#Golf Shoes Removable Spikes
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hangerhaven · 4 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Nike Lunar Men’s Command 2 'Black Max Orange' Golf Shoes Sneakers Size 10.
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squirls1025 · 6 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Adidas Beacon Spike Golf Shoes White Leather Women's 8.5 Adiwear Traxion.
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tsailii · 6 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Nike Lunarlon Flywire Golf Shoes.
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boboprincess · 7 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Ladies G/FORE Cap Toe Gallivanter Golf Shoes Snow/Vista Blue Size 8.5 NEW in BOX.
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degibusdesigns · 1 year ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Ecco Biom Natural Motion Golf Shoes EUR 38.
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mtaylorsalvador · 1 year ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Size 8.5 Mens - Jordan 12 Low Golf French Blue 2022 - Size 10 Womens.
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pxgblog · 1 year ago
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5 Tips for Flying with Your Favorite Set of Golf Clubs
Traveling with your golf club sets always feels a little daunting. Whether you’re just flying to visit family for the weekend and want to play a couple rounds with Dad or you’re traveling to Scotland for a tour of centuries-old courses, you want your clubs to arrive in perfect condition. There are plenty of ways you can make sure this happens. Here are five tips to help make flying with your clubs simple.
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Use a High-Quality Travel Bag
As perhaps the most important part of traveling with your custom golf clubs, your bag is the first line of defense between your clubs and the rigors of airline travel. You need a bag that’s lightweight, easy to carry, and capable of protecting your clubs all at the same time.
You’ve got two options: hard cases and soft cases.
If you choose a soft case, make sure it’s made from tough material like ballistic nylon fabric and uses straps to keep your clubs nice and snug. If you go for a hard case, it should still be easy to carry with plenty of room to fit all your favorite clubs.
Attach a Tag with Your Contact Information
We’ve all heard horror stories of airlines losing baggage. Whether it’s happened to you or someone you know, you want to make sure lost luggage doesn’t happen when you’re flying with your favorite set of clubs.
Attach a contact information tag to your travel case. For extra peace of mind, you can attach a second one to your golf bag itself. Write down your name, phone number, and address on the card. That way, airline workers will know who to call if your clubs end up misdirected during a layover.
Pack an Extra Sweatshirt or Towel with Your Clubs
Why would you pack an extra sweatshirt or towel with your clubs when you have a suitcase? Good question.
No matter how good your travel bag is, you can guarantee your clubs will experience some jostling in transit. Your clubs are going to shift and move. Fortunately, you can take steps to stop them from rattling around and hitting each other inside the bag.
If you have extra sweaters, towels, blankets, or other soft items, wrap them around your clubs. Stuff them in the gaps (only clothes you aren’t worried about wrinkling). It’s the equivalent of bubble wrap to make sure no damage occurs during the flight. It’s a super easy way to keep your clubs safe so they reach their destination in pristine condition.
Use a Packing Checklist to Remember Everything
The only thing worse than reaching your destination and realizing you forgot your toothbrush is unpacking your clubs and realizing you forgot your tees.
When you fly to your destination planning to golf, you want to pack everything you need. Write down a list of all the gear you use anytime you hit the links. Your golf shoes, glove, tees, balls, and a towel are must-haves. For longer trips, you’ll probably want to add your adjustment tool, groove cleaner, and maybe even replacement spikes for your golf shoes.
Double-check your list before leaving for the airport, and enjoy some peace of mind when you arrive.
Remove the Clubheads if You Can
Finally, if your clubheads are removable—most commonly drivers, hybrids, and woods—take them off and store them safely in another component of your bag. The connection between the shaft and clubhead is the spot most prone to breaking. By removing the clubheads, you’re keeping the entire club safer during the bag-handling process.
When you arrive at your destination, your clubs will be safe and ready for your first tee time.
About PXG
The right golf clubs can take your game to a whole new level. They help you play to your strengths and give you the best experience possible, from the tee box to the green. PXG makes high-quality clubs with the most advanced technology, custom fitted to each player, so every time you step up to the ball, you can swing with confidence. Whether you need hybrid golf clubs with extra forgiveness to cut down on slices or players irons with ultimate workability to put the ball right where you want it, PXG has you covered. Their clubs offer unmatched distance, feel, and durability. Plus, with custom fittings at the best golf store Houston, Chicago, and cities across the country have to offer, you get one-of-a-kind clubs perfect for you. You’ll be shaving strokes off your handicap in no time.
Find the best clubs for your next trip, plus great bags and traveling cases, at https://www.pxg.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/43vbTSq
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golflounge · 2 years ago
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A Short List of the Most Common Golfing Equipment
For a person to thoroughly enjoy any sport, it would be best for him to have the proper equipment. Golf is just one of those sports that require a person to know the different kinds of golfing equipment if a person wants to completely understand the game. Basics #1 - Golf Attire All the golf ranges have their own set of golf dress codes. A person cannot just enter a golf range with whatever attire and expect that he would be permitted to play. Though the dress code depends on the golf range, the universal set of golf attire is a clean collared polo shirt and golf pants. A golfer should avoid wearing jeans and cargo pants to the field. Rubber shoes are also not allowed inside, as they tend to ruin the grass. A good pair of golf shoes is highly recommended. Basics #2 - Golf Ball This golfing equipment is a small ball that is covered with dimples. This is typically white though there are also golf balls available in bright neon colors, to make it easier for the golfer to locate these. This is one of the golfing equipment that has strict regulations upon it. Golf balls are not allowed to be used until they have passed the test of approval by the R&A; and the US Golf Association. The two common types of golf balls are the recreational and the advanced. Basics #3 - Golf Club This is the golfing equipment used to hit the ball. In a regular game, the maximum number of clubs a person is allowed to carry is 14. It is important to know the different kinds of golf clubs as each type results in different flight distance and degree of loft. The basic kinds of clubs are putters, wedges, irons, woods, and the hybrid club.
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Optional #1 - Golf Tee This equipment is used to elevate the ball from the ground and provide an easier shot for the player. It is a tiny spike, which has a cup at the top where the ball is placed. It is pushed into the ground and can only be used at the start of the round. Optional #2 - Ball Marker This is the object used to mark the exact spot the ball landed, just in case the player has to temporarily remove the ball. Though players are not allowed to move their ball, there are still exceptions to the rule. One exception is when the ball lies directly on the putting line of the opponent and needs to be temporarily moved out of the way. Optional #2 - Golf Bag This is an elongated bag mainly for golf clubs storage. It is characterized by a number of pockets at the side for additional golf equipment compartments. There are different bags depending on how it would be carried. There are shoulder bags, two-wheeled cart bags, and bags for golf carts. There are a lot more golf equipment. A player does not need all of it. It would be best for him to identify the optional equipment that he would be actually using to help improve his game. For more information on golfing equipment and golf instruction online visit golf spielen hamburg
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progolfar · 4 years ago
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Many instruments are used for golf games, and as an expert, you should have an idea of everything; with adequate care of each instrument, today, we will discuss golf sues, and that is How to remove soft spikes from golf shoes? The details are explained below. https://www.facebook.com/progolfar/posts/113022300892121
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sandyyy0708-blog · 3 years ago
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because shoes pertaining to indoor baseball can be reduced lower
When your kids set with regards to their football clothing, how can you experience? Once i found my children in their brand new little league tops to the very first time, My partner and i thought a great inflammation in performing me. My own child looks her age enough to acquire associated with action. Our kid in order to get connected. My own child can obtain an art form that will allow her productive as well as fit during her lifetime. Our kid can make brand-new colleagues. But there's another puffiness: the fear and also stress I am regarding the woman's treasured, excellent small system. Can the girl be damaged? What kinds of things could so that you can your ex? Just how do the girl acquire all of this great things about taking part in a hobby your woman loves together with pals the girl enjoys without having to break, straining, as well as shredding your ex bones, muscles, and also structures?
 The initial qualifying criterion is actually, naturally, the value at so it is presented. For example, a young child in the Under-8 team will be merely removing using botas de futbol nike mercurial soccer shoes or perhaps huge amounts. In house shoes or boots may not make any difference up to are usually aiimed at resist a lot more impact on. Nevertheless, backyard shoes ought to do this as well as have a much better proper grip around the soil.
 Football magista pas cher referee cycling tops designed for these kinds of textile could successfully manage temp by simply taking wetness plus heat apart within your body. Because might be operating upon area of a great entire online game, putting on clothes that will go on an individual dried out and comfortable is important.
 A few) Solutions and products desire to kick your ball more, don't remain immediately concerning this. Instead, trim back whilst stopping supply the basketball far more elevation plus much more strength using the conquer.
 3rd, because shoes pertaining to indoor baseball can be reduced lower and flat-surfaced not like normal fitness center shoes or boots, wearing them while on an man-made playing surface can a person exhibit your skills whilst still keeping balance. Bear in mind, that you be capable of be capable of shape your current base accordingly as a way to enjoy essentially successful.
 A few people choose "harder" copa mundial blanche soccer golf balls, in particular those who'll utilize them when exercising reaching episodes. Should you be acquiring one to present as surprise to some younger child, think about choosing one that softer considering that kids generally have find the basic principles very first similar to appropriate proceeding and getting. It is better in the event the basketball they like is really a lot smoother. Baseball coaches would likely suggest you obtain certain is created using Faux wood unpleasant.
 When the sport is actually performed outdoors, the spikes possess studs assist get yourself a specific proper grip on the terrain when depleted there. When you find yourself inside of, these cozy shoes don't get studs. They are generally level plastic over a lone and they are padding within to aid your mid-foot ( arch ) one of the ft. Bear in mind made of natural leather due to the fact substance forms around the foot as well as permits no cost activity.
 Nike as well as Adidas include the most common look in regards to the feet associated with gamers above earth's best clubs. The most suitable can work Adidas Predator; this is the somewhat weighty option that is great pertaining to gamers whom have to have for you to reach your soccer ball weighty. For the light quicker alternative then go for that hottest Nike patterns.
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squirls1025 · 7 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Adidas Beacon Spike Golf Shoes White Leather Women's 8.5 Adiwear Traxion.
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tsailii · 6 months ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Nike Lunarlon Flywire Golf Shoes.
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kitklehm · 5 years ago
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kit klehm Growing Veggies And Fruit Organically: Tips And Tricks
kit klehm Most excellent service provider. Well, now is the perfect time. You may have tons of questions about how you should get started and what should be done first, but don't worry, the tips here can help. Below are several gardening tips and techniques that you can implement immediately to be a more effective and successful gardener.
Remember to aerate your soil. If you loosen or puncture the soil, it will increase air permeability and water penetration. Aerating can be as simple as turning the soil over with a trowel, or in the case of lawns, making small holes in the grass. This can be done with an aerating machine, a garden fork, or even by walking on the grass wearing a pair of spiked golf shoes. This brings oxygen into the roots and promotes healthy new growth.
kit klehm Top service provider. Pick your fruits and vegetables first thing in the morning. A morning harvest will ensure that your produce is holding the maximum amount of moisture. Also, if you pick in the morning, this will give you a chance to eat those items that day, when they are their peak of freshness.
For planting spring bulbs in the winter, decide where you want them to go and dig individual planting holes at the correct spacing. Place some small four inch plastic pots inside the holes with the rims slightly exposed and fill with soil. When spring comes, planting the bulbs is a breeze. Just remove the pots and place the bulbs in the empty hole. Fill the hole with the soil that was in the pot.
If you want your garden to be successful, focus on your soil. In order to protect your plants from unwanted pests, it is essential to have healthy soil. It will nourish your vegetation and help them grow into strong plants that are able to fight off disease and damage from bugs.
Set your mower blades higher, so you don't cut the grass too short. Keeping grass with a little more height makes it healthier. This allows the roots to grow more deeply and makes the blades of grass more resistant to becoming dry and discolored. If the grass is too short that will lead to shallow roots, which will cause a brown and dried-out lawn.
Easily dry herbs using your car. Your car is the perfect place to dry herbs, providing a safe, dry, and warm location. Simply place some newspaper or other protection on a car seat, and arrange the herbs in a single, even layer. Make sure the windows are rolled up, and close up the car. Your herbs will be dry and ready to store. Length of time will depend on the temperature, but can be as little as an hour or two. As a bonus, your car will smell wonderful!
A wonderful treat for your indoor houseplants is to take them outside periodically and let them bask in the glory of a summer rainstorm. You will be treating them to higher humidity and longer hours of daylight that far surpasses the stale conditions they may be getting indoors! You will want to minimize too much direct sunlight and make sure your plant containers have good drainage holes so that extra rainwater doesn't collect to cause root rot. Some quality time in the outdoors will pay off with lush, healthy plants year-round!
For those new to gardening it is suggested to experiment with annuals. The following varieties are hardy, thrive in average soil, and take minimum care: sweet alyssum, marigold, zinnia, sunflower, nasturtium, petunia and verbena. Just remember to deadhead them frequently to encourage new flowers to grow.
kit klehm Expert tips provider. You need to remember to drink plenty of water while you are gardening. Many people forget to keep up with their water intake because they do not think that they are doing a strenuous activity. Gardening may not always be strenuous but extended exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration and drinking plenty of water is one way to prevent it.
If you are gardening with a cut, make sure that you adequately protect it from dirt and chemicals. If you have an open cut while gardening, contact with dirt or debris can infect the wound. The key is to use bandages capable of covering cuts in their entirety.
Start your organic garden with a good strategic plan. This helps you know exactly where each plant will go in your garden so that you can maximize the few hours you have to garden each day. As part of your plan, take notes on what plants you will use to replace short-lived crops such as spinach and lettuce.
You should organize your garden and plan everything. Do not buy seeds if you do not know where you will plant them. You need to plan on the long term for certain plants, and on the very short term for short-lived plants that will need to be replaced very quickly.
Fertilize your soil with organic compost. Organic gardeners tend to fertilize their soil twice in one season: once prior to planting, and then again in the middle of a growth cycle. The best fertilizer to use is an organic compost, as it releases nutrients slowly unlike chemical fertilizers, which release nutrients in one go and then lose their effect.
kit klehm Top service provider. Composting is a great way to fuel your garden. You can add pretty much anything, like grass clippings, shredded paper, coffee grounds, and much more. Basically, you can use anything that was living at one time (but try to avoid animal products). If you buy some worms and keep the compost bin in a warm, sunny place it will turn into perfectly dark and rich soil in no time.
Now that you have read this article, you are better prepared than ever before in the field of gardening. You may have thought you were already set to start, but you're in an even better place now! These tips should help get you going in the right direction so that your garden is extremely successful.
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degibusdesigns · 2 years ago
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Ecco Biom yakNatural Motion Golf Shoes EUR 45.
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jekkiefan · 6 years ago
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A Wound to Heal
A commission for @wombatking
Fandom: Gravity Falls
Word count: 5,017
Ship: Mabifica
Summery: Mabel and Dipper are spending their second summer in Gravity falls. Both Mabel and Pacifica are excited to see each other in person again, and it seems like nothing could ruin this perfect season. That is until Mabel brakes her ankle.
The school year was finally over. Ten months of lectures, bullies, and homework… lots of homework. All of it could be left in the past of the colder months. Now the mystery twins looked forward to spending their summer in the sleepy town of Gravity Falls. Or at least that’s what they thought a year ago. This summer the twins knew of the towns secrets and weirdness.
Dipper, equipped with the journal Mabel have given him, planed on uncovering more of the town’s mysteries. Meanwhile Mabel could hardly contain her excitement. Not only would she get to see her two BFFs, but she’d get to see Pacifica!
During the school year the girls had been texting each other. At first they talked about school, hobbies, daily life, and such. But after a while Mabel began showing off her new sweaters, and in turn Pacifica would send her pictures of her new jewelry. Eventually Pacifica would sometimes get a midnight text from Mabel asking questions like “If I spin fast enough with my arms out, will I fly like a helicopter?” or “Do you think it hurts the characters when I close a book too fast?” Talking to each other quickly became highlights of their day. And when they weren’t talking, they thought about one another. Mabel would often find herself wondering what Pacifica would think of her outfits. Likewise Pacifica would see a baby animal, and wonder what Mabel would name it.
And now they would finally see each other in person again! As soon as Mabel passed the Gravity Falls sign, she took a picture and sent it to Pacifica.
Mabel: Almost there!!! :D
Mabel: Can we hang out today?
She looked out the window of the bus, and watched the trees go by in a green blur. Waddles snorted sleepily as she pet his head. Then Mabel heard the phone ping.
Pacifica: No, I’m at a golf tournament right now. How about tomorrow?
Mabel sent a picture of a cat giving a thumbs-up, and smiled. This is going to be the best summer ever, she thought.
Until…
“Ow!” Mabel cried as she clutched her ankle.
An uncaught Frisbee fell as Dipper ran to his sister’s aid. “Are you okay?”
Tears began to pool over her cheeks as she shook her head. Through her watery vision she saw that the culprit was an un-seen gopher hole. She then looked to her bruised and swelling ankle as Dipper called for help.
One night in the hospital, then Mabel was back at the shack. Only this time a pink cast was attached to her foot, with orders that she was to keep it on for two months. Two months! That was all of summer!
Mabel sat in the TV room, orange juice in hand, uninterested in the show that flashed on the screen. Her foot itched and felt like it had a rock tied to it. Not to mention that her armpits hurt from using her crutches. She took a drink from her cup then frowned at her cast.
Dipper sauntered in and sat on the dino-skull. “Whatcha watching?”
Mabel looked up at the screen to see… sports? But with fire?
“Hmm,” Dipper pondered. “What’s the goal in death-ball? To not die?” He chuckled a bit at his own poor joke.
Mabel watched as Toby Determined ran across a field with a flaming, spiked bat. Then she glared at her cast with a sigh.
Dipper took note of this. “Pretty cool that they gave you a pink cast, right?”
His sister shrugged, “Yeah, I guess. But now my entire summer is ruined!”
“Don’t you think you’re over exaggerating?”
“Maybe,” Mabel pondered. She looked out the window, and saw a gnome dash into the bushes. What was she doing? Sitting inside when she could be out having an adventure. She needed to do something to get her out of this funk. “Ugh! You’re right.” Mabel stood up and leaned on her good leg.
“That’s the spirit, Mabel!” Then with a worried look, “Do you need your crutches?”
Mabel plopped back down on the recliner, and held her now sore ankle. “Yes, please.”
A few moments later Mabel was outside trying to figure out how to play hopscotch with crutches. After an hour of hopping and then falling, she gave up and tried dancing with Waddles. This proved slightly more fun, but only because for a second it looked like Waddles was waltzing. Then Mabel thought about doing cartwheels, but felt it best not to try. With head hung low, Mabel walked back inside to the TV room. There she watched the Why You Ackin’ So Cray-cray marathon until she heard a knock at the door.
“I got it!” Dipper called from the stairs.
When he opened the door, much to his surprise, Pacifica was there. She was dressed nice, maybe a touch nicer than usual. Then again Dipper wasn’t sure what “nicer” clothes looked like for a rich person.
“Is Mabel here?” She said.
“Sure, but...” Dipper thought of his sister still moping on the recliner.
Pacifica narrowed her eyes, “But what?”
“Well, Mabel’s really put out…” He thought about telling her to come back another time. “She told you what happened, right?”
“Yeah, she sent me a text yesterday. But she said we could still hang out.” Pacifica shifted her weight and put her hand on her hip.
“Come in, but Mabel might not want to do anything today. And I’m not sure what to do for her.” Suddenly a spark of an idea came to him. “But maybe you do!”
Pacifica stopped mid-walk and turned to Dipper. “Me?”
“Yeah! Mabel was super excited to see you. It was all she talked about on the bus here.”
Pacifica felt her face grow warm. “What can I do? Just hang out with her?”
“Yeah, just make sure she’s happy.”
Pacifica tried to think of how to help Mabel, but her mind went blank. She didn’t know how to make sweaters and scrapbooks like Mabel. Pacifica wasn’t that into crafts… wait “Hey, did Mabel bring her craft stuff?”
Dipper smirked, “This is Mabel we’re talking about.”
Pacifica looked to a bit of dirt on her shoe. “Well, I’m going to go decorate her cast.”
“She’ll love that!”
“And you go do something about those holes in the yard.” Pacifica pointed out the window, “I almost tripped.”
Dipper looked and saw that the lawn was now filled with gopher holes. “Where did they all come from?” He felt his journal in his jacket as curiosity filled his mind. “Hmm, seems like a mystery.”
“Okay, so where’s Mabel’s craft stuff?” Pacifica crossed her arms.
“Upstairs on her bed,” said Dipper not removing his gaze from the lawn.
The two parted their ways. Pacifica went up the stairs while Dipper walked outside with journal in hand. A few minutes later Pacifica was holding a big, pink bag of yarn, glue, glitter, flowers, and just about everything craft related. Objects shifted and clonked in the bag as she walked to the TV room. There she saw Mabel slumped over the arm of the recliner. Pacifica’s heart dropped at the sight. She had to make her happy again. She can’t have this sadness defeat her.
“Hey, Mabel,” Pacifica said setting down the bag.
Mabel looked up. Her eyes brightened a little. “Pacifica! What are you doing here?”
“We planed on hanging out today. Remember?” Pacifica sat down on the floor next to her.
“Oh, right.” Mabel then noticed her craft bag. “Why did you bring that down here?”
“To decorate your cast.”
Mabel turned starry-eyed. “Really!? With you!?”
Pacifica looked to the plain pink cast. “I’m surprised you haven’t decorated it yourself yet.” She then opened the bag, “So what do you want to do first?”
Mabel sat herself on the floor, and eagerly pulled out the bag’s contents. A bezazzler, stickers, glitter glue, markers, and just about everything else that one could consider crafty. Then she pulled out some blue and purple ribbon. “What about this?”
Pacifica looked at the ribbons then to the pink cast. “If you put it around the top, like a trim, that wouldn’t look half bad.”
Mabel reached in her bag and pulled out a hot glue gun, which was decorated with stickers. “Plug this in for me.”
Pacifica curiously held the device in her hand. After plugging it in, she turned around to find Mabel looking through rhinestones and fake flowers. “What about the ribbon?” Pacifica asked.
The other girl looked at Pacifica with confusion, “The glue needs to heat up first.”
“That’s how they work?”
Mabel chuckled. “It’s called a hot glue gun for a reason.” She glanced at the other objects around her. “Oh! Look!” Mabel grabbed a sticker and showed it to Pacifica.
Pacifica leaned in, and saw that the sticker depicted a giraffe saying ‘Reach for the Stars!!!’ while holding a star in it’s mouth.
Mabel place the sticker on her cast. “What flowers and jewels do you think would go with the cast?”
With a keen eye Pacifica looked at the flowers. There were pinkish ones with a yellow middles that looked nice. When it came to the rhinestones she thought that it would be best to pick ones that matched the ribbon and flowers.
Peering over Pacifica’s shoulder, Mabel gasped, “Pacifica! That looks great!”
Pacifica’s hands froze. “Uh, thanks. Anyway, how do you want them on your cast?”
Mabel looked at the pink plaster that surrounded her ankle. “Hmm… flowers. Oh! The jewels can look like stems!”
Pacifica nodded in agreement.
Mabel grabbed the bezazzler, “Let’s put the jewels on!”
“Uh, Mabel,” Pacifica said in a worried tone, “maybe we can just glue the rhinestones on.”
“Yeah,” Mabel looked at the bezazzler skeptically, “it did kinda hurt when I bezazzled my face.”
“You what?”
“Oh nothing. Hey, I think the glue gun is hot now,” Mabel pointed over to the device. A small blob of glue was now stuck to the carpet.
Pacifica pick it up and saw the glue, “Should we be worried about this?”
Mabel waved her hand, “Pfft, no, it’s fine.” Once handed the glue gun, she got right to work on the ribbon.
Pacifica helped hold the fabric in place as the glue dried. As well as help with tying a cute bow on the back for Mabel. After the bow came the flower design. Pacifica handed Mabel the rhinestones and flowers so the latter could glue them on. A few times Mabel burnt her finger on the hot glue, but assured Pacifica that she was fine.
“Done!” Mabel declared. She then turned to Pacifica, “What do you think?”
Pacifica looked at the floral design and smiled. “The rhinestones look pretty good for being plastic.”
Mabel seemed dissatisfied. “Hmm, it’s missing something.” She rubbed her chin in thought, then snapped her fingers. Mabel reached down and grabbed a marker. “Sign my cast.”
“What?” Pacifica felt her face grow warm again. She took the marker in hand, and carefully signed her name on the side of the hot pink cast. When she was finished Pacifica surveyed the pile of craft stuff, then glanced to Mabel.
“What is it?” Mabel asked.
She felt herself smile as she said, “Maybe we can complete the look.”
It took a moment for Mabel to process what was just said. Then her eyes got wide and she gasped with joy, “A makeover!”
If only Dipper was having as much fun as his twin was. He’d been spending his afternoon following the trail of gopher holes. A trail that started at the shack and led into the surrounding forest. Many a time Dipper stumbled on the holes and almost met the same fate as his sister. Suddenly the trees gave way, and Dipper was surrounded by gopher holes.
“Whoa.” He stood still, afraid that if he took a step further the hole-filled ground would collapse. “No normal gopher could do this.” Dipper took out his journal and began writing down his discovery. After writing he surveyed the clearing once more, and found another trail of holes. He would have followed it had it not been for the fading light, and his lack of a flashlight. Dipper made note to visit the clearing later. He then headed back to the shack.
Once he arrived, Dipper opened the door to the smell of… oatmeal? He turned to the TV room and saw it littered with craft supplies, dresses, and beauty products. In the middle of it all was Mabel and Pacifica. Mabel was wearing her pink and yellow flower dress. Meanwhile Pacifica was wearing Mabel’s old robin-egg blue dress with a matching blue ribbon in her hair.
Mabel turned to her twin. “Hey, Dipper! Pacifica and I are having a makeover.”
Dipper lightly kicked some sparkly fabric that was on the floor. “I see. Why does it smell like oatmeal in here?”
Pacifica held up a bowl. “It was for our face masks.”
“Do you want one too?” Mabel grinned.
Dipper took a defensive step back. “What? No, I don’t want oatmeal on my face.”
“Come ooon, Dipper!” Mabel teased.
“Nope,” He said backing out of the room, “I’m just gonna anywhere that not here.” And with that he left the room.
“But Dipper!” Mabel giggled. She stood up to chase her brother, but quickly met the floor with a thud.
“Mabel!” Pacifica ran to her side.
Mabel sat up and sadly looked to her cast.
“Are you okay?” Pacifica said, her voice filled with concern.
Mabel brought her knees to her chest. “No,” her voice mousy.
Unsure what to do, Pacifica sat down next to her. There was a long moment of silence. Pacifica felt helpless to the situation. She sensed the waves of sadness coming from Mabel’s curled form. There had to be something she could do. She couldn’t let the sadness win. Pacifica saw how Mabel’s long hair covered most of her body like a cocoa-colored blanket, and got an idea.  “Hey, do you want me to braid your hair?”
Mabel sniffed and rubbed her eyes. “Okay.”
“I think a side braid would look good with this dress.”
“Yeah, but nobody will be able to see it because I can’t walk anywhere.”
“What about your crutches?”
Mabel sniffed again, “But they hurt my armpits.”
Pacifica felt her heart ache. What could she do? Mabel was usually so bubbly, but now she looked so broken. Pacifica handed her a pillow.
Mabel looked up. Then took the pillow, and buried her face in it. “Thanks.”
Pacifica pulled back Mabel’s hair when another idea came to her. “I thought you’d like crutches.”
“Huh?” Mabel responded with curiosity.
“Wouldn’t it be like a personal swing?” Pacifica took out a hairbrush, then began working out the small tangles in Mabel’s hair.
Mabel sat up a little. “I didn’t think about that.” She rested her head back down on the pillow.
As Pacifica quietly brushed her hair, Mabel began thinking about how much faster she could be with her crutches. All that could be heard was the soft shushing of the brush that lulled Mabel into a half-sleep. Pacifica felt the smooth strands slip through her hands as she began braiding Mabel’s hair. The calmness that filled the air made Pacifica want to sleep too. A few minutes later, the braid was finished.
“Hey, Pacifica?” Mabel mumbled.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for doing this.”
Pacifica’s heart skipped a beat at the kind remark. “It-it’s nothing.”
Mabel looked to her and saw her pink cheeks, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just happy to see you in person again.” Pacifica wanted to say more. She wanted to tell Mabel about this weird but nice feeling in her heart. The feeling had begun not long after school started. Pacifica opened her mouth to speak, “Hey, Mabel?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to-” her voice caught in her throat. “Do you want me to come back next week?”
A soft blush covered Mabel’s cheeks, “Sounds great!”
Pacifica stood up and surveyed the mess around them. “Do you need help with...” she gestured to the pile of crafts and makeup.
“Don’t you need to go soon?”
Pacifica thought of her parents, but then saw Mabel. “I can spare a few minutes.”
With that said the two of them shoved the ribbons, rhinestones, glue sticks, and more back in the bag. After putting away the dresses and makeup, Pacifica said her farewell and left.
Leaving Mabel alone in the TV room.
The next week seemed to go by agonizingly slow for both girls. Both felt trapped in their own house. Pacifica by her parents, and Mabel by her cast. Dipper tried his best to make Mabel feel better. He usually got a smile out of her, but as soon as he left the room, Mabel became melancholy once more.
One day Dipper took her to the park. Mabel sat on the bench watching the other kids play tag. Dipper had been sitting with her, but had decided to walk around. Mabel tried to keep her mind busy. She thought about what she and Pacifica could do when she visits in a few days. Mabel wanted to see her sooner, but Pacifica sent a text saying that her parents are having a dinner party. Maybe they could have a dinner party. But not like the boring ones Pacifica’s parents have. They could have a breakfast for dinner party! Everyone loves breakfast for dinner, Mabel reasoned. So Pacifica will love it! What breakfast foods does Pacifica like?
Mabel pondered Pacifica’s likes and dislikes. The she remembered how Pacifica smiled when they decorated her cast. How rosy her face was…
Wait.
Now that she thought about it, had Pacifica been blushing. Mabel felt her face grow warm. Containing a happy squeal, she threw her head over the bench, and looked up at the tree above her. A bird flew off the tree, causing a leaf to fall.
Mabel sat up and saw Dipper standing in front of her. “Hey,” Mabel said.
“There’s a slide on the other side of the jungle gym.” Dipper said with a smile.
Mabel looked out, thinking of climbing up the ladder. She sighed, “I’m not in the mood.”
“Do you wanna go to the shack?”
Mabel nodded.
Dipper handed her the crutches, and soon the two left the park.
When Saturday finally came, Mabel had everything ready. A new box of her favorite cereal, two cartons of eggs, all the bacon a person could ever want, and most importantly pancake mix and a newly cleaned waffle maker. Just when the last bottle of syrup was set out, Dipper came dashing through the kitchen.
“Where are you going?” Mabel asked.
Dipper stopped and excitingly turned to his sister. “Yesterday I discovered that the gopher holes all lead to the bunker. And I was thinking ‘wasn’t there something about a mole-man in the third journal?’ But I just remembered that Grunkel Ford found a mole-man skeleton in there! So I’m going to go find it!”
Excitement filled Mabel’s heart. But then she remembered her ankle. There was no way she could go on a mystery adventure in her state. She’d just slow everyone down. “Well, have fun,” she said with a forced smile.
Dipper noticed the change in his sister’s mood. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” she lied. “You go on your adventure.”
Dipper didn’t believe a word of it. But he decided not to press the issue too much. “Well, I’ll keep you updated.” He handed her a walkie-talkie. “Have fun with Pacifica.” Dipper gave Mabel a quick side hug and was off.
Not long after Mabel heard a knock at the door. Swinging her good leg between her crutches, Mabel dashed to the door. She opened it, and saw Pacifica standing there fixing her new skirt.
“How was the dinner party?” Mabel asked.
Pacifica rubbed her forehead and groaned. “Boring as always.” Then she turned to Mabel, “But how was your week?”
Mabel shrugged and avoided Pacifica’s eyes, “Boring as always.”
Pacifica crossed her arms. “What happened?” She looked around and noticed Dipper’s absence. “Where’s your brother?”
With a sigh Mabel replied, “Nothing. He went out on an adventure thing.”
Pacifica saw Mabel saddened face. She had to do something to make her happy. Pacifica decided to change the subject. “So you’re having a breakfast for dinner party?”
Mabel immediately perked up. “Yeah! I got everything set out.” She began walking into the kitchen, and Pacifica followed.
“Um,” Pacifica stuttered once she saw that every raised surface was covered in various foods. “How much food are we making?”
“As much as you want!” Mabel declared.
Pacifica surveyed the area, and spotted the waffle maker. “What’s that?”
Mabel gasped. “You don’t know what a waffle maker is!?”
Pacifica walked to the device and opened it. “How does it make waffles?”
“Well,” Mabel said pulling out a box of pancake mix, “you follow these instruction, pour the mix in here, smoosh it, and voila! A waffle!”
Pacifica looked at the box. “It says ‘pancake mix.’”
“The shape is what makes the waffle,” Mabel said setting down the box.
Suddenly Dipper’s staticky voice came through the walkie-talkie. “Dipper to Mabel. Dipper to Mabel. Can you hear me?”
Mabel grabbed the walkie-talkie from the table. “Mabel to Dippingsauce. I hear you loud and clear.”
“Is Pacifica there yet?” came his response.
Mabel tilted her head in confusion. “Yeah, we were just about to make waffles.”
“Good, she can help.”
Pacifica leaned in. “Help with what?”
There was obvious excitement in his voice, “Just come to the bunker. Over and out!” And with that said Dipper signed out.
“The bunker?” Pacifica questioned.
Mabel was shaking with enthusiasm. “It’s a mystery adventure! Can you help me climb down into the bunker?”
Pacifica smiled. Even if she wanted to, there was now way she could say no.
As they approached the hole a pebble was kicked away and fell. The echoing plunks faded, and ended with a clank. Mabel looked to the old wooden stairs, then to her crutches. Pacifica glanced at the dirty cobwebs and shivered. Then she looked to Mabel’s curious eyes. Pacifica opened her mouth to speak, but Mabel dropped her crutches and hopped onto the first step.
“Mabel!” Pacifica grabbed her arm.
Mabel teetered until she got her balance. She glanced at the stairs again, “Maybe I shouldn’t do that.”
“Don’t do that! Let me help,” Pacifica said putting one foot on the step.
Together they walked down the creaky wooden stairs. Pacifica lead with careful steps. Each wooden step creaked under the pressure, filling the area with an eerie echo. Pacifica held tight onto Mabel, making sure she didn’t fall. Every now and then she’s think about how close they were. She’d give a slight smile. But then the black abyss they were descending into quickly brought Pacifica’s attention back to walking. Finally they reached the bottom. Pacifica gazed at all the steps she and Mabel just journeyed down.
“That wasn’t too bad,” Mabel grinned.
Pacifica dusted off some cobwebs off of her skirt. “Yeah. Let’s just go see what your brother found.”
Mabel hopped to a large tunnel, pulling Pacifica along. “C’mon, the bunker is this way. Hopefully Dipper tripped all the boobie-traps for us.”
“The what!”
“Let’s go!” Mabel hopped into the tunnel with Pacifica close behind.
Once inside Pacifica noticed that she and Mabel were in what looked like an old bedroom. In one of the walls was a large un-man-made hole. And there was Dipper, examining his discovery.
Dipper turned to them. “Great! You made it.”
Mabel looked at the tunnel, “What did that?”
“I think my theory is right. It’s the mole-man I talked about.”
“A mole-man?” Mabel chimed in, “shouldn’t we call up a group of superheros?”
Pacifica peered into the tunnel. “So what are we going to do?”
“Meet him of course! Let’s go!” Mabel called as she started to crawl into the hole.
“Mabel!” Dipper yelled. “Your ankle!” then he started to crawl in after her.
Pacifica looked down at her nice clothes, but narrowed her brows and followed. It was a very long and dark tunnel. Not being able to see was really getting to Pacifica. Was that her hair that brushed past her face, or a bug. Honestly she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. But it wasn’t long until she found the rest of the team.
“Hey, Dipper,” Mabel called, “I see two different tunnels.”
“How can you see anything in this pit?” Pacifica said.
Pacifica heard some distant cracking followed by Mabel saying, “Here!”
There was a silence, until Pacifica saw a purple glow coming towards her. As her eyes adjusted, Pacifica saw that it was a glow stick necklace. She put it on, and noticed that she could actually see.
“Now,” Mabel said, “which way do I go?”
“Uh...” Dipper stammered.
“Left,” Pacifica called.
“To the left!” Mabel declared.
Soon the trio was back to their adventure. Making rights and lefts, downs and ups. Dipper became worried that Mabel’s directing would get them lost. However they eventually reached a stop.
“You guys!” Mabel said. “I think I found a cave!” There was some shuffling followed by a plop. “Ow.”
“You okay?” Pacifica and Dipper called.
“Yeah, come in here!”
Dipper and Pacifica made their way forward into the dark and spacious cavern. Mabel was sitting down with a pink glow necklace. Pacifica was quick to her side, and helped her up. Dipper took off his blue necklace, and used it to examine the rest of the cave.
“How far down are we?” Pacifica wondered out loud.
Dipper knocked on the wall. “Hard to say.” His curiosity grew, so he went off to inspect the rest of the cave.
Mabel gasped quietly, “Pacifica! Your skirt is torn.”
Pacifica looked down to see her nice skirt, the skirt her parents just bought, torn. She thought of coming home looking like she did. And of how disappointed they would be.
“It’s okay,” Mabel smiled. “I can sew it when we get back to the shack.”
Pacifica looked down at Mabel’s cast, then to her skirt. No, this is all wrong. Mabel’s hurt, she shouldn’t be... Pacifica became lost in her thoughts.
“Pacifica?”
She looked up to see Mabel’s worried face. “What’s wrong?” Mabel said putting a hand on Pacifica’s shoulder.
“Mabel” Pacifica said with self frustration in her voice, “I’m fine. You’re the one with a broken ankle.”
Mabel made a face. “But your feeling look broken.”
Pacifica couldn’t help but smirk at that. But it was quickly covered up by her internal frustration. “I’m worried about what my parents will think-- But that’s stupid. You’re the one with a broken ankle.”
Mabel tried to look into Pacifica’s downcast eyes. There was confusion and irritation in her eyes. “You problems are real too.”
“No, I’m supposed to be cheering you up.” Pacifica couldn’t let Mabel’s sadness win.
“You’ve been trying to make me happy?”
Pacifica sighed. “Yeah, I tried to do things to make you happy. But now you’re the one trying to make me feel better.”
A quiet chuckle came from Mabel’s smiling mouth.
“What’s so funny? I’m trying to be a better person,” Pacifica said feeling offended. “Why are you laughing?”
Mabel shook her head. “No it’s just...” she looked at Pacifica with twinkling eyes, “I am happy.” In one fluid motion Mabel wrapped her arms around Pacifica. “You helped me go on an adventure, and you were there for me.”
Pacifica felt her heart beat next to Mabel’s. She accepted the hug by holding her close as well.
“Thank you,” came Mabel’s muffled voice from Pacifica’s shoulder.
Pacifica hid her blushing face in Mabel’s hair. “It’s nothing.”
Then an echoing scream pierced the air.
Dipper came running into view. “I found the mole-man!” Behind him a giant man-like creature with large teeth crawled towards them.
“Run!” Pacifica yelled. She dashed into the tunnel, Dipper and Mabel close behind her. Leading the group, Pacifica crawled away. Suddenly the tunnel forked. “Which way!?”
“Any way!” the twins yelled.
Pacifica took a right which sent her sliding down headfirst. Roots and rocks hit her face. At the bottom she caught herself, only to have Mabel and Dipper come crashing in.
“You okay, Mabel?” Pacifica called.
“Yeah,” she said spiting out dirt, “just go!”
The mole-man’s roar echoed throughout the tunnels. Pacifica dashed into another passage. Making lefts and rights and ups until she finally began to see light. Her hand met fresh grass as she pulled herself into the sunlight.
“A little help!” Mabel said from the tunnel.
Pacifica grabbed Mabel’s arm, and pulled her up. Dipper followed soon after, coughing up dirt as he did so. He looked around, and spotted the bunker’s metal tree. They had come full circle.
“We made it!” Mabel declared.
The corners of Pacifica’s mouth turned up, “That was kinda… fun.” She turned to Mabel, “Do you need help walking back?”
“Yeah,” Mabel turned around as if looking for something. “I thought I left my crutches somewhere around here.”
Dipper walked up to Mabel and Pacifica, holding the crutches. “Found them.”
“Thanks, Bro-bro.”
“I’m gonna close up the bunker,” he said pointing to the tree.
“Meet you at the shack,” Mabel replied. Using her crutches, Mabel stood with a smile on her face. “Hey,” she said to Pacifica, “when we get back to the shack, I’ll fix your skirt for you.”
Pacifica looked down to her torn skirt, then to Mabel. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Words wanted to be said. But how could she say them? How would she start? “Hey, Mabel?” Pacifica’s mouth said before she was ready.
“Yeah?”
“I was thinking that--” Pacifica stuttered.
“Thinking about what?” Mabel questioned. After observing Pacifica’s pink face, it didn’t take long for Mabel to know what was up.
“That,” Pacifica continued, “we should hang out again.”
Mabel smiled, “Of course we can, silly!” She gave Pacifica another hug. “It’s a date!”
Pacifica looked to Mabel’s grinning face. “Yeah…
“it’s a date.”
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inklingleesquidly · 6 years ago
Text
Zap Recap
Chapter 1
Lee Squidly is taking a bold new step in his life. He's starting his first job and what luck that he got employment at Hikaru Electric.His job caring for the prized herd of Zapfish sounds amazing-- but not everything is always what it seems. With the aid of a spunky little zapfish named Baby, Lee will uncover some rather unsavory things at Inkopolis's #1 provider of power and electricity. Can a simple bottom rung employee like him change things for the better? Find out!
CH2>>
Word count: 3,734 words
Today marked a big milestone in the life of none other than Lee Squidly. For many young Inklings few events could compare quite as much to something as major as their first job.
Taking the train across town as he always did, the electric railcar rattled and clacked steadily along the track. The sparse number of passengers making their morning commutes all engaged in activities to stave off boredom, having engaged this routine many times more than imaginable, one would wonder if they ever felt in their days quite like Lee did?
The youngster sat with his legs tight together, clapping his palms against his bare knees. He looked up from his lap to take in a deep breath which he let out as a dry cough that ached his throat. Transparently uneasy, he slid his phone out of his cargo pocket to check the time for what must have been the tenth time that minute. Seeing the seconds tick away, he began to mutter under his breath.
“The train should take another 6 minutes to arrive, and then the bus should come exactly 5 minutes after, with the bus ride being 8 minutes between here and the stop I should arrive with time to spare. Wait, what if there's something on the track or a delay at the station? That could add 10 or 15 minutes—well I should still be able to get there just fine. Wait, what if the bus gets hung up at the traffic lights? The lights take 3 to 4 minutes to change and there’s 1, 2, 3, 4 between here and there—ohh no, I could be late! I can't be late on my first day!!”
His messy meditations were interrupted by the irked crinkling of paper nearby. The nervous boy peered over to see another passenger, an urchin man staring daggers at him over the top of his newspaper. The man then stood up, silently gathered his briefcase and moved to the opposite end. Not once did he disconnect his irritated gaze, much to Lee’s embarrassment. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he also watched as an eel sitting across from him avoided eye contact while scooting away on his bench seat.
I’ve got to chill out, Lee admitted to himself. He clutched his necktie, hoping to straighten it but had forgotten it was a clip-on. He studied the condition of the rest of his outfit; his shoes were brand new and shining, and his shorts and shirt were cleaned and ironed perfectly courtesy of his mom. Of course, thanks to her they were nearly wrinkled and ruined since she spent minutes on end stopping him from leaving. She trapped him in an inescapable hug, crying joyous tears between sentimental words of praise. Recalling that made him check his face in his phone’s camera app, thankful to see he had removed all of the lipstick she had smeared on his cheek.
Another compulsive check of his social media profile brought a smile back to his face. All of the positive, encouraging comments from friends and acquaintances fueled his spirit as they always did.
Do do doo ding doo da daa. “Arriving shortly at West Invisida Station; please be sure to remember all personal belongings before disembarking and please stand clear of the doors until they are fully opened, thank you.” This was his stop.
Most teenagers in Inkopolis all had fairly average starting points in the workforce; petwalkers, squishysittters, grocery store clerks, fast food short order chefs but Lee managed to land something special. He was surprised at how well his Webcam interview went but the interviewer did say they were looking for creatures with kind hearts and patience. According to them, he fit the bill perfectly.
Even from afar he could see his place of employment but edging closer it steadily became even grander. Many of the buildings, suites, and warehouses at this business park were a sight to see but none stood quite as impressive as this. Against the drab, formal focused backdrop, the facility really stood out as squeaky clean, shining, modern, and with positively beautiful landscaping. Of course Lee wouldn’t expect any less from none other than Hikaru Electric; Inkopolis's number-1 -and only- provider of power and electricity.
Entering the facility brought about that same feeling of wonder. The floors were polished to a mirror sheen, the paint on the walls sparkled with freshly coated creamy beige, and a chemically flowery smell lingered in the air that just gave that impression of clean. He observed as workers in collared shirts meandered about the huge room, some meeting with civilians and engaging with them in the privacy of cubicles set off to one corner.
Lee had been where they were before, he even took particular notice of a small child entertaining themselves by pawing at a false plant as their mother more than likely discussed their energy bill. He had vague memories of doing just that, or playing with one of the pens chained to the desk. Now he was an employee, a fact he still couldn't firmly believe. He wondered if the few uniformed men and women dotted around the room with ink weaponry slung around their shoulders were also employees as he recognized them as belonging to the Agency. Zapfish were highly sought after so he had his suspicions.
Putting those thoughts out of his head, Lee approached a reception desk at the center of the room where he noticed three jellyfish women busily working. He made his approach to the big circular desk and just as he opened his mouth to speak, one of the jellies caught him out of the corner of her eye and immediately turned to greet him. “Ohh! You must be the new hire for the Zapfish handlers!” Lee closed his mouth as she said everything he wanted to say. She said, “They said to expect a green boy with the biggest blue eyes you ever did see.”
The only response Lee had to that was to look away and modestly scratch his cheek. Meanwhile, he noticed the name tag clipped to her shirt lapel, it read ‘HI MY NAME IS ANJELLICA' with a cartoony zapfish character beside it. He then watched as Anjellica pressed a button on an earpiece clipped to her head; “Jimmy, your new trainee is here at the front!”
Not long after she made that request, Lee watched as another boy around his age entered through a side door and began to make his way toward him. His approach lingered as the teen seemed to stop and wave to just about everyone that crossed his path but as he did, Lee took note of him.
The bubblegum colored boy's most stand out features were certainly his mess of spiked back tentacles, but one of them stood straight up like a fish's dorsal fin. The other thing Lee noticed most was his line of razor sharp teeth; they were definitely nice, white, and well maintained, and curled into a welcoming, friendly smile.
Once he arrived, he rather brazenly took hold of Lee's hand and began to vigorously shake it in greeting. “Hey, hey, hey, good to see ya, glad you could make it!” His voice was quite loud and quick, almost too much for Lee to keep up
“Diye-- ohh-- ahh—I-- it's nice to meet you to.” Lee managed to stutter out even as the grinning young man made his whole body vibrate with his hotblooded handshake.
Jimmy answered back, “Ditto, let's get ya in the back and get ya clocked in!” He finally let go, eliciting a relieved but nervous chuckle from Lee but he wasn't finished there. Jimmy snapped his fingers, remembering something. “Ohh yeah I forgot!” He then reached into his back pocket and with a flick of the wrist he unfurled a tall hat with a wide brim. “You need your uniform,” he declared before slapping it right on top of Lee's head in one swift motion. “Looking sharp!” He said, pointing finger guns at the bewildered Lee.
Despite how engrossing his trainer's spirit was, Lee couldn't help but be inspired to smile and laugh as he adjusted the hat to fit properly on his head. “Heh-eh,” he chuckled, “W-how, thanks!” He looked down at his reflection in the floor, positively pumped to finally begin working.
He was lead through a long, sterile corridor until Jimmy stopped at a pair of industrial double doors. He joked, “This here is our main base of operations, hold your awes until the end,” before he threw open the doors.
A bright, nearly blinding flash of light impeded Lee's vision for only a moment but once everything was laid out clear before him he had one immediate reaction. “Wow!”
“Hey, hey, hey, what did I just tell you?” Jimmy couldn’t help but laugh.
Laid out before them was an ostensibly impressive room that would easily be mistaken for an outdoor pasture. Dotted all around were numerous zapfish of varying size and near many of them were other kids, probably about the same age as Lee. “Here it is, the Zapfish Room,” Jimmy explained. “I dunno how big it is exactly but if anyone asks, it's BIG, REAL BIG.”
He wasn't kidding; from Lee's perspective it looked like the singular room stretched on forever, and the sight of others in uniform riding around in golf carts made that seem much more apparent.
He watched as Jimmy ducked down and ran his hand through the bottle green colored grass beneath their feet. “Now just so you know, everything here is fake. Yep, the grass, the trees, the rocks, even the sky, but it definitely feels real don’t it? Come on, try it out.”
Crouching alongside him, and brushing his hand on it, Lee commented, “It does feel real.” The turf was so extremely soft, almost like a bed to lay in.
Could Jimmy have sensed that thought? He answered with a chuckle. “Hey, feel like you could take a nap on it? It's okay, I have a few times.”
The faux nature of the room did in fact come as a surprise to Lee. He didn’t think about it but he could've swore he stepped outside. The warmth of the shining sun above them, a cool autumn breeze brushing against his skin, it seemed so real. Upon closer inspection he did notice paneling in the ceiling creating seams in the passing fluffy clouds.
With that in mind, Jimmy continued to inform. “The good thing about that is we can keep this place totally clean and climate controlled no matter what so they can stay as healthy as can be.”
“Zapfish thrive best in mild to cool temperatures as their bodies naturally produce a lot of heat with their electricity. Socialization and wide roaming space is also essential to their wellbeing.” Lee recalled facts he studied prior to his hiring and recited them, much to slight confusion from Jimmy.
“Hey, hey, you got it.” He answered after a brief pause. “It's true, they love being around each other all the time but another thing is they love being around others outside of their herd to. That's where we come in!”
Taking one of the golf carts; Jimmy took Lee along the dirt path to observe the entirety of the indoor field. “We're not only responsible for feeding them, making sure they get water, and keeping them clean but-- and this is the best part of the job by the way—we get to play and chill with them!” Lee's starry eyes twinkled with delight as he observed many goings-on around them. Every worker they passed by had a smile on their face as they threw rubber balls or used other toys to play with the zapfish, brushed them, and even something as simple as sitting with them and petting them. His trance was broken by a loud beeping and vibrating noise coming from Jimmy. The sharp toothed Inkling stopped driving in order to inspect the source of the noise, his phone. “Ahh, now's as good a time as any to show you the other major part of our job.”
Departing the cart, Jimmy trapped his finger against his chin as he thought out loud. “Let's see it's Marigold's time so she should—ohh yeah, did you remember to download our schedule app on your phone?”
“I—yeah I did,” Lee stuttered. He excavated his smartphone out of his cargo pocket to check, and after a few short taps, sure enough there it was. Disappointingly though the spreadsheet-like interface he opened to still remained blank so he fidgeted in wonder if something was wrong?
Before he could inquire, Jimmy let out a squeal, “Eee! There she is!” He opened up his arms as a rather hefty, older looking zapfish came bounding up to him. “Hey Darla, old girl,” he greeted, wrapping his arms around her neck as she nuzzled her head against him. Listening to him babble out baby talk to her made Lee smile, especially when it seemed to elicit noises of what he suspected was enjoyment from her.
It worried him though when her whiskers came in contact with Jimmy’s body and electricity shot through him, causing him to involuntarily twitch about. “Ack, Jimmy!!” Lee screamed in worry.
“Ahh relax Guy, I’m totally used to it.” The experienced caretaker assured even as streams of black smoke began rising off his body. Not bothered by it, he began to guide the older girl along, instructing to Lee. “C’mon, follow me, this pretty girl is due to be milked.”
Milking, that was the one thing he had always known about Zapfish as a child. Now though, he had all the facts. “All Zapfish can generate electricity from birth but females produce the most as they have larger and more robust bioelectric organs found in the lower pectoral region. The electric organ is made of gummy muscle tissue that stores electrical energy and is discharged through barble-like hairs on the body but mainly through their whisker-like facial protrusions.”
Jimmy stopped to look back at him and gave a cheeky smile. “Sounds like someone got an A in Biology.”
Embarrassed, Lee remained quiet until they arrived at an industrial structure in the center of the room that looked vastly out of place amongst all the earthliness of the room. It was a giant ring with machinery all around and high above it. Lee realized it must’ve been the milking station from all of the other workers congregating around it, as well as Zapfish corralled inside the ring.
Herding the big lady into place, Jimmy explained the process to Lee. “They all get their electricity milked twice a day.” He reached overhead and took hold of two metal clamps attached to rubber hoses. Before he attached them to Darla he took a wet towlette from a dispenser beside the corral and wiped the clamps clean as well as her whiskers. “Their whiskers and the milkers get wiped with these anti-bacteria wipes before and after every time to prevent infection. Remember that cus it’s gonna be on you if anyone you’re responsible for gets sick.”
Lee took careful notes in a spiral notepad and observed every step of the process as Jimmy gestured above them. “They get penned in here when it’s milkin’ time, it gives them just enough room to move around and interact with their neighbors but not so their wires can get all tangled up. The electricity gets siphoned up and goes up there where we convert it into usable power.”
As he peered up at what he could only describe as a giant single cell battery stuck in the ceiling, Lee mumbled more thoughts that he had. “It was the ancient Inkgyptians that discovered zapfish made electricity but it was Dr. Edwin Hikaru who first harnessed it into power just over 100 years ago. He said the energy from one zapfish could light an ordinary home for three weeks.”
Midway through opening another pen, Jimmy said, “I guess that’s true, I mean we need a lot more energy than we did back then. Ya know, you already got the job; you don’t have to wow me with facts you know about zapfish and my family.”
Embarrassment began to set in again but one part of that response caught his ear. “Wait, your family?” He asked.
“There you go Patty, all clean, you did a good job today—what was that?” Jimmy was distracted with letting out another zapfish from her pen but he finally answered Lee’s inquiry. “Oh, oh yeah, my last name’s Hikaru but anyway we’ve gotta get you going with your first zapfish.”
He was a member of the Hikaru family? Lee couldn’t believe he was trying to blitz that fact past him that he was part of the richest, most affluent clan in Inkopolis. Could he bring that up to him again?
It would have to wait until later as Jimmy was focusing on work. Together they opened the app on Lee's phone, signed him in, and sought out his first assignment. Jimmy took one look at the name and number on display and shook his head, “Ho boy, they saddled you with Baby? They always give her to the new kids but I guess I can’t think of a better way to weed out people who can’t take the job?
“Baby?” Lee questioned. “Well where is she?” Jimmy pushed a button on Lee's phone's screen which opened up a Map function. A compass showed their current location and far far away was some sort of blip on the display.
Jimmy clicked his tongue in realization, revealing, “And as per usual she got out again.” He motioned for Lee to follow him; “Let's get back to the kart, we gotta get her back.”
Guiding his supervisor along using the map, Lee’s eyes were glued to his phone screen the entire time. He felt a rush of cold air on his neck accompanied by a mechanical noise before being surrounded by the encompassing warmth of the early-afternoon sun. He continued to give directions until they reached the rear of a building belonging to a self-storage facility. Looking up, Lee spotted Jimmy slapping his hand down upon the front of the kart.
“There she is,” he pointed. “What is she trying to do? Eat that trash?” Sure enough, a tiny yellow fishy body could be seen rooting around among a collection of rubber trash bins.
Slightly panicked but curious, Lee asked, “Well what are we gonna do to stop her?”
Jimmy put his finger to his pursed lips. “Shhh,” he hissed, “Don’t be so loud, you’ll scare her away.” Quickly, he reached behind his back and produced, of all things; a fishing net that he shoved into Lee’s hands. “Go on, nab her before she eats something she’s not supposed to!”
Despite the urgency of that demand, Lee couldn’t help but uncertainly eye his trainer. “I-- I ruh—I really use this?” He questioned?
“Yeah we use it to get back the young’ns when they get out and—OH SHOOT SHE SPOTTED US!”
Lee whipped his head around, ending up locking eyes with the electrifying escapee. She looked like any common garden variety zapfish, smaller than average but still just the same as any other. Maybe it was the long, fluttering eyelashes but there was something that froze Lee in place, watching her, studying her. Was she sizing him up as well?
It seemed like she was until she randomly and arbitrarily took off. Lee snapped back to attention at the feeling of Jimmy cupping his shoulder. He hurriedly shouted to him. “She's getting away, after her already!”
“Uhh...” For some reason, Lee found himself unable to move his feet. He responded further by sucking in his breath through his teeth and shaking his hands, causing the net he was charged with to jitter in his grip. Carrying out this simple task of giving chase just wasn’t happening and Baby was getting away fast.
Noticing that enormous trepidation, Jimmy let out a sigh. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it!” He smoothly slid the net out of Lee’s grasp and took off after their quarry. His movements were swift and steady; changing into squid form and propelling himself through the air with a super jump to close the distance between him and Baby. The seasoned supervisor did a backflip into his Inkling form before slamming the net down upon the juvenile livestock.
AHHHHHHHH! WAHHHH! WAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAH! AHHHHHHH!
Her screams were ear piercing but Jimmy still congratulated himself. “Gotcha,” he said before walking back to Lee. He handed her off to the confused newbie and dusted off his hands. “There ya go, I’ll let you take credit for that one.”
AHHHHHHHHH! WAAAAAH! AHHHHHHH! AAAAAAAAH!
Lee was frozen in place as he felt every ounce of her strength struggling in the net, wriggling and writhing with all of her might in a vain attempt to free herself. He nearly dropped her but he held on tight.
Finally, he couldn’t keep quiet any longer, managing to shakily shout out over Baby’s screaming. “Uhh Jim, is she gonna be all right? She’s not hurt, is she?”
He looked over his shoulder as he was about to reenter the golf kart and gave Lee a reassuring smile. “Of course not, she’s fine! That net’ll even protect you from shocks because it’s made of rubber.” That wasn’t something Lee was entirely concerned about over the deafening screams just inches away from his ear.
“Is this really a part of the job? She’s just—screaming so much.”
A swipe of the hand and keeping that causal tone showed that the concerns didn’t faze Jimmy. He said, “You better believe it is and she’s just making noise, she does that all the time.” He waved Lee over, instructing, “C’mon let’s take her back, it’s time for her to eat.”
As Lee walked back, he watched Baby turn herself around inside the net. There his eyes met hers again and what he saw made his heart sink. There were tears in her eyes—thick, greasy, heavy tears that dribbled ceaselessly down her cheeks.
Lee was familiar with those kinds of tears, all too familiar.
Something was seriously wrong about this whole operation and it dominated his mind all the way back to Hikaru Electric.
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