#I think Toto has failed to plan for the future

[yesterdayiwrote]

I genuinely think that today was my last time watching.

What was that strategy Mercedes. Genuinely robbed a podium chance. They cannot keep playing the strategy as if they are the fastest car anymore they are 3rd or 4th at best. They need vast improvement in the pit stops and communicating to their drivers.

I don’t think it was entirely Mercedes fault, but, as it seems they gave their drivers the wrong information about how long the rain was likely to last, they have to shoulder a lot of the blame. Idk, I feel like other teams have started looking upwards over much less egregious bouts of form. Binotto was ousted after a much less disappointing change of form, and I do think there comes a point where questions have to be asked of Toto. Two years of bad cars and bad strategies, with the drivers often proving the saving grace and carrying them through, he may be a shareholder but the ship is floundering with him at the helm and there has to come a point where he takes some accountability for that which I honestly don’t feel he does.

[f1]

Lewis Hamilton set to put Mercedes talks on HOLD amid miserable start to 2023

Lewis Hamilton set to put Mercedes talks on HOLD amid miserable start to 2023... with seven-time world champion 51 SECONDS behind Bahrain GP winner Max Verstappen in a car that looks incapable of competing for a world title Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season  Both sides are keen to extend but poor form may see Hamilton delay signing Mercedes looked well off the pace in the opening Grand Prix in 2023 in Bahrain  By Phil Duncan, Press Association Published: 10:01 EST, 6 March 2023 | Updated: 10:01 EST, 6 March 2023 Lewis Hamilton's Formula One future is set to be put on hold as Mercedes attempt to resolve their miserable start to the new season. Hamilton finished fifth at the opening round in Bahrain on Sunday - 51 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen - with team-mate George Russell seventh. The seven-time world champion's contract expires at the end of the season, and speculation is rife that he could stall on a new deal if Mercedes fail to reverse their slump. Asked if the Silver Arrows will put a Plan B in place if Hamilton does not commit to an extension, team principal Toto Wolff said: 'There is no point talking about the driver situation for 2024. 'That is far too early. We have to all push in the same direction, the drivers, engineers and management, rather the throwing in the towel. We have never done that and we will not do that now.' Lewis Hamilton may look to put contract talks with Mercedes on hold amid a miserable start It has been a worrying beginning to 2023 with Hamilton 51 seconds off winner Max Verstappen Speaking in the build-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton, 38, said only a catastrophe would prevent him from extending his stay with Mercedes. But his comments came before he hit the track and the extent of his team's troubles were exposed. Wolff announced on the eve of Sunday's race that Mercedes will scrap this season's machine, and focus on a revolutionary new design in a bid to return to winning ways - effectively ruling out a championship challenge before a wheel had turned in anger. Not only have Mercedes slipped further behind Red Bull, who took first and second on Sunday, but they have been usurped by Aston Martin, too, with the British team taking impressive strides over the winter. Wolff will hold crunch talks with his Mercedes staff this week to determine how the grid's once dominant team can revive former glories. Speaking immediately after the chequered flag, Hamilton said: 'I know we are not where we want to be, but let's keep pushing. 'We have got some serious work to do to close the gap but I believe in you all so let's keep going.' And Wolff added: 'You heard Lewis on the radio. He is an integral part of the team, picking the team up, and we're all sticking together. Prior to Bahrain, Hamilton said only a catastrophe would stop him from staying with Mercedes 'I don't think that's going to change just because we had another start that was really bad. 'We won eight constructor championships, and we won six driver championships with him, and that relationship holds. 'It would be much too easy to lose a driver, and then just throw in the white towel. We're not doing that. 'On the contrary, we just need to really dig deeper than we've ever done before, and provide both drivers with a car that they're actually able to fight with.' Share or comment on this article: Lewis Hamilton set to put Mercedes talks on HOLD amid miserable start to 2023 via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[waywardimpalawriter]

Man out of time (Marcus Moreno x Female Reader)

Man out of time

Pairing:  Marcus Moreno x Female Reader

Characters: Marcus Moreno, Missy Moreno, Anita Moreno, mentions of Miracle Guy,  

Setting: few months after the end of We can be heroes 

Rating: PG-13 for now

Warnings: few curse words, angst mostly,

 Word count: 1,610

Summary: Simple, two syllable word Dictionary.com say’s it means easy to understand, deal with, use, etc. Marcus Moreno curses its existence, wishing his katana’s could cut through with a neat slice and bring back what he’s lost.   

Notes: Written for Writer Wednesday held by the marvelous @autumnleaves1991-blog​. I’ll admit I battled with this one for a good while and with the help of @icanbeyourjedi​ decided this would be my first Marcus Moreno fic. I do hope you all enjoy and as always much love to all my doves. 

“You promised remember?” Stubborn set to her small statue, arms across with a deep glare in those normally sweet brown eyes. “What happened to that promise dad?”

Looking to his mom for help but coming up empty as she just lifts her hands and shrugs with a small roll of her eyes before turning away to head back towards the kitchen. “Thanks mom,” slight sarcastic twist to the tone. Hand resting on popped out hip studying his daughter while searching for the right words to explain. “True it’s no emergency like two months ago Missy but the mission is simple enough I’ll be back home before the weekend.”

“Take me with you then,” brow lifting in challenge remind Marcus so much of her mother the memory picking his heart.

Pushing those thoughts aside, “I can’t you have school and training,” seeing her fixing to protest he holds up a hand to stall the flow of words. “Besides it’s too dangerous, this isn’t a typical mission the Heroics would go on.”

“So they push it on you, why?” Voice rising slightly with worry and a dash of fear for her father’s safety.

Running a hand through his hair tugging the dark strands lightly in frustration. “Things are…” always searching for the right words to explain, without giving too much away and keeping Missy in the dark to protect her. “Complicated Missy I have to lead by example you know that sweetheart. Please trust me when I say this isn’t something I want to do.”

“Then why…”

Sighing Marcus steps towards his daughter crouching down so their eye level, “Because I’m the only one qualified to take the mission.” Resting a fingerless gloved hand on her slim shoulder, “Simple in and out, take out the bad guy done,” offering her, his patented half smile. “Besides you’ve got your friends now and training you’ll never notice I’m gone.”

Expressive chocolate eyes roll but the smirk is all Moreno when they lock back with her father’s. Flinging herself into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and hugging the life’s breath from his lungs. “You’re wrong dad I’ll miss you,” trying to keep the trembling from her voice. Tears pricking the back of her eyes, nose rubbing along the leather jacket he’s wearing. “Four day’s right? No longer?”

“No longer just four days sweetheart,” pulling back to smile at his daughter catching the fear in her glassy eyes. “I promise to be safe.”

“And come home right?” She adds still clinging to her father’s shoulders. Memories of watching the alien’s wrap their mechanical arms around and pull him into the ship still very fresh in her mind. Never wanting a repeat performance of those horrible three hours.

Nodding, “Yes ma’am and I expect you to mind your abuela, do your homework and train.” Ticking off each one while giving her a smile.

“Always dad,” eyes rolling again as she lets him go, standing to his full height now. “When do you leave?”

Smiling slipping to a frown, “Once I’m packed. Intel came in this afternoon and I’ve been briefed.”

“Ah so that’s why your wear this ridiculous get up and rode in on that obnoxious two wheeled death machine,” putting her own words into the conversation, Anita Moreno rejoined her son and granddaughter leaning heavily on her cain. “Don’t you dare roll your eyes at me Marcus Moreno you aren’t too old for me to whip,” banishing her walking stick towards him affectionately.

“Mom,” wanting too but doesn’t roll his eyes at her words, heart warmed by the undercurrent of worry he picks up despite her admonishment. Knowing much like Missy, she worried about his well being and the dangers lurking around each corner for the leader of the Heroics. “Neither of you need to worry, it’s a simple mission nothing I haven’t faced before.”

Boy had he been wrong about those last few words, cursing that two syllable word with every fiber in his being while trying to adjust to these strange surroundings. Floating car honking, racing pass Marcus standing stock still in the middles of what didn’t appear be to a street.

“Hey asshole move before you get flown over,” half hanging out the window with a middle finger salute aimed his way.

Itching to use his powers on the punk Marcus shakes his head stepping back and almost tripping over the cement curb.  Mesmerized by the sheer sights surrounding him. Blinking several times thinking he’s seeing things or at the very least Miracle Guy is playing some seriously messed up trick on him.

“Lost?” Soft feminine voice questions from behind him.

Turning slowly, weary of who’s standing at his back, “You could say that.”

“Marcus Moreno?” Gasp issues from her parted lips eyes shocked wide almost like seeing a ghost. “But… but your…”

Frowning unsure of this woman with how she’s acting at seeing him. “I’m what?”

“Dead…” her words echo around him like a thick fog.

Head shaking, reaching into his jeans pocket to pull the cell phone out cursing upon finding it’s out of juice. “The rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.” Trying to make light even as a stone starts to sink in his stomach. “Miracle Guy put you up to this? Has to be some kind of simulation testing me right?”

“No… no it’s,” bitting her lip, she takes a step forward pulling a thin clear plastic looking object from her pocket. “What year is it?”

“Why?” Looking between her face and the light up piece of tech in her hand, Marcus takes a step back. Only to be honked at by another flying car. “Tech guys stepped up their game this time around.”

“Because,” swallowing harshly, “your not in Kansas anymore Toto.” Trying and failing to give a half smile. Only to have it fall with he scowl Marcus sends her. “Answer the question first then I’ll explain.”

Sighing, running a shaky hand through his hair, dread filling his veins, “2021, March if I remember.”

“I”m sorry Dorothy but you’re wrong,” glancing down eyes focused on the thin piece of plastic in her grasp. Pulling up the calendar to show him the date. “It’s March 14, 2041 and you good sir have come back from the dead.”

Gapping like a fish out of water, Marcus can’t seem to string two words together till a bubble of laughter leaves his chest. Morphing into chuckles and finally a great big belly laugh which has him doubling over holding his stomach and slapping his knee. “It’s a joke right? Miracle Guy, Tech-No he’d be able to pull something like this off.”

Glancing up at her, seeing the weariness even a touch of fear painted in those deep eyes. Turning her phone back around to pull up the news report. Male voice echoing around the two of them only slightly drowned out by the busy city still churning.

“The search has been called off for Heroic’s leader Marcus Moreno as it entered the third week with no sign. Our hearts go out to the Moreno family hit by this tragedy. Leaving so many to wonder what exactly happened and how did his last mission go so wrong.”

Shaking his head, eyes blinking several times to clear the imagines of Missy and Anita crying in each others arms. Surrounded by the children of the Heroics and the hero’s themselves, each taking the news differently. Vision filled with Missy’s red rimmed, tear streaked face breaking his heart, legs giving out from under him and crumbing to his knees.

“I don’t… I just left… it’s been two hours,” words stuttering from his mouth trying to grasp exactly what happened.

Debating with herself whether to step forward for comfort or turn to leave. The former winning as she drops beside him, returning the phone to its pocket and carefully gathering this broken semi stranger into her arms. “I’m sorry, this wasn’t the intension we had. There’s,” swallowing hard when she feels him stiffen beside her. “A plan, we had a plan but it’s changed and now you’re stuck.”

Wide with anger and shock, Marcus’s deep chocolate eyes raise to look at her. “You did this?”

Gulping for air and words, “Not me solely no, I apologize truly this wasn’t… I mean,” fidgeting under the intense stare, bottom lip caught by her tongue and drug between pearly whites. “I’m sorry Marcus so sorry,” short sob leaving a dry throat.

“Sorry for what? For taking me away from my life, from my time period or from the little girl who needs her father? Because as I see it right now this is all manner of fucked up and your gonna do something about it. Fix this shit so I can get back to my daughter.” Seething with rage Marcus stands to his full impressive height. Reaching behind to pull both katana’s from there sheathes.

Staying on her knees head bowed, “I can’t that’s the trouble Marcus.” Looking up into his pain streaked furious chocolate eyes, flinching at the sneer that contorts his beloved features. “I’m mysorry darling truly,” words whispered and barely meeting his ears as she vanishes into the thin air.

Speechless, arms hanging at his sides, stuck by the realization of her words, the video, combine with the knowledge he’s lost twenty some years with Missy watching her grow-up. Emotions swirl like a thick fog in his mind consuming thoughts and making reactions none existence to the world around him. A world that’s left him behind, while he’s stuck in the past and facing an uncertain future as a man out of time.

[biillyhargroves]

re: this ask, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of Billy as a parent and more specifically Billy and Steve as parents and boy howdy do I have some Thoughts to share with y’all. 

like, how Steve has probably always wanted a family in the general “it’s what you’re supposed to do” kind of sense, because it’s what his parents did, and what their parents did, and so on and so forth and to him that’s just the natural progression. you get older. you get married. you buy a nice house and have some kids and complain about taxes. 

and Billy. well, he just doesn’t think that’s the right thing for him. because, sure, his parents did it and their parents did it, but god isn’t his whole family more than a little fucked up? he can’t fathom doing any better than his parents, he thinks his whole bloodline is cursed- or it might as well be -and that maybe the Hargrove name is better off dying with him. 

oh, but then they fall in love. slowly, and then all at once, if you’ll forgive me for quoting John Green. and Billy keeps telling himself that this won’t last, that it’ll end eventually, that Steve should be with someone more his speed (read: his status, because Billy’s family is not what you’d call wealthy and even sans-small-town-homophobia, he can’t picture Steve’s parents being all too thrilled with Steve shacking up with the likes of him). but it doesn’t end. they even move out of Hawkins, find a tiny apartment in Chicago. the rent is too high and the heat doesn’t always work but they each find jobs and they make it work. they use the birthday and Christmas checks from Steve’s parents, and the ones that Susan sends when she has the money (because she’s divorced from Neil now, filed the papers after Max went off to college because, with both kids out of the house, she felt safer, like she wasn’t putting them in danger if she pissed Neil off). Max goes to school nearby, visits them frequently, even helps them decorate because, let’s face it, they have terrible taste. years go by and that little apartment becomes cozy, starts to feel like home, and one night- after they’ve been drinking, of course, when their inhibitions are lowered and their tongues a bit looser -Steve starts to talk about starting a family. and Billy freaks out. changes the subject and hopes that Steve is drunk enough to forget ever having brought it up. 

he can’t stop thinking about it, though. he talks to Max about it- she admits that she never saw him as a family man, not until she saw him with Steve, and after they talk she starts asking when he’s going to make her an aunt; he talks to Heather- who has been his best friend since the summer of ‘85 and who gushes at the idea of him being father, of him and Steve being fathers. and Steve doesn’t forget. he just doesn’t bring up because he’s afraid it’ll scare Billy off for good, so imagine his surprise when they’ve laying all tangled and sweaty and messy in bed and Billy softly murmurs that maybe, just maybe, having a baby isn’t the worst thing they could do. 

they have to think about their options, of course. a surrogate? if so, who should it be? Max? Billy is uncomfortable with that. they could ask Robin, they think. perhaps Heather? they bring it up to her and she’s head over fucking heels. hell, she’ll give them an egg if they want it. and so it’s decided. and, of course, they keep telling themselves not to get their hopes up, because this is still a new science and it might not take, the doctors have told them this through every step- from the consults, to the check-ups, to the moment they handed over the check and Heather made the appointment. I mean, Steve’s hopes are definitely up. that’s how he is. and Billy knows it. he doesn’t sleep for a whole week, because he’s so scared of what might happen, he’s so scared of Steve being disappointed. Steve wants this. Billy knows how badly, but he doesn’t realize how much he wants it himself until he’s sitting outside the bathroom door waiting for Heather to take the pregnancy test. his heart is in. his fucking gut until she comes out absolutely beaming because it worked!!! she’s pregnant!!!

and, of course, Steve and Billy treat her like a goddamn queen throughout the pregnancy. she stays with them for a few nights a week; they get to feel the baby kick for the first time, they help her through morning sickness (which is, unfortunately, all-hours-of-the-day sickness for her). Heather officially moves in, and Susan and Max come to visit, in the last few weeks. they’re all there in the hospital when Heather gives birth, and my god, does she have the most beautiful baby girl you could ever imagine. Steve is the one to cut the cord, the first one to hold the baby; Billy is too scared to hold her, she’s so tiny, she fits right in the palm of Steve’s hand, and Billy is terrified of hurting her. it takes a lot of encouragement from both Heather and Steve for him to finally pick her up, feed her, burp her, change her. 

they hyphenate her last name; Hargrove-Harrington (her middle name is Holloway, because they wanted to include Heather- they wouldn’t have their baby without her, of course) (her full name is Rosanna Holloway Hargrove-Harrington, because of course Billy wanted a musical name, and maybe Heather was playing Toto a lot while pregnant, and maybe Steve mentioned that he liked the song) (they call her Rosie and Rosa as a child, but she goes by Ro when she’s older) (yes, I’ve thought about this in too much detail). 

Robin and Dustin road trip it to Chicago and decorate the apartment- they put up a big banner that says “Welcome Home Triple-H”, because that’s the name that Billy and Steve kept throwing around when trying to decided what to about the baby’s last name ( “Come on,” Steve said, “all three of us? Baby Girl Hargrove-Harrington-Holloway.”, to which Billy replied, “That’s too fucking long. Imagine a five year old learning how to write that fucking nightmare of a name.”, and Steve said, “Fine. A new last name: Triple H.” and Billy would just walk out of the room.)

the first few months are bumpy, but the six month check-up they’ve really gotten the hang of it. Billy isn’t scared to hold her anymore. Steve often finds them asleep on the couch together, or hears Billy singing to her in the next room (and, okay, he’s prefer that Billy didn’t sing fucking Motley Crue to her, but she likes it, and it’s so goddamn sweet that Steve can’t be mad). 

and Max loves being an aunt. she is with that little girl all. the. time. (and, yes, Aunt Max is totally there when her niece goes through her first breakup, and yes she absolutely brings her to the mall (Aunt El in tow, of course) to get her mind off, and I quote, “stupid boys”). Heather and Robin are wonderful aunts, too. Heather showers the baby with so much love. she lives with Steve and Billy until the baby is weaned from breastfeeding, and she drops by for visits every week. Robin is the baby’s favorite, though. she’s the one who never fails to get down on the ground and play with her, to wrestle with her, to teach her three different languages so that they can have secret conversations without the dads knowing (it’s all innocent, usually talking about Father’s Day plans or what Ro wants to get her dads for Christmas, but boy does it drive Billy up a wall - Steve thinks it’s funny, of course). 

and eventually they’re in a good enough spot to move into a house, and it has a white fence and Billy builds and swingset in the backyard and, god, how did this become his life??? when Steve casually mentions, one night after putting their daughter to bed, that maybe they should have another kid, Billy is surprised when he says yes. even more surprised that he’s the one that suggests adopting, because maybe there’s some kid out there like him, some kid that just needs some help. they know it’ll be hard, that adoption is already a difficult process without being a same-sex couple, but they go for it. Max, Robin, and Heather all write them recommendations, and Susan and Steve’s mother both vouch for them (they want more grandbabies, okay?). it takes time, so much time, but eventually they get a little boy. a little brother for their daughter, a new son, and they can’t wait to get him home. 

he’s a baby, just a few months old, and they name him James (James William Hargrove-Harrington, at Steve’s insistence, because “he’s going to be just like you. trust me. I can tell.”) after the police chief that helped them so much back in Hawkins- because you can’t tell me that, even Upside Down shit aside, Hopper wouldn’t have protected those boys if he could) their daughter loves her new brother. she dotes on him constantly, always wants to hold him, is the Best Big Sister. 

and Steve is so stupid happy. he thinks about how crazy, insane, stupid happy he is every night when he sees Billy sitting on the floor, the kids at his sides, reading them bedtime stories or playing them music, whenever he sees those kids look at Billy like he hung the goddamn moon, because, yeah, he always figured that a family was in the future, because it was supposed to be in his future, be never thought it could be this good. that it could be this perfect, that he would love it this much.

and Billy? he knew that Steve would be a natural. he’s proven right every time he finds Steve awkwardly folded up in one of the kid’s beds, having been dragged there to protect them from a nightmare; every time he sees Steve helping with homework, or tying a shoe, or when Steve becomes a nervous wreck when it’s time for them to learn to drive. but he never expected to fall so head over heels in love with his children, never imagined that he’d have a family, let alone that he’d stick around to watch it grow. he struggles. he struggles a lot. he still has a temper that takes a lot to control, and there are bumps in the road, but he has his family now- he has Steve, and he has their kids, and my god, if he isn’t the luckiest man in the world. 

anyway that’s what I've been think about lately, hbu. 

[buildridernews]

[Review] Kamen Rider Build - Episodes 34-37

Time for a month of episodes where some stuff happens. The most important thing to happen is me finally catching up with the show! 

Small disclaimer now that we're in Evol territory: If it weren't obvious, I flip between character name and Rider name (Sento / Build) depending on whether they are transformed during a scene I talk about, so if you see me saying Evolt or Evol, that's not a typo. That's just the show deciding to give them such similar names. Carry on.

Episode 34: “The Best Match Severed” (離れ離れのベストマッチ)

So Kamen Rider Evol is a thing, the prime minister is dead, and Gentoku might have emotions. Following that heavy ending to the last episode, Evol decides to poison Sento with the promise of a cure in return for - you guessed it - all of the Fullbottles and Pandora's Box. While Ryuga and Kazumi reluctantly meet him at the box's location with all of the bottles, it turns out the poison can only be cured if Evolt is defeated, which means they'll fight for Sento's life. Vernage's powers don't seem to be enough to help, as Evolt even remarks that her powers are just remnants at this point.

Of course, since Evolt has proven himself to be less than trustworthy, this goes poorly. Cross-Z Magma might have the stronger form, but he can just barely make a dent in Evol. It doesn't help that he's been given quite the realization, as Katsuragi previously wanted both Evolt and Ryuga dead since they are more or less one and the same. Also real talk? Kazumi says it's dangerous to transform again after you've been forced out of a transformation, which I don't think I've ever even heard being addressed in a toku - props.

With one literally heated rematch between Evol and Cross-Z Magma, the finishers clash and we end the episode with Ryuga standing in the flames left by their battle... and the reveal that Evolt has taken on the form of Ryuga! As you'd expect, Evolt was lying about Sento's poison only being cured that way, so Sento is healed and only just aware that something is amiss here...

Episode 35: “Tower of Destruction” (破滅のタワー)

Hot off the heels of the last episode, Evolt transforms into his new Dragon Form, which makes use of Cross-Z's helmet design. He's basically just showing off as he decides to stroll into the building to get Pandora's Box and ditch them. Sento won't take that sitting down, so despite literally just crawling out of an ambulance, he's ready to fight Evol.

This is when we get the full context of what's going on with Ryuga. As it turns out, the substance that made its way back from Mars was a part of Evolt, which was attempting to possess Ryuga's mother, but accidentally possessed the baby in her womb. So technically, Ryuga isn't the space baby I figured, he's just a human who got possessed by alien powers that fused with him to the point they remained dormant. So as Blood Stalk, Evolt was constantly raising Ryuga's Hazard Level for the sake of making him strong enough to fuse with, basically. Damn. That all comes together nicely.

After all that exposition, Evol ditches Build with the bottles and the box, but he forgot one! More on that in a sec. For now, we get something I wasn't expecting: Soichi is separated from Evolt, as he's in Ryuga's body now. In true toku fashion, however, he's in the hospital for now so we can't actually find out what he has to say yet. To be fair though, Evolt did kinda let himself deliberately take a LOT of beatings leading up to the Evol Driver reveal, so he deserves some rest. 

More on that bottle. I dunno who to credit for this cleverness, but Gentoku still had the Phoenix Fullbottle with him, meaning Sento wants to work together against Evolt. However, before they can really strike up a deal, Evolt forces them all to the middle of Pandora Tower for his big moment.

As you'd expect, everyone would rather punch him than let him do what he pleases, but that doesn't go so well to say the least. As it turns out, Evol is now acting against Namba since he's OPENING Pandora's Box, so it's up to Utsumi to go order Evol to stop - which goes as well as you'd expect. With no one capable enough to stop him, all 60 of the Fullbottles are in place and Pandora's Box - as well as Pandora Tower - is fully formed!

This would be a fun time for the show to take a week long break due to sports, but we've been pretty lucky in that regard.

Episode 36: "Evolt the Planet Hunter" (エボルトは星を狩る)

With Evol unleashing the power of Pandora's Box, he pulls out an item we know to be the Evol Trigger, claiming it will bring him to full power. Unfortunately, he can't use it just yet for some reason, so what seemed like a finale moments ago has now been cut short. Although, as he assures Namba, Seito now has a stunning display of power they can use to intimidate Toto.

With Vernage making a quick rescue, we also learn that the Fullbottles of Pandora's Box were actually made from Soichi's memories, which is an interesting thought, and contained Evolt’s power. Sento also discovered that a bit of his father's research involved a way of using a Pandora Panel to create a special transformation item to counter Evolt's power, which sounds quite deadly. Misora catches onto the fact that he's going to sacrifice himself for the good of others again, and gives him a reasonable talking to since he is still feeling those sins crawling down his back - this is a fascinating conundrum they've cooked up for a protagonist, damn.

Meanwhile, Kazumi has a score to settle with Gentoku. It seems like after all their fights, he's become much stronger than our purple edgelord, though it probably helps that Gentoku is also emotionally vulnerable right now. Kazumi lets out his frustrations over Gentoku killing Akaba, but he understands that if Akaba were still here, he'd probably think he's being a little petty about it. Since he won this fight, Kazumi gives Gentoku one request: Someday, whenever he's ready, become their ally. Very cool scene all around.

As Seito once again makes Toto a dangerous place to live, Build takes on Evol, showing that he's actually becoming strong enough to take on Evol's default form - glad they showed that since the FullFull armor forms seemed like they were quickly outclassed. Build tries using the blocky transformation item and manages to do some damage, Evol puts a hand into his body (context), and Build reveals that his father's invention was intended to foil Evol's strategies and he uses this opportunity to raise his Hazard Level rapidly and blow them both up.

As the smoke clears, we're not left with Evol or Build... but a white-haired Sento. Ryuga is separated from Evolt, and it turns out Sento's plan failed, so Evolt has the body of our strongest hero. Using his new Rabbit Evolbottle pulled from Sento's body, he taunts them all with a form reminiscent of Build...

Episode 37: "The Ultimate Phase" (究極のフェーズ)

Using his newly obtained form, Evol is now on Phase 3 of his personal level system, and makes quick work of Grease by... what I assume was destroying his Sclashjelly, but I guess he just made a little mess with it. And he didn't even have to do anything to Ryuga, because he took back any DNA left on him, making Ryuga a completely normal human who can't transform. Vernage makes a desperate attempt to escape by taking the entirety of the cafe and their lab, and repositioning it ssssomewhere by the sea? Sure. Be interesting to see the reaction to that later.

Ryuga and Kazumi make desperate attempts of their own as they come to Gentoku, at Faust's old hideout, to try and give Ryuga a Hazard Level again. But Gentoku is honest about how he doesn't really know anything about science, and the process involved Evolt, so... they're out of luck. Kazumi however does give an awesome speech about how Sento always fought for love and peace, and in some way, they were all fighting for the same thing. Interesting tidbit dropped here where Rogue’s gear apparently can only be used when a certain emotional drive is involved, and as we've learned, Gentoku is pretty drained of motivation lately, so he's in as just of a bad place as Ryuga...

It's really just up to Grease to try and take on both Evolt and the gear bros, but just as Grease becomes outnumbered, Rogue shows up! With a refreshed outlook on life, he's decided that his father doesn't have to be the one to run Toto, and neither does he - but he can sure make way for a brighter future regardless. The combined strength of these two still isn't quite enough to challenge Evol's power - he's proving just how much of an endgame villain he is.

That's when Ryuga pulls a Sento and gets a clever idea. Wrestling off the Dragon Evolbottle from Evol's arsenal, he attempts to use it to punch the heck out of him, only for it to actually work! It turns a gold color, and the Cross-Z Dragon flies over to him, turning red as he inserts the new bottle. Using it in the Build Driver, he transforms into Great Cross-Z, which is... basically the original Cross-Z with some Evol-y colors here and there. Not as great as you’d expect. 

In his new form, Cross-Z is surprisingly doing damage to Evol. Not only that, but his Hazard Level has in fact returned proper, as he switches to Cross-Z Magma and proves to be a formidable force. As the three Riders huddle together for a finisher, though, Evol blocks it with the Evol Trigger and lets it absorb their energy, allowing it to truly awaken.

Now Evolt, as Kamen Rider Evol, uses the Evol Trigger in the Evol Driver with his Evolbottles (NAMES ARE HARD) and transforms into his Blackhole Form - the final form. What a twi--

Oh, and Sento has been separated from Evolt,and he's back to normal... which means he no longer has amnesia and is now aware that he's Katsuragi Takumi! WHAT. A. TWIST.

So Build's doing pretty damn well. It has been high stakes for a while, but now we are in some heavy end game territory with plenty of episodes to spare. I am super interested in seeing where this Katsuragi thing goes.

These four episodes in particular were a lot of fun to marathon since they are so connected - it felt like a Steven Universe bomb done right, y'know? The one with the zoo? Good times.

Oh and since I know I’ll be asked about it: Yep, the magazine reveals for May did in fact include Kamen Rider Mad Rogue, who won’t be appearing until the next episode. The magazines show off what’s appearing in that month, though there are exceptions when it comes to movies/spinoffs. Regardless, this was an odd one to see in the magazine and not in the show. 

I think their reasoning for this was probably to do with the DX BatEngine Fullbottle Set being released alongside the DX Evol Driver - people who aren’t following spoilers will probably wonder what those bottles are for and why the promo images specifically involve using the Evol Driver for this set of bottles. 

[tornrose24]

I remember how someone on here once joked about CU singing ‘Popular’ to Krupp like in Wicked... Hmm... a Wicked AU, or a Wizard of Oz AU ? ... Ah heck, why not combine both?

What would I call it to make life easier…. cu oz/wicked au?

(Also, I tried to present optional possibilities for both the Egg Casserole fans and the Kruppants fans in the Wicked section. Mainly because I’m very aware just how popular the ElphabaxGlinda ship is and I want to offer that possibility to those who will take over their parts too).

George and Harold: Both share the role of Dorothy. I’d imagine they came from either an 1930’s or 1990’s era Piqua when a tornado suddenly took them to a land beyond the rainbow. As strange and fun as Oz is, they know that they need to get back home as soon as possible... especially considering the fact Heidi hid with them during the storm. Instead of ruby slippers, they end up with a pair of bands that contain powerful magic.

Heidi: Ended up with the role of Toto and carries a dog plushie with her to symbolize that. Both George and Harold (but especially Harold) are protective of her when things get out of hand, but she’s also a lot tougher than she looks.

CU: Glinda–oh come on, you knew where this was going. He helps the boys and Heidi out, but he can’t join them because he has other matters to attend to, though that won’t stop him from helping however he can... just don’t trust him to give you proper directions on where you need to go. Also three words: Sparkly cape and underpants. You’re welcome.

Krupp: The Wicked Witch.... yup, I forced him into an antagonist’s role yet again. On one hand it’s because he has to be and because it’s funny. On the other it makes sense when... well, I’ll elaborate more on the Wicked portion of the AU.

???: The scarecrow. Note that revealing the identity of who I chose for the role will spoil a major story element from Wicked. If you don’t want the musical to be spoiled, don’t read the Wicked AU section down below. if you are ok with learning about the spoiler, you can click the keep reading link down below.

Kipper: The Tin Man. I know it’s an odd choice, but he always had that key and he’s someone who could learn to grow a heart. Otherwise I’d be open to Melvin in this role instead. My reason for this choice also ties to how the Wicked section comes into play.

Tommy: The cowardly lion. Ah come on, you know how that kid acts when he sees Krupp and he seems right for the role. He could get braver the longer he’s with the little group.

Melvin: The lead flying monkey (or, as Wicked fans might recall, Chistery). Or else he’d invent a flying machine that has that name. His family is in service to Krupp due to something he did for them in the past. I wouldn’t mind if someone thinks Kipper would be a better fit for this role instead, but I have my reasons.

Poopypants: The wizard. Yup, I had to go there. He just seems like a good fit.

Ok, so how does the Wicked storyline tie into the Oz AU? Click the keep reading tab for how certain roles get expanded.

Krupp: So I can see him having VERY loose similarities to Elphaba. He might of had a not so easy life due to having the same skin condition she had (and we throw in the fangs and freakish strength for the heck of it because, believe it or not, Elphaba actually HAD sharp teeth when she was an infant in the book, so this could work) OR alternatively he looks normal until his negative emotions get the best of him and changes his appearance (like what happened to the Witch in Once upon a Time) OR neither one–his temper always got in the way and he wasn’t good with making friends. In this AU’s equivalent of Shiz, he was working on getting his Masters in Education, but him having magic also caught the interest of a few staff members who wanted him to develop his powers and work for the Wizard one day. There was a time where, despite having a quick temper and being hasty, he genuinely wanted to teach kids and be someone who could be there for them when it seemed that others would not. A discovery of a plot by the Wizard lead to him being framed as a villain, forcing him to be on the run. A series of events and misunderstandings would gradually harden his heart and he’d allow himself to embrace what everyone made him out to be. (Also, I REALLY want to hear Ed Helms sing Defying Gravity right now.)

CU: Would be Glinda for obvious reasons, but much nicer and a bit more ditzier even at the very beginning. About the same age as Krupp, but it took him longer to get to the University because he’s not very book smart. CU is more interested in magic than Krupp is at first, but wants to use such powers to help those who aren’t as fortunate. He gets on Krupp’s nerves and his a lot more popular than him, but an act of kindness brought them together and for awhile they were genuinely good friends who helped support each other. (If you wanted to go the Kruppants route, they harbored feelings for each other, but CU was more open about it). Unfortunately upon also discovering the plot of the Wizard, CU chose to stay behind instead of go with Krupp to see if he could undo the damage and clear his friend’s name. Upon graduating, he began to work solo to fulfill his own goals, though the Wizard and his minions have been keeping a close eye on him. He keeps Krupp from taking the bands from the boys because he was afraid of what would happen if Krupp had too much power, but he failed to realize what the Wizard would force the boys to do until it was almost too late.

Jasper: Nessarose, of course, but he doesn’t have either of the birth defects she has in the book or musical. He was in Shiz University for about a year or two when Krupp was getting his Masters and by this point he met his future wife. Because of his kind nature/ being born normal, he was more well loved in his family than Krupp was, though he idolized his brother and refused to believe that he was as evil as he was made out to be. Unfortunately, there was a tragic incident that would end the brotherly love. Many years after Krupp was declared a villain, he came back to his brother for help to try to end the Wizard’s reign. While it was a heartfelt reunion at first, Kipper (whose his usual spoiled, not-so-pleasant self at the time) came upon his uncle’s spell book and decided to mess around with it, and as a consequence accidentally casted a spell on himself that turned him into a metallic being. Krupp was unable to undo the spell before Kipper ran away and his brother threw him out in anger. There was never a chance to reconnect and Jasper was too angry to give Krupp the bands that could have aided him.

Edith: Fiyero, except maybe she’s a tad closer to the book version, but still a member of the main ruling family of the west. THIS was why I didn’t want to reveal the identity of the scarecrow at first. I estimate that she’s about 10-15 years younger than Krupp, so when she was invited to Shiz University for a few weeks (her family had ties to the school, since they want to send future rulers to the best schools) she was between ages 10 to 15 when she met Krupp, who was encouraged to tutor her to boost his resume. She wasn’t as book smart as her family, but the two developed an unlikely friendship, especially since she saw past his exterior. They’d meet again many years later when Edith was forced into an engagement with one of the Wizard’s minions, which neither her or her family wanted since they were against him, but they had no choice if they wanted to keep his control away from the west. (Yeah, so she’s not engaged to CU like in the musical because I doubt the circumstances would have been the same). Krupp was able to get her out of it in exchange for her family’s aid and while the two were surprised to see each other again, their old friendship resumed once more (and, if you want to go the Egg Casserole route, it of course grew into something much more than what either of them were ready for). Sadly, in an attempt to protect Krupp, Edith was captured by the Wizard’s guards when her family was overthrown. Their torture left her with burn scars on her hands, no memories of her life, and an extreme phobia of fire for reasons she can’t understand. She’d eventually come across a group of children just trying to get home and would join them in hopes of recovering her own memories. Unfortunately, Krupp was left with the idea that she had been killed and it was one of the final turning points to make him embrace the evil person everyone made him out to be.

Ribble: She seems perfect for Madam Morrible, though with less of the fake motherly-ness. She was the one who kept an eye on both Krupp and CU (and didn’t really expect much out of CU due to his seemingly idiotic nature) at the University and let the Wizard know about them.

Poopypants: Ok, so I said he’d be the Wizard, but unlike the musical, he’s NOT Krupp’s biological dad (Oh dear lord would that be odd. Though, if you want the green skin route, Krupp’s mom could have agreed to an experimentation for some extra money that involving drinking the miracle elixir). He wants to go through with his plan to annihilate laughter and/or make a ray that’ll make children prone to becoming violent to keep people from knowing that he’s not actually magical... as well as what his real name is, because you KNOW that wouldn’t be good for a ruler. When Krupp destroys everything, he opts to frame Krupp as someone out to ruin him and take over Oz with evil intentions to keep that attention on something else.

Anyway, it was something I did just for fun. As usual, I don’t mind sharing ideas with anyone else who is interested (though knowing me, I’d be more into developing the version that has Egg Casserole in it. I can do my best with the Kruppants one, even if I’m not a huge fan of it myself).

[thisdaynews]

How Lewis Hamilton remained master to Max Verstappen's apprentice

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/how-lewis-hamilton-remained-master-to-max-verstappens-apprentice/

How Lewis Hamilton remained master to Max Verstappen's apprentice

Hamilton now has seven victories at the Hungaroring

Formula 1 has been waiting for a full-on battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for years now. The Hungarian Grand Prix finally delivered it, and what a treat it was.

Verstappen in a slower Red Bull holding off Hamilton in a faster Mercedes, their teams fighting a strategic battle as much as the drivers were scrapping on track – it produced a race that not only thrilled in the moment, but whet the appetite for what might be to come when F1 resumes after the four-week summer break in Belgium on 1 September.

Even Hamilton was excited by the battle – which became a reality as soon as the world champion had passed team-mate Valtteri Bottas by Turn Three on the first lap and settled in behind Verstappen.

“As soon as I got into second,” Hamilton said, “I was like: ‘OK, this whole battle we’ve been talking about me and Max having we are going to have that today.’ And it was really awesome.”

Hamilton overtakes Verstappen for late Hungary win

Listen: “Hats off to the strategists, hats off to Lewis Hamilton”

What happened to the woman who beat Hamilton in go-karts?

“I was definitely not thinking: ‘Genius'”

As they slugged it out at the front, the two men were in a separate race from anyone else, Hamilton more than a minute ahead of the Ferrari of third-placed man Sebastian Vettel by the end of the grand prix.

Hamilton always looked quicker, but track position is so important at the Hungaroring, a tight and twisty track in a dusty amphitheatre about 12 miles outside Budapest.

Throughout, Hamilton rarely gave Verstappen any breathing space, and Verstappen defended with maturity and skill.

Never more than about two seconds behind, Hamilton ramped up the pressure on Verstappen as the window for him to make a pit stop and rejoin ahead of the Ferraris, then led by Charles Leclerc approached.

Hamilton closed a 20-second deficit in less than 20 laps to pass Verstappen for the lead

That forced Red Bull to stop Verstappen as early as they could – to protect against Hamilton stopping first and jumping the Dutchman that way.

That early pit stop meant Mercedes could run Hamilton longer, to give him fresher tyres for their fight in the second stint, which at that time was planned to be to the end of the race.

After that first stop, Hamilton was all over Verstappen. But after one breathtaking overtaking attempt around the outside of the super-fast Turn Four just failed to come off, he and Mercedes began to doubt that he would be able to pass.

That was on lap 39, and immediately afterwards the Mercedes strategists began to consider the idea of a second stop. It would lose them 20 seconds, but the idea was that Hamilton would come back at Verstappen like a rocket.

They analysed and discussed it for seven laps and then took the plunge, switching from the hard to the medium tyres for the final 22 laps, in which Hamilton would have to make up 20 seconds and pass arguably the most aggressive and uncompromising driver in the sport.

It was an unusually bold and aggressive strategy from a team that can tend towards the cautious – and impressively so just a week after they came in for criticism for questionable strategy in the rain at Hockenheim, their and Hamilton’s worst race for years.

Hamilton was far from sure it was the right idea.

Wolff said: “I’m happy for the strategy group as in Germany we came under fire for the strategy calls.”

“I definitely was not thinking: ‘Genius,’ he said. “Was I thinking ‘worth a try’? I have a different viewpoint in the car. I came out (from the first pit stop) with six- or seven-lap fresher tyres and at the time I was much quicker and I was like: ‘OK, I just have to keep the pressure on.’

“But then they told me we were going two-stop and I couldn’t compute how it would work.

“I thought I could make the hards go to the end so I knew he would be able to do the same. I thought pitting was going to be difficult and I hadn’t even had the chance to be thinking what tyre.

“They put me on the medium and it didn’t feel great initially and then he started matching my times.”

Over the radio, the doubt in Hamilton’s mind at the wisdom of the strategy was clear. He needed to close at a second a lap, but after cutting the gap to 16 seconds, Verstappen started doing the same lap times. Hamilton was cooling his brakes, which were on the limit, but once they were back in the right temperature window, he cut loose.

“I was thinking: ‘Jeez this is really risky,'” Hamilton said. “In the end you have to just go: ‘Go for it, give it everything. Just don’t worry if you don’t catch him. Just concentrate on putting perfect laps.'”

It was what Mercedes and Hamilton call “hammer time”. From 15.4 seconds, the gap came down to nothing in 10 laps.

“I saw his times rising and I was like: ‘I am going to catch him and as soon as I catch him I am going by, no messing around. And it was such a relief when I got by because it’s your dream.”

The drive and the win clearly made as big an impression on Hamilton as they did on those watching.

“It feels like a first (win),” he said. “I don’t know how. I’ve been doing this a long time but it feels like one of the first.”

Two men in a league of their own

Hamilton may have won in Hungary but fans voted Verstappen driver of the day

According to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s driving was “in a different dimension”.

In reality, there were two men in that dimension. Verstappen was hugely impressive, too. His pole position on Saturday was stunning, and he lost out to a faster car, driven by a great driver at the top of his game, and a bold strategy to which Red Bull could not respond.

“We were just not fast enough,” Verstappen said. “I tried everything I could on that hard tyre to stay alive. Still, second, fastest lap, a good weekend overall. Congrats to Lewis, he was pushing me really hard. I like that. We were just lacking a bit of grip. We tried a one-stop, they had the opportunity for two and that worked out well.”

Hamilton praised Verstappen for the way he had conducted himself in the heat of their battle.

“Strong competitor and great driver at his best,” Hamilton said. “It’s awesome to see the respect between us, really respectful driving and I hope to continue that.

“He put the car in some good places. I gave him space and more. If we were on the same (championship) points he may have been a lot more aggressive but there was no need for that. It was just making sure when I do finally pull off an overtaking manoeuvre it was a full sweep by.”

The respect went both ways. Afterwards, in the news conference, there was a fascinating exchange between the two men when they were asked to give themselves scores out of 10 for the first half of the season.

Verstappen took fastest lap and an extra bonus point which takes him to within seven points of second-placed Bottas in the championship standings

After Vettel had given himself a five, saying he was “not happy with the first half – I can do a better job” – Hamilton gave himself an “8.9/8.8 – if it wasn’t for the last race (in Germany) it would be a little higher.

“It has been the best start of the season we’ve ever had and one of the best starts I’ve ever had but there are areas I can continue to work on. That’s the great thing about this sport, you can always improve.”

Verstappen refused to give himself a number, saying: “I hate putting a number on it because it reminds me of school which is not that long ago. I am always quite critical, it can always be better. I am never satisfied. It has a been very positive and I’ve had good results.”

So Hamilton did it for him, pointing to the two wins Verstappen had in the three races immediately preceding Hungary.

“Last few races it’s high nines,” Hamilton said of Verstappen. “I don’t remember all the races. But he drove exceptionally and if he continues like that it will be high nines.”

Finally, the quality of their race was summed up by their former rival Fernando Alonso, the two-time champion, who retired at the end of last season, watching the race at home.

“Bravo Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen,” Alonso wrote on Twitter. “Pushing 70 laps to the maximum. More than one minute to the third, nearly + one lap and a half to the top five. Both Impressive. Thanks for the show.”

A nervous wait for Bottas

Bottas was taken out of contention by a touch with team-mate Hamilton early in the race

While Hamilton goes into the summer break with his championship lead extended and a sixth title set to be sealed long before the end of the season, his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas faces a far less comfortable month.

He is out of contract this year and Wolff is going to spend the summer break deciding whether to keep Bottas, or replace him with reserve driver Esteban Ocon.

So it was a bad time for Bottas to have a race like this. Second out of the first corner, he was fourth by the time he was heading into Turn Four on the first lap, and with a broken front wing, after locking his wheels into both the first two corners, being passed by Hamilton, lightly touching his team-mate and then being overtaken by Leclerc, who broke the Mercedes’ front wing in the process.

That led to a difficult afternoon fighting back and an eventual eighth place finish.

Wolff said: “I am so sad for him. He was so pumped since yesterday, his qualifying performance was brilliant and he was in the right frame of mind before the race.

“And then the unfortunate incident in flat-spotting the tyre, touching with Lewis, touching with Leclerc and then suddenly within half a lap all the work is gone and that is just awful for him and I am sorry for him.”

Wolff said Bottas’ future will not turn on this one performance.

“We will not be letting one race result influence our decision,” he said. “It is more about compounding all data and then making a decision on stability and great personality and a very good driver versus giving youth a chance with all the reward and risk it can bring and we haven’t done that yet.

“We will start the process tomorrow and it will not be an easy one.”

Verstappen’s father Jos finished on the podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1994 for Benetton, 25 years before his son. Michael Schumacher won that day

Changing of the guard? Not yet, according to Hamilton, who took his 81st career win

The Verstappen fans packed the grandstands in their thousands at the Hungaroring

Read More

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