#Grit Blasting Machine

[unadulteratedwitchblizzard]

Steel Grit vs. Sandblasting: A Showdown for Industrial Cleaning with Jetblast

In the world of industrial cleaning, surface preparation is a crucial step. When it comes to blasting, two contenders dominate the arena: sandblasting and steel grit blasting. But which one reigns supreme? At Jetblast, we break down the key differences between steel grit and sandblasting to help you choose the champion for your cleaning needs.

The Age-Old Champ: Sandblasting

Sandblasting has been the traditional method for a reason. It's:

Readily Available: Sand is a naturally occurring material, making it easy to source.

Cost-Effective: Sand can be cheaper upfront compared to steel grit.

However, sandblasting comes with some significant drawbacks:

Environmental Impact: Sand contains silica, a hazardous material linked to respiratory illnesses when inhaled. Additionally, used sand becomes contaminated and often ends up in landfills.

Lower Efficiency: Sand breaks down more easily than steel grit, requiring frequent replacement and generating more dust. This leads to higher overall blasting costs and reduced cleaning efficiency.

Worker Safety Concerns: The dust generated by sandblasting necessitates extensive safety precautions to protect workers' lungs.

The Green and Mean Contender: Steel Grit Blasting

Steel grit blasting offers a powerful and eco-friendly alternative:

Sustainable Choice: Steel grit is reusable. It can be recycled and reused numerous times before needing replacement, minimizing waste.

Safer Work Environment: Steel grit blasting produces less dust, reducing the risk of respiratory issues for workers and simplifying dust control measures.

Long-Term Cost Savings: Steel grit's durability translates to fewer replacements and lower overall media consumption compared to sand.

Superior Cleaning Performance: Steel grit's angular shape provides a more aggressive cleaning action, achieving a cleaner and more consistent surface profile.

The Knockout Blow: Why Steel Grit Wins

While sandblasting might seem like the budget-friendly option initially, steel grit's reusability and long-lasting performance make it a more economical choice in the long run. When you factor in the environmental benefits and worker safety advantages, steel grit becomes the clear winner.

[steel-shots11]

Aluminum oxide grit is a type of abrasive material that is made by fusing aluminum oxide powder. This creates a hard, durable material that is ideal for use in grit blasting applications. The particles of aluminum oxide used in grit blasting are typically between 50 and 150 microns in size.

[mazikeenhyde]

Oh Baby, Pain is Pleasure - PART 2

POLY JUDGMENT DAY X READER (WRESTLER) 

Y/W/N – Your Wrestling Name 

Y/W/N/F – Your Wrestling Name Finisher

WARNING – SMUT,  POLY RELATIONSHIPS, BDSM, SPANKING, VIOLENT REFRENCES, BLOOD, INJURY, ABUSE (CONSENTUAL) 

I’m going to apologise to you all now, and pre-warn you in advance, this is an absolute rollercoaster of a storyline! Shits about to get REAL REAL REAL messy! 

Oh Baby…Pain is Pleasure - Part Two

2 WEEKS BEFORE WRESTLEMANIA – 

The speakers inside our home gym were so loud it felt like the walls were shaking, Rhea & Finn had spent a long time creating the perfect set up! It was truly a masterpiece of absolute Hell. From weight racks, dumbbells, treadmills, resistance machines and more, this room had caused some serious pain & suffering to us all. But we loved it. In the middle stood a large wrestling ring in which I had spent a lot of time with everyone practicing over and over and over again. 

We were two weeks out from WrestleMania, I was nervous, but I had worked so hard to earn my chance at the Women’s World Championship title and neither I nor any of Judgment Day were going to let this opportunity pass me by! Finn had said I would be training with him today with the boxing pads in the ring, so I knew I was in for it, I’d made sure to wrap my wrists up tight. 

Damian and Rhea had gone out grocery shopping while Finn and I hit our workout hard, we had planned on enjoying a big family BBQ cook out for our last night at our home before we all hit the road. Dom, who had been asked by Damian to clean up the kitchen had completely ignored the request and was upstairs instead gaming. That boy was a glutton for punishment I swear, I’m convinced he secretly likes being put over Damian’s knee. He’s there more often than not after all! Though I came in at a close second with Finn. Although we both knew if we ever overstepped the mark too far it would be Rhea that we would have to answer to. Mami doesn’t like to be tested. 

“AGAIN! 1-2. AGAIN 1-2.” Finn shouted as the music continued to blast through the room, he held up the pads with a swift punch followed on from me at each demand. 

“AGAIN! 1-2-3. HARDER, STOP PUSSY FOOTING AROUND Y/N! AGAIN 1-2” Finn shouted again, the sweat dripped down his forehead as he maneuvered his way around the ring shirtless, his footwork light as ever and his manhood bouncing in time to the beat of the stereo. He’d worn those black shorts on purpose, I just knew it. 

 “Y/N! FOCUS! 1-2… 1-2-3… 1-2….AGAIN!” 

I swear...my sweat was sweating at this point, we had been going for what felt like hours. I could barely feel my legs, it was like walking on jelly. My heart pounded, my shoulders were shaking, and my arms felt so weak, yet somehow, I was still going. The determination powering me on. 

But that… that bounce. That shape in his shorts. So full and prominent… it was so fucking distracting.  It wasn’t just my face that was wet at this point, in between my legs that devilish pulse grew every stronger. My inner thighs were like a slip and slide on a hot summers day as I tried my best to continue training, the room felt like it was 101 degrees and… 

SMACK.

Finn went down, shit. Id missed the pad completely and instead of hitting the second-round I had completely taken out our Prince, Our lord and savior, the man I so desperately wanted to spread me out across this mat and destroy me.

 I was in for it. I was fucked. 

Raising my hand to cover my mouth for a second, I panicked before moving forward to assist Finn, but he had other ideas. Instead, leaning back onto his shoulders he leapt up to his feet and rushed over pushing me into the ropes, towering over my head and leaning down so I could feel his sweat drip onto my chest as he spat through gritted teeth. 

“THE FUCK…. do you think your playing at lass…. Hmm.” Finn’s eyes looked down on me, what felt like burning a hole into my soul was also still majorly turning me on. 

“I..I..urr…I” I stuttered, unable to fully ground myself in the situation. Between the music still blaring into the room, my heart beating at an uncontrollable pace and one drop dead gorgeous man looming over head, well I was lost in it all. 

Finn launched the boxing pads off his hands in one strong flinging motion before grabbing my hair and hips and throwing me into the corner ring post. He followed over swiftly grabbing one of my legs and tucking it behind the middle rope while still holding a fistful of my hair with the other. 

“Distractions Y/N…Distractions are expensive.” He muttered sternly under his voice as he lent into my ear. 

“Distractions cost titles.” Finn’s breath in my ear sent shivers down my spine. Christ my inner core was melting at the accent that rolled off his Irish tounge. How I would have begged to put that tongue to work in between my legs, id of choked out the dominant prick and drowned him in my orgasm given half a chance. 

Finn ran his hand slowly from my ankle up my leg, stopping at the hem of the mini gym shorts I had borrowed from Rhea. The slogan ‘MAMI’ painted across my backside in bold font was hard to miss. 

“Distractions…” Finn’s voice was husky, heavy and deep. Slightly out of breath and yet completely in control. 

“Lead to temptations…” He ran his hand over the soaked core in between my legs causing me to tense as his hand, for just a moment his hand touched my clit and I swear it was like the devil had sent this man to toy with what was left of my sanity. We had barely begun, and I could have finished on the spot.

Finn leaned back and rested his forehead on mine for a moment before pulling me in, so our lips were millimeters from touching. 

“Those temptations will be granted… After you win that title.” And with that he stepped away, turning his back on me, and retrieving the boxing pads ready to start training again. 

I didn’t move.

My body was stuck, it was frozen in the desperation to be fucked in this ring. It had been weeks, weeks since any of them would take me to bed. Christ it didn’t even need to be a bed, Id of let Finn, Dom or Damien bend me over and fuck me down the alleyway behind the WWE performance Centre if it had meant I could have gotten some release.

Finn stood glaring at me, “Down…now.” I still didn’t move, I thought if I was a brat then he would have to react. Teach me a lesson. 

Taking my leg off the ropes I stood opposite him only a few feet away, initiating the stare down. I was never going to win mind you, but it was fun to press Finn’s buttons. How my inner goddess ached to lay across his lap, to bury that beard between my thighs, to feel his manhood at the back of my throat. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

“Don’t test me little girl…” Finn’s voice was harsh now, that sexy playful tinge he usually had was gone. A part of me wasn’t so sure this was a good idea, but then again, it was this or back to training. And I knew which workout I would have preferred.

The Naked one. 

I stuck to my guns, I didn’t move, I didn’t blink, I didn’t break eye contact. 

“Y/N… Raise. Your. Hands” Finn’s words were cold. 

I stayed still. The devil on my shoulder was going for it now. Fuck the prince it said... Literally.

He took his fighting stance and lifted the pads, still I didn’t move. 

“Last Chance…” he warned, seconds before throwing a 1-2 punch in my direction, closing the gap between us. 

I was quick to raise my fists and defend his every attempt. 

1-2, 1-2-3, 1, 1, 1-2, 1, 1-2-3. 

It was relentless, I realized then this was how he would punish me. I was never going to get what I wanted. Instead, he was going to force me to fight, otherwise Id of left this training session with bruises from head to toe. And not the fun kinky kind. 

He carried on, forcing me around the ring in circles, my breath heaving, music still going as the volume seemed to increase, the sweat now dripping from every inch of my body as his jabs kept coming, and coming, and coming. 

Suddenly, the gym door smashed open, and Dominik fell through it tumbling to the floor, closely followed by a rather furious Damian and unimpressed Rhea. Neither had seemed too pleased to come home and find the kitchen still a mess from breakfast while Dom Dom had elected to level up on WWE2K instead. 

I turned my head for a split second at the noise and… well… BAM. 

The pain ran through my head like electricity from a lighting bolt. As if reality had come in that moment, silence fell. Slamming down on the map I grasped at my eye, my vision half blurred and teary as I curled myself up onto my knees with my head in my lap. 

“OW! THE FUCK!” I shouted in Finn’s direction; he knelt down next to me pulling my hand away to view an already blue bruise forming around my left eye. I could barely see him properly, but even in silhouette form he was gorgeous. A complete twat who had just given me a black eye 2 weeks before my big WrestleMania match, but still gorgeous. 

“Told ya lass..” Finn chuckled, “Distractions cost titles!” With that he stood up and pulled the pads off his hands before grabbing a towel from the side and throwing it over to me. 

From the other side of the room Damian towered over Dom, grabbing him by the scruff of his shirt. 

“Upstairs. NOW.” His voice was hash and honestly, I think poor Dom knew he had made a mistake. But I was still  jealous, I would have traded spots with him in a heartbeat just so Damian could have broken me apart instead. There may be 206 bones in the human body, but Id let Damian make it 207, EVERY. DAY.

Dom scrambled to his feet and sped off upstairs with Damian following close behind him. Rhea laughed and walked over switching off the sound system before heading to a little mini fridge, she grabbed a quick snap ice pack and wrapped it in a blue paper towel before hopping up onto the side of the ring. 

I scooted my way over and climbed under the bottom rope taking a seat next to her. Tears still in my eyes and with the Ice pack in hand she held it up to my face brushing the loose hair away that had escaped my messy bun. 

I looked longingly into her eyes, hoping she would see the desperate need I had for her. Not even just in the bedroom, just to be held. I felt tired, broken and now thanks to Finn...sore. I was nervous for this upcoming match, truth be told I was absolutely terrified and I just needed to feel loved. 

Rhea smiled at me, gently kissed my cheek and hopped off the ring apron, heading for the door. One hand on the frame she stopped for a moment and looked back over her shoulder at me and smiled. 

“Sorry Bunny, rules are rules. No distractions.” Rhea said before closing the gym door behind her. 

I don’t know why I felt so hurt in that moment, they weren’t being cruel. It was standard with anyone, 100% focus on the upcoming championship. 

Win the belt. Win the belt. Win the belt, become a champion. 

Reality bought me back to earth when my phone buzzed on the gym floor, I looked down to where I had discarded it, prior to stepping in the ring with Finn. Tossing it around like it didn’t cost thousands, typical gym behavior. 

Jumping down off the apron, I sat on the floor with my back to the ring, I could hear the faint mumbled sounds of Damian upstairs and wondered for a second just how much trouble Dom had gotten himself into. Honestly boy, just load the dishwasher. It isn’t that hard. 

Shaking my head and smiling I attempted to unlock my phone screen with facial recognition but the ice pack put a stop to that plan. Instead tugging with my teeth at the sweat soaked hand wraps I was wearing I managed to get them off and using my Pin I unlocked the screen. 

Time Stopped. 

It stood still. 

Shit. 

Two messages. 

One from an unknown number i didn't recgonise, and one from a very well-known number I needed to forget.

KNOWN NUMBER – ‘Nothing makes us as lonely, as our secrets Y/N. You know where to find me…’ 

UNKNOWN NUMBER –  ‘Locker Witnesses’

[peppymintdreams]

What if Barista had the day off

have you ever wondered what would happen if Barista chose to just say screw it and stay home

Masterlist

The soft buzz of the alarm pulled Barista from sleep, a familiar, droning sound that usually meant it was time to start another busy shift at Brewhouse Café. They reached for their phone, squinting at the screen. 6:45 AM. Another early morning.

But something felt different today. The kind of heaviness that pressed down like a weight, urging them to stay under the covers just a little longer.

Barista stared at the ceiling, listening to the quiet hum of the city waking up outside their window. They should get up. Shower, get dressed, catch the bus. Same routine, every day. And yet... they hesitated.

One day off won’t hurt.

They knew they had a few vacation days saved up, and the café was usually fine without them for a shift or two. Plus, they hadn’t taken a break in months. A day off was starting to feel like something they deserved, not just a lazy indulgence. Besides, someone else could cover for them, right?

With a soft sigh, Barista reached for their phone again, this time scrolling through contacts until they found the manager’s number.

Barista: "Hey, I’m not feeling great today. I think I’m going to take a day off. Sorry for the short notice."

They hit send and felt a small pang of guilt, but it was quickly drowned out by the sense of relief that washed over them. The thought of just staying in bed, away from the noise, the customers, the grind of the espresso machine was too tempting.

And that was that. A decision made in a moment, but it felt like the right one.

——————————————————————

The Brewhouse Café was strangely quiet this morning. Elias leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, eyes scanning the space. He’d been assigned to check out this café because it was suspected of being a meeting spot for some Penance members. Just another recon job, the kind that always left him restless.

As he waited, Elias glanced at the empty counter. He hadn’t been here often enough to notice when the staff rotated, but something about today felt off. The barista who usually worked mornings wasn’t there.

It didn’t matter. Elias wasn’t here for coffee. He was here to get information, watch for anything suspicious, and then report back to Warden. Easy enough. But still, his eyes kept flicking to the counter, where someone else with an unfamiliar face was making drinks for a line of customers.

“Whatever,” Elias muttered to himself, forcing his attention back to the people around him. He couldn't afford distractions, not now.

The minutes dragged on, and Elias's unease grew. He scanned the crowd, looking for any sign of the Penance members his intel had mentioned, but nothing stood out. Maybe the tip was wrong. Maybe they’d already skipped town. Or maybe—

The explosion shattered everything.

One second, Elias was watching the door. Next, the entire front of the café erupted in a flash of fire and debris. Glass rained down like shards of ice, and the floor heaved under the force of the blast. The world tilted, and Elias was thrown back, his body slamming into the floor. His ears rang, and smoke filled the air, thick and choking.

He groaned, struggling to push himself up from the ground. His vision swam as he forced his body to move, instinct driving him forward even as pain screamed through his limbs. His hand reached for his gun, hidden under his jacket, but his mind was still reeling.

The Penance...they knew we were watching. They knew.

Coughing, Elias staggered to his feet, his heart pounding as he surveyed the destruction. The front of the café was gone. The once cozy shop was now a wreckage of twisted metal, shattered glass, and splintered wood. People were screaming, some bleeding, others running for the exits.

Through the haze, Elias noticed the barista, not the one he was used to seeing, but the unfamiliar replacement staggering toward the back, blood dripping down their face. Gritting his teeth, he made his way over, grabbing them by the arm.

“You need to move!” he yelled, the sound barely cutting through the ringing in his ears. He didn’t have time to play hero, but leaving anyone behind felt wrong.

The barista blinked at him in shock, too stunned to respond. They stumbled as Elias pulled them toward the exit, where the moonlight filtered through the thick smoke. Sirens blared in the distance, the first responders on their way.

Once outside, Elias turned back to the café. The blast was no small message. This was an attack, meant to do serious damage not just to the building, but to anyone inside. A warning from the Penance.

His mind raced, thinking about what could have happened. If things had gone differently, if the usual barista had been working today... Would they have been caught in the blast?

What the hell does it matter? Elias shook the thought away, trying to push aside the gnawing sense of relief that they hadn’t been there. He didn’t even know them. They were just some random person serving coffee. Yet, somehow, it mattered more than it should.

Barista sank deeper into the comfort of their couch, surrounded by a blanket and the soothing sounds of a nature documentary playing softly in the background. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm patches on the hardwood floor, and for the first time in months, they felt the gentle pull of relaxation.

What a perfect day to unwind, they thought, cradling a steaming mug of tea in their hands. They had almost forgotten what it felt like to take a day off, to breathe without the pressure of the café’s busy schedule weighing on their shoulders.

But as they settled in, a strange unease lingered just beneath the surface, like a whisper of a storm brewing on the horizon. They pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on the soft, rolling waves of the ocean featured on the screen.

Hours slipped by until their phone buzzed, vibrating against the coffee table. Curious, Barista glanced down, expecting a mundane message from a friend or family member. Instead, their eyes widened at the notification.

Breaking News: Explosion at Stockton's Brewhouse Café.

Their heart raced as they tapped on the notification, the familiar logo of the news app illuminating their face in stark contrast to the warm light of the room.

No, no, no…

Barista felt a chill creep up their spine as they read the headline. An explosion? At Brewhouse? The café where they spent their mornings, pouring coffee and sharing fleeting conversations with customers was it really the same place?

Panic set in as they continued reading, the details becoming more horrifying with every line. Casualties were reported. Emergency services were on the scene. Photos began to load, each image more shocking than the last: the front of the café was shattered, glass strewn across the sidewalk, smoke curling up into the blue sky.

Barista’s breath hitched. It felt surreal, as if they were reading about a different world. A world where they weren’t supposed to be; where they weren’t supposed to be in danger.

What if I had been there?

The thought hit them like a punch to the gut, and they gripped their phone tighter, the screen flashing images of chaos and destruction. The man in the leather jacket—Elias—had always been a bit gruff, but he seemed like a good person, even if they hadn’t really gotten to know him.

Was he there? The question echoed in their mind, drowning out the noise of the documentary still playing in the background.

Suddenly, the reality of the day hit them all at once. They had chosen to take the day off on a whim, thinking it would be just another mundane break from the routine. But now, that decision felt monumental. They had dodged a bullet, and the weight of that realization settled heavily in their chest.

Feeling lightheaded, they stumbled to the window and peered outside, half-expecting to see the café still standing, the usual bustle of customers and baristas moving in and out. Instead, the street seemed eerily quiet, the normal sounds of the city muted as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Barista sank back onto the couch, still clutching their phone. They needed to reach out to see if anyone was okay, if anyone was still alive.

With shaking fingers, they typed out a quick message to their manager, a mix of fear and urgency driving each word.

After sending about a thousand messages the barista got no response. Barista glanced back at the news article, their heart racing as they continued to scroll. The comments below were a mix of shock and sympathy, people sharing their experiences at the café, their disbelief that something so terrible could happen in a place so familiar.

Barista felt the tears welling up, the gravity of the situation washing over them like a wave. They thought of the regulars, the baristas they worked alongside, the customers who came in for their morning fix. Would they ever feel safe there again?

Their heart raced with uncertainty gnawing at them. The café was part of their life, a second somewhat home where they felt connected to others. The thought of it being destroyed, the community shattered, sent a pang of sorrow through them.

Barista leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling, their mind spinning. They had no idea what would come next, but they knew that this was a turning point, a moment when everything shifted. They were just thankful they had been spared, but it didn’t feel like enough. Not when so many others were left in the aftermath.

The rest of the day was a blur, news updates rolling in and their phone buzzing with messages. They sat there, feeling both grateful and helpless, wondering how life could change in an instant.

Outside, the Moon continued to shine, but for Barista, the world felt dimmer. The café had always been a place of warmth and community. Now, it was a reminder of how fragile life could be, how quickly everything could turn upside down.

[raccoonfallsharder]

the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip. part one. prepare for departure.

the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip masterlist next part | main masterlist

angst, comfort, friendship, & fluff for @hibatasblog rocket & wanda | part 1/7 | word count: 1371.

rocket gets a very-important mission from danvers and needs a partner to go with him. enter the witch.

It is a well-documented fact (I know you know) that in the comic books, many of the marvel ladies have a thing for Rocket Raccoon. How could they not? Eyes like red beryls and pyropes, teeth and wit both so sharp they can kill long before the perfectly-aimed gravity-blast. Intuition off the charts, not to mention the things they've heard he can do with that tail...

Alas, this is not the comics. This is the MCU, some time between 2018 and 2023.

And while everything else remains more or less the same, Wanda Maximoff was not turned into ash.

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you,” Rocket says, rolling his eyes.

Wanda isn’t sure what to call him. He looks like a raccoon, but insists that he isn’t one. Maybe he’s an alien. Maybe he’s something else. Either way, he’s rolling his eyes at Natasha, so hard that his whole head rolls with them.

“Look, I got a very important mission from Danvers, and Nebs is busy right now, working with Kraglin to make Knowhere a more hospitablistic place for Snap refugees. D’you wanna fuck over a bunch of Snap refugees, Nat?”

He crosses his arms and raises a brow up at the new leader-apparent of the Avengers. If Wanda hadn’t felt so — nothing at all, actually — she might have let a smirk curl the corner of her mouth. He’s kind of a brat, and he knows how to get under peoples’ skin. When she’d been a child, she would have found that entertaining. Endearing. She supposes she’d used to have a soft spot for scrappy survivors. Then she’d had to stop having a soft spot for anything but her brother.

Then —

“Goddammit, Rocket. Go to Washington, then. I don’t care. But we still need the Benatar.”

His challenging look turns into a glower. “Fuck off, Nat. What am I supposed to do, then? Drive your frickin’ car?”

Natasha flaps a hand at him distractedly from behind her desk. “Yes, that’s fine, take the car—”

The look he gives her is withering. “I can’t reach the fuckin’ pedals, Nat. So unless you’re giving me permission to take the whole inefficient machine apart an’ put it back together to suit my needs, you’re gonna have to—”

“I can’t spare anyone, Rocket,” the Russian snaps.

“And I can’t be alone right now,” he snaps right back. Wanda’s eyes flick back and forth between them. 

Natasha grits her teeth. “You said this was a mission from Carol?”

“Yes,” he hisses, tapping one booted foot impatiently. 

She closes her eyes and sighs heavily, leaning back in her chair and pressing her fingers into her temples. “Fine,” she says at last, drawing the word out — petulantly, Wanda thinks from a great distance. “Find someone who’s willing to go with you and I’ll tell you if I can spare them.”

Rocket doesn’t hesitate. Without moving anything but his arm, he’s brandishing a single dark claw in Wanda’s direction.

“I’ll take the witch.”

Five years earlier — in the first days after the Snap, before they’d left all their hope on 0259-S with Thanos’ headless body — everyone else had belonged to somebody. Cap and Nat had each other, and Nat had Banner and the arrow-guy. Rhodey had the rich guy who thought he was a genius, and the rich guy had that other redhead. Thor had maybe lost the most, but he had Banner too, and his buddies from Sakaar. The Dora Milaje had their whole sisterhood. Only Danvers might have been on her own — but as far as Rocket had been able to tell, Captain Marvel hadn’t seemed to have a lotta close ties she was mourning.

But Rocket — Rocket had nobody. 

Again.

Nobody except Gamora’s sister, whose name he’d kept forgetting.

Of course, there was the witch. 

Disproportionate number of redheads on this planet, he remembers thinking bemusedly.

He hadn’t been able to remember her name for a while either, but unlike everyone else on Terra, she’d seemed almost as alone as he was. And he hadn’t been able to help but watch her, his eyes slanting sideways to stare at her as she’d sat by herself across the room, hands anchored around upper arms. He couldn't make out the color of her eyes — they’d seemed impossibly dark, with rage or grief or something else, something haunted.  

Except for when they’d smouldered like furious banked fires. 

She’d never said a frickin’ word, either: face blank and beautiful as a statue’s. Her silence had felt more surreal than any other stupid thing he’d encountered in space, which he supposed was probably just because he’s spent the last four years with a family of weirdos who’d never seemed able to shut the fuck up. 

Still. He’d tilted his head when the other avengers had walked past her — watched as they’d seemed almost to forget she was even there. They’d barely talked to her, and once, when they’d been ordering lunch, they’d missed her entirely.

Uh — you didn’t ask the witch what she wants, Rocket had said to Nat awkwardly, and the assassin had blinked and her eyes had hunted the whole room before they’d finally focused on the other woman — like she hadn’t even known where her fellow-Avenger was. 

No. The witch had been an outcast. And Rocket has always known something about outcasts. His whole frickin’ family — both, some small part of his brain had tried to speak up before he could smother it; both families were made of the unwanted — his whole frickin’ family had been outcasts and misfits. It had made some part of Rocket’s heart suddenly stretch in his chest. It had reached with grasping fingers, trying to hang onto something he’d already known he’d lost.

Family.

The next day, Rocket had cleared his throat and told Gamora’s sister that he was gonna go starside to touch base with Kraglin on the Third Quadrant — to see if he still exists, he hadn’t said, but he’d been pretty sure the cyborg had picked it up. 

“You wanna come, Blue?” he’d asked — wincing when his nonchalance had been too thin to be believable. But the Luphomoid had inclined her head, eyes dark and steady. When that had been squared away — surprisingly a hell of a lot easier than he’d thought — he’d  shuffled to his feet, and headed to the bench outside the compound, where the witch had been sitting since sunrise.

He’d stood in her line of vision and stared at the sky too, shifting his weight uncomfortably from foot to foot, tail trying to tuck itself underneath him. It had probably been a full twenty minutes before he’d felt her eyes on him.

“I. Uh. I heard you lost your robot-boyfriend.” The words had been as clumsy as an orloni drunk on fermented Asgardian figs, but he’d been trying.

The witch’s eyes had flared, crimson-bright. “Robot?” she’d repeated dangerously.

Rocket’s ears had flicked back and he’d taken a step away, into the grass: hands extended, palms out.

“Hey, m’not trying to be a dick,” he’d protested. “I think I might be part-robot myself.” He’d stabbed a thumb over his shoulder toward the Benatar, where he could feel  his new blue companion staring holes in his back. “Gamora’s sister’s almost all-robot, too.” 

He could also feel the sister in question rolling her eyes. 

“M’just saying,” he’d muttered at both of them, hunching his shoulders and half-turning to kick a patch of grass. “Some of us are solo now.” He’d gestured at the cyborg again. “Might be good to stick together.” 

“I was used to being solo,” Nebs had pointed out, and Rocket had winced. “You’re the one who got attached.”

His ears had flattened. “Whatever,” he’d growled. “Just thought — whatever.” He’d spun again, kicking more grass, and muttered bitterly under his breath. “So much for trying to be the captain. So much for trying to look out for the damn strays.”

“You’re the stray,” Nebula had replied with a mutinous jut of her chin — and how the fuck had she heard him? That wasn’t standard Luphomoid hearing range. 

Rocket had cursed whatever aural implants Thanos had given her. 

Then the witch had made a strange sound behind him — a little huff of breath.  A disbelieving, agonized little shred of laughter.

the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip masterlist next part | main masterlist

During a watch party for Avengers: Endgame on Twitter, Markus revealed the idea to team Wanda with the Guardian of the Galaxy captain actually made it into several versions of the film's script. "We had whole drafts with Wanda on a road trip with Rocket," Markus wrote, "but after the Vision plot in Infinity War, nothing we came up with was anything but wheel spinning for her character." CBR

[dgalerab]

Oboro sits by Shouta's hospital bed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Of course he knows that every time they go out on patrol, there's a chance...

...

Of course he knows that. He tries to be an optimist, but in their line of work optimism needs to be colored with realism.

He just wasn't expecting to be hit with that possibility during a random class with the first years.

He'd always thought Shouta would make a good teacher, but if he's honest with himself, the UA position had been a relief in more ways than one. Less time on patrol. Less time in the thick of things.

Less time that Shouta manages to be as shitty at taking care of himself as he is competent at hero work - something they've had many a screaming argument about. (The fact that they scream at each other whenever they argue doesn't really fill the space Hizashi left behind, but Oboro still gets a sense of satisfaction every time he gets Shouta to raise his voice.)

"You really had to take on all those villains, didn't you, Shouta?" Oboro sighs to his friend's bandaged face. He can barely see one eye peeking out from between the layers of gauze, squeezed shut in a nightmare.

It doesn't surprise Oboro. Shouta's new class is loud, frantic, powerful. Of course he'd do anything to protect them. So would Oboro.

He just wishes that maybe sometimes Shouta could put himself a little bit higher up the priority list. It's not like Oboro hasn't told him a million times that he doesn't want to lose two best friends.

He shakes his head. He shouldn't be thinking of what happened to Hizashi right now. It can't be good luck to do so when Shouta is still hooked up to all these machines, both arms broken and skull fractured.

(And yet it's so hard not to.)

As if he hears Oboro's thoughts, Shouta croaks a weak, "Yamada..." beside him.

"You're not dead yet, Eraser," he reassures, leaning back to massage his neck.

He hears the heartbeat monitor speed up, and Shouta's cast thump against his arm, and when he looks down his heart skips a beat.

Shouta's good eye is wide open in horror as he struggles against his injuries and bandages to try to grab at Oboro. "He was there," he gasps. "Oboro, he was there."

"Hey, hey, calm down," Oboro says, nudging him back down before he hurts himself. "That's... That's quite the near death experience, but you're okay, you're..."

"No!" Shouta grits out. "He was there. He was at USJ."

A chill runs through Oboro. The students had mentioned some sort of sonic blast when they'd explained what had happened, but...

He shakes himself. He's not the one concussed and on pain killers here. He takes a deep breath and puts on his rescue voice.

"One of the villains had a voice quirk," he says. "It wasn't him, Shouta. You took some hits to the head so I know it all seems confusing, but..."

"I saw him!" Shouta cries, voice low and insistent. "I saw him, it was his face, his... his... It was something else but it was him."

Oboro wants to protest. Wants to insist that it's some sort of twisted near death experience, but...

He pulls out his phone and calls their contacts at the police department.

---

"You were right," Tsukauchi confirms. "There's no human DNA in the ashes you gave me."

It had been a harrowing ordeal to get them. Reassuring the Yamadas that it was probably nothing, just a strange fluke in an old case. It had already felt awful to lie to them, but now it feels worse.

This isn't nothing.

"We saw the body," Oboro says. "Over a dozen people watched him die, there's no way that..."

Tsukauchi shakes his head. "He did die. UA oversaw all that, and I know the people involved. It seems somewhere between the autopsy and the cremation, however, the body... went missing."

Oboro looks to Shouta, who's staring out the window in silence, still vaguely mummified.

"Say something," Oboro pleads.

"He had scars on his face. Bandages over his limbs, too, and claws. It was like someone replaced his arms and legs with... something else," Shouta murmurs.

"Sewed pieces of his corpse together with... what? Other corpses?"

Shouta shrugs.

Normally this is when one or the other of them would start yelling. Oboro craves that cathartsis, but...

Right now, it feels impossible.

"Is it still him?" Oboro asks.

"I think that question is above my pay grade," Tsukauchi says, not unkindly. "But we're looking into this with as much effort as we can. We'll do whatever it takes to get you answers."

With thar, he leaves them to themselves.

"The sports festival starts tomorrow," Shouta says, and Oboro thanks every god who might be listening that he doesn't have to start the conversation.

"I guess so," They've commentated every year since they started teaching, in honor of Hizashi who had begged and pleaded his way into commentating even as a first year, and then again as a second year when the first year was a mess. "I suppose that comes first, then..."

It's quiet. They usually work rather hard not to let it get this quiet unless they're on patrol and stealth is of the essence. Oboro wracks his brain for what to say.

Their eyes meet, and it becomes clear. "We're going to find him, right?" Oboro asks.

"Obviously," Shouta says.

---

They spend the next few days obsessively going over everything they know (which admittedly isn't much). They've planned for everything - how to catch him, how to test his memory, how to handle the cops if he responds, how to handle him if he doesn't.

They spend almost every waking moment pelting each other with what ifs and emergency plans.

It somewhat helps to quiet the horror as Shouta slowly heals and gets his bandages off.

They're going to figure this out. If they got through Hizashi being dead, they can get through him being... whatever he is now.

... is what he thinks until they come back from patrol one night, crashing into their respective bedrooms, only for Oboro to wake in the middle of the night to Shouta shouting for him frantically.

He grabs his quarterstaff from beside the bed and runs to Shouta's bedroom.

Ah, he thinks, as he looks up at the creature all but racing across his best friend's ceiling, tail lashing and eyes glinting green in the dark, giggling and swiping at Shouta like a small child trying to pull a cat's tail, entirely unafraid of the knife Shouta brandishes at him. Perhaps we've forgotten how much spontaneity Hizashi brought to our trio.

[cyanocoraxx]

sickness (main fic: damage)

"Are you going to let me out of here, you monster?"

"Doubtful."

"Come on, Metal. I-If you let me go, we can forget about all of this, can't we?"

Neo turned his head to look at the doctor. He was cowering in his prison cell, hands white-knuckled around the bars. A common sight for the past few days. This kind of grovelling made the machine sick. His optics narrowed in disgust.

Eggman had already tried everything. Reason, conversation, even sneaking up on the robot when he was close to the bars to try literally anything on him. But nothing seemed to work, and the robot wouldn't budge on this.

"We cannot."

Eggman sat back on the floor and folded his arms. "Can you at least tell me why I'm locked up in here like some animal? It's inhumane!"

Neo gave him a long, suspicious look. The doctor had a bucket. That was enough for a human. He was sure of it. So, he didn't afford the doctor a response, only looking away.

"Humans need air, water, food- the blasted bathroom, for God's sake! Depriving me won't make you-"

Neo hissed and sharply stood up, frame rigid and claws tense. His engine revved as if to throw himself right at the doctor.

(I won't hurt you, but I need you to see me.)

"Say it. Say it, doctor. I know what you want to say."

Eggman gritted his teeth with uncertainty. This was the most "present" the robot had been in a few days, and he wasn't sure how to speak to keep it that way. "It won't… make you…"

"It won't what? Make me the hedgehog? Stop reading my mind." Neo spat, taking a few steps towards him. "You are broadcasting my thoughts to everyone so that they know to tell me I'm not Sonic. You have to stop. I order you to stop as your overlord."

"Metal- you're insane. You've truly lost your mind," Eggman warned him carefully, trying a more forward approach, "a-and you haven't slept for weeks. Why don't you just go and sleep? You might feel better."

Neo moved to stand right in front of him. "I feel fine. I feel on top of this worthless world, doctor. I see everything clearly- I see what you're doing to me. You can't hurt me when you are in there. You can't stop me in there. You can't broadcast my thoughts in there- no, you can't get your cameras to watch me in there. So, I cannot let you go."

Eggman considered playing into his beliefs. "W-what if I turn my cameras off, Metal?"

"You will not. You lie." Neo growled in response. He turned and walked away to the other side of the room, back to where he came from.

Eggman was quiet for a moment. "If you feel so fine as you say, why do you keep destroying yourself? Metal, your arms are shredded. You've painted the same crap on your face twelve times since I've been in here. You talk so much nonsense- you don't make sense. You're..."

"Crazy. Say it, doctor." Neo cut him off, fists clenched hard at his sides. He lucidly noted that it took more force to fully ball his hands now as the tips of his claws were blunt from overuse. They would need to be sharpened later. Sharp meant powerful. Powerful meant he would show everyone. Everyone would know what this world was doing to him. Whilst losing himself in thought, his head subtly twitched a couple of times, out of his conscious control.

The overlord never said it, but the loss of control was terrifying. He hated it to his very core. To have no control over his movements, his words, his own thoughts, was maddening and frightening and he didn't know what to do with it. The only other defense was to disconnect and pretend it wasn't happening - so, he did, and he tried desperately to detach his mind from his situation.

This display of unhinged behaviour finally led the doctor to snap. There was apparently no getting through to him. So, Eggman gave in to his anger at being imprisoned and betrayed. His patience with the robot was running thin. If reason wouldn't work, all he had left was rage. He stood and threw his hands around the bars with a bang, now leaning forward with a growl, accentuating his next words by pointing an accusatory finger at the machine.

"No. I was going to say monster. You're a monster, Metal. I never thought I'd say it, but I hope that blue pincushion and his friends defeat you! A-and you hardly even qualify as Metal Sonic at this point! I might rename you to Metal Madness if you keep this up!"

Neo hardly registered what the doctor said to him. In fact, it didn't register as any language at all. He sat down in the corner quietly, occasionally looking around. His auditory sensors tuned themselves in and out several times as he tried to understand what he could hear - music? It was faint, and he had to strain to listen, and the doctor's murmuring in the background was distracting. What was it saying? What? He tilted his head to one side, then the other, trying again and again to make sense of it.

The words he spoke soothed him a little, as if defending him from the words of the doctor in the cell.

"I don't care what you're thinking… what I have… enough…"

Eggman banged a fist on the bars to grab his attention. "Metal! I'm still here. I'm still asking you to let me out of here! Whatever you're doing, it's not going to make me feel sorry for you!"

Neo could feel the electricity on his armour plating. The itch was suddenly infuriating. He scratched and scratched and scratched with blunt claw tips.

Eggman sighed loudly and deeply. "Metal. Stop it. Pay attention when I speak to you."

"I cannot." Neo replied flatly. He put his head in his hands and tried to calm himself amidst the stuttering of his engine. His systems would struggle to keep up with him.

"Metal! Let. Me. Go! You have no right to keep me here whilst you walk around in circles talking crazy to yourself! I am your creator, your master, your-"

Neo lifted his head out of trembling hands. "Father. Father, please do not speak to me that way, I cannot... I cannot handle this alone..."

(Don't give up on me, please. I need you to understand that I'm scared.)

"Let me go. Let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go. Let me go, Metal. I'll keep saying it until you do. Let me go!"

Something in him snapped at the overstimulation. Neo grabbed onto those words and repeated them as if his life depended on it.

"LET ME GO. LET ME GO."

The robot screamed and wailed from somewhere deep within its soul. He slammed himself into the wall repeatedly, dislodging his shoulder joint in the process - but that didn't stop him, and he wouldn't stop, and he would never stop until that electric feeling left him alone. It whispered that he wasn't Sonic under his very plating. In his wiring. It wouldn't stop. It tormented him and left him with nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide.

Eggman scrambled to the back of his cell. His back pressed against the cold metal wall. His heart thudded in his chest as every sense in his body told him to run. There was nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. Watching his own creation, one he almost considered his son, unravel in such a brutal and raw way right before him was borderline traumatic.

He was terrified of his son and his son was terrified of him. They were both terrified of different imaginary monsters. Eggman, the monster he deemed his son, who was no such thing. Neo, the monster ravaging his mind without mercy.

It took minutes for Neo to register that he was being restrained by a pair of strong, unwavering arms from behind. The reverberating sound of metal-on-metal continued to ring in his ears like static long after he had stopped ramming into the wall. Slowly, Neo recalibrated his auditory sensors and made out a voice against his ear.

(Unknown to Neo, Mecha Sonic had already entered quietly behind him, delivered a serving of food and water to the doctor, and apologized to him for any inconvenience.)

"Lord Neo. My Lord. This is an inefficient use of your energy and time." Mecha stated factually and calmly.

Energy… time? How long had it been? His internal clock was unreadable. The numbers didn't make sense. The voice beside him might have been fake, too. Mecha was used to this and unfazed. The silence likely meant that Neo was unsure of his presence. So, Mecha did what she had done before and squeezed her arms around him tighter, triggering his pressure sensors. It forced Neo's CPU to process new sensory information in a way that brought him out of his haze a little.

"Lord Neo. You need not display such fear. I have scanned the surrounding area in infrared and sent out a ping for mechanical signals, and there is nothing of note that would warrant this state."

That's right. Mecha didn't lie. She was almost incapable. Mecha could be trusted. If Neo couldn't trust his scanners, he could trust his brother's. Gradually, Neo relaxed back into Mecha, allowing Mecha to hold him back.

Nobody else could touch him this way.

"You must attempt to relax, brother. Accompany me so that we might improve your chances." Mecha told him quietly. He carefully released one hand from around his sibling to take one of Neo's hands, preventing him from damaging himself further.

Neo nodded but said nothing. He trusted that Mecha had good intentions. So, he followed Mecha out of the prison block and onto the deck of their ship.

"Are you capable of flight today." Mecha asked, pausing for a moment. She had to allow him ample time to respond, she noted, as his response times were growing longer with each day.

Neo tested his engine. It came to life with a quiet whirr.

"... Yes."

"Good. Come with me."

Mecha took off with a bang of his own engine as it quickly came to life. He rocketed up to the towers of their flying fortress with precision. Neo took off after him, focusing as best as he could manage on Mecha's flight trajectory.

High above everyone and everything else, the siblings landed side-by-side.

The brothers stood atop the tallest tower of the Final Fortress. From here, the world was minuscule, cloaked in heavy black-grey clouds that separated them from the living world. As Neo calmed further, the skies did too. He lifted his head and watched as the clouds turned from heavy charcoal to lighter slate. A very real ability like this didn't exactly help with his delusions, and Mecha had to redirect his attention. This choice of location was purposeful, however. Here, Neo was away from the other beings down below, for his own safety as well as theirs. Mecha didn't deem his sibling dangerous, but their reputation needed to remain strong to keep order amongst the ranks. The change of scenery would hopefully ease Neo's distress, too.

"We are but small beings in this world," Mecha began, looking calmly out across the stretch of the fortress, "but our troops, our fellow machines, look to us for guidance. They require your presence. Your wellbeing. I do ask that you endeavour to take better care of yourself."

"I am a monster. Father deems me so," Neo said flatly, "so my wellbeing is of… little conse- consequence."

Mecha shook his head. "Negative. A monster is defined as a large, ugly, frightening imaginary creature. You do not fit these characteristics."

Large, ugly, and frightening. That was exactly what he would become in a few days. But, for now, he was small, afraid, and suffering an internal battle that nobody else could comprehend.

Neo looked down, surveying his future kingdom with refreshed lucidity. He reached out with one hand as if to touch the world below. A world behind a pane of imaginary glass, frosted from time to time - separating him from sense. In truth, Neo had always been a child looking out of a window thinking that one day he would touch this world with his hands and make it his own (make it less frightening). Even if it burned. Even if it hurt. Even if some things had to bend and break. Even if he had to become a monster to do it.

"Do you hear the song, Mecha?" Neo asked softly. His optics dimmed a little - with what emotion, he wasn't sure.

Mecha remained still and poised. "Negative. I cannot detect any audio input out of the ordinary. What is it that you detect."

Neo murmured the words he could hear aloud. "Resist it over time... it's too much to take... you sneak up from behind..."

Mecha listened silently, wanting to understand. This wasn't an uncommon thing. He noted, though, that the words Neo said seemed to relate to his emotional state. This time, it seemed that Neo was struggling to resist whatever was happening inside his head. The paranoia was becoming too much. That was just speculation on Mecha's part, though, and she couldn't pretend to understand it.

"I do not detect those words at this time. However, if they are detectable by you, they must be important in some regard." Mecha responded kindly.

Neo felt numb, now. A curious feeling. His attention to the world around him faded and something hummed within him. Voices would try to brush up against him and his ears would fill with the muffled sounds of water. He focused on the humming in his head. He was inside his CPU, a little mechanical cave, and within, he would curl up inside. Below, his frame stood unattached. Mecha quietly took his brother's hand in his and held it with gentle solidarity.

Mecha would never understand nor comprehend the disconnect within his sibling, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't stand beside him and try.

[ceruleanmusings]

Sunrise Sanctuary: Guest Log; Thorn

a/n: i have many ideas of the "guests" that visit or live at sunrise sanctuary and their backstories that would have either been long gone or not mentioned by the time the events in sunrise sanctuary happen. i wanted a place to put these ideas so i decided to write a separate "log" to showcase them. here's the first entry: thorn!

tagging @witchfog for all her support with sunrise sanctuary! i think i'll leave the logs here for now as "bonus" content and then migrate them over to ao3 eventually.

The leaf blower roared to life, the sound cutting in half seconds later when Skylar snapped headphones over her ears. Adjusting the machine on her back, she tightened her grip on the throttle trigger and started forward with her task for the day. Waving her arm in a sweeping motion, the propelled air blasted the leaves scattered along the ground up into the air.

They danced and twirled in an invisible cyclone; stark reds, bright yellows, and vibrant oranges. Against the stark splash of blue above and lush green below, nature painted a masterpiece on a canvas with every sweep of air.

Skylar cleared a few feet in front of her when something brushed by her leg. What the...? She paused, twisting to look down, not too far and not too fast or else she would wind up on the ground.

The last time that happened she blew herself across the ground, tumbling and rolling, due to the sheer power behind the leaf blower. Her father, Zenith, finally came to her rescue after he got his laughter under control. Mud-stained clothes, a couple bruises, and one hurt ego later, she made sure to let go of the trigger any time she felt herself tipping.

Seeing nothing but grass and leaves, Skylar shrugged and went back to blowing. Must've been Delta. The vaporeon loved to antagonize her and run away when she began to cross a line. Skylar took ten more slow steps when it happened again. Another brush of her ankle. Stopping, she slowly turned in a circle. Nothing. Water rippled on the surface of the pond nearby, breaking a second later when a lotad popped its head out, water dribbling out the top of its large leaf. Mollie, a miltank, lounged on the dock, her tail swinging above the water. Dasher, a rapidash, ran along the fence line, her flame matching the saturated colors on the trees she galloped past.

Brows furrowing, Skylar went back to leaf blowing. She managed to reach the horse stalls when she felt it again. A hit to her leg this time, it nearly buckled her knee and sent her into the wooden structure.

That's it!

With gritted teeth, she turned off the blower and yanked the headphones down to her neck, whirling around.

All fight drained out of her at the sight of the crouching pokemon. Instead of seeing a vaporeon with a curled tail and eyes sparkling with mirth, instead she was greeted to the sight of a nidoran♂ with its back arched, barbs extended and sharpened, pointing in her direction. His eyes narrowed and his lips pulled back in a snarl, a chattering warning sound coming from its mouth.

"Hey Thorn." Skylar slowly sank to a knee, ignoring the water immediately soaking through the thick denim. She held out one hand, palm facing outwards. "It's okay. It's just a leaf blower."

Thorn's ears wiggled and twitched as she spoke. His nostrils flared when her hand got close and its tense muscles eased, just a little. Its flank flowered a couple inches but the barbs remained raised while his eyes rained on the object on her back.

"There's no danger. I'm just pushing the leaves." Skylar kept her voice low and calm, fighting the strong beat of her heart against her chest at the sight of the barbs on him. Thorn had no problem putting their poison to good use when they sensed danger. Then it hit her—duh!—he thought she was in danger! Scratching by her leg was probably his way of getting her attention, or even trying to climb her to get to the contraption. Her heart melted at his protectiveness, ven though she'd be on the reviving end of that poison sting attack. "That must've hurt your ears though, huh? That's why you wanted to attack?"

Thorn chattered again and a fresh wave of despair hit her at his gummy mouth. Where his large front teeth should have been was an empty ridge. Thorn had been brought to them by a good samaritan; he wandered out of Viridian Forest worse for wear with blood dripping out his mouth. A battle gone wrong or the aftermath of a poacher, she didn't know. Either way, she and her father both agreed he wouldn't survive long if they released him back to the forest, if he was even accepted back into his herd. It was best for him to stay with them. He was on a soft, nearly liquid diet comprising of plants, herbs, and berries. Anything tougher had to be cut into smaller bites or added to generic soft pokemon food.

"It's just air. Look." Skylar readjusted the bag on her back, pointing it away from Thorn and blew it at her hand. Her hand bobbed beneath the force of the air shooting out of the machine. She then pointed it down at the grass, pushing the tall blades of grass over. They undulated like grassy ocean waves, green shifting to white and back with each push of air.

Thorn slowly lowered his flank, barbs shifting back to its normal position. He took a couple tentative steps forward, red eyes filled with curiosity. She turned off the air and held out the nozzle, waiting as he brushed his nose against the opening. Then he lowered his head and thrust its barb inside. The metal pinged and clinked against his scrabbling.

Skylar allowed a soft laugh to slip out her mouth at the sight. "Careful, you'll get stuck," she said. Thorn backed away, sitting down on his hindquarters, staring hard at the machine on her back. "It won't hurt you. I just need to get the leaves in a pile like this." Turning, she blew more of the leaves away until they settled into a small pile. "You can jump in them if you want."

Thorn stared at her, his head tilting to the side, ears lowering.

"It's a game," she explained. "It's fun." Then she cringed. With her flat explanation she made it sound as enjoyable as a visit to the dentist. How long had it been since she last jumped in the leaves? She scratched the side of her head as she thought, crawling back through the years. Probably...right before she started taking on more duties around the sanctuary six years ago. Just around her 10th birthday.

I'm big enough to help! she had insisted when Zenith tried to put her off the idea. She placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin and held him in a defiant stare. I can do this! I've seen you work every day! i'll take it seriously! Let me try!

She'd been focused on her duties after that, making sure she mucked and provided food and groomed and, on time every time. No guest would endure more suffering under her watch. Fun and games fell by the wayside, she had a job to do after all. Her guests always came first.

She smiled. Her guests always came first.

"Okay, watch. You'll see." Raising the headphones to her ears again, she blew more leaves, adding to the pile until it came up a little over her knees. She shrugged the leaf blower off her back and set it aside, tossing the headphones to go with them. "Watch," she repeated to Thorn.

Taking a few steps back, she ran forward with a few strides and jumped into the red-hued pile. Her landed was soft among the leaves; they let out a satisfying crunch beneath her weight, tickled the exposed skin on her arms, and fluttered up around her head like autumn's own unique snowflakes.

"See?" A big grin burst on her face as she turned around, wading through the sea of foliage to crawl out. "You just jump right in." She brushed loose twigs clinging to the thick denim and swipe off the remnants of the water ring on her knees. Traces of mud smeared along the edges. She could worry about that later. Laundry was never ending at Sunrise Sanctuary. "Now it's your turn."

Thorn's earns flattened against his head and he lowered his head. He took a step back, his chattering now softer than before. Clicking her tongue, Skylar approached and crouched with her hands on her knees. "We can do it together. Okay?"

Thorn looked between her and the pile and he gave a tentative nod. She flashed a thumbs up and stood to full height. "Just run and jump, okay? Ready...go!"

Within seconds the two were airborn and landed in the the enveloping arms of the leaf pile. Skylar laughed, brushing loose leaves off her head while Thorn disappeared beneath the surface. A couple seconds later his forehead horn popped up and moved around the pile like a snorkel on a scuba diver, making her laugh harder.

Forelegs resting on her knees, Thorn popped out of the leaves with a big, toothless smile. "See? I told you it was fun," she said, stroking his head. And as he purred beneath her hand, she realized just how much she needed to tell herself those exact words. After all, a little bit of fun never hurt anyone. What was the point of it all if not to find the fun moments?

Thorn pushed into her hand, nearly crawling up her legs to get into her lap. "You want to go again?" He nodded, "Okay, but let me blow more leaves first so we can have an even bigger pile!"

[thousand-winters]

It's May 4th, aka, Star Wars day! ☄️🌟🌠 May the Force be with you 💖

I haven't had the time to do many Dadrius related things at all lately, but I did have this snippet I wrote for an Star Wars AU a friend and I had and I thought it would be fitting to post it today, since I wasn't really going anywhere with this, I was just having fun with the concepts we had discussed (I mean, I would totally like to expand on this but it seems like a big project and I need to finish many other projects first... maybe one day).

Without further preamble:

Darius grits his teeth as the ship trembles and coughs, because of course they had to happen to steal the one machine that needed reparations. Oh, this is why he has never liked these blasted things. 

There’s another violent shake as they pass the atmosphere, and the only reason he doesn’t hit his head against anything is because he’s firmly settled on the seat, but he hears a thump and a curse from behind. 

“Just a little longer,” He promises. “Hold on tight there, Canis.”

The kid doesn’t respond, and although that’s not unusual in itself, a strange feeling of urgency compels him to look behind. Darius can admit freely that he has never been as in tune with the most spiritual side of his abilities as he was being taught to before… well… it’s simply not one of his strengths, but he has been working half on impulse here, half on vague whispers from the Force, and he has the impression that to continue listening is the right choice.

As soon as he makes sure they’re not gonna crash on anything if he gets distracted for a few seconds, he turns around, just in time for the boy to apparently find his voice.

“My name is…” Canis pauses for a minute, his face scrunching up for a brief moment before looking down. “H-Hunter. My name is Hunter.”

It takes Darius a minute to understand, but when he does, he feels his heart skip a beat. This is important, he doesn’t need anyone or anything to tell him that. 

“Well then, Hunter,” He says breathlessly, in part because of the adrenaline and in part because he finally has an actual name to call this kid. His previous one barely counted. “Grab onto something, I’ll get us out of here.”

Hunter smiles. Small, tentative, but sincere. He looks like the child he is and Darius feels a wave of warmth flooding his chest. Without thinking, he opens himself in the Force, like he hasn’t for so many years, and he feels the contained spark that is this boy, reaching out to him in turn and clinging to him with the desperation of someone afraid and seeking reassurance, but also with some nascent trust that Darius already knows he’s going to cherish no matter what it costs him.

He holds onto it. And the Force sings.

[rockingrobin69]

In celebration of joy

This is actually a snip from a wip (700 words) and also a ‘hey I’m alive’ and most of all, it’s a (humble!!) present for my pride and joy @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm who is out there being the best in us etc. etc. Joy, I love you, I love you, I love you. And so does this special lil guy.

The coffee machine went on a strike on a Tuesday, roughly around nine. A big notice all over the screen, CHANGE FILTER that didn’t relent no matter what Draco attempted. He changed the damn filter, three times. Changed the water. Emptied and reloaded the bean tray. Nothing worked: the notice remained, and the smell of coffee pervaded the kitchenette, made his eyes water.

The manual was in Italian, which, according to his CV, shouldn’t be a problem. Apparently there was a world of difference between chatting up pretty boys in the Piazza and fine mechanics. Apparently, Draco was equally rubbish at both. And the coffee machine, blast it to high hell, kept at its pouty, childish rebellion.  

He didn’t even like coffee. Did have an espresso every once in a while, half in punishment, half-reward. Drowned it in sugar until no flavour was discernible, went on a glucose-fuelled paperwork rampage, terrorising the office till the inevitable crash. But he liked making coffees for some of the others—liked being trusted with a task he could perform. The coffee machine was tricky, needed a gentle touch: the frothing settings, the roast, all had to be perfectly calibrated. Usually he had it. And now, change filter, and no coffee in sight.

He's going to have to go back to Harry empty-handed.

Going to have to look him in the eye and say, hey, so, remember when you hired me, all that long month ago, and I promised I’d do my very best? Right. Yes, failed at the most basic of tasks today, what else could you expect. Also, please don’t fire me.

Draco rubbed his eyes a little harsher than recommended. Bore the angry flashes behind his eyelids, tried to breathe. Why must everything be a panic, why couldn’t he just. Be normal about this. Be a man, not a muppet, for a change.

Opened his eyes, grit his teeth till the world un-blurried itself. Took a deep breath. Went back to the manual, skimmed till he found the right place, and tried again.

In the end he ran down to the Costa across the street. Took him exactly forty minutes and twenty-three seconds to get back at Harry’s office door, red-faced and soaking wet, but with the flat white he’s promised. Tried not to look too smug about it as he sauntered through, gently laid the cup (still hot, he thought, he hoped) next to Harry’s computer screen.

“Thanks,” murmured Harry, not even looking up from the folder open on his desk. “Mm, that smells nice.”

Draco allowed himself a little smile. “No problem, Mr. Potter.”

As he knew, that zapped Harry’s attention back to him. He flushed so easily, and so sweetly too, fixing his glasses on the bridge of his nose for an excuse to use his hands. Calling Harry Mr. Potter always had the same effect—sometimes, when Draco was feeling rather cheeky, he even threw in a Sir, just to watch him flail.

“Erm. Yes. Thank you, Draco. Are—why are you wet?”

“Hmm?” looked down, remembered. “Oh. It’s raining again.”

Harry turned his head to the window, stared for a moment. “Yes,” he said, chewing on a poor lower lip. “Yes, it is indeed.”

Winding Harry up sure was one of the biggest perks of the job, but Draco actually had work to do. “Anything else, Mr. Potter?” (couldn’t help himself, he just couldn’t). “If you wouldn’t mind, the paperwork for Mr. Dougherty’s case requires further attention.”

More of the fidgeting. “No, no, that’s quite all right. Certainly, er, important that you get to it.” Draco nodded, and was already at the door when he heard, “Wait, why does the cup say Costa?”

Rushed out of Harry’s office without closing the door behind him. The prat never did anyway. Went back to the kitchenette, opened the manual, and a pocket dictionary from the shop right next door to blasted Costa. (The Dougherty dossier was compiled and completed two days ago. Not his fault he was good at his job). Stared the machine down until it bowed before him, spilled its mechanical guts.

He’ll get it, eventually. He thought. He hoped.

[unadulteratedwitchblizzard]

The Environmental Impact of Steel Grit Blasting in the UAE

Steel grit blasting is a widely used technique in the UAE for surface preparation and cleaning across various industries. While it offers a multitude of benefits, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of this process. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas to be aware of:

Air Quality Concerns:

Dust Emissions: The blasting process generates significant amounts of dust containing fine steel particles and any contaminants removed from the surface. This dust can pollute the air, impacting respiratory health for workers and nearby communities.

Stricter regulations in the UAE are prompting the use of dust control measures like water curtains and enclosures to minimize airborne dust.

Water Contamination Risks:

Runoff and Leaching: Steel grit particles and contaminants can be washed away by rain or runoff, potentially polluting nearby water bodies like the Arabian Gulf.

Metal Contamination: The presence of heavy metals in some steel grit can further elevate the risk of water contamination.

Proper disposal of used steel grit and blasting residue is essential to prevent environmental damage.

Impact on Ecosystems:

Habitat Disruption: Blasting activities can disrupt habitats of local wildlife, especially near sensitive ecosystems like mangroves.

Noise Pollution: The loudness of blasting equipment can disturb wildlife and disrupt communication patterns.

Sustainable Practices are Key:

Recycled Steel Grit: Utilizing recycled steel grit reduces the environmental footprint compared to virgin materials.

Blasting Media Alternatives: Exploring alternatives like glass beads for specific applications where dust reduction is crucial.

Responsible Waste Management: Implementing proper collection and disposal systems for used steel grit to prevent environmental contamination.

The UAE’s Path Forward:

The UAE government and industries are taking steps to minimize the environmental impact of steel grit blasting. This includes:

Stricter environmental regulations for dust control and waste management.

Investment in research and development of environmentally friendly blasting techniques and materials.

Promoting awareness among businesses about sustainable practices in the blasting industry.

[sasha199]

You Promised Me

Hey yall, posting my first ever BG3 fanfiction here, about my Tav a she/her female high elf wizard name Gwyneth. She is widowed at the start of the nautaloid adventure and doing research work in the city of Baldur's Gate when she is abducted. She does end up pairing off with out favorite Wizard of the Deepest Water. Trigger warnings for some gore and ickiness, lots of smut coming soon! Enjoy!

Chapter 2 (On the Nautaloid)

The tremors awoke her. Slowly Gwynnie stirred, she couldn't lift her arms. Panic settled into her stomach like a stone. Was she burning again? Her eyes flew open, her breath coming in quick panicked gasps.

The relief that she was not burning…that she was not back in that gods-forsaken temple was quickly replaced with fear as a towering floating figure drifted towards her in the gloom. She could make out a purple tinge to its skin, some type of humanoid…wait…was that a squid on its face?

Her scream caught in her throat as she slowly realized what she was seeing. A fucking Illithid, a mind-flayer. She heard another sound from somewhere beyond the creature. A soft terrified gasp. Desperately she turned her head trying to pierce the limits of her dark vision. Was that a woman’s voice? Where was she? Had it already infected her?

The room was circular, vast, filled with strange alien contraptions that crackled with menacing arcane energy. She looked down, gingerly testing the bonds of her restraints. They had some give… maybe she could slip…she flexed her hand, feeling the cords of her tethers pull over her skin painfully but also slowly start to extend. Yes, she thought triumphantly as her left arm came free. She looked up nervously to see the creature was gone. She barely had time to register its absence before the room around her lurched violently and Gwynnie found herself tumbling head over tail out of the pod.

She lay where she fell, the damp metal ridges of the ground digging into her cheek as she tried to will her lungs to work. Praying to whatever gods might be listening - Mystra can you hear me you jealous bitch? - she placed her palm upon her chest, a spell traveled from her lips to her heart and the world came back into focus. She shakily picked herself up off the floor and glanced around, the creature, the illithid, was still no where in sight. Something mechanical groaned and snapped from deeper within the building. Gwynnie began to move, half crawling and trying to look in every direction at once. A few of the machines or pods around her were open now emitting steam. She scrambled up as she approached one, blood pounding in her ears, it was empty. A growling high pitched sound sent a fresh spike of adrenaline through her system and she ran.

Eventually her hand touched what felt like a wet slick wall, something that recoiled from her and opened. She threw an arm up over her eyes as a bright red sky blinded her, and she ducked down as a roaring red dragon flew past in the open space above her head. The thrust from its wings blasted her with hot grimy air and her robes and hair swirled up around her. There was grit between her teeth and the air stank like rotting eggs. Blinking away the acidic sting she staggered forward onto the platform. She moved in spurts pausing when the ground shook trying desperately to keep her balance. Her mind raced. She was on some kind of ship, a mind-flayed ship, and they were not on the material plane. A nasty lurch broke her though process as the ground suddenly leapt up to meet her, she curled up to roll as best she could across the platform. Something had hit her and her face stung.

Using the momentum of her fall to push herself upright she came to her knees and lashed out with a fierce IGNIS. Gwynnie wiped the blood from her eyes to see a lythe woman in silver armor wielding a longsword. She was in a defensive pose her armor smoking from where the Firebolt had bounced off her. "Abomination," she cried, "this is your END!"

“Come then!" Gwynnie growled curling her hand into a fist and feeling the power gather there as she prepared another Firebolt.

As she formed the incantation to release the spell a powerful pulse rattled in her brain and her vision darkened. She cried out releasing the Weave to grip her head in both hands, her mind's eye exploding with a rapid bombardment of images: the red dragon's skeletal wing, a shinging silver sword and a flash of her own terrified dirt-streaked face seen through this warrior woman's eyes.

The woman had dropped her sword to clutch at her own head. As bright pink eyes met yellow, the woman hissed, "Tsk'va. You are no thrall."

"Y-you're Githyanki," Gwynnie gasped, she rubbed her temples the rattling had faded to a dull throb, her double vision cleared.

"Listen to me Istik," the woman hissed, fangs bared "we might survive this yet. Imps block our path forward, you will assist me in their destruction. It is imperative we reach the helm of this ship."

Before Gwynnie could respond the woman had closed the distance between them, wrenching Gwynnie her to her feet by the shoulder. Gwynnie flinched at the strength of her grip and saw a faint flash of blue extend from the Gith's palm. A cooling sensation rushed through her body at the point of contact, the Gith had done something to refresh herself, and by extension her. The gash across Gwynnie's face had closed and her muscled felt invigorated. She touched her face tentatively, and then hurried to follow after the warrior woman, already drawing the Weave back into her palms and forming the arcane command in her mind. She wasn't sure who she would need use it on, but for whatever came next she would be ready.

[bonesbuckleup]

You recently introduced me to Cloud Cult by way of your post referencing "One Way Out Of A Hole," and I've done nothing but obsessively listen to them at full blast ever since. My Spotify Wrapped will be a wreck (as will my car if I keep accidentally speeding while screaming inspirational lyrics). So... do you have any other music recommendations?

Yes.

But also full disclosure, Cloud Cult (LINK!!!) is arguably one of my most obscure band-that-I-love and a lot of these are much more mainstream, but I do enjoy and Spotify says I frequently listen to:

Orville Peck--I'm not usually one for country but particularly his album Bronco owns my soul. You like twangy songs with a lot of heart performed by a queer man who wears a tasseled mask in every appearance? Then boy oh boy is Orville Peck right for you.

Mother Mother--I think they're pretty well known but they're new to me! Favorites are "It's Alright" and "Sick of the Silence"

The Narcissist Cookbook--they live somewhere between punk, spoken word, yelling, and grit-your-teeth-and-get-through-it inspirational. Favorites include "GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE" and "Ghost Stories." 100% an acquired taste and not for everyone.

First Aid Kit--hippy girl music that makes you want to go run through the woods. Kind of a less-known cousin to Florence and the Machine. They've got a solid vibe throughout most of their stuff so you really can't go wrong with a start point, but their recent album Palamino scratches my brain in a nice way.

Florence and the Machine--self-explanatory. Current faves are "100 Years," "Choreomania," and always "Which Witch." Seeing her live was the closest I've ever been to understanding how people join cults.

Hozier--another self-explanatory one but also his newest album just dropped and I am obsessed.

Gregory Alan Isakov--my love. Chill folk music with lyrics that sucker punch you when you pay attention and listen. Excellent music to put on while writing.

Nathaniel Ratecliff & the Night Sweats--Just a solid good-time band with great lyrics and a lot of heart. Swings from stomp and holler to really thoughtful/high-feel songs. Almost all hits tbh. Favorites are "S.O.B." and "And It's Still Alright."

[indigo-ghost-girl]

Spoilers for parts of Sonic Frontiers...

Part 1

Part 6

“Go! We’ll cover you.”

“You can’t!” Knuckles shouted back, balling his fists.

“There’s no time to argue,” Amy muttered.

“Plan?” Came the soft, curious voice.

All eyes shifted, nervously eying the possessed hedgehog. The handle of Amy's hammer creaked under her anxious grip. The red hedgehog drifted to the floor, shoes trampling the fragile grass border between plant and stone. The broken stems seemed to steal its attention away for a split second.

“Knuckles, Go!” Tails whispered through gritted teeth as it looked away.

The red hedgehog crossed its arms, “Does this plan involve recharging the “chaos emeralds” perchance?” it questioned, its monotone voice drooping in disappointment.

Knuckles stiffened.

The red hedgehog laughed, gently amused.

“Your minds became open books the moment you began sharing my prison-”

The smile fell. Neon purple eyes shifted attention away from the three, staring into the horizon. Sonic’s head shook suddenly, a hand raising to the hedgehog’s forehead, “Cease your tantrum mortal,” it scolded quietly, snarling in mild irritation.

Knuckles took advantage of this distraction and bolted. Red blur rushing under the giant legs of the structure.

Tails and Amy exchanged a glance.

“Be silent.” It lamented.

“Hya!” Amy leapt up, hammer dipped behind her head.

It lifted a hand. Amy's hammer crashed down on him. The possessed hedgehog was unphased, the force behind the impact flowing through his body completely, manifesting in a small crater under his slightly melted shoes.

It snapped from its daze. Its arm swayed, throwing Amy over the cliff sending her plummeting towards the sea.

“Your companions are almost as persistent as you,” it tutted.

Amy used the air and the weight of her hammer to backflip onto land again.

“…and unfortunately,” It smiled, almost sadly, “I cannot allow that.” It took a moment to peel off a piece of Sonic’s smouldered glove from its wrist. A second blur shot down the cliff in a blink, blasting past the fox. Tails was knocked back almost instantly.

He caught himself mid-air, spinning his tails. “Hey!” Amy's head poked over the edge of the cliff. “We are your opponents!” she called after the blur.

Guilt scraped at the back of his mind as Knuckles pushed his speed to the limit. He swerved into the field of poppies, heading for the cliffside where, as arranged, Eggman waited in his Egg Mobile.

The doctor was leaning on his fist in boredom. “Took you long enough,” The doctor grunted at the echidna. “Did-”

“Eggman, incoming!” Cried Tails from his radio.

“What the-?”

A bolt of red lightning shot at him, forcing Knuckles to dive. Knuckles yelled as a metal claw yanked him away, a second bolt of red lightning frying the spot of grass he had been laying on.

“Hey!” cried a disgruntled Knuckles, dangling from the metal arm protruding from Eggman’s vehicle.

“You’re welcome,” Eggman muttered, grasping the controls and turning on the rocket boosters.

A flying bolder bashed into the side of the Egg Mobile. Eggman was sent into a hurtling tailspin. The human yelled, scrambling with the control panel to regain control of his vehicle.

Knuckles was flung from the arm.

A second moss adorned bolder came hurtled at the metal egg.

Crack! A giant yellow bullet collided with the bolder, disintegrating it in milliseconds.

“Leave father alone,” demanded the projected voice of Sage.

Supreme rose from the trees, enormous gun the length of a cargo train held in its only remaining hand. Blue patterns flickered across the robot’s surface, the multiple eyes on its red face glowing a cool blue.

Six pillars rose from the titan’s shoulders, clunking into place. They fizzed a cyan blue, four sets of blue lines flowing out from them. The lines raised, shimmering out with a flourish of blue sparkles.

Eggman flung his arms up, “That’s my girl!” he cheered.

The four majestic energy wings extended upwards and propelled the machine into the air with a single flap.

Knuckles caught his remaining claws into the side of the cliff. Stone tearing away in two broken lines as he slid down. He punched his second fist into the cliff, trying to catch himself on the other two. He was met with a stinging pain and the memory of his broken claws.

Luckily, the resistance from the rocks slowed him to a stop. He huffed out a breath. Salty sea spray licked at his tail as he craned his neck up the cliffside. He couldn’t see anything other than sky from this angle, but he knew something loud was happening.

The barrel of the giant gun turned to the smug red hedgehog. Blue light built up in the triangular metal tunnel, drawing on the reserves of chaos energy stored in the mechs core. The bullet of energy shot, warping the air around it with a thunderous boom.

The hedgehog held out a palm towards the bullet, catching it like it were simply a tennis ball. Anything left of the white cotton glove disintegrated instantly.

Its eyes examined the energy much as it had before, however unlike before, a mild apathy settled on its face. The energy popped in its hand, agitated. The thing seemed indifferent to the growing light purple lightning scars engraving their way down Sonic's hand and wrist.

“Artificial intelligence, you are aware the titans adapted the power of the chaos emeralds, correct?” It said, its more feminine vocals taking charge for a moment. It studied the power in its palm. A very Sonic like triumphant grin formed, “You are also aware, that this body conducts that power effortlessly, yes?” The sparking blue bolt morphed into a neon purple.

It took another moment to examine the energy fondly, transferring it to the other hand, possibly only to burn away the other glove.

“So, in essence, that little trick can no longer hurt me,”

Its right hand waved casually, dismissing the energy. With a crackle, the purple beam shot from his palm, shooting straight into the giant blue diamond of the large structure. It hummed, giant violet-red cracks breaking out in spiderwebs across its surface. A great crack smashed through the air, the diamond shattering like glass. A blinding ball of red light engulfed the structure. Giant chunks of stone hurtled into the air, decorating the cold morning sky.

Amy and Tails threw up their hands to block the light from the explosion. They were luckily far enough away not to be caught up in it but they were forced to scramble away from the giant chunks of falling building raining from the sky. Both blinked quickly as their vision recovered.

Tails yelped. A stone the size of a small fridge landing on his left leg.

“Tails!” Amy turned, sprinting up to him, zig zagging around other falling debris. She swung her hammer, knocking the stone off his leg.

“Look out!” Tails warned, pointing up.

A looming shadow engulfed the two. The pink hedgehog grabbed Tails’ hand, running to the edge of the shadow. Her boot caught a stray stone, sending them both tumbling into the lake of red flowers. Amy curled protectively around the fox, pink spines pointed outwards.

Knuckles leapt onto the scene, jumping from one falling rock to the next, launching himself up. With a yell of rage, he punched upward, encountering resistance before breaking through the giant slab of rock. It split clean in two, sending the two pieces sailing harmlessly into the ground either side of the other two below him.

Red petals flew up around him as he landed next to the others. Knuckles cringed, rubbing his arm to reduce the painful throbbing. He remembered before on Ares when he had tried to punch that signal thing. It hadn't even budged.

“Chaos-” Started the possessed hedgehog unhurriedly, raising his palm to the titan. All three creatures looked up in horror. “-spear,” A giant neon purple spear shot from the earth. It tore through the titan’s armour, impaling it straight through its abdomen. The tip of the spear burst out its head.

The red hedgehog tilted its head slightly, palm becoming a delicate point. The robot was hit with a sudden barrage of enormous neon arrows, pincushioning the mighty machine. Each attack impaling the giant mech with an unhealthy crunch.

The communicator on Eggman’s headset sent a loud anguished cry of pain shooting through his left ear.

The ancient technology sputtered, joints creaking, blue glitchy squares leaking out like plumes of smoke.

“Sage!” Eggman cried desperately, hand shooting up to his ear.

The spears flickered out, air hissed from underneath the great shifting panels of the mech. Large triangular chunks of alien metal detached from its surface, hitting the ground in a stream of weighted thuds.

The trio watched the wrecked titan fall to the earth with a mighty crash, launching small rocks and clumps of dirt into the air.

“Okay, new plan,” Tails squeaked, his tails twitching anxiously behind him, “We need a new plan,” the fox ran his fingers quickly through the fur on his face. Amy crawled off him.

The fox’s eyes settled on the tall, keyhole like structure of a cyberspace portal on a nearby hill then to a pile of crates full of Eggman tech. Tails nodded to himself, but if this new plan was to work, he needed a distraction.

“How dare you!” Eggman howled, voice amplified through a loudspeaker.

The red hedgehog flinched at the doctor’s voice. Static leapt up into the air, bolts of red zapping furiously from the grassy floor of the island. Its neon purple eyes gleamed intensely, staring down at the doctor.

Eggman’s fury melted away into uncertain anger. He was still furious, rancid even but the usually quiet logical part of his brain was blaring warning alarms at him.

“Dr Ivo Robotnik,” it monologued calmly, yet its tongue warped around every word in disgust, “You contained the mortal on a ship in the atmosphere, restrained him for 6 prolonged months.”

“He may not declare it aloud, nonetheless…”

The doctor connected the dots. The logical side of Eggman’s brain won. He smashed his fingers into the keypad, grabbed the two handheld controls activating the jets and rocketing off.

“HE DOESN’T FAVOUR YOU.” Boomed the voice after him.

Eggman’s egg fleet rumbled in over the horizon. Some blinking into view, dropping their camouflage. Giant fish like metal tanks, blacking out much of the sunlight. There were so many they caked the sky like an angry thunder cloud.

The doctor smashed the big red button on his console with his elbow. “Attack!” commanded the doctor in a desperate shout.

All the cannons pointing towards the hedgehog fired at once.

Tails watched the bolt of red lightning shriek after Eggman. A hailstorm of yellow energy bullets thundered down on the possessed hedgehog. Tails flattened his ears, Amy covering hers, both of them still burdened with the high-pitched ringing from the previous explosion.

“That works,” Tails gulped, pushing himself to his feet. He cautiously put pressure on his leg, hissing when a white-hot pain shot through his foot.

Amy opened her mouth.

“I’m fine,” Tails winced. The fox span his tails into a helicopter whirr, lifting his injured foot from the ground and flying over to the metal crates.

“Tails, where are you going?” Amy called after him, following in a quick limp.

[colorisbyshe]

Monthly Music: March 2024 A STACKED MONTH!

Music that was released in or around March!

"Damn!" Zack Bia & Teezo Touchdown. Nasty dance track that pulses in your veins and takes you over, a bit.

"Miracle" Bayside. Pretty typical Bayside track but if you want some quality yet accessible alt rock, here we are.

"Ghost - Lofi" Mystery Skulls. Remember Mystery Skulls? Here's an instrumental reconstruction of their old song to study to. Very lullaby-adjacent. They did LOFI versions of the whole album but this is the most effective transformation.

"Not Sorry" & "Edible" & "Tell Me What You Want" Flo Milli. These three tracks are very different highlights off of it. TMWYW is the most experimental beat but I think Edible is my favorite.

"I'm Ready" Chung Ha. Cunty kpop. Not her cuntiest track but... if you want a track to motivate you to work out and then do a death drop... give it a shot.

"I Can't Run" Real Farmer. This song has a raw quality--the vocals, the guitar, the bass all feel like they're stumbling past but they're going on an adventure you want to follow them on. Loud, demanding.

And the complete opposite, "Walk Like This" by Flo is smooth, slick, and a perfect update to a more nostalgic R&B vibe. Poppy and perfectly constructed.

"Kira Kira" Fancylabo. Lovely, synthetic Jpop. Perfume fans, check in here.

"Collarbone" Izzy Spears. Beats to ache to. Emo rap with a transcendental beat.

"Your Money, My Summer" Everything Everything. They released a full album and it's all great but this is a stand out for me because "God knows I wanna go home" as a refrain just... burrows into your soul and hollows out everything in its way. Alt rock. Of the non-pre-release singles, "Don't Ask Me to Beg," "Enter the Mirror" (the most commercial track, I think), & "Buddy, Come Over" are my favorites, though I loved the whole album.

"Value" Ado. If you like Queen Bee, check out this track. Ado's singing is so rich and haunting. J... pop rock? Pop opera? I don't know how to quantify Ado's sound.

"Year of the Vulture" The Wonder Years. Emos go check it out.

"Arintintin" Rico Nasty & Boys Noize. Crazy frog ass song. Horny, nonsensical, silly, horny. This mini album is kinda all over the place--a nostalgic sound without necessarily capturing the full vibe but I'm having a blast.

"Pull the Rope" Ibibio Sound Machine. Almost discordant, I think I can't do justice to describing this song, so I'll steal an excerpt from their website: "the golden era of West-African funk & disco [meets] modern post-punk & electro."

I did listen to the Beyonce album. I kinda thought some of it was... too clean? Too smooth? IDK, it needed more grit on top of the twang, but that said, stand outs for me are "Tyrant," "Daughter," "Bodyguard," "Riiverdance," and "II HANDS II HEAVEN." Also, I know I sound insane saying it sounded too slick when I normally love slick production but the very clean vocals kinda felt almost... separate from the instruments idk how to explain it.

Kavinsky fans should try listening to Justice & Miguel's "Saturnine," it has the night drive thrum.

"Digital Magic" Le Youth. Classic Le Youth sound, just good electronic music. I'm a digital feline!!!!! Overly yearning vocals for a dance track that doesn't warrant it, you LOVE to see it. For more dance music, Nia Archives has another track off her upcoming album, check out "Unfinished Business" if you want more UK drum & bass that strikes the soul.

I was gonna do a small section of throwback songs I'm into but this post is already jam packed?? So, in brief, "Shinigami" Kenshi Yonezu (fun, anime-esque Jrock), "Back on my Feet" Boom Boom Satellites (electric, intense JRock), "Dip It Low" Christina Milian (sexy 2000s pop R&B), and not quite a throwback but not from this month "Bella" Alé Araya (lowkey and yet sensual).

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solar Opposites in The Ultra Opposites Episode #1: “The Cosmic Blast” (for @avaveevo and @crazychanuwu77)

On a lovely sunset day, on the Solar Opposites ship, Terry Wearspreada started to goobler as he began to feel nervous as he fixes his bow on his tuxedo. Aisha appears and look concern over Terry.

AISHA: Hey now Terry. Relax, you’re just feeling anxious. I’m sure it was all worth it. You’ve been waiting for this moment for the right time. Don’t goobler yourself out. There is no way you’re getting cold feet on your wedding day!

Terry: takes a deep breath Okay, let’s do this.

Three minutes later, Korvo Solar, in a wedding dress, walks down the aisle where Terry is waiting for him. Terry’s replicant/daughter Jesse starts throwing flower petals to the floor while Korvo’s replicant/son Yumyulack and the family’s Pupa follows Korvo down the aisle. The three kids sat down as Korvo and Terry starts to hold hands as AISHA gets out her bible and starts the wedding.

AISHA: Do you Korvo Solar, take Terry as your beloved husband? To love him and take care of him in sickness and in health?

Korvo: lovingly I do.

AISHA: And Terry Wearspreada Opposites, do you promise to love Korvo, and take care of him in sickness and in health? For as long as you both shall live?

Terry: takes a deep breath, but then smiles at Korvo smiling at him lovingly I do.

AISHA: Now let’s hear those vows.

Terry and Korvo held each other’s hands as they look at each other lovingly and smile.

Terry: Korvo, I promise, from this day forward l won’t let anyone harm you and that I will always love you no matter what.

Korvo: And Terry, I promise from this day forward, I will never let anyone come in the way of our happiness together. And that I will always love no matter what.

Jesse: Aw.

Yumyulack: Eew.

Pupa: Flower petals.

AISHA: Then by the power invested in yours truly, I now promise you husband and husband. You may now kiss the groom.

Korvo and Terry smile at each other as Terry lift the bridle clothe up on Korvo’s face and the two Shlorpians kiss each other as tears stream down their eyes. Jesse cries ugly as mascara run down her eyes and Yumyulack grows disgusted by the kissing. The Pupa is also eating the flower petals. The two Shlorpians dance away as the song “Ordinary World” from Duran Duran plays in the background and the two share another kiss as the scene shifts into Three Months Later and the two husbands starting kissing the couch.

Terry: Korvy, have I ever tell you how much I love you?

Korvo: I know because you always tell me that everyday. You’re my sun, I’m your moon. You’re my Life-Terry. Nothing is going to change that.

Terry: Aw.

The two aliens kiss again, but this time in a French kiss. Their children however, are disgusted.

Yumyulack: Aw ew gross. We’re right here, y’know?

Jesse: Eww. Yucky.

Pupa: Ew.

Terry: Hey, no looking at your adults when making out.

Yumyulack: covering his eyes Don’t worry, got you guys covered.

Jesse: Yeah.

The Replicants then left for school as the Pupa fall down the stairs. Terry and Korvo kept kissing.

Korvo: So Terry?

Terry: Yes.

Korvo: Now that things have been peaceful since we landed on Earth, nothing bad has happened.

Terry: Yeah, and the best part is nothing is gonna kill us for a change.

Meanwhile, in a dark fortress, the evil Empress Ophelia got out a giant ray to summon an orb.

Ophelia: That’s right. That orb has contain so much energy. Enough for me to rule! gets out her phone and starts a livestream It is, the evil Empress Ophelia. Watch as I, the most vile ruler of all of that nation, use this laser to take this orb out of the sky! heads onto her machine and presses the button and it shoots laser to summon the orb That is right! Come to mama! And, wha/-

Suddenly, the machine stops working as the lights shut down and the whole room went black.

Empress Ophelia: gritting her teeth; awkward nervousness This. is. not. good.

Later, the orb starts hurdling towards Earth. The town panic and went into to safety as it heads towards the Solar Opposites’ neighborhood. Korvo was busy working on something as Terry is just doing his own lazy thing.

Korvo: Terry, can you hand me the screwdriver?

Terry: Huh? Oh sure.

Korvo can’t help but blush. Terry has been starting to be so self-efficient ever since Korvo started to grow accustomed on Earth. But then, the alarm starts going off as Korvo drops his things and rush over.

Korvo: What the fuck is going on here? AISHA!

AISHA: checks the coordinates Damn, some type of orb thingy is hurdling towards us. Quick, get the kids before-

The whole room shakes as Terry and Korvo collapses on the floor as they hid under the table for safety as loud crash was heard.

Korvo: What the fuck was that?!

Terry: I don’t know, let me go check it out.

Korvo: Terry, wait! It could be-

Meanwhile, the Replicants were walking home with Daryl after school ended.

Daryl: Damn, Principal Cooke sure gave us a big test. sighs C- What about you?

Jesse: B+ Yumyulack: A. But don’t worry honey, I’m sure you’re doing great. Just study hard okay.

Daryl: Of course. sees his house There’s my house. See you later babe.

Yumyulack and Daryl kiss then Daryl heads to his house as Yumyulack sighs lovingly. Suddenly, the Replicants sees smoke as they gasp.

Jesse: Holy shit, what the hell happened?!

Yumyulack: I don’t know! But, we’re gonna find out!

The Replicants rush over to their house in a hurry. Back at the house, Terry opens the slide door and gasp upon seeing the orb glowing.

Terry: What the fuck is that thing?

Terry approached the orb as he carefully place his fingertip on the orb. Suddenly, once Terry touched it, it spread red energy all over him as he screams in pain. The glowing stop he started to black out and reaches out to Korvo and the kids.

Terry: Korvo… I feel funny… falls unconscious

Korvo, Yumyulack, Jesse and Pupa gasp and runs towards Terry as he lays on the floor unconscious while the orb kept glowing. Korvo runs to Terry in tears as he picks up his husband.

Korvo: crying Terry! Oh Terry, speak to me! Oh Terry. Don’t die. Please hang on. sobbing

Jesse: Oh no! Terry!

Pupa: Terry!

Jesse: notices a glowing orb Hey, what is that?!

Yumyulack: I don’t know! Must be some kind of orb. Let me check it out!

Yumyulack then approaches the orb with the stick and pokes at it. Until suddenly, a blast appears and it shocks the Solar Opposites as they scream. The Solars moan as they got up. Korvo kept holding to Terry as he kept crying.

Yumyulack: Damn, what the fuck was that?

Jesse: I don’t know, but is it strange that blast was sorta cool?

Korvo: sobbing No! Because it killed Terry!

Korvo kept crying over his husband in his arms, until suddenly Terry weakly opens his eyes and moans.

Terry: Ugh… Korvy? What the fuck happened?

Korvo: Terry?! Terry! hugs him You big fucking dummy! Don’t fucking scare me like that again!

Terry: I’m sorry Korvy. I promise I won’t do that again!

As Korvo and Terry prepare to kiss again around open arms, Korvo screams in pain as sizzling was heard.

Korvo: My arms! Terry, what the fuck?!

Terry: What?! I didn’t do anything, I-

Terry looks at his hands and suddenly, they developed a flames on his hands.

Terry: Holy shit! My hands are on fire!

Yumyulack: How?!

The Solar Opposites then looked at orb as it stops glowing and breaks apart into pieces as other blast particles fly away into the sky.

Yumyulack: Wait a minute, I think that orb must’ve given Terry fire powers!

Korvo: Aw man, the arms really burn.

Suddenly, Korvo breathes ice at it flies from his mouth and he gasp.

Korvo: What the?! I have ice powers?! No! No no no no! This can’t be happening!

Korvo starts breathing in and out as Terry gasp as he put comfort Korvo by the shoulder with his hands.

Terry: Hey hey hey hey hey! Honey, it’s okay.

Korvo: No it isn’t!

Yumyulack then starts hearing voices in his head as he began to hear what people say. He then gasp as he began to float as his eyes glow purple.

Jesse: Whoa! Yumyulack? You can fly?!

Yumyulack: eyes stops glowing What?! lost his ability to float Aaaaahhh!

Yumyulack falls on the ground as Jesse fails to catch him.

Jesse: Ooops. Sorry Yumbear.

Yumyulack: Oh my God! panicking I can read people’s mind! And I can float! Oh my God! What is happening to me?!

Jesse: Don’t worry Yumyulack, I’m sure-

Suddenly, electricity sparks shoot out of Jesse’s hand as she screams and the other Solar Opposites ducked. Jesse gasp.

Jesse: Oh no! I’m shooting dangerous energies out of my hands! What is happening to us guys?!

The Solar Opposites desperately head inside while the Pupa plays around outside. The family head to the lab as AISHA appears.

AISHA: Damn, what happened here?!

Korvo: AISHA, quick! Scan us! There has to be something wrong with us after Yumyulack touched that orb! What happened to us?!

AISHA quickly scans the Solars as it shows DNA particles and information on each of the Solar Opposites’ newfound powers

AISHA: Damn, looks like when you guys touched that orb, it must’ve given you super powered abilities based on fire, ice, telekinetic energy and electricity! You guys are like balls of energy with those new fucked yo abilities! Holy shit!

Korvo: What?! Oh my God. These powers must be very dangerous. AISHA, is there a cure?

AISHA: check on it but it turns to be permanent Oh shit.

Korvo: What? What is it?!

AISHA: These powers are new life sources now! It’s permanent! There is no cure!

The Solar Opposites gasp.

Solar Opposites: YOU MEAN WE HAVE TO STAY LIKE THIS?!

AISHA: I’m afraid so!

Terry: Yay!

Korvo, Yumyulack and Jesse: No!

An hour later, Korvo started gooblering over the Cosmic Blast as Yumyulack and Jesse panic over their powers. Terry comes over and gives Korvo a comfort hand on his husband’s right shoulder.

Korvo: How could this have happened to us?! We weren’t supposed to have this fucking abilities! Ugh! Fuck! We are so fucked!

Terry: Well, that’s not bad! At least we have amazing abilities.

Yumyulack: Terry! We can’t show these abilities to the humans! They’ll think we’re monsters! What is my boyfriend gonna say?!

Jesse: This electricity stuff is dangerous! The girls at school will think I am a freak!

Terry: Okay, maybe not for you guys!

Korvo: Are you serious right now, Terry?! We’re gonna be treated like outcast once more! Those powers are dangerous! We could seriously hurt someone! God damn it! I even can’t control my Super Shlorpian self with those fucked up ice powers, for christ’ sake!

Korvo gasp and covered his mouth as he realized what he just said. His family then froze into shock.

Terry: You’re… a what….?

Korvo’s face develops into fear as Yumyulack faints and Terry and Jesse looks in shock.

Korvo: I…I… runs off in crying

Jesse: Yumyulack, please wake up! shakes Yumyulack repeatedly back n forth

Terry: Korvo, wait!

Terry chase after Korvo as the latter runs into their room and slams the door.

Terry: Korvo! opens the door Korvy?

Terry looks around the room, only to see Korvo not there.

Terry: Korvo? Honey, where are you? Why didn’t you-

Suddenly, Terry looks up and gasp. What stood is no longer his sweet Korvo, but a muscular monstrous Shlorpian with a ripped apart robe, glowing aquamarine eyes, sharp teeth, human-sized bat wings, a black-ish blue body and aquamarine shaded parts on his horns and fingers.

Terry: K-Korvo?

Korvo roars in fury as Terry runs up and tries soothe him.

Terry: Hey hey hey. soothes Korvo’s face Shhh, it’s gonna be okay Korvy. I’m here. It’s your hubby, Terry.

Korvo stops snarling and finally calms down. Terry then looks at Korvo’s abs and grows infatuated by his husband’s Super Shlorpian form.

Terry: Damn honey, you look very sexy and handsome in that form.

Super Shlorpian Korvo: I’m not beautiful. sheds a few tears and weeps I’m a monster. You should just leave me Terry, you wouldn’t want to love a monster like me.

Terry: touches Korvo’s left hand Hey, that is not true. You are still beautiful to me. I will never leave you, you are still my Korvy and always will be. I don’t care about this monstrous form of yours. You will always be my husband.

Super Shlorpian Korvo: Oh Terry.

Terry hugs Korvo as the latter shed a few tears and smiles at his beloved Terry. Terry then looks at Korvo’s wings and starts playing with them.

Terry: Hey, you do have these amazing wings! Look at them! Can you flap them?

Super Shlorpian Korvo: squeals in happiness Of course!

Korvo kept flapping his wings while laughing. Suddenly, Korvo began to shrink down as he turns back to his normal Shlorpian self and calms down.

Terry: There. There’s my husband.

Korvo: Oh Terry. You still love me? Even when I have a monstrous form?

Terry: Of course I will. I will never leave you. Ever.

Korvo smiles and the two alien husbands share a kiss. The Replicants and Pupa head into the room.

Jesse: Terry! Korvo! Are you okay?!

Yumyulack: What happened?!

Pupa: Korvo!

Korvo: Don’t worry kids, everything’s okay now.

Terry: Yep, all good here.

The two alien husbands head back to kissing but the Replicants grow disgusted and runs off. As do the Pupa. Meanwhile, at Ophelia’s foretress, the evil empress is tracking the orb on her crystal ball and gasp.

Ophelia: What the fuck is this?

The crystal then plays images of the Solar Opposites with their new powers. Ophelia growls in rage.

Ophelia: WHAT?! ALIENS?! WITH SUPER POWERS?! bang her fist Those should be my super powers! Well, no matter! I’m just gonna find a way to get them! I must track those disgusting creatures down!

Ophelia uses the coordinates to Earth as she grins evilly. Back with the Solar Opposites, Korvo was busy clearing the fire with his fire axe.

Korvo: Damn, what a mess this orb made. Well, at least no one got hurt.

Yumyulack: Korvo, we’re scared. Is someone gonna come after us?

Jesse: Yeah, what if someone hunt us down? For these dangerous powers?

Korvo looks at his children with a worried, but concern look on his face.

Korvo: Don’t worry kids, I’m sure no one is gonna kill us, we just need to keep those powers hidden from everyone.

Yumyulack: Yeah, including Daryl.

Jesse: Aw geez, I hope no one figures out about the orb. It really spread across the skies. Who’s gonna find them?

Korvo: I don’t know, but I hope it is people worthy chosen for this.

Suddenly, an attack is heard. People screaming were heard as emergency sirens howl and explosions ignite.

Terry: Huh?

Terry looks outside and see the town getting attack by a bunch of weird looking soldiers.

Terry: Holy shit. What is happening?! sees people getting hurt and/or killed Oh my God! Those bastards are hurting people!

Terry looks down as he looks at his hands. He growls as his closes and eyes and made his decisions. Before he left, he turns to Korvo, who is still cleaning.

Terry: Korvo, I’m going out!

Korvo: offscreen Okay, please bring back more cereal for the Replicants!

Yumyulack and Jesse: offscreen Yay!

In a rush, Terry rushes to the city in a fast pace and sees three citizens in trouble.

Terry: Holy shit uh, sees a water hose Ah-ha! turns to Principal Cooke You there! Turn on that hose!

Principal Cooke: Huh? On it!

Principal Cooke turns on the hose as it splashed on the guards as they screech and retreat. Terry then sees three civilians getting endangered.

Terry: Oh fuck!

Suddenly, the fire has turned into fireballs as Terry throws it at the guards.

Terry: Oh hell yeah! This is a sweet new upgrade

Terry uses his fire powers and creates some more fireballs to fire at the guards. The fireballs burned the guards as they retreat. Terry, in fast motion, gets the citizens to safety. Terry then disappears after the costumes got to safety.

Citizen #1: Who was that?

Citizen #2: I don’t fucking know.

Principal Cooke: Whoever he was, he saved us.

Citizen #3: He’s like a hero!

The town cheered in victory as Ophelia looks down and growls. Terry comes home and sees Korvo walking anxiously. He then turns to see Terry moaning and runs up to hug his sweetheart.

Korvo: Thank God. Where have you been?

Terry: I uh-

Korvo: Okay that is it! I knew you were using your powers!

Terry: Uh?

Korvo: Terald! You can’t let people know about your fire powers! It’s a big risk!

Terry: nervously Heh heh! Well, at least I manage to save three people on a building.

Korvo: What?! Terry! That was dangerous! Did anybody see you?!

Terry: N-no, but come on honey! You know this our big chance! I finally found strength in me! This is my chance-

Korvo: I know, but right now, our lives will be at risk! We have a life now Terry! With our kids! Our home! Do you really want to risk it?

Terry: But, what if an evil villain appears and hurts-

Korvo grabs Terry’s hand and sighs.

Korvo: Terry, I know you want to prove yourself but, right now, I don’t want the Shlorpian that I love to get hurt. Right now, is not the right time. We need to wait Terry, until each of us are ready to have our moment to rise.

Terry: sighs I’m sorry honey. I never meant to make you worry about me. Okay, I’ll wait.

Korvo: You promise?

Terry: smiling I promise.

Korvo kisses Terry on the cheek as he head back to his and Terry’s room.

Korvo: Terry, when the right time comes, please be prepared for it. But don’t let it cost everything that you love, especially our kids. ‘Cause, I know that my husband will do what’s right.

Terry smile meekly as Korvo heads inside their room. He looks down and sighs as he makes a tiny flame with his hands. It shows a flashback of him and Korvo looking at the sunset.

Terry: The sunset sure is beautiful.

Korvo: Yes. It really is. Should we get out of here or-

Terry: grabs Korvo’s hand Wait?!

Korvo: Terry? What is it?!

Terry: takes a deep breath and kneels down Korvo, I know things have been unconventional lately. I know we didn’t choose each other but after making our life on Earth, I’m glad I would do this with you. You’re my best friend, slash life-Korvo, slash work-husband-in crime. You’re my Korvy and I love you more than anything. More than t-shirts, more than earth, more than anything in the whole world.

Korvo: tears of joy Oh Terry, wait? What are you trying to say?

Terry gets out a box and opens it where it shows a ring inside of it. Korvo gasp in joy as tears continue to stream out of his eyes.

Terry: Korvo, will you marry me?

Korvo: crying Yes! A billion times yes!

Korvo hugs Terry as the two began crying in joy as Terry put the ring on Korvo’s ring finger and the two share a kiss. The flashback ends as Terry starts crying silently. He knew he has to keep Korvo’s promise. But then… back at Ophelia’s fortress,

Ophelia: Those fools! How dare they worship that pathetic Shlorpian?! Grr! I know how I can get those powers! And is by taking away what’s important to him. laughs evilly as she stares at a picture of the Solar Opposites family hugging each other

Later that night, the Solar Opposites were fast asleep. But then, a shadow peeks through the Replicants’ bedroom. Two hands appear as they muffle the Replicants’ mouth so no one can hear them screaming.

Yumyulack: muffling Help! What the fuck is happening?!

Jesse: muffling Terry! Korvo! Help!

Later at the fortress, Ophelia smiles at the Replicants as they struggle to break free from their cages.

Jesse: Let us go you monster!

Ophelia: Never! Not until your dads get here!

Yumyulack: You bitch! Who even are you?!

Ophelia: I am Ophelia! The space empress of all of the galaxies! And I come here to rule Earth! But first, all I need is to find the remains of the Earth!

Ophelia laughs manically. Back in the Opposites’ house, Terry hears Yumyulack and Jesse screaming for help as he gets up from his bed.

Terry: gasp;whispering Kids?

Terry sees the Replicants in the cages Ophelia is keeping them prisoner as she laughs evilly. “Courage in Me” from Lou plays in the background as Terry then looks at Korvo and then back to Ophelia. As Terry turns his head back and forth in a dilemma, he then recalls what Korvo said to him earlier during their argument.

Korvo: voiceover Terry, when the right time comes, please be prepared for it. But don’t let it cost you everything that you love, especially our kids. ‘Cause, I know that my husband will do what’s right.

Terry then close his eyes and opens them back up with courage in his eyes. Terry made a noble choice, go save his kids and stop Ophelia from hurting anyone and destroying the town. Before Terry leaves, he looks back at Korvo and makes sure he didn’t wake him. He kiss Korvo on the forehead and jumps out the window. Terry made it to the building as he jumps up and gives a death glare at Ophelia.

Terry: offscreen Ophelia!

Ophelia: Hmm? turns to see Terry

Terry: Let go of my children you bitch!

Yumyulack and Jesse: Terry!

Ophelia: These are your kids? Ha, pathetic!

Terry: growls as he feels a glow coming from his chest

Ophelia: Who are you anyway?

Terry’s eyes glow red as he began to feel something sparking inside of him.

Terry: My name… IS TERRY!

Terry begins to glow as the light surrounds him transforming him into a newer version of himself.

Terry’s Transformation Sequence:

Terry has received a new fire theme suit as he creates flames from his hands and gets ready to fight Ophelia.

Yumyulack: Whoa! Is that new look?

Jesse: Terry! You look amazing!

Korvo is awaken by the sound and gasp upon seeing Terry transformed.

Korvo: What the fuck? Is that-

Korvo however believes this is a dream.

Korvo: sighs Nevermind, I must be dreaming. I’m going back to bed.

Korvo heads back to sleep. Back with Terry, he stares angrily at Ophelia. Terry throws fireballs at Ophelia as she ducks.

Ophelia: You bastard! shoots emerald darts

Terry/Solar Flare: Damn, that lady has anger issues.

Terry manage to hide, but then looks at his reflection as he gasp in shock. He looks at his costume.

Terry/Solar Flare: Damn. Swanky duds. lifts up a part of his super suit These powers must’ve made something amazing. I didn’t know I could do that. Looks it’s a job for…. SOLAR FLARE!

Terry made a superhero pose. He then sees his children and rushes over to free them as he uses his fire pwoers to melt the bars.

Jesse: Terry, you've got to get away from here.

Terry: No, I won't leave you two. You’re my kids!

A comes between the ground near the cages as a Ophelia flies up, laughing manically. Jesse and Yumyulack clutch each other, looking up to see Ophelia floating towards them.

Ophelia: You pitiful, insignificant, fools!

Yumyulack: (pointing) Oh shut! Look out!

The Replicants ran to safety in a panic as Terry gets ready to fight again

Yumyulack: Ter- I mean Solar Flare! Keep her busy!

Terry/Solar Flare: Oh, I’ll fucking keep her busy!

Ophelia: Now I am the ruler of all the galaxies! The people will obey my every whim!

Ophelia raises the her hands and swirls diamond with it, creating a storm with lightning. A wave sweeps Solar Flare away.

Jesse: Terry!

Ophelia: You fuck-up aliens and those pathetic humans bow to my fucking power!

She swirls the spears towards Solar Flare, creating a wave attack. The spinning funnel reaches the floor. Yumyulack and Jesse dodges the wreckage as they scream.

Gliding, Terry grabs onto a rope and hoists the Replicants up the side without it getting burn and onto the deck as they scream. At the edge, Yumyulack and Jesse clings to a rock. Ophelia destroys the rock and Yumyulack and Jesse falls to safety. Ophelia shoots lightning at them from up above. On top of the tower, Solar Flare stares at Ophelia courageously and gets ready for his new fire attack towards Ophelia.

Ophelia: laughing wickedly So much for your so called Papa Wolf!

As Ophelia is about to bring her trident down on the Replicants, Solar Flare fires his attack at the villainess as Ophelia starts screaming in pain. Her eyes flash as she collapse and growls angrily with her eyes glowing.

Terry/Solar Flare: That’s what you get you fucking bitch! Nobody harms my kids!

Jesse: Yay! Terry saved us!

Yumyulack: Thank goodness! You saved us!

Ophelia: This isn’t over! You’ll pay for this Solar Flare!

Terry/Solar Flare: Shove those words up your ass! Bitch!

Solar Flare flies the kids back to their home as Ophelia growls in fury. That morning, as the sun began to rise, Terry puts the tired Replicants to bed as they slept peacefully. He then sneak back into his room, before transforming back into his normal alien self. Korvo wakes up and gasp.

Terry: Hey honey, what happened?

Korvo: Oh. Terry. It’s just you. I just had the weirdest dream. You were a- and a- sighs That was really weird.

Terry: lying Yeah. Definitely.

Korvo: sighs I’m just glad you stick to your promise honey. I’m just glad my husband is here.

Terry: So, what do you wanna now?

Korvo: seducing I know what I wanna do.

Terry: Oh baby, yes please.

Terry and Korvo took off their pajamas as they started to have sex. But now, a newspaper appears on the neighborhood with Solar Flare on it, with the headline, Who is Solar Flare?! For a new breed of hero has arrived, THE MIGHTY SOLARS!

THE END