#Daisy-Mae you… really should have actually got help

[camping-with-monsters]

“…I sure hope not.”

[acfan120]

I’m gonna rant about the hate that New Horizon *still* for a bit

It’s still completely aggravating to me that people continue to bitch about how much “worse” New Horizons is compared to previous Animal Crossing games. People act like NH is bland or lacks a lot of other things, when really a lot of people are taking what’s new for granted. Let’s break this down a bit:

“New Horizons didn’t bring back a lot of Special NPCs”

Yeah but that’s because their jobs became unnecessary.

 - Booker and Copper aren’t needed because the Lost and Found is more readily accessible (and you don’t need to wait and build their building like in New Leaf, which could take you half a year to get)

 - Resseti and Don aren’t needed because the game finally has an Auto-Save feature (which is incredibly helpful)

 - Harriet isn’t needed because we can now just customize everything about ourselves on our own

 - Cyrus and Reese weren’t needed back in because they were only useful for customizing furniture, which used to take half an hour to do for one lone item, which we can just do now instantly

 - Phyllis, Pelly, and Pete aren’t needed because your mailbox can just hold all your mail now, and you can send a letter whenever you want.

Any other missing NPCs aren’t needed simply because their role doesn’t need to be in the game with all the changes made. And hell, it’s not the first time that a Special NPC doesn’t come back: Porter wasn’t in Wild World or City Folk, and Serena and Farley haven’t made a reappearance since their initial debuts.

“New Horizons didn’t bring back all the items”

While this is true, it isn’t as extreme as people act like it is. Part of the reason is that a lot of furniture you can just craft now, with some having their older versions being customization options. Another part is that some of it is moved to special NPCs like Gulliver. Some sets also had their names changed, (which feels unnecessary, but regardless they’re still there).

Something else to keep in mind with Animal Crossing games is that they’re *very big* games. Like, a lot more so than people realize. Designing the furniture takes a lot of time, let alone all the customization options, and the furniture in this game is a LOT more detailed than in previous games, (consider that the first game was an N64 game ported, then a DS game, then a Wii Game that was just the DS game ported, and then a 3DS game).

Them having to make super high-quality designed furniture AND clothing (which the clothing now has variants, different types, AND has its own texturing to give it more detail, and some clothing flat out being unique models) shouldn’t surprise anyone when some things just end up not being included in the end product.

“Villagers have no personality and say the same things over and over”

Literally in every single game the villagers would say the exact same shit to you all the time, because the game can only have so much space for all the unique dialogue. While I think some certain things could be triggered more often for NPCs to talk about, it’s really not any different than how it’s been, ‘cause there’s only so much that can be done. And the shit about “personality” is just Nostalgia Goggles fogging things up about a game that lacked more things to do than New Horizons on launch.

‘New Horizons has no Quality of Life changes”

40 INVENTORY SPACES

1600 INVENTORY FOR HOUSE STORAGE (WHICH GOT UNNECESSARILY UPGRADED TO 2400)

PLACEABLE FURNITURE OUTSIDE AND BASICALLY FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE TOWN, SOMETHING THAT’S BEEN HEAVILY REQUESTED FOR A LONG DAMN TIME

FUCKING PATHS

MORE CLOTHING SLOTS FOR MORE CHARACTER CUSTOMIZATION

VILLAGERS CAN ACTUALLY WEAR HATS AND SOME ACCESSORIES

LITERALLY ALL THE CHANGES I LISTED ABOVE WITH THE SPECIAL NPCS

CUSTOM DESIGNS NOW GIVE YOU 100 TOTAL SLOTS (even if it’s shared among all players in a town, which I suspect is a space saving thing (which they still give you more in this game because you used to only have 10 personal slots which you had to share between your Pro and normal designs, so really we got like 60 more slots without needing to make other characters just to use them))

Acting like there’s no Quality of Life changes to this game is fucking stupid and short sighted.

“You’re just acting like this game is flawless like a fanboy”

Also fucking wrong! Because I do have some issues with this game.

 - Customized Clothing needs all the options back from New Leaf. I know they’re in the game simply because you can use QRs from that game in this one, so they should just be made available. Also we need a way to turn off the clothing bevel so there isn’t a weird coat seam on some designs. Also, bring back Customized Umbrellas.

 - You should be able to craft multiple pieces of furniture at once if you have the materials, and should be able to craft them into their customized forms as well.

 - Golden Tools should have some way of resetting their health. I *do not* mind that the Golden Tools can break, but you should still be able to customize them so you can reset their health. That way you don’t have to keep getting gold for them. Which speaking of, Gold should be just a bit more common, given how much uses it.

 - More things in this game should do a check if you’ve owned certain items/recipes. Some events in this game will give one of each item in a random order, and won’t give you repeats until it’s given all of them to you once, (such as the fishing tourney). I believe the Seasonal Recipes should do this, and that all events should follow this criteria.

 - The game should give bigger priority to giving you recipes you don’t have. I don’t mind getting repeat recipes, because you’re supposed to give them to friends/players who are missing them, but it should really give more priority to recipes you don’t have.

 - Redd should be a guaranteed appearance every week, and should always come with one legit painting your museum doesn’t have until your Art exhibit is done. The Art for the museum has consistently been the worst aspect of the museum in every game, and I just want that shit to change. Hell, shove KK to appearing on Sundays with Daisy Mae, so we have that extra slot free in the week.

 - Some accessories need to be tweaked so they can be worn with hats. Some I can understand because of clipping, but others are just dumb. Also put the damn bands back on the eyepatches. They look stupid just sitting there.

 - Villagers should play with the furniture more. I get why they don’t use them as much, since if they’re sitting or laying down you can’t gift them stuff, but they should still use them longer than the 30 seconds they usually do.

There’s probably more that I could think of,but those are the bigger complaints I personally have. However, despite all that, I still like New Horizons a lot, and I will still argue that the game is still a marked improvement from what’s come before. People just need to learn to stop bitching about everything.

[koiyyo]

hnng i want to request a lot of things but i’m scared to but!!! how would the classes play animal crossing and/or their favorite villagers if it wouldn’t be too hard! thank u

hi, mod kiwi here! thanks for the ask, anon- don’t be afraid to ask us whatever!! :)

(also me and irusu r really cool and helped) -mod corn

here we go! animal crossing time!

dr1 cast!

makoto

- plays daily- his favorite villager is probably poppy- his favorite special villager is shrunk- silly axolotl man- got really confused the first time one of his tools broke- almost started crying- invites every animal he meets into his island no matter what- does EVERY favor villagers ask of him - actually likes bunny day and thinks the eggs are adorable

kyoko

- only got it because makoto BEGGED her to get it- her favorite villager is judy she’s hella cute- her favorite special villager is sable - just chilling- tons of purple flowers on her island - doesn’t like peppy villagers, feel like they’re too hyper for her- puts a lot of care into her villagers doe- likes going to a mystery island and just investigating,,, unless it has tarantulas

byakuya

- surprisingly really likes animal crossing- acts like he doesn’t- his favorite villager is raymond… of course- his favorite special villager is tom nook- chased around makoto holding an axe one time- makoto was literally crying- makoto thought that you could actually kill people with axes in animal crossing- byakuya found this amusing

sayaka

- actually enjoys ac a lot- her favorite villager is chrissy, she just has awesome vibes- her favorite special villager is mabel cause she’s,, blue,, - loves taking videos/pictures of villagers singing- tries to hum along,, fails- her islands are always covered in tons of flowers (mostly blue!!)- enjoys inviting people to her island and showing them around

junko

- takes ac too seriously- her favorite villager is definitely audie cause she’s an embodiment of fashion statement- her favorite special villager is sable cause who doesn’t love clothing- harasses mukuro to come to her island anytime she plays- will dig holes everywhere whenever someone visits- her house should be in a magazine it’s so pretty,,- new outfit for everyday of the month- hosts fashion shows religiously with her friends or anyone she can get her hands on

mukuro

- doesn’t really play just sits back and watches junko- plays on her save every now and then doe- favorite villager is vivian since she reminds her of junko- favorite special villager is sable- doesn’t like talking to villagers, feels like they're judging her- if a villager pisses her off she makes plans to kill them- she can’t, so she settles for bonking them until they leave

chihiro

- avid ac fan- favorite villager is sheldon, he can respect the hustle- favorite special villager is isabelle cause she’s precious- cries if he accidentally hurts a villagers feelings- is hella rich- loves decorating around the villagers’ house as best he can- his island is more nature themed,, its just more relaxing- takes tons of scenic pictures, mostly with mondo and taka

mondo

- “i would never play a BABY game”- next thing he knows, he’s up at 3 am whispering how cute the villagers are- favorite villager is tex he’s so chonky (and his taste in fashion is top tier)- favorite special villager is k.k cause Damn He Vibes- will constantly run over his flower and almost throw his console- asks chihiro for advice constantly- “h-how do i get.. good fish..”- quality bonding time- doesn’t tell people he plays but gushes about it in private

taka

- claims he doesn’t have time for it- he actually does,, and plays it any chance he gets- favorite villager is kid cat cause he’s so funky- favorite special villager is blathers since he teaches him a lot- can’t handle lazy villagers, they didn’t do anything wrong he just feels like they will slack off in his uptight town smh- doesn’t really care about designing his town, mostly completing tasks he needs to- likes having red flowers everywhere tho- will cry if he doesn’t get all the fish/insects he needs on time- beats up any visitor that leaves something on the ground

toko

- attempted to buy Doom instead- favorite villager is coco, she’s just so cute/creepy- favorite special villager is jack he vibes- hates interacting with her villagers cause she feels like she’ll mess it up- tried to get byakuya to let her on his island, or for him to visit hers- is very thorough about decorating her island- tries to have a story behind it so it feels more unique- always ugly sobs when her flowers end up gone

jill

- attempted to buy AC instead, she won- favorite villager is lucky, feels like he has serial killer vibes- favorite special villager is jack- runs over any flowers that toko tries to plant- tries to make the island scary themed- if any villager “looks at her wrong” she harasses them daily- leaves them gruesome letters even tho they cant understand

hiro

- doesn’t even know how he got a copy he just does- favorite villager is sherb- favorite special villager is wisp since he likes getting stuff, he likes harvey too- doesn’t bother putting effort into designing his island- only plays while high so he thinks the villagers are kinda scary- “why are they,, staring at me like that,,,”- has never repaid his debt to tom nook

hina

- her brother was the one who introduced her to the series, loves it- favorite villager is ketchup cause shes cute and can swim!!- favorite special villager is gulliver since he’s goofy- loves fishing anytime she can- always plays when she wakes up early in the morning and before bed- anytime she gets something new she acts like a child on christmas- thinks all villagers are cute and got pouty when she couldn’t have them all on her island- can never outrun tarantulas ):

sakura

- loves playing when hina is around- her favorite villager is maddie, reminds her of hina- favorite special villager is daisy mae she’s just really cute- hina helps her decorate her island since she doesn’t care that much- gets sad if she accidentally hits a villager- enjoys playing at night since it’s relaxing- constantly being stung by wasps pls help her

celeste

- favorite villager is portia she’s fancy as hell- favorite special villager is celeste duh- likes taking slow strolls through her museum to see her progress- her house is very victorian-esque- lots of tables with tea around her island- likes designing gothic clothes- anything on her island that can be black is - has a crime scene hidden on her island just for the hell of it

hifumi

- favorite villager is snooty, wants her to step on him- favorite special villager is isabelle- his island is only anime themed- has anime girl “posters” all over his house, and on his clothing- always gets stung by wasps and claims that it’s unfair- no one interacts with him

leon

- didn’t think he’d be into ac- favorite villager is leonardo- favorite special villager is k.k- doesn’t play this game very religiously- his island shows that smh- says he’ll break his console if he gets another sea bass- likes having a relaxing walk while playing to calm him down doe- outfit is just a baseball jersey

komaru

- favorite villager is felicity- favorite special villager is isabelle- likes playing with makoto and toko- her island is very cute, whenever someone tells her this she gets vry flustered- the shine in her eyes gets 10x brighter when she catches a big fish- loves staring at her aquarium- all her clothing is pastel and cute- has every type of tree on her island,, for the vibe

dr2!!

hajime

- enjoys ac- gets confused every 2 seconds doe- one time chiaki make rosie move out of hajime’s island as a prank. he will never forgive her for this- his favorite villager is rosie cuz she’s just adorable,, also vibes with kabuki- his favorite special character is flick. funky chameleon boy- grumbles about how he misses rosie constantly- loves tangy doe,, calls her orange juice

nagito

- loves to play with hajime and chiaki- only villagers that he likes ever move into his island bc of his luck- one time rosie moved into his island. hajime was fucking pissed- his favorite villager is ruby because she was one of his first animals to move into his island- his favorite special character is jack- likes having green flowers everywhere- got every fish he needed too cause of his damn luck

chiaki

- had her hands on it the second the game was released. plays constantly- always has an absurd number of bells and nook miles- her favorite villager is lolly :”)- her favorite special character is blathers bc funny sleepy owl man- has never seen daytime cause she sleeps during the day- even if she’s lazy her island is gucci as hell- invites hajime to her island just to bonk him and leave him to fight wasps

ibuki

- camped outside of gamestop till it opened, screamed when she got her hands on a copy- her favorite animal is definitely bella- favorite special villager is k.k., attends all his concerts, and has all his songs- anytime she makes a mistake she’ll just yell “NO!”- is actually pretty calm playing- will give all the villagers wacky voices, ends up in snort laughter- doesn’t like fishing cause she always pulls the rod in to early- loves having colors EVEYRRYWRHERE

mikan

- favorite villager is fauna- favorite special villager is lable- anytime she gets stung she’s on top of it, has tons of medicine- cries when she does anything wrong- worries if her villagers judge her- sucks at fishing- all of her clothing has at least one (1) bandaid included cause why not- her actual villager has a bandaid on its face for the aesthetic™- loves when she’s sitting on a bench and a villager joins

mahiru

- has so many random photos of nature or villagers- favorite villager is tasha she’s vry cute!!- favorite special villager is pavé since HES flamboyant and good for pictures- her island is very aesthetic- tons of pretty flowers everywhere, and everything place is just aligned perfectly somehow- loves touring others islands, especially hiyoko’s- her outfit has a drawn on camera for the vibe

peko

- avid fan of animal crossing- if you cant interact with real life animals then games >>- favorite villager is all of them (but favors marshal more,, reminds her of fuyuhiko)- favorite special villager is isabelle- has never bullied or hit one (1) of her villagers, cherishes them too much- will send them letters saying how much she loves them from time to time- her island is very pretty and all her villagers are decorated outside- forgets to eat dinner or sleep cause she plays it so much

akane

- “how many things in the game can i eat”- favorite villager is katt cause she’s so INDEPENDENT- favorite special villager is jingle, always makes her excited- has a makeshift restaurant on her island- all her outfits have food somewhere on them- every fruit tree she can get she has, she requires food 24/7- constantly threatens to fight tom nook for putting her in debt

fuyuhiko

- FAV VILLAGER MARSHAL 100%- also pashmina cause she reminds him of natsumi- natsumi was the one who convinced him to get it, showed it to peko- now they play it every night together before bed- yells at villagers anytime they get in his way then apologizes profusely- peko has to help him design his island he just doesn’t get it- takes her on ac dates, they just stargaze or look at their aquariums- likes to talk to the villagers as if they can hear him,, will blush and deny if peko points it out

sonia

- favorite villager is tia because she “looks fancy”- favorite special villager is pavé- has tons of outfits related to disney princesses- her island is very modern looking, prefers stone things than wooden- has tons of fashion shows- everything about her island is clean and aligned- lets gundham visit a lot to check in on her cute villagers- hella rich has that bell cash money

kazuichi

- compliments sonia’s island everyday even if he hasn’t been allowed on it- favorite villager is freya, loves her colors- favorite special villager is harvey cause he vibes- screams anytime he gets a big fish- island lowkey looks like trash but sonia gives him advice amen- is pretty smart about wasps, but lacks iq with anything else like tarantulas- unironically celebrates the villagers’ birthdays- even if he’s feral he likes to take a chill pill and play ac

teruteru

- ew- favorite villager is merengue- favorite special villager is isabelle- tries to flirt with villagers through letters- all the villagers on his island are wamen- tried to buy nude qr codes,, failed- always has an apron on and has a little cafe on his island

imposter

- favorite villager is keaton since he’s funky- favorite special villager is blanca- scoffs anytime they miss an insect or fish- dedicated to ac after they said they wouldn’t be- their island is actually pretty well decorated, they enjoy having flowers everywhere- until they run over them and regret living

hiyoko

- favorite villager is soleil, tiny and cute- favorite special villager is jack- mahiru suggested ac to her and then she got obsessed- always bullies her villagers, its a miracle they haven’t moved out- pitfall seeds buried all over her island for poor, unsuspecting visitors- her island is akin to hell no one wants to visit her- its a shame since its so pretty tho- likes visiting places with mahiru and letting her take photos- enjoys spinning to pretend she’s dancing

gundham

- his favorite villagers are all the hamsters- his favorite special villager is daisy mae- has played since the first game, religious fan of it- never been rude to one of his villagers- takes designing very seriously and it pays off- despite his very colorful island his outfits are pretty dark- walks around sonia’s island a lot and they stargaze sometimes- played it for 24 hours straight once, almost died- goes on to ac forums and starts flame wars with anyone that bullies their villagers (mainly hiyoko)

nekomaru

- plays every now and then, loves it a lot- favorite villager is kevin since he vibes- favorite special villager is jingle, gets him hyped- anytime a villager starts singing he’ll yell “YOU’RE DOING GREAT”- doesn’t know how to decorate,, at all,,- his house is just another storage room to him- is in tons of debt due to tom, would rather buy expensive stuff with his bells- yells when fishing. doesn’t matter if its a big fish or not, he just does- will hype up someone when he goes to their island

dr v3!

shuichi

- kaede convinced him to get it and loves it- favorite villagers are punchy and beau, he just thinks theyre funky- favorite special villager is flick cause he’s laid back- waterfalls all over his island, says its a memorial to the waterfalls of tears he loses every night- visits his friends islands a lot- has tons of blue flowers and hasn’t ruined them once amen- kokichi ruined them once though. he cried- island is very aesthetic since it’s mostly nature themed- cries happy tears when villagers do ANYTHING- cherishes anything his friends gift him- except for kokichi, he sent him a threat and a shirt saying “nerd”

maki

- doesn’t tell a lot of people she plays it, very shy about it- favorite villager is cherry- favorite special villager is celeste- everything on her island is red and pink- even if she’s tough on the inside she loves having a cute island- has a place specifically to sit and watch the stars (mainly for when kaede and/or kaito is with her)- gets overly defensive when people ask why she loves her villagers so much- “I JUST-” sobs “DO”- gets bullied by kokichi for anything she does while playing- resulted in a broken arm and trampled flowers. F

himiko

- only plays at night until tenko convinces her to wake up earlier- favorite villager is bob- favorite special villager is k.k- just likes vibing doesn’t take anything to seriously- tries her best for her outfits to resemble a magician- preforms “magic” shows ( it’s really just her throwing down items and claiming it appeared magically )- tenko and angie drag her all across their islands daily, acts like she doesn’t love it but its the main reason she still plays- anytime she gets something new she just shrugs- doesn’t like zipper and tenko has to assure her it isn’t a murderer tracking her location

kaede

- favorite villager is bianca- favorite special villager is k.k, unironically likes his music- has a piano in every room of her house- pretends to play said pianos for friends that are visiting- rainbow flowers everywhere- except red because she gives those all to maki- convinces people to have fashion shows with her, no actual winners, but they all win in her heart- plays it a lot in her free time, kind of addicted- likes to hum along with singing villagers- everything about her island is just hella cute

rantaro

- “whats an animal crossing”- and ever since that day he’s been a religious fan, amen- favorite villager is chief, likes making “that ain’t it chief” jokes- favorite special villager is k.k, will listen to his music whenever he’s staring off into space- his island is lazily made but still looks so good??- will just stare at butterflies before remembering he should catch them- “what’s the point of an ocean if i can’t sail it bro..”- loves playing at night cause of shooting stars- always wishes for kokichi to stop sending him hate letters

kirumi

- favorite villager is whitney and tia since theyre,, cool n chill- favorite special villager is isabelle- her house and island are 100% CLEAN- has a zen garden behind her house- anytime someone visits her island she offers them tea- treats the villagers like her own family- likes sending them letters with perfect grammar, just pleases her soul- has never gotten stung by a wasp her iq is large- her outfit looks like a maid amen- kokichi always ask her to clean his island, never happened

ryoma

- favorite villager is rasher- favorite special villager is kicks- doesn’t get the appeal of ac- will play it for like 5 minutes tops- enjoys the fishing aspect doe- anytime he visits someones island he will just sit on the shore and stare out into the ocean- thanks god that his villager is the same height as all the animal ones, now he isn’t short (:

korekiyo

- body outlines, blood, and bloody summoning ritual circles everywhere on his island- favorite villager is lucky- favorite special villager is jack and blathers- keeps scary looking fish in his house- said house is dark and probably has an occult book somewhere- curses his villagers in an unknown language whenever they forsake him- every screenshot of a villager he has includes him behind a tree staring menacingly at them- doesn’t invite people to his island, people don’t even wanna come- if he somehow ends up on somebody's island he’ll stalk them- became an urban legend on all the ac forums

angie

- her favorite villager is ankha- favorite special villager is isabelle and jingle- anytime a villager moves in she says “atua has blessed angie with a cute villager!”- likes yellow flowers- her outfit is just a smock with paint on it amen- sends people and villagers letters wishing them good health every. single. day.- likes tagging along with tenko and himiko whenever they do something- loves chasing butterflies

tenko

- was very hyped over the game since everybody else hyped it up- favorite villager is nibbles and cookie they’re just VIBING- favorite special villager is isabelle (screams anytime she is on screen)- will wake up himiko or angie at 3 am to flex the big fish she just got- got rich just to buy them gifts- anytime a guy is in her presence she bonks them with a net- this is the reason she has no male villagers, and no males invited. periadt.- has matching outfits with da girls- grows lots of flowers (mainly to give to her friends amen)- cherishes this game cause it gives her an excuse to spend time with da girls

miu

- favorite villager is olivia - favorite special villager is shrunk- constant sex jokes- her outfit looks like a stripper deadass- harasses people about not knowing how to play when she, herself, does not have a damn clue- almost ruined her console cause she’ll spit out her drink when she gets a big fish- everything she does is feral- never stops running so she doesnt have flowers- kokichi steals any flowers she may have anyway- decorating? whats that? just throw random stuff on ur island

gonta

- his favorite villager is joey cause he’s funny looking and trying his best- his favorite special villager is blathers- island looks pretty natural, just dirt paths every now and then- will hunt down an insect even if he has it already- was sad he had to give up his insects to blathers, then realized... he can catch them again!!- has a garden and always gets excited when butterflies fly around- golden net to show off how much of a pro he is at collecting insects- gets shy anytime someone visits but his islands so cute,,

kaito

- favorite villager is apollo because he’s named after the apollo 11- favorite special villager is harvey, can respect his vibes- likes walking around with maki and shuichi- tries his best to play it but he’s kinda dumb,,- whenever gets something new he loses all his brain cells in excitement- will probably never pay tom nook back. he is clueless about even being in debt.- mostly plays before bed cause he stares at the stars- will send maki pictures of shooting stars even if its 2 am- island is pretty natural since he forgets to decorate it,,

kokichi

- favorite villager is pietro cause he always compares him to people- loves all the mouse villagers- favorite special villager is jack and blanca- all over his island is just. holes and pitfall seeds.- has fallen into the holes plenty of times himself- sends all of his friends letters, which just consist of him making fun of them- tons of carnival things around his island since “ur invited to the circus clown”- his house looks like jail for no reason- clowns others for having poor taste in fashion when he just cosplays a RAT- also has an outfit that looks like a trash can xoxo

kiibo

- favorite villager is ribbot, they’re practically the same- favorite special villager is snowboy and blathers- anytime he reads text its so robotic,, hella funny to whoever's playing with him- everything also confuses him- “what is a .. c+??”- is actually very efficient and paid off his tom nook debts in no time- respects his villagers a lot and will give them gifts- his favorite part is chasing butterflies, usually misses tho- accidentally shot a gift balloon over water, searched for it for over 10 minutes- anytime someone does something he just does a happy emote @ them,,

tsumugi

- favorite villager is tasha she’s a bad bithc- favorite special villager is blanca- has so many different outfits as different anime characters- her island is so well decorated- loves taking aesthetic screenshots with her anime outfits- takes commissions for designing clothing amen- runs an ac instagram just to flex how pretty her things are- actually enjoys the game a lot, especially with other people

i fucking hate tumblr formatting - mod irusu who edited this

[daydreamingcreature]

My thoughts on the Animal Crossing New Horizons Direct

Nobody cares about my opinions but I’m going to write down my thoughts as I watch. Keep in mind, I have no chill, little valuable knowledge, and only experience in ACNL and very little in pocket camp

Tom Nook! my boy!

The little bird in the corner has my heart

his wittle movements

The ocean animations are so pretty!!

The flowers in the wind! the detail on the trees! the rocks!!! wwaattterrr!!!! so prettyyy!

I love the animation style so much the game looks so peaceful

Deserted island means you get to build it entirely yourself? hopefully?

I love that we can still choose our map design

The hemisphere options are very nice, I never really considered how it might differ depending on where in the world you are.

Summer and winter look gorgeous

The flower designs are so pretty and I love the frost on the leaves in winter

The little coffee on the wood table!!! Does this mean that decorations aren’t limited to just your home? I love when games have less restrictions on decorations and use of furniture

The cherry blossoms in the wind are amazing!!!!

I really hope that we can sit and have a little picnic with the villagers and the sushi and fries look adorable!

The variety in face designs is a really nice change from New Leaf. I go feral for customization

i REALLY hope that the villagers’ autonomy is not just for this video but actually in the game. I feel like the villagers interacting with each other more and doing more activities besides just aimlessly wandering around would do so much for the game. I don’t really know how they would do that but a girl can dream.

I just saw the donut in one of the villager’s hands, the jar full of fruit water/juice, and the basket of fruit and i am HERE for the variety

THE FLOWER CROWN!!!! MY HEART!!!

I also noticed that the flowers were taken off of the stems instead of directly off the ground which may be a cool feature. It might allow more control of what flowers are where instead of just hoping that the island spawns the flowers you want?

it also seems like it could be an annoyance if we have to be careful in how we pick up the flowers and other materials. but I might be reading too much into it.

The mushroom decorations and furniture is gorgeous!

The orientation is a really interesting part

 It shows more of the villagers having specific objectives and movements

It also shows that we may have much more control of our worlds in that everyone is starting new so we may get to influence how the island is shaped

You building an island with your favorite villagers is making my heart explode

YOU CAN INFLUENCE WHERE OTHERS LIVE

I used to get overwhelmed in trying to design my village and feeling like i didn’t have control over it and this would be an amazing change

The resident services tent is open 24 hours a day? that means my messed up sleep schedule will be more supported!!!

Its unrelated but still really cool to me that I’m going to be able to play animal crossing on the switch. i personally have a desktop set up in my room and I sometimes attach my switch to the family tv and i love the idea of being able to play at night on a big screen with lots of options instead of just an hour at night on my ds

It looks like the resident services tent replaces the retail store? where is Cyrus and Reese? i miss them :(

Ugh the detail of tom nook is so good

So you make furniture on the workbench? that seems cool but also could be annoying depending on how the materials are available

CUSTOMIZATION OUTSIDE OF THE TENT YESSSSSSSS

why is there a random pair of boots just chilling behind the tent?

i mean mood but why?

MORE CUSTOMIZATION FOR FURNITURESSSSSSS

I love these new furniture designs

i also noticed there are more spaces for custom designs which is awesome

The airport is sooo pretty inside and Orville already owns my heart

eight people are allowed on the island? i don’t have that many friends :/

it is really cool that these services work because its more accessible on the switch then on the DS in my experience

I loveeee the lighting so far

So we got a phone now? that’s cool

the broadcast is cool because i never remember to actually check whats happening that day

I love more achievements because that how i focus

waitt can you die now? wow animal crossing has changed.

GHOST ITS SO CUTE

I love that Gulliver is back

The rescue service..... is that Resetti i hear? i hope so

i love the new furniture

YES I WAS HOPING YOU CAN BUILD A HOUSE

this leaves room for....MORE CUSTOMIZATION

WOWWWW you can be more specific on placing flooring

The House decorations are blowing me away

I love the kitchen furniture

So far the housing system is all i could’ve asked for

Traveling costs money? i don’t know about that but it doesn’t seem much like a feature I’d use anyway

nevermind it seems a lot like the island in new leaf where you can go there to get new materials which I don’t mind at all

I wonder if each village has a native fruit or if that system is gone?

it’s really cool that the money rock is back

OOHHH I CAN LIVE WITH MY FRIENDS THAT’S SO COOL

i just need to get friends :/

The leader system is actually really nice

The nooklink system is really cool for easier communication

especially the voice session

Okay we got to Part 2 nice

I hope we can have more villagers in our island

I felt like I wanted more villagers than we could have in New Leaf

Oh I love that we can choose where the villagers should live that’s gonna be amazing

THE MUSEUM IS GORGEOUS

I’m literally in awe its sooooo pretty

OH MABEL AND SABEL MY GORGEOUS GIRLS I’M SO EXCITED

and the clothing options!!!!!!

I like that we can see changes before they are implemented more

ISABELLE FINALLY

nintendo knew what they were doing with the dramatic entrance

Oh that pink hair is gorgeous I’m so excited

Oh look at Label/Labelle following her fashion dreams

Okay I just saw Celeste now whereee is Blathers???

Daisy Mae is absolutely adorable omg

Once again the hairstyles are top tier

CJ and Flik look really cool

The pole vault and ladder looks sooo helpful

Oooh new bridge designs

It really seems that no part of the island is off limits

Yessss more customization with the paths

AND THE CLIFFS AND WATER

Im in awe there is so much customization!!!!

Alright Part 3

ooo the photo system looks so cool

wow they really do be plugging that new console system

Free updates are amazing

alright the pocket camp system is cool but i don’t play pocket camp

Okay so final thoughts

As you can probably tell i started to lose steam throughout the video

I’m gonna say it again, the museum looks absolutely stunning

The lighting in the game looks fantastic and thats coming from someone who relies on lighting to boost my mood

I’m so excited to play on a bigger screen and with (hopefully) less time restrictions

The customization availabilities is much more than i had ever hoped for I’m soo excited.

i was starting to get discouraged that we would run out of options or be too restricted in the game but with the more customization kind of changes my view.

[weissfai-blog1]

I can hear your voice

Ae Pete AU ~ where Pete is deaf and Ae found himself fascinated with the beautiful creature who brings out the protective man in him.

Pete and his mother was on their way to visit their father, it was surprised visit that Pete insisted because it was his birthday. He wanted his special people to be there. His dad often not go home and he doesn’t like that. 

They visited but was surprised to his father in the arms of the woman they think was his secretary. He and his mother run away from the place, his mother was crying and he was so guilty, confused, shock and he just felt torn seeing his mother cry while driving.

Unfortunately, a drunk truck driver collided with their car. They were hit. He and his mother was hospitalized. His mother was okay with bruises here and there, but the one who was hit with a case was him.

Because of the accident, his head was hit so strong by the impact, and the doctors told his parents that he suffer a head trauma that damages a portion of his ears and potentially will lead to permanent deafness. 

Pete mother was so guilty but he shook his head and told her, ‘Mae… I love you. Its not your fault. Its Pete’s fault after all I insisted to go to Pa.’

Pete completely lost his hearing after a month and no advance medical assistance can help him. And because he is deaf, it would be awkward for him to talk as he cannot hear his voice and as shy as he was, he then stop talking. The only one who ever hear his voice was his mother and Par Jiew. Even the maids at the house are not able to hear their young master’s voice.

Pete stayed at his home and was taught the TSL or the Thai Sign Language along with the ASL (American Sign Language). It so that he can still communicate even if he is outside Thailand. 

His grandmother, the supreme law of the Pecharn Worachoti Family, because of the scandal vanished her own son to Germany and told him to never show his mistress ever in Thailand. His Grandmother adores Pete so much and her heart ache with so much pain when she found out about his condition. His grandmother then gave his Mae three hotels under his mother’s name, the mansion, and half of the inheritance under Pete’s name once he is of legal age.

Pete and his mother decided that he attends the special program at Mahidol University and this will go hand in hand with International College program as well. Putch have talked to the administration and they are more than welcome to welcome Pete in their university and Pete is not the only one with those condition.

Many rich and top of the line elites are attending the special program at the university. 

Pete was surprised to find Tin there and Tin was really glad that Pete was safe. They are friends since childhood, only Tin went away to study in England. 

Pete was happy that Tin never change and still treats him all the same. He hates to be treated different and in special way. He is deaf, not completely invalid. He can walk, use his hands and feet, he can even solve problems and because of his condition he is expert in using the computer and technology more. 

Pete met Ae by accident. Ae saves Pete from getting hit by a car. Pete was so distracted because he receives a message from his step-mother asking him to step down as the heir and give her child Alvin a chance to be a part of the Pecharn Worachoti. Should he say it to his grandmother, she will comply. 

Pete was under pressure and stress by it for his setp-mother had been messaging him non-stop for the past three months.

Ae was so angry that someone almost got killed and thanks his reflex that he was able to save the tall absent minded boy.

He shouted at him and he was about to say more when his eyes settled on his face.

Ae was dumbstruck. For the first time of his foul mouthed life – he was speechless and was not able to say anything to the most beautiful human being he had ever encountered.

The tall boy looks so – white. Milky white! In contrast to his dark skin tone that Pond calls ‘Black Hole Ae Tone’. And that face, Ae was never the one to say anything about anyone’s appearance. All the girls and boys are the same to him. They have a face, he can appreciate cuteness in a girl but to a guy, only Ai Dear was cute to his mind, but that doesn’t made him stop. The beauty in front of his is none like any other. His hair looks so soft crowning those delicate face. Long eyes lashes that encase beautiful doe orbs, high cheekbones, pretty nose, and those lips. Can a man have those kind of lips? Bow like, full and pink lips? Is this kid even a Thai? 

Ae wasn’t aware he was staring until he noticed the boy wincing and he saw scratches here and there. He hold the boy up and goddamn! Can someone smell like flowers? Ae was aware that as boy who runs under the sun he smells of sweat, sun, man odour, and even laundry powder – he hates when Pond will splash laundry softener on his clothes – but this tall young man’s scent was of spring, flower, lavender and daisies.

‘Are you okay? Hop in! I will bring you to the clinic.’

Ae stared at the tall boy but he only shook his head.

‘What? Look I don’t have the time of the day. Just hop okay!’

Pete was startled with his harsh tone and looks at the bike.

‘Don’t tell me you haven’t ridden one?’

Pete shook his head. Ae scratch his head, ‘Its easy. Just ride and hold my waist.’

Pete nodded and Ae questions him looking back when he was position at the back seat, ‘By the way what’s your name? I’m Ae.’

‘Pete.’ 

Pete was startled that he spoke. How many years since he last spoken and he was ashamed! His voice sounds weird! He have no idea if he has spoken loudly or anything.

‘Okay Pete hold on tight.’

Ae want to punch himself to see if he was dreaming.

Even the voice spoken by Pete was so soft, as if it was the wind that whispers to him.

It took Ae a whole week to understand that Pete was deaf. He was not aware – he was just thinking that Pete doesn’t spoke much and just nods and smiles. Well they only met like twice so it’s a given. But he felt mad at himself, it must been hard for Pete.

Pete communicated to Ae via written words through his small notebook or via phone messaging. 

The nosy Pond tells him that Pete seems special to him.

Well yes, Pete is special. His Koon Chai is very special.

They have been friends for months and he understood things about Pete. 

Pete is not only a fine Koon Chai, but he has a kind heart. Many at the special program treats Pete like a plague and laughs at him or there are even words such as : ‘Pity. Pretty yet deaf.’ ‘What a lost.’

He was so mad at them that he wanted to punch and kick them whether it be a boy or a girl, but Pete told him its okay. That he doesn’t take it to heart.

That those are just words, and that it wont hurt him.

Pete is like an angel to him. He is so kind, forgiving and well selfless.

Ae doesn’t like Pete’s arrogant friend Tin, but he learns to respect the cold bastard especially when Tin’s icy glare and nasty remarks will stop those elites in insulting Pete and his condition.

Pond, Ping, Bow, Sun, Dear, Diew, Shun, Oat, Can, Type and all his friends and even his teammates knew about Pete as he introduced Pete to them as his friend. Ae wanted Pete to have as many as friends as possible.

Pete is shy and Ae wanted to show Pete that even in his condition, many will like and appreciates him.

Though truth be told, he wanted to keep Pete all to himself, but he can never be selfish. Pete needs friends and as seeing that Tin is his only friend he does his best to Pete be known to others. 

He is thankful that his friends are all normal, sane and unlike those rich elite jerks who look down on others. They all welcome Pete as a little brother, friend and in Bow’s visions a potential boyfriend. 

Pond will often do his joke showing body language and Pete will laugh so softly while covering his mouth. How Ae wanted to hear Pete laugh out loud.

Ae and Pete have been friends for so many months now and Ae felt so many emotions that he knew is not just a feeling for a friend.

He hates it when Pete smiles at others, especially at Tin, Pond’s lousy jokes that he does with his body movements, he is very envious on how that A-hole was able to make Pete laugh. He hates it when Sun with no regard to anyone will openly flirt with Pete and told them, ‘I’ll choose Pete as my faen! Hell – his looks is a killer. He doesn’t need to talk and just be his beautiful self.’ Some may get offended but Pete smiles and Ae just rolled his eyes.

There are so many times that he wanted to caress Pete’s cheek much longer than he is used to. He wanted more than just a caress actually.

Ae often looks at Pete’s lips when the later was reading or just solving some problems.

Ae will have a hard time adjusting his breathe when Pete will show him his pouty lips when Ae wouldn’t allow Pete to do something like playing football with the team (Pete will be pummeled especially by Can!) and when Pete does his lip-biting.

And it drove him mad that every single time he dreams of Pete – Pete underneath his sturdy body, naked, writhing in passion, moaning – oh yes! He so wanted to hear Pete’s moan. Pete is deaf but he can speak, he had heard him once and it was to say his name. Now he wants Pete moaning his name over and over again. 

He is only human! And yes, he knew what does reaction in his body is telling him.

He desires Pete. He wants Pete more than a friend.

Ae confessed his feelings to Pete, only Pete told him he wasn’t sure. He is afraid that his condition will only bother Ae.

Ae is patient with Pete.

He will do anything to adjust himself and be with Pete.

Ae surprises Pete with a gift. Ae visited Pete’s apartment after they have won the football game against IC department. 

Pete was sitting in the sofa when Ae kneels and holds Pete’s knee. Pete was startled but Ae did something that made Pete cry.

Ae smiles at him so gently and did a gesture with his hands.

Pete’s eyes went saucers!

Ae just asked him to be his boyfriend using Thai Sign Language.

Ae smiles again while wiping the tears on Pete’s face, ‘I know you can read my lips. Sorry that I can only do that much. But I am learning Pete. I want to be the one to understand you the most. I want to be there for you. I want you to lean on me more. I will protect you. Right now, I’m just a college boy,  depending on his parents. But after I graduate I will work hard and build us a home.’

Ae kisses Pete’s hand and again uses TSL to say, ‘Please be mine Pete. Please be Ae’s boyfriend.’

Pete nodded while crying. 

Ae smiles and gesture with his hand, ‘I love you.’

[shipburner]

For the past week (or perceived week, she had only her watch to go by), Iris Henson had been using the ［ＬＯＮＥ  ＳＴＡＲ］ as a base of operations. The room was easily refindable, the food was edible, the beds were safe, and the staff wasn't inimical to human life.

Iris just wished that it wasn't so aggressively Texan.

Her partner, Stheno, lacked the cultural context, and treated it as just another one of the Memory Palace's cavalcade of oddities. And to be fair, it was plenty odd, since none of the animal or plant life implied by the ［ＬＯＮＥ  ＳＴＡＲ］ was native to Texas, or, in most cases, Earth. But the name – the intent of the food – the overall aesthetics – made Iris cringe harder than anything she'd seen yet.

To be fair, it wasn't all bad – the most requested jukebox tune was a passionate ballad of a truck's love for his man by a singer with a voice like a glass guitar, followed by a lot of mooing that allegedly translated to a song about rustlers having stolen all the singer's trucks. The staff appeared to understand human gender better than most humans did, and the Daisy-Dukes-and-close-tied-flannel uniform showed off a full spectrum of cheesecake, beefcake, cheeseburger, yeast block, singing mouth, and chassis. In fact, Iris couldn't remember ever having heard a mean word said in the place.

The biggest problem, flagrant Texaninity aside, was the floor show.

Stheno held a clear plastic umbrella in two arms, sporadically wiped it clean in a third, and held Iris' chocolate mousse behind them in a fourth, shielding Iris and her sketchpad from the spurts of blood and gore as the showpeople tore each other to bits. Iris was busy recording the anatomy of the most human-approximant staff members – glass skeletons intricately whorled to support their hydraulic muscles, nine cervical vertebrate clearly revealed whenever one got their skull pulled out, four stomachs in a familiarly ruminant arrangement … "Ooh!" remarked Stheno as something bounced off the umbrella; Iris shot out another arm and grabbed it before it fell to the sawdust floor. She turned it around and examined it. "Their hearts are wasps' nests? Huh. Not what I was expecting." "Just wood pulp," Stheno corrected, pulling it down to Iris' chest so she could see. "I'll be damned if wasps were involved in this." "Hm. Ooh, Nutella!" A hazelnut eye had ricocheted off a neighboring table and landed in the glass, shattering into fragments as it hit the adamantine pole of the tiny fancy umbrella. Iris handed her sketchpad to Stheno and stirred the fragments into her dessert, spooning it into her mouth. "I don't know how you have the stomach to eat this." "Like you know what it's like to have a stomach, Stheno." "Get fucked."

"YEEEEEEEE-ALLLLLLLL-RIIIIIIIIGHT, PARDNERS!" blared the sound system. "THAT'S A DE-CI-SIVE – AN' IN-CI-SIVE – WIN FOR MX. OPHELTEK! LET'S GIVE EM ALL A BIIIIIIIIG HAND! OOPS, LOOKS LIKE E'S ALREADY GOT ONE, AHAHAHAHA!" Mx. Opheltek held up the severed hoof-hand of eir last opponent over eir head. "WE'LL BE BACK AFTER THE BREAK! GET UP, GET ANOTHER DRINK, GO POWDER YOUR –" the last word sounded like "NOSE!", "MUZZLE!", and "GRILLE!" layered on top of each other. Stheno folded the umbrella gingerly as Iris got up to head over to the bar. "Jes' water fer the li'l misses, 'sright?" squawked the bartender. They were perhaps the least aesthetically consistent person in the place, being a swarm of parakeets inhabiting an articulated wire cage that Iris thought looked a little like Jimmy Buffett. "Mhm." Iris nodded, rubbing under her glasses. It had been a long day, especially when they'd had to brachiate through the ribcage of a Spearmint Hound carrying an unconscious lumberjack. Stheno squeezed her hand supportively and accepted the drink. "Heeeeeeeey y'all!" There was a heavy thump as someone slid onto the bar next to Iris, along with the squishy sound of body parts pushing themselves back together. "Whoof, I got splattered out there! Top me up, thank y'kindly …" A quiet snick noise accompanied the retraction of six glass claws as their owner held out a glass skull to be topped up with bloodwine. Iris turned to see a showgirl sitting on the bar, tall, tan, young, handsome -- Iris quelled the rising strains of "Girl from Ipanema" along with some unhelpful gay thoughts. The woman's hazelnut eyes took in the mutualistic partnership, flicking between meeting Iris' gaze and Stheno's. "Hey, how y'all doin'?" she said. "Saw the host here doin' some sketchin'; we puttin' on a good enough show y'wanna capture it?" She downed the bloodwine and wiped her lips, which Iris could now see were just lipstick painted around her mouth. Iris swallowed, voice suddenly ragged. "More … scientific interest. We're not … not from around here." "Ooh, you a bio nerd? I'm psych, myself. Workin' this job t' put myself through college." She took another long gulp and held out her hand. Iris shook it cautiously; Stheno circled a arm around them. "Annie-Mae, pardner; what're y'all's monikers?" Annie-Mae probably didn't notice the bit of Iris that died inside when Iris put together what her name sounded like. "Iris Henson." "Stheno." Iris reflected belatedly on the lack of differentiation between their voices -- clear enough to her and Stheno, but since they both had to use Iris' vocal chords, she wondered if Annie-Mae could tell who was which. "Nice t'meetcha! Am I gettin' y'all's grammar right?" Iris looked down at Stheno, who shrugged a pair of arms; Iris said, "… No, we think you've gotten the right take on our partnership." "Sweet! So what brings y'all around here?" "Stumbled through the wrong hole in space, both of us," said Stheno. "Now we're both stuck on this crazy-train of a castle." "Whoof! Sorry t' hear that, but y'seem like y'all're enjoyin' the show here." "I am," said Iris. "More … energetic than I'm used to, but I am interested." "Personally, I'm disgusted," said Stheno. "Well, ne gustibus te disputandum'n'all that!" Annie-Mae kicked a leg high in the air, which probably meant something like nonchalance in whatever body language her species had, but which caused Iris to suddenly become very interested in her water. "Y'all hangin' around here for the night?" "Think so, why?" said Iris. "Wonderin' if we can continue this conversation or if I'm keepin' y'all! Y'all're becomin' a regular; figure it's worth meetin' y'all, proper-like." She slithered down off the bar onto a stool besides Iris, resting her angular chin in her broad hands. "You two an item?" she asked, suddenly, voice sugary. Stheno's arms coiled, half under her own power and half under Iris', who stammered, "We're … uh …" "As romantically entangled as two people this physically entangled have to be, I guess," filled in Stheno. "We're a … package deal, at any rate." "Is this a deal y'all're offering?" Annie-Mae licked one of her eyes, grin glassy. Iris' throat stalled for several seconds.

Annie-Mae recoiled quickly, face falling. "Sorry, I can never judge how fast is too fast with visitants. I made y'all uncomfortable an' that ain't the ［ＬＯＮＥ  ＳＴＡＲ］ way." Iris shrugged. "I think we're both filing it under cultural relativity, and I gotta say -- the 'Lone Star way' where I come from is a lot less courteous than it is here." "I ain't rightly sure if I should feel good about that." Stheno rolled her eyes. "Trust me, you'll need a lot more of that bloodwine if we're discussing Iris' homeworld. Or mine, really, but we already went through the section of the castle that's got my cultural baggage attached. All the evil in this place is dramatic. Overt." Annie-Mae hung her head. "I ain't no damn good with y'all plausibly evolved folks." Iris patted her shoulder. "Better than we are, ma'am." Annie-Mae laughed. Well, let loose a horrifying screech, but Iris had heard enough of her species laugh before. She took another swig of her bloodwine. "So! How's bio life?" "Art life, actually," said Iris. "Anatomy studies, y'know? I mean. I hope it's art life. I don't know how 'getting sucked into a memed-up Borges novel gone metastatic' is gonna affect my major." "I'm just a tech," said Stheno. "Biological, but I went into trade." "Oh, ain't that jus' a zmood. Time's a fluid; y' should get back fine, if I remember anythin' from physics when I was a scrap." "Thanks, that's … comforting." "May I offer a restrained yet supportive 'yeehaw'?" "You may not," said Stheno, the joke clear enough in her tone, and bumped Annie-Mae's proferred fist. "Yee haw!" Annie-Mae said, the bisection of the word groaningly obvious to Iris' ears. "Thanks," said Iris, "I hate it." Annie-Mae sprayed bloodwine out of her mouth, Stheno opening the umbrella just in time to deflect it humorously. Iris couldn't help laughing too as Annie-Mae contorted, dislocating several joints with the force of her screeches. "Your – your deliv'ry – ho-leee fuck, Iris – hoooooooo dawg-geez, I needed that." Two minds trying to speak in unison through one set of vocal chords tended to produce a fairly good Voice of the Legion. "What can we say, except, you're welcome …" The reference didn't appear to land with Annie-Mae, but that was par for the course; frankly, Iris (and Stheno, in the case of her references) was more surprised when one did. Annie-Mae wiped her face and leaned back. "So, how's the art and/or trade life, funnybones?"

They ended up chatting far longer than any of them had in truth expected. Iris and Stheno described their own consistently-weird homeworlds and attempts to break into the art world/museum scene, respectively, and as the subjective night wore on, pipe dreams, like unseating Mike Mearls and claiming his skull-throne, or winning the Abomination Foundry Ceremonial Brisket for excellence in species design. Annie-Mae described her inconsistently-weird homeworld – the ［ＬＯＮＥ  ＳＴＡＲ］ and related rooms, and her efforts slowly working towards a psychology degree, and, later, her own pipe-dreams, about wandering through the mind of a long-dead god she'd found a few floors greenward and healing its hurts, or maybe just getting to rip her back off on Hellevision. The parakeethead behind the bar eventually had to shoo them upstairs, citing concerns about them turning the mops all "Sorcerer's Apprentice snuff film".

They told more stories, upstairs, of the time Iris and Stheno had faced the Xenomorph version of Billy Bob Brockali in rock-combat, of the time Annie-Mae had gotten a glimpse into what turned out to be an erotic baking show from Stheno's homeworld, and of loves lost and dreams deferred and huge old things seen when the viewers should have been asleep.

It would be nice to draw a curtain over the room, and praise darkness and creation unfinished. For indeed, Iris and Stheno had foes to face, friends to find, and, eventually, a way home, although for now we should perhaps send our well-wishes to Iris and Stheno not for homefinding but for overcoming the dour tentpole ghouls of Barthes' Necropolis, and for the assistance of the Warden Sueish, the only author who enacted his own narrative death. But before we send Iris and Stheno to go out deconstructing and to deconstruct, well-fed, well-rested, well-comforted, we have one stumbling block to place in their way.

Annie-Mae's hat hung on the bedpost atop Iris' pea coat; cowboy boots and sneakers lay jumbled together on the rug that might be called cowhide by someone who had never actually seen a cow. The room was dark, the air warm with breath and things that worked like breath. Stheno began to speak –

A squat, humanoid skeleton-creature poked eir cumberously-hatted head out of some fourth-dimensional space, hissing, "Niiiiiiiice…….." The words "CORPSE-GRADE QUICKLIME" flashed into Iris' eyes from eir shirt. Stheno lifted her bodily off the bed with all ten arms and sent Iris' feet plowing right into eir face. E made a noise like an EDM opossum and vanished with a puff of sand. "What'n tarnation was that?" Annie-Mae said, dazedly. Iris groaned. "That's … not far off. Eir name's Darnation, with a D. E's a skook. Skooks are the … Dante's Vergils of the Palace ecosystem, at least in our experience. E is a horrible little neman and we're probably being taught a really heavy-handed lesson by eir presence." "Yeesh. I can recommend a de-curser, if y'all think that'd help." Iris and Stheno turned all four eyes to her. "We don't." "Well, I can help y'all forget em." "We'd like that."

[This is my overwrought birthday present for @titleknown, inspired by the anon message posted above. What character, after all, is more a character than the fantastical Memory Palace?]

[Also, in the spirit of the thing, Annie-Mae, Iris Henson, Stheno, and Darnation are all free to use under a CC-BY 4.0 Vanilla License as you see fit as long as I, Nausicaä Harris, am credited as their creators when you do so. The Memory Palace, and the species I call skooks, are under the same license, as long as Thomas F. Johnson is credited as their creator. ETA: The anon on whose ask I built her character graciously gifted me with credit, and open-sourceness, for Annie-Mae.]

[And, while I don’t have designs for Iris or Stheno worked out yet, I do have a design for Darnation. Eir cheap trick is pocket sand; eir hat is meant to represent that e was born on a mountain, raised in a cave, and craves nothing but truckin’ and fuckin’.]

[wildedaisies]

INTRODUCING. DAISY 

NAVIGATE.

About

Visage

Musings

Melodies

Aesthetics

BASIC STATS.

FULL NAME: Daisy Mae Wilde

NICKNAME(S): Dais 

AGE: 26 years old.

BIRTHDAY: December 16, 1994.

GENDER: Cis Woman

PRONOUNS: She / Her 

ORIENTATION: Bisexual

BIRTHPLACE: Dallas, Texas

CURRENT LOCATION: Catalina Island, California

OCCUPATION: Bartender for Luau Larry’s / Intuitive Reader (Online)

MARITAL STATUS: Single.

PETS: 2 cats

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.

HEIGHT: 5′3

WEIGHT: 114 lbs

HAIR LENGTH / COLOR: Just below her shoulder & dark brown with rose gold highlights.

EYE COLOR: Light brown

PIERCINGS: 1 in each lobe, 3 both upper helix, 1 in left nostril.

TATTOOS: She has a small infinity symbol on her left wrist. A large watercolor compass tattoo with the inscription “Not all who wander are lost” on stretching across her shoulder blades. She has a collection of small constellations running down the back of her left leg featuring Sagittarius, Pisces, and Leo. 

ETHNICITY: Black, White, & Indigenous Canadian

LIFE IN DEPTH.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: child neglect and somewhat abuse 

Daisy Mae Wilde knows absolutely zero things about her birth parents. It was a closed adoption and her adoptive parents pulled all the strings they could to ensure that any and all information regarding her existence before them was sealed away permanently.

She however does know that she was just under a year old when they brought her into their family. Growing up Daisy  thought she was rather lucky. And in some ways she absolutely was. At least she had a home where things like food, water, and shelter were never in question. At least she wasn’t being bounced around from foster home to foster home. She had two very wealthy parents who gave her anything and everything she could ever want as a little girl. She was a spoiled princess.

However, as she got older and she began to grow into her own person she started to realize that she didn’t want to be this perfect socialite princess that her mother was grooming her to be. The idea of being just another shallow future trophy wife was as appealing to her as sardines on pizza. That is not at all.

But it wasn’t until she wandered into a metaphysical shop one day while playing hooky from her elite Dallas private school that she actually wanted to be started to click into place. Something about that little shop just felt right. She ended up going home with a couple of books (one on finding her inner goddess and another about tarot, oracle, and astrology) and her very first tarot deck.

Daisy began her journey of self-exploration all the while her parents continued to force her into their vision of the perfect daughter. She wore the prim and proper clothes and went to all the charity galas and made nice with the children of her parents ‘friends’. She even took part in the debutante balls and the stupid beauty pageants that her mother loved so much.

But as she grew closer to adulthood, Daisy was beginning to feel suffocated more and more. She also began to realize how wrong her parents were in the way they had raised her. It wasn’t okay that 90% of the time they ignored her and left her to be raised by the staff only to bring her out to show off as their perfect daughter whom they rescued from “a potential life on the streets” when it suited them. Nor was it okay for her mother to lock her in a dark closet whenever she disobeyed them even slightly.

Needless to say, that realization is what lead to her hauling ass out of Dallas the day she turned eighteen. She’d been saving up most of her ‘monthly allowance’ since she was a young teen though she hadn’t originally intended for it to be a nest egg for that reason, it paid off in the end. Her first stop was New Orleans where she spent almost a year immersing herself in local culture and nightlife. From there she took off to Miami and then up to Atlanta and eventually she made it to New York where she spent a few months before moving on to Chicago. 

She had this wanderlust deep within her veins that caused her to almost itch with the need to keep moving. She stayed in Seattle for only a month before the need to bolt filled her. She made her way through California and spent a few weeks in Los Angeles before realizing the huge city was its own kind of stifling. Plus the traffic absolutely sucked.

It was as she was about to start heading East again that Daisy decided to take a day trip to Catalina Island. And as she took the ferry ride over a sort of calm began to settle within her. Something about the island called to her and if she didn’t know any better she’d almost say it was like coming home. That feeling only increased as she spent the day sunbathing on the beach, poking her head into cute little shops, and exploring the beautiful island. 

And so what began as one last Californian hoorah led to Daisy feeling like perhaps this was where she was meant to stay. At least for a little while. Certainly, that itch would show back up some months down the line urging her to move on, but until then she decided Catalina Island was for her. At first, she was staying at a beautiful hotel but once she made the decision to stay she found an adorable loft in Lafayette Square that felt more like home than any place ever had before. She even decided to take up a part-time job as a bartender at a cute little tiki bar that she fell in love with.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES.

POSITIVE TRAITS: Adventurous | Effervescent | Humorous 

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Flighty | Overemotional | Reckless

MORAL ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Good.

WESTERN ZODIAC: Sun - Sagittarius | Moon - Pisces | Rising - Leo

She’s a complicated little thing. She’s a wild child through and through with a heart of gold. She’s a mess inside out but is always wearing a smile and telling you it’s gonna be okay no matter how bad things get. But there’s always been just a bit of aching sadness underneath all her happy smiles and positive attitude. And if she’s honest with herself some anger too. Anger that her childhood wasn’t what it should have been and that she knows deep down the reason she keeps running from city to city is because she’s terrified of once again feeling trapped like she was back home by her parents. Deep down she wants to belong somewhere but she doesn’t know how to differentiate between belonging somewhere and being trapped somewhere just yet. Daisy also has an intense amount of empathy in the way that she can easily attune herself to the emotions projected by other people. This can lead to her own emotions being compromised. Though over time she’s gotten better control of it, it can still hit her pretty hard if she’s already feeling emotionally vulnerable at the time. 

THE LITTLE THINGS.

She’s deathly allergic to wasps and bees

She’s absolutely a little bit pretentious (in that hippie free love kinda way) lol but I swear she’s got a heart of gold. She’s just in her own head a bit sometimes and is too impulsive to think logically half the time. 

Daisy is the kind of girl that falls in love very easily. Though it’s a superficial kind of love. Always surface level and anytime either of them starts dive to deep she panics and finds reasons to end the relationship ultimately breaking her own heart and sometimes theirs as well. 

She likes to dance around in socks while cooking or baking and often has her own little spontaneous dance parties.

She has two cats, a sweet smokey gray girl named Cinder and grumpy boy named Tigger. One might assume that having a pair of cats as your travelling companions wouldn’t work out too well, but you’d be surprised at how well they do. Though it’s no surprise to Daisy she did find them stranded as kittens at a truck stop in New Jersey of all places. 

Daisy does online general pick-a-card tarot readings on YouTube but also has a website where she sells personalized readings and it has a little shop where she sells healing crystals, essential oils, candles, and other spiritual tools. Though she does dream of one day having her own physical shop once she's ready to settle down. One just like the cute little shop she'd wandered into almost a decade before. 

Her favorite time of day is sunset. She loves watching the colors light up the horizon as the day ends. She believes that no matter how bad her day has gone just the fact that there’s still something beautiful to witness is enough to keep her going.

She has a minor obsession with butterflies. She’s all about change and new beginnings and since butterflies are a symbol of this concept she’s high key obsessed. 

She is highly claustrophobic. 

The end of spring and beginning of summer is her favorite time of year. She loves all the beauty that spring brings but she also can’t help but love the way summer makes her feel so free. She’s not cooped up in her apartment just to stay warm, she can go out and do all the adventure-y things she wants in the summer.

It should come as no surprise that some of her favorite colors are the shades of the sunset. She loves pinks, purples, and oranges. But if you really want to know her absolute favorite shade? It’s rose gold. 

[popgoesthewiener]

Wayward Souls - Bea Santello/Mae Borowski - SFW

Title: Wayward Souls Author: Daisy Fandom: Night In The Woods Setting: Fort Lucenne Mall, Bea’s Car Pairing: Bea Santello/Mae Borowski Characters: Bea Santello, Mae Borowski Genre: Romance/Friendship Rating: K Chapters: 1/1 Word Count: 1187 Type of Work: One-Shot Status: Complete Warnings: Gay, Femslash, Yuri, Fluff, Unbeta’d Disclaimer: I don’t own anything. Summary: Mae was the worst guide ever. AN: So, I’ve been on a NITW kick lately, I love the game so much. I haven’t finished it yet, but I can’t stop writing these. xD I love this ship. I love all my ships for this game. Hope you guys enjoy! Wayward Souls ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Is it even possible to get lost this many times in a two storey parking lot?” The tone in Bea’s voice was enough to tell Mae that she was getting frustrated. Of course, the shorter girl huffed indignantly, crossing her arms.

“It’s over here, I promise.” But she wasn’t so sure that this promise was one she could keep. They’d been all over this parking lot twice, and she didn’t understand how the boxy little car could be so well hidden. The Fort Lucenne Mall needed a better tagging system for where your car went. Maybe put individual stickers on the wall so you could find your vehicle. Her feet were starting to hurt and she’d be whining about it any minute, now. “Over here, maybe?” “Mae… The car had better be around this corner or else.” Bea was starting to lose her grip on her sanity. If she wasn’t sure it was an exaggeration, she would guess they’d spent more time walking around the parking lot than they had in the actual mall itself. At least they’d had lemonade at the pretzel place. “It’s gonna be! It… Better be.” Rubbing a hand through her hair, Mae licked her lips and sent a silent prayer to Whoever, just hoping that they would find the car soon. “What do you mean ‘better be’?” Narrowing her red eyes, the alligator let out a long-suffering sigh around her cigarette. “Mae Borowski, I--” “I mean, we’ve been all over this parking lot! It has to be around here somewhere. Unless someone stole it.” “Don’t even say that. You should have tried to remember where you parked it. This is the last time I’m letting you drive…” Snuffing out her cigarette on the wall as they passed, Bea lit up a second one in her frustration, puffing on it as though it were the only thing keeping her from throttling her girlfriend. “You said you’d let me practice! Driving is hard enough without having to remember where you parked…” The demoralized hint in her voice, the way her ears drooped and her shoulders sagged all made Bea want to hug her. She honestly hated how the little problem beside her could dismantle her anger so easily. “It’s not that hard. You only ran over three cones on the way here. I’m proud of you.” Those four little words had Mae perking again, and just as the taller woman’s mouth opened to say something else, the cat jumped up and clapped. “Bea, look--” “Oh my god. The car. Thank god.” Bea sighed happily seeing it, leading the way and shaking her head when Mae made a beeline for the driver’s seat. “No, no, I told you, Mae. You’re not driving us back.” “Beeeeeebeeeeeeeeeee!” Mae whined, stomping her foot and immediately regretting it. Pain shot up from her tired paws to her spine and she whined again. “I can do it!” “Mae, no. You’re going to ride along and talk to me, and when we get back to my house, I have to make us lunch.” Everyone knew better than to let Mae Borowski cook. Not after what happened in the Home Ec room in seventh grade. “I could make lunch!” “No. You’re going to sit on the counter and… Micromanage the ingredients.Then, after we eat, we can watch some TV. I’ll hold you and we can cuddle on the couch until my dad gets home from work.” Girlfriend things? Bea was offering so much it was good Mae wasn’t going to drive. A little ‘good luck’ kiss on the cheek had almost killed them once, ten minutes later when the cat couldn’t handle just how giddy it made her. She was happy beyond belief that Bea liked her enough to be her girlfriend. She’d always been scared. Trying to help her lover’s anxiety, Bea turned the key in the ignition and handed her her music player, turning the radio on. “Why don’t you pick a song, Mayday?” She questioned, tone soft and a little smile on her lips. Blushing beneath her fur, the smaller woman nodded and started to sift through songs. “Hate it, hate it, haven’t heard it, hate it, don’t know it--” And, then, she paused, “You guys recorded that?” “Hm?” Bea asked, turning with her arm on the seat to look behind her as she backed up, “What?” “Uh.. Die Anywhere Else? My name is on this.” Die Anywhere Else 015 - Mae, Bea, Angus, Gregg. She couldn’t believe it. Her name was first, too. “Oh. Yeah, Angus asked me to record all of our sessions. For us, mainly.” She knew the other was going to ask about them playing out if they recorded everything. “Just… Like, to keep?” That sounded like something that Angus would do. He liked hearing Gregg play, and he was such a good growler. Bea might not have played real drums, but she was still pretty good at it. And then there was Mae, who wasn’t the best bassist in the world, but she did better than she’d ever thought after so long of not touching one. “Yeah, Mae. We like to see how far we’ve progressed, and my laptop is pretty good for sound. I think we’ve been getting better. You can play it if you want.” Hitting play, Mae relaxed a little as they pulled out of the bottom of the two storey parking garage, leaning back in her seat and staring out the window. Bea tapped her fingers on the wheel as they drove, and she’d be lying if she didn’t think Mae’s air guitaring wasn’t cute. The drive back home was long, compared to anything else, and Bea found her hand straying to rest on the gear shift. After a few seconds, she felt fingers tangling with hers and glanced over, enjoying the happy, closed-eyed expression on her girlfriend’s face. It was like she was there, back at the Party Barn, strumming away to a song she didn’t know and hoping it all came out okay. There was some kind of pride in her when she only heard a few notes that were off, and the happy purr caught the slightly younger woman off-guard. Mae was too cute like that, happy and reminiscing of happier times. Bea couldn’t get over just how pleased the other was, absently stroking the back of her hand with her thumb. “We really didn’t do so bad.” She offered softly, glancing at the other as the song ended and those eyelids slowly peeled open. “Yeah, especially considering I didn’t know that song.” Mae responded, leaning her head over to rest on Bea’s arm as she drove. Silence settled over them as Mae looked for another song, humming softly to herself as she did so to the tune they’d just played. The next song crashed over them, and Bea simply relaxed into driving down the long, open road to get back to Possum Springs. When they got back to her place, Mae was going to get so many kisses.She really deserved them. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ AN: Wow, there we go! Another fic, that’s two in one night, can you believe it? I sure can’t. xD

[jessy-azran]

Welcome!

Hi everyone!

I am a friendly gamer and I want to help out other friendly gamers. I’ve seen prices for items at a ridiculous rate. I am going to do the opposite. Also, I’ve seen ridiculous rules.

I have to use Dodo code for trading etc. I will only become friends on the Switch if I develop trust, or I know we’re going to keep in contact often. I will only allow certain people to become my best friend.

Here is what I’m going to do:

Free DIY recipe cards. It didn’t cost me anything to get the DIYs. Whether I’ve obtained it from the beach, by a balloon or from a villager, I got them for free. You should too.

Crafting recipes. I don’t need bells, but thank you if you want to tip. All I really ask for is to bring me the correct amount of materials to craft them. Please note, you cannot possibly pick up an item you’ve crafted previously.

Customising furniture. If you want the recipe I craft for you a different colour or pattern to the original one, that is fine but you need to give me the correct amount of kits.

My map, interior and exterior. If you want to copy my exact island, I won’t sue you. It’s just a game, there is no copyright (apart from Nintendo, of course). If you feel I’ve given you inspiration, that’s awesome! Just pointing it out as I’ve seen other ACNH users say they don’t want others copying.

Cataloguing. I don’t need bells, as it’s only picking up items and dropping them back on the ground. All I ask for is to water my flowers so I can grow hybrids.

Buying or selling your turnips. It’s your money, no entry fee or NMTs required at all. I will have to fence out Daisy Mae for you to purchase turnips to speed up everyone in. I also will have to fence off my whole island to Nook’s Cranny if you’re going to sell turnips, so everyone can come and go as fast as possible.

Buying things from me that is not from my shops. I will happily sell them for only 100 bells dearer than the actual price. I will not let anyone buy not-for-sale items, they will only be up for cataloguing.

If you’re new. Let me go to your island so you can prove to me you’re a beginner and I’ll lend you non-native fruit, stones, wood, hardwood, softwood and nuggets for free.

All I ask from you:

No pressing the minus button. You know, the button to save and quit. I will report all players who do this.

Appropriate language. We are allowed to swear, but it is not needed while playing a game. Also other inappropriate language is most definitely not going to be tolerated.

Anything more to add I will edit.

[jess-oh]

Reflection

I don’t really know how I’m feeling. I think I’m just trying to drown something out but I’m left feeling thoroughly unsatisfied by everything. I keep rewatching old clips from shows that I finished watching, hoping that it will do the trick when in reality, I’m just hellishly bored! And it’s because I’m not being productive. I know I’m a day late with my reflection. I got home around 3:40am(?) last night and I knew that I could totally just stay awake and write my reflection real quick. There wasn’t even much to talk about. But I chose not to. I chose to just do it tomorrow morning. And then I woke up several times but chose to stay in bed until I literally could not handle sleeping any longer. Yes, I’ve been sleeping so much but I actually hate it. I want to be doing something with my life. I did start doing calligraphy but I could be doing so much more. I could be rereading old books or reading books that I bought but never bothered to reading the first place. I could have written those letters to P. Billy and P. Daisy and Andrew and David and everyone in between for their birthdays and farewells. But I didn’t. Instead, I wasted my life away. And granted, yes, I did do some things today. I actually talked to financial aid and though I didn’t leave with all the necessary information, I did get most of it. But I know that I could’ve been a lot more thorough with my research. But I just wanted to get it done and over with so that I could get back to my entertainment and saying, “sayonara” to my life. I have one more Tuesday left. Maybe I should go snowboarding with Andrew. Just to have something to do. Or maybe I’ll just pack all day but c’mon, it won’t take that long. I could easily finish everything on Monday and just do the last finishing touches Tuesday night or Monday morning. I don’t need that long. I know what I need to pack and what I want to order. And yes, I did my QT last night early and maybe I was just in a weird mood because it was the first day of my period but the reflection is usually the easy part and I couldn’t even do that. What if I didn’t do my QT early and we still stayed out that late? Then I would’ve missed two things. I want to be busy. I want to be productive. I need to be. I can’t live with myself when I’m just wasting my life away. And I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. It’s because of my parents though, I know that. They’re always on my ass, telling me to stop watching videos and to be productive and do something. And I do love to serve and be productive but sometimes I want to rest and I feel like I can’t when I’m living with them. But I don’t think that’s necessarily bad. Because I don’t want to just be a sloth and not get a 4.0 every semester and raise my 3.9 up, up, up. And I kind of want to confide in my friends and let them know that I’m so stressed out all the time because of my parents. But at the same time, I don’t. Because I don’t think it’s a bad thing and I don’t want them to just immediately side with me. I want them to be honest.

I think I’ve gotten a lot more blunt since I’ve been home and I’m hoping that that’s a good thing. And maybe I’ll make enemies as a result. I will probably make enemies as a result because not everyone wants to hear the truth. I’m your friend and I’m not just here to comfort you. I’m here to tell you what I’m really feeling and my objective perspective. And you can leave now if that’s what you want to hear. 

I’ve tried saying something to P. Billy and P. Daisy since retreat but when the moment comes, I always shy away. I was going to talk to them in person on day 2 for lunch. But I didn’t find them. I was going to talk to them after the service later that night. But they were leaving almost immediately after but I had the chance. P. Billy was right there and I didn’t take it. I could’ve looked harder for P. Billy and P. Daisy during lunch but I just gave up and prayed instead. I saw them both on Sunday and didn’t say anything. I could’ve made more of an effort to go to church last Sunday but I didn’t because I was afraid of feeling like an outsider again and not having the guts to tell them. I’ve had every single day as an opportunity to even Facebook message them so I haven’t. I don’t want to write a letter because there’s too much to say bc I’m honestly afraid there won’t be enough. I’m writing a letter because I don’t have the guts to say it in person. Because as much as I appreciate their bluntness, I know who I am and how I am and how much some of my habits annoy them and it just makes me feel like they’re just going to judge me if I’m honest. But the bottom line is that they really have changed my life in more ways than one and I was always excited to come back, just to hear their sermons. I don’t fit in at Sa-Rang. And I don’t know that I ever truly did. But they were always worth it. The service was always worth it. Because it was a time where I could really intimately come before God and it was okay. And that’s something that I am constantly longing for while in Chicago.

I wanted to talk to Jeanne about this but I was doing some thinking in the shower and she hasn’t responded yet. I’m going to help plan the lock-in and it looks like I don’t actually have a whole lot to do. I’m not tasked with doing the theme or organizing teams or anything like that. That seems to already be figured out. I’m just gonna be assigned to a certain job when we meet tomorrow and go from there. I’m just afraid that I’ll fall nicely into the shoes of serving and leading and the transition in becoming an “official leader” will come naturally and I’m not sure that’s what I want bc of how busy my schedule will be next year. That’s a huge time commitment that I don’t know if I’m ready to sign up for. But I imagined P. Josh asking if that’s what God wants for me and I replied that I had prayed about it and knew that I wanted to really invest into people this year but not necessarily as a leader. And I have a feeling that P. Josh knows and sees my heart to serve and wants to me to be a leader and I just don’t know if I’m spiritually ready for that. I’m definitely not ready to go back out onto the mission field again and spend every moment caring for someone else. And don’t get me wrong, it’s great out there. It really is. Guatemala changed my life. Always and forever. I was so happy. And I don’t think I’m in that state of mind anymore where I just care so much for other people that I don’t even have time to think about myself. For so long I spent my life helping others as a way to avoid facing my own problems. But it’s time that I do face my own issues head on and make active efforts toward fixing them.

I am afraid. Because my relationship with God has been rocky lately. And I really want to go back to Chicago bc during my time here, I’ve fallen victim to a lot more gossip just based off the people that I hang around. And I don’t want to put anyone down anymore. It sucked when I dealt with it in high school and no one deserves to feel so hated for something that they can’t control. My life has become a cycle of wanting so badly to go back to Chicago and wanting so badly to go back to OC. And it might be time to settle and choose where I would rather be. Instead of just trying to get away from my problems and suffering all the time. I need to fix this. And I know that this is so much easier said than done and I don’t really feel this as a resolve yet but this is something that I actually really want to do. 

And finally, onto yesterday. I... spent it pretty similarly to how I wasted it today. I woke up several times but refused to get out of my bed, even when the cleaning people came. I kept coming up with excuses to just be lazy in my mind instead of just doing it. Oh yeah, I actually got out of bed at 7am this morning and had every opportunity to actually follow through and do the damn dishes but I didn’t. Thinking that I’ll just do it later instead of just freaking doing it. But towards the end of the day, Andrew said that he would be going over to David’s to help him with his music and invited me to join. And I am really happy that the three of us got to spend time together again. Just the three of us. It was nice. And I was happy to help David with his music. Whether it was by being blunt or helping design or help figure out photoshop or titling the songs... it was nice. And I’m happy that I got to spend that time with them. It was actually pretty encouraging whenever David complimented my bluntness bc I do think it’s something I’m a bit insecure about. Ironically. I just wish I had been more upfront about where we should eat. I am happy that we ended up going to Mae’s Cafe and dining together and getting to spend more time together but there was the chance that we wouldn’t have and didn’t say anything against it. I just want another long car ride with them. A night out. Where we just talk about anything and everything as the road takes us wherever. And yes, it was awkward before. But I trusted them. And it was free. But idk, maybe it’s because we’re actually doing things now and this break is a lot shorter than summer but... I miss that. But y’know, I’m probably making it better than it seemed in my head. None of us ever just vented or broke down crying. Well, some of us vented. But it was never this, wild and emotional ride. It was just us driving mindlessly for hours. I miss that. But our dynamics are changing. I asked Andrew if he thought we would still be friends after college and he said he was afraid I was thinking of dropping him when I asked that which I really wasn’t! And I didn’t tell him this but he was very much occupied with Emily when they first got together and we rarely talked and it wasn’t weird. It just kind of happened. But I felt like I had lost a friend. And I am happy that we were able to reconnect and honestly, some of my dislike toward her is probably a result of that but I am afraid that if he starts dating someone again, we’ll just drift. And it’ll suck but it’ll happen. And he really has made my life so much better by being there for me time after time after time. And I don’t want to lose him but I also know that life has a course and you can’t keep friends forever. And it doesn’t feel like this is going to last. Jude was my absolute best friend in high school that I could literally talk to about anything—religion, God, school, family, anything. She was always there for me and she got it. But she has low self esteem and I just want the best for her and I don’t want to burden her. I truly wish for her happiness and nothing but. And I don’t want to ruin that or take that away from her. She was the single most important person in my life and still is. And I will never stop loving her. But things have changed and she got busier and we started leading different lives and that’s that. It happens. 

Finally, Grace. My dear friend Grace An. I am so glad that we are finally getting the opportunity to meet up on Friday and I’m really hoping she doesn’t back out of it because I’m really worried about her. I just have this gut feeling that she’s not okay and she’s depressed because of everything and trying so hard to do it on her own. But I am here for her and I really hope she knows that. I was so selfish when we last spoke but I want to be here for her 100% now. Really. I’m really worried about her. And she actually cares about me. She does. She gives a shit. I was so afraid that she was only reaching out to me because she pitied me but she didn’t. She actually went out of her way to compile those letters for me before I left. We spent a whole day at the Irvine Spectrum together and it was great. She is an incredibly kind person that really cares for others and wants the best for them and has an undeniably strong faith for the Lord. And yes, admittedly, I have felt some competition with her because I wanted to be better and really, be the best. But she is so genuine. And I just hope and pray that she is okay. And even if she’s not, that she knows that she has people that really love and support her. And will continue to do so, all the way through. I know she’s going through a hard time and I know that it can’t be easy. But she’s not alone. And I hope she knows that.

[ourtown-rp-blog]

Welcome to the game, AUTUMN ABRAMS! Your application was successful, and we’re excited to begin writing alongside you, Dragon. Please read over our checklist before sending in your link, which you should do within 24 hours!

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOOOOU ( ooc ) ♪

MAIN ALIAS: Dragon

PRONOUNS: she/her

AGE: 25+

ACTIVITY LEVEL: 7/10

WHO YOU PLAYIN’ ?

FULL NAME: Autumn Mae Abrams

PRONOUNS: she/her

FACECLAIM: Daisy Ridley

AGE/BIRTHDAY: 22, December 23

ORDER: fifth

TYPE*: I don’t mind if someone else wants to play her, so twins is fine with me.

ORIENTATION: Pansexual/Panromantic

THAT’S WHAT I GO TO SCHOOL FOR ♬

delete this section if they’re not in school!

HIGH SCHOOL: N/A

COLLEGE: Arkansas

GRADE: Junior

MAJOR/MINOR: Musical Theory / Sound Engineering

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY ☆

all should work, whether they’re in school or not.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part Time

WORKPLACE: Arkansas campus coffee shop / modeling company

POSITION: barista / nude model

HOW LONG?: 2 years

WHO WILL I BE, IT’S UP TO ME ( ic ) ♪

Autumn Mae Abrams, one of the five Abrams children, smaller, dark haired, gorgeous without fault, secretive, and above all else.. odd. From the very beginning, Autumn did things a little differently than the rest of the people she knew. Where most kids crowded around the jungle gym in the playground, or picked up a ball at recess to play kickball, Autumn liked to sit on the bench and read comic books. Actions figures took the place of video games, and to most, they believed the girl to be a little.. weird. Of course, her mother always told her that being eccentric was good, that it made her different, and what made you different was what made you strong. Through everything, Autumn didn’t really care. The space ships, aliens, and super heroes in her comic books created a world for her, one she could escape to when things got too weird, or the kids picked on her a little too hard. Like the good parents that they were, Autumn’s mom and dad tried to find somewhere that their daughter would fit. Soccer, t-ball, even a few dance lessons, but, none of them suited the little girl. Her awkward limbs and inability to focus on anything made it abundantly clear that sports wouldn’t ever be the key to pulling her out of his own little world. They almost gave up hope for her, Autumn destined to be that weird little girl, until they heard her banging on the pots and pans in the kitchen while helping with dinner one night. The shrill notes and the obvious tempo and rhythm she had, the Anderson’s knew what and where their girl belonged.

After that night, Autumn was practically thrust into every single music lesson that they could find for her. Piano, guitar, the drums, and a few other silly instruments slowly but surely pulled her out of the safe and weird world Autumn liked to get lost in more often times than not. She showed great promise and skill, so, she actually liked it. There wasn’t much that could pull her away from a first edition, episode one Superman comic, but, the way her fingers would fly across the guitar strings drew her out and kept her away. The comic books and action figures were safety nets, things she knew she could control, things she knew would always be there for her. But, as she discovered the greatness of music, Autumn learned that he didn’t really need the books to fall back on, or the action figures to keep her company, she had a much better alternative. Like most people with an obsession, though, she started to put all her time into the music, and everything that went along with it. The old vintage records that laid in her father’s study were listened to on repeat, The Beatles and The Stones becoming two of her biggest inspirations. Heading into school, she could be spotted with a thick pair of headphones on, Autumn once again lost in her own little world.

When high school rolled around, Autumn started to branch out a little bit, her music skills drawing a few of her own kind of people in; the silent nerds that had a whole lot of pent up words and emotions to share with everyone. A few of her friends banded together to start up a little band, one that they kept together until the last couple months of high school. She also discovered that she could sing, that among her talent for the strings and bass drum, Autumn had a damn good voice, which only added to the appeal that her nerdy little band had on people. As the years passed, and her dreams got a little bigger, Autumn decided that she was going to head out to California, she was going to find someone that wanted to listen to her play, someone that enjoyed music and her passion for it just as much as she did. While her parents encouraged it, they also wanted her to go to college, but, like most kids that age, Autumn didn’t listen to them. The time for college application deadlines passed, SATs were already taken, and letters of recommendation weren’t filled out. If she wanted to change her mind, it was already to late, and at that time, Autumn didn’t care. She had good enough grades that if she really needed to, she could try and apply to one of the California schools after her first year there.

Graduation came and went, the girl happy that he managed to survive the dreaded four years that not everyone did. After a long summer spent listening to her parents try to convince her to wait a year, and save up some money, Autumn set off for the LA, a dream in her heart, hope in her eyes, and a couple of bags on her back. She believed that her talent and skill would help her make it, that she wouldn’t have to struggle like she heard most people did. Autumn wanted nothing more than to prove people wrong, to show them that she was going to make it big. But, day after day, and those days turning into months, she quickly realized that every person around her hoped for the same thing, to be discovered, to make their dreams come true. The money was coming to an end pretty fast, the work was little to none, and her hopes were dropping down deeper and deeper as the days passed by her. This meant she needed to return to Cotton Plant after only a year. Finally, after having to struggle to find change for a cup of coffee, Autumn got herself a job at the coffee shop on Arkansas’ campus after enrolling. The money sucked, and she couldn’t spend nearly as much time as she wanted to trying to find someone to take a look at her work, but, at least she was surviving.

Something weird happened the winter after her arrival home, something that would.. ultimately change her life. An older man, one that was handsome in his own way, and a dedicated costumer, started to take a liking to Autumn. Her conversation about all things superheroes, and her passion for music drew the guy in. At first, Autumn found it sort of weird, the attention she was getting from the older man. A ten dollar tip on a three dollar drink, little notes left on the receipts. She couldn’t tell if the guy was just being friendly, or, if he was really hitting on her like Autumn thought he was. It all came to head one evening after a few weeks of the occurrences. The man stuck around until Autumn got off, and approached her, asking her for her number, and promising a call soon. Soon seemed like five minutes later, her phone buzzing wildly in her pockets as she made her way back to her mediocre little apartment. From that day on, things started to change for Autumn. It was like.. the guy was courting her. He didn’t ask for sex, or even affection, all things were paid for, and all he wanted was to have Autumn on his arm. It weirded her out slightly, but, how could a struggling musician look a gift like Dorian’s as anything other than that.. a gift? She couldn’t, and she didn’t.

For weeks, she accompanied the man to functions and fundraisers.. to shows and dinners. She wore fine dresses and nice heels, but, never got to show her appreciation in any way. When she got tired of always being the toy, and never anything more, she tried to start something with the older man, her hand wandering below the belt for the first time since they started to go out with each other. It was then that she realized that.. the man in fact believed her to be some sort of.. escort. Autumn felt humiliated, and slightly betrayed, but, quickly calmed down when the guy offered her a job. Being a pretty big producer in the pornography industry, Dorian had been showing her off to colleagues and business investors, looking around for jobs for her to do. Of course, Autumn struck down actual porn the minute he mentioned it, but, the naked modeling.. she could do that. So, along with her daily job at the coffee shop, and the random and odd little gigs she managed to land herself, Autumn started to work for Dorian’s company, settling into photo shoots every couple of weekends, each one earning her enough money to save, to spend, and to eventually move her into the a small house, one she’d been longing to have since she lived here the first time. Autumn has finally found herself completely comfortable in life.

[bluebookbadger-blog]

The Price of a Life - Chapter 4

Title: The Price of a Life Fandom (s): Fullmetal Alchemist/Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Summary: I always thought waking up in another world would be a lot more…interesting. At least slightly exciting and terrifying, but it really wasn’t. It was more of a sudden and underwhelming event, that landed me in the company of fiction and its ignorance to modern physics. I thought it was a dream. Boy was I wrong. Characters: SI/OC, Maes Hughes, Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, etc. Rating: PG-13

At home - Truth did I just call it 'home'? - I left Lucha in my room - oh Truth 'my room'? I couldn't deal with this personalization, I needed to find a way home to my home in the real world - ugh, no time for an existential crisis and reality shattering revelations!

I needed a legitimate reason to get to East City. I was sure I could whip something up to get me over there quick so long as I used Shou Tucker as my excuse. Still not sure how I would end up doing that or what I would do when I got there, I grabbed my notebook, packed a few changes of non-dress clothes, and Lucha into my bag after changing. It was a dress this time, real pretty and white with a red bow around the waist. Ugh, I was turning into a cliche main character of some fantasy anime….oh wait.

I ran back to the room Mrs. Hughes was letting me stay in and grabbed a change of clothes - a pair of slacks, another white blouse and a dress jacket. Ugh, I hated formal clothing that involved pants.

"Almost done in there Irish?" Denny asked impatiently. I sighed, Maria had told him to go to the bathroom before we left Command. Why didn't he listen?

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, I'll be right out Miss. Daisy." I yelled back at him, trying not to curse. Truth knew I had a problem with that when I was in pain or sick. Right now, it was pain, the source being my feet, which were getting sweet revenge for my decision to go barefoot this morning.

It was still early in the morning when we got to the apartment - maybe 10 o'clock at the earliest. Still, Gracia had taken Elicia to a friend's party and the house was totally empty, with Maria and Denny as the exception. I was both excited to go and see if I could put some form of a plan in action and sad I was going to leave the Hughes' residence.

Playing with Elicia, eating family dinners, going to work every morning and dealing with Miss. Reich and Albert - all of that made this 'place' (yes place, I gave up on convincing myself this was a dream - the talk with Maes that morning cemented the new reality) feel normal. Going to East City to see if I could do something to change the story meant I was going to dive into a hellhole of trouble and danger - not that I cared or realized that as I watched with amusement as Denny rushed past me to the bathroom.

He was starting to grow on me. He was a lot like my 'little' brother Matt. Both were taller than me, longer blondish hair, and awkward - in the best way possible. And Maria reminded me of my older sister, Mary. They looked nothing alike, but they both had that motherish but mostly military feel to the way they addressed you. It made you nervous and comforted you at the same time.

"You okay Irish?" Maria asked, waking me from my daze as I stared at her. I realized my eyes were filling with tears - again. I really needed to stop crying all the time. It was almost as bad as my bad habit of skipping sleep.

"I'm fine; we need to get to stop at the main street grocery store - my boss is going to kill me for being late." I said as I wiped the fresh tears from my eyes. No time for nostalgia - I had things to do and people to see! Lucha - I was sure Truth wasn't there by the amount of snoring that came from the fluff ball - was asleep in my bag.

After writing another note and permanently borrowing another pen from the Hughes' stash, we headed out of the apartment. At the front door, a man was arguing with his wife over a missing umbrella - to which I booked it past them to the car. Maria and Denny gave me an odd look that I ignored as the car roared to life and thundered down the street. Miss. Reich was going to be pissed.

When the car finally pulled up to the little shop I shrunk in my seat when Albert waved to me. He was so cute! I hoped the guy found a good partner, he really deserved one. His enthusiastic waving was cut short as Miss. Reich stormed out of the back room. Maria and Denny got out of the car first, slightly slowing the woman's angry approach. I all but fell out of the car, looking anywhere but at my boss as she came to a stop at the front door and tapped her foot impatiently.

"You're late," She said accusingly, her voice low and dangerous. Miss. Reich shot an angry glance at Abert who turned and went to man the cash register without a word between the two. When your boss uses telepathy, you know you're in trouble. However, before I could get a word out, my babysitters spoke up.

"Miss. Irish has become involved in a series of murders in Central, she is an eyewitness to the crime."

"We believe she has information on the killer, and is therefore under our jurisdiction. Please excuse her absence." Maria said after Denny. Gosh, I loved these guys. I wished they could just talk for me sometimes. Miss. Reich looked to me, as if not fully convinced.

"This true, Irish?" She asked, sounding slightly less pissed. I looked at my feet, my cheeks feeling warm in my anxiety.

"Yes ma'am." I said curtly, tightening my grip on my bag. Lucha wiggled around for a moment before lying still. I hoped Truth wasn't possessing the poor guy again. Miss. Reich pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Fine, it's not like I can fire you anyhow. So, what's with the entourage, going somewhere?" I looked up, my confidence growing now that I knew she couldn't fire me. Sure, I wouldn't burn down the store or anything crazy, but at least she didn't scare me as much anymore. Still scary, but not overwhelmingly terrifying.

"This is 2nd Lieutenant Maria Ross and Sergeant Denny Brosh. Lieutenant Colonel Hughes asked them to babysit me. I actually plan on going back to Command to see if I can help with anything; Mr. Hughes has been very kind to me since my arrival here in Central and I wish to repay him." Miss. Reich looked to Maria and Denny, who nodded simultaneously. "Do you mind if I take the day off? You don't need to pay me or anything-"

"Yeah, sure. It's fine, not like you really do much since I already did your morning chores for you." She sounded dejected as she said this, her blue eyes trailing to the window and avoiding my own. Now I was concerned. Was she worried about me, or was she really sick? It seemed at the moment that the latter was likely.

"Uh, okay. Thanks, ma'am. I'll be back soon." To be honest, I didn't know how long I'd be away. I really wanted to live a quiet life here and have a steady job, but that would mean sacrificing the opportunity to change the future. Damn these decisions. We left soon after, not wanting to hang around the shop as customers began appearing. We drove back to Command, the ominous building casting small shadows with the midmorning sun looming overhead.

"You're boss seems really nice," Denny noted, only heard once the car's hellish sounding engine died down. I nodded, a splitting headache from the lights of day impeding my ability to process that statement.

"Yeah, I guess she is-" Major Armstrong was standing in the middle of the reception room of the enormous building, almost seeming small in the large crowd of officers. Almost. He approached us slowly; Denny, Maria, and I gradually gravitating towards one of the halls.

I had to follow them - I had no clue where Hughes' office even was in the mess of rooms and halls. However, I did make sure to note the path we took - it would be important to my future tampering. We seemed to be heading in that general direction, when an idea struck me.

"Can we go to the archive room? It should have anything I need to cross-reference." Maria, who walked beside me, gave me quick glance.

"Sure, do you want to see Hughes first?" I shook my head.

"I need to get focused - and from the looks of that folder I'm going to be busy for a few hours." I said, noting the thick binder Major Armstrong had tucked under his arm.

"Ah, yes - I had nearly forgotten - here is the list you requested Miss. Irish." Armstrong said as the four of us progressed down one of the many long hallways. I nodded, taking a very thick folder from him. It was like an AP US History binder, without a spine and almost twice as big. It would take hours just to sort the files, let alone find any State Alchemists that would be pertinent to the future. I decided against opening it until I found a table - Truth knew I'd drop it or something clumsy like that. We arrived at the archive room, which Maria kindly opened for us.

It was gorgeous. Bookshelves everywhere, the smell of fresh ink and old paper - a truly glorious sanctuary for any bibliophile. I stood there gawking at the dimly lit room so long that Armstrong had to prod me to move along since I was wasting my time looking at all of the intricate land and celestial maps. If I had the time, I'd spend hours pouring over every book and article that was in that beautiful room. Alas, it was not to be, as the Armstrong Squad looked to me expectantly.

"So, what do you need a list of State Alchemists for?" Armstrong asked as I eventually made my way to a table that Maria and Denny had seated themselves at.

"Well, Basque was pretty well known, right? I mean, even up in Drachma we heard of how he performed in the Ishvalan Civil War. I didn't see his eyes, but maybe-"

"You think Scar might be Ishvalan?" Denny asked, surprise evident in his bright green eyes. I took a slow breath. I had gotten so far, I couldn't mess this up now!

"Maybe, but we have no way of knowing. Still, his little speech before he attacked Basque sounded similar to the praises the Ishvalan monks used to do - but you know, more holy war and less simple life and peace." I said as I handed out a quarter of the stacked papers to each person present, reserving a quarter for myself.

"Even if he is Ishvalan, he is targeting Alchemists with questionable pasts and morals. It would help me a lot if you guys could help me sort these papers by location; south to the left with Denny, north by Major Armstrong, west by Maria, and I'll take the east. Just put any alchemists stationed in central in the middle of the table - Scar isn't likely to murder here for a while since I'm an eyewitness," I finished, immediately delving into my files.

We worked in silence for a bit, I taking note of every alchemist in my pile and the pile I was sorting. Anyone could get involved just because of my presence, therefore I needed to have an understanding of my possible allies or enemies. It took me a little longer than the others to sort through my papers, but I was making good pace.

"You seem to have a very organized plan in mind for narrowing down his next victim," Maria said, not taking her eyes off the paper she was reading. "How exactly do you plan on doing that?" My brilliant plan devised and undisclosed to you readers during the car ride could finally be revealed in all its brilliance. In short, I had no freaking clue.

"Well, he targeted Basque because of his involvement in the war from what I overheard, but from the way he spoke his victim demographic spreads to those who practice alchemy in a way his religion deems 'unnatural'. I'd have to guess that includes experiments involving living creatures, philosopher stones, the like." They were all staring at me now.

Fudge. I had forgotten that I had lied to Wrath about the philosopher's stone. Did they know? I mean, Armstrong was on a pretty tight leash and really didn't have a choice if the Fuhrer asked him for some information on the new immigrant girl. Well, this was going swimmingly.

"You know about philosopher's stones but not alchemy in Drachma? How does that work?" Armstrong asked, glancing at me with steely blue eyes. Damn he could be intimidating.

"We know about it, it just isn't practiced. I'd say we know as much and care as much about alchemy as you here in Amestris do about alkahestry." Why was this study session feeling like another interrogation? I was getting really tired of these thinly veiled questions of my origins. I already told them my story, I was going to stick to it.

"Hm, alkahestry. That is practiced in Xing, correct?" I looked over my glasses at Armstrong, the questions irritating me for some reason. They guy was acting as if I was involved with every criminal in the country.

"Yes, I read books on it in my mother's library in our old house."

"Why did you come here, Irish?" Denny asked, getting bored of sorting papers but noting my frustration with the way the Major was beating around the bush. I shrugged, noticing that my pile of unsorted papers was thinning.

"If you wanted my life story you could have just asked, Major." I said with a snort of amusement. These guys were a riot. One minute they're being intimidating and strict, the next their nonchalantly asking about your secret past.

"Why is a kid like Ed a State Alchemist? Why are you working for the military? Why is the sky blue and the grass green? There's not really a simple answer without context and a story behind it, but to put it simply without degrading its importance, I decided to help people. No particular reason why here, could have been Creta or Aerugo. I just felt that-"

"Yo, Mac!" Hughes said as he busted through the door, thankfully stopping my rant before I dug myself a deeper pit. Truth, I really made no sense at all did I? I hoped Armstrong didn't report this.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hughes," The military members present said as they stood upon his arrival. Man, that was some dedication they had. These chairs were actually really comfy.

"I just thought you guys could use a break. Go get lunch, it's after noon already." The bubbly man said as the other soldiers filed out of the room. Hughes made his way toward me. I was so worked up over the mini interrogation session I just wanted to get the papers sorted and be done with it. "What are you doing?" He asked, peering at the carefully organized papers.

"Sorting the alchemists by region. Scar would have most likely skipped town; but he'll double back. Serial killers tend to have a predictable territory that they peruse regularly. Since he has so much land to cover if this really is a holy crusade of sorts, he needs to be moving in a circular pattern before returning to Central to start the cycle over again. Once I figure out his most likely path based on the concentrations of his victim demographic, I can determine his next target-"

"What's bothering you?" Hughes asked, not in the least bit interested in the serial killer he was supposed to be tracking. Way to show commitment to your work buddy! I was almost done sorting the last of Armstrong and Denny's papers. It seemed only Maria was able to focus on her work instead of getting distracted by backstories. I didn't look up from the work.

"Nothing," I said, my eyes briefly passing over Shou Tucker's face. It sent shivers down my spine, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. He was really creepy looking, like the kind of guy who drives the white van around town looking to kidnap little kids.

"Listen, if it's still bothering you-"

"No, it's not that. Go get lunch with the others, I'll be there in a bit." I said with a sigh, shuffling through the eastern alchemist papers first and pulling out Tucker's paperwork while looking for similar registrations to make my 'assumptions' of trouble brewing in East City seem more reliable.

"I already ate." The older man said, sitting across from me and looking at Tucker's paperwork and picking it up. "Looking for possible targets?" I nodded, pulling out a few other similar accounts from the pile I was mulling through.

Johann Adlersflügel had done studies in chimera breeding, it seemed they had been thought infertile but with alchemy he had made it so that he could breed two chimeras of the same 'species'. He lived in East City too, so I put it where Tucker's paperwork once was.

"Mac," I looked at him angrily. I just wanted to get this work over with, I wasn't ready for any more therapy sessions or interrogations today. "Come on, let's get lunch."

Resigning myself to his hospitality, I followed him with a few murmured protests. I really was hungry, as I hadn't really had a breakfast that morning. Not to mention throwing up leaves you pretty hungry. I followed him, searching the walls for maps. They really needed to invest in some with this labyrinth of a building.

We arrived at this little cafe diner area, nothing big or fancy but kind of homey. It was easy to find the table Armstrong was at, Maria and Denny dwarfed next to the man's imposing stature. Hughes went to order me food, leaving me to either stand there awkwardly or to join the trio who had already begun their meal. Mustering the most realistic smile I could, I walked to the table and sat next to Maria.

"How the food here?" I asked cheerily, hoping to sound genuine. I was curious - though I doubted it could compare to Gracia's cooking. It seemed just about everyone had ordered a sandwich, Major Armstrong had finished his meal from the looks of it and was now reading a newspaper, but Maria and Denny were still eating.

"It's okay, not that I can complain - it being free food and all." I nodded at Denny's explanation. As I had said before, who would turn down free food?

"I think I've got just about everyone back in the archive room sorted out. From the looks of it the highest concentration of alchemists fitting the target demographic are in the east." I said, taking the sandwich Hughes handed me. Mystery meat and mystery vegetables on mystery bread. Taking a bite, it tasted vaguely like smoked turkey, but it still had that unidentified flavor from somewhere.

"I have to go to East City today actually, you could come if you'd like Irish." Hughes mentioned, not even touching his food. I looked to him with surprise.

"Why?" I asked, searching his face for any real emotion. For the happy go lucky guy the series always portrayed, Maes Hughes was really hard to read.

"Confidential, Mustang is calling me in for a case." Crap, when did this happen? I couldn't remember, so I ate my food quietly.

"Sure, how long's the ride?" I asked in between bites. I was starving, and the mystery sandwich was actually really good.

"About a night if we catch the next train." Hughes responded, finishing off his own meal. I nodded at his response, looking at the glass plate in confusion. Where do we put these? Do they have a dishwasher somewhere? My silent questions went unanswered as a waiter of sorts collected the dishes. He wore a military uniform, but I had noticed him earlier floating from table to table collecting used utensils and glasses.

"When's that?" I asked, giving Lucha a piece of sandwich I had saved. He didn't seem interested until I all but poked him with it. Then he jumped up so violently it nearly knocked the bag over.

"About an hour, will that be enough time for you to pack your things?" I patted my bag, partially to keep Lucha from spilling it and partially to put emphasis on my statement.

"Already done,"

"You expected to figure out where you were going today?" I smirked at Hughes, the smile tugging at my features.

"No, but it's best to be prepared."

An hour later, we were at the station. All of us, Armstong looming over the crowd of waiting passengers like a skyscraper. I had only ridden on a train a few times in my life, mostly to go to NYC and visit my Uncle Patrick there. You see, he worked with Marvel there, so we'd always go and see movies with him and he'd point out anything he helped with or edited. Uncle Pat was awesome.

But these trains were different; they were old, rickety, bustling steam engines. I had never ridden one of those, so I was just a little excited. Okay, I was literally pacing back and forth and occasionally snapping my fingers quietly, I was just so damn energetic! Then, I felt the rumble somewhere down the line that sent miniature tremors through the platform. Though I couldn't get close to the rail with the crowd, I could hear the pistons thundering as the train approached.

"What are you so excited about?" Denny asked, observing my jittery behavior as the train pulled up. "It's just a train ride." I shook my head when he reached for my bag. I didn't want Lucha to get lost with all the other luggage. The rush of getting into the train sent a bustling wave of energy over the platform, and I had little time to admire the locomotive's exterior before I was pushed inside the iron horse.

"I haven't ridden a train here in Amestris before." I said as I boarded the train, looking around in amazement to take in the beautiful interior. The windows let in light that illuminated the wooden tables and benches that people seated themselves at, the five of us finding ourselves at the last empty seat. Denny, Maria, and myself seated adjacent from Hughes and Armstrong.

"You traveled all the way to Liore on foot?" Hughes asked once we were seated. I shook my head at Hughes' question, too entranced by the atmosphere.

"No, just not a train from Central…" A man was saying goodbye to his wife as he headed east for business, a pair of parents were wishing off their oldest child who was heading east for school, it was both sad and entertaining, all of the bustle and hustle. Denny laughed every time I saw something exciting that made my head swivel around like an owl's. I couldn't help it - everything was just so interesting and new.

By the time the train was pulling out of the station, most people were quiet, chatting with the people around them or quietly reading a book. I probably should have found a book in the library considering it was going to burn down in a few days, but it was too late now that the train was pulling out.

"What time will we get there?" I asked, looking out the window as the locomotive gained speed. Hughes shrugged pulling out a book and some case files.

"Sometime tomorrow - probably afternoon, but morning if the stops are fast." I nodded, watching as the city faded into small farms and scattered houses.

"Do you have a map I could borrow?" I asked, not fully recalling the layout of this world. Hughes nodded, digging around in his own carryon bag before pulling out a folded piece of paper. "Thanks," I said quickly as I unfolded it to trace my path to East City. The font used was weird, making it hard to read some of city names, but first the train would stop at...Nipppax? Okay, sure, Nipppax, then it would go to Geob, from there to Awrosut before finally going to East City.

I hoped we got there by morning, but then I realized that meant sleeping. On a freaking train. Sure, it was a cool way to travel but the seats weren't exactly comfortable to say the least. I looked out the window with a sigh, folding the map back up. Denny was already starting to doze, his head occasionally bumping my shoulder as he struggled to stay awake. At least someone was going to sleep well that night.

It was dark outside by the time everyone was asleep, the cabin of the car illuminated only by a few dim electric lights and the stars. There was no moon out tonight, or at least no moon that I could see. Outside the window was just pure blackness, and the reflection of the lights inside didn't help.

Denny was gently snoring, becoming my big little brother of this world more and more with each passing second. Maria's head was slumped forward, but nothing besides her closed eyes indicated her unconsciousness. Hughes was sleeping on the table, splayed out on top of his paperwork. It seemed all that coffee had finally caught up to him. Armstrong slept like a soldier, his face stoic and his arms folded as he slept sitting straight were times when I looked to him and was convinced he was awake only to find is breathing slow and deep.

A passenger somewhere behind me was loudly snoring, another in front of me murmuring about financial worries. Even with the thunder of the train's mechanisms, the car was oddly quiet. The strangeness of the quiet unsettling, I laid down my own head, using my own bag as a pillow. Lucha crawled out as I put it on the table, curling up next to my head as I put my forehead against the rough fabric. I closed my eyes, awaiting the sweet abyss of sleep.

After what felt like a few minutes pass, I opened my eyes in frustration at my own inability to sleep and discovered an unnerving sight. It was day now, and though the train was still moving, no one was there. Lucha and my bag were missing, along with everyone else in the car. The unsettling silence from a moment ago had returned, but was now joined by a distant static, like that of a broken television.

I looked around, checking every seat for some sign of life, but found none. The train was still moving, and the cabin was well lit, but blackness encompassed the windows, seeming to bleed through the frame and infect the wood interior of the car.

"Where is everyone?" I breathed quietly, my own voice sounding far away and terrifyingly disembodied. I looked to the doors at either end of the car, each leading to another passenger car. Maybe there was an emergency of sorts and everyone had to move to another car? But if that was so, why was I left? Where did my bag and Lucha go?

"Sweetie!" I flinched at my father's panicked voice, the words strained and filled with terror. "Sweetie, get out of here!" If anyone could see me now, I probably looked insane. I looked back and forth between the two doors, unable to tell where the voice was coming from.

"Irish! Keep your knees up," A new voice joined the mix, Coach Lawless' normal criticism of my P.E. class performance. This voice definitely came from the doors behind me, but my father's voice still softly beckoned.

"Sis!" It was my little sister, Fionna's voice this time, coming from above me. "Sis, I want to be an astronaut! Can you build me a spaceship?" All of my siblings; Matt, Fionna, Mary, Aiden, Brian, and Lìadan started talking in chorus with the other voices, the cacophony of sound giving me a headache. Each was saying something different and vaguely familiar.

"Help!" A new voice screamed above them, all other sounds silencing at its shrill cry. It was my mother. I ran towards the back door, tugging at the doors. They seemed locked.

"Mom?" I asked, my breathing fast and my chest feeling hollow. "Mom? Mom!" I ran back to the doors at the front of the car, which swung open before I could touch them. McDougal's form blocked me from exiting the cabin. He wasn't smiling or frowning, just looking disappointed. The man said nothing as he stood there. McDougal was almost monochrome, his uniform grey, his skin white. His completely black eyes and hair were the only defining sources of color. He approached me slowly without taking a step, his feet not moving as he advanced.

A thousand 'nopes' ran through my head as I ran to the back doors that now opened to a hallway in the Central Command building. Not questioning the logic of the nightmare, I ran as fast as I could down the hallway with McDougal in silent pursuit. It diverged often, but I just ran straight ahead. It never seemed to end, and looking back the train car was now missing. Only McDougal's frowning, unchanging outline followed me.

I bolted down the next side hallway that came up, the ground giving way below me. I screamed as I fell, the air rushing through my hair and clothes as the white ground quickly approached. Sirens blared, the static from before now filling my head with its buzzing scream.

I awoke with a gasp, sitting up stiffly as I tried to calm down. When my eyes adjusted to the light streaming from the window I noticed that Denny and Maria were no longer beside me. The panic from the dream gripped me for a moment before I saw them standing and stretching after the long train ride. Hughes was picking up his papers, while Armstrong appeared to be asleep still. Noting my apparent alarm, Hughes shot me a concerned glance.

"Bad dream, Mac?" I shakily put the still sleeping Lucha into my bag, frustrated with myself for my temporary moment of hysteria.

"Yeah," I didn't care to further explain, too focused on getting off the dreaded locomotive in case the dream wasn't over yet and some new horror awaited me. I stumbled out onto the platform, dazed by the bright lights of the station. Rain pounded on the roof overhead, reminding me of my purpose here. I had little time to dwell on the dream - dreams were just regurgitated memories after all.

I quickly checked the time on the large clock on the wall. It was a little after 11:00, meaning the Elrics were probably at the Tucker's already. I was about to rush out of the station when Armstrong grabbed the back of my shirt, preventing me from sprinting to glorious, rainy freedom. I looked up at the taller man quizzically. I had forgotten Maria and Denny were my babysitters. The two finally emerged from the car, looking exhausted. And I was supposed to be the one having sleeping issues.

"Morning sunshine," I said jokingly, elbowing a sleepy Denny in the ribs. "Ready to go target hunting?" His response was mumbled complaint about coffee. Maria's half-awake ramblings were aligned with that sentiment. "Oh, gosh. You're all addicts. Fine, coffee shop first, then to-"

"Lieutenant Colonel Hughes!" A voice snapped to my left, interrupting my fantastic plan of action. He was smoking from the smell of it. Hughes saluted back at the man as he stepped off the train car, his luggage tucked under arm.

"Good to see you, Havoc." I looked from the bedraggled man to Hughes. This was Jean Havoc? He looked like he belonged in a bar, behind a bar, or at the pub; somewhere with booze and women, not in uniform. Contrary to the image he had in the show, real life Jean had a 9 o'clock shadow, but was all around either drunk or goofy looking depending of your point of view. Hughes clapped my shoulder, startling me from the disturbing image of this man driving one of the prehistoric cars around under the influence. "Mac, this is 2nd Lieutenant Jean Havoc. He'll be your chauffeur for the day." I glared at Hughes. I did not need more babysitters. I could take care of myself, more or less.

"Nice to meet you Mac-"

"Please call me Irish, and the pleasure's mine Havoc, just don't crash the car."

We ended up in one car, again. But this time Jean was driving and as much as I'd like to have faith in his driving skills, the occasional swerving due to the rain was not helping calm my fears.

"So, Hughes," I asked, having not gotten an answer from him the day before. "Why are you here in East City?"

"I told you, confidential. Mustang called me in for some business." I rolled my eyes and even sitting in front of me I could see his grin.

"Sure, whatever you say Maes," He now shot an injured glare at me that brought a smile to pull at my lips. "So, Havoc first order of business is…" I looked over Tucker's file for a moment, unable to recall the address. "44 Lockwood Drive. The Tucker estate please." Hughes and Havoc exchanged a brief and tense glance at one another. Silence enveloped the car, only broken by the rain's thundering outside. "Was it something I said?"

"Major Shou Tucker died last night," Havoc said grimly, "The Scarred Man killed him, and the chimera too." Hughes' eyes widening slightly before he murmured under his breath,

"The bastard got what he deserved, I guess." I looked back and forth between the two, then back at the confused Armstrong Trio behind me.

"What the hell did I miss?"

"Well Mac, all I can say is you're really damn good at predicting targets." Hughes said, rubbing his face in frustration. Well, I guess the moral dilemma had been temporarily put off until the next death in the series? Still, that meant I was in East City for nothing. I guessed I could visit the Elrics, but in case you hadn't noticed, I could barely deal with my own issues let alone the boatload of problems the Elrics would get themselves into.

"Who exactly is this girl Hughes?" Jean asked, looking back at me for a moment. I had to resist the urge to yell at him for taking his eyes off the road. Noticing that the usually excitable man was pretty distraught at the moment, I took it upon myself to introduce myself.

"Honorary Citizen Miss. Irish of Drachma. Nice to meet you Mr. Havoc, sir." I mock saluted, hoping he wouldn't look away from the road to see me. It was bad enough these 1914 cars had a stiff steering wheel and the roads were chocked full of people, I didn't need a distracted driver too. Well, the roads weren't very crowded now, with all the rain, but that just made it harder to see anyone who dared to go outside in this weather.

"Nice to meet you ma'am. Now tell me, how does a pretty little lady such as yourself get wrapped up with the military." Jean asked, his lit cigarette gradually filling the vehicle with smoke.

"She's only seventeen Havoc, don't get ahead of yourself." A disgruntled Maria said, reaching over me to flick the man's head. I forgot to mention there were no seatbelts, yet another hazard of the 1914s. If I survive the Promised Day I was so getting these people up to par with modern safety standards.

"Yeah, and it's a long story." I added in, subconsciously reaching for my necklace that brushed against the slowly fading bruise. Jean chuckled, like an older cousin Timothy chuckle that made you think they knew more than you did.

"We've got plenty of time." I sighed at his comment, looking out the window. Hughes hadn't said a word since the mention of the Tuckers' deaths, glaring out at the window as if angry with the rain.

"We all need some coffee first," I said, looking back at a tired Denny that Maria shoved away from herself as the man began to doze off again. "Know anywhere good?" Jean smiled, chomping down on the stub of his cigarette.

'The Cafe' read the sign above the quaint little shop. Not the most creative name, but at least it was pronounceable, unlike the names of the stops the train made. It was Maria who dozed off during our ride there, even though it was no more than ten minutes. We all hustled into the dinner, even Hughes shaken from his dejected state by the cold, pounding rain. Inside, a waiter began to lead our group to a table. When all was said and done, I had ordered coffee for everyone but myself and Havoc.

"So, mystery girl, what's your story?" Jean asked, his cigarette having been put out by the rain. He had been pretty peeved to learn that the small diner didn't allow smoking, but the man didn't complain.

"You first pretty boy." I retorted, not in the mood to retell this entire story from its beginning. Again. Jean laughed, hitting the table.

"See? You do find me attractive!" I glared at him, but knew it was all in good jest. He was just trying to get a rise out of me.

"You're girlfriend wouldn't be too happy to see you now, would she?" I responded with a sniff, smirking at his startled face.

"I never said I had a-"

"No, I was guessing. But, now I do know you have a girlfriend." Jean glared at me before giving a huff of amusement.

"You are one smart cookie. So, this is how you figured out Tucker was going to get the ax from Scar?" I shrugged, feeling an unwelcome blush come across my cheeks.

"No, it was more criminal psychology and plain common sense-" I stopped talking and, smiling, nodded a thank you to the waiter who brought four mugs and a pitcher of coffee. Though the one on one with someone who wasn't trying to question me too seriously was nice, I was feeling a little abandoned by the Armstrong Squad and Hughes, who were falling asleep in their seats. Were they that dependent on coffee, or did they sleep worse than I did last night?

"Still, how did you narrow it down to Tucker? East City?" Jean asked, calming down his energetic attitude the more conscious the quartet of coffee addicts became. Armstrong had gotten himself coffee, but he wasn't fighting to stay awake like the other three.

"Well, Scar would skip town after he let a witness go, and judging by his target demographic-"

"Woah, the guy actually let a witness go? Man, is he alright?" I let a small chortle of amusement get past my lips. Havoc was one of the first people to not mistake me for a guy on our first meeting, and I could see a beautiful friendship somewhere in the far, far, future. Maybe.

"Yeah, I'm good," Jean looked at me, confused for a moment. Sighing, I rolled my eyes. "I was the witness, Scar let me go." Unbelieving, Havoc turned from me to Armstrong, then back to me.

"Sure…" People either believed rumors about me, or believed nothing about me. I couldn't win, could I? Have a little faith Havoc!

"Ugh, think whatever you want Jean, it doesn't matter now…"

"No, no, you had another lead, right?" Hughes asked groggily, beginning to regain his ability to function after the long train ride and coffee withdrawal. Furrowing my brow, I nodded. But the lead wouldn't be the next target...Ed and Al would be!

If the Nina/Alexander chimera and Tucker had died last night, then this was the 'Rain of Sorrows' episode. My fingers twitched uncontrollably as I thought of the sequence of events. It had a jump to Liore where the homunculus started a bloody religious conflict, but after that I couldn't recall the next scene after Gluttony ate the priest who saw Envy change back to a palm tree from Father Cornello.

"Mac? You all up there Mac?" Jean snapped his fingers in front of my face as he said this, distracting me from my anxious thinking. I blinked a few times, feigning a startled expression.

"Sorry, did you say something?" Hughes ruffled my hair - for a moment I thought back to Gracia but quickly shook myself from the sad thought of being away from the 'normal' of this world. "Don't touch my hair Hughes." I hissed threateningly, looking to the others for an answer.

"We'll be going with the Lieutenant Colonel to the crime scene, you'll be with Havoc. We plan on meeting up here around dinner time if things go smoothly." I ran a hand through my hair, unintentionally pulling out a few white strands that I observed before tossing them onto the floor. This stress was starting to get to me.

"Oh, okay." It then occurred to me that I'd be spending the whole day with Jean Havoc - to some, that might have been a dream come true, to others, a living nightmare. For me, it was a mix between the two. Denny was looking at me as if I had just signed my own death sentence, which concerned me greatly.

"Sure you'll be okay Irish?" He asked, his bright green eyes alight with caffeinated coffee and worry. I snorted in laughter as we excused ourselves from our table and headed back to the metal deathtrap known in this time period as a 'car'.

"Whatever could go wrong will, but that's nothing new."

Masterlist

[closetofanxiety]

Show Reviews: Shine 43

It’s Night One of the Women’s Wrestling Tournament That Is Not The Mae Young Classic! Let’s take a look:

Sparkle Showcase Match: Kikyo vs. Lea Nox

These are traditionally the worst parts of Shine cards, but this one is honestly decent-verging-on-good. I don’t know anything about either wrestler and of course there’s no story or anything, but they both acquit themselves well. Rating: Two and a half Novas.

Priscilla Kelly vs. Veda Scott

This is the first round of the tournament to crown what is essentially the Shine TV Champion. Or the Intercontinental champ. Or the North American champ. The B champ, in other words. They want to put it on a young star, though, which means they’re going to put it on Priscilla Kelly, who in addition to being Gabe’s New Su Yung, is actually popular. This is an OK match.  A little clunky. Veda cuts a good promo beforehand, and Kelly looks good. She’s constantly doing stripper moves and licking her opponents, though, and it’s a bit much. She beats Veda with a submission hold and then gives her a hickey, which is Dangerously Edgy. Hold onto your dang values! This ride’s gonna get bumpy. Rating: Two and a half Novas.

Leah Vaughan vs. ACR

Leah Vaughan used to be Leah Von Dutch, the Dinosaur Hunter, and ACR used to be Amanda Carolina Rodriguez, the Other One in Las Sicarias. This is not a great match. Leah’s decent but ACR is pretty slow. There are some awkward moments here where things just start to kind of clatter to the floor. Leah wins with her submission hold. Rating: One and a half Novas.

Aja Perera vs. Stormie Lee

Not a lot of great chemistry here, although they both tried hard. Perera, who gets the win, in particular shows a lot of promise. My mind was really starting to wander by this point in the show. Rating: Two Novas.

Kiera Hogan vs. Shotzi Blackheart

This is more like it. Both of these wrestlers are good and have the room to get a lot better. This was my first time seeing Blackheart, and I was impressed. They both go really hard here, like two people competing in a championship tournament should. One or two moments are a little off timing-wise, but the crowd is hot for this and they work really well together. Hogan is aided by the ringside assistance of her fellow members of Shine’s umpteenth ephemeral heel stable, the (sigh) Cutie Pie Club. Rating: Three Novas.

Maria Maria vs. Brandi Lauren vs. Daisy vs. Dementia D’Rose vs. Natalia Marcova

This is not a tournament match, but a match to determine the number one contender to LuFisto’s Shine Actual Championship. It’s a mess, as these things tend to be, and Maria Maria wins. I ... don’t want to see Maria Maria get a title shot against LuFisto, who storms out from backstage and says Maria is “the greatest puta ever,” which, if you know your Spanish, is not a compliment. Maria hits a sick-looking stunner on Lufisto, literally knocking her out of her damn shoes, and WHOA OFF COMES THE MASK IT’S ALLYSIN KAY! I was legitimately surprised and legitimately jazzed. The AK-47 gets a shot at LuFisto at Shine 44. Rating: Two Novas for the match, four Novas for the post-match confrontation.

Aria Blake vs. Dynamite Didi

This was the best I’ve ever seen Aria Blake, and one of the best matches I’ve seen Didi have. The thing just devolved into a nasty slugfest with the two really lighting each other up with the hard strikes. It got really gritty, I loved it. Blake is usually playing the clueless sidekick purse patrol girl, so it was nice to see her come across like a savage, and ditto for Didi, who two often relies on her, ahem, assets as a hook to get fans interested. This seemed personal, and that was helped by the constant interference by the (sigh) Cutie Pie Club, which ultimately delivered the win to Blake. I don’t hate the interference here, because it makes the (sigh) Cutie Pie Club seem genuinely obnoxious, which is hard to pull off for heels. Rating: Three Novas.

Jordynne Grace vs. La Rosa Negra

Jordynne making her Shine debut, and in what’s the best match of the night so far by a wide margin. Rosa also looks great here, having to shelve her saucy dancing girl shtick and having to really focus on the ferocious challenge brought by the Last Pure Athlete. The story here is two big, strong wrestlers slugging it out, until Rosa realizes she can’t out-muscle Jordynne and so tries to use veteran craftiness to overcome the younger woman. Jordynne has the tools to be a big star, man. She gets the win when ACR comes out to distract her former Las Sicarias teammate. Wouldn’t be Shine without the many, many Shinefinishes. Rating: Three and a half Novas.

Candy Cartwright vs. Robyn Reid

This is not good. I don’t know anything about Robyn Reid, but Candy has not been impressive in anything I’ve seen her in. She’s the leader of the (sigh) Cutie Pie Club, but she doesn’t seem to have much in the way of ring skills and her promos aren’t great. She kind of just comes out and looks pouty and flips her hair. This is a bad wrestling match, if you’re curious to see what that looks like. Rating: One Nova.

Ivelisse vs. Holidead

This is the best match of the night, pitting arguably the best wrestler on the current Shine roster vs. a really talented up and comer. Both wrestlers work fantastically together, with Holidead relying on her superior strength and crazy weirdo power and Ivelisse on superior speed and technique. It’s a great, even matchup of wrestlers with styles that are different but compliment each other well. It’s a 20 minute match that feels like a 10 minute match. The crowd is not thrilled by the ending, which is a time limit draw, meaning both women are out of the tournament, giving Candy Cartwright a bye in the next round. The draw is enabled by the interference of the (sigh) Cutie Pie Club, and after the match Holidead and Ivelisse beat the holy hell out of Aria Blake while Kiera Hogan and Candy Cartwright watch, aghast. I mean ... you outnumber them? Maybe help your fellow Cutie Pie? No loyalty in the Cutie Pie Club, I guess. Rating: Four Novas.