#Robo’s gaming woes

[robotoast03]

TFW you buy some ps2 games for your ps3, but your model isn’t the backwards compatible 80gb version.

[veilofthorns]

A few little thoughts I have about the shroud brothers

Ortho doesn't really need a body. He could be a head on a little car if he wanted. Why not add Moore arms

The movie hercules made a huge point that you can't kill gods but you can transform them. Hades is out there.... somewhere

Sure, idia saw snow and rain in shows and video games, but can you imagine the first time he felt a cold raindrop as a teen or adult like "WHY IS IT WET!?" With explains a lot about him actually. The island of woe has a controlled environment. The outdoors must be absolutely wild to him! That's probably why he likes video games so much. It's a controlled adventure with no surprises.

Idia grew up under the ocean. He could have his own little "part of your world" moment with his waifu collection. I imagine him reaching up to the surface like ariel surrounded by anime figurines.

There are two orthos running around this universe. Robo ortho is like Idia's son since he made him... also a little a bit of himself. Robo ortho is "the cooler idia" his brother and basically his son???

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I was so determined to hate chapter six as a diehard Hercules fan, because just from the first part, I thought they weren't doing the movie "justice" (whatever that means).

But I finally finished all of it, and oh MY GOD, I think it might just be my favorite chapter in the whole damn game.

My biggest complaint is that I wish there was more Shroud brothers content in it? I swear, I felt like I didn't know what was happening with them, like, 70% of the time.

When Idia goes down to Ortho in the beginning in his Chariot, I genuinely had no idea what he was planning and was completely thrown for a loop when he's suddenly on Ortho's side and behaving as the "big baddie." And then he overblots? What brought upon that? Was it because he spent too long down in Tartarus with the Phantoms and blot? But then isn't his curse supposed to burn blot? And are members of the Shroud family the only one who have the ability to run Styx because of their curse? Is that why Idia is fated to this future and this future alone?

I tried to read through the story twice to be sure but remained just....very confused!

(Sorry if you've already answered this before; I've been stalwartly avoiding any chapter six content until I read it myself!)

Nooo, not walking into something wanting to hate it… 😭 Personally, I try to give media the benefit of the doubt until I can experience it for myself and then make a sound judgement 💦 I don’t think any good comes from jumping the gun on content I have yet to see. A lot of stuff can be taken out of context in a bad way if you don’t know the full picture, and expecting the worst can set up the content to fail (confirmation bias, oof). I’m glad that you ended up liking episode 6 though, it’s definitely my favorite of the main story as well.

I think TWST is a lot stronger when it tries to do its own thing or it gets creative with its interpretations of Disney rather than loyally following the original’s ideas. (Episode 2 is a prominent example of how strongly adhering to the Disney inspiration can harm the narrative and weaken its characters 😔) TWST is meant to be a reinterpretation of classic Disney villains, so I like it when we can see just how far they can push the envelope and make a name for itself unrelated to what came before it.

I don’t think it can be helped that episode 6 didn’t seem to show much of Idia and Ortho; it had to balance a LOT of other characters, their development, and new lore in addition to the Shroud brothers and it was handled surprisingly well despite that bulk. I also feel like we spend a lot of time without Idia and/or Ortho due to… well, having to tiptoe around certain dark and sensitive subject matters?? Even in JP, some things had to be implied instead of explicitly stated. That requires reading between some of the lines or putting together vague events or lines of dialogue spoken from different parts of the episode.

When Idia flies down into Tartarus, he was just going to check on Ortho because he had a weird hunch once the holo-Ortho called him by his childhood nickname (Idy in EN, “nii-chan” in JP, whereas robo!Ortho usually called him Idia in EN and “nii-san” in JP). Idia was NOT going there expecting to OB, he was just convinced to give in to the temptation offered to him by the thought of reuniting with his dead brother. It’s not outright stayed, but you have to infer that Idia has been quietly suffering based on his gloomy attitude and self-deprecating, “woe is me” lines; him OBing is just a culmination of those frustrations and guilt surrounding Ortho. I believe the implication is that Idia OB’d quickly because Tartarus is teeming with Phantoms. The high amount of blot present overpowered the speed of his natural abilities to burn blot. Think of it like metabolism; Idia’s body could not burn the blot as fast as the blot was accumulating, and as a result, he was overwhelmed.

It was definitely stated in episode 6 (by Idia, then again in his post-OB flashback) that the Shrouds are ideal candidates for operating Styx due to the organization’s focus on blot research. Most of the other employees are humans with low magical reserves to minimize their changes of OBing, whereas the Shroud family direct the facilities, as their bodies are able to rapidly dispose of any blot they accumulate or come near. (However, as Idia alludes to, the Shrouds MUST be near blot to burn and/or generate blot themselves by using magic consistently, otherwise the curse will turn inward and start eating away at the cursed individual.)

It is also said that the Shrouds (a branch family) were a part of a rebellion against the main family (Jupiter), so they were punished by being forced into this particular line of work. Idia is essentially paying for the sins committed by his ancestors. Gate to the Underworld is also a hereditary UM which is unique to the Shrouds; only they are capable of managing the secure door that separates strong, ancient Phantoms from creeping into the real world and destroying it. Idia is, therefore, obligated to carry on the Shroud family legacy for the sake of the world.

Again, episode 6 throws a LOT at you so it may take some rereads and some thinking to put everything together. I still forget things or confuse the details, so I find myself constantly double-checking episode 6 if I'm referencing info from it.

[twst-drabbles]

In terms of the whole 'Who'd be your buddy?' question I would have to say: Ortho. He's a cool robo boy that's an absolute sweetheart! How can you not wanna be buddies with him! Especially since at times he's like. More competent than majority of the students. Epel probably is someone else I'd be inclined to befriend as a fellow feisty shortie who'll sneak him snacks when Vil isn't around. Fight on Epel, let your country rage loose!

But in terms of who I'll feel inclined to throw hands with, hooo boy. I feel like I won't be able to help being snarky back at Leona at times, especially in a real life context with no convenient knowledge of his emotional BG. "'Oh woe is me, a member of the 1%!' Cry me a river, freeloader!" Yeah, I'll be hoping I get nice flowers for my funeral.

If I don't die first by trying to pick a fight with a certain octopus mob boss. His 'benevolence' words that clearly are fake would just grind my gears. Unlike Leona, learning Azul's BG would make me wanna punch him more since I relate to being bullied before, especially at times for not being skinny. And would call out his hypocrisy for being as bad as his bullies a h a h a he's lucky he's pretty.

Ah Ortho, adorable as he is, because of how much he loves his brother and how fiercely he defends him, I wouldn't mind being around him, but I'd certainly avoid topics that involve his brother as I would want nothing to do with him. Don't want my ass blasted because I complained about his brother. Even though I say nothing but the truth. Sorry man, I can't hang out with a dude that sneers at me when I don't pick up the basics in a video game right away.

Let Epel be proud of his home town! Of his family! Of his heritage!

Also yeah, same on that front with Leona. Buddy, you can lament all you want about not being King, you're still mega fucking rich. You will succeed in anything else. You are set. You say you have expectations to meet and yet, here you are, not bothering with any of that. If you become king, motherfucker you'd be trapped. You have any fucking clue how little time you have to yourself, let alone sleep and nap? Leona, you're already moaning about how suffocated with the title of the second prince, you'd think you'd feel any better as king??? You wouldn't! You'd be miserable!

I often think about all those scenarios, where people write where what if Leona was king instead. Where he'd be a good and just king and happy where he is. I am of the believe that that's bullshit. He would not be happy. He would be the same bitter angry man, without the ability to sleep it off. I bet all my money that he'd overblot sooner because of the expectations placed upon him as king. And I wouldn't be shocked if that event actually took people's lives. I honestly don't see where people get that Leona being king would make him happy. It wouldn't. He doesn't to be king because of the position itself, he wants to be respect as a person of the royal family and not be treated as a spare. Someone that equal to his brother rather than below him. Being king isn't truly what he wants. But Leona isn't going to admit that.

Exactlyyyyyy Azul is a hypocrite and that's why I love to bully him in my stories! He's such a loser that he had to adopt the ruthlessness of his bullies to feel better about himself.

[theliterarywolf]

Watching Pat play through Hi-fi Rush and I can't believe this game has a zero to tentacles representative.

I'm SO SAD this game is XBox-exclusive! I have been hearing nothing but good things!

'But it's also available on Wind--'

WOE is MEEEEEEE...!

But as for your ask: is it the robo-werewolf dude?

[aghostsdestiny]

Me, who can only draw fleshy beings: "I wish I could draw Exos... i can draw people ok-ish, but robots elude me..."

A mecha artist: "I wish i could draw people's faces... my robots are alright but drawing people is impossible..."

... *stares at each other in awe*...

[ninjakasuga]

Sonally Celebration Week! Year Three, Day Six: Rescue

Sonally Celebration Week, Year Three, Day Six: Rescue

Day six, and admittedly the toughest piece to write since well, action scenes require more finesse than a domestic/slice of life story. The journey continues, and since my main focus mostly centers on Sonic and Sally’s post Robotnik/Eggman war peace time lives, I like to flex different events when the prompts give way to good inspiration. When one has to do with rescuing, well, let’s just say, if you’re dumb enough to harm someone’s children, woe comes to you in waves.

Day Six: Rescue.

It was supposed to have been a nice, pleasant day. Go to Spagonia with your big bro and his wife, enjoy flying in a fancy transport ship. While Sonic and Sally do the diplomatic thing, Sonia and Manic would watch J.C. and Kathy as they got to enjoy the city. See the sights, enjoy some ice cream and crepes from the city vendors, and just have a good old time! However, it wasn’t to last, the day was ruined when the sound of their ‘secret tail’ security guards crying out after being, well truthfully Sonia didn’t get to hear what exactly happened to their bodyguards (she hoped they were alive). All she heard was some muffled noise; some people screaming, and suddenly a van rolled up, and people in masks and jumpsuits grabbed and knocked them all out.

After coming too, she woke up to a bag over her head, only to have it torn off, and bright lights flashing in her face. A camera was aimed at them as some jerkoff using a voice-modulating helmet to obscure his identity was making some long list of demands and basically laid out they were collateral if those demands were not met. She tried to make everything out, but she was still groggy from waking up from whatever they used to knock her out. Manic was no better when she asked him if he gleaned anything she missed, sadly he was as groggy as she had been. She knew better than to ask the kids, clearly the six-year-olds were ‘terrified’ and wanted nothing more than to go home and jump into their parents arms.

Hell, the sixteen year old herself wanted to hug her parents just as badly. After that song and dance with the camera, all four were dragged to this cell of sorts, and left there with a guard detail. Whatever they wanted, they seemed to be serious, or at least wanted to come off that way. Her keen eye noticed some of their guards seemed unsettled. Like they were not keen they had kidnapped children. Maybe she, or Manic could use that? A little of the ol’ duo-charm to-.

“Auntie Sonia?” The small, childish voice snapped the older hedgehog out of her thoughts. Instantly her head snapped to the small child resting in her lap.

Forcing a calm smile, Sonia gently petted Kathleen’s soft auburn hair, which had blue tips at the end. Many thought it was dyed, but it was merely something that seemed to happen to both children, who inherited their Mother’s auburn tresses. Yet at the tips, bits of blue would form over time. No doubt the stubbornness of her big brother’s genes at work. Just hand to mingle with Sally’s.

“What’s up kiddo?” She asked her niece as she continued to stroke her head, and did her best to seem calm and collected. She and Manic were the adults here, they needed to be strong for these precious babies.

Green eyes look up, then over to the cell door, then back to Sonia’s own. “I wanna go home.” A simple request, but what child wouldn’t want to go home with this kind of situation abound? “Why do these guys wanna be mean to Mommy and Daddy?”

Another voice spoke up, the disdain high and snark on full. “Cuz they’re- and I quote.” Manic Hedgehog interjected, keeping his voice calm, and then upping the volume as he aimed his words at their guard. “A BUNCHA COWARDS WHO RESORT TO KIDNAPPING KIDS!!” He shouted with full malice at their captors, which made both children recoil, and his sister wince.

“Manic!” Hissed Sonia as she reached out and yanked at his ear. “Stop it! You’re just making it harder for J.C. and Kathy!” She growled at her brother, her eyes going to the door to their cell and sure enough their masked guard had turned to regard them. Thankfully he just turned away and went back to guarding.

“Well these bozos need to know what kind of d*ckless, wussies they are!” Retorted Manic, the green-dyed-furred hedgehog with a growl in his voice. Usually Manic was chill, and easy-going with a touch of mischief. He was running red right now, his niece, nephew and sister being put in danger can do that to someone. “Plus they’re f*cking idiots!”

“Manic, language!” Sonia chastised further as she covered his mouth with a hand. “Not that I disagree with you, but is antagonizing our captors the wisest idea?!”

Removing her hand from his mouth, Manic let out a dismissive snort. Yet his gaze softened some as he saw the kids were looking antsy again. “Maybe not, but seriously what kind of idiots kidnaps the Prince and Princess of a Kingdom? I mean, you want a war? Plus think of their parents, heroes of the war against the Big Robo and Big Eggy! I mean that’s a recipe for doom more than my Taco Tuesday Blowout Cookout.” The food wasn’t the issue, so much as the aftermath, but worth it in Manic’s eyes.

A small rumbling was heard and J.C. blushed as eyes rested on him. “...I’m hungry, and Uncle Manic makes great tacos.” He managed a smile, despite clearly still being scared.”

“Heheh, once we get out I’ll make us all some.” Manic promised as he lovingly scratched the back of his nephew’s ears. He did the same for Kathleen, not wanting her to feel left out. “Also, sorry about the yelling and language, I’m just pis-er-pointedly angry at the bad guys.”

“We’re ‘not’ the bad guys.” Their guard finally spoke, snorting loudly. The way he seemed to clutch his weapon and his covered tail (they seemed intent to make it hard to guess their species) twitch and move, hinted at his anger at such an accusation.

Despite having just chastised Manic for antagonizing their captors; Sonia found herself unable to not engage them. “Not from where we’re standing. Uncouth as my brother put it, he called it right. Nobody who kidnaps children are the good guys.”

“We’re not going to harm you, we’re just sending a message.” His steadfast tone, carried a firmness of whatever convictions he carried about their unknown ‘cause’.

“What sort of message? We’re kidnapping your kids, so we invite you to come kick our butts? Seriously, what else do you expect?” Sonia inquired, keeping her tone polite, hoping perhaps this guard might spill some kernel of information they could use. Then a thought occurred to her. “What happened to the bodyguards watching us? I heard them cry out, did you capture them too or did you kill them?”

“We shot them, but we didn’t shoot to kill.” The guard callously responded. “They should live.”

“Do you know that for a fact? Even a crippling gunshot can lead to death if they bleed out before they get help or the injury causes the right amount of trauma. I heard multiple muffled sounds… If they got shot multiple times that increases the chances they didn’t make it.” The magenta-dyed hedgehog stated with cold, medical fact. “They also had families, so nice job dipwad, you possibly widowed and orphaned two families.” It was petty, but seeing his body language shift and just slightly shake before firming back up gave Sonia a sense of satisfaction. “You could have used stun-blasters.”

The guard hissed back his reply, but she could tell he was trying to justify his words to himself. “You can’t silence stun-blasters.”

Rolling his eyes, Manic decided to chime in. “So you bozos prioritized not making noise, over making your little power grab as bloodless as possible.”

“If they die, our leaders will make it right, all of this has a purpose! It’s to make things better-!”

It wasn’t Sonia or Manic that cut the man off, but J.C.’s small but clearly angry voice. “So making Mr. Hunigan and Mrs. Fletcher dead is alright when you say so?” The boy’s fists clenched tightly. “They were nice people, and we know their kids, they’re our friends… you took their Dad n’ Mom from them you-you, j-jerk!”

“Gee, even the six year old can see it clear as day.” Sonia icily sneered at their captor, scooting closer she slid both her arms around her family and kept them close.

“Mommy, sh-she and Daddy are gonna find us.” Kathleen managed to speak up, wiping her eyes, like her brother managed the most fearsome glare she could. “They’ll find us and kick your butts! They’re heroes, they always save the day!”

Turning, the guard’s helmet, visor and cloth covering their mouth obscured whatever Mobian species they were. “Your parents are part of the problem! If not for the Acorn Kingdom’s meddling along with the other outsider nations, we wouldn’t need to do this!”

“Only meanies justify their actions by blaming others!” Humphed the young princess as she turned her head away, as if to utterly disregard her captor. Oh Sonia and Manic’s heart swelled.

“I gotta agree with Kathy here, sounds like blame-gaming here-.” Manic mused, only to be cut off by their clearly irate captor.

“If they hadn’t meddled with the trade tariffs making exporting goods harder, not to mention their invasive meddling with our affiliate cities-!”

A lightbulb went off in Sonia’s head. “Wait, wait, time out!” She put her hands together in the referee gesture to hopefully get a word in. “You guys are blaming them for the trade issues and the Acorn Kingdom’s presence in your sister cities? Um, dude, hoo boy, you are probably being played by whoever your leaders are.”

“Bite your tongue-!” “Okay you know what, screw that, and kids I’m sorry but-.” After giving her niece and nephew an apologetic look, she quickly sent her captor a fiery glare. “First off, F*CK you! Second, the Kingdom sent delegations to those cities BY REQUEST! The mayors asked for aid in looking into some oddities with exports from Spagonia going in and out because they realized something was hinky with the weird laws and micro-managing coming out of Spagonia’s Trade & Commerce Ministry. Any of your Minister’s calling the investigations meddling or preludes to occupation are trying to play the dodge game moron! Second of all, the tariff problem? I shouldn’t say this, but I love talking shop with my sis-in-law, and boy a lot of the issues stem from how they were set up, like someone ‘wanted’ the tariffs to cause issues and sow discord. It’s a big political set-up but my big-brained Sis likes big-brained chess and she’s onto some corruption from within Spagonia’s Trade & Commerce Ministry.”

She watched as the guard looked uneasy, and his compatriot to the far way seemed to be listening in as well and had lowered his weapon some. “That, that can’t be possible.”

Footsteps could be heard as another similarly dressed guard walked into view of the first one. “Ignore them comrade, they’re trying to unnerve you.” “What if it’s true our leaders are lying to us? Given who some of them are-.” “Shut your mouth before you give anything away!” The other, more burly guard hissed as he raised a gloved hand, poised to smack his comrade if he didn’t do as he said. With his associate cowed, he turned to the cell and pointed his weapon. “Shut your mouths or I might just have to shut it for you.”

Manic moved in front of his sister, nephew and niece, arms out. “Touch them buddy, and you and I are gonna tussle!”

“Uncle Manny don’t!” “D-don’t get hurt!” “Manny…” Sonia held the children close, but tried to soothe her brother. “Don’t, they’re clearly too deluded to listen.”

“You will see it is you who is delusional!” The burly captor spoke, with a zeal of a true-believer. “Once it’s clear your Queen and your treacherous nation are outed as the villains they are, things will become bet-.”

Suddenly the entire room rumbled, and the sound of muffled shouts, and fighting could be heard in the other room. All their captors turned toward the metal door just out of view of Sonia, Manic and the children. Suddenly the door flies off its hinges, slamming into the far guard who cried out in pain and terror as they are taken out. A familiar ‘rev up’ sound is heard and then a blue blur slams into the burly captor sending him flying. As the sounds of fists fly, another far off captor raises their weapon, only for the sound of jets to get clouder and a familiar southern drawl is heard shouting. “TAKE A NAP YA’ CREEP!” A blaster bolt is heard firing off screen. Soon a blue energy blast hits the captor, causing them to drop their weapon as the stun-bolt freezes their whole body. As another guard attempts to fight, the flying Rabbot zooms him and body-tackles the would-be-attacker, a loud, thick ‘crunch’ of metal hitting flesh is heard. Clearly a one-hit-KO.

The original guard readies their weapon, trying to pick a target, clearly panicking. “Ho-hold or I’ll shoot!”

*KER-SLICE!!*

Their weapon is cleaved in two, falling from their hands, and in the next half-second, the tip of the weapon responsible is held at their throat. This man finds himself looking into the very, angry blue eyes of the Queen of the Acorn Kingdom herself, Sally Acorn. Wielding an ornate sword with the crest of her family on the hilt, and ornate lines etched into the blade. For a second the guard swore the weapon’s blade glowed for a moment, but whatever the case, it was clear the Sword of Acorns (reforged and imbued with Sally’s residue Super energy) was capable of cutting quite nicely.

Her voice was ever commanding, calm and serene, yet deadly and potent. She was clearly angry, but using said anger as a laser-focused weapon instead of being consumed by it. For now.

“You will let my babies and my younger siblings out of that cell. Now, no questions. If you so much as dare do anything but I ask, you will regret it. Do not force me to spill blood before my children, because you WILL live to regret it.” She vowed.

“N’ she ain’t the only one you need ta’ worry about.” Uttered Bunnie Rabbot, as she got up from pummeling her foe into unconsciousness. She flexed both of her cybernetic arms which transformed into blaster mode on the right, and nasty energy axe on the left. “You further threaten my God-Children or Manny and Sonia’s well-being. I might just forget I’m a Southern Lady.” While plain and frank, there was a menace in her eyes mirroring Sally’s, and the hum of her weapons furthered showed she was not playing games.

A small ‘boom’ and a flash of blue from across the room, and the guard found Sonic the Hedgehog on the other side of him, arms crossed, and foot tapping rapidly. “Door, open, my kids and siblings safely in arms, now!’ He didn’t bother making threats, he didn’t need to.

The guard simply let out a pathetic sound, wet himself and passed out onto the floor.

Without a word, Sonic dug at their belt, found the key and quickly as he could unlocked the cell door, and threw it open. All anger, and intimidation left his face (as well as Sally and Bunnie who put away their weapons) as the look of a worried parent and brother overcame all else. “Are you four okay?! Did they hurt you any-?!” “DADDY, MOMMY!!” Instantly Kathleen, and J.C. dashed into the arms of their Father, with their Mother soon joining in the hug, checking them over.

“Oh my babies!” Sally clutched her family tightly, kissing the children all over their faces and tops of their heads, as she checked them for injuries. “It’s okay now, Daddy and Mommy are here, oh God I’m so sorry this happened, that we weren’t there to stop you from being taken.” She babbled, as the kept-in-check emotions burst from the dam she erected to focus on the rescue.

“We’re sorry, we’re sorry…” Sonic murmured, his heart still racing even with all his joy held firmly in his arms. Lifting his gaze, tear-stained he looked to his siblings worriedly. “How’re you two holding up? They didn’t hurt any of you did they?”

“Nah, they just… dragged us around at most.” Manic shrugged, but was clearly relieved this whole thing was over. As he stood he found his legs shaking, and leaned against his equally leg-shakey sister. “All that said, glad you guys found us so soon.” Moving closer, Bunnie shifted her arms, what was metal now, began to flash with energy and seemingly disassemble back to flesh and blood. The wonders of bio-nanite tech. Once her arms were organic again she pulled the two hedgehog siblings into a hug. “Sorry we didn’t get here sooner sugah, but we had to basically strong-arm some of the Spagonia government to give us the okay to act. Though once Sally n’ Sonic scared these bozos' supposed leaders into talkin’ they squealed like- well sumthin I can’t say within earshot of kiddos.”

Sonia let herself chuckle, relief and a sense of security flooding her being as she leaned into the hug. “So, lemme guess, the Trade Minister and his flunkies were the culprits?”

“Yeah, I mean we were gonna confront em’ with the evidence Nicole uncovered, but you all bein’ taken kinda forced our hands.” Bunnie further explained as she scratched the back of their ears soothingly. “U-Uncle Manny and Auntie Sonia, looked after us, we’re okay…” J.C. managed to speak once his throat wasn’t sore from crying (this time from happiness).

“Hmm-hmm, they’re the best as always!” Kathleen agreed, sniffling and wiping her eyes as she remained cocooned by her parents and brother.

Smiling, Sonic reached over and managed to give each of his younger siblings an affectionate arm-punch. “Somehow I knew they’d have it under control.” Well more hoped, but he didn’t want to devalue his sibling’s efforts. No if anything he wanted them to ride the pride of keeping themselves and the kids safe.

“Lucky for us, as Sonia called it, these guys were morons. Dangerous ones, but morons.” The green-furred hedgehog blew out a breath, and then he recalled something. “Um, ah, how’re Agent Fletcher and Hunigan?”

“Alive.” Sally replied, still nuzzling her children, still unwilling to let them go. Her own heartbeat was finally starting to calm down and the adrenaline high was crashing. “They were hurt badly, but both are tenacious and they got help just in time. They might have to retire from active duty early but we’ll be sure they’ll be looked after, their families too.”

“Oh thank goodness!” The two teens, and the younger children exclaimed, as joy at the news eased their hearts from the dread they felt prior.

Footsteps could be heard approaching, but the boot clomps’ were familiar. So no one tensed or got ready for another fight. Especially once Captain of the Royal Guard, Antoine D’Coolette emerged, wiping his sword blade clean with a cloth before sheathing it into its scabbard. “My Queen, ze fools have been disarmed, and rounded up. As you requested, we managed to take them all alive, if injured.” After a beat, he contemplated making a joke about some being ‘literally’ disarmed, but with the children there, he decided against it. “How are ze young ones?” He asked, decorum giving way to concerned God-Father, and as a fellow parent.

“Thankfully unhurt Sugah-Twan.” His wife replied, flashing a smile his way. “Where’s Tangle n’ Whisper?”

“Helping out Tails to ensure we didn’t miss anyone and secure the location.” Informed Antoine as he walked over, making sure all were fine, if to soothe his own fretful nature. They also will wish to zee’ that our rescuee’s are le’fine.”

Sniffing away the last of her tears, Kathleen looked up at her Mother. “Uncle Tails came too? I thought he was testing his new plane in the South Seas?”

“Once he heard the news, he jetted over as fast as he could and offered to help.” replied Sonic with a wide smirk of pride and relief for his ‘not-so-little’ bro. “Family sticks together, and well you guys are as much family as his own. Which by the way, I’m sure Tails will wanna set up a face-chat so Mina can see you’re all fine.”

“She is very fond of her biggest fans.” Chuckled Sally, who internally still found it ‘very’ weird, that Tails and Mina Mongoose hooked up. Their age gap wasn’t too bad, and clearly whatever happened to bring about their dating didn’t occur until Tais was eighteen/nineteen-ish. Then again he clearly had a thing for older women, at least his choices after Fiona Fox were an improved taste. As long as Mina was good to Tails, that was all she cared about, and they did seem like a good couple. Still weird but that was on her.

“Can we leave now?” J.C. asked softly looking up at both his parents hopefully.

“You got it son, we’ll juice n’ jam out of here and get you guys some food and tucked in for the night.”

“Can we have a sleepover in the hotel suite? Like all of us with blankets on the floor and pillows nests?” Asked Kathleen with big, hopefully eyes. A look her brother mirrored and nodded to her suggestion.

“Yeah, can we have a sleepover?!” Manic echoed, doing his best impersonation of the look.

“I don’t see why not, if everyone else is on board.” “Wouldn’t be hard for us all to fit in, big ol’ space, and like you could ask us to stay away after today.” Bunnie voiced her opinion with a warm smile at the children. Giving them assurance she was on board.

“Like the saying goes, the more the merrier.” Antoine stated to voice his blessing. “Plus I’m sure Bunnie and my own angels would love the idea as they too were worried about you four. As was your Nanny Miss Cream.” The coyote gently ruffled the hair of the two youngsters, his mind drifting to his children two years their senior. Yes, if they had been through this, he’d gladly acquiesce any whimsy they wanted within reason, and a sleepover to help soothe their nerves? A piece of cake.

Kathleen’s face fell as childish concern flooded her mind. “Oh no, that’s right, we were supposed to meet Jacque, Belle and Miss Cream after lunch…” “Hey they know we didn’t stand 'em’ up by choice.” Manic interjected as he flashed a smile and reached over to ruffle his niece’s cheek tufts.

“Let’s blow this pop stand, I want a hot bath, lots of bubbles and all the cheese cake…” Sonia muttered, feeling her own adrenaline rush and the weight of the whole ordeal finally sapping her energy.

“I hear that, let’s go home everyone.

[chrono-the-babe]

Happy 25th Anniversary to the best game ever!

Chrono Trigger is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt games I have ever played and I’m always proud to call this my favourite. 

This doodle dump isn’t what I had originally planned to create for this, but I think it’s still pretty cute, and tbh who doesn’t love seeing the gang with flowers (and a succulent) Every time I play this game or interact with it through fellow fans or making fan content, I grow more and more fond of it. 

I remember watching my dad play it in his study, and one time he let me control the characters while he left the room for a moment. It was the part where you climb Mt Woe, and even though I was already in love with how cool the game was, seeing the various types of magic I could use during fights was incredible. 

The first time I played on my own, I was 8, and I can almost feel the same wave of pure excitement at hearing wind scene after the teleporter incident and thinking ‘yup, this is it. This is the best game I’ve ever played.’ Everything about this game was so charming, and it was an absolute delight to fall in love with such a game at such a young age. I remember how distraught I was witnessing the ocean palace incident, how conflicted I felt taking an interest in Magus as a character after he had killed Cyrus and cursed Glenn, how inspiring it was to see Ayla running about and doing her own thing, relating and falling in love with Robo, seeing how smart Lucca was and how tenacious Marle was, seeing Frogs determination and resolve and to see how much pure love Chrono had for his friends. It was an absolute pleasure to grow up with this game, and compare in game character archs and behaviours to difficult times in my own life in order to grow into the kind of person I admired the most. 

Towards the end of school, things got pretty intense and difficult for me, and I took great comfort in the fact that this game had stayed just as brilliant as the first time I had played. I started making posts on tumblr, and eventually that led to me creating this blog. I started talking with people who shared my love and enthusiasm for this game, it has been an absolute delight. I’ve seen the different waves of fans come through each time a streamer or lets player decides on playing ct, bringing new fanart and hc and memes, and I’ve enjoyed getting the chance to hang out with and talk with other fans over long periods of time, and connecting with people who have also played this during their childhood and only recently found the niche groups I’ve helped create. 

Now as a young adult, having worked and continuing into further studies, I continue to fall in love with a beautiful game and be inspired by the many beautiful fans, some of whom I’m lucky enough to call friends. 

So happy anniversary to a game that I consider truly timeless.

[vice-s-assistant]

The post...

Let’s start with this: I’m not leaving on December 17th (unless it flags me as NSFW in which I will have no choice in the matter). I have invested a lot of time and energy in tumblr. Albeit, 3/4ths of that time is just stupid shit posts, but some of that was to my two passions: writing and fighting games. I enjoyed them a lot. I hope that enjoyment was rubbed off of here. My whole goal was to make fighting games more approachable, fun, and assist where I could. 

I know I’m not best person to talk to, can be very annoying with D+ dad level jokes, and have dumped a lot of woe is me on here. Part of me feels like I haven’t done jack shit except be a pain.

But I remember the stuff I did do here: Writing, meeting so many new people to talk to and shape my world view. I am really grateful for meeting so many people here. There’s been bumps, annoying spam, and one guy who was a dick for no reason. Such is life. 

Forgive the rambles, down below is my contact info. If you do reach out, please preferace with (I’m ____ from tumblr). I’ll be hear to still try and do my goal or I find an actual worthwhile place (soup.io would be my top choice but god that site looks like shit right now). 

If you need anyone to talk to, I am always here. For those leaving, I don’t blame you. I wish you the best of luck and do try to keep in touch.

Later

https://twitter.com/VicesAssistant (not on it as much but will try to be there soon)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJNzVAfR1NWx3HF6DxVS_A?

Steam: Vice_s_Assistant

Nintendo Network: VicesAssistant

PSN: Robo-Corey

3DS:1977-1058-2462

Discord: Vice’s Assistant (ditto as twitter; not used as much but that will change)

FightCade:VicezAssistant

XBL:Vice’s Assistant 

[nightmarefueler]

“Enemy has nothing left to give but gratitude.” Gratitude for WHAT? Stealing from it?

HAAAAA. NOT SO TOUGH AFTER A BIT OF GRINDING AND SWAPPING LUCCA OUT FOR ROBO, NOW ARE YA, YOU GIGA GAIA BASTARD???

And after the cataclysmic tidal wave caused by the fall of the Mountain of Woe, I must reiterate how much I freaking adore Schala’s theme. Then I will question why Melchior being imprisoned in that crystal was causing it to float in the first place and OH SHIT LORD DALTON’S HERE TO MESS EVERYTHING UP.

Oh, sweet, a new wea-- oh. The Ruby Knife is a key item. Considering how old this game is, I shouldn’t be so disappointed, but I am.

Wow. What a great fight. Dalton just hits us with his balls and then burps in defeat. GOOD.

Wait, a Gate? Why did-- OH. The Ocean Palace! And it. Has a freaking KICKASS THEME. ...One that doesn’t go away during battle. Is this gonna be the penultimate or final dungeon?

Delta Force... I swear, that could pass as the name of a Power Rangers season, but OH BUDDY, ELEMENTAL TRIANGLE.

Jeez, I’m getting a LOT of Lapises here, and what I can only assume is ACTUALLY the ultimate equipment... This really IS the final dungeon, isn’t it?

My GOD. Lavos utterly wrecked me, and MAGUS WAS THE PROPHET??? HOW FREAKING SHOCKING. notreally

Ffffwait. Magus was...trying to DESTROY Lavos this whole time?

And now...it comes to this. THAT happened. If only I hadn’t spoiled myself on that long ago, I’d be absolutely shocked over this! :’D

And with that, the Kingdom of Zeal falls, and with it, so many other people and the power of magic... Wow, what a spectacular failure this mission was.

[usainitiatives-blog]

January

Retail Frenzy 

Amongst American Apparel's demise and rumors that Boohoo are to buy Nasty Gal, The Limited announced that it would shutter its stores.

Brands and commentators are quick to blame eCommerce (Amazon in particular) for the industry's malaise, yet this article - which addresses the 'woes' facing retailers - inadvertently identifies the salient issue, many of these players are overwhelmed about where to focus their efforts. 

Patagonia will soon offer store credit in return for submitting old - but usable - unwanted items. The millennial appetite for sustainable clothing is not new, as Bloomberg reported and brands like Everlane and these were quick to recognize. (It dovetails with a wider demand for brand authenticity.)

Uniqlo will launch a line of modest wear, including the hijab, in Canada this February. 

This article believes that the beauty industry is doing more than any other to drive social change. To underpin the point, Maybelline have picked two male influencers / makeup artists - Shayla Mitchell and Manny Gutierrez - to be their ambassadors. Moreover, Sephora's inclusive #Neverstop campaign focuses on 5 women, one of whom is transgender.

Social Mobility Ford is to expand its ride-sharing 'Chariot' service to 8 new cities in 2017. It is designed to support areas that are poorly-served by existing bus or rail routes. Next, whilst Uber has resisted information-sharing with cities in the past they recently released 'Movements', a tool that aggregates data and lets anyone access information about inner city travel trends. It is based on historical data and is anonymous, yet it is interesting to consider whether it is a retrospective breach of data privacy; instead, should the company start collecting data, from this point forward (that it intends to share), having issued a new privacy update? Others, like Waze, also compile stats - ostensibly to help people go about their lives - but could this signal a new version of privatization? It is not unimaginable that cities will struggle under the weight of data-compilation, town planning, and public service delivery: could they look to collaborate with companies, supplying the demand (people) but passing fulfillment to a partner like Google or Ford who can change routes based on customer demand - that their stats reveal - unlike rigid railroads).  Small But Important

This Nielsen report gives a number of fascinating trends, not least that Generation X spends more time on social media than any other. 

L'Oreal have launched a connected brush that assesses your hair as you maintain it (such as brushing too hard). Interestingly, it features in this article about the worst connected devices at CES!

On a related note, JWT explore the role of phones in 'selfie healthcare', where facial recognition identifies symptoms. (See here for a real life version a few years back.)

Similarly, Accenture has found that one in 3 people would move their banking to Google, Amazon, or Facebook if they offered it. The primary reason is 'Robo-banking', which has less human interaction. This piece believes that fintech will continue to change banking, especially for consumers who struggle with the traditional model, like immigrants and those in rural areas. 

Under Armour have designed a sleepwear range (with Tom Brady) which aims to enhance recovery whilst analyzing your sleep, making recommendations about how to improve it.49.2% of all online purchases on the Monday before Christmas were made on Amazon. See here. 

More Amazon love, this time for Alexa, which this piece believes is still the best voice offering around. (Lots of great examples in there.)

Quartz claims that sports has outgrown any other retail category for the third year in a row. 

Founder and CEO of Trunk Club, Brian Spaly, has left the company three years after selling it to Nordstrom. It will be now be led by Nordstrom Rack's Terry Boyle. 

The bag maker Herschel will introduce men's and women's apparel. 

Target will soon launch 'Art Class' a range aimed at the 86m teens and tweens of Generation Z. It has been co-designed by 14 year-olds like Mercer Henderson (click here to feel like an under-achiever), and looks to tap into a $600bn sector.

The second wave of sCommerce has seemingly died as consumers fail to be enamored by the 'buy button', largely because the process is clunky. 

Nike, Reebok, and adidas have each issued intriguing adverts. Nike are trying to move away from its 'performance first' stance, whereas Reebok is rooting itself entirely in that heartland (despite having a link to street through 'Classic'). adidas continues to innovate, playing on its 'Originals' name to promote a series of cultural game changers. The link back to 'heritage' is created via the choice of music, 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra. 

Wal-Mart have discontinued their 'Prime' style service, claiming that 2 days is what people expect, so they should not charge them.

This video might be quite low-grade but it outlines Intel's vision for the future of in-store retail - such as knitting sweaters on-site in a printer-like fashion. Neat. 

On the flip side, Google and BMW are investing in virtual reality shopping with VR showrooms. 

Snapchat has had another redesign. FYI. 

Facebook are trying to tackle fake news, including adding a self-regulation 'Flag' option.

This is a great: Google's Android app saves searches that you make whilst offline and runs them as soon as you get service.

McDonald's have created an app, which, once downloaded, helps viewers find limited edition bottles of Big Mac sauce. They are given away on a first-come-first-serve basis, as long as you utter the words 'There's a Big Mac for that' (to the server).

If you liked the animator who upgraded his son's everyday adventures then you might enjoy this father's effort - he used a tiny camera to create a virtual reality walk-through of his daughter's doll's house for her. It's the little things...