#I posted something for ice look at me go wahoo

[hehe207]

They called you by many names, Godslayer, Bloodletter, Hero, Monster. You had heard it all. But you never thought you’d hear someone call you father.

It was raining again. The storms had been getting worse recently, probably courtesy of a new and upcoming water god who the villagers would ask you to kill even though it had been decades since you even touched your sword.

“It’s raining pretty hard, you should probably go take your net out of the river lest it gets swept up by the current.”

“I suppose,” you reply, as much as you hated to admit it, he had a point. You don’t know his name, never bothered to ask, certainly never cared while he was alive, and even less since you ran him through your sword. Living with his ghost whispering in your mind hasn’t gotten you to ask either.

Reluctantly, you get up from your spot from the fire, and creak open the door to your cramped cabin, not bothering to grab a coat. It’s not like you can get sick. He doesn’t comment on your lack of weather gear, used to you by now.

Outside, it’s windy, wet, and generally miserable. You almost wished you didn’t bother to eat. Technically, you don’t need to, you can’t starve to death, but you do get really hungry. Eternity is long enough without being in constant pain. So you make start the trek to the river.

You’re almost to the river, the sound of its roar competing with the whistling of the wind and beat of rain in your ears, when he speaks again.

“Do you hear that?” Of course you don’t, and you tell him such, determined to fish out your damn net and get back. “Just… wait a moment,” he continues, “to your left, it sounds like…” he trails off, and then you hear it too. Faintly, downer out by rain is a sound you haven’t heard in so long. A sound you’ve been avoiding for years. You hear the sound of a child crying.

They were so small, so weak, so helpless. Strong though, to still be able to cry so fiercely in this weather. Net forgotten, you pick them up in your arms, the delicate form of the child a stark contrast against your scars.

You brought them home, sheltering them from the rain that seems to grow colder with every passing second, wishing you brought a coat.

Sitting once more by the fire, the child sleeping in your arms, he starts to speak again.

“You seriously aren’t thinking of keeping it are you?” You don’t reply, too stubborn to admit you didn’t think that far ahead. He continues, I’m a softer tone this time. “I know I can’t stop you, but just know this…” another pause, then as soft as a whisper “This is going to hurt, no matter what happens, she will die, and you will live to see it, and you will live to be alone.” You stay silent, you already know about your immortality, your reward for all the gods you’ve slain. You already know that you can’t die, not by fire nor hunger nor swords or spears. You already know that if you get close to anyone you’ll just watch them grow old and weak until they die, all the while staying young and healthy yourself. You know that helping this child will only bring you pain, yet you can’t help but showing them the kindness you were once given yourself.

Although your memories have started to fade with age, you still vividly remember the moment your life changed. It was days after the fire, the unnatural flames had decimated your village, and your parents with it. You were scared, starving and alone, still mourning the loss of your parents when she came along. She was tired, already struggling to care for other orphaned children from both your village and others, her own children long dead. She took you in, gave you a home, you lived with her until you were old enough to go out on your own. Every day training dreaming of one day being able to protect villages like yours from these self-proclaimed gods, criminals by another name. It’s because of her you lived long enough to prevent more orphans like you. He doesn’t know any of this of course, and you certainly don’t plan on telling him any time soon.

The child grew, from an infant to a little girl and then a young woman. She grew up on stories of long gone heroes, and of trips to the nearby village, trips that before you never would have gone on, but you went on nonetheless at her pleading. You never really could tell her no. Not even when she came home one day with a stray dog, claiming it had been abandoned, begging to keep it. It was missing its left eye and ear, but despite its faults, she loved the dog dearly, promising to care for it. So, your small family grew to include one more.

You built your once small cabin to have multiple rooms, so she’d have her own space, and she invited over friends who filled your once lonely space with the sounds of visitors and playful barking. For the first time in years, you were finally happy. However, as all natural things come to an end, this did too.

A beautiful sunny day, spring flower were blooming, and birds were chirping, on a day like this, you’d never know it was the beginning of the end. She had gone out to walk the dog, hyper despite its disabilities. She often went on long walks through the forest or by the river, some days you joined her, however your rocking chair was looking somewhat worse for wear, and you set yourself to the task of fixing it up.

You were half way through mending the seat’s cushion when the storm started. It came in like an avalanche, ruthless and without warning. Although she is plenty capable of returning on her home, but that didn’t stop you from worrying, and when you had finished sewing up the seat and she still hadn’t returned, you ventured into the storm, fearing the worst.

You found her knelt on the ground, shaking. She was hunched over and as you approached you noticed tears mixed with the rain flooding down her face. The source of her sorrow was evident, the dog she loved so dearly was snarling next to a tree, its front leg stuck in a bear trap and covered in crimson. Before you could approach the frightened thing, she spoke.

“We-“she gasped, barely even able to form words through her sobs. “We were walking, the farmer's daughter and I, you know her she came over a while back, and then, then-“she paused, trying to compose herself while the rain beat down. “Then next thing I know, the trap went off on their leg,” she gestures to the dog, ”when we tried to save them, they lashed out and she was bit, she ran off, she’s going to tell her father won’t she and then he’ll…” she trails off, knowing what happens to dogs that make a habit of biting, knowing the farmer won’t be happy. You step towards the dog, slowly as to not startle it. It doesn’t matter, pain has driven the poor thing to aggression. It lunges, leaving a shallow mark in your arm.

“Gods,” you swear under your breath, surprised at the typically loving dog’s ferocity. That doesn’t stop you from grabbing it though, awkwardly pining it down with your elbow so your hands are left free to pry open the traps teeth. With the trap off, it seems to have calmed down somewhat, limping over to her, and giving her face a meek lick. She was still crying, but the relief was palpable. The three of you went home, with the dog in your arms, as the storm started to let up.

You were out when the farmer came. Though your children were friends, the two of you never seemed to get along, his superstitions and short temper reminding you uncomfortably of your younger self. You had been just about to return from foraging some wild mushrooms, you didn’t manage to find as many as you’d like, however angry storm clouds were rolling in. Once you got closer to the cabin though, you wished you had returned sooner.

The farmer was dragging the dog off, while one of his cohorts held her tear stained form back. She was screaming, you dropped the basket on the wet ground, you hadn’t even noticed it started raining, to do something. You don’t know what, by the look on the farmers face it looks like he doesn’t care that the dog was scared, or it was an accident, he’s going to get the dog put down. In your prime you could’ve taken the men on easily, along with the whole village, but you’ve grown soft. It doesn’t matter, you have to do something to help her. You lunge forward, then suddenly you hear a cry. A cry filled with rage and anguish that you had hoped you never would hear come from your daughter. That’s when the world goes white.

You gingerly get up and rub the brightness out of your vision, and suddenly you understand. The farmer lays in a charred heap on the ground. The men let go of your daughter, jaws hanging loose, as she knelt on the ground cuddling the dog. The storm had gone, but not before the farmer got struck by lightning. The farmer’s cronies ran off, they too realizing what had happens, promising retribution. You knew that they would make good on their threats. Townsfolk were superstitious and wouldn’t like that you had been harbouring a god in your home.

She refused to run. Despite your insistence she stubbornly refused to abandon this place.

“This is my home,” she said “if they want to come for me, then let them.” And come they did.

You don’t remember much of it, an angry mob with torches raised, pitchforks at the ready, the smell of approaching storms and soon to be spilt blood. She tried to reason with them, but it didn’t work and soon she was fighting. Despite the strength of her powers, she’d had no practice nor training, and it wasn’t very long before she fell. After that, it’s all a blur. You were angry, your vision swimming with red. The cabin is gone, reduced to splinters along with everyone who dared defied you. A chunk of the forest was levelled, raised by your pain. It doesn’t matter. None of it matters anyone. You had one thing to keep you going and now it’s gone. Everything is gone. Everything except him, of course.

“I suppose this would be a bad time to say I told you so,” he says, and it’s so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh. You laugh and laugh until it turns to sobs and then even those run out. He was right. It did hurt, it hurt so bad you don’t know how you’ll keep going. Given the chance however, you know you would do it all again. You know that you would never give up the memories you made, no matter how much it hurt in the end. You get up from your spot, and you keep on going.

The abandoned child you’ve taken in sleeps on your lap as the god who gave you immortality softly warns you. “This will hurt.”

[silvermuffins]

NieR:Automata: Cat stop eating my pretzels

For the record, individual post titles basically never have anything much to do with actual post content. Now then.

see ya twobee get yer own moose

HOLY FUCK WHITE MOOSE

IMMA RIDE THAT ONE

SPRINTING ON MOOSE WRECKS ENEMIES

okay we will come back to this another time actually

i must go my people need me

OKAY WE ARE BACK, SEVERAL DAYS AND MANY TEARS LATER

i will still be taking another break for pasta before long

uh oh my ps4 seems to be having a problem of some sort

u ok buddy?

it...lost power, somehow, at some point?

when?

what the fuck happened??

guess we'll see what we need to do, i don't think i lost anything much....didn't exactly do much last time

looks like i lost my adventures in moose-riding

ah well onward toward the amusement park

was there a cutscene here before?

???

treasures with different shapes????

wahoo!

i dont have tons to say rn bc, you know, i already did this part

.....i might kill the tank this time just to get it in my intel,,,,

i know they're just having a good time but like, they'll respawn, right?

and they're past the dude who warns dangerous and broken so it's IC, right?

yeah 9S even says "let's take it out"

time to ride the coaster

simone time

i aam very bad at hacking

"I want your eyes to look upon me alone"

this is...backstory?

blue stone. brilliant blue. BLUE THUMP--

(jokes only amber will get)

machines can vomit?

i guess eve's were going full carnivore (....machino...vore....????) on the Resistance last run

simone just wants senpai to notice her

madness mantra

uh oh

and so i scream

god, 2B acts emotionless but is so eager to save her companions

i do wonder what's with the pile of TVs in the basement

! my first fisty weapons!

to the machine village!

i seem to recall my game likes to crash on the way to the village so let's save before we get out of the park's save bubble

okay that bit with the sending parts and supplies up HAS to be foreshadowing SOMETHING....but what???

was this flash of white here before?

eve eating an apple.

oh my god

adam raising his brother to wear underpants

not what i expected!

just talks to Pascal off the bat

yup, nobody wants to fight

i need to go see about pasta

nop no noodles yet

anyway.

what i remember is that now....it is SIDEQUEST HELL!

i do not like how this machine mama talks about her son

i already feel bad about this

oh....okay i feel better now

it's okay kiddo, communication IS hard

ah looks like i might have to restart the sidequests i didn't finish before...

that'll be a pain

noodles should be ready very soon....letty hungy letty wamt meal

penne with vodka sauce if anyone's curious

(nobody is)

okay actually it's apparently four-cheese sauce

which is weird because it tastes like it needs cheese

anyway i do appreciate getting to know the different Operators a little...

also it's kinda weird just how little the androids know about humans isn't it?

the machines almost seem to understand more about humans and how people live

though i guess the androids probably got all kinds of propaganda

especially yorha

OKAY CONSPIRACY THEORY TIME

adam and eve, the first people. WHAT IF the machine wars are separated by like...earth being populated, and whether it's machines or humans switches between every war?

what if the cyclical implications are because these wars always play out the same?

listen i'd believe weirder shit at this point

i am also not convinced that this 9S playthrough i'm doing is the "same" playthrough as got me to ending A

like. hear me out. same shit but it's *fucking happened before*, exactly the same almost, and this either takes place *before* playthrough 1 started or after it ended

and for some reason 2B remembers shit across cycles but has to pretend she doesn't

repeatedly attempts platforming my way to chests

OKAY now let's beat up daddy servo and see if he's done yet

i feel weird about papa serves us having a head in his crotch now

"taste the forbidden fruits" or "go hungry" i LOVE how sassy the options in this game are

anyway im level 45 let's fuck him up

of a random and unspecified god

nice i already have his shit

nice star wars reference

seriously though, he's gonna have me come at him AGAIN???

next time might be the last....i hope so im getting sick of him

huh the same message from humanity.....i think that's a recording folks

i think the humans are dead

where my white moose buddy at

not here :(

oh fuck i accidentally killed a moose with fall damage

sorry

wait but....there's a chest back there, why can't i get to it....

gimme a few levels and i'll be back, papa servo....but i see there's another sidequest in the village?

there's one out in the desert...

there's another in what looks to be the amusement park's castle?

you know what i'm gonna blast ahead to when i get fast travel, actually

wait what's this "novel" thing in my intel...oooh is that Simone's text?

picture books, too...

rams moose into another moose

nearly fell down the chasm....by which i mean i did but only a little, i found my way back up

....uh? moose dude? you okay? u chillin'?

he's just kinda right at the VERY EDGE of the waterfall like his model is hanging half off the cliff

im gonna leave him be

oh goddammit is the quest that kiddo locked himself in again?

aww he's got a crush

OKAY TIME TO FIGHT ENGELS AGAIN

that was easy

there goes the neighborhood!

oh boy LOTS of sidequests on the map now! so like i said imma go get fast travel then do a lot of these

i think i get fast travel once i go see adam and eve again?

wait there were only the wormy ones down here before....

but now there's one of the big ones that 9S became at the end of ending A

is this about to deviate?

apparently not

also imma go to the flooded city early to see about that one couple

50,000G? Is that all?

tis but a pittance

uhhh i just got an exchange of dialogue between 9S and Pod that i dooooon't think I have context for.....

there's "anothere of those machines" and he's like "i guess it's going to attack me" and his pod says something about this type of machine specifically seeking out androids for revenge....

OH WAIT NO I THINK IT'S THE GOLDEN ONES

ALL IS WELL

fuck i'm bad at hacking

but you have to kill the big one first and then the little one, right?

STOP FUCKING TARGETING THE LITTLE ONE

9S refuses to not target the little one! i want to hack the big one!

okay NOW we can work on the little one

that machine's dying speech hits hard...

dafuq, the music?

okay there's no giant standing wrecked fish machine here

i AM gonna try to platform over to those chests i saw before before i go

okay i got over there

Legion? with a capital L?

anyway let's get down into the cave!

woohoo the latest locked chest had a crapton of good shit!

...i think it's been a while since i saved, actually. i should do that. but i'm already down the hole, how do i get out to go save?

i guess i don't!

to the alien mothership!

okay, i remember fighting Eve as 2B. I didn't realize it was two 1v1s, that's pretty cool. And I'm thinking about how Adam's the one who fucks 9S up and mmmmmmboy.

OKAY WE SAVED

ALRIGHT we have to go to the Bunker to progress plot but it's time for sidequest hell!

oh the kid's a hikikomori again

oh. he just wants to play with 9S doesn't he....

first one i've done in one go, of his quests. am i getting better at this?

he's....giving up on not being a shut-in

oh my god i guess....if he wants to make the best possible lock......good for him ig?

and his mother is proud of him for this

im jealous

quest from pascal!

wait weren't these questions part of the main plot....im confused....

oh well

the machines other than adam and eve only ever seem to discuss living together with androids, never humans?

do they know something

whoops i missed a question but i got the quest

the fuck is numismatics

the weird machine's very smart, as expected

okay the opera house sidequest isn't available yet ig

next, the tower

machine's thoughts.....

don't love that i killed philosophybot but ok

oh i found another

pain because it can't find meaning in its existence....and now 9S is questioning....

oh this MUST be another one

....so that's why they were always in high places....

and 9S was starting to be affected by getting in their heads

fuck

okay so what we have left is....serve me daddy, racing star, something in the resistance base, the wandering couple, something in the desert? and oh something in the one building Engels smashed through, too. and whatever the fuck is in the opera house.

i do not want to do the race we're ignoring him til later

there is a resistance member who recognizes 2B

all i can think of is how Anemone called 2B "Number 2" at first meeting....same thing she called A2

oh no....this is going to be feelsy isn't it. the life log.

oh no....she was murdered by another Resistance member?

fuck this woman murdered her friend didn't she

lady i think "the bastard who murdered [your] friend" might...turn out to be you....

am i going to sidequest another resistance member into committing suicide

2b wtf? "i know she's pretty but"

what happened to emotions are prohibited

what happened to playing unflappable

ohhh this is the photographs quest again, okay

because i couldn't reach the destination out in the desert

i can't upgrade both the phoenix sword and the engine blade bc they need the same components and i only have enough for one....

gotta be the engine blade then. gotta support my boy noctis.

wtf 2B

what is your PROBLEM

time to check the desert then, i've got three goals out thattaway

maybe i'll be allowed to get to the photo site?

fuck yes, boar in the desert, that will make traversal less of a pain

piggy won't go that far....hum. i'll see if i can press onward on foot after i accept this sidequest.

okay i can get SO CLOSE to the destination for the desert photo, but i can't seem to get through the sandstorm, i think i'm getting redirected around it...

i got through!

f i s h i n g

ugh all im fucking catching are killifish

it's gonna be fucking hard to ever get back here

would be nice if there were an access point out here....

oh great. hunting down ALL the old world shit. fun times, love quests that don't make the end goal clear....

i gave up and used a guide just for this one quest and even WITH one it was awful

im probably not done

i did find a new weapon though!

nation here lived under an absurd number of laws

mask is for a woman

nation was wiped out suddenly, because of a king passing...

9S is rightfully baffled by westerns

"Facade"....

i am so glad for that fuckin mars rocket beacon giving me a gd landmark i can see from anywhere

idk if there's anything else out in the desert....like, past the sandstorms....shit to find? new areas??? idk presumably something will direct me

or i'll beat the game and look it up

lets get out of the fuckin desert

oh no....the poor wandering couple....

swindled by someone they thought would help them

okay i now have two goals in the park ruins so that's next

oh neat i already have the memory alloy she needs

oh my god that's cute, pascal

wait why close his eyes isn't he blindfolded?????

oh no....running away together being too perilous, or forgetting their feelings....

fuckkkkk

i have to do it????

I AM NOT HAPPY

oh

oh my god

lady i....think that's cruelty???

that does not seem healthy

okay THAT is DEFINITELY not healthy

THE SIXTH TIME?????

WHAT THE FUCK

THAT WAS FUCKING WEIRD

AND CREEPY

BADFEELS

i.....i think we are stopping here for the night

[aurora-borealis514]

Time to go!

Upon returning home from clearing her name with the police, she started instantly packing for her trip. She lugged out 4 suitcases and 3 handbags knowing that she might not need to bring that much, since they were only going away for a few days. Sitting onto the bed she looks down at the mess she has created. 

“Arrrgh!!” She grunts kicking her slipper across the room.

Carter enters just in time to catch it.

“Judith.” He smiled walking over to the bed and handing her the slipper.

Judith stood up and walked over to her dresser, gently nudging him as she walked by. “Good catch.” she then pulled out her chap stick and applied it slowly,

Sighing she looked at the ground.

“Um, do you plan on taking all of this?” Carter asked rubbing the back of his head with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“I want too.” She said rubbing her knuckles together and biting her lip, while now deep in thought.

“Where do you plan on putting it all?” he asked “I hear the rooms aren’t very big.” 

“Oh hush! We get our own apartment and from the pictures it looks huge!” she smiled getting more excited.

Laughing Carter crossed his arms and leaned back. “Yeah, well what happens when we get there and the room is only large enough for one of your bags.”

“I don’t know.” She said shrugging her shoulders. “I really hope it doesn’t have to come down to that.” she smiled looking over at him.

“Well if that does happen, I’m sure there are plenty of benches you can always post up on.” he laughed.

“Hey you know what! This is going to be a fun trip!” She continued turning to him.

“Wow, Judith you are in a great mood today.” Carter laughed.

“What do you mean, I’m always in a good mood.” she laughed in return.

“How are things going with Nadia? Is she almost finished packing?” she then asked Carter.

“I’m pretty sure she is all set. She’s probably outside waiting with the driver.” he reassured.

“How about you? Are you all ready to go?” Judith questioned as she leaned down to put some more clothing into her suitcase. 

“Me? I just have to change out of these clothes and I’ll be all set!” He replied giving her a thumbs up.

“What you don’t like your uniform?” Judith gasped grabbing her chest and looking up at him as if she was about to have a heart attack.

“Hey, You and I both know I look damn good in this uniform.” He smirked giving her a quick wink. “But I’m not about to board a plane wearing it.”

Judith continued packing as Carter just stood there behind her in silence.

“Well then what are you doing now?” Judith asked sitting on top of her bag trying to get it to close.

“I just wanted to come up and see if you needed your things brought downstairs for you.” he smiled walking over to her suitcase and pushing down while she zipped it shut. 

Judith looked up at him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “That would be great thank you.”

Giving her a quick smile he stood up and grabbed two of her bags. “I’ll see you downstairs.” He said walking out the door.

Oasis Springs International Airport.

The three arrived at the airport around 6 in the afternoon. They decided to catch a late flight because figuring with the jet lag it would work out in their favor. Walking into the airport paparazzi swarmed.

“Judith! Can we have a word!” a news reporter said walking over to her.

Judith stopped. “I am treating my staff to a vacation, any further questions can be directed towards the oasis pd.” sue said flashing a smile.

Fan’s started to gather as well. So of course Judith had to stop and sign a few autographs before being escorted inside by TSA.

Carter lifted up the bags and placed them on the scan system. Stretching he walked through the metal detector and patiently waited for the girls on the other side.

“1, 2, 3.... wait, where’s the other bag....oh never mind. PHEW!” Nadia said getting extremely anxious.

“Will you relax” Carter called out to her, its just an air plane.” he laughed.

“Listen, I don’t fly.” She snapped back.

“Judith Ward. While I’ll be.” The officer at the front of the line said turning to look at her.

“Wow!” Judith exclaimed. “Mr. Danielson! I haven’t seen you since high school.” she smiled.

“You look great as always, how is my favorite straight A student doing?” he smiled holding out his hand to shake hers.

“I have been great!” she replied “Why aren’t you teaching?”

“Oh this is my summer job, when school’s out I liked to keep busy. It drives my wife crazy.” he laughed nudging Carter.

“Straight A’s?” she couldn’t help it and laughed out loud.

“Yes Nadia, why is that so hard to believe.”  Judith asked turning to look at her.

“Actually yea, to be honest with you.” she said trying to keep a straight face.

“Well believe it young lady!” Mr. Danielson smiled. “Judith here was one of my best students!” 

Judith tried to walk through the metal detector but the machine went off.

Beep beep beep beep beep.

“Please remove all of your jewelry Judith. That includes your earrings.” he smiled.

Judith stepped back and removed her earrings. Then walked back through.

Beep beep beep beep beep!

“Come on Judith, We really don’t want to miss out flight.” Carter said looking up at the time.

Judith rolled her eyes. 

“Now relax sir, the plane won’t leave until Judith is on board.” He smiled.

“Thank you!” Judith smiled looking over at him.

“Come on Judith I really have to pee.” Nadia spoke up in the background.

“Hold your horses.” Judith snapped looking back over her shoulder.

Judith walked through the metal detectors and this time they didn’t go off. Cheers from unhappy travelers came from the line behind. Judith turned to them and shot a nasty look before turning back to Mr. Danielson.

Then Nadia walked through, No problems at all.

“I will see you guys at the gate, I really need to use the bathroom.” she squeaked out as she ran past them and up the stairs.

“Well Judith it was really good to see you for a moment.” Mr. Danielson said this time giving her a hug.

“It was great to see you too. Before I head off though here.” she replied taking out a picture of herself and signing it. “Something to hang up in your classroom.” 

“How kind of you! I will make sure to hang it up, I’m sure a lot of my students will be excited to see it.” he said holding his cheeks like a giggly little girl.

Carter laughed.

“Anyway, Enjoy your trip you guys and stay safe!” Mr. Danielson waved as the two turned and walked towards the flight gate.

Looking up at the Arrival/Departure board they struggled at first to find which gate they actually needed to be at. Finally after a few moments they finally found their flight which read on time. Carter looked over at the clock and nudged Judith. They had exactly 25 mins to get to the gate before it locked. The three grabbed their carry ons and ran to the gate. Handing the women their boarding pass and passports she stamped them and directed them onto the plane. 

“Thank you for flying with Oasis Springs International! I am Judy and I will be all you lovely first classer’s flight attendant for the evening. Now if you wouldn’t mind turning to this T.V here we have a quick video that we would appreciate if you watched in case of an emergency.” The woman smiled.

“Oh great.” Nadia mumbled under her breath as she popped a few xanax. 

“Just relax, Nadia, we will be there before you know it.” Carter reassured her. 

Nadia rested back in her seat and closed her eyes trying to control her breathing.

“Now the exits can be found at the front and the back of the plane. If you feel the plane bounce, don’t worry that’s just some slight turbulence and our pilot is trained to handle any situation thrown at him with the weather!” she reassured.

“If the overhead oxygen masks come down, please place them over your face like this.” She instructed as she placed on over her face. “But please, place your mask on first before you try and assist anyone else.” she mumbled through the mask fogging it up as she spoke.

“Up front here if you notice we have complimentary Champagne on ice and multiple variety of snacks, so if you need something just give me a wave and I’ll bring the cart over.” 

“Well at least there’s one good thing about this flight.” Carter laughed looking over at Judith. “Free booze!”

Judith giggled.

“Excuse me! I’ll have three glasses of Champagne please and thanks.” Nadia said waving her hand to try and get the women’s attention.

“Only one glass at a time ma’am.” the flight attendant laughed.

Nadia groaned and slid back down into her seat.

“Now overhead is where you can store your carry-ons and if you need anything out of them during the flight, just make sure the seatbelt lights are turned off before unbuckling and moving around.”

“Now with that being said is everyone ready for take off?” She asked trying to pump everyone up, who clearly didn’t seem as enthused as she was.

“Wahoo...” one person sarcastically responded.

“That’s the spirit!” She shouted making a fist and bringing it across her chest.

Calling upfront she let the Captain know that they were ready for take off. Hanging up the phone she turned around she sat in the first seat. Which shortly after the seatbelt light came on. 

DING.

“Please turn off all cellular devices until the Captain gives us the ok once we are so high up in the air.” she shouted back at everyone as the plane propellers fired up.

The plane hummed, whistled and whined as it started to slowly move forward into gear, Judith turned to look out the window. 

“Italy, Here I come.”

[eyfey]

Do you have the full translation for chapter 173? I'm trying to figure out what their conversations were about

I... actually do! I just finished up translating that chapter for PSI Scans a couple weeks ago, so just this once I'll post a chapter transcript for 173

Enjoy! (under the readmore)

Page 007

{1}

1: Cafe Mami.

2: Seated at the table farthest from the entrance...

Sign: Cafe Mami.

title: PSI 173: Let’s go! PK Academy PSIkickers!

{2}

ai(a): 4:43 pm...

ai(b): Ah! There we are!

{3}

ai(a): And here he...

ai(b): Comes!

1: Welcome.

Fx: jingle jingle

{4}

sai: Good grief... Here too...?

{5}

sai: I don’t know what you’re planning...

{6}

sai: But can you stop showing up before me everywhere I go?

ai: Heyo♡

-

Page 008

{1}

top: My fighting technique?

It's nothing really, I'm just

using ESP.

This week’s ESP Haiku model: Saiki Kusuo-san (16)

Sign: Ultimate

{2}

title: PSI 137: Let’s go! PK Academy PSIkickers!

-

Page 009

{1}

1: Thanks for waiting.

Sign: Cafe Mami

{2}

1: Here’s our house coffee jelly.

Sai: What a pain... Even though went out of my way to come on a day when Mera-san wasn’t working...

fx: set

{3}

sai: So why is she here? Seriously...

ai(a): I never pegged you as the kind of guy who liked sweets Kusuo. That’s hilarious.

ai(b): Let’s go to a dessert buffet some time.

Sai: Don’t sit next to me. Go sit on the other side.

Fx: click

{4}

sai: As for how she knew I was going to be here... I don’t even need to ask.

Ai: Hey, were you surprised that I was here!?

{5}

ai: Sorry! I scryed it ♡

ai: Aha,

sai: This is the problem with ESPers.

Fx: Ta-dah★

{6}

ai(a): Well, I'm pretty sure you already knew, since you always manage to ditch me at school.

ai(b): You're like, on some whole nother level.

sai: It's because I can hear you with telepathy.

{7}

ai: Oh! That looks good!

-

Page 010

{1}

ai: Ahh.

{2}

ai(a): Woah!

ai(b): You’re no fun~

sai: nom nom

{3}

ai: Well whatever! I already ordered something so I don't care!

Ai: It’s taking forever though! Hey! Is it still not ready yet!?

{4}

ai: You've got 10 seconds!

1(a): Yes ma’am! It’s ready now!

1(b): Sorry, but you placed a very complex order!

{5}

1: As you requested: One mega serving of coffee jelly everest with caramel sauce, extra chocolate chips, and ice cream super sized.

Ai: Wo-hoah!! This looks totally dope!!

sai: That is incredible.

Fx: ta-dah

{6}

ai: You really outdid yourself old man! I’ve changed my mind about you.

1: Ha ha ha I won’t lose out to the young people just yet!

Sai: They’ve become friends.

Fx: yay yay

-

Page 011

{1}

sai: More importantly, why are you going out of your way to foresee where I’m going to be and then wait for me there?

Sai: Didn’t I tell you not to get involved with me...?

{2}

Sai: ...though right now not only is she not getting involved, but she’s even completely ignoring me.

Ai: This is going to get so many retweets.

Boss: Yay! Happy joy-py nice to meetcha-py!

Sai: Can I go now?

Fx: click click

{3}

sai: Huh!? You want to know why I was waiting for you?

Ai: You don't really need me to say it for you to know, do you?

Fx: tap tap

{4}

sai: It’s faster if you just say it though. Honestly...

ai: ...love you...

{5}

ai(a): I super love you ♡

ai(b): Super love-love.

ai(c): Pay attention to me ♡

ai: I love love love love you.

ai(a): I love you so much

ai(b): BIG LOVE　♡

ai(c): Wuv you ♡

ai(d): Cutie wootie lovey wuvy ♡

{6}

Sai: I still don't understand. I should just leave.

Ai: Huh!? Wait, where are you going!

Fx: clatter

{7}

tori: Huh?

-

Page 012

{1}

tori: Huhhh!?

{2}

tori: Saiki-san’s on a date!?

Ai: Huh? Who are you?

Sai: The annoyances have increased.

Fx small: run run run run run

fx large: BAM

{3}

tori: Woah! You’re the transfer student boob girl!!

ai: Ah! You’re the p*nis aura playboy!!

tori: P*nis aura!?

Ai: Besides, what does a suspicious guy like you want with my boo!?

Tori: Your boo!? Is this for real Saiki-san!?

{4}

sai: Shut up.

Ai: Nmph!?

Tori: Fbgh!?

Fx: Slam

fx small: snap

{5}

tori: ...!? Wait... what are you doing!? I understand if it was just me, but this girl...

{6}

ai: Isn’t that dangerous? Your powers are totally gonna be found out...

-

Page 013

{1}

1: Huh!?

{2}

tori: You told tits mcgee about your powers!!??

ai: Huhh!? Why does he know about your powers, Kusuo!!?

sai: I repeat: Shut up.

Fx: boom

{3}

ai: I thought it was our special secret!?

Tori(a): But you were trying that hard to hide it...

tori(b): Don’t tell me... you gave in to the power of boobs!?

sai: Lower your voices already.

{4}

ai: I mean like, why would you ever tell someone as loose lipped as him!?

boss: They’re pretty noisy over there... I wonder what they’re talking about?

Sai: At this rate one more person is going to know.

Fx: shout shout

fx bot: sneak

{5}

sai: You two are the only ones at our school who know.

Sai: and the reason I told is the same for both of you.

{6}

text: The same...!?

TextP: Then that means this girl also had her abilities acknowledged by Saiki san and is permitted to be his right hand man...!?

Sai: I haven’t acknowledged anyone and I’m not permitting anything.

{7}

text: The same...!?

Text: Then that mean just like me, he thinks Saiki is his soul mate!?

Text: Huh!? BL!?

Sai: No one is anyone’s soul mate and there is no BL.

-

Page 014

{1}

sai: It’s because both of you also have special powers.

Sai: I just figured it would be better to tell you myself then to have you find out with your own abilities.

{2}

tori: Huh... So that means you have ESP too...?

ai(a): Huh!?

ai(b): Are you serious right now!? This guy’s obviously just your average joe!

{3}

ai(a): Oh, is that it?

ai(b): Is your power that you can tell a girl’s three sizes just by looking?

Tori: Oh come on! Don’t underestimate me! I was born in a temple family!!

tori: Don’t think I'll forgive you just because your bust is 89cm!

sai: So he can tell.

{4}

tori: I have the power to see ghosts!

Ai: Huh? Wait, for realsies?

{5}

tori: For realsies! I’m a spiritual medium.

Tori: I can talk to ghosts and have them possess my body.

{6}

ai(a): Aren’t you just delusional?

ai(b): Shouldn’t you go to the hospital get your head examined?

Tori: I’m not seeing hallucinations!?

-

Page 015

{1}

tori: Well, I’m used to people not believing me, so let me show you some proof.

Tori: Hey.

{2}

tori(a): ...mutter... mutter...

tori(b): mutter mutter mutter...

ai: ? Who are you talking to?

tori(a): ...mutter... mutter...

tori(b): ...okay!

Fx: intense intense

{3}

tori: Rose pink T-Back...!

Ai: Huh!?

Tori: That’s the underwear you’re wearing right now.

Fx big: Boom

fx small: Swish

{4}

tori: I had a ghost check and tell me!

Tori: Well? Was I right?

Fx: ta-dah

{5}

tori: If I was, then as proof how about you show

fx: Kick

{6}

ai: He was right!

Ai: Tch... These were my fighting panties too...

tori: ...It was too fast, I couldn’t see...

{7}

sai: When did ghosts start agreeing to requests like that?

Tori: heheh... I’m not the same as before.

Fx: wobble

{8}

tori: I’ve gotten some negotiation material...

tori(a): In exchange for them doing what I ask...

tori(b): Urgh!!

fx: Flinch

-

Page 016

{1}

tori: Mo-poh.

Fx: snap

{2}

tori: Yyeeeaaahhh!!!

tori: It’s flesh!! All right!!

fx: ta-dah

{3}

tori: Wahaha!! Gravity!!

tori: Gravity is crazy!!

fx: bounce bounce

{4}

tori(a): Woohoo! Wind pressure!!

tori(b): I can feel the air!!

fx top: whoosh whoosh

fx bot: spin spin spin spin spin spin

{5}

1: Yes yes yes yes yes!!

2: I can’t get enough!!

fx top: Jab jab jab

fx bot: stab stab stab

{6}

tori(a): Wahoo... huh!?

tori(b): That’s it!?

Tori: Wait, hold on, just a little l-...

{7}

tori(A): ......!

tori(b): Phew...

tori: ...Do you get it now? Saiki-san...

fx: silence...

{8}

tori: I got him to tell me the color of her underwear in exchange for me lending him my body...!

Sai: You wanted to know that badly, huh.

Fx big: Ta-dah

fx small: huff huff

-

Page 017

{1}

ai: Hey, this guy might seriously be bad news... you should stop hanging out with him.

Sai: You make an extremely good point.

Tori: There! That’s my power!!

{2}

tori: Now it’s your turn, tits mcgee!!

ai: Oh, me?

{3}

ai: I’m a fortune teller! I can see the future, the past, or whenever!

Ai: And let me just say, unlike your powers, mine are the real deal! Get it!

Fx: Ta-dah

{4}

tori: Fortune telling~? You sure you don't mean body selling?

Ai: I’ll kill you!!

tori: Besides, it’s probably just stuff like Aquariuses will be lucky today, right?

{5}

tori: It would be a different story if you could foresee the winning lottery numbers or something, but...

ai: I can.

{6}

ai: I can foresee them...

ai: Got a problem with that?

Fx big: ta-dah

fx small: whoosh

{7}

tori: ...huh...

tori: Well isn’t that impressive...

fx: whoosh

{8}

tori: In that case...

fx: crouch

-

Page 018

{1}

tori: Please make me your disciple!!

ai: No way!!

fx: Boom

{2}

tori: I’ll clean, do the laundry, give you massages, provide night service, anything you want!! Please!!

ai(a): Even if you try to butter me up now, it’s no use!!

ai(b): You’re disgusting!!

{3}

sai: That’s amazing. So you can even do stuff like that...

ai(a): Huh? Well, I guess?

ai(b): It’s nothing compared to what you can do though Kusuo. ~blush~

{4}

sai: No, even I don’t have the ability to predict whatever I want.

Ai: But getting the winning lotto numbers has a high chance of things turning out badly.

{5}

ai(a): A person’s luck moves like a wave.

ai(b): Whenever something really lucky happens, something really unlucky is sure to follow so that it always balances out to net 0.

ai: That’s why if you win the lottery, you might just end up dying on the very same day.

{6}

ai(a): One time, before I knew about this, I used my powers to win 3 free packets of Yotchan Squid in a row, and the very next day I got hit by a truck.

ai(b): My bones were totally shattered! Lol ♡

sai: That’s not net 0 at all.

Text: Yotchan Squid

-

Page 019

{1}

tori: Woah... what the heck? That means your powers are completely useless...

tori(a): You got your bones broken (lol) just from winning 3 packets of Yotchan Squid? Wow that’s terrible...

tori(b): Can I take back the groveling I did?

Ai: Huh!?

{2}

ai(a): Yeah but I can foresee anything about other people!!

ai(b): It’s way more amazing than your stupid power that only let’s you hallucinate!!

tori: Huh!? You don’t understand anything about what makes my power great!!

{3}

tori: It seems I have no choice but to make you understand...

tori: just who the weakest, most disgraceful member of the PK Psychic Trio is...!

sai: I don’t remember forming any trios.

Fx: menace menace

{4}

ai: You're the one who needs to understand..

Ai: We already have our super love love ESPer Combo, so you’re not necessary.

sai: We have no such thing.

Fx: menace

{5}

tori: Okay then! Let’s compete to see who’s more worthy of being Saiki-san’s sidekick!!

ai: Bring it on!! You’re going down!!

tori: What should the competition be!?

Sai: Well, I’ve eaten my coffee jelly. Guess I’ll go home.

Fx wht: Shout Shout

fx: Scoot

{6}

sai: Seriously. What a waste of time... hm?

Aai: How about... uhhh...

fx: shout shout

{7}

sai: Nwah!!

1: What’s wrong!?

Fx: Clatter

-

Page 020

{1}

fxtop: Menace menace

fx left: Boom

{2}

tori: Woah! It’s a cockroach!!

ai: Huhh? Ew, you’re right.

Ai: ? Wait, but aren’t you freaking out a little too much?

{3}

tori: Stupid! Saiki-san hates bugs enough to pee his pants!!

sai: I didn’t...

tori: All right! Whoever eliminates that bug gets to be the sidekick!!

ai: Huhh!? Hey, wait!!

fx: dash

{4}

tori: All right! Let’s go! Are any of you good with bugs!?

1: Not me.

2: I’ll take care of it.

{5}

tori: All right! I’ll leave it to you then!! I’m not actually good with bugs myself...

1: Geheheh... Bugs are easy as pie...

text: Possession!!

fx: Boom

{6}

1: I’ll turn you into a pancake!!

tori: Huh? Hey, wait... with my bare hand!?

Fx: Whoosh

{7}

1: Ah!! It’s escaping!!

fx big: Smack

fx small: flutter flutter

-

Page 021

{1}

1: And now it's going... what!? That girl...

ai: I used foresight to see that it would fly here!!

fx: Ta-dah

Cans: bug spray

{2}

ai: Take this! Cockroach repell...

ai: Ew never mind I can’t do this!! I can’t stand bugs either!!

fx top: flap flap flap flap

fx: duck

Can: bug spray

{3}

tori: Hey! Why are you running away!! Aren’t you psychic!?

Ai: You do something about it!

Fx: Aaaahhhh

{4}

fx: smack

{5}

boss: Ahh~ I’m so sorry, I’ll take care of it.

Boss: Even though we just had the place fumigated last week~

{6}

tori: ...let’s just call today’s match a draw...

ai: S... Sounds good...

sai: Glad to have you as my sidekick, manager.

Sign: Cafe Mami

[mayeleventwentytwelve]

2018 / 2019 Recap

WOWOWOW!!! I honestly did not realize how long it’s been since I’ve posted on here! But I guess better late than never right? Here we go..

Jan 2018 - we went to the Boil (only remember this because I’m looking back at pics lol!)

Feb 2018 - we celebrated Valentine’s Day with Jherick and ate at the Thai place in Chinatown. We also tried Phil & Anne’s. Food was ok but overpriced!

Mar 2018 - filed form to get my passport. Wahoo! Went to El Vez for mensiversary.

Apr 2018 - we started playing a lot of basketball. This one Saturday, Spencer met up with us after his class and we played. Then went to Roli where Jherick had a tick on him lol yikes

May 2018 - our 6th year anniversary! We went to Unos. Food was ok, I remember one dish I think the pizza took FOREVER so they ended up giving us free dessert. We also went to Florida with Spencer/ Ruby. I think this was our first trip that involved a flight with them. We went to I think both Island of Adventure & Universal right? And we also went to SeaWorld. Poor Spencer threw up here after eating uncooked eggs made my his lady LOL. I miss the metro café place near the entrance of Universal, by Hulk. The Chicken Alfredo there is yummy! The Airbnb we had here was nice, it was super nice that we had 2 bathrooms lol. And a pool that we got to use on our last night. Luckily we had it all to ourselves. We also got to make your famous spaghetti. **I want Spaghetti in Jherick's voice** The morning of our flight back to NYC, we made Spam musubi right? And we had so much extra so we packed it in an empty Pringles can haha but we ended up throwing it away.

Jun 2018 - your birthday!! You turned 25! Quarter of a century, young baby. I took you to Peter Luger to celebrate! We also got to see Paramore w/ Jherick, courtesy of Live Nation free tickets.

Jul 2018 - played lots of basketball on the weekends. Went to Noreetuh for our mensiversary.

Aug 2018 - had Fogo w/ John & O'neal! We also ate at the Boil for our mensiversary.  We also went Tree Top Adventure! That was really fun, but too bad you had to tap out early lol! You wanted to be a big boy and try to climb up the rope but nope. We also went mini golfing & paddle boating or something like that.

Sep 2018 - my birthday! I turned the big 26. Wahhh. Went to El Vez w/ Ruby & Spencer. Got the green tea crepe cake, yummy!

Oct 2018 - saw Bruno Mars in concert! One of the best that I've thoroughly enjoyed.

Nov 2018 - Ruby's birthday! We went to Pennsylvania for Hershey Park. It was a fun trip. I remember the night before we were all on Discord & we told Ruby to pack her bags. But never said for how many days.. oops! But most importantly, this month we went to Japan!! Our first INTERNATIONAL, might I add.. LONG AS HELL! trip. I remember it was like a midnight flight, we ate around 2AM and best of all, they gave us Hagan Daaz ice cream! I didn't sleep too much on the plane but I did fall asleep here & there. It took maybe 14 hours until we landed in Beijing for a layover. I remember getting 2 sandwiches & water to hold us through. Then we finally landed in Tokyo!! We met up w/ Rui? I forgot the Airbnb guys name. I just remember taking a pic & sending it to him so he knew what we looked like since he was picking us up from the train station. I remember when we landed & went thru Customs, I took a whole bunch of free paper and magazines by the exit lol. And then seeing the lines of people patiently waiting for the train. Anyway, Rui spedwalk like crazy to the Airbnb. Luckily it was near the train station, it was so nice. Little studio and had the best bathroom EVER. Your favorite, the bidet. I remember nearly breaking the washing machine lol. It took hours to wash & dry man. I remember the first night, we showered & then headed out to explore. Walked around a little bit and I think we had that cold ramen the first night? I remember being sooooo exhausted, you have a video of me walking in the Airbnb like a lifeless zombie lol. The first day we visited the doggie statue. I'm not going to go day by day because it's all a blur. We went to Harajuku and got the big cotton candy cone. We had that cute ice cream. The crepe from the alleyway. We went into Daiso where I got my chapstick that I love so much. We visited a lot of anime/ figure stores. We visited the arcade. A lot of the gatchiflan toy thingies. We had more ramen (by our Airbnb). We had sushi on the last night I think. We tried that rotating sushi bar place but it was like a 1.5-2 hour wait so we said oh hell nah and ended up eating near our Airbnb. We had a lot of breakfast buns and onigiris from 7-11. And Family Mart. And Don Quiote where we got a lot of snacks & my favorite peach tea drink. We also tried Lotteria which was no Bueno. Taco Bell & Wendys were cool though. Did we try McDonalds? We spent our Thanskgiving at Ginza! a5 Wagyu, yummy yummy in my tummy. Everything was so good there. I remember we also went to the worlds biggest Uniqlo! You got your coat there & I got my pink fuzzy sweater & I think we got house slippers too our first night. That area we were walking around reminded me of 5th ave in the city, lots of shopping stores. We also had that fried beef thingy down in that basement restaurant. That was really good too. We also went to the shrines where we had to wash our hands & I remember we got to the burning ashes area and you told me to inhale it but really we were just suppose to swoop the smoke into our hair for good luck lol. This was also where there were a whole bunch of markets and we found our Kenji key chains. And where you spent $10 for gold foil ice cream. Our wifi at the Airbnb also went out like that second or third night. So the hosts told us to use the portable wifi. I think we probably used up so much they had to close their Airbnb :( lol Aside from me being cranky & tired, this was all in all a really good trip! I know it was your favorite.. even over the Paris one *eyeroll*

Dec 2018 - this is where you helped me setup my cpu area. We went to Ikea and bought my table & chair. Wahoo!

Jan 2019 - don't really remember much from this month.

Feb 2019 - we went Axe throwing!

Mar 2019 - I finally got 2 of my wisdom tooth removed. I think this was the month we went snowtubing w/ Helen & Carlo? This was also the month Jensen was born! Love that little mans.

Apr 2019 - I surprised you at Yayas w/ your airpods.

May 2019 - our SEVEN year anniversary! Celebrated at no other place than Fogo. We also saw Spencer graduate from Med school and again went to Fogo to celebrate lol. We went hiking this month too. That was fun. We also went to Governors Island where you chauffeured me around on a bike hehe. And then we ate at that diner place on Montague St. I really liked the food there. And then we ate at Blossom, our first time. It was soooo good.

Jun 2019 - our second international trip! To Spain. We went to Madrid which was fine, then Seville which was the best because of that tapas place & then Barcelona which was the worst because you got mugged :( It's otay Jeffrey it's otay. I know you're still traumatized.  The most memorable thing I will take from this trip is how Spencer projectile vomited for like an hour.. it was on your birthday! We ate at that steak place & when we got home he was in the bathroom and we just heard him puking his guts out. Then when we finally think it subsided, I decided to brush my teeth while Ruby showered and then I turn around and get started by Spencer and he goes, "Can I throw up now?" And then I manned up and wrapped my hand and arm in like 4 trash bags to unclog the sink. YUCK! And then the last day there, we ate at that yummy brunch spot we ate at 2 times. And Spencer blew up the bathroom. He had the SHIETTTTTS.

Jul 2019 - don't really remember much here. But you started your diet this month right?

Aug 2019 - we went to California! San Francisco & LA. Had fun on this trip, weather was nice. Food was good. Got to visit Vy and the doggies. Went hiking with the bears and snakes haha. Spencer & Ruby took me to the zoo while you visited your friend.

Sep 2019 - my 27th birthday! We went to the Boil. And I remember you made me watch the video you made there & there was a little part of me that thought at the end of the video, you were going to propose to me LOL

Oct 2019 - we went to Boston. Worst goddamn trip ever. Stuck on the never ending ride back home. We went to 6 flags here right? This month was also hard because I lost my papa.

Nov 2019 - celebrated Jherick's 21st birthday at Fogo! We went to the boil for mensiversary. For Thanksgiving, you came over Diana's and pigged out lol.

Dec 2019 - another cheat month for you. Went to Diana's for Christmas.

[crossroadsdimension]

World Collision -- Chapter 20

Boy, this has come a long way. Two chapters remain to be posted...I’ll probably have them up before the end of June.

Here we go.

Final Assault

Myra was shaken awake some hours later by a gentle hand. She opened her eyes and looked up from where she was leaning against the cave-like metal wall.

Flare-Up was standing over her, with an expression on her face that looked nothing like the grim determination she’d had every time Myra had seen her before. She seemed sad, which startled Myra into wakefulness.

She didn’t think that Flare-Up could even look sad anymore.

“Get up,” Flare-Up said quietly. “We’re moving now.”

Myra yawned and pulled herself up to her feet, leaning against the wall.

Flare-Up’s expression hardened into the familiar, severe seriousness that she’d had when Myra had first seen her fully aware of her surroundings. “The others are waiting by the barrier leading into the Dark City. We’ve got one shot, and then the Time Barriers won’t let anyone cross. Not even World Jumpers.”

“They can do that?” Myra asked nervously.

“Unfortunately. When time and space as we know it are tearing themselves apart, they get to be even more powerful than even a World Jumper can handle. So watch your step when we go through this time.”

Myra gulped and nodded.

Flare-Up nodded in response, then stepped out of the room. Myra followed after her, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and feeling more alert now than she did when she’d wandered the streets of the Dark City alone.

The Time Barrier between the Cyber Zone and the Dark City Zone was connected – somehow – to the barrier that separated them from the Dungeon Zone.

Myra thought she saw the Time Barrier leading into the Dungeon Zone move towards them an inch, causing her to jump back a little. Flare-Up saw her move and nodded slightly before moving towards the other barrier.

“Do you all know what you’re doing?” Flare-Up asked. “It’s going to become extremely dangerous when we step through and start, especially if we put what we planned into motion in order to spread their sources thin.”

“We’ve got it.” Nightwing gave a thumbs-up.

“You talked to Batman?”

“I did. I’ll leave it up to him what he does, but I don’t think that he’s going to be able to stay out of things and watch the rest of us scramble around for much longer.” Nightwing looked up at the dark sky. “I know where the Watchtower is, at least. It won’t be hard for them to drop down and join us.”

“Batman’s coming down?” Myra asked in amazement.

“Maybe. We’ll have to see what he decides to do. In the meantime, we’ve got other things to worry about.” Nightwing looked over at the barrier, which was turning an almost deep purple. “The Time Barrier doesn’t look like it’s going to let us cross.”

“Leave that to me.” Flare-Up cracked her knuckles, then motioned for Seeker to join her at the Time Barrier. “We’re going to need to make a hole.”

“Got it.” Seeker grinned. He stood next to Flare-Up. “Ready when you are, little sis.”

Flare-Up’s expression soured, but she said nothing as she held her hands up against the slowly-turning-purple barrier in front of them. Seeker mimicked her movements.

Something bright blue-white pulsed from their hands; Myra stiffened in surprise at the sight of it, but her expression quickly turned to awe as the color of the barrier changed from purple to bright pink as it became more translucent.

“GO!” Flare-Up yelled.

Nightwing and the rest of their eclectic group did not need to be told twice. They bolted for the barrier and passed through it with relative ease before splitting in different directions on the streets that made of the dark, foreboding city in the center of the collided worlds.

“Myra!” Flare-Up motioned with her head.

Myra shook herself out of her awe at the light show and dove through the barrier. She felt almost no push against her at all, which surprised her enough that she went into a roll on the street before she managed to scramble to her feet.

She looked back just as Seeker and Flare-Up scrambled through themselves, only for the Time Barrier to go from transparent to pink to purple in a fast cascade of colors.

Flare-Up took in a breath, then forced her shoulders to relax. “All right. We’re essentially trapped here until the universe collapses or I set off the Continuum Shift, whichever comes first. I have some unfinished business to attend to before then, so let’s hope space holds on until I have a chance to confront the people I need to.”

“Seeker, we have to move.” Nightwing – the only person left behind from when the others scattered – stepped forward and clapped a hand on Seeker’s shoulder. “The others are already starting to move. You ready for this?”

Seeker hesitated, then nodded a little. “Yeah.” He looked between Flare-Up and Myra. “Good luck, both of you. You’re going to need it.”

Flare-Up nodded. “The same to you.”

Seeker remained standing for a moment, then turned and ran down the street, Nightwing falling into step next to him.

Cries started going up around the city, followed by roars and explosions. Myra could see buildings starting to be torn apart and falling to the ground.

“Come on. They’re using my name to get the attention of the people that have been MindTech’d, but it’s not going to last for long.” Flare-Up jumped up in the air, and the hoverboard on her back slipped under her feet. She held out a hand to Myra. “We have to find Airam.”

Space Break

“Wahoo! Come, Guardians! We have names from Very Naughty List to teach lesson!”

“Tch.” Pitch watched as North bounded out of the chamber, squashing elves under his feet to destroy the MindTech on them as Tooth Fairy, Sandman, the Easter Bunny, and Jack Frost followed after him. “I forgot how annoyingly jolly that man is.”

“It’s a good thing.” Kia was walking around the back portion of the ice-covered chamber. “With him back, the wonder and hope at reversing what the Dark Arms have done will hit everyone in the World Collision, regardless of the Zone they happen to be in. We’ve just helped Flare-Up and her allies much more than we could have by being there in person.”

“Hmph.” Pitch tilted his head slightly, then glided closer to where Kia was inspecting the wall. “And what exactly are you looking for?”

“Some clue as to how the Dark Arms began their conquest.” Kia stopped moving and put a hand on the ice wall, frowning. “They may have placed the center of their empire in the Dark City because it is where the worlds merged best, but that doesn’t mean that was where they began the World Collision. It should be the remnants of a dimension somewhere near here….”

Kia leaned in closer to the ice, eyes narrowing.

Pitch rolled his eyes. “Do you really expect to see something through that? Ice doesn’t make for the best—“

Kia pulled back from the ice and pulled her arms back. Cream-colored sparks of some kind of energy coated her clenched fists up to her elbows, and she threw them forward at once.

The resounding crash that followed caused the ice to crack before it fell to pieces, creating a large gap in the ice that led to another area entirely.

“The origins for their World Collision plot starts here.” Kia slipped into the gap and carefully moved sideways through the opening. Pitch followed after her, his thin form not really needing any careful maneuvering on his part.

“What? By merging my world together with theirs?” Pitch asked in a disapproving tone.

“No. By attempting to invade another dimension, but the power of their portal was too strong, and it merged the two worlds together and caused them to collapse in on each other because of the inter-dimensional strain.” Kia shook her head. “They were far too greedy for their own good.”

They came out on the other side of the ice gap, Kia stepping aside to let Pitch step through onto cold, partially melted cobblestone.

Pitch stared. “What in the name of the moon is…?”

“The remains of two dimensions, transformed into an arena they no longer use,” Kia replied. “They set another world so far off-course in its timeline with their arrival that this is all that’s left.” She motioned to the large, circular stone arena, with ice covering the circular center, and the remains of some sort of wood-and-metal scaffolding up on one side.

A straw hat that looked like it was about to fall to pieces sat on the ice.

“It won’t come back when Flare-Up fixes the dimensions, but there might be people out there who still remember this place.” Kia sighed. “Losing one dimension is bad enough, but losing even these…” She shook her head.

Pitch wasn’t one for emotional support. As it was, his gaze went over the melted stone and the remains of something that covered the stones in some places. “Eh. If there is anyone out there, at least they’re not stuck in this mess.” He turned and went back to the hole in the ice. “Come on. Those bozos are going to need someone to watch their backs.”

Kia nodded numbly, then followed after him. There was a look in her eyes that suggested she was elsewhere.

Speed, Shifter…wherever you are, I hope you’re all right.

Space Rip

“I’d almost forgotten how quiet the streets were.” Myra looked around at the abandoned buildings they passed, recognizing some as old hiding spots back when she had been alone. “It…it doesn’t feel right now.”

“Because you’ve been with us for long enough that you’ve forgotten a little what it’s like to be alone,” Flare-Up replied. She leaned forward on the hoverboard, and they started to move even more quickly through the streets towards the large, foreboding tower that stood over everything in the Dark City. She hissed under her breath. “Come on, come on, you purple clone, where are you?”

A loud screech came from one of the nearby skyscrapers, and a blast of purple flames came shooting out from one of the windows.

“Myra!”

“Flash Fire!” Myra raised a hand, keeping the other one on Flare-Up’s shoulder in order to keep her balance. The purple fire was pulled in her direction and absorbed by her form instantly, filling Myra with more energy than she felt she knew what to do with.

“How dare you bring that one with you!” Airam shot down as the fire dissipated. The crazed look in her eyes caused Myra to flinch back a little.

“I am just leveling the playing field.” Flare-Up started to bring up her right hand, then winced and put that hand over her chest instead. Something white flashed. “Not yet! Not now!”

Myra’s eyes widened sharply. She’d seen that flash once before – when Flare-Up had been explaining her plan. Did that mean…?

Airam hovered a few feet in front of them, looking startled. “No…how do you have that power?! The masters said it was never going to happen – they made sure of it!”

Flare-Up growled as the white flash faded. “They only want you to think that.” She held out both hands, palms facing the dark gray sky. “Airam. I know what you are, and who you are. I know what you have become, and what you intend to do with the powers that were granted to you in the beginning.”

Airam’s brow furrowed in confusion, the expression mimicked by Myra.

“Flare-Up, what are you—“

“Scribe told me.” Flare-Up cut Myra off. “And now I am simply going to follow through.” She took in a breath, then started murmuring something that didn’t sound anything like English.

The white glow started up again, but it quickly changed to a dark, dark blue as tendrils of light rose from the palms of Flare-Up’s hands and reached out towards Airam.

Airam started backing up slowly, then turned and prepared to bolt, only for the tendrils to latch onto her arms suddenly and pull her back, circling up her arms. Myra lost sight of the tips under Airam’s hair.

Airam came to an abrupt halt, arched her back, and screamed to the heavens as something in the tendrils of light pulsed back towards Flare-Up.

Flare-Up cut the tendrils off, letting them dissipate and take the whatever-was-pulsing thing in them along with it.

Then she raised her Buster and fired a blast of orange energy that was as big as her head, sending Airam flying into another building.

Flare-Up lowered her Buster and almost fell forward, but managed to regain her balance. “Right. That’s taken care of.”

“Wh-what did you do?!” Myra yelped. “Where did those light-things come from?!”

“Instinct,” Flare-Up murmured in reply. She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. It probably won’t happen again.”

“Probably?! Flare-Up, what did you do?!”

Flare-Up half-turned and glared back at Myra with such a fierce gaze that it caused Myra to flinch back. “I took her ability to World Jump, okay?!”

Myra’s eyes widened sharply. “Wha—“

“Impossible!” Ariam stumbled out from the crater she’d made in the side of a building. “You can’t do that – that’s an ability that can’t be taken from—“

“Well, I just did, and I don’t know how I know,” Flare-Up replied shortly. She pointed the Buster at Airam again. “We need to get inside the tower. Now.”

Airam held up her hands, but the movement was slow. There was something in her eyes that seemed to say she was more tired. “You know there’s only one way in for people like you. If you want to get in, grab a cart and take the Trials.”

Myra stiffened, her grip tightening on Flare-Up’s armor. “No…” She gulped loudly.

Airam cackled. “Oh, it seems your friend already knows what coming! Did you try them and get caught?”

“I heard rumors, nothing else!” Myra yelped. “I never went near that place, and for good reason!”

“Well, you’re going there now! You want to see my masters and put an end to them, you’re going to have to march yourself right up there and into their hands.” Airam looked at her hands, as though there were fingernails on the tips of her white-gloved fingers. “Of course, since your friends have all managed to draw out their expendable minions, that just leaves the ones they’ve always had with them.�� She looked over slyly. “Are you sure you want to face up against them? Hmm?”

Myra made a nervous noise and shook her head quickly as Flare-Up’s shoulders stiffened at Airam’s words.

Airam cackled again. “I’d like to see you try, but seeing as I’ve failed, the masters probably won’t let me see. The least I could do is get you your ride.” She grinned a little too widely for a normal human face. “So?”

Flare-Up said nothing. Myra looked between the two of them, her nervous energy starting to act up and cause purple sparks to fly from her shoulders.

“Myra, steel yourself,” Flare-Up said crisply. “Do it.”

Airam threw back her head and howled with laughter. “With pleasure!” She made a great, waving arc with one hand, sending sparks of purple flames into the sky, lighting up the surrounding area with strange runes that exploded into nothingness. “Expect your ride in a matter of minutes. I am going to make myself scarce. Loyal to the masters I may be, but I do not intend to die before you do.”

With that, Airam moved back into the shadows between buildings and disappeared from sight.

Myra gulped loudly again as Flare-Up’s hoverboard disappeared from under their feet, dropping her and Flare-Up to the ground. “Wh-what have you done?”

“What needed to be done.” Flare-Up rolled her shoulders as Myra’s hands slipped off them. “According to what you know, the Trials are simply a series of challenges, correct?”

Myra nodded quickly. “Th-that’s what I heard, yeah…but are you sure we’d be able to handle it without getting caught?”

“I’m certain.” Flare-Up looked at Myra. “The Continuum Shift won’t let us fail. Not now.”

Myra blinked, then looked down at Flare-Up’s chest and sucked in a breath when she saw the small, pulsing white light that seemed to come from somewhere under the other World Jumper’s armor. She looked back up at Flare-Up’s face. “That’s what you used to take away Airam’s power, isn’t it?”

Flare-Up’s right hand reached up and hovered over the white light. “That seems…more than likely. It’s bought us more time before it will force me to unleash it, but how much…” She shook her head. “It will happen in the tower, at least.”

Something started rattling on the street corner ahead of them, and Myra and Flare-Up looked over.

A cart of some kind – purple and black, with no visible driver – came around the corner and stopped at the end of the street. It looked like a covered wagon of some kind, but the canopy over the back was transparent.

“That’s it.” Flare-Up strode towards the cart. “Come on, Myra. It’s time we finished this. For good.”

Myra stared at Flare-Up’s back, wondering how in the world she could be willing to go back to her tormentors, then shook her head and quickly ran after her and scrambled up into the back of the cart in time with Flare-Up.

Flare-Up had said that they were going to be partners. It wouldn’t be right for Myra to just up and abandon her at the last moment.

Time Break

Myra fidgeted in the back of the cart as they came close to the base of the tower. Something about Flare-Up’s calm felt…too calm. “Flare-Up?”

Flare-Up turned her head away from the empty streets and inclined her head slightly. “Yes?”

“Have you…” Myra paused. “Have you participated in tournaments before?”

Flare-Up blinked at the question, then looked up at the transparent canopy above them. "I have. Most of them involved teams of Pokémon being pitted against each other, and I have competed in a Smash Worlds Tournament, as well." She looked back with a tired, serious expression. "But I haven't been involved in anything like what has been described to me here. Why do you ask, Myra?"

Myra blinked a couple times, then looked away – back the way they had come. “Well…I was kinda wondering if you had any experience—“

“According to what I’ve heard you and the others say about this—“ Flare-Up motioned to the tower they were swiftly approaching—“it’s nothing like any normal tournament. It’s a death trap. People go in, and they don’t come out.”

Flare-Up’s voice had taken a dark tone that caused Myra’s eyes to widen before she flinched at the last sentence. After a moment, she gave a hesitant nod. “I…guess you could put it that way, yeah. The Trials aren’t something that I’ve ever thought could be beaten.” She looked at Flare-Up. “But do you think there’s a chance?”

Flare-Up nodded sternly. “We’ve weakened their numbers and strengthened our own. I think we’ll be able to handle whatever lies beyond those doors.” She glared up at the tall, black tower that was ahead of them, and the doors that were swiftly becoming more visible. They looked like they were either made of ancient stone or metal, with carvings of knights fighting against dragons with nothing but swords.

Myra hesitated. "Flare-Up, I don't know if you should have chosen me to go with you for this."

Flare-Up blinked. “What makes you think that?”

Myra looked at Flare-Up in surprise at the question. "W-well, I'm not as strong as Captain America or as fast as-"

"Do you really think that's the only thing that matters?" Flare-Up frowned disapprovingly, causing Myra to flinch again. "What matters is that you and I can work together. I haven't been able to fight side-by-side like this with most of the others we've managed to rescue, and even then, you can read my movements better than they can in a fight."

Myra looked at Flare-Up in surprise at that. "R-really?"

Flare-Up nodded, a somewhat demonic smile working its way across her face. The expression made Myra shudder a bit. "The Dark Arms won't know what hit them."

With that said, the doors in front of them slowly started to open, and Flare-Up returned her attention to the tall tower in front of them as her face shifted into a mask of grim determination.

[ellentravellingkitchen-blog]

Can you be my Easter rabbit?

Can you be my Easter bunny? Coniglio in Italian, koneho in Tagalog? What more else could you ask kababayan? In Philippines were not used to eat this dish because rabbit is our pet. I remember when I was young at our neighbour they raised like 30 rabbits in a cage. I used to fed them with a grass every time I passed by there to get some firewood’s when my Papa ask me to gathered some firewood’s. Last Easter Sunday we celebrated our First Easter in my Parents in law in Fabriano Italy. Due also to a top secret health reasons why were in and out every month in Italy. Well just quick brief for that because the main reason why I am writing now is this cute rabbit that I am going to make. I had uploaded already a video via Instagram unfortunately I can not download yet in Youtube I do not know yet whats going on. Beside I am still in shit situation. But as I said earlier in my previous post yet I am still alive hehehe…. Hurray now I am writing again despite of lacking of the inspiration.

Crispy lamb along with the potatoes would you joined me?

The only remedy my sweet revenge option is being in the kitchen because I knew to my self the moment I am in my kitchen I felt I live in the Mars. My Italian mother in law already love the cooking of my lamb cooked in 2 ways first sauté in the pan then to the oven. My father in law applauded that and I got a good compliment because he said he doesn’t like eating at home with a lamb meat. Well be my guess I am the one that made him eat it. So my Mom put out in her 11 refrigerator a meat which actually she thought it was a chicken, accidentally it was a rabbit as I’ve seen they had this cute little legs aha and the head ….oh my its hideous made me cry and want to cuddle it because its a pet for me….. Anyway as I continue touching my journey to this cute rabbit ah hehehe finally i get over it. Making my prep finally letting out all the ingredients in the fridge.

Just bake from the oven wahoo and success how juicy and soft it was.

I might not sound funny now but who cares?no one will care aside of my precious husband now that cheers me up. I cant help it but keep shouting my head how I am deeply disappointed to my family. For the last 2000 from now its been 18 years I become a bread winner to my family. I got married last 2014 from then onward I can not afford to pay all the bills that they consumed with my 2 brothers both had 2 wives and 7 children inside the compound in my house. I cant just help it but I was in huge agony of having anxiety attack/panic attack. Because I have an income of 20k per month in my other house plus my salon was bankrupt so I renovated it for 2 spaces 5k each per month so its 10k right and now their a small bakery and roasted grilled house.

Before crying huhuhu

After crying with eyebrow

But since I am still nice that I renovated too a small room for my brothers so they have a house with an extra metered for their own electricity bills. So can I have a little applause now? Whose the bitch guys? Can you call me a bitch? The witch is the wife of my brother posting nasty things in her Facebook wall.  I am not sorry if I may sound yawning now,who cares this just my documentary online diary. Beside no one will care in Facebook to read this blog the only people that matters to me now is the people who cares and gives attentions of what I felt. So I must shout out now in my cooking blog of what I feel. In the end I can call my self I am a pensioner but unfortunately I do not received a cash of my own income because my mother has it. My son is shouting often how hungry he was and wants to do something to spent in our income but we cant because my mother is paying the bills for everybody. 70k electricity payment for 2 years be my guess. So sorry, am I?

Some sparkling wine

La Colomba typical Easter sweet of Italy

Cuisine: Filipino style adobo

Prep time: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Serving: 3-4 persons

Author: ellentravellingkitchen

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole rabbit

300 grams lamb

3 spoons olive oil

4 pcs garlic smashed

5 pcs scallions chop

4 pcs branches of rosemary

4 pcs branches of thyme

3 spoons chilli /optional of your taste

sprinkle of salt

pepper

1 glass of white wine

2-3 spoon oyster sauce

2-3 spoon soy sauce

3-4 spoon vinegar /if available

1 teaspoon sugar

potatoes cuts into tubes depend how much you want (optional)

You need a container for baking into the oven.

baking paper

container

extra olive oil

extra rosemary and thyme for garnish

cherry tomatoes with sprinkle of salt

DIRECTIONS:

Wash the meat (rabbit/lamb) before slicing it tap to dry and set aside season with salt and pepper. Chop the onion or smashed as the recipe given above.

Into the non stick pan medium heat put the olive oil,now sauté the garlic,onion,rosemary,thyme,chilli. Continuously stirring it until it has this caramelized golden brown.

Put the meat both rabbit and lamb. Its like frying style just to aim this golden brown both side for 2 minutes each side.

Pour the glass of wine reduced it for a little while.

Put the oyster sauce and soy sauce. Let it boiled for a couple of 25 minutes in a medium heat pan.

Season with salt and pepper.

Put the potatoes continuously steamer it for about another 15 minutes.

Transfer everything to the baking pan including the sauce. bake for about 200 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.

Served while its hot with a white rice or a grilled bread.

Et Voilà…Buon Appetito…tara na kain na kabayang pinoy OFW abroad.

One of the gift I received from a friend

Make sure you share to your love one and be happy and grateful that there are still people that cared for you. Keep pushing keep moving and try to look at the bright side like me. Because as of now I am still kicking and writing my documentary recipes. Hope this one inspired you that it is not the end of the world yet means there are still a lot of strange recipes that your going to make… Now time to do my lovely squat…. Bye guys for a while. Additional here are some of the photos that I received last Easter Sunday and our little leisure eating Ice cream or gelato.

Easter chocolate eggs

egg hunting

  Since 2011 my one and only favourite Pistachio along with different choices.

Happy Easter everyone…..

Filipino style adobong Rabbit and Lamb. Can you be my Easter bunny? Coniglio in Italian, koneho in Tagalog? What more else could you ask kababayan?

[benandmollycohen]

Hi wonderful friends and family! I’m so sorry I’ve taken so long between posts. Things have been wild and crazy since Ben finally arrived home. 

Great news to start with: Ben had his 5th biopsy on Tuesday. No rejection again! (Still waiting on the AMR stain test, but it should be negative too.) YAY! When the doctor came in to speak with us after the biopsy, his words exactly were: “Your heart looks like a million dollars!” I was on cloud 9 when I heard him say this! When they first checked over Ben’s heart immediately after transplant, half of his heart wasn’t beating as strongly as it should. I was panicking wondering if they messed up on the heart that they chose for Ben. They have seen progress over the last month and to finally hear that his heart looks like a million dollars was the exact encouragement I needed to hear! I thank God every day for Ben’s donor and donor family. 

Next on the list: I’m glad I was warned about the prednisone “roid rage”. We’d be in big trouble if we hadn’t been warned about it. All I can say, is that the steroid rage is very real, and very alive in Ben. When it first happened, I was so quick to fire back at Ben because I’m not the kind of person that let’s people walk all over me. As any married couple, of course we have arguments. And luckily for us, we are great at arguing, working it out and moving on happily. However, with steroid rage, this is most definitely not the case. Steroid rage is in a whole new category. It’s anger that is caused by medications and happens at the drop of a hat, over no real reason. It’s anger that can’t be controlled or calmed or stopped until it passes on its’ own time. And I’ll be honest, it’s pretty frightening. As a wife, it’s scary to watch my husband lose control of his emotions, of his voice, of his body. As a mother, it’s scary to watch my children as they watch their daddy get red in the face and shake with rage, and yell out things he wishes he never said. As Ben’s “nurse” I watch in awe as I’m able to see just how horrific steroid use can be and how it can completely take over your mind and body. 

Even though I was warned and felt prepared for all of this, I wasn’t ready for this. I’ve prepared myself by knowing that all I have to do is ignore him when he goes through a “roid rage episode” and just to give him space. I thought it was going to be so easy to just remind myself that “it’s just the meds talking” and not my Honey, not my husband. But the truth is, it’s hard. This is harder than the anticipation of “the call”. This is harder than seeing my husband for the first time after his transplant with a thousand tubes and wires connected to his body as he lay there lifeless. This has been the most mentally exhausting part of this entire experience from the first time Ben got hospitalized two years ago. 

Last Friday, things got so bad that I had to call Ben’s doctor behind his back. I know “roid rage” is a side effect of his prednisone steroid, but I was so worried about him that I called his doctor in full panic mode ready to demand that something needed to be done. As I explained to the doctor what was going on, she met with the team and called me back immediately. The doctors decided to take Ben off of prednisone and switch him to another steroid, one with a “lesser roid rage” side effect. They said it wasn’t going to be perfect by any means, but something to at least help lower the awful side effects. They also had to put Ben on an antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication in hopes that that too would help Ben. 

When I called the doctor, I took Colton to the supermarket to make sure Ben didn’t hear me talking to her. When I got home I had to gauge his emotional level with small talk. I had to tell him that I called his doctors behind his back. How could the sudden medication changes be explained? I kid you not, I nearly peed my pants as I said the words, “Honey, we need to talk.” The latter four words are words no one ever wants to hear, but I needed to make sure he was listening. As I spoke to him, my mouth was trembling, my eyes were watering, and my hand was shaking as I was trying to gently hold his hand. Somehow I mustered up the courage to tell him I called his doctors and spilled the beans on everything that had been happening over the last week. He was speechless (thank goodness!), and so I made sure to tell him that I only did this because I love him, I was worried about him, and that I want to make sure he was okay. He nodded his head in agreement and simply said “Okay”. 

If you’re wondering, “well what happened exactly? Does he seriously get upset for no reason?” Here’s two examples: Jackson took a tomato and some cheese off the cutting board. Roid Rage. I cut the sausages the wrong way. Roid rage. Screaming, body shaking, slamming doors kind of rage. Seriously minuscule stuff, but at the time, for Ben, these things were the worst things to have happened ever. It sounds super silly right now to say that Ben got mad over a tomato and sausage, but that’s what happened. And that’s why this is so mentally exhausting for me because I don’t know what is going to cause the next “blow up”. When the “blow ups” happen, there’s NOTHING I can do to help him besides shut my mouth and give him space. That’s the other mentally exhausting part too because every ounce of my being wants to help him and find a way to calm him down or cheer him up or just find something else to talk about to get his mind off of whatever set him off. But I can’t. Believe me, I’ve tried it all with no luck. 

The most heart breaking part is that Ben can feel his anxiety heighten as a “blow up” is coming on and he just literally cannot stop it from happening. Every single time the “roid rage” takes over his body, he apologizes to all of us and wishes he could take back everything he said and did. He talks to me after the boys go to bed and describes what it’s like in the moment. It’s like an anxiety attack filled with rage. He doesn’t know why these things set him off. It’s like someone else is taking over his body and he’s watching like a fly on the wall. Unfortunately, Ben is falling right into the textbook description of what happens to your body when you’re on steroids (post transplant at least). The doctors told me that unfortunately I’m not the first person to make that phone call behind their loved ones back, and I won’t be the last. 

My heart breaks for Jackson the most. He’s 5 years old and has shown us how much he remembers and I just don’t want this tainting his view of his Honey (Daddy). Every time an outburst happens, I always pull Jackson aside and remind him that this is just daddy’s medication talking and that soon enough, Honey won’t be on that medication any more and that he’ll go back to being his normal self. It’s gotten to the point where Jackson rolls his eyes, cuts me off and says, “I know, Mama. It’s Honey’s medicine.” :) At least I know he’s listening! And Jackson, with a heart of gold, always tries comforting Ben by patting the couch space next to him inviting Ben to watch an episode of Pokemon together and snuggling. Yet another reason to be mentally exhausted: the total mix and range of emotions! 

I didn’t mean for this post to get so detailed (I never do HA!). Sorry this wasn’t an uplifting post either. I promise, most of the time, Ben is great! They’ve been changing his meds around a bunch over the last two weeks, so he hasn’t been feeling his greatest as it’s taking time for each of the new changes to work right. But, minus the outbursts, Ben is thriving! The doctors say Ben is another 1-2 weeks away from driving again! And, once his chest tube site on his stomach is fully healed, Ben is allowed to go swimming! (But can’t submerge his head for a while.) Ben hasn’t been allowed to swim since before May. But living in Boston, the weather wasn’t warm enough to swim since the summer before that. So Ben hasn’t been swimming in nearly two years and we are just a couple weeks away from that! Little victories are slowly coming our way and it is so great! Soon enough these “roid rages” will be a thing of the past and yet another obstacle we can celebrate overcoming. 

A few more little victories to be noted: 

1) The flu has officially left our house! (Jackson and I still have annoying coughs, but the doctor said we are no longer contagious and can be mask free in the home.)

2) We all went to the zoo and walked around in the 85 degree heat for a few hours! This is such a feat because prior to transplant, Ben never had any energy to do anything. This is a feat even after transplant because Ben lost a lot of muscle tone from laying in a hospital bed for 3 weeks, and even longer when he got discharged, so walking around is hard enough. (Let alone having to wear a mask in the awful heat! He took it off briefly for the picture.)

3) The doctors approved Ben to be allowed to take his mask off outside as long as there isn’t dust being kicked up where he is walking, and there are no people within a bedroom sized vicinity of him. Wahoo! 

4) Ben will be able to start cardiac rehab very soon! He will be able to slowly learn how to workout again and build muscle back. Working out is something that Ben has wanted to do for years now, but hasn’t been able to do because of his heart. But now he has a million dollar ticker and he will work out! 

5) Ben is getting back into the kitchen able to do a little bit of cooking again! He is the chef in our house and it kills him not to do the cooking. (I’ve kept us alive though, right?) He has been thrilled to be jumping in and doing more and more cooking. 

6) And for me, I finally made it back to my stroller strides workout class! It’s been at least a month since I’ve been to class, and boy do I need it now more than ever! I’d be too embarrassed to tell you that I ate 3 pints of ice cream in one week... on top of ordering delivery McFlurries... Yikes. Hopefully I got my stress eating over and done with and can get back on track. Ice cream is my greatest weakness. :) 

7) Colton is a walking machine! He’s too confident now! He loves running away from me mid diaper change... and has peed on the floor twice this week when I don’t get him fast enough. HAHAHA ooops! 

8) Jackson is a Pokemon machine! We are a family that has become addicted to PokemonGo and I never thought I’d ever say those words. At first, it was a cute bonding experience for the boys, but now they’re roping me into and we have all grown to love it! I get more and more amazed by Jackson each day. His attention to detail and the things he remembers is truly remarkable. I cannot believe we are signing Jackson up for Kindergarten! 

Even though the bulk of my post was “negative” I want everyone to rest assured knowing that it’s just another bump in the road and we have plenty of “positives” to hold onto and keep our spirits high. Because of the nature of this post however, and our current situation, I have asked Ben to not read this post. So, please continue to check in on Ben, but do NOT mention his “roid rage”. Please. I’m not writing any of this to make him mad, I’m simply acknowledging what is real in our life right now, so a few years down the road, we can revisit this and see just how far we have come. I’ve also written this to let all of you know that if you’re ever with, or talking to, Ben and he loses it over “nothing”, that YOU cannot take it to heart what he’s saying and to tell yourself “it’s just the meds talking”. Roid rage will be gone soon enough, so don’t worry! We have such a new wonderful life to be so thankful for and to make the most of it. One day at a time! 

We’ve been to the hospital twice this week for the biopsy and more blood work. Tuesday Ben has to visit the vampires yet again, and the following week will be his 6th biopsy. I’m going to do my best to get back to weekly posting, or at least bi-weekly posting! 

Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers, and encouragement!