè non mi piaceva più e l’ho tagliata via.

Per fare la parte svasata ho tagliato una “gonna” a mezza ruota divisa in tre parti con cuciture sui fianchi, leggermente più corta sul centro davanti. Avevo pensato di lasciare l’orlo a taglio vivo ma poi ho deciso di fare un piccolo orlino a zig zag come per l’orlo dei pantaloni.

Infine per terminare le parti in lycra bianca ho fatto un mini collo alto, anche questo cucito prevalentemente a mano visto le dimensioni ridotte.

Avevo deciso di chiudere il retro con una striscia di velcro ma considerando la presenza del mantello ho deciso di fare solo un’apertura fino alle scapole e chiudere poi il collo con un automatico.

Per concludere la base del costume ho iniziato le spalline, dopo aver fatto una prova con un pezzo di carta per decidere la grandezza definitiva ho realizzato una mezzaluna in foam (bhe, due) e l’ho riportata su un doppio strato di lycra oro.

Ho chiuso poi la parte lasciata aperta con dei piccolissimi punti a mano e le ho attaccate al giromanica, sempre a mano, con dei punti nascosti.

Ed ecco la casacca quasi pronta pronta! Non è un amore? Il mio animo da fangirl è super entusiasta di fare questo costume!

Per concludere la casacca ho attaccato la parte della “gonna” ed ecco una preview...gia la adoro!!

- Step 4: mantello e cintura

Prima di passare agli accessori, che visto la lunghezza di questo post verranno presentati in una Parte 2, mi sono occupata della cintura e del mantello, per concludere la base del costume.

Per il mantello ho deciso di realizzare una mezzaruota per averlo bello ampio e fluente, leggermente più ampio della larghezza spalle in modo da drappeggiare un pò la parte alta.

(BONUS PIC - Salem che decide che vuole provare il mantello)

Direi che come ampiezza ci siamo! Per il momento visto che mi serve ancora il filo bianco sulla macchina da cucire mettiamolo da parte, lo finirò più tardi.

Per la cintura invece ho scartato l’idea di fare un pezzo separato visto che il costume aveva già tanti pezzi e ho deciso di cucirla sulla casacca per nascondere la cucitura sotto la vita.

Ho fatto prima una prova con un pezzo di lycra bianca per decidere l’altezza e la profondità della V, poi l’ho usata come base per quella vera e propria realizzata con due strati di lycra oro.

Ed ecco la casacca finita! Mi piace sempre di più e non vedo l’ora di finirla!! Come ultimo tocco devo aggiungere solo la gemma al centro dello stemma e l’automatico dietro per chiudere il collo.

Visto che questo post sta diventando lunghissimo vi farò vedere gli accessori e il final look nel prossimo post, che verrà pubblicato normalmente di giovedi.

A presto!

Chiara (StregaCorvina)

[wickednerdery]

Title: Out of Time: Time Out Author: @wickednerdery Fandom: Marvel Pairing/character: Loki x Stark!OC, Steve Rogers Rating: FRT Summary: “I am Loki, of Asgard.” Notes: Continuing my strange little foray into cyberpunk with Loki on a futuristic Earth (after his escapes with the Tesseract in Endgame?). This one has a bit more cursing, drinking, and original characters...and a cameo by one Captain America!

Chapter 1

Loki stays with her right up until there are boots pounding their way to the exhibit, then vanishes from human sight. He watches security rush in and spread out to secure the room, including some breaking off to investigate the hole made by the shooter’s body. He takes note of the one who takes his place at Ms Stark’s side.

“Ana?” The gentleman is older, most certainly the one in charge, as he crouches and tears the dress at the wound. “Get the fucking medics in here now!” He pulls a pen from his inner pocket and slips one end into her wound. She whimpers, then gasps. “Shhh, it’s okay, it’s me. It’s Orson. Just checking for toxins.”

“F-Fuuuck…” Her teeth grit hard, her breath a hiss as he pulls bloodied pen back out to read. She pants, her eyes darting for the mystery man in black. “Wh-where i-is…” Her head of security again encourages her to stay calm. “…The man…Where?”

Orson sighs in relief, no toxins detected. “Don’t worry, we’ll get him. Medi-!” He’s cut off as they arrive, switches to answering questions and reminding them exactly how important she is.

A medic stretches pale flesh-colored tape across her wound as another unfolds a sheet that hardens into a flat stretcher. Loki watches with interest as it hovers after she’s placed on it. It floats out, leaving the medics free to attend to Ana as security escorts them towards an emergency back exit window. He hears the helicopter, but doesn’t bother to go watch her loaded into it. Instead he teleports himself into the crowd now being forced to exit, remaining unseeable to take in the scene unbothered.

Ana’s eyes open to a white ceiling dotted with black, red, and gold. Her ceiling. “Status report?”

“Yeah, you’ll be fine,” says Tony in his usual laissez faire. “The bullet went through and through without caustic or explosive damage. Stem cell injection patched up the insides, skin patch worked for the aesthetics.”

“How long was I out?”

“Two days out at the hospitals, three days in and out at home.”

“Is the data from that night filed?”

“Filed, examined, and filed again.”

“Examined by who?”

“I’ll give you one guess - wait, it’s not me - now I’ll give you one guess.”

She knows. “Is he here?”

“Not at the moment. Want me to ring him up?”

“Fuck, no. Am I mobile?”

“Vitals say yes, but I’d take it slow.”

For all intents and purposes, her head of security aside, Tony is all she has. Her parents died in the last outbreak, she’s no siblings. What little extended family left were too busy bickering over the Stark name and fortune to make nice. And the Avengers? They were little more than a fairy tale, a myth, now. It was just her and her innovations.

She lifts camisole to examine her midsection, pulls off the now clear patch to see underneath. The skin came in well, smooth, with perfect tone match. Deep breath in, then out, with minimal pain overall. She reaches for the med pack and tears off a square to pop in her mouth. The analgesic spreads warm across her body as it dissolves. She smiles, gets up slow and ensures she’s stable, then prepares for the day.

Up on the rigging his eyes stay on the man below. So this is what passes for a knowledgeable man these days? Hardly impressive, even (or especially) with the women swarming him. Loki watches carefully as each in turn chat, some getting tabs or a tap of the wrist with his, while others leave with no contact only for the man to swipe and type a handheld glass panel after. A dealer of some sort. The god waits for him to be alone, then slips down into the bright, grubby, streets of this new Midgard. He’s surprised, impressed, when the other clocks him within four feet.

“No new clients, pal, sorry.” Cyno slips phone into backpack, then swings the mass over his shoulder.

Loki grins in confidence of his skills. “I urge you to reconsider.”

The man seems entranced before blinking the charm away. “Yeah, no. Nice try though. Haven’t had that chem mix in me before. Strong stuff, kudos to you and yours.”

The god is stunned, then enraged. “You will help me, mortal!”

Cyno gauges the other’s seriousness, then laughs. “Man desperate as you…I expect high and constant pay.”

“Then you shall have it.” Loki can’t be unreasonable, not right now.

“And what do you want?”

“I want information on Ms Ana Roget Stark.”

“Do I look like an IronMan to you? I know what everyone knows. Genius, zillionare, party girl, philanthropist.”

“Surely there must be more to her than that.” Nobody gains such a skilled assassin without cause.

“Like I said, I’m not an IronMan, I don’t know what happens behind the golden screen.” Cyno watches the other’s brows rise expectantly and sighs. “Stark International controls security for most of the world. Every aspect of surveillance, whether you see it or not, is theirs. These days Ana is the head of the family and the company, but that’s always being contested by an extended family member or business rival.”

“...Go on...”

“The rest is rumor. Secret labs making mutate super-soldiers, mutant-android experimentation camps, inter-universal trade. Hell, there’s even one of a first generation Captain America module she plays when lonely. Impossible to say what’s bullshit and what’s fact.”

The information was as intriguing as it was irritating. “Yes, well…surely you can find ways to dig through the gossip for the golden nugget.”

“What?” This guy spoke a different language to Cyno. “Who the fuck are you, anyway?”

“I am Loki, of Asgard.”

Cyno smirks, snorts. “An anarchist. Figures.” He sighs. “Well, look, Loki of Asgard, you got the credits I’ll get what I can as far as facts, but no promises. I’m no IronMan and I ain’t risking my life playing one so you can virus the Stark woman on the dark net or whatever the fuck you’re planning.”

Loki’s smile spreads slow and malicious. “Leave what’s done with the information to me, you just get it.”

“Fine, meet me at Kibishī Ākēdo Ten at 23:30 tonight. Go to the bar, order the house cider, and wait in the back. I’ll be there first.” He always is. “You pay me two-thousand and I give you a sample of information. If you like it, we can set up...a subscription, if you will.”

“I require a guide for this world, can you procure one for me?” He will not make the same mistake as in New York. He will understand this new Midgard far better than the old one before making any moves.

“Male or female or....?”

“It hardly matters.”

“You wanna be able to play?”

“Beg pardon?”

“Fuck it, guy. You wanna be able to fuck it?”

“Did I ask for a whore?”

Cyno sighs. “I’ll get you an open one, help you set it up.”

“Now.”

“Yeah, now, com’on.” Cyno shifts bag fully onto his back and heads down the street, leaving Loki to follow.

“Display layout, with guests, at the opening of the museum gala. Pull up all bios available.” Ana heads towards her main room, throwing hair up into a bun. She’s showered, dressed, but still sore, too high for the lab. Today will be a regroup and review day - she’ll go through each guest until she finds the man in black. As the hologram of the charity event populates stats on all guests she heads towards the bar of the open kitchen.

“Don’t you think you should slow down on that?” His voice is gruffly calm. “At least while still doped.”

She turns to see her head of security, in the flesh. “Tony said you weren’t here.”

“I lied,” her AI confesses without guilt.

“I made you too smart.” Ana sighs, carrying on with her plans. “And I can drink whenever I damn well please, Orson, so just move on.”

He remembers Tony like this too - stubborn, defeated, ready to slip back into the bottle - but pushes on. Now was not the time for a lecture. “We found the shooter. Dead. Blasted through the wall.”

“Who was he? Was he part of a group or lone nut?”

“Mac Headstrom, part of the Altered Brotherhood.”

“Which ones are they?” There are too many to even bother to keep track of.

“The same ones that blew our labs in Costa Rica, think we’re making an army of mutants out of the homeless.”

“Ah.”

“You didn’t tell me you rigged a charge to your ring, Ana.”

“I didn’t, I only had the taser.” She pours out liquor, ignores Orson’s sigh as she drops another analgesic strip into it for good measure. “It was the man in black. The guest.”

“The guest in black?”

The sweet rush of numbness almost causes her to moan. “Yeah. Got in via one of the golden ticket invites, but didn’t seem to understand that himself. Didn’t seem to understand much, actually. Weird thing was…” She grabs a slice of cold pizza. “I thought he used a hologram to contact me the second time, but he…he caught me.”

“Caught you?”

“After I was shot. I was going down and he was able to catch me.”

“So he actually teleported?”

“Apparently.” She stays standing at the counter, unwilling to walk away from the bottle or take it with her into the living room. “But his tech knowledge seemed nonexistent. How does a guy not even know he’s got a codes tab, but then be able to navigate teleportation?”

Orson hesitates, then proceeds. “Maybe he’s a mutant?”

“I thought most of your kind died out with the Legacy Virus.” Not the same as the one that took her parents, but just as devastating.

“Most did. But not all.”

“If I might cut in,” says Tony. He reddens one of the people in the hologram of the party, pulls aside an enlarged image of the man. “But if this is him, he’s not a mutant.”

“That’s him, yeah.” Ana pours another drink, finally coming around the counter to sit. As she does, her chair adjusts for her comfort. “You already ran checks on him?”

“He’s a core file in my coding from the original Tony.”

“Loki.” Orson sighs, jaw clenching with a tension that Ana rarely sees from him. “Adopted brother of Thor Odinson, from Asgard. Basically a god. Iron Man fought him with the rest of the Avengers when he attacked New York City in early 2010s.”

“The Chitauri thing?”

“Yeah, the Chitauri thing.”

“So an intergalactic terrorist god…” She sips. “Came from the past.” Holds up a finger when Orson threatens to speaks. “To save the descendant of his enemy?” Her finger stays up until her drink is downed.

“Ana -”

“No, no. I’m sorry, I’m not nearly sober nor drunk enough to unpack all that just now.” She waves the hologram away and gets up. “And I’m not up for the ‘shit I did wrong’ security debriefing either.”

“Ana.” Orson pleads, for what he’s not sure.

“So, you don’t have to go home…” She heads back towards the bar. “But you do have to get the fuck out. Right now.”

The man’s eyes go to the ceiling, the cameras in the black dots. Nothing. Not a peep from Tony. “Fine, I’ll check in on you later.” He stands with a sigh. “But you better not be half-in-the-bag then.”

“Half in the bag?” She smirks, he uses such old-timey turns of phrases sometimes.

“I want you clean and sober before I return.”

“Can’t be that until you actually leave.” The liquor and pain meds cause her to happily slur her words. She follows him all the way to the elevator with goodbyes, watches until his car exits the property, then goes to pour another. “Tony?”

“Yep?”

“Activate Captain Comfort.” If a disembodied AI computer program could roll its eyes, Tony did. “Have him waiting.” Ana finishes her latest glass, sets it in the sink, and heads back to her room. She doesn’t want to think about the crazed assassin, the terrorist organization he was part of, the time-traveling god, the security upgrades Orson’s no doubt already planning, or anything else. She doesn’t want to think at all. “Captain?” She calls out, already letting her hair back down.

“Ma’am?” He steps out of the bathroom clean and clean-shaven. He’s tall, well-built, with broad shoulders and ramrod posture.

She smiles. “Call me Ana.”

The phrase triggers his softer expression, going from stern soldier to caring man. “Ana, are you all right?”

“Comfort me.” She relaxes into his arms easily, smiling at the warmth and sense of care he provides. “Kiss me.”

He does, passionately, and she returns it in kind.

Sorry, I couldn’t help but make the rumor about Ana having a Captain America pleasure-bot true, LMAO!! (I may write a separate, smut, piece of their full interaction, lol!) If you’re wondering why Loki’s mind control didn’t work on Cyno it’s because - using a magic-as-science type concept here - he’s got a way to clear out drugs/toxins/chemicals from his body (I confess, I’ve no specifics beyond that just yet, sorry, lol!) and that includes what Loki’s magical charms can do to one’s brain chemistry. ALSO...Orson (Ben Mendelsohn faceclaim) is an OC from another series (not on my masterlist yet oops). He’s a mutant with super-strength who’s impervious to damage, illness, and (for the most part) aging...he also lacks touch sensation for the most part. Ana’s faceclain is Evan Rachel Wood. Cyno’s faceclaim is Ryan Gosling and you’ll find out more about him as we go, lol! ;-)

Still/Always playing with this one, feel free to share ideas/thoughts/suggestions!! 😉

Tagging: @lady-crowned-with-stars​​, @beccaliciooouuusss​, gravitational-anomaly, @fuckthatfeeling​, @v-2bucky​, @ultrarebelheart​​, @tarithenurse​​ @latent-thoughts​​ @chibiyanai​​ @lukeevansandjdmobession​​ @sweetfictionalworld​​ @ladyfluff​​ @theangelsfightwithdevils​​ @holykryptonitekitten​​ @kpopgirlbtssvt​​ …And I legit don’t know who else to tag anymore lol

Gifs made off ones I found on Google, then combined myself.

[shelling4869ford]

Lost in Time, Chapter 25: The Truth behind

Preview:

“How?”     

Shinichi just sighed and let himself sink onto the couch next to his mother. He brushed with his fingers through his hair, started to talk without raising his gaze from the ground. He told them about Conan, the poison, the organization and Ai. About how he managed to show up as himself from time to time as well as why he had kept everything to himself. He mentioned Bell - he was unavoidable after all since he was what allowed him to live in public. His parents were the only ones who noticed that there still was an issue the detective wasn´t talking about, one thing he hadn´t told anyone until now. But the police officers had enough to process to notice that anyway.

Takagi was deep in thought, his mind was playing scenes from the past in front his inner eye, which suddenly turned out to make much more sense in retrospective. He might have guessed that there was something about the little boy, but he’d never suspected it to be something like this. Sato’s gaze was still fixed on him and caused the detective the most discomfort. Even Megure seemed to be looking at something no one else could see, his eyes were darting back and forth nervously, before his gaze abruptly stopped to look at Shinichi again.

“You’ve been Conan.”

Shinichi swallowed but nodded.

“Yeah, technically I still am.” But the high school student’s smile wasn’t mirrored by the officer.

‘Still too early for stupid jokes, Kudo.’ Shinichi swallowed, waiting patiently for Megure to continue.   

“You’ve been there, all this time… on all those crime scenes and cases and I didn´t even notice?”

...

READ MORE ON FF.NET

READ MORE ON AO3

Hey Everybody,

I know, I know… to early for an update, but since I’m on holyday next week I thought- why not?

I hope you enjoyed the chapter- the next one will be a flashback, so that you finally get to know what happened 10 years ago. And for all of you waiting for more ShinRan , chapter 28 (we just reached 25 so we’re halfway done!) is called “A shot through the heart”…  doubt that I have to say more *evilgrin*

Thanks to each and every one who’s reading this and of course thanks for all these lovely reviews!

As always Tobina did an amazing job as my Beta!

I hope you like the chapter, I would love to hear your thoughts!

See you next month,

Shelling~

[marvelousbirthdays]

Happy Birthday, lillypotterml

September 18- Pepper in the middle of the fight in Civil War, for lillypotterml

Written by @quartzcelticas

Pepper sighed, eyes unfocused as she looked out the window. A fine misty rain was falling, the sort that seeped into everything leaving the world damp and chilled. She almost missed that feeling, the elevated temperature that the Extremis gave her meant she never felt the cold anymore, her body automatically adjusted for it. But without that same chill, she could have been anywhere in the world, instead of feeling it and knowing to her bones that she was in London. She had been in the city for almost six months. 

Staying in New York, watching as Tony’s heart broke, because of her, hadn’t been an option. And going back to California without him had also been unappealing. She still loved him, she just couldn’t stay with him and living somewhere she associated with him so strongly was just salt in everybody’s wounds.

Therefore, Europe.

Specifically the London branch of Stark Industries. The city didn’t hold any great sentimental value to her or Tony. It was neutral ground.

Only in the last few weeks had they been able to talk, before that all communication had been by email or messages left with Friday. The loss of Jarvis was still a hole in her heart that she wasn’t sure she would ever get over. The AI had been more than a sophisticated computer program, he had been a friend. Each week the emails or messages got longer. Filled with the everyday trivia and science rambling that she expected from the genius superhero.

He wasn’t the only Avenger to keep in contact. Natasha stopped by when she was in the area, which could mean anything from down the street to the Eastern Hemisphere, Thor and Jane had dinner with her every month or so, and Captain Rogers had appeared in her office three months ago asking for her help.

She had given it gladly. The favour had been attached to an interesting International Legal question that filled her nights when she had missed the chaos of New York, or Malibu.

“Ms Potts, we have been given permission for take-off. Please secure your seatbelt.” Mr Allenson, SI’s pilot, informed her over the small plane’s intercom.

= + =

The hop from London to Berlin was short. They circled in the sky above the city waiting for landing permission for longer than it took to get there. It was wearing at her patience, but she understood the increased security that required it. It hadn’t been a good couple of days for the European Mainland.

On the ground, a bodyguard and driver were waiting for her next to a dark blue town car. The car crept across the city, the usual traffic of a large metropolis almost unnoticed to the occupied businesswoman. She used the drive to review the documents that PROToN, the not quite AI that Tony had made for her when Jarvis had been corporealised, had collected.

They pulled to a stop in front of a metal and glass construction that wouldn’t have been out of place in SI’s real estate portfolio. A besuited man was waiting for her. An agent to escort her, the usual twinge of grief for a different D & G wearing g-man was quickly squashed. The man stepped forward to open the door and hand her out of the car. Pepper Potts didn’t need the help but knew the value of accepting it.

He hustled her through the building, her heels clicking a staccato beat on the marble floor. She heard them before she saw them. Hurt and anger that she hadn’t heard in Tony’s voice in a long time.

“GIVE ME A BREAK! I’m doing what has to be done.” He was yelling as she walking in.

From his place sitting at the conference table, he couldn’t see her enter. Steve could. It was his attention on her instead of him that caught Tony’s. He turned to face her, expression shuttering.

“Pepper?”

“Tony.” It was the first time they had seen each other in person since the disaster of a dinner that she had walked out on.

“What? Why are you here?” Confusion quickly took over from the anger, the hurt was still there lurking in his eyes.

“I was helping Steve with something and found this.” She held out the tablet for him to take, video already queued.

A man neither of them recognised strode across the grainy CCTV footage of an almost empty carpark. He paused just before leaving frame, his face rippling, morphing until he looked like Sergeant James Barnes.

“That was in Vienna an hour before the bombing.” She told them. The video had a timestamp but she wanted to drive the point home.

“Wait, I’ve seen him.” Steve stopped. Stopped moving, stopped blinking, stopped breathing. Mind going over every face he had seen recently.

“The Psychologist!” He was running from the room before either of them could ask who he meant. They followed him. Catching up when he was stopped by a security door. The man from the video on the other side with Sergeant Barnes. Steve was pounding on the door, demanding to be let in.

“Steve?” A woman Pepper didn’t know came up behind them, Natasha and Falcon, Sam Wilson, behind her.

“We have to get him out of there.” Steve continued to try and punch his way into the room.

Around them, the power flickered and died. Red-emergency lights flooded everything in blood red. Something the man inside the room said pulled the Sergeant’s attention from watching Steve attempt property damage. The bound man twitched, saying something they couldn’t hear. No, maybe. Turning his head away and closing his eyes, trying to block out the world. He couldn’t hide from whatever was haunting him so he had to fight. His metal arm wrenched from the thick clamps that had been putting on a show of the holding him. Slamming himself into the reinforced glass, over and over again.

The man from the video was walking around the cage, still talking.

James finally broke through the cage. Too late.

Between one breath and the next, the restrained Sergeant’s body language transformed, from a man trying to fight his own mind, to someone dead inside. Eyes staring straight ahead, worse than a thousand yard stare, there wasn’t anything playing in his mind. He was waiting for orders. Unquestioning. The change sent a shiver down Pepper’s spine.

They were talking too quietly for them to hear.

James was moving again. Mechanical, but danger written in every line of his body. He was through the door that Steve had weakened in seconds. Swinging at the man standing in his way.

Steve refused to fight back, dodging blows that would incapacitate a lesser man if they landed.

A hand wrapped around her elbow, trying to draw her away from the fight. “Pepper, get out of here.” It was Tony. Tony without his suit. Breakable and soft without his armour.

“No.” She wrenched her arm away. Eyes and nail beds began to glow. She would protect the man who had protected her so many times.

Unwilling to hit his best friend, Steve could only dodge for so long. The heavy metal fist cracked into the Captain’s jaw. One hit KO. Then Pepper was the only one standing between one of the best killers in history, and a vulnerable Tony.

Time slowed down as her chemically enhanced adrenalin spiked. The mechanical arm was swung at her head, just as hard as it had been swung at Steve, no allowance for gender or apparent strength. She was an obstacle for the Soldat and nothing else but his best would do. She ducked even as one hand darted up, long elegant fingers wrapping around the cool metal. Without the weight behind her, she would never be able to stop the movement, but the heat flowing from her hands quickly slagged the mechanisms and plating of the wrist and hand.

The Soldat stumbled back, the first hint of emotion flickering to life in his eyes. Fear. It was a start. He came back again and again. Each time the metal arm came within reach she melted it a little more. Not wanting to hurt the man locked inside. She held him off long enough for Steve to come to.

Down one arm, the other super soldier was able to subdue his friend, wrestling him to the ground.

The Soldat struggled, grunting and groaning but not speaking.

“Bucky. Bucky, stop. Please.” Steve begged even as he dodged a kick, not releasing his hold.

Pepper’s adrenalin was burnt up by the Extremis raging through her system. Knees going weak, Tony’s arm around her waist was the only thing that kept her on her feet.

“Come on.” His voice was soft, loving. She had been the one to leave after all, his feelings had never wavered.

Leaning into him, she allowed herself to be led away. Natasha sweeping past her, a syringe of something in her hand.

[tacticsroom]

Fallen Takumi: Empty Vessel (Unit Review)

Available at 3-4★ (Grand Hero Battle Reward)

Lvl 40 Stats (Flaw/Neutral/Asset)

Note: As a Grand Hero Battle reward, Takumi does not have access to boons/assets and banes/flaws.

HP: 33/37/40 

Atk: 27/31/34

Spd: 31/34/37

Def: 22/25/29 

Res: 21/24/28 

Neutral BST: 151

Max Dragonflowers: 10

Skills

Weapon: Skadi (400 SP)

Mt: 14. Rng: 2. Effective against flying foes. Grants Spd+3. At the start of turn 3, foes within 3 columns centered of unit take 10 damage and bonuses become penalties for duration of their next actions.

Colorless Bow. Cannot be inherited. Cannot be refined.

Assist: None

Special: Vengeance (200 SP)

Boosts damage dealt to foe by 30% of damage dealt to unit.

Can be inherited. Cannot use: Staff.

A: Fury 3 (200 SP)

Grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3. After combat unit takes 6 damage (unit cannot hit 0 HP this way).

Can be inherited. Cannot use: Staff.

B: None

C: Spd Smoke 3 (240 SP)

After combat inflicts Spd-7 on foes within 2 spaces of target for the duration of their next actions.

Can be inherited. Cannot use: Staff.

Analysis

Back once more under the same mindset as his fallen peers comes Fallen Takumi (F!Takumi for short). While his stat spread and base kit may not as unique or as powerful compared to his modern day competition F!Takumi still possesses a unique niche that few units have been able to replicate.

F!Takumi was infamous when he was first introduced for not only his difficult GHB but for his stat line. Carrying the same stat line as Clarisse, another GHB archer with only +4 extra Res, he failed to stand out in the ever expansive sea of readily available archers. His skills, Fury 3 and Spd Smoke, certainly helped push his offenses but offered little else. The most notable thing about F!Takumi is his unique PRF weapon Skadi. The first weapon to impose a turn condition in its effect, Skadi will on the 3rd turn of combat deal 10 damage to all foes within 3 columns of F!Takumi (with F!Takumi in center) and also panic them for the duration of their next actions. This potent weapon can effectively allow F!Takumi control the battlefield with the help of proper positioning making him a massive enemy threat or a tool to help teammates net kills they otherwise would have missed. His Skadi’s effect is tricky to activate at times, as combat may fail to even reach the 3rd turn and predicting how the AI will move will take trial and error. In modes such as Aether Raids or Arena Assault however his aid will prove far more beneficial

On his first merge, Takumi will gain +2 HP/Spd and +1 Atk.

Reasons to Invest in Takumi

You like Takumi and intend to use him in a core team, whether it be for Arena, Aether Raids, or an Infantry

You’re interested in building Takumi due to his menacing player phase and bow’s unique effect in combat

You have obtained all or most previous copies made available and do not mind the grail cost

Reasons NOT to Invest in Takumi

You don’t intend on using him as a core on any team or in any PVE game modes such as Rival Domains or Grand Conquest

You don’t play Aether Raids and have no interest in obtaining grails

You consider Takumi’s playstyle and base kit uninteresting and would rather fodder his skills off to other heroes you use

You already have an invested bow unit that you already use on your core Arena & or Aether Raids team

Similar Units

Note: As a Grand Hero Battle Reward Takumi does not have access to boons/assets or banes/flaws and therefore is not directly comparable to any summonable units. 

Clarisse: Sniper in the Dark (37/31/34/25/20)

Takumi: Fallen Vessel (+0/+0/+0/+0/+4)

Note: Takumi has access to uninheritable skills and is thus not directly comparable. 

Takumi: Wild Card (40/32/33/25/18)

Takumi: Fallen Vessel (+0/-1/+1/+0/+6)

Note: Both Takumis have access to uninheritable skills and are thus not directly comparable. 

Builds

Containing one of the better A skills in the game in his base kit proves beneficial for Takumi as it helps him better run budget offensive sets.

The set on the left focuses on ploying his enemies of their offensive skills while slowly seating himself in vantage range. The central focus here should be debuffing all enemies within 2 spaces of Takumi’s original target which will not only boost his survivability but, once he’s retaliated against, help set him up in Vantage range. Once the third turn hits and his opponents are chipped and panicked Takumi can better set himself up to wipe his ranged foes on by one. Luna is taken for its additional chip damage but can be substituted for Moonbow if desired.

The set on the right in contrast focuses on doing as much damage as possible. Here we use Fury/Desperation for its great synergy and to make use of his 40 Spd thanks to Fury’s stat boost and Skadi’s +3 Spd. After combat with double Savage Blow in effect we’ll be chipping enemies within 2 spaces of our target for 14 HP slowly but surely prepping them to be wiped out.

Takumi’s seal options include but aren’t limited to: Attack+3, Spd+3, Atk/Spd 2, Atk Smoke, Chill skills, Bond skills, Savage Blow and Brazen skills.

Player Phase:

Takumi, with his offensive stats in mind, does fairly well as a player phase archer. 

The build on the left showcases a Slaying Bow+ set, utilizing LnD3 and Desperation to boost his offenses and optimizee his chances of sweeping his opponents. With the help of Slaying Bow+, Luna’s cooldown shortens turning it into a 2 turn special. This will not only increase his chances of activating Luna in combat but may also be used in infantry pulse setups to help him have Luna up and ready on Turn 1.

The build on the right takes a different approach turning him into a support unit. The idea with this build will be to ploy enemies in different stats to help his teammates take out said foes swiftly. The central point here will be the combination of Swift Sparrow and the Darting Blow seal. With both active, Takumi gains +10 Spd when initiating turning the 34 Spd depicted into a faster 44 Spd. At this Spd he can safely run Windsweep denying all physical melee units the chance to counterattack, being ployed after combat for -5 Atk/Spd. All foes within 2 spaces of the targeted foe will also suffer -7 Def because of Def Smoke. A defense refine may be taken if Takumi finds himself needing to take a hit from a ranged unit but can be swapped for a Spd or Atk refine as needed.

High Investment:

Takumi has a range of different roles he can fulfill on his team. The following setups are intended for those who plan on heavily investing in Fallen Takumi.

The first setup is a support build for Arena. C Duel Infantry will act as if Takumi’s BST is 170 netting higher ranking opponents in Arena as well as granting HP+5. This indirectly subjects Takumi into a support role as his stats will fail to grab him many (if any) kills in higher tiers. As such we’ll be buffing our ally’s Def and Res to help with their survivability. Hama Ya+ will grant allies within 2 spaces +2 Def/Res in combat. We further stack these defensive buffs with Drive Def and Distant Guard granting an additional +7 Def and +4 res making a grand total of +9/+6 Def/Res. Def/Res Ruse on the other hand is taken to not only ploy foes within any cardinal direction of Takumi for -3 Def/Res but to also deny their special charges. Takumi may be the one rallying or being rallied in this scenario, just as long as he is facing his opponent down.

The build on the right makes use of Null C Disrupt’s unique interaction with Firesweep weapons. Firesweep weapons are negated by Null C Disrupt as are Wrathful Dazzling staff refines (Wrazzle Dazzle for short). However in the hands of a Firesweep user this interaction changes slightly. Firesweep Bow+ for Takumi will work on Player Phase, granting him multiple hits leaving foes unable to counterattack. On enemy phase however Null C Disrupt will ignore Firesweep Bow+’s effect that denies a unit a counterattack if they’re attacked. To summarize this effect, on player phase the enemy cannot counterattack. On enemy phase, Takumi can counterattack. Distant Def 4 is taken to better help his defensive stats allowing him to tank better and nulifying any buffs their opponent has. Odd Spd Wave is taken to bolster his Spd stat and Chill Spd is taken to create a gap in a foe’s Spd. Against the fastest opponent, Takumi can effectively create a Spd gap of 13 allowing him to double more opponents safely.