#PEGASUS YOU BETTER RUN

[heretic-altias]

It is with incredible exhaustion and great excitement I announce I've finished a pretty cool mod for my fellow horse lovers.

Plenty of you have probably used Zwierze's horse mod, and maybe some of you have used my better manes and tails mod. Horse Improved combines the two mods into one, giving you the flowing mane and tail on a horse thats actually horse shaped.

Big thanks to @zwierzodudle for their mod and for being cool with me using it for this!

The mod affects all horses on the unicorn and pegasus model. Let me know if you run into any issues with the hair because I'm not exactly a weight painting expert (they took me days rip my sanity).

[funnyjb]

Look at the Stars

One of your twins is having a hard time sleeping one night. It was the night before one of joes games so some family was over. You guys were talking in the living room when Logan came down the stairs with his blankie and looks like he’s been crying.

“Mama?!”- Logan

He was crying

He ran up to you in the living room.

“Hey, hey, what’s wrong.”- you

The burrow family counting both of joes siblings and their wife’s were sitting around waiting for Logan’s response

“I’m really scared. I heard a monster coming from the closet and noises in da walls.”- Logan

“Oh, baby. Those are just house noises. The air conditioning just turned on so that’s what’s causing the rumbling and I bet you something fell in the closet. There is a lot of junk in there.”- you said running your fingers through his hair

“I’m still really scared. I don’t want to go up there. It’s scary.”- Logan said putting his hand on your baby bump that has been growing these past 5 months

His head resting on your chest.

“Is mason still sleeping?”- you asked

Logan nodded his head.

You looked around the room and then at Joe.

He looked at you also trying to figure out what to do.

“Hey, I want to go show you something. I think it will make you feel much better.”- you smile

“Oktay.”- Logan

You got up slowly and then reached for Logan’s hand. He put his hand on top of yours and laced your fingers together.

“Let’s go.”- you whisper

You started walking to the glass sliding door that goes out to the backyard.

It was dark out. Some light illuminated the backyard from the house.

You both started walking further and into a big grassy area that looks out into the Cincinnati skyline from your house and a small river.

You picked Logan up and sawing him around you being careful of your bump.

“Look! You see those beautiful stars?”- you

“Yeah..”- Logan

“There are thousands of stars up in the night sky! Some of them even make funny shapes! Like, you see that one right there?”- you pointed a little bit towards the left

“That’s the Pegasus.”- you smile

Logan looked mesmerized

“These stars will protect you. They are up there so they can look out for you. Shining bright so you can see them. If you ever feel scared just look out the window or picture the stars in that wonderful brain of yours.”- you point at his head and laugh

Logan starts to laugh making your heart grow fonder.

“And know those stars will protect you. And also daddy and I are here to protect you too. We won’t let anything get you, ok? They aren’t real, they’re just made up in your mind.”- you smile trying to calm him down

“But why does ma mind do that?”- Logan

“Because your mind likes to play tricks on you, but you got to be the stronger person and say “it’s not real, it’s all made up.” And your mind will back off.”- you

“Okaty. Thank you, mommy.”- Logan

“Of course, baby. I’m always here for you, so is daddy and mason and even your sister.”- you

You give him a kiss on the cheek and decide to go back in. It was already 9:00.

You opened the door and walked in. Everyone was still sitting and talking.

“You ready to go to bed, Bubs?”- you

Logan nodded.

“Okay, let’s say goodnight.”- you

Logan started to wave his hand goodbye

“Bye Logan!”- Robin

“He is precious.”- Codi (joes sister in law)

You then walked over to Joe so he could say goodnight.

He got up and placed his hand on your arm and his other on Logan’s head and kissed him goodnight.

“Goodnight, my boy. Love you.”- Joe

He placed a soft kiss on Logan’s cheek then looked at you.

“You got him?”- joe

“Yeah, all good!”- you

“Good.”- joe

He then placed a peck on your lips.

You then walked up the stairs and into the boys room.

Mason was sleeping peacefully as you put Logan in his bed.

“Goodnight, baby. Love you to the moon and back.” - you

“Love you too, mommy”- Logan

You then placed a kiss on his forehead and got up. You moved from his bed to mason also placing a goodnight kiss on his cheek. Then exited the room slowly closing the door behind you.

You went back down stairs and into the family room.

“How is he?”- joe

“He’s ok now. He looked like he was going to fall right asleep when I put him down.”- you

You sat next to Joe on the couch. He put his arm around your shoulder and gave your head a kiss

“You are so good with them, y/n. It used to take forever to convince Joe that there was nothing there at night when he was younger.”- Robin laughed

“Hey, I just wanted to make sure everything was perfectly fine.”- joe

“He used to get scared of thunder and run into our bed too.”- Jimmy laughed

“Really guys? Ganging up on me?”- Joe

“Haha it’s ok, joe. I’ll protect you from thunder and scary monsters at night.”- you laughed

He looked down at you and started laughing and pulled you in closer.

“Thank you, baby.”- joe smiled

Joe was so grateful for you. He loved you ever since he laid eyes on you in college and now he gets to raise his kids with the love of his life. His heart was so full when he saw you take care of Logan tonight. He loved seeing you take on the mom role. He can’t imagine life without you and the boys.

[coupsie-daisies]

Kinktober '23: Mutual Masturbation | Bang Chan

Pairing: Bang Chan x Afab GN!Reader

Genre: Smut (minors DO NOT interact), Kinktober 2023

Summary: Your boyfriend overhears you joking with your friends that men don't seem invested in pleasing their partners. He's determined to learn exactly how you like to be taken care of.

WC: 2k

Warnings: Unprotected sex (have fun, be safe), mutual masturbation, squirting, breeding kink, use of petnames for reader (baby, pretty), mention of potentially passing out near the end

A'N: Sorry that this took so long, but hopefully we'll be back at it soon here! Enjoy

Tags: @dragonofthenorth0726 // @wooyussy // @burningupp-replies // @bunnypig18 // @decaffedthoughts // @brownieracha / @ferrethyun // @snow-pegasus // @walkxthexmoon // @aesteraceae // @wonuqrtz // @mixling-blog // @wonwooz1

Main Masterlist

Kinktober '23 Masterlist

This fanfiction is property of @/coupsie-daisies, reposting on any other platform is prohibited

It had really just been a stupid conversation between friends, a silly little comment you'd made about how men always seemed to have such a hard time pinpointing what their partners liked, as if they were too concerned with themselves to put in that much effort. You hadn't anticipated Chan overheating it, let alone the confrontation that would come afterwards.

"Do I make you feel good?" He asked one night over take out. You gave him a look, not entirely sure what he was talking about or what had prompted it.

"What? Make me feel good?" You asked, taking a bite of your egg roll. He nodded with a firm, serious look on his face.

"Yeah. I heard you talking when your friends were over. And you said men never learn how to make their partners feel good. Do I make you feel good? Or is there something I should learn?"

He didn't sound angry, but the intensity in his demeanor was enough to tell you that he was being completely serious. You put down your food, turning to face him.

"Channie, if this is about you being insecure or anything, you don't need to. Im very satisfied, don't worry about that," You told him carefully. "it was really just a joke, I was just having a chat with the girls, and Chaer had been complaining about the guy shed been seeing."

Chan shook his head. "No that's not what it is, not exactly. Im not worried, I know I can take care of you. But if I can take care of you better, I wanna know. I wanna take care of you the way you do."

"Okay?" You asked, motioning for him to go on.

"So I want you to teach me." He said.

"Teach you?"

"Teach me how to make you cum. Show me how you like to be fucked."

The words set your entire body on fire, heat searing straight to your core. Your food was forgotten as you tried to wrap your head around the request from your boyfriend.

"You want me to...touch myself for you?" You asked. Chan had never been overly possessive or anything, but he was always determined to make you feel good on his own. And he was certainly good at it, you had never been let down. 

"Will you? If you're comfortable with that."

"Yeah. Yeah I can try."

Which was how you ended up propped against a pile of pillows in your shared room, spread out on the bed while Chan sat in his gaming chair at the end of the bed. It was the hundredth time he'd seen you naked, but something about it felt so much more exposed. You had stripped down, but he was still completely clothed, insistent that this wasn't about him.

"Do I just..."

"Do what you'd normally do. What you do when I'm not around to play with you." He said. You nodded, closing your eyes and trying not to be hyper aware of the eyes on you.

You started slow, your fingertips running up your stomach, over the curve of your chest and back down again, dragging your dull nails over your skin and humming at the feeling. It was nice, just giving yourself the attention. You brought one hand up, letting it dance along your collarbone, over the sensitive spots on your neck while the other flicked and toyed with your nipple. You whined lowly, basking in the light shocks sent through you at the soft tugs.

You could hear Chan, hear the way that his breath caught when you made any sort of noise, and you imagined that he was making mental notes of every spot that earned the tiniest squirms or hums of approval. He was reading you like a book, memorizing your body like it was the most important thing he'd ever learned.

The hand not occupied with your nipples slid down, teasing over your waist, along your hip. Working closer and closer to the heat between your legs that was begging for your attention. But it never strayed that far, following the path over your thighs, scratching at the sensitive skin there and making you purr.

"So pretty," Chan mumbled, and you weren't sure if you were meant to hear. You probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for the fact that your ears were already straining for signs of his presence. You moaned quietly in return, letting your legs spread open and teasing your hand higher, tracing the seam where your thigh met your crotch, brushing ever so lightly against your lower lips. You huffed out a quiet breath at your own teasing. But you knew you had to work yourself up first or you'd be chasing an orgasm that wasn't interested in being caught.

Finally you let your fingers dip through the pool of arousal you'd worked up. You arched a little from the bed, a hiss of relief coming from your lips at finally getting some friction. You spread the wetness up to your clit, brushing against the bundle of nerves just a little before slipping your fingers lower again to gather more of it. You repeated the process until the movement was smooth, easy, and you were battling the urge to give in too quickly.

So you did, rubbing tight circles around your clit, a pretty sigh coming from your lips as you chased the feeling of your fingers, strumming the nerves just right. You heard the chair as Chan shifted, a stifled groan that you just knew it was because of him biting down on his lip.

You slid your other hand down, sliding a finger into your desperately empty hole and then another quickly after, unsatisfied with your own touch after giving in to Chan's so often. Once you were pushed even further into desperation by one finger, you added a second, scissoring yourself open for him and trying to push them even deeper. His fingers filled you up better, they could reach spots yours couldn't. You whined loud and very much not content with your situation.

"Channie, please. Can't do it myself." You pouted, opening your eyes to look at him. The sight in front of you was breathtaking, Chan sitting back with his shirt hiked up to show off the solid muscle of his stomach, and his pants pushed down just low enough for him to have pulled his cock out. His hand was wrapped firmly around the base and he was rock hard, the tip of his dick was a pretty, dark shade of pink and leaking precum that trailed down along the heavy vein that ran up his length. Your hips rocked upwards into your hand, wanting him inside of you so badly that it was downright painful. "Can't make myself cum. Please, need you to do it. Want it so bad."

He groaned, biting down on his lip in an attempt to keep his focus from faltering as he watched you fingering yourself. Your hand against your clit had stalled, just putting pressure on the nub as your hips rolled against your fingers. He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, baby. Can't help, need to see how you do it. Gotta get it right." He said, brows furrowed in either concentration or pleasure, and you didn't try to figure out which it was because he was jerking himself off now, slow and steady in hard strokes. You needed to be the one wrapped around him, you needed to feel him fuck you just like that.

"Channie, I can't. Can't make myself cum as good as you can. Needs to be you, baby please. Please, it hurts. Just want you to fuck me, don't wanna try anymore. Need it to be you." You were on the verge of tears now, desperate and so worked up that you thought you might actually explode. You just needed him to take care of you. Besides, if he wanted to know what made you feel best, he'd have to be fucking you anyways. Nothing new that you could teach him.

You heard a stuttered moan, and he was squeezing the base of his cock so hard that you could only imagine it hurt.

"Can't say things like that, pretty." He muttered, already getting up and shedding his clothes like they burned him. "Beg so pretty for me, gotta take care of my baby. You tried so hard, didn't you? Just couldn't do it."

He climbed onto the bed and knocked your hand away from your dripping pussy. You quickly obliged, letting him take over. Two of his fingers dipped easily into your warmth, curling and twisting and making you moan his name so loud that you were sure to have a noise complaint in the morning. He hummed appreciatively.

"Feel better, baby? Giving you what you need?" He asked, and you shook your head, gripping at his wrist.

"Want your cock. Please, want you to fuck me. Fill me up." You said, giving him the most persuasive eyes that you could manage. He sighed out, eyes closing for a second and you could see them roll back under his eyelids, trying to keep himself in check. He always had the philosophy that you would cum at least once before he did, always the gentleman even when he was fucking you dumb. You were determined, it seemed, to test him on that today.

"So needy. Just for me. My greedy baby. Always need me to dick you down. Want me to breed you too, you always do." He was practically talking to himself as he lined himself up and slid into you. You whimpered, pure relief shocking through your body. You nodded, hands grabbing at his waist, tugging him closer and forcing his cock impossibly deep.

"Yeah, need your cock." You agreed quickly, already rocking up to meet his hips. Any coherent thought you'd had the entire time was gone now, just chasing the sweet feeling of his hips clashing against yours in hard, hurried thrusts as both of you lost your self control.

"Look how fucking perfectly you take it." His hands pushing your thighs up to your chest, exposing the way your pussy sucked him in for him to admire. "Gonna fill you up so good. Stuff you full of cum just the way you like it. My pretty baby. Come on, cum on my dick. I know you want it, been so good. Playing with yourself for Channie. So fucking-"

His words cut off abruptly as your walls clamped down around him hard enough to have his pace slowing. Your surprised cry hurt your throat as you came, juices gushing around him and wetting the bed underneath you. He didn't last a second longer, spilling inside of you and flicking at your clit to push you through the last few spasms of pleasure that rocked you.

"Can't believe it," He breathed out, hands moving to caress your quivering thighs. "You squirted. God, you're so perfect, didn't even know you could do that."

You giggled, body feeling warm and heavy and only grounded by the feeling of Chan touching you ever so gently. You blinked a few times, looking up at him and revelling in the look of pure amazement and adoration on his face.

"Didn't know I could do that either." You said. You watched him for a moment longer, the way he touched you like you were the most beautiful thing to ever grace his presence, and then he stopped.

"Gotta do it again, baby. Gotta learn how to make you do it every time. Gotta practice."

You whined at the thought, knowing how your boyfriend got when he set his mind to something. He was going to keep you up all night at this rate, and you'd be lucky if you didn't pass out by morning.

copyright 2023 coupsie-daisies, all rights reserved

[project-sekai-news]

The Pegasus - An Interview

Welcome back to PJSK News! I'm your host, Tenma Saki, and because Hoshino couldn't be here today, I have brought a special guest! Special guest, how about you introduce yourself?

Good evening, everyone! I am Tenma Tsukasa, a world star! Many of you know me by my stage name, the Pegasus!!! Saki here is actually my little sister!

Hehe, Onii-chan, no headpats on camera! Anyway.. I have all the interview questions right here! Are you ready?

More than ready! Shoot!

Okay! First question: Tumblr user @sillystringstar asked: "Dear, Pegasus, why the horse name?"

That's an easy one! My surname, Tenma, means 'pegasus!' Therefore, I thought it only fitting to use that as my stage name!

I knew that one! Hehe, then I could use that as my pen name whenever I write articles! ..On second thought, that might be a little confusing.

Let's see, the next question is.. by @ithappenedonroute66 !! "If you are a star, then are you the sun and going to explode in the far future?"

E-er, you see, I'm not that kind of star! I'm a great and talented performer kind of star! BUT! I will explode in a blaze of glory in the future! You'll see, Saki, and uh.. it-happens-route-6!

I'll be waiting! ... user @agoist asked, "Why did you make that young girl cry by yelling “Dance and Sing” at her?"

Wh-where'd you here that from?! Ahem, I mean, the problem is solved! The girl was looking for her mom, is all! With Rui's help, the girl found her mom safe and sound, so you needn't worry about anything!

We're just going to ignore the fact that I blabbed.. next question, by @crime-soncloud! "Pegasus, what are your thoughts on the work of this news network, and what do you feel should be reported on more?"

This is a brilliant news network, run by my dear sister Saki and her friends! I try my best to listen to every single one of their reports! ..Though I haven't listened to the one about Akito yet! I've been a bit busy lately...

As for what should be reported on! I believe everything Saki and her friends report on needs their full attention! That being said, I recommend other Sekai's! So far, PJSK News has only reported on evnets happening around Shibuya Sekai, so if they could branch off to other Sekai's, I think that would be very cool!

Ooh, good idea! I'll talk to Ichi about that! Uh - also, the Akito going to jail one isn't that big of an event, haha..! There's no need for you to watch it!

Oh, really? Well, whatever you say, Saki!

Hehe, great! This next one is by.. @ova-kakyoin !! "what is your favorite part of performing? other than people smiling and having fun watching of course."

Hmm.. I'd say getting to know my fellow actors better! You mustn't only care for your audience! The wellbeing of the people you're performing with is also very important!

Well said! Okay.. user @sanri0add1ct asked, "dear Pegasus, why do you call your lunch a luncheon?"

Ah! 'Tis a name only fit for the glorious lunch eaten by the Pegasus!

You always put so much care into the lunches you make for yourself and me! Thank you, Onii-chan!

Anything for you, Saki! What's the next question?

Mm.. @25jpeg is wondering, "dear Pegasus what's your deal with Kamishiro?"

Ah, Rui! Hmm.. I'm not too sure what you mean by that!

Of course you know what they mean! Hm, like.. how he's always teasing you! Or.. oh! I heard from Toya that he sometimes sees the teachers chasing you two around the school~! Ooh, or maybe when you were rehearsing Ro -

Wait a minute! Where did you hear this?!

Well, I picked up the teasing one by myself, and like I said, Toya told me about how the teachers chase you two...

Ugh.. to think my wonderful fans would take our relationship like this..

Time for me to clear things up! ..Everyone, Rui is not bullying me!

...Huh..?

There! Now people won't think Rui is being mean! Rui is my great friend!

Onii-chan... hm. Don't worry everyone, he'll realize his feelings soon enough!

..My feelings..?

Anyway, next question~! @calleigator asked, "Mr. Pegasus Tenma, what are your thoughts on the ongoing apple pie thefts and what are you going to do about it?"

The apple pie thefts? Ah, I remember you and Hoshino reporting on this! I hope the thief will stop stealing apple pies and instead be a good citizen and pay for everything that they stole!

That's a lot of money to pay considering how many pies they stole...

But stealing is no good! As the Pegasus and a world star, I should be setting a good example for all the young children out there! Everyone, if you're listening, don't steal!

Aw, you're such a good influence! That's my brother for you!

Haha! You're a great sister too, Saki!

Ahem.. "Dearest Pegasus, your light shines brighter than any other. What do you plan to do about those who melt in your presence?" - asked by @monkie-see-monkie-do!

Melt in my presence..? Ah, I see, they melt because of my greatness! Well, my marvelous fan, if you melt in my presence, no need to panic! My light revives as well as melts!

Ooh, great answer! This next question is the last one, by @closegamecamo !! "Pegasus, what are your thoughts on those fake insects at stores?"

Fake insects..? Ugh, why would you ask me that.. er, I don't even remember what they look like!

That's fine! I brought one here with me just in case!

You wha - aaAAAAAAGGH!!

Haha, Onii-chan! It's just a caterpi - ahh, he fell down!

Eek! T-Tenma-senpai..? Is he okay?

Don't worry about it, Kohane! He'll be fine.. probably..

ONII-CHAN! The interview's still going!

..urk...

Ah, maybe it's a good time to stop..

Bye everyone! I hope your questions were answered by the great and glorious star, Tenma Tsukasa, the Pegasus! Let's keep this little incident between us, 'kay? Bye bye~!

..ugh.. aah, wait! Farewell, my wonderful fa - !

[duckprintspress]

Mythical Creature Pride Enamel Pins and Stickers!

The Kickstarter campaign to create enamel pins and stickers of these six absolutely precious mythical creature designs is now live! Love Pride? Love cute creatures? Longing to fly your Pride colors high with some cute-but-subtle Pride beasties? You have come to the right place! We’ve taken our excitement for Pride 2024 and turned it into six precious, adorable, gorgeous designs featuring playful mythical creatures in Pride flag colors that you’re not gonna want to miss! 

Each design is available as a die-cut sticker and as an enamel pin. You can get whichever stickers and pins you want: mix-and-match; get duplicates; or even back at our highest, premium backer level and get to anoint one of these cuties with a name that we’ll use for them forever after this campaign!

All the artwork is by Pippin Peacock ( @migglangelus ), who brought 110% of their inspiration, creativity, and dedication to this project, and logistics are being handled by Nina Waters at Duck Prints Press.

The designs are:

Pegasus, in transgender pride flag colors.

Loch Ness, in mlm/gay pride flag colors.

Phoenix, in wlw/lesbian pride flag colors.

Dragon, in non-binary pride flag colors.

Chimera, in bisexual pride flag colors.

Cerberus, in asexual pride flag colors (these are also the colors of the demisexual pride flag).

This campaign is running through April 2nd 2024, and we are aiming for fulfillment before or during Pride month in June.

Even better – if we can hit our stretch goals, we can offer more creatures in more flag colors!

So help us reach our goals – check out the campaign and become a backer now!

[yanderes-galore]

Could you do a Virus AU Fluttershy concept?

Yeah, sure! If anyone knows a better way to have the virus start... let me know!

Infection order for the AU can be found here

Previous - Twilight Sparkle

Next - Applejack

Yandere Virus! Fluttershy Concept

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Love virus/Yandere virus AU, Love potion/spell gone wrong, Manipulation, Forced affection, Clingy behavior, Stalking, Mentions of blood/violence, Overprotective behavior, Forced relationship attempted.

Fluttershy, according to the poll, is the second pony to be infected.

This is surprising as the pegasus mostly spends time with her animals and Discord.

Twilight is the first infected, having been afflicted with the virus by trying to make a love spell/potion.

Or at least... that's a vague explanation for how everything starts.

Poor you is immune to the virus due to having the love magic cast on you.

You have no idea what's wrong... but other ponies find you irresistible.

This is obviously not Twilight's intention, she may have already felt a crush towards you and wanted you to fall for her, regardless on if she was yandere behavior.

But instead of making you fall in love... others fall in love with you... including Twilight.

Fluttershy probably gets infected due to you running to her for help.

Discord may be immune due to his chaos magic, but Fluttershy is not.

The pegasus is shocked when you come knocking on her cottage door.

She opens the door only to see you shaking and terrified.

In fact... does she spot blood on your coat?

Are you injured!?

Fluttershy wastes no time dragging you inside to tend to you.

She quickly grabs medical supplies and gets to bandaging your damaged skin.

She quickly asks what happened and you answer with fear in your tone.

Supposedly Twilight has gone rogue.

Some sort of experiment made her act weird towards you.

When you visited her she came at you with a violent yet possessive behavior.

You barely escaped her, which was the reasoning behind your injuries.

You fear Twilight is still looking for you... so you came to Fluttershy for help.

The pegasus... such a kind soul... promises she'll help you as best as she can.

Unbeknownst to her she's already fallen for the virus.

Fluttershy offers to have you stay with her in her cottage as you heal.

Discord may be the first to notice something wrong with Fluttershy.

The pegasus seems oddly protective of you when you express fear of Twilight.

Well... that's mostly normal.

But soon Fluttershy is leaning against you and nuzzling into you.

You feel fear envelop you when she wraps a wing around you or tries to kiss you at times.

Slowly but surely the virus takes its toll, causing the normally kind pegasus to become possessive over you.

She begins to lose control of herself.

When you're all healed... you thank her and say how you're going to get help before anypony else gets hurt.

But why should you get help?

You have her to help you.

You begin to realize your mistake of coming to her when Fluttershy starts blocking the door.

After all... you came to her for help, right?

If you go out there... Twilight could get you.

Neither of you want that, do you?

So... stay at her cottage...

She'll take good care of you.

Forever.

You end up having to get Discord to help you or sneak out.

If not... Fluttershy plans to restrain you in her cottage.

Can't have you getting yourself hurt, right?

When you manage to break out of her cottage you kick into your adrenaline once again.

You can't go to the library... you can't go to Fluttershy's home...

So you choose another destination...

You make your way to Sweet Apple Acres... in hopes neither Twilight or Fluttershy will follow you.

[thatonecrazysidekick]

I saw this prompt by @weepingtalecowboy, opened a word document and ran with it. I didn't run very far, but I tried lol.

Here you go! I know it's supposed to be a crack AU, but it sort of devolved into angst once I considered the effects sleeping for hundreds of years would have on the world around him, I'm sorry T0T

When Legend woke up, it was sudden. There was no gentle rise to consciousness, no gradual transition from deep sleep to wakefulness.  The moment the golden power of the Triforce washed over him, his eyes snapped open. Sitting up, he blinked, the light from the brazier in front of him making his eyes water. Closing his eyes quickly, he pressed the palms of his hands against his face to better block the light as he tried to adjust, both to the brightness and to being awake.

How long have I slept?

“Uhm...Miss Zelda? Are-are you alright?”

Legend jerked his hands down, lights be damned, and turned his head towards the voice. The incredibly familiar voice. Squinting down at the blobby green figure at the bottom of the steps—and why is Legend on a dais like this is some sort of open-casket funeral, could that wizard have been any more dramatic?—he tried to force his eyes into focus. A couple hard blinks later, and the blob solidified into a teenager with messy brown hair and a green tunic, staring up at him with worried, doe-like eyes.

Legend started. “Hyrule?” His voice rasped in his throat, as though he hadn’t spoken in a hundred years.

“We’re in Hyrule, if that’s what you mean? My name’s Link,” Hyrule said, offering him a reassuring smile. “You were put under a sleeping curse, and I used the Triforce to wake you up. Are you feeling okay? This must all be very jarring.”

Jarring was a word for it, that was for sure. A better one might be shocking, or dumbfounding, or perhaps flabbergasting? Yeah, that was the one. Legend was flabbergasted. How was Hyrule here? The chain had parted ways just over two years before the beginning of Legend’s current predicament. Had they found a way to traverse the timelines again? But then why didn’t Hyrule seem to recognize his nickname? An uneasy feeling was starting to build in Legend’s gut. He didn’t like where this was going.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed-altar thing he had been laying on, he sat up fully, lingering on the edge for a moment as he tried to think. The soles of his shoes rested flat against the red carpet that covered the dais, trying to ground him. He was still wearing his Pegasus boots, and he could feel that the magically-expandable pouch that held his items and supplies was strapped to his leg beneath the pale pink fabric of Fable’s dress, right where he’d left it.

Right, Fable’s dress. The reason Legend was wearing that in the first place was slowly coming back to him in its entirety. Yet another evil wizard had decided to invade the kingdom, though in a slightly more diplomatic way than the other two—and by that, Legend meant the wizard had walked into the castle and demanded to be told the location of the Triforce instead of immediately resorting to murder or kidnapping. Given the princess’s previous experiences, Legend had convinced his sister to let him go in her stead to talk to the wizard. It hadn’t been hard to pull of the switch, with how similar their appearances were, though that was just about the only thing that went well about the situation.

 Legend noted absently that Hyrule was still at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for him to respond. He sighed, reaching up to try and run a hand quickly through his hair. Keyword: try. It just kept going, until the strands finally tangled around his fingers and forced them to a stop. Pulling his hand, hair still attached, into his lap, Legend blinked down at the bright, cotton-candy pink bundle.

The uneasy feeling grew.

He had made a point to dye his hair blond after his first journey, and had kept it that way ever since. And sure, he’d put in some hair extensions when he disguised himself as Fable, but her hair was not this long. It was down to her hips at the longest, not this knee-length rat’s nest just waiting to happen. Smoothing out the locks of hair, Legend saw that it faded into blond a few inches from the tips, just about how long his actual hair had been before the incident. Legend felt positively sick at this point.

“Hy—Link,” Legend said, trying to keep his voice steady. Hyrule was already watching him, a curious expression on his face. “How long have I been here?”

“Oh! Well, I’m not actually sure. Impa told me you are a princess from long ago, who was cursed to sleep by your brother’s wizard after refusing to reveal the location of the Triforce.”

A princess from long ago, cursed by her brother’s wizard. Legend didn’t know if he wanted to laugh at how distorted the story had become, or cry from the dawning realization that if it had been long enough for his era to become a thing of story, then his sister was gone. His hands twisted in his hair, and he heard a few strands snap.

Everyone was gone—Fable and Ravio and Ralph and—and he was still here, because of course whenever he tried to protect the people he loved, it always backfired in some way. Go figure.

It wasn’t until Hyrule spoke again that he realized he’d been staring blankly at the traveler for the past few minutes.

“We’re in the North Castle tower right now. If…if you’d like, I can take you to meet Zelda? I mean, a different Zelda! She’s the princess. Or, I guess, the other princess…?” Hyrule frowned, a crease forming between his brows. “I have a feeling this is going to get confusing.”

Despite the cold numbness that had taken hold of him, Legend felt his heart warm, just a little. Most of his family was still gone—don’t think about it yet, wait to break down until you’ve gotten your bearings—but he had Hyrule back, even if the traveler didn’t know him yet, and there was Hyrule’s Zelda as well. That meant that Fable had survived the wizard, and continued the royal line. She had lived, and if she had lived then there was no way she’d have let that wizard do the same.

Legend took a deep breath. He would be able to mourn soon. He would dig through every library he could find until he discovered what had happened after he was cursed. He would scour the land for even a trace of where his family had been laid to rest. Bottling up his emotions was nothing new to Legend, so he forced down his grief and guilt and anger, stuffed it in a little box labeled “For Later,” and chucked it into the back of his mind.

Pushing himself to his feet, Legend took a moment to find his balance before carefully descending the steps of the dais. He wrapped his arms around Hyrule, the younger boy letting out a surprised yelp as he was enveloped in a tight hug. Legend could feel Hyrule’s uncertainty in the stiff line of his shoulders and way his hands hovered awkwardly over his back, and wondered how many times the traveler had been hugged before this. Probably not nearly enough.

Legend was going to fix that.

“Thank you, Hero of Hyrule,” he murmured into the boy’s shoulder, and found tears pricking at the corners his eyes, despite his best efforts to keep them back. “I would like that very much.”

[possumteeths]

Like a Rotten Dog

Baldurs Gate 3, Rolan x Reader, Rolan x Human!Tav (Second person nondescript femme insert) 5,800 words, Porn with feelings, Rated E. Rolan POV. My works will never use the Y/N device.

Summary:

Rolan miserably fucks a pillow while thinking big thoughts. He thinks about how obnoxious you are and how it's completely unfair that you've forced him into such a state. Unfortunately for him, his train of thought betrays his determination to hate you. "What are you to do now? Storm Ramazith’s tower atop a glittering pegasus? Perhaps you’ll declare him a poor maiden in need of a hero and expect him to swoon and fall at your feet? Should he kiss you for luck as well? Give you a handkerchief? For all the painful obedience he’s given to Lorroakan, it would be a simple thing to give it to you instead, wouldn’t it? So far you’ve asked for nothing, (not that he would’ve given you anything besides a pinched declaration of thanks) but surely his bill is due soon." "Surely you’ll come to collect since you’re so adept at finding him no matter his location."

Fic & tags under the cut or on ao3!

Tags:

He should’ve known that you would arrive at Sorcerous Sundries sooner rather than later.

Regarding Rolan’s well-being, you were like a bloodhound to his discomfort. You were always exactly where you needed to be, which was often exactly where he wished you’d keep far, far away from. With the sense of incoming doom in Baldur's Gate, he should’ve assumed you’d be hot on its trail and he was soon to run into you eventually.

Still, he wished you could’ve reunited under more pleasant circumstances. Your face lit up in recognition once you saw him behind the counter, only for your expression to morph through the motions of shock and anger before settling on disgusting concern. It was the concern that burned him, the bruise under his eye flared up like a fleshly bleeding wound and Rolan did everything in his power to keep his head held high. He didn’t need your help and he certainly did not need your pity. The very concept of pity coated his throat with the acidic taste of bile.

You had no right to swoop into his life and save him from his failures time and time again. For once, he wanted to fix his own problems. Lorroakan was a… difficult man, but a learned one. Rolan thought that if he could just toughen up and learn all that he could, perhaps he’d finally be free of your meddling. Perhaps he’d finally be able to sleep at night, unafraid of being an utter failure. Didn’t he owe that to his family? To himself? If he could just be better— a better man, a better wizard, then he could defend himself for once. He wouldn’t need you and your concern. He wouldn’t feel inadequate or unsure of himself ever again. If he could be a better version of himself, then he would be able to look you in the eye without all the shame that came with it.

How was it possible that you managed to look so good while he knew that you spent your days out there fighting and surviving by the skin of your teeth? All he’d done since reaching the city was bow his head and allow his master to use him as an outlet for his temper. He felt like a whipped dog who’d done nothing wrong besides give his utmost obedience and you looked like hope incarnate. Your pity felt like freedom although it burned like shame. By the time you left the shop, Rolan firsthand witnessed the steady growth of determination swell beneath your skin and he knew that you were soon to do something that left him no choice but to thank you for his life again.

At this point, there weren’t enough words in any language to voice the gratitude you were owed. The crumbs of respect that Rolan begrudgingly handed to you were too much and not enough. So far, the only recent decision he’d made for himself left his ego and body badly bruised. Sure, he’d taken charge of Zevlor’s incompetence and got as many people as he could to safety— but if saving the refugees were up to you, no one would’ve been left behind. Perhaps his siblings might not have been taken in the first place.

The creaky door to Rolan’s meager living quarters feels heavier than normal as he defeatedly pushes it open. All his confidence and what he used to think was talent awarded him the finery of a single room and splintery floorboards. He heads for a mostly empty red bottle atop a shelf and downs the last few dregs of it, hoping the potion might soothe some general aches and pains if it wasn’t enough to heal any of them. Earlier, you’d purchased as many health potions as the shop had in store, traded three magical amulets for an extremely powerful scroll, and tipped him for the trouble of bringing you everything you purchased. Throwing gold at him, you had the audacity to ask if he was alright with a tinge of fury in your tone. Gods he hated you at that moment. He was doing what he had to for survival. Because of him, his family had a roof over their heads. What was the cost of a few arbitrary wounds for the price of safety? What would you know about something like that?

Immediately, the thought is shut down by guilt and fresh anger has him slamming the empty potion bottle down. The rickety shelf rattles, but there’s no one around to witness his frustration. Right now, he can’t bear the idea of his siblings seeing the state of himself. Heavy feet drag him to a mirror and Rolan concludes that he doesn’t look awful, the wounds he wore were trophies that displayed his dedication to magic. Ugly to only the ignorant. No one but him could understand that. His siblings didn’t care to listen to reason, and Rolan didn’t need to ask his sister to know she was conspiring to do something about his problem— only she didn’t hold a candle to your ridiculous tenacity.

What are you to do now? Storm Ramazith’s tower atop a glittering pegasus? Perhaps you’ll declare him a poor maiden in need of a hero and expect him to swoon and fall at your feet? Should he kiss you for luck as well? Give you a handkerchief? For all the painful obedience he’s given to Lorroakan, it would be a simple thing to give it to you instead, wouldn’t it? What would you ask of him in exchange for your help? So far you’ve asked for nothing, (not that he would’ve given you anything besides a pinched declaration of thanks) but surely his bill is due soon. Surely you’ll come to collect since you’re so adept at finding him no matter his location.

A fresh wave of outrage guides him away from self-depreciation, but it comes with a delicate aftertaste of something new. You asked him why he was so rude to you back in the grove, —the conversation feels as if it happened a lifetime ago— and Rolan haughtily remembers your displeasure in his lack of reverence. At least that’s how he chose to interpret your question. Unbeknownst to you, he had the makings of greatness in him too. You were just a stranger to him, a mere moment in his soon-to-be great story. One day he’d be a powerful and renowned spellcaster and you’d likely be a statue or a painting, felled in battle and remembered by few. Your meddling was only delaying the inevitable. You were keeping him from his destiny and you were upset with him for refusing to inflate your ego? Did you expect him to look at you like a wide-eyed pup, stars in his eyes in the shadow of your glory?

If he was less of a man, Rolan would’ve picked up a pillow and screamed into it. You’ve tainted the distaste he has for you and because of this, guilt-laced shame makes his stomach twist. A healing blister on his side reminds him that he’s a coward, he’s too stubborn for his own good and a tiny part of his pride rolled over on its back, belly up, tail wagging when he set eyes on you this morning. Even now, his tail flicks behind him in the way it does when he thinks of you. Rolan couldn’t find it in him to ask how you were faring, but now he regrets his clipped words and the demand for you to leave him and his problems alone. You weren’t going to listen to his plea anyhow, so why waste the words? He should’ve swallowed his attitude and spoken to you as a friend.

But— there lies the problem.

Rolan doesn’t have friends. He never felt the need for anyone's company besides his siblings. He’s bookish, too busy with his studies and his magic to go out of his way to socialize with anyone. Why would he? No one ever wants to talk with him, and when he finds himself forced into a conversation he’s overly aware of the humor that people find in him. No one respects him. Cal and Lia keep him company because they have to, and they’re all the support he needs. He doesn’t know the first thing about friendliness or pleasantry and he doesn’t care to learn.

After you wiped out the goblin camp and set his people toward hopeful safety, his sister told him to seek you out at your party— but you ended up coming to him instead. Caught off guard, all he could do was lamely conjure a few dancing lights for your entertainment and he wasn’t able to hold the spell for very long. His tongue felt as if it had become furred, he couldn’t remember what exactly he’d said to you but he did remember his sister’s horrified expression in response. She thinks he’s harboring feelings toward you, and he supposes her assumption is half correct. He has a lot of feelings pertaining to you but none of them were sweet and soft.

It didn’t matter anyhow. By all accounts, he should despise you (and perhaps he does), but the way he feels is overly complicated and tightly wound. Why do you dress the way you do? Why do you smell so pleasant? Caked in mud and splattered with gore, you manage to wear it all stylishly. Why do you care about everything as much as you do? Where do you find the motivation to put one foot in front of the other and carry on? Aren’t you tired? Every time you’ve sought him out, you ask if he’s alright before immediately offering your aid. You try to speak with him, you’ll ask him about his siblings out of politeness, but he always shuts you down like an idiot addicted to the taste of his boot wedged between his teeth. Everything you are rubs abrasively against everything he tries to be. His confidence is always received poorly while yours shines obtrusively enough that people are forced to love the way it blinds them.

You’ve done your best to put Rolan into a daze as well, but his determination to dislike you has become a core tenant of his personality. You deserve his thanks, you deserve his respect. You have every right to force him to kneel and then command for him to kiss your boots. The only thing you’d have to do for such worship would be to demand it. You could take it from him just as Master Lorroakan does. But you won't. The confusing, awful way he feels toward you would be so much easier to compartmentalize if you were cruel. He wishes disgust would replace your pity, that way it would be easier to justifiably hate you. If he could imagine you laughing at him, calling him pathetic, and exposing him for the coward he is, then he wouldn’t be rushing for his bed, hands already working at his robes to find the ties that hold his breeches at his hips.

This world is cruel and the animal law of predator against prey is just as prominent as it is amongst beasts. He’s survived thus far because of you and now he bows for false promises, willfully misleading himself into thinking that he’s anything besides a whipping boy. The punishment bruised and burned into him is deserved. For all that he’s given in exchange, he thinks that he’s gotten off easily if anything. Certain laws of nature shouldn’t be broken and he should not have gotten to this point by cheating his way along instead of taking the hits that came with his repeated failures. What pact has he declared in exchange for your patronage? What are the stipulations he’s agreed to? You’re not winged but you’re radiant just the same. Perhaps the obnoxiously attractive body you wear is an illusion, perhaps you’re a devil who followed him from Elturel with the sheer intent of ruining his life.

Caged and afraid, desperate to be anything besides what he is, you’ve rendered him into a broken thing. A broken thing whose throat is dry, whose hand shakes as he miserably gropes the swollen length of his cock. A stubborn part of his psyche still thinks he’s a man, you’re a pretty face and the closest thing to a friend that he’s aware of. Of course, you make him hard. There’s no shame to be found in a natural reaction to someone whose attention wanders back to him like a pet with a penchant for running away. In the quiet moments of whatever respite he’s able to steal for himself, Rolan’s wandering mind often breaches a handful of thoughts that he’s determined to keep under lock and key. If he lets his mind dash away from reason, sometimes he thinks about touching you, he wonders what you’d feel like if you were wet and wanting.

Weeks ago, while flipping through a book on anatomy from the tower’s library, he paused on a few figure drawings of a naked human woman. He dared to look at her breasts and the shape of her hips in a rather unstudious manner and his composure unraveled from there. He’s never wanted to dwell on things he finds unnecessary; women and all the struggle that came before sex felt like too much of a headache to pursue. Rolan’s seen what fools it makes of people, he’s seen more people than he cares to think about who are horns deep in grief after losing someone they loved. Keeping himself safe from such matters felt like the smartest thing he could do, he didn’t wish to expend time or effort to pursue anything with anyone. So… he didn’t feel like a pervert for utilizing the anatomical drawing of a woman’s body for masturbatory purposes. If he wouldn’t pursue anything real, this seemed more efficient than wasting his time daydreaming about physical touch and a certain someone’s attention. With one hand on the book and the other wrapped around his cock, he quickly worked himself to completion and that was that.

Unfortunately, the release didn’t bring him any pleasure. His orgasm only felt like a momentary distraction from the angry thing he’d awoken. Now he blindly seeks a sense of relief that he can’t seem to get his hands on because he doesn’t know what he’s searching for. For days, he thought about the damned book and the terms for various parts of a woman’s anatomy. He thought about their function and how it was more than likely that a woman could find herself in the exact predicament he was trapped in. Task after nonsensical task was performed for Lorroakan and all he could think about was the book hidden beneath its proper shelf and the way he wished he could somehow enchant it so the diagrams would be in color.

After a particularly brutal “lesson” that involved his naked back and a shock of lightning, he stole away to find his recent obsession. While lost in his thoughts, eyes tightly shut and a desperate fist working himself over, he proceeded to ruin the book with an errant splatter of his release. Once the first rope stained the pages, he didn’t care to lessen the blow. He was bitter with his master, bitter with his newfound curiosity that only grew in size. The hunger crept into him only because of weakness— He was a failure in too many ways and so Rolan felt justified in coating the diagrams with everything he had. Shame was far from him when he closed the soaked book to shelve it back into place.

That should’ve been the end of things, he wished more than anything to smother the awful birth of late blooming desire but the damned thing refused to simmer down and die. You kept that from happening. You left him with no choice but to use the promise of self-release as a coping mechanism. He’s always been an impetuous ass and he’s never felt the need to find any distaste in accepting the fact. He’s impulsive but Rolan felt he was too smart to asphyxiate on any lasting consequences. Rubbing himself raw was a byproduct of everything else wrong in his life. Why should he worry about consequences when you’ll be there to save him from whatever circumstance? He wanted to drink himself to death in Last Light Inn, but you wouldn’t let him. So he ran headfirst into the shadows, figuring that he’d either save his siblings or die trying and you apparated from the darkness to rob him of the martyrdom he aimed for. You took everything from him, smothered his pride, and strangled his ego as if his wants and needs meant nothing to you. You’re in his head, you’ve stolen all of his impulsivity and alchemically perverted it so that it all revolves around you.

And he can't hate you for it because you’ve destroyed his previous definition of hate.

He can’t drink in self-pity because he thinks of you and the disappointment on your features when you found him completely pissed and slurring his words. You told those little devils to stop serving him and shooed them away as if you were his mother. If he goes past his limits, all he can think of is your annoying face all screwed up in pity. Eyes soft, voice gentle. You’d probably let him rest his head on your lap only for him to vomit on your thighs. He can’t imagine you shouting at him even if he was to soak your clothes in wine and stomach acid and he hates you for it. You’d pet him with the gentleness you might administer to someone on their deathbed and ask in that awful pitying tone of yours if he felt any better.

He can't drink without thinking of you. He can't touch himself without obsessing over you. You’re the horrible reason he started this habit in the first place. He can’t even bare his flesh for his master to abuse without thinking of your gods' awful pity either.

“Are you alright?” Must be the majority of all the words you’ve ever said to him and he imagines you finding him like this, shoulders sagging as if too heavy for his spine with his hand shoved into his breeches. Sharp teeth sink into his lip and he tries to envision himself through your perspective. To you, he must look like a miserable excuse for a tiefling, and an even worse example of a man. He feels soggy, bogged down by the weight of his failures. The only aspect of his species that he displays is his pride and right now, such a concept is far away from where he usually keeps it. The mask of confidence is replaced with a whimpery fat-lipped need to feel anything besides the desire for self-flagellation, and he shudders in disgust while imagining you looking at him, pretty mouth held open for a moment while searching for the words to say.

“Does it hurt?” You’d ask carefully because you’re aware of how easily he finds the audacity to snip at you.

He doesn’t know if you’re asking about the bruises or the awkward way he strokes his cock. You wouldn’t ask him if he needed help, nor would you be shy about closing the distance between your body and his to take charge of the situation. You’d use your thumb and forefinger to pick up his chin and he’d look up at you, unburdened by the undead desperation that plagues his body. In his fantasy, he doesn't think about the complicated feelings he harbors for you, instead, he submits to the determination in your gaze.

In real life, he’d fumble his way through such an occurrence and ultimately be left racking his brain for an apology which he doesn’t know how to say. He doesn’t know how or when to shut up, he’d never let you take charge of him even while painfully aware that you’d figure out a miraculous way to make him feel better. He’d disappoint you and embarrass himself into the binds of a torture chamber of his own design. Even now, just squeezing himself over his clothes, he struggles to quell the gut punch of an orgasm that wants to swallow him whole. He wouldn’t last through your touch, he can’t imagine kissing you because on principle, he can’t entertain such a ridiculous thought. Not only is the concept too embarrassing to hope for, but he wouldn’t know what to do. He’d accidentally cut your soft human lips with his teeth. He’d say something idiotic and you’d slap him right in the face. Perhaps you’d find his body heat too estranged from yours, maybe you’d find his features too odd. Perhaps his shaking breath would betray the way he wants you to see him. Perhaps he’d pass out from all the blood rushing to engorge his cock and then he’d crack his head open on the ground.

Too aware of himself, he thinks that he’d try to kiss you like the muscled heroes in trashy books and he’d somehow manage to poke your eye out with a horn. Analyzing every possible outcome has led Rolan to believe that anything he could try would end up in complete failure. He’s… resilient, but his recent track record displays failure after hard-headed failure. To allow himself a proper delusion where he's able to touch and fuck you without envisioning tail curling embarrassment, he feels as if he needs to give you a reason to see him as anything other than a pathetic dog. He limps as he walks, his tail’s tucked between his legs and he’d bite you if your hand got too close. Why would you ever look down at that with anything besides disgust or pity? If you were to force his door open right now, he’d drench the inside of his pants with cum and before he was able to catch his breath, he’d find a way to make an ass of himself because when it comes to you, he’s mastered the art of behaving like a pompous prick.

You’d never want this… and he’d never be able to charm his way into being passably desirable. It would only add another foot of dirt atop his grave if he finally found the nerve to do something about the complicated basket of feelings he keeps on hand, only for you to reject him outright. He’d never find the right things to say so that this could have a squalid chance of poking its head into reality.

Still, he thinks about your hands sliding down his chest, slowly mapping out the shape of his body as if you intended to remember it. Humans are so soft, his skin is thicker than yours, his chest is ridged and he wonders if such a difference would be pleasurable or painful. Imagining your naked breasts, nipples pressed against his textured skin as he explores your soft curves with his hands makes a gritty moan fall from his lips. He would never be yours, nor would he ever know the pleasure of knowing your body— but he could pretend. He could convince himself that if the stars aligned once he sacrificed his soul, maybe he could have one night with you. A few hours would be sufficient enough for a lifetime of longing. A single kiss, a moment of your time would be enough fuel to help him mentally leap over everything that kept him up at night.

He wishes you really were a devil. The temptation, the need for you would finally respect the concept of reason. If he were to give you his soul, then at least you’d be bound contractually to give him anything he asked for. In all the stories, the seduction of such a being is inevitable. Even the strongest people succumb eventually. The prelude to his demise would drain his soul out of his balls and he’d finish without the disgust that usually rose after he figured out how to think again. In the sticky aftermath, he could say whatever drivel that would fall out of his mouth and you’d take it with an entertained eye-roll. Nothing he could do or say would matter if you had his name neatly signed at the bottom of a horrendously unfair contract. It would be a good deal on your end, you already have him weak and dependent on you so you could do wonders with the usage of his soul. Wanting you would be so much easier if you owned him. He couldn’t hate you or himself if he had no choice but to obsess over you. He wouldn’t chase away your constant presence in his thoughts if he’d given his mind away, completely at peace to let it rot in your greedy hands.

The bed creaks under Rolan’s weight as he finally lays down with a bratty huff. He buries his face into the mattress with his eyes tightly shut as if that would keep him from hating the desperate way he claws for his pillow. He already knows that his hand won’t suffice, he’s already bunny fucking the mattress, hopelessly grinding himself against the solid mass, wishing he could bore a hole into it without anyone discovering his shame. His breeches barely escape his ire when struggling with the ties takes a moment too long. They’re shoved down with a growl and his pillow is folded in half to then be shoved beneath his hips. With his thoughts soaked self-admonition, he finds enough of an in to slot his cock into the plush crease of his folded pillow. Nothing about it feels right, it’s loose and dry but he whimpers with the idea of what it represents.

Thankfully his rushing thoughts are a potent enough concoction to mask the way his mind struggles to imagine thrusting into you. He can’t think anymore, he’s so hard that it hurts and all he wants to do is thrust into the cushy relief of his pillow, panting into his mattress while obsessing over vague ideas of what your body would feel like.

You’re always so attuned to his well-being. Always so eager to offer your help. If he told you that the only thing he wants from you is to fuck you until he can’t think anymore, would you graciously bend over the nearest surface and offer your pretty cunt? The diagram painted such a vivid idea of what you’d look like. Apparently, your cunt swells similarly to his cock when aroused and he imagines the offering of a swollen flower, petals engorged with need and the dripping center of it drooling steadily in anticipation. You’d be so inexplicably soft. Humans are a ridiculous species, and he wasn’t immune to the inherent curiosity he holds for your kind. With zero real-life experience to go on, he believes that humans have heavier breasts. He thinks that fat settles differently on your species’ bodies and there just seems to be more to grab and hold onto. You’re tailless and he wonders if that might make it easier to drive deeper into your body if you were positioned on all fours. Lust soaked daydreams of hips and thighs torment him daily. He’s much larger than the four inches of your body’s comfortable limits (a fact provided to him by the anatomy book), and Rolan wonders if you’d be able to handle the intrusion of his cock.

According to the tiny font of raunchy, cheaply printed novelettes, it would be a tight fit but you’d eventually be shouting his name in place of any god you pray to. He imagines you reaching for his ass, your legs locked around his hips and you do your best to hold him deeply inside of you, wet heat begging him to remain buried in your depths. Women can orgasm contrary to popular belief, and aided by the combination of educational journals, books on body function, and a few trashy epics, he’s decided that at least once in his life, he’ll make a woman come for the sheer sake of curiosity. With you, he’d make you come as often as physically possible, but if he can’t have you he thinks that just once with someone else will be enough to quench the intrigue.

Gritting his teeth, he jerkily thrusts and grinds into his pillow. The bulbous base of his cock is painfully swollen and he closes his fist tightly around it, squeezing hard and wishing for the tight clasp of your body. He’d seal you up and pump you so full of come that you’d forget every sorry state you’ve ever found him in. The looming understanding that satisfaction will remain at an atrocious distance forces his hips into a frenzy, too stubborn to admit defeat. Rolan hisses in frustration due to the sorry pillow that doesn’t offer nearly as much friction as he needs. The needy mouth of your cunt would be so much tighter, so much wetter than this awful thing. You’d take him with a gasp of shock, surprised by the heat of his turgid cock as he encases himself inch by inch into all of that softness he imagines. The underside of his cock is ridged similarly to the rest of him, and according to the anatomy book, he differs in other ways as well. Would the shape of him shock you? Would your tight little cunt spasm around him as if in awe of the pleasure he brings? In the few dirty stories he’s discovered over the years, human women adore his kind. Blunt-headed human cocks pale in comparison to a tiefling’s. Filled to the brim, your eyes would roll back and you’d ask him to please fuck you. Would you tell him that he’s ruined you for all other men and you’ll need him from now on to satiate yourself? Rolan's delirious thoughts decide yes, those are definitely things you’d say.

More likely, you’d give yourself over with that teasing, snooty look of yours, all too aware that he needs you because you’ve learned how to read him like a book. He’d take you although the acquisition would feel more like blind surrender. You once asked if he intended to thank you for your efforts and he imagines you asking him to thank you for the privilege of just the sight of you. You’d spread your cheeks, exposing the vexing pink blush of your folds and he’d have no choice but to fall to his knees before you. He’d fucking crawl if you’d let him just breathe in the scent of your cunt. Even now, he feels light-headed and caught between too many contradictory points. His heart is wedged in his throat, his lungs feel strained and he swallows dryly while imagining what it would be like to drag his tongue between your folds.

Rolan curls in on himself and uses the heel of his palm to press against the pillow, desperate for more friction. Caught on a new train of thought, he pants open-mouthed, tongue painfully dry while imagining your legs spread over his face. He’s thirsty, he’s half alive and the short distance between your body and his mouth feels like torture. You bossily direct him to speak his adoration into your cunt and before he can promise that he will, you proceed to cover his ears with your soft thighs. You’ll call him a golden boy like you did when telling him that he shouldn’t leave the grove alone. Instead of telling him that his apprenticeship doesn’t make him some sort of golden boy, the term is given to him as a pet name. You like his eyes, you like his tongue and the way he’ll die before disappointing you again. You’ll reach for his horns, forcing his head up so you can grind against his mouth, and his tongue moves in untrained flat strokes because he doesn’t know what you like. He envisions fucking you on his tongue, thrusting it into your heat with the intent of worshipping the hidden sanctuary of your cunt. Your reward for his resignation, for finally giving you the thanks you deserve tastes like the safety he longs for and he feels at home with you above him.

In the present, his tail thumps against the mattress, and the pointed tip flicks in agitation as something final settles in his bones. This realization has been building in ferocity long before he began violating his pillow and he rubs his cheek against the mattress, breathing hard with the back of his throat feeling inflamed. The moan forced out of him crackles, his ragged breath sets it alight and the fiery resignation is executed through a blubbering whimper. Rolan’s hips punch forward as if trying to punish the pillow for its current form, he thinks that it should be you. He should be in your arms, he should be driving his pitifully sensitive cock against your skin, and he’d beg for the privilege of fucking your thighs because he can't bear the idea of disappointing your cunt with his ultimately early release. This should be an act of supplication. You’ve won. He’s at your mercy. He needs you, he needs you. You’ll save him from his pride once again and he’ll finally find the words necessary to declare to you what an ass he’s been.

As if his body was politely waiting for the mental submission, his spine straightens, and cum shoots from the head of his prick before he’s fully realized the impending threat of his orgasm. Reduced to sensation alone, Rolan rumbles out a long groan as he fucks a deluge of cum into his pillow. All he can do is thrash against the violence of his every sense expelling from his body in the form of viscous white sludge. His mouth hangs open stupidly as his frenzied thrusts soon dispel into non-movement. When it’s all over, he takes a long, slow breath and he’s surprised to discover that doesn't feel the pressing need to clean up his shame before hatred can find its way back into place. Right now, his wounds don’t exist, neither does his anxiety. His pride’s already fucked off to another plane and Rolan hopes it’ll take an extended holiday. He wants to confront you without it for the first time since you forced your way into his life.

Determined, his ego picks the pieces of itself from the ground as Rolan grinds his softening cock into the now cool mess of his release. He thinks that such a tribute has to be well received. With no experience with women, people, or conversations and social normality— Rolan has high hopes that the next inevitable run-in with you will end on a pleasant note. Of course, nothing of his fantasies will be realized, —he’ll hold those thoughts in the dreary prison he keeps them in—, but he’s resolute to to let you in on the secret respect he’s reserved for you.

You mean a great deal to him, and he hopes to let you know as such.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm sorry I made you read the word turgid, I thought it was funny and refused to edit it out lol.

[under-the-pondering-tree]

seeing a human without any context of what a human is must be crazy

like- you have a cave in the middle of your face with a wet worm that just sits inside of it, or sometimes wriggles around looking independently sentient from the larger creature- protected by a bone cage that is also used for crushing and tearing at the same time. and the worm helps feed you by pushing the food further down the cave to the main structure, while it also communicates information to you about the food you have squid arms that somehow can reach in every direction but simultaneously only bend certain ways, with a rigid structure underneath- and 5 more tentacles on top of each of the 4 already sticking out from you like a tenacle fractal. but also you're not like a squid because you're flat?? squids have their tentacles grouped at the bottom, in a circley kind of shape around themselves- and basically everything else in existence that has limbs or appendages has them under themselves- but we have two at the bottom, which isn't even stable, you need at least three to not have to constantly juggle your own body to stay upright- and then the other two are just.. up the side?? like imagine a horse with legs where wings would be on a pegasus. like... why????? so it can kick things better? that's stupid- a horse doesn't need that and humans aren't water creatures, but cant be dry anyway? like they need to be wet and squishy, but when they run around (fall forward and catch themselves really fast) they just leak their water everywhere??? and they cant even use the water with a little bit of minerals in it. the most abundant source of water on their planet. but nope, 3% salt is too much and it'll kill them. gotta get it from the water that falls from the sky because the particles are too heavy to evaporate and it filters it for them, instead of them just having some organ to it for them instead.

they have a substance that perpetually grows out of them- but with some of it they just decide to remove it? like 'i don't like this part of my structure i will do surgery to remove it every few days' but only with it in certain areas?? in some areas they keep it- or even mold or decorate it! and are disappointed when it for some reason just disappears with age? like isnt that what you want?? but no- only on the bottom?? sometimes?? depending on the person. and half of them have it more/less often than the others. and the ones that generally have it the least on the majority of their bodies- or try the most to remove it on the lower portions of their bodies- are the ones who generally also grow it the longest on the top?? like what?? why??? originally it was intended for warmth. but instead they just decided to steal other creature's skin- literal skin snatchers- from the creatures that had a bit more of it than them. and then eventually moved to making it out of synthetic materials after we killed every single one of that creature on the planet that was 20 times our size and shoved their remains in little pieces down our face hole after ritually burning each piece before it goes in because the worm whispers to us that it's better that way. We're only used to this nightmare because we are the nightmare. If we weren't in any way human-resembling in form, and we saw them- we would either be very good at hiding, or they would be extinct. Or maybe in some alien world someone's writing horror stories, and the creatures of unimaginable horror when described are by coincidence just what we're like. Not because they're just scared of aliens, but because the kind of aliens we are, are valid things to be absolutely terrified of.

[inbabylontheywept]

Burning Bridges

“I am Kalrose, commander of the Second Armada of the Akaviri. We are on our way to a peacekeeping operation in the Pegasus cluster. Humanity is not our enemy, but it will be if you continue to detain us in your piss puddle agrarian star system. Step away from the FTL launcher and no one will die. Remain in front and we will plow through your craft. Either way you will not stop us.”

The human freighter acting as a makeshift gate in front of the launcher did not move. If anything, it centered itself more, in order to better face the Akaviri flagship head on.

Then it broadcasted back.

“Your ‘peacekeeping mission’ in the Pegasus cluster is a genocide. We will not stand back and let you commit this atrocity. We may not have the men or the ships to destroy your fleet, but we don’t need to destroy your fleet in order to keep you from reaching the battlefield. Our piss puddle’s name is ‘Zion.’ In time, you will call it ‘Home.’”

Kalrose barely had time to ponder the nature of that threat when the launcher fired up. The EM readings on his ship went mad, and in that brief fraction of a second, he realized he’d miscalculated. Gravely.

He didn’t know how many thousands of safety protocols had been bypassed, but the amount of power flowing to the gravitational core in the center of the launcher was easily nine times larger than the maximum rating. A micro singularity formed within the space lens, and cladding ripped itself off the hull before spiraling at near light speeds around the artificial black hole.

Kalrose had always imagined such a catastrophe as something like a fireball, reds and oranges, lots of shrapnel and clanging. Upon seeing it in person, he realized how foolish that was.

Red glows were for pokers left in hot coals. This was, for one brief moment, a star fueled on steel. It was never going to be orange.

It could only be white.

The accretion disk condensed further, the energy of the reactions happening near it somehow fueling the gravitational anomaly at the center. His comm system moved into a death scream as the material’s blackbody radiation moved past the x-ray spectrum, pure friction converting the material to energy more efficiently than even a fusion reactor could manage. The heat generated finally caused a full structural collapse, the spine of the station melting enough to wrap the whole barrel of the launcher around the spiraling singularity, twirling it in loops like thread around a spool. The reaction was accelerating now, even without electricity being able to fuel the gravitational collapse, the radiation pressure alone managing to hold the system in a highly fragile state of tensegrity. He recognized the feedback loop that was happening, radiation fueling gravity, gravity fueling radiation, on and on until-

There was no air for noise in space, but he could almost imagine the roar that the expanding cloud of ionized metal should have made as it blew past. There it was. The end of the loop. It had run out of matter to feed on, so without a balance to the compressive force it expanded outwards.

He was fortunate that the explosion was violent enough to atomize the particles. Even a fragment the size of a grain of sand would’ve been enough to take down his flagship. As a lone ion, it could be deflected by the same magnetic field that kept the crew safe during FTL jumps.

He stared numbly at the monitor.

One third of the Akaviri fleet, stranded in a farming system. Not even a shot fired.

He realized that the comm system’s scream had been replaced with the quiet pulse of an incoming broadcast. He accepted it without question, too lost to even be angry.

“Take your time recovering your senses. When you’re ready, just send us a message back. We’re going to need every hand we can on the harvest. There’s no one out there we can reach for help after this. It’s just...Us.”

[jinkieswouldyoulookatthis]

Headcanon Story Time

When they were still kids, Sam saved Dean from getting abducted by a skeevy guy in a van.

Sam may have only been six, but he knew the warning signs. Never take candy from strangers. He'd heard that his entire life... mostly from Dean. And here Dean was, old enough that he really should have known better, with his eyes lit up looking at the "badass" art painted on the side of the van that had pulled up and stopped next to them. Didn't he see the rust and the dents around the edges of the airbrushed Pegasus? The way the paint was chipped and peeling? Didn't he see the lecherous glint in the man's shifty eyes? Or the dangerous sneer just under the too sweet smile? He must not have, because he was reaching out with that big, dopey, wide-eyed, trusting grin that he got around the dessert cases in the bigger, fancier diners they stopped at sometimes.

"De..!" Sam said, reaching up and grabbing his brother's hand in his own.

"What?" Dean snapped, annoyance slipping out from under his excitement.

"Hey, it's cool, I've got plenty for both of you," the man said as he shook a big bag of sweets up where they could see it.

Sam narrowed his eyes at the man for a split second before turning to his brother with a full-on, watery-eyed pout. "I don't feel good." And then quieter, just so only Dean could hear, "I'm scared, can we go?"

And just like that, Dean blinked, like a spell had broken, and there was suspicion in his eyes when he looked back at the hand extended out of the van window.

Pulling Sam so he was behind him, Dean backed away from the curb. "Cool van, Mister. But we gotta go."

Dean walked backwards until they were several long strides away. As he finally turned his back and started pushing Sam ahead of him, the man called after them, "I can give you two a ride, if you want."

Dean glanced back once, quickly, to make sure the guy wasn't coming after them, then pushed Sam a little harder, "Run, Sam."

They took off down the first side street they came to, and then cut through a few backyards, and circled around until they were sure they'd lost the guy. Then Dean made them stop at a pay phone so he could call the cops and report the van, before they made their way back to the motel of the week.

Sam didn't know if he should be relieved that they got away or mad that Dean almost got himself snatched, but he couldn't deny the swell of pride he felt at having just saved his brother, his big brother, from something for once.

[lovemyromance]

do you think Gwyn is actually a lightsinger? wouldn't that make her more complimentary to Azriel - a shadowsinger?

I find three things interesting about ACOSF, regarding Gwyn.

I find it interesting how Nesta's powers and Azriel's powers react to Gwyn the same way, and they both run into her when they were feeling lost.

I think its interesting Elain got Azriel ear plugs, right as we later see one of Azriel's shadows dance with Gwyn's breath "like it heard some silent music"

We only learn of lightsingers in ACOSF. They could've been introduced in ACOMAF when we met Azriel. It would've explained the whole "now shadows are good not a sign of evil btw" thing better. Coincidentally, this is the same book we meet Gwyn.

Does that mean she's a lightsinger??? IDK. Not enough concrete evidence for me to support this.

IF she does end up being one ..... will I be surprised? No.

But thats about it. I don't think beyond this and I don't care to. It doesn't have anything to do with Elriel. Gwyn could be a goddamn rainbow magic Pegasus herself and it still wouldn't affect Elriel

[audreyscribes]

Ω PJO MISCELLANEOUS DEMIGOD HEADCANONS: 🍃 ZEPHYROS: GOD OF THE WEST WINDS, PERSONIFICATION OF THE GENTLE WEST WIND AND SPRING. 🌷

A/n: Another Popular minor god let's go! Zephryos or Zephryus will always pop up like a random but welcome breeze, so it was only fitting to do a demigod imagine on him. Also either I'm not looking in the right direction or I see a lack of Zephryus demigods. No idea if he would make a good godly dadza. Now to see if anyone picks up the references I've put in from another fandom. MISCELLANEOUS DEMIGOD H/CS MASTERLIST LINK: [TUMBLR] || [AO3]

If you’ve ever heard of “Spring is in the air”, there is no better term used for Zephyros because that essentially sums up his entire existence. This also applies to you every time you make an appearance. Whether you bring love in the air or smell like flowery perfume (the good kind that brings you ease and happiness), it ranges a bit.

When you get claimed, you can hear the singing of swans as the wind blew gently from the west, carrying the smell of Spring almost like a herald…even if it’s not even Spring anymore. Unironically, your claim in Camp Halfblood takes place at Zephyros Creek…the creek that is literally named after him that runs through the entire forest.

As one of the more popular, minor gods, your presence as a demigod and your powers are also notable…which isn’t as much of a problem if it wasn’t much of a learning curve. Unlike where it’s pretty simple for the major gods where it makes relative sense of their domains and concepts, for Zephyros it’s less on the nose and requires some actual studying; from the winds, horses, spring, love, and etc.

As a child of Zephyros, you obviously have the power of the winds at your command. However, he is also technically a god of springtime, you also have the power to grow and manipulate plants, though not as much as the child of Demeter. Makes sense if you think of the wind carrying the pollen, helping the growth of flowers and the Spring wind heralds the changing of the seasons from Winter. If you’re at Camp between the seasons of Winter and Spring, you’ll find yourself in the company of the children of Demeter. A welcome change from growing decorative gourd to strawberries.

What no one tells you at first, despite being a god of the winds, you expect to have some connection to birds like the Swans from earlier, you learn you also have a connection with horses; as Zephyros has turn into a horse and had pulled Zeus’ chariot with his brothers against Typhon. So Pegasus flying is almost like second nature to you but slightly left field. Good thing you have the children of Poseidon because you two can gossip and complain with the pegasus…though why is that you feel a certain draw to certain pegasus…?

You also find yourself being drawn to and from the children of Iris; where you learn that Iris told them to make you feel welcome and extends you an invitation to drop by her Organic shop anytime, the children of Apollo surprisingly; once everyone got over the fact about their parents’ thing over Hyacinth, they welcomed you greatly and especially appreciated you spirit over any injured patients over or simply growing some well-need plants at that moment. Plus, every so often, you all get together to have a small music break and not surprisingly, you find yourself gifted at wind instruments.

You also meet Lester or a.k.a. Apollo as well around this time. He welcomes you as much as he can and while you appreciated the gesture, you knew he carried guilt and awkwardness towards you, forcing himself to show you that he had no qualms and in extension, show Zephyros that he regretted blaming your godly father for Hyacinth's death and to show he wouldn’t be petty and harm his own kid; even if he knew that received help during his own powerless moment. Luckily for you and him, Zephryos written a letter for Apollo that you gave to him, explicitly stating that Zephyros that was sorry as well and forgave Apollo long ago. You find yourself having another father figure in your life through Apollo, who constantly invites you to his and his children’s activities.

You find yourself being in the company of the children of Aphrodite. Zephryos famously has a connection being in the service of Eros, bringing Spring (i.e. romance) in the air, but there’s also his and Iris’ son; Pothos, the God of Sexual Longing, Yearning, and Desire, who is also an attendant of Aphrodite. So whether or not you have a particular interest in romance or whatever, the children of Aphrodite are more likely to share their secrets and gossip with you and even help you from time to time. Or you’re going to be the one spreading those juicy gossip and spilling the tea to the people of the Aphrodite cabin (and those who feel so inclined) about So and So being seen together while holding hands.

You quickly figure out that Zephyros is rather well-known around Camp, outside of his presence in Greek Mythos, as you find out that from Annabeth, like her, a lot of them were brought to their mortal parents from their godly parents by Zephyros. Somewhere down the line, you find yourself able to find out whose unclaimed demigods’ parentage is because Zephyros touch lingers on them, leaving you in a dilemma if you’re allowed to say it.

In terms of physical attributes inherited from your father, this is what’s going to be a nightmare for you. At first you thought you might inherit wings because Zephyros is often depicted with wings, but if your claiming doesn’t trigger it, then you might not have wings at all. Though this is not a problem with flying as you can manipulate the wind to help you fly. No, what’s a nightmare is that Chiron sat you down and told you that you might be able to turn into a horse because Zephyros has been known to turn into a horse, so you may be able to turn into that…but what really threw you in a loop is that you may possess the characteristics of a tiger because he’s also the sire of Tigers. So Tiger, Horses, and Birds oh my! good luck with that!

On the other hand, you’re going to have an animal companion; whether its a tiger, horse, or birds; though usually swans but not limited to it. Afterall, pegasus are considered horses too; so there’s that. For all you could know, you may have crows as your companion(s); though they’re a rather chatty bunch so you are probably going to call them as Chat. Or Bryan- for that one crow that can speak rather human like. 

Everyone stared at you with open gaped mouths as the claim of Zephryos floated above your head. The swans were singing and flapping their wings in Zephyros creek. The wind gently blew from the West as if Zephyros was gently running his hand over your hair, giving you a light kiss on the forehead. There was a waft of floral scent also coming from the West, and it smelled familiar to you. 

Everyone was staring at you with a range of awe, surprise, and absolute recognition. The weight of the stares was starting to make you awkwardly hot and uncomfortable. Silence gradually filled in when the swan singing started to fade off into the distance, only the wind swaying of the trees with the sound of the water running through the creek. It was then you remembered that you had the flag in hand, the fabric flapping in the wind earlier like some epic painting when you reached the goal. It was a whirlwind of events when you felt yourself flying, your feet carrying you like you were absolutely nothing. At first you thought you were definitely a child of Hermes, with your feet running like you had wings on your feet but then when you were getting pincered from all sides. You were cut off by the enemy side and the only exit was a cliff and the next thing you knew you jumped off the cliff in a run, and as you fell, panic hit you as you realized you couldn’t land safely and the creek wasn’t that deep to sustain your fall. 

It was at that moment the wind blew from the West and swirled around you, carrying off into safety into the waters. You botched the landing and did a couple stumble but you took that then going SPLAT.

You wondered if you should say anything when people weren’t really moving, whispering amongst themselves, until you heard a whistle that came off rather musically impressed and then a clap of rhythm. Your eyes turned to the source to see a boy with brown hair and eyes but when the sunlight filtered through the gap of the branches, you swore you saw blue instead. 

“Well, certainly Zephyros knows how to make an entrance, not that I wouldn’t do either of course” said the boy and you heard that one child of Demeter with a temper scoff. “I think we can say Capture the Flag is over right Chiron?”

The centaur shook out of his stupor and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “Yes, that would seem to be the case” he said before he turned to the other campers to say that Capture the Flag was now over and your team cheered in victory. 

You were rushed over by your teammates for securing the win and congrats on being claimed. You thanked profusely, still not sure who claimed you until you saw the boy from earlier, that your brain hazily remembered as some from the Apollo cabin. 

“Well I never expected to see a child of Zephryos to appear, much less when I’m at camp. I guess there’s no real bad blood anymore if he’s open to claiming his kid in front of me.”

“Uh, wait Zephryos? He’s my dad? But isn’t he the god of the West wind-”

“Yes, Zephryos, God of the West Wind as well as the personification of it and a god of Spring you can say” he said, before gently gesturing you out of the water and that’s when you realize your shoes and socks were absolutely soaked and very uncomfortable as they squished with every movement. 

“I don’t think he would have a demigod” you admitted. 

“Well, Zephryos and I were both interested in a lovely human man named Hycanith, though he got jealous that Hycanith accepted me as a lover. It’s a long story but it seems like he had moved on some time to have you” smiled the stranger. 

“Wait, I remember that story…but you? The story had Apollo-” you started to say but you cut off your words when it hit you. You turned to the stranger beside you and now you could feel it.  “Ah yes, it’s a rather long story but I’m in my mortal form. Here, I’m called Lester Papadopoulos but those who know, know me as Apollo.”

[yanderes-galore]

Virus AU Rainbow Dash concept pls?

Sure! Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie actually get infected at the same time, but this is Rainbow's POV.

Previous -> Applejack

Next -> Pinkie Pie

Yandere Virus! Rainbow Dash Concept

(Ft. Pinkie Pie)

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Manipulation, Delusional behavior, Attempted isolation/Abduction, Attempted forced relationship.

By this point in the story, you have three ponies after you.

Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack...

Now you're running away from Sweet Apple Acres, running for your life.

Before you can pass Sugar Cube Corner, Rainbow catches you.

She was originally spending time with Pinkie Pie, the party pony seeming very nervous lately.

Rainbow Dash is quick to ask you what's wrong.

You keep sputtering, tears brimming from your eyes.

Rainbow grows increasingly concerned for you as her friend and ushers you into Sugar Cube Corner.

You begin to be hesitant due to your luck lately.

Yet Rainbow reassures you you'll be okay, sitting you down as Pinkie hops over to you to check on you too.

Both ponies worry about you, especially since it looks like you've sustained some injuries.

The two have no idea what they're getting themselves into.

Pinkie offers you sweets to make you feel better as Rainbow comforts you.

Both ponies don't experience their obsession until later.

You're insistent on not staying with the two, for some odd reason they don't understand.

So once they know you're okay, the two let you go and part ways.

The thing with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie in this AU is their concepts are heavily intertwined.

Rainbow goes home while Pinkie stays in Sugar Cube Corner.

While the two begin to experience some symptoms, they actually work together for some time.

Why? Well...

Both of them begin to notice Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack roaming about...

They can tell something is wrong due to their distorted appearance.

By this point, other ponies begin to hide in their homes.

No pony knows what's going on....

Growing concerned for your well-being, Rainbow and Pinkie vow to each other to find you and protect you.

Rainbow surveys the skies while Pinkie searches the ground.

The virus/curse already urges them to find you anyways.

So, at first both ponies think they want to protect you.

In a way... they do...

But they're just as infected as all the rest.

By the point you see the two again, you can see the signs.

Which causes you to run...

and them to chase.

Rainbow is the faster pony, tackling you to the ground.

You can see her coat and mane are dulled, her ribs showing a bit... blood coats her hooves and her eyes are bloodshot.

The grin she has terrifies you to your core... a familiar twisted sight for you.

"Where ya going!? It's dangerous out here! We should go... I can protect you!"

Your only relief is when Pinkie Pie tackles Rainbow off of you, the party pony thinking Rainbow is harming you due to her own delusions.

It's then you run before the pegasus or earth pony can catch you.

You don't doubt the two will smother you like the others...

So you make a run for a cave, hoping to hide until help arrives...

A temporary relief from the chaos you no doubt caused with Twilight.

[bat2pony]

Do I have a RANT for you all.

I just finished watching S8 E16, “Friendship University” and the entire thing seems kind of silly to me! First of all, I was really hoping that Flim and Flam would actually aim to do better after they began running the resort in Las Pegasus. But at the same time, cons have been their thing their entire lives so it’s kind of refreshing to see people who aren’t particularly evil, they’re just kind shit and annoying as hell. But moreover, why would ANYONE, pony or otherwise, want to attend their school?

Excessive rant ⬇️

Obviously Flim and Flam are professional con artists and they did make a few good points. The legendary Starswirl the Bearded was attending their school (and using his studying as “motivation” or whatever for other students) and the school was located in a bustling city, Las Pegasus, with more opportunities than the small town that is Ponyville. This school was also accredited.

But even so!!! Twilight is the Princess of Friendship. She is an alicorn. ROYALTY. Not only is she Head Mare of her school, but it was endorsed by Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria. On top of this, the professors at her school are the other 5 of the mane 6. The school is literally ran and managed by the group of friends who saved equestrian MULTIPLE times. They published their friendship journal that got spread all throughout the lands. The school is wildly successful! Why would anyone ever choose Flim and Flam’s school when they could be taught under the literal Princess of friendship? Please make it make sense. I just think it’s silly. Anyway.

On a similar note, I think other schools of friendship across the lands isn’t such a bad idea! It would make spreading the magic of friendship a lot easier and the education more accessible to all kinds of creatures! I think it would be cool if this was an idea further explored in the series.

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 02x04 - King of Darkness, Digimon Kaiser / Iron Vegiemon

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Channeling the ancient powers of great mythical forces like Horus, Pegasus, Queen Nefertiti, fire-breathing dragons, and the digging of holes, the Chosen Children are finally all together and ready to stop the Digimon Kaiser from kicking any more puppies.

Starting with a loose end the last episode left hanging.

We open inside the Digimon Kaiser's gladiator pit from the previous episode. Daisuke, Iori, Takeru, and Hikari are there, along with Taichi.

Agumon: BABY FLAME!!! V-Mon: V-MON HEAD!!!

A shot of Agumon's Baby Flame blows open one of the cells. V-mon's signature headbutt breaks open what's left of the wrecked bars. As he crashes inside, he creates an opening large enough for the Gotsumon inside to escape through.

V-Mon: Everyone, run! Daisuke: Hurry! This way, everyone!

Daisuke leads the escape with six rescued Gotsumon. They keep running until they're safely out of the arena. The Gotsumon collapse, exhausted, into the grass of a nearby field while the children stop to catch their breath.

Taichi: Mission complete! Agumon: Great work, guys.

No idea what's become of those two Elecmon.

This connects to the three Gotsumon we saw outside the gladiator pit last episode. Back there, they mentioned that the Kaiser had taken their nakama. The dub made the assumption that they were talking about the captured Elecmon, but here we see there were four other Gotsumon imprisoned here. Or three, if the Kaiser caught that one that got away since then and now.

In the dub:

Agumon: PEPPER BREATH!!! Veemon: VEE HEADBUTT!!! (Agumon and Veemon break two of the Gotsumon out) Veemon: C'mon, let's rock! Davis: (out of breath) That... was... easy.... (They escape to the field) Agumon: You guys are officially fugitives!

A little shallow; I don't like that Davis is gloating instead of participating but it's not a big enough deal to make a thing out of.

Once they catch their breath, the children have a moment to unpack.

Daisuke: I'd love to see the look on that Digimon Kaiser asshole's face when he finds out about this.

Man, they are pissed about last episode. Up until now, the Kaiser has been referred to as yatsu, which is a generally rude and disrespectful way of saying "that person". But now he's been downgraded to yarou, which is "that person" spit out as a profanity.

He was a jerkwad, a prick, a douche, but now he's a fuckstain, a piece of shit, a motherfucker.

Takeru: It's weird, though. Patamon: What is? Takeru: There was barely any security here, and he wasn't here either. Maybe he had business somewhere else and had to go there? Daisuke: What!? He just got scared and ran away. Isn't that right, Hikari-chan? Hikari: Mm... I agree with Takeru-kun. Daisuke: -_- Hikari: But what could he possibly be doing? Taichi: Hmm... In any case, let's head back to school. Koushiro and Miyako-chan must be worried about us.

As the children leave, Tailmon stops. She turns to look at the ominous black obelisk in the distance.

Once again, Daisuke tries to be macho and expects Hikari to back him up but, like Takeru, Hikari knows better.

Takeru mentions that the security was poor, but that implies that there was some security. Maybe that's what became of the two Elecmon?

In the dub:

Davis: If that's the kind of puny defense that the Digimon Emperor's gonna put up, then this fight will be over in the first round! T.K.: Something was weird. Patamon: What was? T.K.: Well, the fact that it was so easy for us to break out of that prison. There wasn't a single guard anywhere around! It's like he wanted us to do it. I think he's up to something. Davis: You're crazy! He took one look at our awesome skills and he hit the road! Isn't that right, Kari? Kari: Um... Actually, Davis, I'm gonna have to agree with T.K. Davis: -_- Awww.... Kari: This guy is not gonna let us get away that easy without some kind of reasoning. Tai: We'll worry about it later. Let's get back to the real world. I'm starving! I can practically smell the cafeteria from here! Davis: That's my peanut butter and jelly bean sandwich I've had in my pocket since last week. Kari: Yuck! (Gatomon stops to look at the obelisk) Gatomon: What's that tower?

I... don't know why Tai thinks an elementary a middle school cafeteria would be open at like 6 PM.

The dub got the part where it's weird that this was so easy, but didn't quite grasp the part of why it's weird. The question here is, "What is the Kaiser doing that's so important, it takes him and his forces away from defending his territories?"

The dub seems to imply that the Emperor let us take the Gotsumon on purpose as part of some sinister machination he has in play.

Let's find out. Time to check in with the Digimon Kaiser, inside his command center with only Wormmon for company.

The Kaiser's attention is focused on a grid of white and black squares. Suddenly, one of the white squares clicks over to black.

Kaiser: Another one just became mine.

At a hillside town for Digimon, a black obelisk now stands atop the hill. The Kaiser lays down the new law to an assembly of Gazimon and one familiar Gabumon, backed up by five black-ringed Veggiemon.

Kaiser: Do you see that black tower? That is a Dark Tower. Wherever it stands becomes my territory. And you are all my servants. Do you understand? Gabumon: (thinking) They're all being controlled by those Rings....

I don't think Gabumon's on the same page as the Kaiser here. Call it a hunch.

In the dub:

Emperor: The next one should be in place right about now.... There!

The dub has no audio cue when the grid square turns black. The Emperor himself is the audio cue.

Emperor: Now to let everyone know who's the boss. (Cut to the hillside town) Emperor: This Control Spire is the most dominating object in the Digi-World! Wherever I build one, that area will be under my control and all those around it will be my slaves! It's useless to try and escape! Those who do will have to answer to my soldiers! Gabumon: (thinking) How do I get myself into these things?

Dub Gabumon does seem to be on the same page, and is regretting it.

Love the name Control Spire, by the way. Dub Team went hard on that one. It's a lot more creative than Dark XYZ.

While the Kaiser lays down the law, we return to elementary school to give the kids who stayed behind a startle.

Koushiro & Miyako: EHHHHHHHHHH!?!?!

Koushiro: Why did you bring the Gotsumon here!? Taichi: What else could we do? We have no idea when the Digimon Kaiser might return. Right? Hikari: Yeah.

That agreement might be more convincing if it wasn't coming from your baby sister. Let's see what Daisuke-- no, he's your kouhai. Anyone else want to weigh in?

Miyako: How am I supposed to explain this to Fujjiyama-sensei if he finds out? Iori: It will be fine. We've prepared something just for that. Now, pose!

The six Gotsumon each take their own pose and hold it.

Iori: See? Don't they look like sculptures? Miyako: -_-

Okay. Follow-up question, why are you doing sculpting projects in computer club?

Koushiro: Miyako-kun, can I borrow your Digivice? Miyako: Eh? Why? Koushiro: The power from your Digivices must be what's opening the Gate, right? Taichi: Ahhh. Yeah, ours can't do it. We can have Daisuke and the others open the Gate and follow them through it, but.... Koushiro: I'd just like to examine it for a bit. Would that be okay?

Saying nothing, Miyako smiles and hands over her Digivice to Koushiro.

(You know, seeing them onscreen together, I suddenly realize that Koushiro is only Miyako's senior by one year. As the oldest of the new kids, she's 12-13 while Koushiro and Mimi are 13-14.)

In addition to finally exploring what those black obelisks are, we're also moving towards explaining why the unreliable Gate conveniently always happens to be open whenever one of the new kids is around.

In the dub:

Izzy: ARE YOU CRAZY, BRINGING THE GOTSUMON BACK FROM THE DIGITAL WORLD!?!? Tai: But we didn't have a choice! We couldn't just leave them for the Digimon Emperor to make into slaves, right? Kari: Yup. Yolei: But how are we gonna explain it if Mr. Fujiyama happens to come in here!? Cody: Don't worry, I'll tell him I'm taking a sculpting class and these are some of my early masterpieces. Hit it, boys! (The Gotsumon pose) Yolei: Yeesh. Early rejects might be a better phrase. -_- Izzy: Yolei, I've got a big favor to ask. Would it be alright with you if I borrowed your Digivice? Yolei: But what for? Izzy: Well, it's obvious the power from your Digivices opens the Gate to the Digital World. Our own Digivices don't seem to work. Tai: Izzy's right! I've tried using mine, but no luck. The only way we can get into the Digital World is if one of you opens the Gate for us. Izzy: So I wanted to try an experiment with the new Digivices, if that's okay with you. Yolei: Mhm. (hands over her Digivice)

This is good. They play up the Gotsumon posing a bit, but the joke is already that Miyako is unimpressed so having Yolei outright shit-talk the plan fits in pretty well.

Also, I guess the dub team also had questions about why they'd be doing sculpting in computer club because Cody offers a reasonable explanation for where the "sculptures" came from.

Back in the Digital World, the Kaiser has already erected a prison to house the Gazimon and Gabumon.

He cracks his whip at a pair of Veggiemon workers, startling them so badly they jump and leave poops behind.

Kaiser: C'mon, to the next area! Move it!

The Kaiser takes his seat on a litter, which eight Veggiemon are forced to carry. They move slowly enough that it'd probably be faster to get out and walk, but he seems satisfied with himself.

Gabumon watches through the barred window of a cell, which he shares with five Gazimon.

Gabumon: Yes, he's leaving! Now it's time to escape. PETIT FIRE!!!

Gabumon's Petit Fire blows the door off its hinges, crushing a Veggiemon guard on the other side. He and the Gazimon make a break for it, only for the spiked club tendril of a RedVeggiemon to smack Gabumon in the face and knock him off his feet.

Gabumon: AUGH!!! RedVeggiemon: Did you guys think you could escape!? That's impossible. Gabumon: You're.... RedVeggiemon: The fearsome, ripe vegetable REDVEGGIEMON!!!

Y'all remember RedVeggiemon. Pinocchimon led an army of them against the Chosen Children in his final battle. Cutting one down when they wanted to flee with him was his final mistake that got him killed by Yamato.

RedVeggiemon is an Adult-stage Plant-type Virus Digimon. They're Veggiemon, but stronger because they're an RPG palette-swap. The "Goblin Elite" to Veggiemon's "Goblin Soldier".

Narrator: RedVeggiemon. A sly and cunning Adult-stage Digimon. His special attack is a gust of intensely bad breath called Hazard Breath.

The original rundown specifically mentioned that RedVeggiemon is bigger and meaner than a regular Veggiemon. I suppose that much is already implied by this one's status as the big scary boss to beat, amid all the Veggiemon grunts.

RedV isn't appearing as part of a grunt swarm this time, so the show's letting their actions speak for themselves.

(Their name is still RedVagimon according to the official romanization. I'm so, so sorry. At least someone has it worse than Holsmon.)

In the dub:

Emperor: Let's move out! I've got an early tee time in the morning.

Not sure if he said "tea time" or "tee time" as both are things, but "tee time" makes more sense contextually to me. Tee time is what they call when you're scheduled to "tee off", beginning a round of golf.

Golf is commonly known as the Rich Asshole Sport, so that's more likely to be the reference here than "tea time", which would be a snooty British reference.

Gabumon: We're bustin' out tonight, boys. Ahhh, why wait? Everyone, stay to the back of the cell! BLUE BLASTER!!!

To soften the blow of Gabumon being punched in the face, they add the sound effect of a bowling bawl colliding with pins. Additionally, a white flash obscures the point of impact.

RedVegiemon is voiced as a noticeable celebrity impersonation of Jack Nicholson, best known for playing batshit unhinged characters like the Joker from the "first" Batman film and Jack Torrance in The Shining.

RedVegiemon: Apparently you don't listen to INSTRUCTIONS. Gabumon: Who are you!? RedVegiemon: I'm the Digi-World's biggest salad bar REDVEGIEMON!!! RedVegiemon: (rundown) I am the biggest and the ripest of all Vegiemon. My Stink Jet attack destroys my enemies with NOXIOUS FUMES!!!

"Noxious fumes" is one way to describe it, to be sure.

Unsurprisingly, "RedVagimon" does not make it onto the screen in the dub. They censored that right out and replaced it with "RedVegiemon".

Gabumon faces down RedVeggiemon.

Gabumon: What are you going to do? RedVegiemon: Trying to escape is a serious offense. The penalty is 100 lashes!

RedVegiemon strikes Gabumon to the ground and proceeds to carry out his whipping, counting each lash. The Gazimon shield their eyes, unable to watch Gabumon's gruesome punishment.

They don't make it to 100, though. The 73rd lash comes out more as a jab, which knocks the prone and battered Gabumon off a nearby cliff. Gabumon, barely conscious, falls into a raging river.

RedVegiemon: We only made it to 73? That's fine, he's probably dead by now.

God, imagine dubbing this for Fox Kids. "Oh, that last series got pretty dark but now they just have to fight another kid so how bad could--"

ONSCREEN WHIPPING OF RUNAWAY SLAVES. And to a character we know and love.

I mean, it's not the .44 magnum episode but still. Have fun, Dub Team!

Gabumon: Try to stop us, Stinky! RedVegiemon: For trying to escape, you get to smell my roots! AND I HAVE ROOT ROT!!!

Yeah, they're. Not. Doing the whipping. They cut the shots of Gabumon being lashed, but keep abstract shots of RedVegiemon's tentacle being swung, which they recontextualize. They also keep the Gazimon averting their eyes and a wider shot of the region.

RedVegiemon: (swing) Smell this! (swing) Smell it again! Gabumon: That's disgusting! No more, please! RedVegiemon: You kidding!? I'm just warming up!

Freeze-frame of Gabumon lying prone on the ground without any of the lashing animations.

RedVegiemon: Hey, if you can't stand the smell, get out of the kitchen! YAAAAAGH!!!

And then the one hit they can't avoid: The 73rd lash that knocks Gabumon off the cliff.

Gabumon: (sinking into river) My fur is dry clean only! RedVegiemon: Let that be a lesson to all of you: Don't try to defy the power of the DIGIMON EMPEROR!!!

And we close with an ominous warning but also a quip to keep things light and silly.

Despite what RedVeggiemon thinks, Gabumon's alive. He pulls himself out of the river, too weak to even stand but within fifty feet or so of one of those Gate access televisions.

Gabumon: (weakly) I can't die here... I have to spread the word....

With what little strength he has left, Gabumon crawls towards the Gate.

Gabumon: Everyone... Yamato....

He doesn't make it. Gabumon collapses in front of the TV.

Meanwhile, in the other reality, Yamato's band is in the middle of a concert. He's playing his guitar onstage to a crowd of screaming fangirls waving glowsticks.

In a bit of fourth-wall breaking fun, Yamato is singing "Walk on the Edge". The song was released on a music and drama CD around the time the Pinocchimon arc started, and here it's contextualized as a song he wrote for his band about his experiences in the Digital World.

Specifically, it seems to be about the fight he had with Taichi, and where his headspace was at during that time. The full lyrics are:

We're not ready yet; Just look at us! If I'm right and they break us, then what was even the point? If this is what you want, then I won't stop you. But just because you're passionate, it doesn't mean you're right. Cool off. Keep a level head. No matter what the game is, there's always a chance to win. I'm just fine on my own! I'll walk the edge of the knife. I'm not trying to act tough. But the weaker I get, the less bratty I become. Still, I can't find the data. But you'll see me become myself. I'll be cool. Won't give in to myself. No matter what the rules are, I'll break through them. Possible. Impossible. But we, the Chosen Children, can do it. I have a passionate heart too, but I can't use it as a shield. I'm just fine on my own! I'll walk the edge of the knife. I'll walk the edge of the knife!

I love the implication that Yamato's musical career came out of him unpacking the events of Digimon Adventure. It's such a natural extension of him pouring his feelings into his harmonica.

And also, out of everything he says in this song, "I have a passionate heart too but I can't use it as a shield" is the sickest burn he delivers to Taichi. That lyric is, without question, about Taichi's retaliatory "We'll fuck 'em up and get revenge and then I won't have to feel this way!" trauma response.

And now he's playing it to a giant crowd so that every girl their age in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area knows how much Taichi sucks. Yamato truly did get the last laugh. Though we only come in at "I can't use it as a shield" and the closing chorus.

In the dub:

Gabumon: (straining) I've got to... tell the others... They need to be warned.... (Gabumon crawls towards the TV) Gabumon: I have to find Matt.... (Gabumon collapses) Gabumon: Man, I stink....

Again, closing with a laugh line to try and ease off the darkness here.

Dub Team also has an original song for Matt and his band to sing. It's called "I Turn Around" and was recorded exclusively for the show. The lyrics are:

You've got a boy, you've got a girl, sitting' underneath a tree. They sit there everyday and even though, you may think this is the way the things should be, it may not always be that way. You can't take nothing for granted! You've gotta live life today! I turn around and I can see what's behind me. I turn back around and I can see what's ahead. And if you don't believe I'll be here all along, just turn around. Just turn around You wanna get, you gotta give. There is no other way to be. So give it a try. If what I say is really so, you got to let somebody see. You can't just keep it inside. You can't take nothing for granted! You've gotta live life today! I turn around and I can see what's behind me. I turn back around and I can see what's ahead. And if you don't believe I'll be here all along, just turn around. Just turn around You can't take nothing for granted! You've gotta live life today! I turn around and I can see what's behind me. I turn back around and I can see what's ahead. And if you don't believe I'll be here all along, just turn around. Just turn around I turn around and I can see what's behind me. I turn back around and I can see what's ahead. And if you don't believe I'll be here all along, just turn around. Just turn around

It's a bit more Generic Pop Song but still has something to say about life's unpredictability. Which makes sense for something a kid that was Isekai'd suddenly one summer might feel about life, but isn't referencing any specific moment of Matt's journey.

Once Yamato's concert finishes, he meets with Takeru out in the hall.

Yamato: So then, the immediate problem is that we need a place to hide the Gotsumon? Takeru: Onii-chan, do you know of any good places? Yamato: I don't know....

Nipping that conversation in the bud, one of the girls from the crowd runs up to Yamato with a marker.

Girl: Hey, can I get an autograph? Yamato: Sure.

Yamato takes the marker. The girl turns around so he can write it on the back of her white shirt.

Yamato: And your name is...? Girl: Motomiya. Motomiya Jun. Takeru: Eh!? Motomiya Jun!? You wouldn't happen to be Daisuke-kun's older sister, would you? Jun: That's right, but... who are you? Yamato: He's my little brother Takeru. Takeru: It's nice to meet you. Daisuke-kun and I are classmates. Jun: Is that right? Well, aren't you cute? You sign too!

Having collected Yamato's signature, Jun hands the marker over to Takeru and presents her back for his autograph.

Takeru: Eh!? Jun: Daisuke isn't cute at all. I wish my little brother was more like you guys.

Takeru's startled by the request, but he goes ahead and signs Jun's shirt. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Daisuke sees that signature.

The dub kicks us off with a tortured pun.

Matt: Listen, T.K., just because I have a rock band, it doesn't mean I can hide a band of rocks that happen to be Digimon! T.K.: Well, think about it. Maybe they can be your backup singers. Matt: They sound too gravelly.

Goddammit, it was a bait and switch! The bad pun lulled me into a false sense of security only for Matt to follow up with a killer dad joke. XD

Girl: OHHHH!!! Can I have your autograph!? Matt: Sure. What's your name? Girl: Just make it to Jun Motomiya. T.K.: Did you say Motomiya? You wouldn't happen to be Davis's sister, would you? Jun: Yeah, that's right. Who are you? Matt: His name's T.K. He's my little brother. T.K.: It's nice to meet you, Jun. Your younger brother Davis and I are in the same class together. Jun: Will you sign my shirt too? I get all the cute boys to sign it. (Jun gives T.K. the marker) Jun: You may not know it, but I haven't washed this shirt in two years! T.K.: There's not a lot of room. Jun: I know. I think all boys are cute!

In the original, Jun's fangirling out over teenage rock icon Yamato and wants signatures from him and his cutie-patootie little brother.

Dub Jun, I guess, is a boy-crazy shirt fiend committing crimes against laundry, who roams the land with her marker looking for anyone male-shaped to sign her shirt. She isn't here for Yamato in particular.

Additionally, the "All the boys sign my shirt" thing replaces Jun shit-talking Daisuke, which will have ramifications for the plot down the road.

As fun as Jun is, beeping from Yamato's Digivice interrupts this conversation. He pulls it out, seeing the same flashing red symbols on his Digivice as Taichi got back in episode 1.

A moment later, Takeru's pocket computer goes off.

Takeru: Ah! My D-Terminal too!

Finally have a name for those little devices.

Takeru isn't getting the same message as Yamato, however. Instead, his is an email from Miyako.

Takeru: "SOS Signal Received. Come to Clubroom. Miyako." Onii-chan! Yamato: Is it Gabumon!?

The boys race off as fast as they can, leaving a confused Jun behind.

Once they're all gathered in the clubroom, nobody minces words. With a fierce look in her eyes, Miyako opens the Gate.

Miyako: Chosen Children... Roll out!

Here we have the start of a Miyako catchphrase. Pretty much everyone who's ever watched the subs knows Miyako for repeated phrases like "Bingo!" and "Chosen Children, let's roll!"

While she does say the English word "Bingo!", you have the subbers to thank for "Let's roll".

The phrase is "選ばれし子供たち出動! Erabareshi Kodomo-tachi, shutsudou!

The first part is, of course, Chosen Children. 出動 Shutsudou is a military-style order to dispatch into the field. Chosen children, deploy! Roll out! Engage! March!

I went back and forth about whether or not to change "Let's roll" because it's pretty iconic. But I ultimately settled on changing it for one reason, which we'll get to in a second. I went with "Roll out" so that it retains some semblance of "Let's roll", but there is a critical flaw in having her say "Let's roll" here.

In the dub:

Matt: There's some kind of trouble in the Digital World. T.K.: I just got an email. It's from Yolei. It says "Emergency! Hurry back to school!" Emergency? Matt: I hope Gabumon's okay. (Matt and T.K. return to T.K.'s school) Yolei: Back off, Davis! You're making me nervous! Davis: Can't you go any faster!? Yolei: Alright, the Gate's open. Shall we go?

Gotta add a bit of dialogue because we haven't made Davis out to be a dick in a while.

Minor nitpick: Yolei asks "Shall we go?" but she's not coming with us. She's staying behind, so it's weird for her to include herself in the group of people who will be going.

This, incidentally, is also the problem with translating 出動 shutsudou as "Let's roll" in this instance. We are not rolling anywhere. You are deploying but I am not.

Daisuke, Iori, Takeru, Hikari, and Yamato all cross over into the Digital World. They arrive right in front of Gabumon's prone body.

Yamato: Gabumon! Gabumon: (slowly picks himself up) Ugh... Yamato...? Yamato: Hang in there, Gabumon!

Yamato quickly moves to Gabumon's side. However, his presence seems to rejuvenate Gabumon, who leaps to his feet with excitement.

Gabumon: Ahhhh! I've missed you! Yamato: What's wrong? What happened? Gabumon: Uh, you see--

Before Gabumon can get into it, the TV screen changes to show Miyako over in the human world.

Miyako: Everyone, I'm going over to Izumi-senpai's place to get my Digivice back. Poromon: In the meantime, I'll be serving as your contact. Daisuke: Got it.

Once that's settled, the TV shuts off. Tailmon offers some dry exposition.

Tailmon: This TV sends the SOS Signal to the other world. Agumon said the TV was how he contacted Taichi. Hikari: Is that right?

So as long as you're near one of these TVs, you can send one of those flashing red SOS messages to your Partner's Digivice. And not necessarily just your Partner, as Miyako picked up Gabumon's SOS as well.

In the dub:

Matt: Gabumon! Gabumon: ...oh, Matt.... Matt: Gabumon, are you okay? Gabumon: Let's just say... I'll never look at steamed vegetables the same way. Matt: Okay, I want you to tell me everything that happened. Gabumon: Good! We never talk anymore....

Gabumon sounds delirious. The smell must still be getting to him.

Yolei: Hey, everybody! I'm going over to Izzy's to get my Digivice back and then I'll meet up with you there. Poromon: (speaking rhythmically, as if reciting a poem) Have no fear while Yolei's gone / This place shall be guarded by Poromon! Davis: Stay in touch! Gatomon: Why do they call those things on top of the TV rabbit ears? Why don't they call them cat ears? After all, when was the last time you saw a rabbit sleeping on top of a TV? Kari: This is what you think of?

Miyako says nothing about joining them later. She will, though, so it's fair for Yolei to say that.

I don't know why Poromon is rhyming but I dig it.

They cut out Gatomon's dry exposition, replacing it with rambling. So we don't get to find out how the SOS Signal works in this version, but you can still glean it from context. It was pretty obvious that Gabumon was trying to reach the TV to send the signal out.

While Daisuke and Hikari were over at the TV, Yamato and Takeru have been debriefing Gabumon.

Patamon: Guys, we know our destination.

Gabumon leads them through the woods until the hillside town comes into view.

Gabumon: That is the city of Santa Geria. It used to be a beautiful city until the Digimon Kaiser came and imprisoned all of the city's Digimon. Tailmon: That tower! There was one at the place with the Gotsumon too! Gabumon: That's called a Dark Tower. The Digimon Kaiser built it. Daisuke: Alright, let's go-- Yamato: Wait!

Before Daisuke can get ahead of himself, Yamato stops him.

Yamato: Let me remind you that our goal is to free the captured Digimon. Daisuke: (dismissive) I know that! Armor Evolution will get it done in no time-- Takeru: That won't work. Daisuke: Huh? Takeru: If we do that, they might use the hostage Digimon as shields. Hikari: He's right. We're here to rescue the hostages. You're putting the cart before the horse. Daisuke: Gehhh!?!?

Everybody is trying to nip a Taichi Incident in the bud right now.

In the dub:

Patamon: Okay, break's over! Let's get back to work. (Gabumon shows them to the city) Gabumon: It's a small village called Santa Caria. Davis: Cool! Sounds like it's in California! Gabumon: It was always a quiet place. Everyone minded their own business. And then the Digimon Emperor came along. Gatomon: Look! There's one of those things that scared the Gotsumon! Gabumon: The Emperor calls them Control Spires.

...that scared the Gotsumon? The only person who reacted in any way to the Control Spire at the previous location was Gatomon.

Davis: Let's go-- Matt: Wait! Davis: Huh? Matt: We can't just rush in there. For all you know, he's in there waiting for us and this whole thing is just some kind of ambush! Davis: All we have to do is Armor Digivolve and blow them apart-- T.K.: It's not that simple! Davis: Huh? T.K.: He might be using some of the Digimon hostages as a shield to protect himself. Kari: T.K.'s right. We have to find a way to rescue the hostages and make sure that none of them get hurt. Davis: Gahhhhh....

Yamato, Takeru, and Hikari are all very clear in the original that this is a rescue mission and they can't have Daisuke compromising that mission because he's itching for a fight.

In the dub, T.K. and Kari still bring up the possibility of hostage Digimon used as shields, but Matt's main concern is that this is a trap.

It's not. The Digimon Kaiser is not out there claiming territories to trick them.

With Daisuke's passion now tempered, the strategy talk continues.

Patamon: The Guards are Veggiemon, right? They throw poop at you. Yamato: What do you know about RedVeggiemon? Patamon: Well....

While the veterans discuss shop, Daisuke gripes to Iori.

Daisuke: Tch! They're leaving us out of the loop. Iori, let's just go do it. Iori: No, I want to hear the plan. (Iori leaves Daisuke to join the others) Daisuke: TCH!!!

Iori joins the rest of the team as they start walking. It's time to move out.

Yamato: Alright, we'll infiltrate the prison-- Daisuke: H-Hang on a second! We're bringing Hikari-chan with us!? I'm against that! What with the poop enemies and all.... Hikari: It's fine. Takeru: You already saw the poop attacks in our last adventure, right? Hikari: Yep.

SHE WAS QUEEN OF THE FUCKING NUMEMON

Daisuke: Fuck you, Takeru! Don't you have even a bit of Telepathy!? Takeru: Telepathy? Iori: He meant to say Delicacy.

Specifically, he was trying to say the English word "delicacy" and landed on the English "telepathy". This joke will not translate into the dub. Nonetheless, Takeru, Hikari, and Iori all have a good laugh at the expense of Daisuke's poor grasp on English.

Iori humbly recognizes that he's new here and should defer to the wisdom and guidance of the veterans. But Daisuke is chomping at the bit, and is becoming increasingly a problem as his pride gets more and more wounded.

In the dub:

Patamon: They're being guarded by the Vegiemon. Watch out for the Digi-Sludge! Matt: Patamon, tell us everything you know about RedVegiemon. Patamon: Okay! Davis: (griping) Well, it looks like we're not needed around here. Let's go off and do things our own way! Cody: I think we should all stick together. Davis: UGH!!! Matt: Alright, I've got a plan to sneak into the prison. Davis: Wait a minute! It's too dangerous. We can't take the chance that any of us, especially Kari, might be attacked with that Digi-Sludge. Kari: No big deal. T.K.: Yeah, we've been attacked by a lot worse things than Digi-Sludge. Right, Kari? Kari: Yeah! Davis: GAH!!! I can't even believe you're not worried about Kari's wellbeing, T.A. T.K.: T.A.? Cody: He forgot how to spell T.K.!

Yeah, doesn't translate so they fit the running "Davis either can't or won't say T.K.'s name right" gag in. Though it doesn't quite fit; Davis has been doing this since episode 1 but they react like this is new.

But there's the added problem that they need to censor out poop. Davis refusing to let Kari encounter "Digi-Sludge" isn't something that makes a lot of sense. With poop, you kinda get what he's objecting to.

So they rewrote his objection to just... patronizingly feeling like this situation is too dangerous for Kari.

Which comes right out of left field as opposed to the poop thing, but still gets across the core point of this moment: That he's patronizingly talking down someone who's already walked these roads before.

Daisuke still sees Hikari as just this cool girl he has a crush on, and not the experienced Digimon veteran that she is. He only knows her as Taichi's little sister, and not as the Light of the Eight Gods. Which comes across just fine in Davis's dialogue.

The words themselves are a little awkward, but the spirit of the scene is captured pretty well.

Time to put the plan into action. The Chosen Children approach the front gate of Santa Geria, where five Vegiemon stand guard.

Veggiemon: HALT!!! Who are you supposed to be? Tailmon: We've captured the escaped Digimon and his nakama.

Per Yamato's plan, they've created counterfeit black Rings. Tailmon wears one over her right glove. Patamon and Armadimon have theirs around their waists. Then V-mon has his on his left forearm.

All are easily visible to the Veggiemon, as proof that they too serve the Digimon Kaiser. Meanwhile, the five children and Gabumon are tied together and forced to march.

Patamon: We'll throw them in prison! Armadimon: Come on! Double time it dagyaa!

The "minions" march the children into the city at a jogging pace, while the Veggiemon guards throw poop at them for funsies and laugh mockingly.

Once they're in the city and no longer in sight of the guard, they stop.

Patamon: They didn't even notice the fake Rings. Tailmon: That may be, but don't let your guard down. We're in the middle of enemy territory.

Seems like a solid time to go to commercial!

In the dub:

Vegiemon: STOP RIGHT THERE!!! Identify yourselves! Gatomon: It's okay. We're one of you. We just captured a Digimon and their friends. Patamon: Where are you taking us!? Armadillomon: Pipe down! You're all going to jail where you belong! (They march the children past the guards) Armadillomon: Move it, move it, move it! Patamon: Those guys didn't even notice these Rings are plastic. Gatomon: Don't start feeling too frisky yet. The first set of guards were just flunkies. We haven't even faced the pick of the litter, and even if we get past them, we still have to find a way to destroy the Control Spire!

Man, it's amazing that they didn't get caught given that Patamon blows his fucking lines. He's supposed to be one of the escorting troops but he talks like he's one of the captives. It's a good thing Armadillomon rolls with it so well.

Also, we are not trying to destroy the Control Spire. The dub is making the same mistake as Daisuke. It thinks we're here to kick ass and make the Digimon Emperor's forces eat dirt.

Coming back from commercial, a Veggiemon hurls the "prisoners" into a cell with the Gazimon.

Veggiemon: Quit wasting time and get in there! You'll each be punished with 100 lashes tomorrow! NYEHEHEHEHE GREAT JOB EVERYONE--eh?

While the Veggiemon is busy gloating, the other Digimon remove their fake Rings.

Tailmon: Great job to you too. NEKO PUNCH!!!

Tailmon's hit sends the Veggiemon back against the bars, knocking them out. V-mon and Armadimon jump the other three Veggiemon, with Armadimon pinning two while V-mon pummels the third.

(V-mon, your opponent is totally helpless. Punch the Ring, you dipshit.)

In the dub:

Vegiemon: Thanks for bringing the prisoners in. The Emperor will be pleased. We could have gotten 'em ourselves, you know. But I guess you beat us to the punch--DAH!!! (The team removes their fake Dark Rings) Gatomon: By the way, speaking of punch: LIGHTNING PAW!!!

I mean. They weren't about to have Veggiemon threaten the whipping, so instead they set up an ironic pun.

Jailbreak successful; Now we just need to get these Gazimon out of the city. Patamon scouts ahead and guides the team through Santa Geria's streets.

Rounding a corner, he does a sudden 180 and turns on the others.

Patamon: ACK STOP!!!

There are five Vegiemon down the stairs.

V-mon: This place is crawling with guards all of a sudden. Daisuke: (pulls out Digivice) Looks like we're up.

Daisuke takes a step to round the corner and confront the Vegiemon, but Yamato grabs him by the shoulder and pulls him back.

Yamato: Wait. After all the trouble we went to to rescue these Digimon, you're going to drag them into this? Daisuke: ...geh....

Daisuke isn't happy about it but he relents.

Gabumon: Let's go back up. We can head for the black tower on the hill. Patamon: Sounds good to me!

Patamon flies over Gabumon and the Gazimon's head, taking up a new scouting position for their new direction. The team moves out, except Daisuke and V-mon who hesitate in the back for a moment.

Daisuke stomps the ground in frustration.

Daisuke: WHY!?!? WHY!?!? V-mon: (concerned) Daisuke....

He's losing it.

In the dub::

Patamon: Quiet, there are more guards! Vegiemon: (faint) I got a straight, GYAHAHAHA!!! Veemon: The exit is blocked! We'll never get out now! Davis: (pulls out his Digivice) I'm tired of hiding anyway. Let's fight! (Davis tries to go out there but Matt stops him) Matt: Easy there, junior. You have to learn that fighting's not the only answer. It should only be your last resort. Davis: Mrrr.... Gabumon: Let's go back this way. We'll come out on top near the Control Spire! Patamon: Good idea! (Everyone heads that way) Davis: NNNNNNNGH WHY WON'T ANYONE LISTEN TO ME!?!? Veemon: What'd you say?

I love that the Vegiemon are playing poker. The original offers no explanation for why five of them are clustered together in this one random corner of the city.

Yamato offers a clear and concise reason for why Daisuke shouldn't go start a fight: It would endanger the Gazimon we came here to save, who are with us right now.

Matt only offers anti-violence platitudes.

The team makes its way up the hill towards the Dark Tower. Patamon seems to have given up scouting and flies near the back with Takeru. Yamato leads the way while Daisuke takes up the rear, pouting with his hands in his pockets.

Takeru: Oh, by the way, Daisuke-kun! I met your big sister today. Daisuke: Yeah, so what? Takeru: So what? Daisuke: My sister was talking trash about me. Takeru: That's not quite-- Daisuke: No, she was.

Yeah, she was. She called him uncute and said she wishes she had a brother like Takeru instead. It's pretty mild, but she was trash-talking him.

Incidentally, Daisuke refers to his sister with the slang term 姉貴 aneki instead of the more respectful お姉さん onee-san or お姉ちゃん onee-chan. This doesn't convey anything about their relationship; Just that, like Taichi, Daisuke's the kind of boy to use slang language.

Daisuke: My sister always has to badmouth me to every single person she meets. She hates me. Well, I hate that scary girl too, so that's fine. Yamato: HEY!!!

Overhearing this conversation pisses off Yamato, who comes running to yell at Daisuke.

Yamato: What the hell is wrong with you!? Daisuke: What!? Yamato: If you were my little brother, I wouldn't let that slide. I'd knock you on your ass! Daisuke: That's funny. Go on and hit me then! HIT ME!!!

Takeru grabs Yamato from behind, holding him back.

Takeru: Stop it! You aren't going to hit him, Onii-chan. You wouldn't do it, would you? Yamato: (puts down his fists) I won't. (to Daisuke) But watch your mouth!

With that, Yamato and Takeru turn back towards the front of the group and leave Daisuke in the back.

Daisuke's been pretty much a shit for this whole episode so far, but I feel for him with this one. Everybody's family situation is different. Daisuke isn't the good guy here, but he isn't the bad guy either. It's clear that his relationship with Jun is strained, but we don't know enough to know why.

By contrast, Yamato's behavior here is way out-of-line. He is, by his own admission, projecting himself and Takeru onto Jun and Daisuke's relationship. We don't know enough to know if Daisuke's being a brat and neither does he. Depending on context, Daisuke's statements may warrant correction, but "Shut the fuck up or I'll shut you up" isn't helping.

In the dub:

T.K.: Hey Davis, I almost forgot. I saw your sister today. Davis: Yeah? So what? T.K.: So nothing. Davis: She probably had a lot of bad things to say about me, didn't she? T.K.: Well, actually-- Davis: I know! She said that I bite my toenails and spit them on the floor and I used to suck my thumb until about a month ago! That I wet the bed every other Thursday; It was laundry day so it was alright. Well, she talked too much so when I see her, I'll teach her a lesson! Matt: Thanks for sharing but she didn't mention any of that! (Matt angrily runs to the back of the group) Davis: Say what? Matt: Your sister didn't say anything bad about you! In fact, she didn't even mention you! YOU'RE the one with the big mouth! Davis: If you've got a problem with me, why don't we settle it right now!? Matt: Hmph! (raises fists) (T.K. grabs Matt from behind) T.K.: Come on, Matt! Don't fight! He's younger than you are! He doesn't know any better. Matt: (puts down his fists) I don't care how young he is. He'd better learn some respect.

Here we see why they jettisoned Jun badmouthing Daisuke. It's so that they could rewrite this conversation as Davis being, just, the worst little shit who ever lived. Making wild, unreasonable accusations about his sister and then threatening violence against her to retaliate for the things she never said.

Absolutely wild to have Matt saying "Your sister never said anything bad about you!" and then it's true but only because they rewrote the scene where she did.

Now Jun is completely innocent of the accusation. At the same time, Davis is so much more nasty and aggressive and violent that it implies he might be abusing her.

Additionally, they cut out Yamato snapping and threatening to hit Daisuke. Instead, it's Davis who nearly provokes Matt into fighting because he's such a piece of shit.

What especially sucks is that the laundry day bit is a pretty solid joke. "It's laundry day so it's okay to wet the bed every other Thursday" implies that this is premeditated. That he plans to wet the bed at the time of least inconvenience. That's... absolutely hilarious, but it's ruined by the context it's in.

Once Takeru and Yamato are gone, Daisuke grumbles about how attacked he feels.

Daisuke: Asshole should stay the hell out of it! I can say whatever I want about that stupid girl. Hikari: Stop it, Daisuke-kun! Daisuke: Eh? Hikari: I hate anyone who'd badmouth his own big sister! Daisuke: Hate...?

Daisuke flinches as if struck. In his mind, he envisions a rose, with Hikari plucking petals as he imagines her speaking.

Hikari: (pluck) Hate. Hikari: (pluck) Hate. Hikari: (the entire rose disintegrates) Hate. Hikari: I HATE DAISUKE!!!

Apparently that was the end of the conversation, because Hikari returned to the group while Daisuke was spiraling into despair. As the team and their rescued Gazimon truck onwards, Daisuke remains behind, paralyzed.

V-mon: Daisuke.... Daisuke: She doesn't like me... Hikari-chan doesn't like me.... V-mon: (thinking) I've never seen Daisuke so depressed before. I have to cheer him up. V-mon: Daisuke!

Whatever V-mon intends to do, we cut away from it so we don't overhear.

In the dub:

Davis: Who does he think he is!? It's my sister and if I wanna call her names, that's what I'm gonna do! After all, that's what brothers are here for! Kari: That's enough, Davis! Davis: Huh!? Kari: I can't stand anyone who talks bad about their brother or sister! Davis: Me!?

Hikari specifies お姉さん onee-san, meaning older sister. She can't stand someone who'd badmouth their own older sister. She's clearly singling out Daisuke specifically.

Kari doesn't like hearing badmouthing of any sort of sibling.

In Davis's hallucination, he talks as if he's the one plucking petals even though it's clearly Hikari's hand.

Davis: (Kari plucks) She loves me. Davis: (Kari plucks) She hates me. Davis: (Rose disintegrates) She loves me. Davis: SHE HATES MEEEEEEEEE!!!

It's not well-timed to the animation. He almost gets all the way through "She hates me" before Kari's second pluck.

Veemon: Davis! What's the matter? Davis: It's Kari. She hates me. She thinks I'm a disgusting, worthless piece of dirt. Veemon: (thinking) I've never seen Davis so depressed. I've gotta cheer him up. (gasp) I know! Veemon: Knock knock!

That'll do it. Thanks, Veemon.

Once at the top of the hill, the group runs into a problem: There isn't a way down. The other side is an overhang above a vast chasm.

Takeru: We're going down from here? Hikari: It's too high! We won't make it!

(Hikari getting Piemon's observatory flashbacks. If anyone sees a basket with a rope in it, you leave that the fuck alone.)

Yamato: We'll need a rope or something.... Gabumon: I'll double back and try to find one. Gazimon: Wait for us!

Two of the Gazimon approach Gabumon.

Gazimon: To repay you for freeing us, we'll go. Gabumon: Thank you. In that case, let's go together.

Gabumon and the Gazimon head back the way they came. But as they pass Daisuke and V-mon, they're taken out by a poop barrage. The Gazimon in front both take poops to the face and fall back, knocking over Gabumon.

Gabumon: Euuuuugh....

While Gabumon whines, poops nail him in the face and shoulder.

The Veggiemon horde has found them. And, at their head, is RedVeggiemon.

RedVeggiemon: We won't allow that!

Okay, Daisuke. I think it's finally fight time.

In the dub:

T.K.: How do we get down from here!? Kari: There's no way to do it! It's too steep! Matt: If we only had a rope or something, we could climb down. Gabumon: No problem! I'll go look for one. Gazimon: Wait! We'll be the rope. We'll just hang onto each other and you can climb down the bunny slope. Our way of saying thanks! Gabumon: That would be great! Okay, let's go! (Gabumon and Gazimon descend past Davis and get hit by Digi-Sludge) Gabumon: Eugh.... RedVegiemon: Ha! No one's going anywhere!

Okay, first off, there are five of them. That isn't nearly enough Gazimon to form a monkey-chain all the way down this huge drop. Especially when they're like two feet tall apiece.

Second, this bizarre plan makes the following choreography confusing. There is now no explanation for why, after agreeing to this plan, Gabumon and the two Gazimon leave the cliffside and descend past Davis and Veemon on the way back to town.

Alright, we're boned and the stealthy approach is dead. Now is finally Daisuke's time.

V-mon: Yes, I'm in! Check this out, Daisuke. Daisuke: Eh? V-mon: They might be red, but they're still part of the Veggiemon nakama, right? They can't be that strong. I'll show you how cool I am, and that'll cheer you up!

V-mon charges into battle without another word.

Daisuke: Cheer me up--HEY, V-MON!!! Gabumon: V-MON, WAIT!!!

V-mon charges straight into RedVeggiemon's spiked club of a tendril. The hit knocks him back and causes him to briefly stumble, but he manages to keep his footing.

V-mon: Tch! RedVeggiemon: If this hits, it'll really hurt. RED HOT MACHINE GUN!!!

RedVeggiemon opens their mouth and fires a barrage of chili peppers. The attack completely blindsides V-mon, with multiple pepper bullets striking him in the face and knocking him on his back.

V-mon: WAUGH!!! Daisuke: Everyone, Armor Evolve! Iori: Right!

It's too late, though. The Veggiemon jump Daisuke and Iori, binding them with their tendrils so they can't activate their Digimentals.

Veggiemon: We won't let you!

With Takeru and Hikari also bound, Patamon makes a Hail Mary charge straight for RedVeggiemon. Their Red Hot Machine Gun shoots him out of the sky.

RedVeggiemon: HAZARD BREATH!!!

For the rest, RedVeggiemon lets out his noxious fumes, incapacitating them from the foul stench. Yamato, Gabumon, Tailmon, Armadimon, and the Gazimon are helpless against the foul odor.

Gabumon: Ugh, it smells like a bathroom.... Tailmon: It's killing my nose! Armadimon: I can't move!

The Veggiemon quickly descend upon them as well.

In the dub:

Veemon: Alright, Davis, it's time for action! Davis: Huh? Veemon: I'm gonna take that overgrown tomato and turn him into vegetable soup! RedVegiemon: Hehehehehe.... Veemon: I'm gonna make vegetarians around the world proud! That ought to cheer you up! Davis: But-- Veemon: VEE HEADBUTT!!!

Veemon calls his attack here rather than simply charging in blind. Still gets popped in the face for his trouble though - With a white flash to obscure the impact.

RedVegiemon: And now for side dish: CHILI PEPPER PUMMEL!!! (Chili Pepper Pummel takes out Veemon) Davis: VEEMON!!! ARMOR-DIGIVOLVE!!! Cody: YEAH-- (Vegiemon take out Davis and Cody. More chili peppers drop Patamon.) RedVegiemon: STINK JET!!! Digimon: (miscellaneous noises while being gassed)

They took out a few lines of fight banter. Davis directs his instruction to Armor Digivolve to Veemon, whereas Daisuke was calling out to the whole team.

With the Chosen Children soundly defeated, RedVeggiemon triumphantly hoists V-mon aloft, wrapped up in both tendrils.

V-mon: I-I'm sorry, guys.... RedVeggiemon: An apology won't save you now!

RedVeggiemon slams V-mon down hard on the ground and releases him.

Daisuke: V-MON!!! V-mon: (pained) Daisuke.... RedVeggiemon: Now, it's time for this guy to take his 100 lashes! Watch closely!

Calling out his lashes, RedVeggiemon strikes V-mon first in the face, then the second and third go to his gut. V-mon stands back up, defiantly facing down his torturer.

RedVeggiemon: You've got some guts, don't you? But how long can you hold out?

Lashes four, five, and six are all shots to the face, trying to knock V-mon back to the ground. To his credit, he manages to stay standing through four and five, despite offering no resistance to speak of.

Gabumon: I can't watch! Yamato: There's nothing we can do! Daisuke: L-Let go.... V-mon!

Despite having three separate Veggiemon holding him back, Daisuke manages to take a couple steps forward. It's a futile gesture, however, as they wrestle him to the ground.

V-mon, back on the ground, tries to crawl to Daisuke.

V-mon: Daisuke--AUGH!!!

A hard lash to his back puts a stop to that. As the beating continues and V-mon screams and yelps offscreen, we pan over the rest of the team. Everybody's averting their eyes from V-mon's torture.

In the dub:

Veemon: Put me down or I'll toss you like a salad! RedVegiemon: In case you've forgotten, I have the upper hand here! (RedVegiemon slams Veemon) Davis: Urgh... VEEMON!!! Veemon: ... RedVegiemon: The key to good cooking is to always tenderize thoroughly like so!

Yeah, no getting away with "smell my stinky roots" this time. It's hard to disguise Veemon's beating.

They do, however, obscure the first three hits. They use a white flash to obscure the impact from the first, though you can still see it pretty well. Then they cut away before the second hit, going to a wider shot from a distance that keeps the pair in silhouette for a second, third, and fourth lashes.

(I think they played the footage of the third lash in reverse and then let it play forward again, because this shot was originally for one hit. It showed him moving from second to third, but they managed to get three hits out of it. Pretty clever, honestly.)

Veemon: (standing up) Is that your best shot!? RedVegiemon: Are you kidding? We're just getting started! How do you feel about flying!?

They cut lashes four and five, keeping only the sixth that seems to knock him off his feet. They also add an "object sailing through the air" sound to go with RedVegiemon's comment, even though the distance between them isn't going to grow any.

Gabumon: I can't watch this! Matt: Veemon doesn't stand a chance against him! Davis: VEEMON!!! I'M COMING!!! (Vegiemon wrestle Davis to the ground)

The scene of V-mon crawling on the ground and taking a hit to the back gets cut.

Lot of slicing and dicing needs to happen to get this scene to broadcast without the censors having a conniption, and we're not even done beating V-mon half to death yet.

The brutality continues, with V-mon grunting and yelping in pain with each count.

RedVeggiemon: 69! 70! 71! 72! 73! 74! 75! 76! 77! 78!

For the 69 through 72, they replay the footage from 4, 5, 6, and 7 but make it transparent, transposing it over a slowly zooming shot into the Dark Tower atop the hill.

73 through 76 appear as triangles showing V-mon's face contorted in pain, appearing once after another as RedVeggiemon calls the hits.

77 just shows Daisuke looking away with his eyes closed.

Then, at 78, we return to V-mon right after the hit has landed. RedVeggiemon lifts their tendril off V-mon's back, and V-mon picks himself up onto his hands and knees. Slowly, he climbs back to his feet.

V-mon: I can't give in... If I do, It'll make Daisuke's depression even worse!

Though RedVeggiemon doesn't call it, 79 hits V-mon right in the gut, knocking him back a couple steps towards the Dark Tower behind him.

Daisuke hears that, looking up suddenly.

Daisuke: (thinking) This is my fault. It's because I was feeling so dejected. He's trying to help me through it.

Despite the three Veggiemon holding him down, Daisuke finds the strength to stand up again.

Daisuke: HEY!!! CUT IT OUT!!! BEAT ME UP INSTEAD OF HIM!!! V-mon: DAISUKE!?!?

Daisuke's outburst distracts V-mon right before the next hit lands. The shot glances across his face and keeps going, hitting the Dark Tower behind him and cracking it. Still, it's enough to knock V-mon off his feet.

In the dub, we're getting some more editing.

RedVegiemon: Combine all your ingredients into a bowl. Next: STIR!!! BLEND!!! MIX!!! FRAPPE!!! And VOILA!!! The first course!

The transposed shots of V-mon getting hit are kept as made into non-animated still-frames of him recoiling in pain. Each one timed to RedVegiemon's cooking instructions. The four triangle slices of pain are presented together instead of one-at-a-time for the final hit.

The brutality here is implied, but still unmistakable.

RedVegiemon: Now, the entree! Veemon: (standing) No matter what you do, I'll never give up! I have to do my best to cheer Davis up, whatever the cost! Davis: (thinking) This whole thing is my fault! Veemon is doing this just for me!

A couple more hits are cut, replaced by a frozen still-image of Veemon looking defiant before the beating starts anew.

Davis: VEEMON, YOU CAN STOP NOW!!! I'M HAPPY!!! I'M HAPPY!!! I'M HAPPY!!! Veemon: You are!?

A white flash obscures the point of impact with the hit that breaks part of the Control Spire.

Davis still tries to intervene, but stops short of volunteering to take Veemon's lashes for him. It's a little awkward that he's pleading with Veemon to stop being beaten instead of pleading with RedVegiemon to stop beating Veemon.

Davis might not realize that, from Veemon's perspective, the alternative to sticking it out for him is giving up and dying.

Daisuke: I'm begging you, let V-mon go! Don't do this! RedVeggiemon: Isn't this a beautiful friendship? Don't worry, once he's done, it will be your turn next. Daisuke: STOP IT!!!

RedVeggiemon cracks their tendril down on V-mon's back while he's trying to crawl to safety.

As he explained at the outset, RedVeggiemon intends to administer the 100 lash penalty for every single person here. There is no 'instead'.

Yamato has managed to fetch his Digivice from his pocket but with the suppression from the Dark Digivice in effect, it's doing nothing.

Gabumon: If I could evolve.... Yamato: It's not responding! Gabumon: It's hopeless.... RedVeggiemon: 99!

The 99th hit lands in V-mon's gut. It shoves him back against the Dark Tower, cracking it further. I guess the Kaiser did not program his Rings to instill respect for his property. Seems like a pretty major oversight for a programming super-genius.

Daisuke: V-MON!!! RedVeggiemon: You've held up pretty well! This next one will be the last. I'LL SEND YOU TO HELL!!!

Saying the quiet part out loud, RedVeggiemon confirms that you're not supposed to survive the 100-lash penalty. It's a form of execution.

For the final lash, RedVeggiemon raises both tendrils and shoots them forward.

Daisuke: V-MOOO-- Daisuke & Yamato: --OOOOOOO-- Daisuke, Yamato, & Gabumon: --OOOOON!!!

As the fatal shot hurtles towards V-mon, Daisuke, Yamato, and Gabumon all appear one by one, crying out for him in chorus.

V-mon ducks away from the attack, darting to safety while RedVeggiemon's tendrils slam hard into the Dark Tower.

Energy surges through the Dark Tower. It crackles, malfunctioning from the damage inflicted to it by Ken's shitty programming.

In the dub, Davis finally starts talking to RedVegiemon.

Davis: Leave him alone now, you hear me? He's had enough! RedVegiemon: I don't doubt he's getting a little full, but he must have saved room for dessert and I've cooked up a sweet SURPRISE!!!

The lash to V-mon's back while he crawls away is cut.

Gabumon: If only I could Digivolve! Matt: There must be a way! Gabumon: But how...?

Matt and Gabumon are feeling a lot better about their chances of getting in this fight than their Japanese counterparts.

The gutshot that slams V-mon into the Dark Tower is kept, with a white flash to obscure the hit.

Davis: Veemon! RedVegiemon: And now here's the surprise I promised you: A double helping of SPIKE PUNCH!!! Davis: VEEMON!!! Matt: DUCK!!! Gabumon: NOW!!!

Matt and Gabumon might just be offering tactical advice. However, with the "There must be a way to Digivolve", there's a kinda-sorta implication that they might have planned to disable the Control Spire? Gatomon also mentioned earlier that destroying the Control Spire is part of their agenda here.

In the original, the team never intended to destroy the Dark Tower and have no idea what it does. RedVeggiemon breaking it with their reckless brutality is a happy accident. It's this moment when everyone finds out what, exactly, it does.

Suddenly Yamato's Digivice lights up. Gabumon wastes no time shaking off the Veggiemon holding him. Gabumon SHINKAAAAAA!!!!

With the old familiar sound of Show Me Your Brave Heart firing up, Gabumon evolves into Garurumon.

RedVeggiemon: W-WHAT!?!? Patamon: Gabumon.... Yamato: He was able to evolve....

With RedVeggiemon too busy olive oiling themselves to intervene, Garurumon turns on the Vegiemon. The horde releases the children and flees for their lives, to no avail.

Garurumon: FOX FIRE!!!

As Garurumon's flames wash over the retreating Veggiemon, we'll... Uh... We'll hope for the best, that the attack only destroyed their Rings.

In the dub:

Matt: Gabumon! How did you Digivolve!? (Garurumon scares the Vegiemon into retreat, then attacks) Garurumon: HOWLING BLASTER!!!

RedVegiemon doesn't get to react with more than just his face, sadly.

With the children no longer restrained, the tide has turned. Daisuke whips out his Digivice to join the fray.

Daisuke: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Leaving punishment mode behind, RedVegiemon goes back into attack mode with another volley of Red Hot Machine Gun. Their chili peppers ricochet harmlessly off of Fladramon's right palm.

Fladramon's left punch, on the other hand, sends RedVegiemon cathartically tumbling across the hillside.

Daisuke: V-mon, you endured the enemy's whipping and managed to evolve! Now it's your turn! Fight with everything you have and finish this! GANBARRE, FLADRAMON!!! Fladramon: RIGHT!!!

V-mon has persevered through great adversity, and now it's time for him to push through to the end and overcome.

In the dub, Flamedramon calls his left punch as an attack.

Flamedramon: FLAME FIST!!! Davis: Boy, am I glad to see you, Flamedramon! It's time for a little payback! I think we should give this overgrown houseplant a real cooking lesson! Flamedramon, get 'em! Flamedramon: HIYAH!!!

Davis's triumphant energy doesn't quite match Daisuke's ganbarre speech but he's giving it his all nonetheless.

Ganbarre, Fladramon.

RedVeggiemon: What the hell!?

RedVeggiemon sends both spiked tendrils forward. Fladramon catches them, gripping them between his armored claws, and yanks RedVeggiemon forward onto their face. Then, using the tendrils for leverage, he hoists RedVeggiemon into the air and slams him down onto the ground again and again for some cathartic retribution.

RedVeggiemon: Is that all you've got!? Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

RedVeggiemon immediately regrets asking that, as Fladramon's fireballs tear into them and set them ablaze. They scream in pain until the fire relents, then fall flat on their back.

RedVeggiemon: I give up.... Daisuke: We won!

In the dub:

RedVegiemon: You want a piece of me!? (Flamedramon slams RedVegiemon over and over) RedVegiemon: That hurt.... Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! RedVegiemon: (on fire) Augh! I've heard of grilled vegetables, but this is ridiculous! (The fire recedes and RedVegiemon collapses) RedVegiemon: Ugh.... Davis: You did it!

Unsurprisingly, the dub covers up RedVegiemon's agonized screeching by giving him a quip.

Miyako: GUYS!!!

Only now, with the fight already finished, does the cavalry arrive.

Miyako arrives with reinforcements. She's brought Taichi and Koushiro as well as Hawkmon, Agumon, and the Gotsumon. They're all excited to see Garurumon in his Adult stage.

Taichi & Koushiro: GARURUMON!!! Agumon: How did you evolve!? Garurumon: Ah, I'm not sure either. Patamon: You were able to evolve after that tower cracked, right? Miyako: Eh? Then, if we destroyed the tower...? Armadimon: Got it! That's right up my alley. I'd be best for this dagyaa. Iori: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

In the dub:

Yolei: DAVIS!!! (Reinforcements arrive too late) Tai: Garurumon! Agumon: How were you able to Digivolve!? Garurumon: I'm not quite sure. Patamon: You know what I think? When RedVegiemon's punch cracked the Control Spire, we were free from its power. Hawkmon: They're certainly going to need a lot of glue. Armadillomon: We should destroy the Spire once and for all, and who better to do the job than Digmon? Cody: Yeah! DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

Yolei calls out directly to Davis instead of the whole team, and Hawkmon and Armadillomon rob her of her line. Rude.

Armadimon Armor Evolves into Digmon so he can take the entire obelisk with his Big Crack.

Digmon: BIG CRACK!!!

Once the Dark Tower falls, RedVeggiemon pulls off their Ring.

RedVeggiemon: Huh? What have I been doing all this time?

The other Veggiemon slide their Rings off as well.

Iori: Ah! The Evil Rings have lost their power! Miyako: So that's how it works. That makes sense. Hawkmon: What makes sense? Miyako: The tower isn't just for decoration. It's like a radio tower, channeling the Digimon Kaiser's power and spreading it across a wide area. Isn't that right, Izumi-senpai. Koushiro: Yes, I believe your theory is correct.

We officially have a name for the control devices beyond just calling them "the Rings". They are now Evil Rings, in English. I think Iori came up with that on the spot.

In the dub, Big Crack is no longer Gold Rush.

Digmon: ROCK CRACKIN'!!! (Digmon brings down the Control Spire) Digmon: Sorry, I forgot to yell timber! RedVegiemon: Whoa, did I get married while I was asleep? (The Vegiemon all remove their Dark Rings) Yolei: Oh, now I see how it works. Hawkmon: May I inquire as to what you're talking about? Yolei: The Spire. It acted like an electricity rod. The Digimon Emperor set it up to send out power to the Dark Rings, making it possible for him to control all of the Digimon throughout the area. Isn't that right, Izzy? Izzy: Yeah, I'm quite impressed with your theory, Yolei.

I'm not. She specifies that the Control Spire powers the Dark Rings, which is an incomplete explanation. It's also suppressing evolution. It's providing the signal for all of the Digimon Emperor effects in the region, not just the Dark Rings.

With this new discovery in mind, it's time to talk shop.

Taichi: The Chosen Children's objective is clear! Yamato: Yeah! To visit each area controlled by the Digimon Kaiser and destroy the towers he's built there. Takeru: We'll help with that (ganbaru), Onii-chan. Daisuke: So will I! Agumon: Plus, if we destroy the towers, we'll be able to evolve! Tailmon: It'll be easy! Taichi: Yes! Agumon, let's get to the Gotsumon's area! Hikari: Yeah! We'll come too!

Taichi and Hikari leave with their Partners and the Gotsumon. Yamato climbs up on Garurumon's back.

Yamato: We'll take responsibility for defending this area. Gazimon: (together) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

In the dub:

Tai: I wonder how many more Control Spires there are scattered around the Digital World? Matt: Well, whatever the number is, one thing we know for sure is they all have to be destroyed. Quite a tough mission for the new DigiDestined, don't you think? T.K.: Leave it to us! We can handle it! Davis: You said it! Agumon: I guess someone should take the Gotsumon back to their homes now. Gatomon: I'm all over it! Tai: Come on! I'll lead the way! Kari: I'm right behind you, big brother! (Tai and Kari leave with their Partners and the Gotsumon) Matt: Garurumon will stay here and protect you guys from the Emperor. Gazimon: GARURUMON!!!

Matt is eager to wash his hands and be done with all this. He singles out the new kids as solely responsible for destroying the Control Spires. Then he hands Garurumon over to the Gazimon and excludes himself from responsibility for their protection.

In the original, destroying the Dark Towers is now the responsibility of the Chosen Children as a whole, and the Gazimon will be defended by 俺達 ore-tachi, the pluralized first-person pronoun.

Leaving Taichi, Hikari, and Yamato to finish up in the Digital World, the rest of the team returns to Computer Club.

(Taking Hikari was a good idea. She's gonna be the boys' ticket home since their Digivices can't open the Gate.)

Daisuke: I know it was all my fault. You were worried about me. I'm sorry, V-mon. Chibimon: Daisuke, you've grown up a bit! Daisuke: Eh!?

Daisuke has learned a valuable lesson from all this. We're just not sure what it is.

No, I kid. Daisuke's learned that his attitude and behavior has a knock-on effect on the people around him. His foul attitude led directly to V-mon going off half-cocked to try and impress him, and getting his teeth kicked in from a fight they would rightly have won if they'd approached it more cautiously from the beginning.

V-mon made reckless mistakes trying to impress Daisuke because Daisuke was mad that no one liked his reckless ideas. He let his bad attitude compromise the mission and get his Partner hurt, and he's taking responsibility for that.

Once Daisuke's done apologizing to Chibimon while using the wrong name, Koushiro grabs their attention at the computer.

Koushiro: Everyone, please have a look at this. Miyako: What's this? Koushiro: While I was examining the Digivice I borrowed from Miyako-kun, I found this.

Koushiro pulls up the same grid of black and white squares that we saw in the Kaiser's control room earlier.

Koushiro: It looks like a Digital Map.

Koushiro taps a white square in the middle of a field of black squares with a pen.

Koushiro: This used to be black, but now it's white. Therefore, that must be the region where we brought down the tower. Iori: But the black areas of the Digital World are spread out so wide! Daisuke: (determined) Then that means we're just getting started.

Yeah, we're on episode 4. This ain't wrapping up that quickly. :P

The dub takes a commercial break before we return to the human world.

Yolei: I'm glad the Gotsumon aren't staying with us anymore. Every time they touched my CDs, they scratched them! Cody: And they clogged the sink when they brushed their teeth! Davis: They were kinda cool, though.

Davis's apology wouldn't hit nearly as hard when he didn't try and take Veemon's punishment for him. It especially doesn't hit as hard when the dub doesn't even bother. It spends that time having Yolei and Cody whine about the inconvenience of sheltering refugees for one day.

Izzy: Hey, everyone, I really think you should take a look at this. Yolei: Wow, what is that? Izzy: I found it when I was examining your Digivice, Yolei. It seems to be a map of the Digital World. (Izzy taps the white square with a pen) Izzy: Do you see this white square? Well, it used to be black until we destroyed the Control Spire. Unfortunately, there are a lot of black squares left and they all have Spires. Cody: Gee, Izzy, it's going to take a long time to turn all of those black squares into white ones. Davis: And how do we know he won't build new Spires?

Daisuke's gung-ho moment is turned into Davis asking what is honestly a valid question. We'll never be rid of the Spires as long as the Kaiser's still out there erecting more. We're basically playing Risk.

Meanwhile, back in the Digital World.

Greymon brings the Dark Tower back in the Gotsumon region crashing to the ground.

Taichi: (thumbs up) Agumon can evolve into Greymon too!

In his control room, the Digimon Kaiser seems to have noticed the second black square in his territory suddenly turning white.

Kaiser: Oh? That must have been their handiwork. Well, no matter. That area isn't tactically important.

It's just the gladiator pit where he makes slaves fight for funsies. He can always build another one.

Kaiser: At this pace, I'll have conquered the entire world in less than a year. (Digimon Kaiser stands up dramatically) Kaiser: Every last Digimon will bow before me, serve me, and worship me! Hahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

While the Kaiser laughs maniacally, the camera slowly zooms on Wormmon's concerned face, watching silently as Ken-chan loses it.

In the dub:

Greymon: They don't make Control Spires like they used to. Tai: Ha! Way to go, Greymon! You're a one-mon wrecking crew!

Yeah, the Emperor's been skimping on the materials to save money lately. The new ones they're building now are basically papier-mache over a wooden frame. Turns out a child's allowance only extends so far.

The cut to the Digimon Kaiser begins with his Dark Digivice and then cuts to a wider shot of him in his control room. The dub has his Digivice beep to alert him that a region's been lost.

Emperor: What!? A Spire was destroyed!? Must be those meddling kids! Oh well. Doesn't really matter. That area was pretty unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Within a year, I'll have every area under my full control. (Digimon Emperor stands up dramatically) Emperor: And then finally, every living thing in the Digital World will become my slave forever! And that includes those kids too! Hahahahahahahaha!!! Narrator: What is the Digimon Emperor's master plan? More pieces to the puzzle revealed on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.

...

This.

His master plan is this. He's going to build Control Spires all across the Digital World and enslave everyone.

He just. Told you.

Were you in the bathroom getting high all episode, Narrator?

Assessment: Surprised, after all the Yamato vs Daisuke build-up, that the episode never resolved that. V-mon's impulsive mistake to try and help Daisuke succeeded in pivoting the plot away from the growing tension between Daisuke and Yamato.

Daisuke learned a valuable lesson that relates to where he was at all episode emotionally, but he and Yamato never had the chance to bury the hatchet or have it out or what have you.

Yamato was definitely out-of-line when he threatened to hit Daisuke for trash-talking his sister. There is clearly hostility in Daisuke and Jun's relationship that we have insufficient information to assess, and it will be interesting to learn more down the road because this isn't the last we're seeing of Jun.