#I'm SO intrigued I'm really excited to see the direction this game goes in

[shima-draws]

Hm wait she's hitting different this time around,

(I started playing PMD Explorers of the Spirit 😳)

[desultory-novice]

Welcome back!! Also, I’d LOVE to hear that pitch idea 👀

To get this out of the way first, when it comes to hypoethetical Kirby movie ideas, I often hear things like "Return to Dream Land would be the best game to adapt to a movie!"

I...disagree.

It's a really nice story, with an intriguing beginning, middle, and an infamous last act twist. But you actually need to understand what kind of character Kirby et al are, their world, and Kirby's themes before you can really understand what makes RtDL's (and Magolor's) story effective. Because of that, it's not a good introduction.

So, which game would I adapt?

Ah, see, here's the thing. I think the best way to handle it would be to combine several plots together! For this, I'm loosely adapting Kirby's Dream Land 2/3, Kirby Super Star, AND Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. That's right! All of 'em!

Let's dive in!

--

We open on a colorful storybook-esque backdrop, with a young girl narrating to us about the peaceful Planet Pop Star and the story of "Kirby of the Stars", a mysterious traveler from afar with even more mysterious abilities!

...The camera pans back to show us an excited Adeleine showing off her notebook full of idea sketches to curious Kirby, who speaks (yes, speaks - all throughout the movie, in fact) that they're not certain why, exactly, they're being made out to be the hero of this story Adeleine is conceptualizing in the first place. Adeline points out that Kirby is fascinating and exciting (and lovable! :cheek squish:) and that more people should know about them!

Kirby replies that they're happy with the life they have right now, panning out to show Kirby's house in Whispy Wood’s forest, as well as the rest of the animal friends. Also, "...isn't it lunch time?"

But lunch is put on hold as Coo points out some suspicious activity in the sky. We switch POVs to Ribbon, frantically clutching her crystal while being chased by vague shadow resembling Dark Matter Swordsman and a handful of Dark Matters in tow. In desperation she attempts to activate the crystal as they near in, causing a sonic boom type effect that rocks the land below, sending bits of light and dark debris everywhere. Ribbon goes flying too.

Kirby and the gang find her, where she wakes up to explain to them all in a panic that "...Zero is coming!" and their whole planet is in grave danger. She answers only few brief questions about where she came from and who Zero is before demanding directions to the ruler of their kingdom. She can't waste time here. She needs a hero!

They (some of them swallowing their doubts) point her in the direction of Castle Dedede and she flies off before they can even ask if she wants anyone to "...accompany her?" (Kirby offers to go after her anyway, but everyone kind of groans at the idea of actually, you know, TALKING to Dedede and puts forward they idea they should get back to lunch, something that immediately wins Kirby over.)

A bat-like shadow flies out from the trees just as something gooey that had fallen from the sky in that explosion begins to rattle from the inside of one of Adeleine's paint buckets.

We follow the shadow of the bat-like creature across the landscape of Dream Land till he swoops in for a landing in front of Castle Dedede... revealing himself as Meta Knight.

He's given a friendly but harried greeting by a certain Waddle Dee. Meta Knight is interrupted from asking about the current status of things in the castle by the appearance of Marx, the king's jester, who cracks a few jokes at Meta's expense. Meta shows some anger at Marx who plays at being threatened right as King Dedede arrives on scene. Dedede looks for all intents to be the villainous foil, self-absorbed, egotistical (easily manipulated) and agreeing without thinking too hard about it to everything Marx says. (Even when that thing is mocking himself.) Meta interrupts to remind them all that there are more important matters at hand. That's when either Ribbon arrives at the castle or - we hear that she's already arrived.

Back in the forest, lunch turns into comical hijinks as the group discovers the weird life-form in Adeleine's paints. It hops out, spooks everyone badly, including itself, until Kirby tries inhaling it to stop it from running - only to immediately spit it out. "It tastes...Gooey." (Gooey repeats the word, finding in it a descriptor...and, a name?)

The gang wonder if this weird creature could be the Dark Matter Ribbon spoke of, or even Zero itself! Gooey can't provide any answers about who or what they are (and is still learning the concept of speech) but the forest denizens are able to put off their suspicions thanks to their positive experiences with Kirby, who was also an outsider once. Kirby and Gooey bond quickly over that, with Kirby showing Gooey that just because they don't know what they are, that doesn't make them so strange. Kirby has strange abilities too - showing off a few Copy Abilities too, like using Fire to cook up some baked yams for everyone.

This happy meet-and-greet is interspersed with scenes of Ribbon now catching the Castle Gang up on her story. That "Zero" is a force of pure negativity that has threatened countless planets, most recently consuming her home of Ripple Star, its queen, and all of her friends. She alone escaped with Ripple Star's treasure, the Crystal of the Ancients. The Queen told her to seek out heroes who could unlock its power and stop Zero but... King Dedede stops her there. She was right in coming to see him. The greatest, toughest, bravest "hero" in all of Pop Star. (Dee, Marx, and even Meta Knight all share an eye roll at this declaration.) Let Zero come! The Great King Dedede will stop them in their tracks! (...And get all the fame!)

...Ahem, to start summarize things a little faster (so that this doesn't turn into an hour and a half long read) Ribbon very quickly starts to have her doubts about King Dedede's fitness as a hero (and her choice to come to him for help) as he blatantly ignores her actual warnings to focus on the celebration when he finishes saving the day. The rest of the Castle gang sympathize with her doubts and all agree that this is pretty classic Dedede. Marx and Waddle Dee especially have their gripes with the King's rule, except that we begin to see more and more that Marx, who plays the adorable, long-suffering jester of an idiotic, despotic king when anyone's eyes are on him, is snide to Waddle Dee in the shadows and has been manipulating Dedede into making himself even more of a big useless oaf that no one respects. (Not that Dedede is without flaws, Waddle Dee confesses, but he buys into Marx's false praise too much and doesn't realize he's become something of a laughing stock.)

Ribbon's mention that Zero's agents chased her here end up leading to Gooey being considered a dangerous target to be arrested on sight, just as Kirby and Adeleine take Gooey into town to show them around/teach them more about Dream Land/maybe stir some memories or just good experiences?

Meta Knight, who is sent on this task, catches them in town, despite Adeleine and Kirbys' attempts to disguise Gooey, and the Forest Group and the Castle Group end up clashing, as Dedede wants to splat "the evil Zero" with his hammer in front of everyone, but Kirby insists that Gooey isn't Zero, Gooey is a friend and wouldn't hurt anyone. The only way to solve this argument...?

...Set up a giant arena in front of Castle Dedede and challenge Kirby to a big public tournament for the right to keep Gooey! Poor unprepared Waddle Dee is sent in first, providing a few moments of future friendship bonding for the pair. Next is Meta Knight, who uses this mostly as an exercise to test finally Kirby in combat, giving him several grim warnings during the fight.

Despite Meta seemingly outmatching our puff in every way, Kirby surprises him, inhaling Meta's sword and landing a shocking blow that cracks his mask. Kirby is ever so briefly surprised to see that Meta Knight...looks just like they do. Meta quickly vanishes before a shocked audience can see. (Marx grins.) A stunned Dedede, who didn't expect Meta to lose, quickly recovers to face Kirby in the final round for possession of Gooey and the right to the title of Dream Land's hero.

Ribbon, who has been watching Kirby closely throughout the tournament, and remembering their offers of assistance from the very beginning, has realized they're the one who fits her ideals of a hero. (And the Crystal begins to glow...)

King Dedede, for all that he fails to impress as a king, is one heck of a fighter and proves a pretty even match for Kirby! Refusing to be outdone, he manages to use his build to his advantage to mimic Kirby's own unique abilities. (This is partly because he's giving it his all, unlike Meta Knight, who was holding back.) But a shriek mid-way through the fight alerts both combatants to trouble and brings the duel to a sudden close.

You guessed it! Marx has turned on everyone. With Meta Knight out of the picture temporarily, he's caged Ribbon and snagged the crystal for himself. He gives a stunned Dedede a verbal kick in the ego, pointing out every one of his flaws that everyone was too dull to call him out on till he showed up and says Zero can have this planet. 

"...For now!"

Its time for the gang to regroup to chase after Marx and get Ribbon back! Alas, King Dedede is feeling defeated after that verbal smackdown until Waddle Dee steps up to give him a much needed reality check / pep talk. Its true, King Dedede wasn't the best king till now. Marx was kind of right about that - if unnecessarily mean about it. But he's still THEIR king. And if he tries, Dedede can still be a "Great" King! Kirby chimes in too. They had a really good time with that fight, if only they weren't fighting over possession of one of Kirby's friends...Okay, NOW Dedede's motivated and on board!

...Which is good because an army of Dark Matter has begun to flood the skies above! There's no time left! Zero approaches! A freshly-masked Meta Knight returns to unite the frightened, under-trained Dees in the defense of Dream Land against the Dark Matter forces - something our main Dee helps rally them for - while Kirby and the others go to rescue Ribbon!

(At a certain point in the battle with the Dark Matter, our main Waddle Dee takes an injury protecting another Dee. Meta Knight compliments the Dee's bravery and maybe giving him some combat pointers, all while bandaging him up with a scrap of blue cloth.)

The rest of the group catches up to Marx as he's in the middle of trying to use the crystal for...something mysterious. There's some sequel tease dialogue there that Marx refuses to elaborate on to "...a couple of idiots." Kirby and Dedede team up to fight him as Adeleine and Gooey work to rescue Ribbon in the background, away from Marx's attention. Kirby and Marx have a mid-battle chat, Marx chiding Kirby's naive ideals after Kirby affirms that there's nothing weird about befriending Dark Matter and that they'd even be friends with someone like Marx. Marx reacts with disgust at this. At Ribbon's suggestion, Kirby copies Mirror from a broken bit of Marx's wings Dedede cracked earlier and tricks the trickster, allowing Dedede to smack him so hard, he sends him flying off into the stars.

That's all done with but they still have Zero to contend with. Dedede announces he has to return to the front to help Meta Knight and the Dees as "...That's what a true king ought to do. Right?" Adeleine goes with him to help with the evacuation. Leaving Kirby and Ribbon (and Gooey too, who, after hearing Kirby's speech about friendship to Marx, is able to reveal their mock matter form before Ribbon) to face Zero with the  reawakened and fully charged (Huh. Did Marx prove...useful?) Ancient Crystal.

Zero (with traits of both Zero Two and some oblique references to Void) is unlike anyone Kirby and co has ever faced. They do not talk, for one thing, leaving Kirby's greatest strength, their empathy and willingness to reach a hand out to anyone, all seem meaningless in the face of pure negative emotion.

Plus, fighting them brings both Kirby and Gooey face to face with their fears (or un-asked questions, till now) as to just what they are. But a pep talk from Ribbon ("I KNOW what you are! I've seen you help everyone you come across. No matter whether they've done anything to earn it or not!") and Meta Knight's wise words the tournament comes back to Kirby at a key point in the fight.

In the end, the battle of "where you come from" vs "what your actions say about you" ends in a victory for our heroes. Zero is defeated, the day is saved, Gooey is considered a welcome resident of Dream Land by all, Kirby has some new friends, Dedede is taking steps down the road to real leadership (and won't stop hounding Kirby to a rematch to find out who really is the strongest) and Ripple Star and the fairies are freed from the darkness!

There are questions, of course. Still mysteries to be had. But food, friendship, and nap time are most important, for right now.

The post-credits stinger? ...Marx's unconscious body floating through space. Up until he bumps up against the hull of a very familiar looking ship that is. (1)

---

Anyway, that's basically the idea!

My goal was to try and introduce as many familiar Kirby characters and conflicts as possible, even if that meant reworking the context they originally appeared in, while also trying hard to avoid an overdone "origin story" movie feel.

King Dedede doesn't steal all the food (although there could be a line about him doing that) but we see that he is too self-obsessed to be a good king atm. Except that he has a heroic enough streak deep down that he DOES know the difference between right and wrong.

Marx is still a tricky traitor who knows more than he lets on but is more concerned about selfishly getting his way than the damage to others his ambitions could cause. Zero is still a frightening, unfathomable, otherworldly evil with vague connections to Kirby. 

Adeleine and the animal friends play the role of Kirby's supportive family and represent everything that's good and comfy about Planet Pop Star. Ribbon is an at-times heroine-in-distress who still knows what she needs and can also hold her own when the chips are down. 

Gooey is the cute, wanna-protect-them fish-out-of-water character for us to examine/learn about both Kirby and Pop Star with. (Bandanna) Waddle Dee still has their sassy attitude while beginning an arc that would grow with each successive appearance. Meta Knight is cool, intelligent, tactical, but always mysterious.

Now...

I know that not a lot happens TO Kirby directly in this pitch but...Kirby is a character who stays pretty consistent throughout the series. We don't really have a strong ground for saying "In the early days, Kirby was more like this..." (outside of things like their rash decision to blame Dedede in Adventure and Squeak Squad) so I freely admit... Kirby does not have a character arc here. Which could be considered a major flaw, where this to be a real film. Kirby could be considered a "boring, infallible hero." And I don't really have a rebuttal for that except that I personally wasn't that interested in using this experiment to deeply examine Kirby's flaws via the template journey ten thousand movie heroes have gone through (and Kirby has so few flaws anyway) as much as I was interested in exploring how Kirby's steadfastness manages to (positively) affect the those they meet and the world around them.

The other thing of course is that it’s not a very lore heavy treatment. Plenty of classic, even iconic stuff gets left out. Outside of the food-stealing thing, Dedede never gets possessed. They never go off planet. There’s no Galactic Nova outside a few easter eggs in the fight with Marx. No Star Rod or Fountain of Dreams. No Kracko, Kabula, or other bosses and enemies as anything more than background cameos. I mention adapting Super Star, but Dyna Blade and Wham Bam don't really play a part, so it's really just Milky Way Wishes. A movie with less ground to cover would have plenty of room for these individual elements to breathe, but when I first started thinking of this, I set myself a personal goal of seeing covering as much "Kirby" as I could in just three movies.

Other thoughts of mine...

I only hinted at Dark Matter Blade's appearance in the beginning summary without having a full role for them in the story. That's because... I couldn't decide. ^^; I did want to tie them to Gooey, but I also wanted Gooey there for the fight with Zero, when Dark Matter Blade would likely be leading the invasion of Pop Star. (And thus, probably have an awesome duel with Meta Knight??)

The whole thing is also a little jam-packed. But I honestly don't think these 3 (+) stories are as discordant as they might seem! Especially since putting them all together allows us to have a fuller cast with a nice spread of flaws, goals, skill sets, and attitudes. And yes, I ditch Adventure (even though I love Nightmare) but I think the stuff with the Fountain of Dreams could always be used as a flashback sequence in a sequel movie. Maybe to tie off the trilogy?

Anyway, for getting through all that, have a bonus sketch of what a potential movie poster might look like!

---

(1) Speaking of trilogies / as for the stinger...

Not to go too much into it here, but the general plan in this hypothetical would be to try and get as many mainline stories into three (?) movies as possible. While I haven't QUITE worked out how to mix Planet Robobot, Adventure, Star Allies, and Forgotten Land cohesively (the science vs magic aspect of having Haltmann and Hyness as dual villains was intriguing though, and its possible to twist the HWC stuff to fit with the Beast Pack's activities while making Eflilis into Hyness's desired form of revenge was a bit poetic) but I did figure out much of the structure of movie two, which combines Squeak Squad, Return to Dream Land, and Triple Deluxe. (With a sprinkling of Amazing Mirror and Canvas Curse.)

Here, the Lor Starcutter crashes on Pop Star as per usual, only Magolor AND Taranza emerge from it. Magolor is an antiques dealer now ("ANCIENT" artifacts especially) and he and his ship were hired by Taranza as transport on a very important delivery mission for the "glorious" Queen Sectonia when they were attacked by the inter-galactic band of thieves known as The Squeaks, who stole their extremely important cargo! They require Kirby and the gang's help to get the ship fixed and put everything in order.

It's treachery left and right though, as the stolen cargo WASN'T the Dimensional Mirror, like Taranza had been told by Sectonia. Furthermore, the framed Squeak's were originally hired BY the queen (through Magolor!!) to steal the real treasure, the Master Crown, so she could claim it to secure her rule. But, say it with me now, everyone then gets triple crossed by Magolor, who steals the stolen Master Crown for himself. Because of course he does.

(And by this point, we know enough about Kirby and their feelings on friendship and forgiveness to know that they would of course be willing to try and help save Magolor, even after being betrayed, when Magolor's plan goes all sorts of wrong. ...You also get some call backs as Magolor's frightening transformation into Dark Matter can pull on some trauma of Kirby's for not being able to reach out and communicate with Zero. There's actual stakes now as Kirby needs to save him before he, too, falls beyond his reach!)

[filmjoyreviews]

FAILURE!: Movie Review - by Amanda Mazzillo

Failure!, written and directed by Alex Kahuam, follows James (Ted Raimi) as he must make a decision whether he wants to support his living family or uphold his father's legacy.

The film explores the lasting impact of generational trauma and how feelings of inadequacy haunt even the people we think have their shit together. James's dilemma of selling his factor or letting his father's legacy live on--even though the business is failing--highlights how he views himself as a failure through the eyes of his father.

Tension Builds

Failure! creates tension in what should be a simple decision by showing James's internal debate between himself and a representation of his father--always telling him not to sell and judging him for ruining his legacy.

While Failure! accomplishes a technical feat with its one shot structure, the film tells a story we've seen before, but does so with a unique sense of absurdity.

We've seen these twists and turns before, but there's something unique about the tonal shifts between family drama and dark comedic thriller.

Crowded Room

But Failure! never reaches its full potential. Failure! is at its most engaging before it adds more and more characters. Ted Raimi's performance is the powerhouse at the center of the chaotic world established in Failure!.

As the film progresses, it becomes crowded with new characters and tells us more about James--taking him further away from his daughter's perfect image of him.

Learning more about James can be good--and it is when Raimi's performance peels back each façade, showing us another layer of James. But once we are told too much, the mystery is gone and the reality isn't unexpected and strange enough to satisfy.

Instead of making us more intrigued about how this family man was once ruthless, we long for the days we thought he was an ordinary man pushed too far.

Failure! is an entertaining thriller filled with exciting moments of dark humor. This is especially true during the initial moment where James goes too far, leading to delightful scenes of him trying to hide a body that he threw in his closet.

Failure! is at its best when its just James talking to what appears to be a manifestation of his dead father. In these moments, the film feels fresh and interesting, but as more characters get added, the plot gets muddled and rings less true to its own absurdity. As we move further away from the internal debate and darkly comedic moments, Failure! loses its charm.

Complexity

Ted Raimi's performance holds the film together beautifully, but no matter how layered James is as a character and how well Raimi performs each divergent aspect of his personality, I'm left thinking 'I don't really care what happens to this family man.' And when your film is so tied to a character making a decision, it's imperative that we care about the outcome, or even care about what it might say about the man. Since the weight of his decision doesn't spark an emotional reaction, the film feels hollow.

Raimi plays all the elements of James well. Going from unhinged rage to overprotective father to a grown adult brought back to being a scared kid, worrying about what his father thinks of him. The scenes where James reacts to Noel Douglas Orput's 'unknown man' like a child would to their parent correcting them for the umpteenth time are some of the film's most engaging. This idea of James still being treated like a little kid comes through wonderfully during a scene of a chess game.

The film also thrives in the few moments we see James interacting with his daughter Maria (Melissa Diaz) , trying to hide the dangerous parts of his personality, but also trying to hide the weakness he still feels in relation to his father.

Failure!'s location--a rustic cabin, possibly a vacation home. The one thing James still has from his past of being a rich family man with a successful business. The location looks great--which is especially important for a one-shot one-location film like Failure!.

But the choice of home also plays on the film's ideas of generational wealth eroding away. The film's central idea focuses on James asking if wealth for his living and breathing family who loves and supports him is better than a perceived legacy tied to his father who always viewed James as a failure.

Alex Kahuam's Failure! almost works as a single-shot thriller since its central performance from Ted Raimi is compelling and explores his personalities, unraveling who he really is as the film progresses. But there's not enough here to keep the audience fully engaged and wondering what will happen to this man.

Failure! is a mildly engaging thriller dealing with generational trauma and the pressures to hide who we truly are from the ones we love. Alex Kahuam shows promise with this well-shot film with compelling moments of dark comedy. Ted Raimi succeeds as a leading man in a nuanced , challenging performance.

Failure! had its world premiere at FrightFest.

[purplefox-writes]

A Game of Chess (Tom Riddle x you)

Summary: You join a Slytherin party and end up playing chess with none other than Tom Riddle.

Word-count: 800

Content warnings: none

----

The sound of music and laughter echoes through the stone halls of Hogwarts as you make your way towards the Slytherin common room. You're nervous, your heart pounding in your chest as you wonder if you made the right decision to come to the party tonight. You're not even sure why you were invited in the first place, but when two handsome Slytherin boys approached you in the library earlier that day and asked you to join, you were intrigued.

You take a deep breath and step inside. The first thing you notice is the opulence of the room. The Slytherins have outdone themselves once again, with velvet curtains, plush couches, and an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is lavish, yet eerie, with dark shadows flickering across the room.

The party is already in full swing, and you're immediately struck by the intensity of the music and the volume of the laughter. The Slytherins are dressed in their finest clothes, and many of them are already quite intoxicated. You try to blend in, make small talk with the people around you and sit by them while they play drinking games. As the night wears on, you realize that this isn't the kind of party you enjoy. You're more comfortable in the quiet of the library or the peace of the Ravenclaw tower.

As you peruse the bookshelf of the common room, touching delicately the spines of the books, you pause when your hand brushes against an intriguing title on charms. Suddenly, you feel a presence towering behind you.

“Not your scene?” A soft voice addresses you.

You look up and meet Tom Riddles onyx eyes, his hands held behind his back. You've seen him around Hogwarts before, but you've never really spoken to him.

"No, not really," you reply, returning the book to its place on the shelf. "Not much of a party animal."

Tom Riddle nods thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the books on the shelf.

"I understand the appeal of books," he says, his voice smooth and measured. "But sometimes it's good to break out of our comfort zones and experience new things."

You raise an eyebrow at his words, surprised that he seems to be offering you some sort of advice.

"Are you suggesting I stay at the party?" you ask skeptically.

Tom Riddle smiles, a small, enigmatic smirk that makes your heart skip a beat.

"I'm not suggesting anything," he says, his eyes meeting yours. “Follow me” he directs, turns on his heel and begins walking away without checking to see if you're following.

Curious, you follow Tom as he leads you through the crowded common room and up a flight of stairs to a small, dimly lit room. The room is sparsely furnished, with only a few chairs, a fireplace and a large chessboard set up on a table in the center.

"Have you ever played chess before?" Tom Riddle asks, gesturing to the board.

You nod, feeling a bit more at ease now that you're away from the raucous party downstairs.

"Yes, I have," you say, taking a seat opposite him at the table.

Tom Riddle smiles, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Good," he says, leaning forward to make the first move. "Then let's play."

The two of you engage in a tense game of chess, the pieces clacking against the board as you make your moves. Tom Riddle proves to be a formidable opponent, his sharp mind and strategic thinking evident in every move he makes.

As the game goes on, you find yourself getting lost in the thrill of the competition, the noise and chaos of the party downstairs fading away into the background.

It's only when the game is over, with Tom Riddle emerging as the victor, that you realize just how much time has passed.

"Wow, that was intense," you say, stretching your arms and legs after sitting for so long. "I had no idea chess could be so exciting."

Tom Riddle smiles, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Chess is one of my favorite games," he says, standing up from the table. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. "I wouldn't mind having a repeat of this experience," he says, extending a hand to help you up from your seat. "But only if you promise to give me a run for my money."

You take his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity at the touch.

"I will do my best," you say, grinning up at him.

"I look forward to it," he says, his tone playful. "I have a feeling you'll keep me on my toes."

As you both make your way back down to the party, you can't help but feel excited for what the future might hold between you and Tom Riddle.

[frozaru]

Hello and welcome!

A lot happened yesterday in the new Nintendo Direct from many of the big franchises. It had started off weak imo but credit where it's due, got better as things went on! I have much to talk about so let's get on with the show.

𝙋𝙄𝙆𝙈𝙄𝙉 4

The game to kick off this direct. I will admit that it does look visually pretty, and the new pooch is certainly cute! There's chances for a lot of chaotic fun no doubt. I've never tried a Pikmin game before, and whilst it does not interest me enough to say "buy now", I hope people will enjoy this game. We already know a certain blue puppet went crazy over this. 😉 Perhaps I'll take another look when Pikmin 4 goes on sale one day. The game releases on July 21st, 2023.

𝙎𝘼𝙈𝘽𝘼 𝘿𝙀 𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙂𝙊: 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙔 𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙇

An unexpected surprise from Sega happened! This will be the first Samba De Amigo game since 23 YEARS AGO (as of Dreamcast release). Dancing games are not really my thing but hey, maybe this one will be unique enough to consider me giving it a shot! It releases sometime this summer.

𝙎𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙊𝙊𝙉 3: 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙋𝘼𝙎𝙎

If anything, this announcement was the main course for me! Just...wow. ♡ As someone who started within Splatoon 2, it's going to be so fascinating to explore Inkopolis Plaza for my very first time! Also SQUID SISTER SPLATFESTS ARE BACK! I already know @atlantisportal2 is about to have a nostalgia trip. I'm so freaking excited! 😁 Not only that...but Side Order is looking VERY intriguing for me.

Could this be a corrupt version of what happened if Team Order won Splatoon 2: Final Splatfest? Also Pearl and Marina baby, woohoo! Very glad seeing them back along with what looks to be Agent 8. Also you better believe I purchased it ASAP! With that said, wave 1 is set to release sometime in Spring with wave 2 inkcoming (haha) somewhere on the holidays (according to placeholder dates).

𝘼𝘿𝙑𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙎 1+2: 𝙍𝙀-𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙏 𝘾𝘼𝙈𝙋

I haven't got much to say about these games, however, I did like what they've shown so far and looking to pick it up sometime in future if reviews are looking good. Like the artstyle they're going for! They will be avaliable on April 21st.

𝙉𝙎𝙊: 𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀 𝘽𝙊𝙔+𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀 𝘽𝙊𝙔 𝘼𝘿𝙑𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀

More games for the service? Yes freaking please! It took a while but now they're here. The games really whizzed by and it would be impossible to put them all here, so if you'd like a glimpse of what I'm personally interested in, take a look. Take your time. 😊 *Tick tick tick* Oh, you're back? Lovely! Nintendo really popped off with the choices imo (looking at you Wario Land 3 and Mario+Luigi Superstar Saga). Some of these games are being released today with others being added in the future.

𝙋𝙇 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙇𝘿 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈

A miracle has happened!! After tragic events with both Level 5 and the original creator years ago, Professor Layton is looking to make a return. I've not played any of these games yet which judging by general buzz, I'm missing out! Hope to see more details soon as they come and maybe look into this considered-to-be underrated series in future. A release date has not been confirmed yet.

𝙏𝙇𝙊𝙕: 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂𝘿𝙊𝙈

GANON IS BACK AND MORE TERRIFYING THAN EVER! With an amazing reveal of more info, this game is shaping up to be something great already. The visuals, music, and maybe even voice acting...it leaves me impressed. The gameplay could even be a step up with new weapon types and tools among other things (we can make our own cars legit now!?) However, it also reminds me that I need to finish BOTW someday. 😅 I'll be sure to look into this game at some point. Sharpen your blade and prepare for adventure on 12th May, 2023...

(Tysm for getting up to this point reader, it's been wonderful writing it all. I'm still not done yet though and might do part 2 in future. Take care! 👋

🎴My Carrd

[clonecest-bin-account]

Thank you for doing this!

Bingo box; mischief, pairing: tech/wrecker(I'm also happy their just friends), prompt: Wrecker chalenges Tech to a throwing contest. He didn't say Tech couldn't use technology.

(AHsdhshkfdhs I love)

“Why should I even agree to do this?” Tech immediately asks.

“Because it’s fun!” Wrecker replies, as if Tech doesn’t know his actual motive, something that he doesn’t hesitate to make known.

“No, it’s because you like these stupid games because you always win,” he says in fact. For what other reason would Wrecker come to him of all people challenging him to a throwing competition?

This is nothing new however: Wrecker does tend to get restless, and when he does he often turns to challenging the others to some sort of contest, anything to battle the boredom. It’s not like Tech doesn’t understand him, but he also doesn’t want him to get cocky after an easy win, because let’s face, he’d never be able to beat him.

Wait, unless…

 “You know what?” he says. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

“Awesome! Then we--”

“But not now.”

“What do you mean ‘not now’?” Wrecker asks, confused.

“I mean that I need time to prepare. What? You thought I’d be able to do it immediately?” Tech replies, patting on Wrecker’s bicep. “I don’t wanna lose to you.”

At that, Wrecker burst into laughter; it isn’t a mocking laughter though, he genuinely finds it funny but not in a bad way.

“Alright, I’ll give you some time,” he says, jovially slapping Tech’s shoulder and almost sending him fumbling ahead. “Come find me when you’re ready!”

Tech has to fight really hard to hide the smirk on his face, but he manages. “Don’t worry big guy, I will.”

 It takes less time than Tech thought to get ready, which is good because eventually Wrecker would’ve grown bored of waiting and he would’ve sought him out to finally do this challenge.

It wasn’t easy to hide his project from him, given how close they are, Tech had to utilize every single moment in which they weren’t together to work on it. Thankfully he could’ve counted on the others’ help who, having gotten wind of Tech’s plan, did their best to keep Wrecker away from him; they’re true friends.

Now that he’s finally ready, however, he doesn’t need to avoid it anymore, and actually, he goes straight to him. It’s not hard to find him, Tech only had to follow the noise - he never was that stealthy to begin with.

Mh, looks like Wrecker’s doing some weights. Tech almost feels bad for interrupting him so he just leans against the doors and waits for him to be done, which might be just an excuse to admire his body. What? If Wrecker didn’t want to be watched, he could’ve sealed the doors. Besides, those back muscles look so good that Tech can’t help but to stare…

 He chuckles at the startled way Wrecker turns towards him when he finally speaks - he hadn’t noticed him at all.

“Hey there, big guy…”

“Holy-- Tech! How long have you been there?” Yes, Wrecker really hadn’t noticed him.

“A while,” Tech replies, a smirk on his face that gets soon mirrored by the other.

“I see, I see. Enjoying the show, huh?” he comments, flexing his arm. Tech has to bite his lower lip or else he’d say something that would completely deviate from his original purpose.

Concentrate, Tech! Now’s not the time to get distracted!

“Not really, actually,” he says. “I came here for the challenge.”

Wrecker still doesn’t drop the smirk. “Oh? You think you’re ready?”

“I don’t think I’m ready, I am,” Tech replies, trying very hard not to sound cocky, but he can’t help it, not with his secret weapon. Sure, it might be cheating, but Wrecker never set any rule about using technology, so technically he’s not breaking them.

Wrecker picks up on the tone, however, and he looks more than intrigued. He’s figured that Tech must have some sort of plan, which makes him curious.

“Let’s get going then.”

 They walk out of the Havok Marauder, not wanting to break anything inside, and get settled on the clearing they have landed. Miles and miles of plain fields, the perfect zone for a throwing contest.

“What do we get if we win?” Tech can’t help but to ask.

“Huh?” Wrecker replies, scratching the back of his neck. “I didn’t really think about that…”

Typical Wrecker, he throws himself into any kind of challenge without even thinking about what comes next.

“How about who wins gets a kiss?” he proposes.

“But we already kiss all the time!” Wrecker replies. “What would make that special?”

“It would be a victory kiss…” Tech explains, though he himself isn’t that convinced about that. Kissing was the first thing that came to mind, that why he suggested it.

Wrecker thinks about it just a moment, then he nods.

“Yeah, makes sense. I think…” he says, turning immediately towards Tech again. “So, are we doing this?”

“Ladies first,” Tech jokes, though he’s serious about wanting Wrecker to go first.

 They’ve agreed to throw one EMP grenade each, since they don’t want to cause actual harm to the environment. That kind of grenades is harmful only to droids, so they should be safe.

Wrecker weighs the one in his hand, juggling it a bit. His stare is fixed ahead of him, observing a potential target.

The rules are simple: whoever throws the grenade furthest wins.

Tech smiles, stretching his hand. If only Wrecker would’ve noticed that his armor is slightly different from the usual he might’ve questioned what he did to it, which by the way is nothing too major: just a thruster that will help him launch the grenade further and give it a little boost.

He feels a bit bad about what he’s doing, but how does that saying go? In war and love there are no rules. Sure this might not be as serious as actual war, but hey they’re still soldiers, so he guesses it counts. He isn’t sure about that, and actually is pretty sure that it’s just some excuse that he’s ramble-y brain came up with, but whatever. Not everything has to be serious: sometimes he might just want to do something just for the sake of doing it, or just for the sake of general mischief in this particular case.

 Wrecker goes completely still, just for a moment, then he throws the grenade. It flies through the air through an ample arc. Tech doesn’t have his bucket on so he can’t calculate the exact distance, but he doesn’t need it to discern that it’s a lot; it makes him wonder if even the help of technology will be enough to win this. Not that it would be such a huge loss, but c’mon he does have some pride.

They’re barely able to hear the sound of the EMP grenade detonate, which prompts Wrecker to turn towards Tech with an excited gaze.

“Pretty good, huh?”

“Yeah…” Tech can’t help but to admit, sounding genuinely impressed. Ok, maybe he won’t be that mad if he loses after all.

 It’s his turn now.

He takes Wrecker’s place, observing the field in front of him. He didn’t want to use his bucket to calculate the trajectory because he felt that would’ve been too much cheating, but now he finds himself regretting it.

He does his best to understand the wind’s direction and use this information to figure out what his best throwing angle will be. Eventually, however, Wrecker has to yell at him: “We don’t have all day!”

“R-Right, sorry…” he apologizes, deciding to wind it. If it works, good, if it doesn’t, at least he tried.

He almost dislocates his shoulder for who strongly the machinery in his armor pulls at it, and after throwing the grenade, Tech finds himself stumbling a few steps ahead before finding some semblance of equilibrium back.

In a moment Wrecker’s by his side, holding him up.

“Shit, Tech! Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think I am,” the other replies, not wanting Wrecker to worry for nothing.

 They wait, they wait and they wait, but after loosing track of the grenade, they still haven’t heard the sound of its detonation, which means…

The realization hits them both at the same time, making them turn towards each other, Tech with a cocky gaze and Wrecker with a surprised one.

“Looks like I--”

“No way!” Wrecker immediately exclaims. “Something must’ve gone wrong!”

“Yeah, like?” Tech challenges him.

“Oh I don’t know… Maybe it just didn’t detonate!”

“Wrecker, they’ve never not detonate, so why it should’ve done it now?”

“I just…”

“Face it, big guy, I won.”

 Every bad feeling Tech had about this dissipates into nothing as he watches Wrecker try to make sense of all this. It’s really fun to watch.

“You used some trick! There’s no other way!”

“So what? You never mentioned anything about them,” Tech points out, the smile still on his face.

“… Shit, you’re right,” Wrecker finally realizes. This is as close as an admission that he lost that Tech is going to get, so he’ll let that be enough. Besides…

 He turns his face towards Wrecker, exposing his cheek.

“So? I’m waiting for my prize.”

He hears Wrecker huff, then he suddenly grabs Tech by the chin, forcing him to turn his face again so that he can press their lips together, which isn’t what Tech was expecting - not that he’s complaining, of course.

When they pull away, Wrecker’s still pouting, though it’s obvious that he’s forcing himself to keep it up.

“Happy now?” he asks, and Tech can’t help but to laugh, leaning closer for another kiss.

“Yes.”

[rosaline-kei]

The Grief Of Mikasa Ackerman.

Disclaimer:I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan nor its characters.

Synopsis/Summary:  Mikasa Ackerman reflects back to the past when she pays a visit to the cemetery, remembering all the joyful times she had with her dearest friends, Armin Arlert and Eren Jaeger who had unfortunately succumbed to The Titan's curse—leaving the world, leaving Mikasa. (Mostly written in Mikasa's Perspective.) ((Contains some Manga Spoilers))

Rating: T

FF NET

AO3

— — — 

Death.

I didn't expect death to come and take the both of you so soon. Even when it was revealed that shifters like the two of you had less than 10 years to live, I remained in partial denial about that. Even after the war, when there was still time I had with the both of you in the peaceful land where the walls no longer confined us, I thought that time we had left would be long enough—or just enough. I was wrong, very wrong.

Five or so years later, and I am still not over it. I am still in pain. Yes, I am gradually getting better, but that emptiness still remains, and the darkness clouding my mind and even senses still comes and goes.

Eren... Armin…—I miss you. I miss the both of you so much.

— — — 

Dear Armin.

I miss you. When Eren left the world, a part of mine had as well. But, the other part was still there. You were still there. You were still there for me, you pulled me out of the darkness and taught me how to live happily again… just like how someone had, a long time back.

… I am sorry. Although I had apologised to you about this many times before, I still don't think that it is ever enough. I am sorry that I didn't help you out of your own darkness. You were Eren's friend too, you were in pain too. How could I have forgotten about that? I'm sorry. You reassured me that it was okay, that you didn't mind being the only one who played the role of a comforter in our friendship. But you never told me the reason why. Did you really think I wouldn't be able to remember? Did you think that I would've forgotten? I remember and I know that in a few years' time, you… would be gone too.

That's why it didn't matter to you. That's why you were so worried about me rather than yourself. You were afraid that I would feel like I have no one when there was still some people around me. Why, Armin? Why? Even till the end, you were still so kind to me. I was selfish, I should have comforted you more after Eren's death. You were selfish, for taking the role of being the only comforter when you had needed solace too.

I recall… when Eren told me that I was like a slave, that he had hated me since we were kids. And you had stood up for me while I remained in tears, in denial and in shock. You punched him in the face, something that I didn't expect for you to do. Then, he punched you back. It was painful to watch, I hate myself for being so frozen, to be unable to retaliate or stop the both of you from continuing the violent aggressive acts. I'm sorry that you got hurt because of me.

When the tensions had calmed after the war, I asked you about that—why you had stood up for me even though you knew the risks of getting beaten up—you only gave me a smile, which followed with unexpected laughter as you said:

"You always protected me from the bullies when we were kids. Even when Eren had got too angry at me for no good reasons, you stood up for me as well. I always wanted to return the favour. I wanted to protect my friend. I wanted to protect you."

I think I had nearly cried when you told me that.

I still remember the times when we were kids. When we first met, I remembered the awkward atmosphere between the both of us considering at that point of time, we were just Eren's friends—not the friends of each other. At most, we were just acquaintances then who were only connected because of Eren… but that was only in the beginning. Though, as some time went by when we were kids, before the fall of the wall, I began to enjoy your presence. I began to understand you more.

You were no longer just Eren's friend, you were mine too.

I still remember that day. Eren was sick, and his mother made me go out of the house so I can get fresh air and avoid getting his illness as well. I had insisted that I wanted to stay, so I could help take care of him. But of course, his mother didn't allow that— and I'm thankful, in a way. If she hadn't chased me out of the house, would I have still been able to connect with you—to be friends with you?

Though, when I saw you, I came across an unsettling scene between you and those rowdy bullies.

After I rescued you, we sat against a tree. You thanked me, I nodded in response—and the silence began. Eren wasn't there to stir up any conversation, and I didn't know what to say. But then, you broke the silence. I am still able to recall what you said. You began talking about how awkward we both were without Eren— and I hadn't expect for you to be so confrontational and direct back then. Regardless of the fact that you tried to initiate a conversation, I still didn't know what to say in response. But you did. You continued to talk and talk—about the outside world, about the ocean, the life beyond the walls. It was nothing new, you had told all these before to both me and Eren.

But, even when you kept re-telling these things, I never got bored… maybe it was because of the sparkle in your eyes that only ever appeared whenever you were ever so joyously exclaiming your dreams and hopes of travelling beyond the walls—the outside world.

I don't think I ever told you that— on how I liked your eyes sparkled with such innocence and excitement.

When I still remained silent, only giving nods when necessary, you gave up the conversation, ending it with a nervous and awkward sigh. I hadn't expected to feel so… guilty and dissatisfied. I didn't know why, even though I heard your stories over and over, I wanted to hear more. And I had felt bad of not keeping the conversation going just because I wanted you to talk more and more, so I can see those sparkling eyes.

Maybe you didn't notice this, but you always found new words and new things to describe about the ocean you spoke of. And your eyes always sparkle in the same way, yet they were always interesting and never got old.

They were always beautifully mesmerizing.

Then, I decided to start talking even though I still didn't know what to say that wouldn't bore you. Unlike you, I had no knowledge of the outside world, all my life I only knew about the land that we were confined in. So, all I could share was about the farm-like life I led before those brutal inhuman animals stole it away from me. Then, your eyes sparkled differently—they were excited and intrigued in me, my stories. I was surprised, of the fact that you had actually found my plain and ordinary farm-like life on the hills interesting.

We continued to chit and chat, and even played some games and so on. Needless to say, that was the beginning of our friendship.

… You know, Armin. I wished I could see that sparkle in your eyes once more. All I saw during the last few moments I had with you was nothing like that.

After witnessing the ocean with my own eyes, your eyes began to remind me of them. The ocean blue—its colour was the same as your fascinating orbs. I remember, the first day we visited the ocean after Eren left… just the two of us. You gifted me a seashell crafted bracelet that I still wear to this date—that I still treasure dearly.

"It's a reminder that I will forever be with you, too. Even when…" You had said, trailing off. Now, you were the one who didn't know what to say… or rather, you knew what to say—but you didn't want to hurt me. That was my wake-up call, my reminder that you were going to leave too. Now, it was my eyes that were like the ocean—actually, no. Rather, it was more of a flood or a flowing river.

On your last day, when you were having your last breaths… your eyes were no longer the reassuring and soothing blue that the ocean showed, they were dull and greyish—like how storm clouds would be before a sea-storm would erupt.

I miss you. I want to go to the ocean with you and Eren again. I want to enjoy the cooling breeze one more time with the both of you.

Granted, now times are more peaceful especially after Historia took her throne. She is a great queen. However, my heart is unable to find true peace. Is that selfish for me to say? Is that unfair for me to say? I just feel… I…

I just miss you, even till now I am unable to fully understand my emotions. They are an annoyingly complex thing.

But… don't worry about me. I still remember the promise I made with you before you left. I plan to keep it, Eren's too. That's the least I can do... right? I promised you that I wouldn't join you or Eren too soon.

It's okay. I'm… okay. I still have Jean, Historia, Connie, Sash—…

I still have Jean, Historia and Connie. We hang out every now and then… though it's a little hard to find a manageable time with Historia's responsibilities and all.

…I hope this doesn't sound rude, but it just feels... different, with them. Yes, I'm thankful for their company. Yes, I enjoy their company. But it is just different without you and Eren. I want all of us to hang out again. I imagine Eren childishly quarrelling with Jean, while you and I, Connie, Sasha and even Historia would watch at the side-lines, making quiet jokes. Knowing Sasha and Connie, they'd probably make ridiculous side bets…

I want all of us to be together again.

You were always the smartest, the bravest amongst all of us. Ask Eren, he would agree. You don't realize this, but you saved me many times—too many times to even count or list down. Armin, Thank you.

I want to live on so that I can remember you, the both of you. I'm not going to lie—it is hard. Some days… I do question myself if it is even worth it anymore. But I made promises. I plan to keep them.

I'm also sorry, for those times that I treated you differently from Eren. I don't recall if I ever told you this, but there was a reason why I never hovered around you as much as I had with Eren. It is not because I prefer him. That was never that reason. Unlike Eren, you were never reckless. You always thought twice, which saved you and many others from dire and deathly situations. I was confident in your abilities to live, to survive. So when I saw your body… all burnt up on the rooftop, I nearly lost it—no. I did, in fact lost it. I didn't care about the law or orders. I just wanted you to be saved. I didn't care about the consequences, you meant so much and too much to me.

… I don't even know what else I can say. I just wish you could respond. I wish I could hug you. I wish I could see you one last time.

Armin…I am sorry. I am thankful—thank you. You're my best and close friend and I…

I miss you.

— — —

Dear Eren. 

I miss you. When you first left, I didn't know what to do. I was lost. I lost you… and it hurt.

I don't know how many times I thought I had lost you back in our fighting days, but that hurt cannot be compared to how I feel now… because unlike before, I now know that there is no chance of you coming back… you can't.

But there was one exception, where this feelings of loss could be compared.

I remember that day, when you claimed to have hated me since childhood and had made remarks of how I am a slave, because I was an Ackerman. I felt so distraught, so pained… the agony I felt then was indescribable—as it is now, as well. I thought I had lost you, not physically but… emotionally.

To have someone who had a place in my heart for so long say that was… excruciating. To have someone who had a place in my heart to practically shatter it, was gut-wrenching.

Even though you were faking what you said in the end, that hurt never fully left. I don't know why. I had forgiven you after you had apologised that that you had to insult me in order for your plan of peace to carry on—to which, succeeded. You had to say all that, to ensure Armin and I would…

I don't even want to think about it, I'm sorry for bringing it up now. All that matters now is that we are free…we are at peace. Right…?

"I'm sorry for saying all those things back then. I didn't mean it. I had to say it because…"

You apologised when the war was done and settled. Armin and I forgave you by the end of that long conversation. So… why do I still feel hurt by what you said?

Maybe… maybe that hurt never left because after you said that, I began to realise how what you said was possibly true… since I was always hovering over you. And the insecure part of me—that I barely showed to anyone— believed that maybe that there was some truth in that supposed lie you spoke of. It's silly, I know.

I don't know what to think or feel… or how to even do such things. If I had more time to talk to you, maybe that insecurity would've been diminished… I barely had any time left with you by the time the war ended. It's unfair.

Though… I'm sorry. I am sorry for hovering over you, for being too protective. You… Eren… you were always reckless. Whenever you had a goal or an aim, you never hesitated to charge straight towards it regardless of the consequences or the risks that you'd knowingly take without a second thought. That worried me. That scared me.

Granted, I admired your courage… but the courage you showed was so perilous, dangerous. It always attracted unwanted conversations, unwanted people and unwanted conflicts.

I am sorry if I ever went too far to protect you. I knew that I could be clingy, I knew that you were annoyed at me for that—sometimes even enraged whenever I would put you or any close ones before myself. That was just a small price to pay to ensure your safety.

I wanted you to live a long and happy life, the same goes for Armin. I wanted the both of you to survive by the end of this… but I guess, happy endings aren't always possible.

The time I had left with you was so short, too short. But… I enjoyed it. I made the most out of it. You, Armin and I went to the ocean to have… fun, acting as if we were all immature, innocent kids once again.

I made the most out of it… I enjoyed it… but it was never enough.

Time went by, and soon it was days before you had to leave the world… then, Armin would follow. What a… cruel world, it even took Sasha.

You were growing weak, I could tell. No matter how hard you tried to disguise it, you couldn't hide the fact that you were growing weak— that your energy was beginning to deplete. I had grew up with you Eren, I had been by your side… how could I have not notice someone dear to me beginning to fade right before my eyes?

I was reminded of how the world is too much of a cruel place.

I remembered that when that day was approaching, you brought Armin away to a secluded area to have a farewell talk… I wonder what you told him that you couldn't have said in front of all of us. It didn't bother me though, whatever you said to him in private, after all… you two had a strong bond that I could never interfere with.

And then, when your closing day drew closer, it was my turn to be brought to another secluded area in the forest to have a little personal talk with you. Commander Hanji and Captain Levi told you to rest, yet you persisted. You could barely walk, yet you insisted. When we were walking to that secluded area, I kept thinking: What was so important that you had to bring me all the way out here? What did you want to say to me that you only wanted me to hear?

"Mikasa… I am sorry, for everything… and thank you."

You started off with that. It wasn't even ten words, yet it was enough to cause me to begin to shed woebegone tears. You still had some time… a little time. Yet, why did it sound like you were just going to disappear immediately right before my eyes? I wasn't ready for you to leave so early.

I was never ready.

It felt like yesterday when we were still kids confined within the walls, making the most out of anything. Do you remember the times we spent whenever the bullies were never there to pester us? Those were the most fun times. No troubles, just peace and laughter. It was just the three of us, being kids.

Unfortunately, we had no choice but to grow up fast, too fast. It was unfair—it is unfair. The world is unfair and cruel—but I guess I can't keep blaming the world like that, because it can be… beautiful, sometimes. I just wish we had more time. Time flies too fast, doesn't it? I guess, I just have to accept that—it's not like I can travel back into time.

Now, with the limited time you had then, I knew I had to make the most out of it. I wanted to go back to those days—not literally, but figuratively. Which, we did—we went to the ocean again, the three of us… remember?

As we strolled in the forest to the secluded area you were taking me to, we talked, and talked… and I began to realise how weak your voice even was. I grew even more worried that you might've just collapsed mid-way in our conversation. You noticed this, you noticed my worry. Then, you unwrapped the red scarf around me. I froze, my tears paused. I was caught off guard, shocked and confused.

"I can't believe you still wear this…" You had said. If it weren't for what you said next, my heart would've probably cracked more.

"But now, I understand why…" You had murmured as you re-wrapped it around my neck in the same messy, odd yet beautiful way you did during the first time. I wonder if you had did that on purpose for nostalgia's sake, or if you still didn't know how to wrap scarves around others. "While I still have the strength… let me wrap this scarf around you… And then, I will wrap it around you as many times as you want when we meet again."

After you said that, I began to burst out crying. I didn't want to, but I couldn't help it. Was I being too much of an annoying cry-baby…? I don't know. It was just painfully heart-warming.

But what you did next, warms my heart. And every time I think of it… every time I remember it, it does briefly erase the hurt I feel about what you said back then—about hating me since we were children. Unfortunately that hurt, and that worry comes back after when my grief begins to overwhelm me. That… is still a battle that I am fighting. I ensure you though, I won't give up. If I want to live and win, I have to fight… right? You taught me that.

Your arms had reached out, and pulled me in for as much of a tight embrace you could provide. Your arms wrapped around me as I sobbed into your chest even more. It felt too much of a goodbye and farewell, too soon. What you did next, though, was much more of a surprise. You pulled away from the embrace just a little, before planting a light reassuring kiss on my forehead. I remember how my heart raced, I remember how that felt, how I felt. And till today, I do not understand that emotion.

What was I feeling when you did that? I don't know, and now I would never know.

"This isn't farewell or a goodbye," You whispered softly, "It's a 'see you next time'"

But I guess that's okay. That was enough.

The world can be beautiful place too.

That little peck of yours was perhaps just a display of thankfulness… Oh, Eren…

I should be the one thanking you.

Thank you for always being at my side. Thank you for showing me how to live with purpose. Thank you… for wrapping this scarf around me.

For everything, thank you.

I... I… what else do I have to say…? I don't know. I just… wish I could talk to you one last time. I wish I could see you again soon.

But, I know, I know… I made a promise to you during our walk in the forest—to live for myself.

I will admit, I am still fighting… some days are dark and painful… but there are still people who are here, who are helping me—and I'm helping them as much as I can whenever I can, whenever they need comfort too.

Eren…

I miss you.

— — —

Dearests, Armin and Eren.

I miss the both of you.

Truly, thank you to the both of you. I am sorry if I ever hurt you.

Slowly, I think I'm getting better… these days, Jean says I smile more genuinely. He misses you two too, even if he doesn't like to admit it. Connie and Historia too.

That short—… maybe I should address him more formerly now. You two always looked fearful or bothered whenever I would call him that whenever he was around. Captain Levi, he gave me some advice… a talk. He suffered through loss a lot, and assured me things would get better before giving me some coping methods. Of course, he assured me in a very indirect way. He was never one to express his care so openly. I remember that day when I first saw him smile after he had gotten punched by Historia, it shocked and even weirded me out. Putting that aside, I'm thankful for his advice. It helped.

Oh, and I would sometimes bump into Commander Hanji too. She would pay visits to us every now and then, or we would bump into one another around the cemetery and make small, comforting talks. Back in our military days, we were never that close… yet she seemed like an older sister to me whenever we talked.

We all have lost people that we love that we will never get back.

If you two are wondering about the events that are currently happening in my life, rest assured… its nothing new from all the other life updates I have told the two of you before.

Oh… but I did visit the ocean alone recently, I walked around its sandy shores before strolling over to the edge to let the waves hit me. It was refreshing. It was only when the sky began to darken as the sun set, I then noticed the long amount of time I had spent lingered around the coast—as if I was hoping to find something that was lost… and then I came to the realisation that that 'something' was never coming back.

It just isn't the same without the two of you, there.

…

I miss the both of you so much.

Armin… Eren…

The both of you will always have a place in my heart. I love the both of you... forever and ever... even after the end.

— — —

Mikasa heaved a heavy sigh before she gently placed down two mixed bouquets of flowers—lilies, orchids, blue irises, roses, alstroemeria, purple hyacinths, bellflowers and any other flowers she could find around town— on both Eren's and Armin's grave before murmuring a soft blessing to the both of them.

She wondered what they were doing now. She wondered if she would ever see them again, whether it be heaven, hell or a next life. She hoped she would.

"Mikasa, are you coming?" A voice called. She turned to meet Jean's eyes, before seeing some others looking towards her direction. Historia, Connie, Commander Hanji, Captain Levi and some other recruits—they had come to pay a visit to those who did not have the chance to stand with and next to them now—to those who could only be alive in their hearts.

"I'll join you all soon." Mikasa replied gently, a small smile spreading across her lips.

The others, knowing that she wanted to be alone, gave an understanding nod before they left. When they were out of her sight, she sat down in front of their graves as she brought her legs up to her knees, hugging them closely to her chest.

Tears began to fog in her eyes before she even knew it. She missed them. She missed Eren and Armin—Sasha as well, whom she had visited her grave earlier, giving the same blessings and flowers… feeling the same amount of grief.

The raven took a deep breath, fighting through her sobs and parts her lips to say something… yet nothing came out.

She didn't know what to say. She had too many things to say. All she could do was cry. Pathetic, she thought helplessly.

Then, she felt a relatively strong gust of wind blowing by, it felt soothing, it felt reassuring.

It reminded her of the gentleness of the ocean breeze blowing past her smooth silky raven hair when she was splashing water towards both Armin and Eren back then in their little childish game of a water fight.

She parted her lips once again, sniffs as tears continued to caress down her cheeks and says, "Till we meet again."

She had too much to convey that she would rather tell them directly, when it would be her time to go—the right time. For now, all she could do was keep her promise to the both of them.

Live.

— — —

[tealdragon]

ok so what the heck is Taz????? i keep seeing gorgeous fanart and i'm very confused/intrigued.

hey!! so taz is a dungeons and dragon podcast called the adventure zone run by the mcelroy family (griffin, the youngest brother is the dungeon master, and his two older brothers justin and travis, and dad clint play taako, magnus, and merle respectively) 

i loved a lot of the other mcelroy productions and also played dnd before I got into it, but honestly you dont need to, i know tons of people that got into both through taz. the humor for it is downright gold (like ive been listening to it in the car and had to pull over i was laughing so hard) and the guys who run it are some really open minded and nice content creators which is super refreshing

the story loosely follows the dnd start up guide initially, but griffin quickly takes it in his own direction and crafts an amazing campaign about trying to find and destroy lost and powerful relics in the world. the campaign is actually starting to get into end game territory so anyone thinking about listening should catch up bc griffin has weaved an absolutely AMAZING story and im so excited to see how it goes 

if you kinda wanna see what the humor is like, check out some of the animatics some people have made because the skill and creativity of people makin stuff for this podcast is out of this world (also watching some of the animatics is what pushed me over the edge to give it a try) SORRY THIS IS SO LONG BUT I HOPE THIS HELPS 

you can find it on itunes or at http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/adventure-zone imo it really picks up after a few eps, and although 58 episodes is kind of a daunting backlog, it goes by pretty quick (when i was catching up i listened to like 10 eps in a day once lmao)