#Working on Eric the Red was super exhausting though.

[thedreamworldlibrary]

Dreamers of Myths & Legends Chap. 6- Double Battle Rivalry

Hi guys! Took a break from working on this fanfic as the last chapter was SUPER long! Though this one longer. Then again, I have realized that most if not all my fanfics are starting to get longer by the day, and while it’s nice to have long fanfics it’s also exhausting. Plus I have other fanfics I want to get too, so my brain will jump between my other fanfics, however I want to finish one before I go to another fanfic.

I’ve tried multi-tasking, and that’s exhausting enough! I wouldn’t recommend it unless you're a pro at it. If you are then I need your guidance!

Alright enough rambling! Enjoy the fanfic!

Big thanks to @gigilefache for being my beta reader!

It was morning, and Oddity was the first one to wake up. He stretched and turned to Wiatt, who was still asleep. “Eevee! Vee!” Oddity beamed, trying to wake his trainer.

Wiatt slowly opened his eyes, but without his glasses, all he saw was a brown blur. However, he smiled knowing that brown blur, and went over to grab his glasses and put them on. “Morning Oddity.” He said.

“Eevee!” Oddity beamed nuzzling Wiatt’s cheek. The young boy chuckled and nuzzled his Pokémon back. The two got out of bed, not knowing that Wiatt stepped on Skiddo’s hoof.

Skiddo jumped and bleated in fear, waking the rest of the group up. Wiatt stepped back not knowing he stepped on the Mount Pokemon.

“S-Sorry Skiddo!” Wiatt exclaimed, apologizing to the grass-type Pokemon.

“Wiatt Nicholson!” Sara yelled, looking over her bunk. She glared at him as she went down the steps and faced the young boy pointing a finger in his face. “I can’t believe you would hurt my poor little Skiddo.” She pointed at Skiddo, who seemed calm now.

“It was an accident, Sara!” Wiatt yelled back. “I didn’t realize she was there!”

Sara wasn’t listening and approached her Skiddo, “Well you need to learn to be careful sometimes.” She said kneeling and petting her Pokémon. “You okay?”

Skiddo bleated in reply reassuring her trainer that it was indeed an accident and it wasn’t Wiatt’s fault. She sighed and hugged her Pokemon tight, still glaring at Wiatt.

The young boy glared back, making Oddity worried for his trainer.

“Yep,” Oliver spoke up. “The morning doesn’t start until those two start bickering.”

“Agreed darling,” Lewis replied.

Sprigatito let out a mew agreeing with her trainer.

Later, the group went to get ready for the day, but Wiatt was feeling impatient that Sara was hogging the bathroom. 

Wiatt knocked on the door and yelled, “Sara, could you hurry up, I need to brush my teeth!” He yelled.

Lewis and Oliver came out of the other bathroom and to their surprise saw Sara was still getting ready. “She’s still in the bathroom, darling?” Lewis asked.

“Yep,” Wiatt replied. “Is the other bathroom available?”

“Sorry, but once we were done Carly needed to use it,” Oliver answered. 

Wiatt sighed and knocked on the bathroom again, “Sara, please hurry up!” He exclaimed. Impatient, Wiatt decided to twist the doorknob and to his surprise, it was unlocked. 

However, Oddity sensed this was a bad idea.

“Sara, I’m just going to brush my teeth. I won't bother you.” He said as slowly went into the bathroom, but once the door was closed the other two boys heard a slap that made them flinch.

Wiatt slowly came out of the bathroom and locked the door before closing it. He turned to his friends, showing a red mark on his cheek, “I’ll wait a little longer.” He said.

“O-Okay.” Lewis and Oliver said at the same time, as their eyes turned into black dots.

“Vee.” Oddity sighed, knowing this was going to happen.

After getting all dressed, Lewis and Oliver decided to help Eric and Carly out with breakfast. As Lewis and Oliver set up the plates they heard feet running as well as yelling coming from, you guessed it, Sara and Wiatt.

“They’re still arguing?” Carly asked as she was setting up breakfast for the group’s Pokemon.

“Yep!” Lewis and Oliver replied.

Carly and Eric looked at each other and sighed at the same time. “It’s been a few weeks and they're still arguing. I thought they would get along by now.” Eric said.

“Same here,” Lewis said.

“Move!” Wiatt yelled.

“You move!” Sara yelled.

The two were shoving each other as they wanted to get to breakfast first. Due to all the shoving, they both fell to the ground and growled at each other.

“Morning.” Eric sighed.

“Morning!” Wiatt and Sara replied with a beaming smile, before going back to glaring and growling at one another.

Oddity and Skiddo walked around their trainers with concern. They looked at each other and sighed, as Skiddo used Vine Whip to help pick her trainer and her friend, but the two were still glaring at each other.

“Alright you two, knock it off!” Eric scolded, putting his hand on their shoulders. Wiatt and Sara crossed their arms and turned away from each other. Eric sighed, “Now you two have been having quarrels since you got here. I know you two could be great friends and partners.”

Wiatt and Sara glanced at each other before turning away.

Eric sighed again, “All alright. We’re going to handle this my way.” He said. “After breakfast, we’ll go to the nearby battlefield and you two could battle it out.”

This caught the researchers' attention as they faced each other and smirked. “I wouldn’t mind letting out my anger on you in a Pokémon battle,” Sara exclaimed.

“Same here,” Wiatt replied, getting up in her face.

“No, I mean you and Wiatt team up in a double battle against me and Lewis.” Eric corrected them.

Wiatt and Sara’s expressions disappeared as they frowned, realizing they had to work together. “O-Oh.” They said at the same time.

“Hey, it should be fun,” Oliver reassured his friends.

“Yeah, you two need it,” Lewis added, he then looked down at his Sprigatito, eating her breakfast. “Plus it would be great to show Eric Sprigatito's skills.”

Sprigatito meowed in joy before nuzzling on Lewis’s leg. The boy let out a chuckle and petted his Pokémon.

Oliver smiled and turned towards his two friends, “Come on you two, at least give it a try.” He said.

Sara and Wiatt looked at each other, thinking about the offer. “Guess it wouldn’t hurt,” Sara said. “I mean I am a good battler and Skiddo and I can handle it,” she then turned to her Pokémon, “Right Skiddo?”

Skiddo bleats in joy before continuing to eat.

“Ha!” Wiatt laughed, making Sara turn to glare. “I’ve only had Oddity for a year and I’ve seen how he battles right bud?”

“Eevee!” Oddity replied, wagging his tail.

“The point is, you're both good battlers.” Lewis reminded them, causing the two to turn towards their friend. “What Eric is trying to say is you both have to use combinations and work together in a double battle.” He explained. “That’s how you'll understand each other better.”

As Lewis explained, Wiatt and Sara looked at each other but still glared knowing that it wouldn't work. They wouldn’t say it out loud, but they’ll do it if only it will make their friends happy.

“Fine.” Wiatt and Sara said at the same time.

“We’ll give it a try,” Wiatt added.

The rest of the group smiled as the two agreed on it. “Great!” Eric beamed. “But I’m sure you two want some breakfast before battling.”

Sara and Wiatt’s stomachs rumble at the same time as they chuckled. “Guess I am getting hungry,” Sara said.

“Same!” Wiatt laughed.

The two sat down and ate breakfast with their friends. Once breakfast was over, everyone made it to the battlefield. Sara and Wiatt took the right side of the field while Lewis and Eric took the left side. Oliver watched as Carly decided to judge the battle.

While they were setting up, our evil trio, Team Rocket, was watching from outside the battlefield. “Now what are the twerps doing, battling this early in the morning?” Jessie asked.

“I don’t know, Jess,” Meowth replied. “But let’s watch.”

“Maybe whoever gets defeated first, we’ll jump into the scene and grab them!” James exclaimed.

Before the battle could start, Sara grabbed her Rotom Phone and started to scan Sprigatito and Ridley into her Pokedex.

“What are you doing?” Wiatt asked.

“Scanning our opponents' moves. I learned from my caretaker that before every battle it’s best to know what moves your opponent has so you're prepared.” Sara explained. 

She then saw that Lewis’s Sprigatito indeed had the moves: Leafage, Scratch, and Bite. While Ridley had the moves: Swift, Focus Punch, Double Team, and Tickle.

“Okay, I know what we’re dealing with,” Sara said as she put her Rotom phone away.

“Do you have to do that?” Wiatt asked. “Wouldn’t it be better to be surprised to know what moves your opponent has, rather than spoiling yourself?”

“And get sidetracked with an attack that can cause us to lose,” Sara replied. “Wiatt this is how we’re going to win, so stop being a killjoy.”

Wiatt glared, “You should know what being a killjoy is anyway..” He grumbled.

Sara’s eyes widened hearing her partner grumble something. Her eyes turned red as she started to burn up over what Wiatt said. “What did you say?” She asked.

“Alright!” Carly started. Sara went back to normal as she and Wiatt faced the young girl. “Rules are as follows, this double battle will not be timed and will end when both Pokemon are down for the count. Agreed?”

“Agreed!” The battlers exclaimed at the same time. The same went with their Pokemon. 

“Ready…begin!” Carly yelled.

“Sprigatito, use Leafage!” Lewis commanded.

“Ridley, use Swift!” Eric commanded.

Sprigatito let out a bunch of leaves from her neck while Ridley used his tail and let out a wave of stars.

“Dodge it!” Wiatt and Sara yelled at the same time.

Skiddo and Oddity jumped out of the way, missing the attacks.

“Skiddo, use Razor Leaf!” Sara commanded.

Skiddo launched her Razor Leaf attack at the opposing Pokemon.

“Ridley, use Swift to counter it!” Eric commanded.

Ridley jumped and used Swift again as the attack hit Skiddo’s oncoming Razor Leaf attack. The two attacks made an explosion of stars, making the two Pokemon realize their power is equal to each other.

“Oddity, Shadow Ball!” Wiatt commanded.

Oddity let out a purple orb from his mouth as he launched it at Sprigatito. However, Ridley went in front of Sprigatito and took the hit, however, no damage was done due to Shadow Ball being a ghost-type move.

Lewis sighed seeing his Sprigatito was safe, “thanks, Eric.”

“No problem,” Eric replied.

Seeing that Shadow Ball wouldn’t work with Ridley on the battlefield, Wiatt decided to go for a different attack. “Alright, Oddity use Quick Attack!” He commanded.

“Skiddo, you use Take Down!” Sara commanded.

The two Pokemon started to run towards the Pokemon on the opposing side. Oddity started to pick up speed with Quick Attack and hit Ridley. Ridley held his ground as he skied on the ground.

Skiddo on the other hand, used Take Down on Sprigatito who upon getting hit, did a twirl in the air and landed on her feet before smiling proudly.

Sara and Wiatt blinked in surprise before giving a glare to their friend. “Show off!” They said at the same time.

Lewis and Sprigatito looked at each other with a chuckle before facing the opposing team.

“Sprigatito, use Scratch on Oddity!” Lewis commanded.

“Ridley, use Focus Punch on Skiddo!” Eric commanded.

Sprigatito’s right paw glowed white Ridley’s tail glowed light blue as the two Pokemon were ready to launch their attacks on the other two Pokemon.

“Skiddo use Vine Whip and grab them!” Sara commanded.

Skiddo let out a bleat as vines appeared on her neck as she grabbed Sprigatito and Ridley. The two Pokemon struggled to break free from Skiddo’s vines, but the grass-type Pokemon held them tight.

“Great, now toss them and use Razor Leaf!” Sara commanded once more.

Skiddo threw the two Pokemon before switching to Razor Leaf and finally dealing damage on the opposing team. However, instead of crashing on the ground, Ridley used his tail to catch himself as Sprigatito landed gracefully on her toes.

“Oddity, use Double Kick!” Wiatt commanded.

“Skiddo use Take Down!” Sara commanded.

Oddity and Skiddo ran towards their opponent and the Eevee jumped ready to use Double Kick, however, he miscalculated the timing and ended up using Double Kick on Skiddo.

“Hey! What was that for?!” Sara asked angrily at Wiatt.

“S-Sorry I might’ve miscalculated that.” Wiatt apologized.

Sara growled, grabbing Wiatt by the collar of his shirt, “Do that again next time and I’ll Double Kick you!” She threatened.

“Ridley, Swift!” Eric commanded.

Sara and Wiatt turned and saw Ridley go up and use the Swift attack, which hit Oddity and Skiddo sending them back to their side of the battlefield. The two Pokemon quickly got up ready to battle again.

Wiatt was about to command Oddity to use an attack, but Sara cut him off. “Let me handle this!” She yelled. Skiddo use Take Down, once more!”

“Ridley! Double Team!” Eric commanded.

Skiddo went to use Take Down on Ridley, but the Aipom duplicated, causing Skiddo to skid to a halt. Soon multiples of Ridley appeared around the Mount Pokemon. Skiddo looked around to see which Ridley was the right one.

“Oddity, use your Jolteon attack to find the right Ridley!” Wiatt commanded.

Oddity’s furry collar sparkled with electricity as he launched a bolt of electricity at one of the Ridley copies, which then faded away. The Eevee used his electric move once again on another copy, but like before it faded away.

“Skiddo, use Razor Leaf on Ridley!” Sara commanded.

Skiddo then released Razor Leaf toward the copies of Ridley, however, one of the Razor Leaves hit Oddity causing him to collapse.

“Oddity!” Wiatt yelled. He growled and glared at his battle partner, “Why did you do that Sara?!”

“Me?” Sara asked. “I told you I can handle this, you just had to step in and ruin it.”

“We need to be working as a team! You're just calling all the shots!”

Carly and Oliver sighed, “This doesn’t look like what Dad planned.” She said.

“Yeah, the more they fight the more Eric and Lewis have the upper hand,” Oliver replied.

At that point, Skiddo cleared out all the copies, but couldn’t find the real Ridley. “Ready?” Eric asked Lewis. The latter nodded in reply. “Ridley, use Swift!”

“Sprigatito, use Leafage!” Lewis commanded.

Skiddo looked up to see Ridley appear from the trees and launched a Swift attack with his tail, as stars came out of them. At the same time, Sprigatito used Leafage on the duo.

Skiddo covered her eyes ready to take the hit, however, Oddity went in front of her and his body started to glow white, as the fur on his body went up. He then launched a Swift attack on his own, which then destroyed the on-coming Leafage and Swift.

This shocked everyone as Oddity stopped glowing and looked back at Skiddo. “Eevee?” He asked if the Pokemon was alright.

Skiddo belted in reply that she was alright, which made Oddity beam.

“Did Oddity just learn Swift?” Wiatt asked.

“Maybe,” Sara replied.

However, Eric was uncertain about the new move Oddity learned. “I don’t think Oddity used Swift.” He said.

“Well, what do you think it was?” Lewis asked.

Eric thought for a bit and realized what move Oddity learned. “I think I know what move that was.” The professor then smiled knowing how to end this battle. “Alright Ridley, use Focus Punch!”

Ridley’s tail glowed blue as he was ready to attack Skiddo and Oddity.

“Skiddo, use Bulldoze!” Sara commanded.

Skiddo then stomped her hooves as a shockwave of rocks came out from them, however Ridley used the rocks as platforms before hitting Skiddo.

“Oddity, let’s use Swift attack!” Wiatt commanded.

Oddity jumped up and tried to use Swift, but nothing happened leaving the poor Eevee confused.

“What?!” Wiatt exclaimed.

“Sprigatito use Bite!” Lewis commanded.

Sprigatito jumped and bit at Oddity’s tail, which made Oddity gasp in fear. He tried to shake the Grass Cat off his tail, and when he did Sprigatito was ready to use another attack.

“Now let’s use Leafage, darling!”

Sprigatito then launched leaves over at Oddity knocking him to Skiddo, knocking them both. The two Pokemon struggled to get up, as they were tired from battling before collapsing on the ground. The swirls in their eyes signified their defeat in battle making Wiatt and Sara shocked they lost the battle.

“Well, that settles it,” Carly spoke up and pointed over at the winning team. “Lewis and my dad won this battle.”

“Alright!” Lewis beamed. Sprigatito ran over to him jumped into his arms and licked his cheek making the young boy laugh. “You did amazing darling.”

“Meow. Meow.” Sprigatito beamed.

Eric kneeled down and petted Ridley on the head, “You did great as always buddy.” He said.

“Ai! Aipom!” Ridley beamed as he used his tail to give a peace sign.

“This is your fault, you know!” Sara yelled, causing everyone to turn to the duo.

“How is it my fault?” Wiatt asked, getting up in Sara’s face. “I was just battling like we were told!”

“Yeah, we could’ve won if you didn’t deal damage on Skiddo earlier!” Sara yelled back, getting up in Wiatt’s face.

While the two argued everyone sighed, seeing the two were still butting heads. Even their Pokemon were annoyed seeing the two argue.

“Yep, they're still at it.” Oliver said, walking over to Lewis and Eric.

“If this was to help us get along, why didn’t you come up with any combination, huh?!” Wiatt asked.

“Because I can handle a battle myself!” Sara replied.

Oddity and Skiddo sighed and the latter used her vines to tap the Eevee on the shoulder and used her vines to leave their trainers to fight and go somewhere away from the two. Oddity was unsure but seeing how mad his trainer was he decided to go with his friend. The two quietly snuck out of the battlefield and out of the facility where they went outside to train in the woods.

Team Rocket saw the Pokemon leave and smirked. “Come on, let's leave the twerps to their bickering and follow their Pokemon!” James suggested.

“Right!” Meowth and Jessie replied as the evil trio went to follow the Pokemon.

Back with Eric and his research team, Sara and Wiatt were still bickering. At that point, Sprigatito saw Oddity and Skiddo were gone.

“Meow! Meow!” Sprigatito mewled using her paws to tap Lewis on the arm.

Lewis looked down at his Pokémon, “what’s wrong darling?” He asked.

“Meow! Meow!” Sprigatito used her paw to point where Oddity and Sprigatito were standing and saw they were gone.

Wiatt and Sara stopped arguing and looked down to see their Pokémon were gone. “S-Skiddo?” Sara asked as she looked around to where her Pokemon went. “Skiddo! Where did you go?”

“Oddity!” Wiatt called out. “Where are you buddy?!”

The group looked around hoping the two Pokémon didn’t go too far. Oliver saw the door to the battlefield open seeing the two Pokemon had walked off.

“I think they left,” Oliver said.

“Left?!” Wiatt and Sara yelled. In a split second, the two trainers ran out of the battlefield to search for their Pokémon. They ran past Oliver so fast he spun around before getting a dizzy look on his face. Before he could pass out he was caught by Carly and Lewis.

“W-Wait up y-you…” Oliver groaned. “I feel sick.”

Meanwhile, Oddity and Skiddo were walking to a quiet clearing to train and work on their combinations. The Evolution Pokemon found a place and called out to his friend.

Skiddo belatedly asks Oddity about the place. The latter nodded and the two went through the bushes and found a perfect area to train for a bit and get away from their trainers.

Back with Eric, Carly, and the Dream Quartet, they searched for Skiddo and Oddity around the forest near the facility. Ridley looked from the trees and bushes, while Sprigatito tried her best to catch the scent of her friends. 

“Anything Ridley!” Eric yelled. Ridley appeared from the trees and shook his head.

“Did Ridley find them?” Carly asked.

Eric shook his head in reply and the father-daughter duo kept looking for their friends' Pokémon.

Sara and Wiatt on the other hand called out to their Pokémon.

“Oddity!” Wiatt yelled.

“Skiddo!” Sara yelled.

“Come on Oddity! Where are you!?” Wiatt yelled again.

“Skiddo! Come on out!” Sara yelled again.

Lewis and Oliver finally caught up with their friends. “Any luck?” Oliver asked.

“No,” Wiatt replied. “What about you guys?”

Oliver and Lewis shook their heads. Even Sprigatito shook her head but she too was worried about her friends.

Wiatt and Sara frowned before turning to each other and getting into another argument again. “This is all your fault!” They both shouted at the same time. “My fault! It’s your fault!”

Tired of the arguing Oliver took a deep breath and shouted, “Would you two knock it off!”

Oliver’s shout made everyone frozen in shock. Never had Oliver raised his voice at anyone before. The taller boy covered his mouth in shock, embarrassed at what he had just done. “Sorry, but I just had to.”

“Don’t need to apologize, darling,” Lewis said, putting his hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Someone needed to speak up about these two sooner or later.” He glanced at his two best friends, as his Sprigatito gave them the same look.

Wiatt and Sara looked at their friends, surprised before looking at each other. Guilt rushed through their faces realizing they were bickering non-stop. The two turned away with Sara rubbing her arm in regret.

“Face it you two, if you want to find your Pokemon you two need to work together.” Lewis reminded them.

“Meow!” Sprigatito added, agreeing with her trainer.

Wiatt and Sara looked at one another and while they didn’t want to, they had to. “Alright.” Wiatt sighed.

“Where do we suppose we look?” Sara asked. “We’ve looked everywhere!”

As Sara complained, Sprigatito’s ear twitched as she heard something not too far away. She jumped out of Lewis’s arms and listened to hear a battle going on not far from here. “Meow! Meow!” Sprigatito mewled.

“You heard something Sprigatito?” Lewis asked.

The Grass Cat Pokemon nodded and went to lead the group to where the noise was located.

“Follow her!” Lewis exclaimed as the four went to follow Sprigatito to a clearing. There, the Grass Cat Pokemon mewled finding the two Pokemon. “You found them?”

Spirgatito nodded and looked through the bushes and her eyes widened. As her trainer and his friends looked through the bushes as well, the Grass Cat Pokemon shushed them so they could be quiet and watch.

There, Oddity and Skiddo were sparing and practicing combinations the two could use in a future battle. Skiddo was trying to use Bulldoze as Oddity tried to climb the rocks and use Shadow Ball, however, the Eevee kept on losing his footing, but before he could fall Skiddo caught him using Vine Whip and put him down gently.

“Eevee,” Oddity replied.

Skiddo belted and they decided to try again. There Oddity was able to perfect the combination and decided to use his Jolteon attack.

“Did you see that?” Sara asked.

“Yeah,” Wiatt replied. “They're doing combinations and getting good at it.”

“They would’ve done it perfectly if you two weren’t arguing so much,” Oliver added.

Wiatt and Sara felt guilty, seeing their arguing prevented them from letting their Pokemon show off their combinations. The group kept watching the two Pokemon practice their combinations; Skiddo went to use Razor Leaf, but not long after Oddity started to glow green and ended up using Razor Leaf not long after.

The Dream Quartet were surprised at what they just witnessed. “Now Oddity can learn Razor Leaf?!” Wiatt exclaimed.

“Darling, I don’t think Oddity learned Razor Leaf or Swift,” Lewis replied. Wiatt turned towards his friend. “I believe Oddity learned Copycat.”

Wiatt’s eyes widened and turned towards his Pokemon, who used Copycat one more time, this time on Skiddo’s Take Down attack, which he used to tackle Skiddo, who stopped him using her vines. She then let go as the two took a breath and decided to end training for the day.

Skiddo let out a bleat asking if Oddity was ready to head back to their trainers. She felt worried for Sara, knowing she was probably looking for her.

Oddity nodded, agreeing to go to Wiatt. He turned and froze seeing their trainers and their friends had been watching them for some time. Wiatt and Sara came out of the bushes and walked over to their Pokemon, who felt so nervous that they ran off.

“Don’t feel nervous you two,” Sara said. “We’re calm now.”

“Sorry if our arguing lost us the battle,” Wiatt spoke up.

Oddity and Skiddo looked up at their trainers in surprise, seeing they weren’t yelling anymore.

“We saw a bit of your training, and what you did is amazing!” Sara exclaimed.

“Yeah! I want to try that next time we get pulled into a double battle!” Wiatt added.

Oddity and Skiddo blushed in embarrassment glad their trainers were proud of them.

“Say,” Wiatt spoke up, “would you two like to try again and battle Eric and Lewis again?”

“We promise we won’t argue,” Sara added, putting her hands together.

Oddity and Skiddo looked at each other and smiled, nodding in reply. Wiatt and Sara smiled seeing their Pokémon agreed to it. However, the good times were cut short when a net appeared out of the sky and landed on top of Oddity and Skiddo.

The group gasped in horror but then saw the net carry the two Pokemon up in the air.

“Oh great! Now what’s going on!?” Wiatt asked.

A familiar laughter appeared before a voice spoke up, “Prepare for trouble we got you by surprise.”

“And make it double we got the prize!” A male voice spoke up.”

It was Team Rocket in their Meowth balloon saying their usual motto.

“To protect the world from devastation!” Jessie continued.

“To unite all peoples within our nation!” James continued.

“To denounce the evils of truth and love!”

“To extend our reach to the stars above!”

“Jessie!” She introduced giving a wink

“James!” He introduced doing the same thing as his partner.

“Team Rocket blasts off and the speed of light!”

“Surrender now or prepare for a fight!”

“Meowth! That’s right!” Meowth beamed jumping in front of his teammates.

“Wobbuffet!” Wobbuffet beamed.

“Team Rocket!” The Dream Quartet yelled.

“Give us back our Pokemon!” Sara added.

“What? I can’t hear you, twerp!” Jessie mocked. “I believe these Pokémon belong to us!”

Oddity and Skiddo complained as they begged for their friends to help them. Sara and Wiatt growled seeing Team Rocket getting higher and higher away from them.

“Skiddo, use Razor Leaf!” Sara commanded.

“Oddity, use Copycat on the Razor Leaf!” Wiatt commanded.

The two Pokémon used Razor Leaf to break out of the net, but the move reflected back instead of tearing the net to break free.

“What?” Wiatt asked, confused as to why the rope didn’t break.

Meowth laughed, “Sorry twerps we made sure this net was Pokémon proof inside and out!” He gloated.

“No Razor Leaf or any attack can break through this net!” James beamed as well.

“Wobbuffet!” Wobbuffet replied.

Lewis growled seeing his two friends' Pokemon being taken away from him. His Pokemon, Sprigatito growled as well, ready to fight to save her friends. She noticed the rope that held the net and mewled to her trainer.

“Meow! Meow!” Sprigatito yelled.

Lewis turned towards his Pokémon as she mewled again looking at the rope holding the net. He smirked and nodded and was ready to command his Pokemon to save his friends.

“Sprigatito, use Leafage to cut the rope!” 

Sprigatito launched leaves from her neck as the attack tore the rope holding the net. Slowly the rope broke and snapped as the net fell down on the ground with Oddity and Skiddo inside. However, Skiddo used her Vine Whip to grab Oddity as they landed safely on the ground.

Team Rocket was shocked to see the net had broken even though they gloated about how indestructible it was.

“Vee!” Oddity sighed.

Skiddo sighed as well as their trainers went over to them. “You two okay?” Wiatt asked.

“Eevee! Vee!” Oddity replied.

Skiddo bleated in reply that she was okay too.

“Meowth!” Jessie growled. “You said this net was Pokémon attack-proofed!”

Meowth chuckled, “Well it was, however, it was too small to grab the Pokémon from our balloon so I used some spare rope to make it longer.” He explained.

“Next time buy the bigger and longer nets!” James yelled.

“If our budget allows it.” Meowth groaned.

Jessie growled, not wanting to give up. She took out her Pokeball and threw it shouting, “Go Seviper!” She yelled.

“Alright, Inkay, let’s go!” James yelled, throwing his Pokeball as well.

The two Pokeballs opened and out came Jessie’s Seviper and James’s Inkay. The two Pokemon glared at the Dream Quartet who glared back. 

Sprigatito was ready to battle their enemies Pokémon, but Oddity and Skiddo stepped up wanting to battle Team Rocket to make up for the battle they lost earlier.

“Eevee! Vee!” Oddity exclaimed.

“You want us to try again right now?” Sara asked.

Oddity and Skiddo nodded in reply.

Sara and Wiatt looked at each other and nodded. They faced Team Rocket’s Pokemon and were ready to battle.

“Seviper, use Poison Sting!” Jessie commanded.

“Inkay, use Psybeam!” James commanded.

Seviper opened his mouth and launched purple darts at Skiddo and Oddity, while Inkay went upside down and launched a blue beam with pink circles at the two Pokemon.

“Dodge it!” Sara and Wiatt yelled.

The two Pokemon jumped and missed the two attacks.

“Skiddo, Razor Leaf!” Sara commanded.

“Oddity, use Shadow Ball!” Wiatt commanded.

The two Pokemon turned to one another and nodded. Skiddo let out her Razor Leaf attack, while Oddity let out his Shadow Ball. Oddity’s attack went first and then Skiddo's, causing the two attacks to swirl one another and attack Seviper and Inkay at the same time. However, the opposing Pokemon stood their ground.

“Seviper, use Poison Tail on the Eevee!” Jessie commanded.

“Seviper!” The Fang Snake Pokemon hissed as their tail glowed purple and was ready to attack Oddity.

“Wiatt, I want you to use Copycat on Seviper’s Poison Tail,” Sara told him.

Wiatt looked confused and turned towards his friend, “what?” He asked.

“Trust me on this, okay,” Sara added.

Wiatt wasn’t exactly sure what Sara was planning, but if they wanted to stop Team Rocket together they had to agree and not fight with one another.

“Alright.” Wiatt said, “Oddity, use Copycat on Poison Tail!” 

Oddity glowed purple as his tail turned purple and he started to run towards Seviper. The two Poison Tail attacks collided with one another pushing the two Pokemon back.

“Inkay, use Tackle!” James commanded.

“Skiddo, stop that Tackle with Vine Whip!” Sara commanded.

Inkay made its way towards Skiddo, before being stopped by the latter’s Vine Whip.

“Great! Now toss them!” Sara commanded once again. She glanced at Wiatt and nodded, having him command Oddity to use an attack.

Wiatt nodded, “Oddity, use Shadow Ball!” He exclaimed.

Skiddo threw Inkay up in the air as Oddity got up on Skiddo’s back and launched a Shadow Ball at the Revolving Pokemon. Inkay was pushed back and slammed into Seviper, which pushed the two into a tree.

“I can’t believe it!” Oliver exclaimed.

“They're finally working together!” Lewis added. He felt happy and wanted to join in to help his friends, but he felt Sprigatito’s paws touch his shoes, stopping him.

Sprigatito mewled, telling him that Sara and Wiatt should handle this battle together. Lewis nodded and listened to his Pokemon as he and Oliver continued to watch.

Jessie growled seeing Sara and Wiatt work together, she had hoped the two would be fighting again, giving her and James an easy win, but that wasn’t the case. “What happened to the bickering twerps?!” She yelled.

“Maybe they let out all their anger?” Meowth asked.

Jessie growled, “Well I’m not losing to some twerps!” She yelled. “Seviper, Bite attack!”

“Inkay, use Tackle!” James commanded.

The two Pokemon started to come towards the opposing Pokemon, who were ready to attack.

“Wiatt, do you want to try Skiddo and Oddity’s combination?” Sara asked.

Wiatt thought about it for a second and nodded, “Sure, but we need to time it right.”

Sara nodded and commanded her Pokemon to use her attack, “Skiddo use Bulldoze!”

Skiddo smirked knowing what her trainer was trying to do. She then stopped her hooves and used her Bulldoze attack.

“Alright Oddity! Go! Use your Jolteon attack!” Wiatt commanded.

“Eevee!” Oddity beamed.

Oddity used the Bulldoze to launch himself toward Team Rocket’s Pokemon and went ahead to use his Jolteon attack, shocking Seviper, and Inkay. The attack pushed the two Pokemon back into Team Rocket’s balloon, which shocked them as well before their balloon exploded.

The explosion was seen in the distance, surprising Eric, his daughter, and Ridley.

“What was that?” Carly asked.

“I don’t know, but we should see if Lewis and the others are alright,” Eric said.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket were in the sky defeated by Wiatt and his friends yet again. “How can those two be arguing one minute and then working together in perfect harmony!” Jessie complained.

“Well Jess, they are the heroes and we’re the bad guys,” James replied, in a deadpan tone.

Jessie growled and yelled at her teammate, “Who’s side are you on James!?” She yelled.

“Yours.” He replied in the same tone.

Meowth sighed, “Well looks like I got another bickering duo to deal with.” He said.

“Wobbuffet!” Wobbuffet exclaimed.

“Team Rocket is blasting off again!” Team Rocket yelled as they were launched to the sky.

“Alright!” Wiatt and Sara cheered, giving each other a high five. Their two Pokemon went over to them and hugged them tightly as they celebrated their win.

As they celebrated, Eric and Carly arrived confused about what the two were celebrating. “What did we miss?” Carly asked.

“Wiatt and Sara finally worked together,” Oliver said.

“And defeated Team Rocket,” Lewis added.

“Oddity,” Wiatt started. “You and Skiddo were amazing!”

“Eevee!” Oddity exclaimed.

Wiatt hugged Oddity as the Evolution Pokemon nuzzled him. The two looked over at Sara, kneeling down and petting her Skiddo, praising her as well.

“Skiddo, you were amazing as always!” Sara beamed.

Skiddo bleated in reply before giving her trainer a lick on the cheek. Sara chuckled and hugged her Pokemon tight.

Wiatt smiled and walked over to the young girl, “Hey, Sara.” He started. Sara looked up at her friend. “I’m sorry for arguing with you today, you're a really good trainer.”

Sara gave a small smile and got up to face her friend, “Thanks, and I’m sorry too for being such a jerk to you.” She replied. “You're not that bad of a battler Wiatt, your Eevee is something.”

Wiatt looked down at his buddy, who smiled proudly.

“However,” Sara started, which made Wiatt and Oddity, as well as their friends, change expressions. “That Jolteon attack, have you ever given it a name?”

Wiatt and Oddity looked at each other before looking back at their friend. “No. I never thought of it.”

“Well, instead of Jolteon attack, how about…” Sara trailed off until she thought of an idea thanks to seeing a nearby Beedrill hive in the distance. “Buzzy Buzz.”

“Buzzy Buzz!?” Wiatt exclaimed. “That’s the most stupid name you can come up with!” He glared.

Sara glared back, “Well it’s better than Jolteon attack!” She shouted back. The two continued to bicker over the name choice, which made their friends sigh in disbelief.

“Here they go again.” Lewis sighed. Sprigaitito mewled in reply.

“At this point, they’ll argue over anything,`” Carly added.

Before the argument could escalate further, Sara and Wiatt felt Skiddo’s vines around their wrist. They looked down at the Mount Pokemon who was glaring at them, tired of their nonstop bickering. Even Oddity glared at them, agreeing with his friend.

Sara and Wiatt looked at their Pokemon and then at each other before sighing in defeat. Skiddo then released her vines off the two trainers as Wiatt kneeled down at Oddity. “Oddity, what do you think about changing the name of your move from Jolteon Attack to Buzzy Buzz?” He asked, even though saying Buzzy Buzz felt weird to say.

Oddity thought of it for a bit, and smiled, “Vee.” He replied.

“You like it?”

“Eevee!”

Wiatt sighed and turned to Sara. “I guess you win this time.” He said.

Sara smiled, seeing she won this argument. “Funny thing, I thought of it on the top of my head.” She replied.

Wiatt chuckled as well, which relieved their friends that the argument was cut short.

“Well, now that’s settled, how about we eat lunch back at the lab and try again for another double battle,” Eric explained.

“Yeah!” The group agreed.

“And I’ll get there first!” Sara beamed as she and Skiddo ran up ahead of everyone.

“Not if I get there first!” Wiatt yelled as he ran to catch up with his friend. The two started to race each other to see who would get to the lab first.

Lewis and Oliver looked at each other, before shrugging and decided to race their friends too.

[krxkor]

My weekend was filled with working on Eric the Red and I am super exhausted, but autumn hit us full force and I am sO INSPIRED. (I also saw the Downton movie with the girls yesterday so COME AT ME FOR PLOTS) I shall be here to write some replies and fill the queue later today (like in an hour or so), but first of all, I want to get some words down on the page.

[heavenseed76]

Contentment

Rating:G

Fandom: The Walking Dead

Summary: Daryl saves Paul from certain death and some truths are revealed

Warnings: Mentions of blood, death, canon-typical violence

When mothers lift cars off their children it is not because their love or fear make them super strong. It is because adrenaline will make a person immune to the sensation of pain. Their muscles and tendons are often irreparably damaged. Human beings will tear themselves apart for the people they love. Daryl Dixon was no different.

He couldn’t recall how he was able to get to Michonne’s horse, nor how he hauled the limp form of his friend onto the horse with him. He was vaguely aware that he could hear Dog whimpering somewhere behind him, punctuating the sound of another horse beside him. In his arms, Paul Rovia, wrapped in a saddle blanket, armor long forgotten, slumped forward. Every few minutes Daryl could feel the man tense beneath his arm, locked as if it was welded across Paul’s chest. The man in his arms was in pain, barely breathing, but thankfully alive. Daryl couldn’t think beyond getting Paul back to Hilltop, to Enid, to safety.

Riding in the fog made a trip that would have taken eons stretch even further. There was no sense of distance, nothing to mark the passing of the miles. The trip, longer still holding his friend’s life in his hands, seemed like a dream: the ubiquitous nightmare where you try to reach someone at the end of a long path and the faster you run, the further away they become. With each gallop, Daryl could feel Paul’s life spilling out onto his chest, his arms, soaking the blanket he was wrapped in. He could feel the labored breath, deep pulls of air that went nowhere. At first Paul held on to Daryl’s arm as they rode, though they eventually fell away, too weak to hold on.

Through the fog, Daryl heard Aaron yelling for the sentries to open the gate at Hilltop before Daryl even saw the walls. Aaron kicked his horse into a sprint and easily passed Daryl’s horse. Seeing the end in sight, Daryl pressed his own heels into the flanks of the beast on which he rode and urged the animal to go faster. He followed Aaron straight to the medical trailer, where Enid and Alden were already helping him off his horse.

“No!” Aaron kept the wiggly bundle in his arms from slipping and motioned to Enid and Alden to help Daryl. “Get Jesus!” Without waiting for them to acknowledge him, Aaron rushed into the medical trailer.

Daryl brought his horse up short next to Aarons, and then there were too many hands, too many faces below him, pushing and pulling at Paul. At Enid’s insistence, her eyes full of dread and sympathy, Daryl broke the iron grip he had around Paul and let him slip gently into the waiting arms of Alden and Siddiq, who wasted no time making room for Henry and Kal to help carry his pale body into the trailer. He dismounted Michonne’s horse, letting someone with gentle hands take the reigns from him. He stood staring at the door, behind which two of the people he cared for most in the world could be dying, or worse, turning… Along with his beloved Dog.

He felt familiar hands on his arms, attempting to turn him aware from the trailer, and distantly heard soft words filter through the fog filling his mind, urging him to come away. Hot, angry tears spilled over and silently marked his blood-stained face and suddenly he was unable to catch his breath. He wanted to rush in and pull Paul back into his arms and never let go. If he died… If Paul turned… he needed to be there for that. But Aaron was in there, and he wanted to keep his friend from suffering that end alone.

“Daryl, come get cleaned up.” Carol’s voice was a solid mass he could anchor himself to, as his grief threatened to let him float away like ashes. He started to let her lead him into Barrington House, when Aaron came through the trailer door.

Eyes red, brows pulled in to etch lines of worry into his forehead, Aaron quickly made his way to Daryl.

“Dog’s gonna be OK. Paul…” Aaron’s voice wavered, but he swallowed and carried on. “Paul’s fighting. His lung collapsed and he lost a lot of blood.” Without warning Daryl pulled his friend into his arms, and with a sob he had been holding in the entire journey, Aaron hugged him back, fingers fisting in the worn leather of his vest. Watching them, the lump in Carol’s throat grew, and she had to cover her mouth with both hands to keep her cry from tearing a hole in the comforting bubble the men had made.

***

The sun burned away the fog that had settled over Hilltop, and the morning promised a beautiful day ahead. At a picnic table near the medical trailer, Aaron and Daryl sat vigil, their backs against the edge of the table top. Aaron absently cleaned his prosthetic arm with a rusty can of WD40 and a ragged bandana he kept for the express purpose. Like the Tin Man. Daryl thought. They were both clean, in clothes that didn’t smell like gore. Carol had not been able to coax either man into eating or trying to sleep.

“We’ve wasted so much time.” Aaron sighed and set the rag he’d been using aside. “This is a big damned wake-up call.” He was used to companionable silence with Daryl, used to holding up both ends of a conversation, so when Daryl didn’t respond, he just kept talking. “We’ve been lucky. To make it this long. But this world is still just as dangerous as it ever was. I feel so stupid…”

Daryl chewed his bottom lip, listening. He had been there when Aaron dove head first into being a father to Gracie, burying Eric’s death deep beneath the needs of a tiny, new being. It occupied his mind, it gave him an outlet for his affection and focused his energy. It did not, however, fill the gaping love-shaped void left when Eric’s corpse walked off into the woods. It was one of the many ways Daryl felt he had failed everyone in his life; it was one of the many reasons he walked off into the woods That Day, and didn’t look back. The seams holding his family together tore open That Day, and try as he might, he alone didn’t have the strength to stitch it back together. Neither did anyone else, apparently.

“I did it for you, you know.” Daryl said, his voice gravel in his throat.

Aaron turned his expressive blue eyes to Daryl’s, not having expected a two-way conversation. “Did what?”

Daryl looked away, unsure of himself. “Saved him. I know you two… I know he means a lot to you. I saw Dog attack that walker, and heard you yell, and I just, I don’t know man, I just couldn’t let him die…” Meeting Aaron’s eyes he said, “I didn’t want you to hurt no more.”

Something sparked in Aaron’s chest. Affection, love, gratitude… he didn’t know what or how many of those things he was feeling. He stared at Daryl for a long moment. There was only one thing he could think to say. “Thank you.” Aaron pressed infinitesimally closer into Daryl’s warm shoulder with his own.

Daryl nodded, glad he could make his friend smile, even if things didn’t turn out as well as they hoped. It had been hours, and except for Alden leaving to give Enid and Siddiq room to work, and getting Alex to come in to better assist, there had been little news of Paul’s welfare.

“I know you’ve been coming here to see him.” Daryl shifted nervously. “He make you happy?”

A man of few words, Daryl could say so much with so little effort. It took Aaron a moment to understand what Daryl was asking, and when the implication of the question hit him, he felt like he had been slapped. He scooted away from Daryl on the bench of the picnic table, so he could fully turn to face Daryl.

“You do know we’re just friends, right?” Aaron’s frown returned, and Daryl didn’t know how to respond. “We’re not… we’ve never… Jesus and I are good friends, that’s all.” Aaron watched confusion slide over the hunter’s face. If Paul weren’t dying behind the door of the medical trailer, Aaron may have laughed. “You know Jesus is… he’s in love with you!”

“No.” Daryl sat up taller, and Aaron could nearly see the walls being built around the other man.

“Yeah. He’s been in love with you since he brought you home from the Sanctuary! Daryl, how could you not know?”

The hunter stood, defiantly staring his friend down. “He don’t.” He tried to turn away, but Aaron was right there.

“He does. That’s what I meant! We all have to stop wasting time we might not have, Daryl!” Aaron grabbed Daryl’s bicep and swung around to face the stoic man. “I know you. I know you both. And if there’s anything I’m sure of, its that you two belong together. Even if I was interested, that man’s heart belongs to you!”

It was if the last brick fit into place in the fortress of Daryl’s heart. The realization that not only did Aaron see how he felt for Paul, but that Paul felt the same for him, and had made it a known fact. Overwhelmed with the severity of this revelation, Daryl’s dread swelled, and he felt as though all the oxygen had been sucked out of the world. The truth Aaron spoke filled his eyes with hot tears, of shame and joy and sickening worry. Seeing all this take shape in his friend, Aaron pulled him in for an awkward hug.

The harsh slap of the trailer door snapping closed brought the men up for air. Standing on the steps to the trailer was an exhausted Enid, covered in blood. Neither could move, holding their breath.

A smile bloomed on the woman’s face as she said simply, “He’ll be OK.”

***

In his own bed inside Barrington House, Paul Rovia looked smaller than Tara had ever seen him. The trip up the stairs and into the bed had worn him out, and he fell asleep almost immediately. He didn’t even flinch as she started a new IV in his hand. She watched him, his breath shallow and lips twisted in a pained expression. He was pale, his eyes sunken. Laying in his bed with only a bandage across his chest, his strong body laid bare and vulnerable, Tara took stock of all the things they would have lost if the man in front of her hadn’t made it home. Despite his reluctance, Paul was a good leader, and she tried every day to convince him of it. People loved and respected him because he was willing to go outside the walls and risk it all to strengthen them.

“How is he?” Daryl’s low rasp shook Tara from her reverie.

“Exhausted. He’s got some pain killers, so he’s comfortable enough to sleep.” Tara covered Paul in a thin blanket. “Come in. Sit. I’ll be back in a bit to check on him.” Sheepishly, Daryl entered the room, letting Tara give his arm and affectionate squeeze as she went past.

It had been several days since the cemetery, and Daryl had barely slept. Seeing Paul gravely injured had shifted something inside him, something Aaron had nudged to hang just the right way.

“Gonna keep watch on me?” Paul’s voice was just a whisper on his lips. He turned his palm up on the bed, an invitation.

Daryl sat on the edge of the bed, slipping his big hand into Paul’s smaller one. “Feelin OK?” He let his thumb caress the top of Paul’s hand.

Paul nodded, then winced, which Daryl caught even though he tried to hide it. “As long as I don’t move. Or breathe.” He gave a Daryl a thin smile. “You’re too far away.”

Daryl slipped off his boots and lay down beside Paul, mindful of the bandage across his chest. “This OK?”

Paul hummed affirmatively. His limbs were heavy, though he positioned himself close enough to lay he head on Daryl’s shoulder. He laced his fingers together with Daryl’s between their bodies. He could feel the other man relax against him, and if he hadn’t been so exhausted, Paul may have quipped at Daryl to make him blush.

“I’m sorry.” Daryl placed a firm, confident kiss on Paul’s forehead. “Wasted too many years. We have a chance now and I ain’t gonna fuck it up.” He reached over and felt the smooth skin of Paul’s temple with the back of his hand, reveling in the new-found ability to show his affection.

Paul took his hand, kissing the palm and then holding it to his chest, just above his bandage. “You better not. I love you, Daryl Dixon, but you know I will kick your ass.” Paul’s lips quirked up on one side and he peered at Daryl through heavy eyelids.

Daryl huffed a laugh and kissed Paul’s head again, snuggling into the warmth of the other man’s presence. They fell asleep, Paul holding Daryl’s hand to himself, so the hunter could feel every beat of his heart. That is where Dog found them, limping on a bandaged leg, letting Aaron help him into the bed to curl up at their feet, content.

[thorne93]

History Repeats (Part 1)

Prompt: Life’s hard, right? Well throw in a not so great job, a broken heart, and chasing a pipe dream in LA. But could someone come along to make all the bad shit disappear? Or is he just another heartbreak waiting around the bend?

Warnings: language, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, angst/heartbreak

Word Count: 1562

Note: Aesthetic made by @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo because she’s absolutely amazing Beta’d by @like-a-bag-of-potatoes and @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo . Brainstorming from @carryonmyswansong

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I wanted a room with two queens and an east facing window!” the woman with short, curled hair informed for the tenth time, her face already beet red as she yelled at you.

“Ma’am, I am sorry. I see we booked you with two queens and you’ll be on our seventh floor, with a south facing window,” you started to explain calmly.

“Does south sound like east to you? Jesus Christ, where do they hire you lazy brats?” she asked. 

Your poker face didn’t waiver though. You didn’t close your eyes, or take a deep breath, or shake your head slightly. You continued to smile and apologize. 

“You’re absolutely right, ma’am. But with the awards in the city and the influx of visitors for the winter--”

“I don’t care if all of Europe is here, I booked this trip over three months ago! My room should be available to me now!” she shouted, causing other patrons in the nearly full lobby to stare at the two of you. 

That was the good and bad thing about being a hotel right outside the city center, just on the outskirts. You didn’t get entirely booked a lot, but on rare occasions you did, it meant something.

You had been asked to step in for your coworker Danielle, when the woman found out she wasn’t on an east facing window. You’d been going back and forth with her for over twenty minutes now, her screaming in your face. This wasn’t super atypical as a hotel manager. Angry patrons of the hotel, confused guests, exhausted tourists, frustrated honeymooners...It was your job to ensure every stay here was a pleasant one, and you did want that. Why wouldn't you? But on some days, people like Mrs. Taucht here really wore on your nerves. Why did people have to be so cruel and mean when all you were doing was trying to provide them with excellent service? 

Smiling your best customer smile, you offered sweetly, “I am terribly sorry. I can refund you some of your money and perhaps you could take the south facing room, and as soon as an east facing room is available I’ll inform you.”

“Some?! Some of my money?” she shrieked, shaking her head. “I want all of my money back and free room service! This is absolutely ridiculous.” She turned to look to another guest waiting to check in. “Do you believe this?” she asked him, and you’d been so preoccupied focusing on her, you hadn’t noticed that the lobby was so getting backed up. You quickly turned to Danielle. 

“Open up check in five, and start taking everyone from this line immediately. Check everyone in as fast as you can,” you quietly spoke to her as Mrs. Taucht ranted to the man in the line behind her. 

Danielle nodded and waved everyone over from your line, telling them that she could help them at the end of the counter, while Todd, Eric, and Trish helped as quickly as they could on their lanes. 

“Actually, I can,” the man with golden hair responded politely. “I’ve been to this city many times and you wouldn’t believe how crowded it can get and how fast,” he informed.

“But I made these reservation months ago,” she reiterated.

“Well, with all respect, ma’am, you do have a room,” the guest retorted. “It’s just not the one you wanted. If I were you, I would ask for a full refund of your room, take that, and go the room they have booked for you. I would prefer any room, to standing here in the lobby, shouting at the manager…But that’s just me.”

Mrs. Taucht stared at the man, then turned back to you slowly. “What he said,” she sighed. “Can you give me the full refund and forget the room?”

“Absolutely, ma’am. It was our mistake, and I do apologize. I will throw in free breakfast every day for your stay, for your patience and understanding. Is that alright?”

She nodded her head side to side. “I would say that’s fair. Thank you.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I will get to work on this refund for you, and it’ll be settled when you leave, okay?” you sweetly said.

“Alright.”

At that, she took her things and left, heading for the elevators to the rooms. You wanted to take a deep breath, but refrained, trying to keep composure for the nice guest that was next. 

“Just a moment, sir, let me enter some notes for her account,” you said politely before clacking in all the notes for you to finish later tonight. “I deeply apologize for that. I know you’ve been waiting and now you’re about to wait more.” You let a small laugh out, hoping to lighten the mood.

“I’m in no rush, besides, you’ve got your hands full,” he said with a sideways grin. He was rather handsome, now that he was closer. Warm, brown eyes, dark blonde hair, a reserved smile...But something about him seemed familiar. He had said he stayed in the city a lot. Maybe he’d checked in once before. But...his face didn’t look like one you’d forget. 

“You noticed that, hmm?” you asked with a bigger laugh. 

“Hard to miss,” he remarked.

“Too true. Thank you, for putting in a good word for me, there, by the way,” you said. This random man had no  reason to stick up for you or make your job or day easier. 

“Oh it was nothing. I was just trying to get her to move so I could get checked in,” he said evenly.

The humor whisked away from you as you nodded, realizing he wasn’t really helping you.

“Right,” you concurred, as you finished up the notes, your eyes shooting down to the computer screen. 

He leaned forward and smiled at you. “I’m joking. I was happy to help.”

Your eyes flitted back up to him as a giant grin spread across your face. This was new for you, unusual. People didn’t really go out of their way to help you. You were a bit of a wallflower all your life. Not an outcast, but not the brightest star. You were the girl that no one picked out of a crowd. You were the girl that was overlooked, rather than looked over. It wasn’t so much your looks, you’d always felt you looked average. But that was the problem: you were average. Average looks, average grades, average car, average education. Nothing about you was stellar.

Maybe that’s why Jason had left. Your boyfriend of two years had decided to dump you five days ago, just after the new year. What a way to kick it off…

“Well thank you, again. What name is your reservation under?” you asked as you queued to the page to look up check ins.

“Hayden...Christensen,” he warmly informed, seeming to hesitate though.

You smiled and nodded. “Ah. Found you. Two queens, sixth floor, room 602. Is that alright?”

“As long as it has a bed and a TV, I could care less,” he said with a shrug and a smile. 

“Simple man?” you lightly inquired as you got out his room keys and began to scan the code to them.

“Relatively,” he replied with another shrug. “You? Simple woman?” he asked. 

“In some ways, yeah, I’d like to think so,” you said, contemplating. 

“And in others?” he inquires.

“Well...none of us are simple, are we?” you questioned, a bit of ominimity in your voice. 

He nodded slightly. “I suppose that’s true.” 

You stared at him a moment longer, not exactly realizing you were staring until it became awkward and you realized you needed to hand him the room keys and information. 

“Ah! Here are your keys, here is a brochure to the spa, restaurants, and room service. Here is the number to the concierge, the manager--me, and the hotel operator,” you said, pointing at everything with a pen.

“Thank you very much,” he said, taking his cards and the pamphlet. 

“Any time, sir. I’m Y/N if you need anything, or if you need a manager, feel free to give me a call at any time,” you said warmly. Typically, you didn’t lay on that extra charm unless a customer was overtly rude or incredibly nice, and in this case he was incredibly nice, very handsome, and you still had this gnawing feeling that you’d seen him somewhere before. Therefore, if he was a returning patron to the hotel, you wanted to make him feel extra special.

“Will do. Thanks,” he said as he grabbed his bags, waved to you, and took off toward the elevators.

Once he was out of sight, you dealt with the new family coming up to check in and your day continued as usual. The rest of the shift, you were racking your brain trying to remember where you’d seen him from. You couldn’t place it at all, and that bothered you because typically you didn’t forget a face. After awhile though, you shrugged it off, figuring it would come to you later.

In your down time, after verifying the room service orders were fulfilled, requests were taken care of, and the kitchen staff was on schedule, you sat down and began playing around with some music, scribbling down some lyrics in your ratty notebook that you carried with you everywhere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forever Tag: 

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History Repeats/Hayden

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[milstrim]

Comfort in My Shadow

Chapter 5: Ironic

By @iwritedumbshit for @iron-mum

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Relationships: Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Minor Pepper Potts/Tony Stark

Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Ned Leeds, James “Rhodey” Rhodes

Summary: Soulmates are definite in the universe. Nobody knows exactly why they exist, or what dictates who is bonded to who, the only thing known is that they are never wrong. But Peter’s not so sure about that.

Living at the group home had taught Peter a lot about laying low and how to stay alive when nobody cares. But he’d always clung to the hope of the shadow at his feet reflecting his soulmate that had watched over him for years.

Typical that his soulmate is actually a superhero that Peter is convinced shouldn’t want anything to do with him. Maybe, just this once, the Universe was wrong.

But Tony Stark is desperate to prove that it is right.

Ch 1 // Ch 2 // Ch 3 // Ch 4 // Ch 6 // Ch 7 // Ch 8

---

"Woah."

"I know, right," Peter said, unzipping the inside of the suit and moving to plug it into Ned's computer. His friend continued to gape at it, fingers trailing over the fabric reverently.

"I can't believe Iron Man made this," he whispered. "I get to sit here. And touch a superhero suit. That Tony Stark made. For my best friend. This is the greatest day of my life."

"You've said that a lot recently," Peter pointed out, pulling up the schematics of the suit on Ned's computer, who turned to look at him in confusion.

"What are you doing? Are you supposed to be messing with it?"

"I'm not messing with it. I'm just going through Karen's code real quickly."

"Karen?"

"The AI," he explained. "I just want to make sure she's not gonna snitch on me."

"Snitch on you for what?"

"Uhhh, so you know those alien weapons I've been talking about?"

Ned nodded. "Yeah?"

"I'm gonna take that down, and I don't really need Karen telling Mr. Stark," he mumbled the last part nervously. Ned stared at him.

"Why don't we want Karen telling Mr. Stark again? I mean, he gave you the suit, he must think you're capable."

Peter paused, puffing up his cheeks as he took in an awkward breath, staring at the protocols showing up on the computer. He'd already spotted three to tell Mr. Stark if he was in trouble, so he knew it was the opposite of Ned's assumption.

"Actuallyyyy..." He took a deep breath. "You can't tell anyone this." Ned nodded, but he continued to press. "I mean it. Nobody. Not a soul."

"I won't, I won't! I promise, Peter. Not. A. Soul."

"Mr. Stark's my soulmate."

Ned's head whipped around to stare at Peter's shadow, his mouth falling open.

"Oh, my God... Oh, my God! He's your soulmate!!?" Peter nodded, preparing himself for Ned's excited ramblings, but he couldn't really hide the smile on tugging at his lips either, however faint it was. "This is insane! Your life is so fucking insane I think I'm going to lose it!! Have you talked to him? Wait--yeah you have! How many times have you talked to him? Have you done, I don't know, 'soulmate things?'"

"Ned, what?"

Ned threw his hands up. "I don't know, I haven't met my soulmate. I'm trying my best, Peter!"

Peter laughed, shrugging.

"I don't really know what 'soulmate things' are, but we had dinner, and he showed me some stuff in his lab."

"Oh, my God...you've been in his lab. You know you have to show me one day."

"Definitely. I'll figure it out later, just, let us get more used to each other? Maybe? Let me impress him at least, which is why I'm trying to keep Karen from snitching on me."

"Sure. Here," Ned agreed, sitting beside him on the bed and gesturing for the computer. Peter passed it over to him wordlessly. "I'll work on the protocols, you do detective work or something."

"Thanks, dude."

"By the way, and answer honestly, is that Tony Stark's hoodie?"

Peter glanced down at the red hoodie that Mr. Stark had given him, 'MIT' emblazoned on the sleeves while the faded logo sat on the front of the piece of clothing. He smiled at Ned. "Yep."

"This is so cool," his friend melted.

With an amused eyeroll, Peter pulled out his phone, clearing his throat and nervously calling, "Karen?"

The phone lit up. "Yes, Peter?"

"Listen, ah, I was wondering if you could help me. I'm trying to figure out who these guys under the bridge were a few nights ago, but I mean, I can only kind of remember part of a license plate."

"Can you tell me where you were?" Peter rattled off Liz's neighborhood. Karen was silent for a little bit before piping up again. "Was there a white van involved?"

Peter perked up. "Yes! Exactly!"

A hologram popped up from Peter's phone. Ned stopped to stare at it as they both let out an identical, "Whoa..."

Peter watched intently from the security camera as the van rolled up under the bridge to where the buyer had been waiting. Karen highlighted the faces for him.

"Okay. The two on the right, who are they?" he asked.

"Searching law enforcement databases," Karen said, pausing before answering. "No records found for two of the individuals."

"Nothing?"

"One individual identified." The recording was replaced by a mugshot. "Aaron Davis, age thirty-three. He has a criminal record and an address here in Queens."

Peter and Ned glanced at each other. Ned said, "The protocols are disabled."

"Let's pay him a visit."

  ---

"So, what's this surprise you've been talking about?"

Tony's head shot up at the sound of his girlfriend's voice. He smiled, turning from where he'd been forcing some kitchen tools into a box to take in the woman as she stepped off of the elevator. She very much looked like she'd just come out of a meeting in sharp business slacks and an exhausted expression.

"Hey, Pep. How was...London?"

"Tokyo," she corrected, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "It was tiring. How's the packing?"

"Eh, boring," he said, kicking the box lightly and shoving his hands in his pockets. "So, anyway, I think that we should reconsider moving to the compound permanently."

"Tony, we just finished all the paperwork for the tower! And most floors have been packed by now, we can't just--"

"Not the tower. Just for us. Ever thought about a nice high-rise in Queens?"

Pepper stared at him, crossing her arms. "Queens? Since when have you ever cared about Queens?"

"Well, that's the surprise."

"The surprise is that you want to move to Queens?"

"No," Tony corrected, unable to stop his bright grin. "The surprise is that my soulmate lives in Queens."

It took a couple of seconds for that to register to Pepper. When it did, her eyebrows raised and she let out a smiled gasp. "You found him?"

Tony nodded. "Yep, just swinging around New York like a maniac."

"Swinging?"

"He's Spider-Man. Well, 'man's' a strong word. Here." He waved his hand, pulling up a screen that displayed Peter's yearbook photo. Pepper cooed at him. "Peter Parker. Top of his class at Midtown High by day, overly excited vigilante by night."

"He doesn't look like he could hurt a fly, never mind stop robberies. How'd he get his powers?"

"Forgot to ask, actually. He wasn't super excited to meet me at first, actually."

Pepper snorted. "Good. I'm glad he doesn't feed your ego."

"Hey! This is serious," he pouted.

"Uhuh." Pepper gave him another kiss on the cheek. "How'd you meet him?"

"Mugging. I bought him a hot chocolate."

"Hmm. I expected something stranger given your track record."

"He ran away."

"There it is," she said. "It's all good now, though?"

"Yeah..."

"Tony?"

He hesitated. "Peter lives at a group home, and I gotta say, not super fond of his foster father."

"Is he... Does he hurt Peter?" Pepper asked. He shrugged.

"Possibly. I gave Peter some money and the guy took it. Spent hundreds of dollars on liquor. And the kid's really thin. Jumpy, too. But there's nothing to prove right now."

"I'm surprised I didn't have our lawyer calling me to say you broke into a foster home and kidnapped a kid."

Tony shrugged, giving her a soft smile. "I don't need to break down the door to say hi to Peter. Besides, kid's wary, gets nervous easily. I don't want to scare him off by being too invasive about his home."

"Good on you for learning some boundaries, Tony," she congratulated before turning just a little more serious as she glanced at Peter's picture again. "You're sure he's alright?"

"No. But he's got a new superhero suit, a phone with me, Friday, and his own AI on speed dial, an unlimited credit card, and a badge to get into the tower. He's got resources if he needs them."

"Then let's just hope he doesn't need them."

 ---

  Peter waited until the next day to find and interrogate Aaron Davis, more at Ned's insistence that they study for their Spanish quiz and to let his friend geek out over the suit than anything else. He'd stayed at his friend's house for as long as humanly possible, readily accepting whatever snack that Ned had pushed his way and going over notes that Karen gave him about Davis. It wasn't until the alarm he'd had Karen set that it was 9:40 went off did he leave.

Peter didn't like to impose on his friend so much, but Ned hadn't seemed to mind with the new addition of a supersuit and Mr. Stark being his soulmate, and the teenager couldn't help the way he was still avoiding Mr. Fowler like the plague. After leaving Mr. Stark's on Sunday and failing to stop a simple burglary, he'd hurried back to the group home, helping Eric with his homework and then cooping himself up in his room. He'd managed to avoid him the entire night and the next morning due to the man being passed out drunk in his room. Though he was still wracked with guilt at the fact that his foster father had stolen Mr. Stark's money on alcohol, he had to admit that it was at least useful.

Bidding goodnight to his friend, Peter slipped out of the apartment and hurried down onto the street where he joined the late night crowd as he made his way back to the group home. He popped his earbuds in and chose a song on his phone (that had an unlimited choice for him now, but he just stuck with his familiar Spotify playlists) as he rushed back to a place that he wished he could avoid for longer. Unfortunately, the curfew was final, so he made it back to the Queens Pinehill Group Home for Boys with five minutes to spare.

He stopped in front of the door as his hairs rose. Surprisingly, they didn't direct him towards the house, instead calling him to turn around. Peter glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of a man sitting at an apartment's steps a few buildings down. It was too dark to see his face, especially with the hat he wore pulled down low, but he looked just a little familiar. More than a little nervous, the teenager shook it off and stepped inside.

Mr. Fowler was waiting for him at the dining table. Peter paused, taking out his earbuds as Mr. Fowler turned to stare at him, chewing on a slice of pizza. For some reason, despite living in New York, the man was obsessed with frozen pizza. It was practically criminal, but Peter excused it as mind games since all the kids weren't allowed to eat any of it. Only a sociopath would eat exclusively frozen pizza in Queens.

"Pity. I was hoping you'd be late," Mr. Fowler frowned at Peter as he shuffled to a hesitant stop by the stairs. "Got another card for me?"

"No," Peter lied stiffly.

"What? No sugar daddy today?"

He knew better than to argue. "I hung out with Ned."

Mr. Fowler stared at him, but the travel agent was nothing if not a man of his word. Peter had been on time, so he waved the teenager on. Resisting the urge to scramble into the safety of his room, he whisked up the steep stairs and into the dark bedroom only lit by the lamp in the corner.

Tim was already asleep, but Jeremiah was sat on his bed going over what looked like a book report. The teenager paid Peter no mind as he dropped his bag onto the ground beside his bed and changed into a pajama shirt. He kept the hoodie on that Mr. Stark had given despite the warmth of the night as he slipped under his covers, bundling up in the reassuring fabric.

Peter didn't fall asleep for a while, grateful for the light provided by the lamp as he stared at the outline of Mr. Stark's shadow as though it were the only thing in the world. It might as well be for all he cared. Blocking out Mr. Fowler was quickly becoming a new necessity that was increasingly hard to do with the way his senses focused in on every little thing.

The entire house smelled of the man's alcohol, musty and strong and littered with the memories of a dark closet where even his shadow hadn't been able to comfort him. But the hoodie carried the fading scent of Mr. Stark that washed away his tired uneasiness, at least for the time being, and the shadow kept him preoccupied with one comforting thought. Out there, just across a bridge, was an adult who cared.

 ---

  When Peter woke up, he felt off. He wasn't quite sure how to explain it, just that he knew the day was going to go wrong before it started. He wanted to curl up deeper into the hoodie that wrapped around him like a cocoon, but forced himself to push the covers off of himself and plant hit feet on the cold morning floor.

Jeremiah's bed was already empty, so Peter assumed that he'd already eaten and left with Eric, whose school started much earlier than everyone else's. Tim was still asleep, so Peter put on a pair of pants, grabbed his bag, and woke the kid up before knocking on the door of the other kids' room. He then headed downstairs and began putting together bowls of cereal for the kids that would be stumbling downstairs in a few minutes.

Mr. Fowler was in the kitchen, leaving the teenager to shuffle around him awkwardly as the man gave him a suspicious glare that he tried desperately to ignore. He left the kitchen as quickly as possible, placing the bowls down in the kids' usual spots and then taking up his own place to quickly scarf down a bowl of tasteless cereal. By the time he was finished, all the other kids had already stumbled downstairs and begun to eat.

Peter went along preparing their bags and then taking their bowls to the sink once they were done. He had just put the last dish in the dishwasher when the other boys at Queens Pinehill Group Home for Boys walked out the door, leaving him alone with Mr. Fowler. The man was staring at him with the same suspicious glare as he closed the pantry and then made to grab his backpack.

"Wait just a moment, Peter," Mr. Fowler said. Peter paused immediately, holding back a shiver at the danger in his tone.

"Sir?"

"There was a pack of granola bars missing from the pantry last night." The man glared at him, clearly waiting for a reaction, but Peter just stared at him, hesitant. Which kid had taken the bars? He hadn't seen anything off in their bags, unless Mr. Fowler had just miscounted, though that didn't happen often. "Anything to say to that, Peter?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, sir. I didn't take them."

"You didn't? I find that very hard to believe. How close are you to ending your grounding?"

"Three days, Mr. Fowler."

He tutted, standing up from his chair and stepping over to Peter. The teenager couldn't stop the way he froze, tensing up and squaring his shoulders as a large, meaty hand clamped down on one. Fingers curled over the thick fabric of his hoodie, pricking at his skin.

"Well, it would be a pity if it was extended longer. You're sure you didn't take anything?"

"Nothing, sir." The hand flashed to his hair, grabbing a fistful and pulling his head down and to the side with a pained grunt. Peter forced his breaths to steady even as tears pricked at his eyes. "I didn't take anything, Mr. Fowler, I promise!"

"Then you've wasted my time, son. Do you know what makes up for lost time?"

"Wha-what? Sir."

"A bit of hard cash." Peter noticed the way the man's hand trembled. "That card was nice for the weekend, but I'm afraid I'm running a little low. Got anything else for me?"

His thoughts flashed to the newly activated card sitting in his wallet, tucked safely in his hoodie pocket. He could just give it up and walk away. Mr. Fowler would be happy and Peter could go to school, safe and sound.

Steely eyes met Mr. Fowler's impossibly strained ones. "No. I don't have any other money."

The fist let go of his hair, throwing him back. Peter caught himself in a stumble as Mr. Fowler looked at him in disgust.

"Fine," the man rasped. "Extend your grounding until next week, then. Now get to school before I'm forced to call you in an excuse."

Peter mumbled out a grated, "Yes, sir," before stumbling out the door. Instead of making his way to school, he stumbled into the nearest alleyway. The teenager sucked in a deep breath, cursing himself for the tears biting at his eyes and the panic choking his throat. He was fine. Nothing had happened. He was completely fine. It wasn't like the extension of his grounding even mattered, Peter had money to buy food when he needed it. Everything. Was. Fine.

But Peter wasn't fine. He was choking on air and stumbling on panic as he slid down a grimy alleyway wall, unable to even begin to calm down. He didn't know why he was even freaking out so bad, Mr. Fowler had only pulled his hair, but the revival of the strong smell of liquor and the closeness of the man's face to his was horribly haunting.

Peter pulled at his hair as he finally managed to wheeze in a breath, staring desperately at the shadow in front of him. Mr. Stark's fluffy hair and tall shoulders seemed to stare back at him, almost reassuring. The teenager shoved his nose into the collar of his cardinal hoodie, taking in a deep breath to drown out Mr. Fowler.

It calmed him slightly.

But not quite enough.

With chattering teeth, Peter pulled his bag off of his shoulder and tore the suit out of it. With no hesitation, he took off his clothes and stepped into the suit. Karen greeted him instantly.

"Good morning, Peter. Shouldn't you be heading to school?"

"Uh, no, no. Not today, Karen. That man, Aaron Davis? Where is he right now?"

A path was highlighted on his screen.

 ---

  "Remember me?"

Peter's voice was almost hilariously unnatural, but the man at the car stumbled back, so he guessed it worked. He thundered forward to where Aaron Davis was trying to stumble away from his car but was pulled back by the web sticking to the open hood.

"Uh, hey..."

"I need information. You're gonna give it to me now," Peter demanded half-heartedly, the enhanced interrogation mode making his voice much angrier. Maybe it was better than he thought.

"All right, chill," Davis placated.

"Come on!"

Davis paused, staring at him in confusion. Peter tried not to shuffle on his feet. "What happened to your voice?"

Crap.

"What do you mean, what happened to my voice?"

"I heard you by the bridge. I know what a girl sound like," Davis deadpanned.

"I'm not a girl! I'm a boy," Peter protested, quickly moving to correct himself. "I mean, I'm a--I'm a man."

"I don't care what you are, a boy, a girl..." the man trailed off with a shrug, continuing to load his car with groceries.

"I'm not a girl! I'm a man," he protested again. "Come on, man. Look, who is selling these weapons? I need to know. Give me names--or else."

Davis slammed the trunk shut and Peter flinched back on instinct. The man flashed him a teasing smile, shaking his head.

"You ain't ever done this before, huh?"

"Deactivate interrogation mode," Peter said sullenly. Davis huffed in amusement, shaking his head again. "Look, man, these guys are selling weapons that are crazy dangerous. They can't just be out on the streets. Look, if one of them can just cut Delmar's bodega in half..."

Davis, not paying attention in the slightest, looked up, regarding him in slight interest. "You know Delmar's?"

"Yeah, best sandwich in Queens," he shrugged.

"Sub Haven's pretty good."

"It's too much bread."

"I like bread."

"Come on, man, please," the teenager begged one last time. Davis stared at him, unresponsive, so with a dramatic throw of his hands, Peter began to walk away. "Stupid interrogation mode. Karen, don't ever do that again."

"The other night," Aaron started. Peter turned around to look at him. "You told that dude, "if you shoot somebody, shoot me." It's pretty ballsy. I don't want those weapons in this neighborhood. I got a nephew who live here.

Tentatively, Peter stepped back over, catching sight of the man's shadow. It was smaller, clearly a boy with a tall afro.

"Who are these guys? What can you tell me about the guy with the wings?"

"Other than he's a psychopath dressed like a demon, nothing. I don't know who he is or where he is." Peter sighed, leaning his head on the car roof. He was never going to prove to Mr. Stark he was worthy of being his soulmate when he couldn't even find the vulture guy. Aaron offered, "I do know where he's gonna be."

Peter perked up. "Really?"

"Yeah, this crazy dude I used to work with, he's supposed to be doing a deal with him."

"Yes!" Peter exclaimed, beginning to step away in giddiness. "Yes. Thank--"

"Hey, hey, hey," Aaron called. Peter stopped. "I didn't tell you where. You don't have a location."

Peter flushed bright red, making his way back to the car in embarrassment. "Right, of course. Yeah, my bad. Silly. Just...Yeah. Where is it?"

"Can I give you some advice?" Peter hummed. "You got to get better at this part of the job."

"I don't understand. I'm intimidating."

He crossed his arms, but Aaron only shook his head again.

"Staten Island ferry, eleven."

"Oh, that's soon," Peter realized. He began to walk away, pointing a finger at where the man's hand was webbed. "Hey, that's gonna dissolve in two hours."

"No, no, no, no. Come fix this."

"Two hours. You deserve that."

"I got ice cream in here."

"You deserve that. You're a criminal! Bye, Mr. Criminal!!"

 ---

  Tony clapped his hands together in an attempt to dust them off as he stared around the packaged remains of his lab. Scribbled formulas and problems had been wiped clean from boards, tables folded and disassembled, and prototypes all packed into boxes ready to be loaded onto the plane in a few days time. Most of what was left in his workplace was personal items and two encased Iron Man armors.

"How we looking on time, Fri?" he asked, grabbing his mug from where he'd placed it on the counter earlier and taking a sip.

"Packing for the move to the compound is on schedule, boss," the AI responded.

"Great," he said, smacking his lips at the comforting bitterness of his coffee, "How's the search for a Queens apartment going?"

"I have several different listings placed into the Itsy Bitsy Spider folder for you to look at."

"Great. Forward them to Pepper."

"Of course, sir."

Satisfied with the prospective of flipping through apartment listings closer to Peter in the evening, he glanced down at his shadow, frowning at the lack of fluffy hair there. It was Tuesday, wasn't it? He checked his watch for the time. Barely eleven. He was pretty sure Peter should be in school by now.

"Friday, is the spider-suit active?"

"Yes, sir."

He frowned harder. "Activate the Baby Monitor Protocol, I want to see what's going on."

"That protocol has been disabled, sir."

"What?"

The AI was silent for a moment before responding, "It has been disabled, along with many others. The only way to reinstate them would be manually."

Tony glanced down at his shadow again. Surely the kid wasn't messing with the suit? And especially not the protocols to keep him safe? And he'd skipped school, too.

"Call Peter."

 ---

  Peter peered over the top of the ferry roof at the men gathering below, who practically screamed shady. He kept an eye on Dronie's recording, the small robot keeping an eye on the other two guys up on the ferry, while Karen highlighted the men below.

"Who’s the guy on the left?" he asked, his spine shivering as he looked at the man.

"Mac Gargan. Extensive criminal record, including homicide. Would you like me to alert Mr. Stark?"

"What? No. I've got this, Karen."

One of the men that Peter had seen at the bridge approached Gargan. Peter could easily pick up his muttered. "White pickup truck."

Gargan nodded at one of his crones, who immediately began walking into the inside of the ferry holding the cars.

"Dronie," Peter whispered. "Scan the ship for a white pickup truck."

He watched the footage apprehensively as Dronie flew farther outside the ferry, x-raying the boat to pick out the truck inside. The robot then zipped over to it, beginning to scan the contents covered in the trunk but flying away and back to Peter as a man stepped out the front. His leg bounced nervously as the robot settled back in his chest, his heart beating erratically.

"Oh, this is too perfect," Peter said. "I got the weapons, buyers, and sellers all in one place."

"Incoming call from Tony Stark."

"No, no, no. No, no, don’t answer."

Despite his protests, the screen of his suit was swept away as Mr. Stark filled his screen. Peter tried not to grimace, keeping a careful eye on the men below even as the billionaire began to speak.

"Mr. Parker. Got a sec?" Mr. Stark greeted with a tight smile.

"Uh, I’m actually at school," Peter lied, ignoring Karen's correction in his ear. "I gotta get back to class, Mr. Stark, so--"

"What class?"

"Uhh--" Shit, what did he have at eleven? "Alge--"

The ferry's horn blared excruciatingly loudly. Peter resisted the urge to grimace, trying to keep an eye on the criminals below still.

"Band. I'm at, uh, band practice."

Mr. Stark stared at him, unimpressed. "That's...odd. You told me you quit band when you started swinging around as Spider-Man."

"I gotta go. Uh, end call."

"Hey," Mr. Stark protested, but the screen clicked close, allowing Peter to clearly see the people below once more. He flicked out a wrist, snapping a web onto a pair of keys being handed over.

"I’ll take those! Yoink!" He flipped, snatching the keys and webbing them to the ceiling. "Hey, guys. The illegal-weapons-deal-ferry was at 10:30. You missed it."

He webbed away the weapons from two guys quickly and threw them into the water. With a shiver up his spine, he ducked out of the way of the approaching man wearing the shocking gauntlet. The man's weaponized arm got stuck in the net on the ferry.

While he was distracted with the gauntlet guy, the other two he'd disarmed had scrambled to their feet, egging for a get away. Peter turned lackadaisically, webbing them

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast." He threw the two to the ground. "Are you guys okay? My bad. That was a little hard. I gotta say the other guy was way better with that thing. I’m honestly, I’m, I’m shocked."

This was going super well.

 ---

  Peter let out a short scream of pain, suspended between the two crumbling halves of the ferry. His arms burned as he gripped at the webs fruitlessly, but he refused to let go. He could hear their heartbeats, fast and afraid and exactly like his own. The teenager panted, straining harder than he ever had before only to continue to fail. The ferry wasn't coming back together, his webs hadn't done anything, and the entire ship was going to fall apart.

And yet he refused to let go, even as he felt his arms tear painfully. He cracked his eyes open, searching desperately for his shadow. It was currently lost in the waves crashing underneath as cars piled into the rushing water. There was a moment, so quick he almost missed it, where a car hood stayed still long enough just for him to make out the shadow.

Of an Iron Man armor.

There was a metal groaning and an easing on his shoulders. Peter looked away from his shadow.

"What the hell?" With the ferry putting itself together, the teenager let himself drop onto the ferry floor, arm raised in fearful apprehension as the sound of metal colliding echoed around the entire boat. "What the hell..."

Mr. Stark in the Iron Man armor rose into view at the windows. Despite the fact that he was wearing a mask, it was easy to tell he looked angry. Or, hopefully, he was reading too much into it and the suit was just mean looking.

"Hi, Spider-Man. Band practice, was it?"

Nope. He sounded mad too. Peter had to force down a shiver, ignoring the clapping people and swinging to the cargo hold as Mr. Stark flew under it, beginning to piece the ship back together. He followed anxiously on the ceiling, turmoil sitting heavy in his stomach as he followed the man.

"Uh, Mr. Stark?" he called nervously. He continued to skitter after the man as he flew up to the ferry's top, trying to catch the man's attention even as he continued to ignore the teenager. "Hey, Mr. Stark. Could I do anything? What do you want me to do?"

"I think you’ve done enough."

Peter couldn't even bear to look at his shadow.

 ---

  "So that’s it, you’re just gonna run?" Adrian asked as Schultz approached with his overflowing duffle bag.

"Feds were waiting for us. Now we’re on Iron Man’s radar? Yeah, I’m running. You should, too."

"You know I can’t do that," Toomes said, glancing down at the shadow of his wife.

"So now what?" Schultz shrugged. Adrian rubbed at his chin.

"Mason, can you get that high-altitude seal thing up and running in time?"

"Seriously?" the engineer asked, comically giddy despite how hilariously screwed they all were. "Yes. You will not regret this."

Adrian turned back to Schultz. "You in?"

The man glanced down on the floor, contemplative. "If we get caught, we're dead. And we have days before that plane takes off. We'll be caught before then. Stark will get us, you know that."

"So we take care of Stark."

"Take care of Stark? You're crazy. How the hell are we gonna to kill Iron Man?"

Adrian thought for a moment, thoughts creeping back to the night over the lake; a defensive boy and an over-eager man and matching shadows. Peter Parker, as had been reported by one of his men following the kid. He even went to Liz's school, on her academic team and everything. He hurt a little to do this, but nothing was more important than family.

"We don't need to kill Stark," Adrian responded. "We just need to insure his compliance."

  ---

Tony finally spotted the kid sitting on the edge of the building, his legs thrown over the side, his mask torn off his face as he stared down at the water. The bulky outline of the Iron Man armor extended behind him, an imposing figure compared to the hunched and shivering kid. The sound of sirens and helicopters rang in the distance, only feeding fuel to the fire that was his anger. It had been two days since he'd given Peter the suit and he'd already hacked it, lied to him, and endangered the lives of more than a hundred people. He'd taken Tony's tech and ran with it, doing what the man had warned the teenager not to do, and almost gotten himself killed too.

It terrified him just as much as it infuriated him.

"Previously on Peter Screws the Pooch," Tony started, hovering next to Peter's spot on the building. "I tell you to stay away from this. Instead, you hacked a multimillion-dollar suit so you could sneak around behind my back doing the one thing I told you not to do."

"Is everyone okay?" Peter rasped.

"No thanks to you."

He clunked down on the ground, but Peter barely even looked at him, just grasping the mask in his fingers tighter. After a tense moment, the kid turned to glare at him, a sour look on his face.

"What do you care?"

The question almost shocked Tony from his anger, but the fury managed to cling on as the suit opened, allowing for him to step out. There was a defensive flicker on Peter's face, washed away as quickly as it came, at the stiff anger glued to his figure.

"What do I care?" he echoed incredulously. "Who the hell gave you the suit that you're wearing right now? The one that you used to go fight people you weren't ready to fight. Peter, you're not prepared for this--"

"I didn't see you doing anything."

"Who do you think called the FBI, huh?" Tony demanded.

"And they got their asses kicked immediately!"

"And you did what exactly?"

Peter swallowed. A soft, angry mumble shivered from his chest. "I just wanted to be like you."

Tony glowered. "And I wanted you to be better."

Peter didn't have an answer to that, turning away with a sharp flinch to stare down at the water again where the ferry was finally beginning to dock. His face was scrunched up in cold anger. Tony stared at him, waiting, but the teenager didn't do anything. Didn't say anything. With an indignant sniff, Tony glanced between the approaching boat of people and the kid sitting stiffly in front of him.

"Okay, it’s not working out. I’m gonna need the suit back."

That caught Peter's attention. His head whipped around and he finally swiveled off of the building's edge, standing to face him. The defensiveness was back in full force now, broken only by a shiver of fear in the tremble on his face.

The teenager swallowed. "For how long?"

"Forever." Peter gaped at him, shaking his head. Tony hit him with a withering expression. "Yeah. Yeah, that’s how it works."

"No, no, no... Please, please, please..." the kid rushed, his voice pitching higher.

"Let’s have it."

"You don’t understand. Please. This is all I have. I’m nothing without this suit."

"If you’re nothing without this suit, then you shouldn’t have it." Tony stopped in his demand, pausing to stare into the distance under the guise of letting Peter absorb his words but really choking down his own panic and regret. This was how he was treating his soulmate. He hadn't known this kid for a week and he'd had maybe two successful conversations with him. And now he was yelling and bringing down and punishing. "God, I sound like my dad."

Peter stared at him, swallowing. "Mr. Stark, please I don't want you to g--"

"The suit. Peter."

He could barely even look at the kid's completely dejected expression.

  ---

Peter meandered down the street, his head down as he forced himself to bite down on tears. It wasn't that hard, he'd had a lot of practice recently after all, but he couldn't deny that it hurt. Well, he could, but not to himself.

With the loss of the suit, Peter's bag was considerably lighter. Empty. It was disturbingly similar to how he felt in the moment, like a stumbling shell of a person.

He'd fucked up. He knew he had. But he didn't think he'd fucked up enough to lose his soulmate. He'd just--he'd just wanted to try and impress Mr. Stark, to show the man that he was worthy of being the shadow that had followed the superhero--his hero--around for fifteen years. He huffed to himself quietly at the horrible irony of it all.

After Mr. Stark had demanded to the suit, well, Peter had given it to him. He hadn't had much other choice. The man had allowed for him to go grab the bag he'd webbed to an alleyway earlier and change into his clothes. Choking down panicked tears, the teenager had folded up the barely used suit, and, after a moment of hesitation, slipped the card, the phone, and the badge given to him into the mask. He wanted to have given him the red hoodie too, but it was the only top he'd had, so he'd reluctantly kept it. He'd given the stuff that was no longer his to the still seething Avenger and had left. Mr. Stark hadn't ask where he was going, so he hadn't told him.

Not that Peter was amazingly sure he knew himself. He didn't want to go back to where Mr. Fowler was surely working from home. Peter was supposed to be at school, the man would be furious that he hadn't gone, and he didn't have the courage to face him right now. The ghosted feeling of a hand tugging at his hair and painful nails in his shoulder was enough to keep him wandering the streets of Queens for as long as he possibly could.

There wasn't a destination, there was barely even a journey, there was just the tired wanderings of a teenager trying desperately not to break down crying. Part of him wished he'd kept the phone, just so he could text Ned, or even lose himself mindlessly on social media for an hour or two, but Mr. Stark's words rang clearly in his head.

"Forever."

Peter shook himself vigorously, taking a wispy breath. Of course he would lose his soulmate not even a week after meeting him. Everyone else had left too, it really only made sense.

He didn't know why he'd let himself hope.

"I don't want you to go."

A painfully strong shiver up his spine forced the teenager to stop in the middle of the alleyway he'd been cutting through. Peter pulled back his sleeve, brows furrowing as the hairs on his arm rose on end. Without his phone, or the watch kept on his webshooter, the teen had no way of knowing what time it was, but it had to have been at least half an hour since Mr. Stark had taken the suit. Since he'd caused a gun to split a ferry full of innocent bystanders in half.

"And I wanted you to be better."

Peter had assumed his senses had continued to freak out from the resounding adrenaline and the complete rush of panic that had been today--from the horribleness of it all--but they still weren't calming down.

Jittery, he turned to leave the alleyway back the way he came, but there was a man blocking his way. He froze when he recognized him and the glitching gauntlet on his arm. From the bridge and the ferry. The man stalked forward.

Peter whipped around to escape towards the other end, but another man stood there as well, a different alien weapon in his hands. Peter paused again, eyes shifting desperately for an escape even as the weapon behind him charged up with a threatening snap.

"Give it up, kid," ordered the man. "Come easy, and we won't hurt you."

"Wow. So reassuring," Peter snapped. Without warning, the teenager leaped, jumping onto the wall as high as he could reach. He attempted to begin skittering up the wall, but there was another spike in his senses.

There was no time to dodge as he was encased by an annoyingly familiar blue light that crashed him to the ground straight into a gathering of trashcans. He groaned in pain as he collided with the metal, the cans tipping over and releasing their contents near and on him. There were footsteps, and he tried to push himself back up, but the man with the gauntlet approached quicker than he could recover.

The teenager stared up at him as the man smirked. The gauntlet cracked.

"Nighty-night."

Peter could only close his eyes as a metal fist came crashing down.

---

~Click for better quality~

Ch 1 // Ch 2 // Ch 3 // Ch 4 // Ch 6 // Ch 7 // Ch 8

[bamfdaddio]

X-Men Abridged: 1976

The X-Men, those fiery mutants that have sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, are a cultural juggernaut with a long, tangled history. Want to unravel this tapestry? Then read the Abridged X-Men!

(X-Men 97 - 102) - by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum

If I ever participate in Drag Race, this will be my entrance look. (“Hear me, bitches! No longer am I the woman you knew! I am fierce! I am fashion incarnate! Now and forever, the winner of season 27!” *mugs at camera* ) (X-Men 101)

It really amazes me how quickly Claremont shifts things into high gear. One year in and he absolutely does not calm down, giving us both the Shi’ar, more Sentinels and the (motherfucking) Phoenix. SO LET'S GOOOO

You’d think that, as a telepath, Charles would be used to dreaming absolutely twisted shit, surfing everybody else´s freaky dream waves, but apparently, vividly dreaming of space is so exhausting that he needs a vacation.

To be fair, I’d be exhausted too if I dreamt of schizo space bugs on detailed splash pages. Get into it, Mr. Cockrum. (X-Men 97)

Meanwhile, Alex and Lorna have absconded to the sizzling Rio Diablo to work on their doctorates. It’s unclear what they’re studying (archaeology?) and where this Rio Diablo is (Panama, Chili, Ecuador?), but considering that Rio means River, I’m unsure whether drawing a dry dry desert is the appropriate setting. But hey, this was the pre-Google era and you’re not here for topographical nitpicking, so.

Lorna is shot by an unknown assailant and continues the long, long history of Polaris being mentally overtaken by other entities. Together with the equally not-himself Havoc, they travel back to NYC and attack the plane Xavier is boarding. The X-Men battle them, until it is revealed that these former not-quite-X-Men are in league with… Eric the Red?

Scott is all: But I was Eric the Red! Also, Eric the Red does not exist!

Xavier escapes, apparently not giving a fuck that all kinds of X-Men are demolishing the JFK airport, but the still-evil Havok and Polaris also get away. The X-Men are shook!

Some time later, The X-Men celebrate X-Mas at Rockefeller Square, where Claremont skips some steps in favour of narrative expediency. Moira and Sean are apparently in a relationship, Jean and Storm are the best of friends. It’s some pretty rough telling, not showing, but we’ll allow it, but only because the Storm/Jean-friendship is one of my favourite things.

What, you think only the movies indulged in Lee/Kirby-cameos? (X-Men 98)

Anyway, Jean and Scott are attacked by the Sentinels, who continue their trend of being way too sneaky for supersized racist robots! Xavier is kidnapped on his boat trip with super-duper scientist Peter Corbeau (seriously, he has two Nobel Prizes), while they steal away Jean, Sean and Logan in NYC. When they come to, there’s some gloating from Stephen Lang.

Jean Grey being a literal pin-up while delivering nazi-burns is such a big middle finger to everything she was in the sixties and I am here for it. (X-Men 98)

When the three kidnapped X-Men make a break for it and escape the Sentinel’s clutches, they burst through a wall, only to be greeted by the cold vacuum of space! They’re not on Earth at all: they’re on a formerly SHIELD space station! GASP! (literally)

In secret, Peter Corbeau, inventor of sliced bread, helps the X-Men back on Earth board a space shuttle, where Colossus remembers his brother Mikhail (objectively the worst Rasputin), a kosmonaut who died at the launch of another spacecraft. It’s another Future Plotline Seed©.

The X-Men dodge solar storms which sounds like a made-up contrivance but aren’t, while the Sentinels try to destroy the shuttle. In what the kids these days call a pro-gamer move, the X-Men instead ram the space station and go through to these apparently sub-par Sentinels like Magma through butter. Kurt’s showmanship and Colossus’ loyalty are highlighted, while Cyclops becomes more robotic and repressed the more Jean is in danger.

Colossus’ secondary mutation is apparently BEING THE BIGGEST DORK. (X-Men 99)

Scott almost kills Stephen Lang, but then Stephen throws his ace in the hole at them: THE OLD X-MEN? This reveal throws us right in the hallmark one hundredth issue!

And, look. Stephen, this is just a terrible plan. Instead of using most of your budget on making more impressive Sentinels, you blow half of it on making janky X-Men clones to… what? Confuse the real X-Men?

It works for a hot minute, but Kurt and Ororo quickly figure out something is wrong. This Beast, for example, isn’t hairy and this Jean doesn’t remember being in Storm’s confidence. Wolverine is the first to snap: acting on instinct, he kills ‘Jean’, proving she’s an android.

Stephen Lang, foiled by the X-Men’s logical thinking skills (which, to be fair, are notoriously unreliable), spews some hatred and accidentally blows himself up. Nothing of value is lost.

Too bad the X-Men can’t return to Earth: their space shuttle is too damaged. I actually love this: going to space is kind of a big deal for most people and the fact that the X-Men have trouble because they’re stranded in space lends them a kind of vulnerability that has been lost over the recent years. Jean steps up to the plate, herds the other X-Men into the protected life cell and assumes the pilot seat of the shuttle. This is after zapping Cyclops into unconsciousness and telling the other X-Men to kindly fuck off when they try to stop her.

As the X-Men descend onto the Earth, Jean’s telekinesis isn’t enough to protect her as she’s engulfed by solar flares. OR IS SHE?

Nothing funny. All of these panels are just beautiful. Forget those robot copy X-Men, this is why this issue is worthy of being the hundredth one. (X-Men 100)

The space shuttle crashes, rolls over JFK airport before dunking in the water. The X-Men emerge, safe, sound and very lucky and then, defying all odds, Jean emerges as the Phoenix. Fire, life incarnate, etc.

After a brief but melodramatic burst of energy, Jean collapses into unconsciousness and is hospitalized. Wolverine intends to bring her flowers (aw!), before throwing them out when he realizes the gal’s taken, establishing the X-Men’s most famous love triangle. (You can fuck right off with your Scott/Jean/Warren-bullshit.)

I’m not sure what my favorite thing is here: the absolutely bonkers everybody’s-elated-panel (special mention to Kurt’s boots and his bounce) or the subtle character beat where Kurt goes all heart-of-the-team and checks on Scott, who turns out to be not so stoic. (X-Men 101)

Charles orders all the X-Men (except Scott) to go on vacation, so he can take care of Jean. Like, Charles, you’d think they could just go hang out at the X-Mansion. Instead, they go to Ireland because Sean has conveniently inherited the ancestral Cassidy Keep.

All the X-Men dress up fancy for a welcoming feast, and it seems Kurt and Ororo are flirting? But sometimes, it also seems like Ororo and Piotr are flirting? Listen, I’m not judging: I love these polycule vibes from the early X-Men. Especially because neither Kurt nor Ororo have had particularly satisfying romantic plotlines for the past 20 years.

I’m not here to insinuate nothing, but last time I said “I enjoy being with both of you”, it ended up in a spitroast. (X-Men 101)

The soiree is interrupted by… THE JUGGERNAUT, BITCH, and Black Tom, Sean Cassidy’s evil cousin. They are hired by an unknown someone to kill the X-Men! Since nobody subtle is involved, they quickly wreck the castle and everybody tumbles into the dungeons. (Local news paper reports: gay power couple harasses ill-dressed American tourists.)

This story is mostly a vehicle to tells Ororo’s backstory: Storm, one of the few who could conceivably put up a fight to Cain Marko, feels caged by the cold rocks of Cassidy Keep and is incapacitated by her claustrophobia.

Back in the USA, Charles, who’s heard Storm’s mental anguish, is furious with Scott because he doesn’t hop in a plane to save the other X-Men, even though Scott correctly points out that he’ll never get there in time if he leaves now. Meanwhile, Jean awakens, convinced she somehow brought herself back to life. Yeah, you go girl.

While the rest of the X-Men fight the evil duo in Ireland, Claremont tells Storm’s backstory in a few gorgeous spreads.

“I could write a novel about Storm’s backstory.” “You get two pages.” “Deal.” (X-Men 102)

Another classic comics trope appears here, where family members are immune to one another’s powers. I have no idea how Black Tom is immune to Banshee’s sonic scream - he has ears.

Does Black Tom just have a voice in his ears going NEENER NEENER NEENER when Sean screams? (X-Men 102)

When Storm finally pulls herself back together, it’s too late: the Juggernaut has pummeled the other X-Men into a paste and she also falls to his onslaught. IS THIS THE END OF THE X-MEN?!

Other things introduced this year:

Kurt’s image inducer, which he abuses to look like Errol Flynn. (I would abuse it to look like an amalgam of Milo Ventimiglia (ca. Gilmore Girls) and Timothée Chardonnay. OR like Emmy Raver-Lampman.)

The fastball special!

All kinds of name confusion: Lorna is Polaris, Havok is sometimes Havoc and Piotr becomes Peter.

Best new character: Phoenix. Hit me with that iconic shit.

What to read: The Stephen Lang arc is not fully necessary, just read issue 100 and 101. Don’t skip issue 102 if you want to know all about Storm’s past.

[hjh-ceilo-monster]

Disney Prince AU

Summary : You were a story teller in the little town of yours.People found you weird since you weren’t like othe girls.You didn’t prefer to have a fancy life. Instead of that you prefered the peaceful time with just a book in your hand and read it.You also worked as a nany and the children wanted to listen your story. Since most of them were already told so you promised to find a new story.That day you walked in the library and looked trhough the shelves.You then notice the book with the ruby at the side of the book so you picked it up.However it slipped your hand and dropped off toward the floor.The book flipped open and beam of light shine,made you unsconcious.You woke up and surrounded by 7 princes. They told you in order to got out of here was to help them had happy ending...

            ‘Please miss help us to find a true love.’

Kim Namjoon : Prince Adam (Beast)

- First story of your journey was Beauty and the beast.You were really excited to see what would actually be if it was in Beast pov.

- Although with that beast look of him,it didn't scare you.Of course you saw his human form already.But although you didn't see his form,he was a man that heart full of love and care.He just pretended that he wasn't that kind of person.

- You just got to know that you were invisible and only Namjoon could see you middle of story.So it easier for you to help him with the story especially that Gaston scene.You just scare the villagers away in the middle of the way they reached the castle.That made Gaston fought Namjoon alone and he lost miserably.The story ended really well.

Kim Seokjin : Prince Charming

- Like his name,he was charming.He was what all men want to be since every characteristics of his perfect.

- Although that innocent look with charisma,he was a player.If the love was an olimpic game,he would win a gold medal in every single season for sure.

- It was hard to help him because of that personality but he stopped after met his girl that day.It was romantic to be honest,under the moonlight in the royal garden.Dealing with that stepmother and her daughter,easier than you thought.They were scardy cat.

Min Yoongi : Prince Phillip

- 'I know you.I know you from once upon a dream~'You literally couldn't stop singing this song until it annoyed Yoongi.'I swear if you sing again,I'll push you off this cliff.'

- He was cold hearted prince but not with the girl he met in the forest.That day made you creep out since you never saw Yoongi smile.

- Malificent was one of your favourite villian in the stories.You were froze in place you met her and fangirling for a bit.(Why it look weird?But actually she's my favourite villian for real.) Finally you could made them end up together with super easy yet exhausted trick.

Jung Hoseok : Prince Naveen

- Another play boy princes who enjoyed luxury life a lot.You didn't know that he could dance until the beginning of the story where there was a festival in town and he wore normal clothes.Jump in the center and started dancing.

- It was really funny when he turned into a frog which it was his top list of animals he scared. 'Don't you dare to laugh Y/N.''Sorry but you look...*laugh*'

- The witch could see you which made you surprise at first.Rather than Hoseok you didn't expect others to see you.You also fangirling the other character,crocodile.Who know that he also has a human form and indeed handsome.It was a wish after the happy ending of Hoseok and the princess since he want to be a musician.Now he work as musician in Tiana's Palace.

Park Jimin : Prince Eric

- The hardest and toughest story ever.It drained a lot of your energy to help them get together.What do you expect,to help human ended up with mermaid.

- Who know that Ursula actually beautiful witch.She wasn't an ugly old b*tch like you read in the story.The only thing that exactly the same thing as you read before was she was a horribly cruel person.

- You was able to change the contract of Ariel and Ursula which made the story not as difficult as you thought.You stole the necklace of Ursula when she was sleeping.After she woke up,her form change and the spell toward Jimin disappear.There,the end of the story.

Kim Taehyung : Flynn Rider

- The one who weren't a prince from the start. He was a thief who would steal any single valuable things to get money in return.Not gonna lie but he was sexy though with the unique sculpture like and his height was perfect.

- However it such a big opposite from the princess.She was nice,innocent and optimistic.You wondered with yourself that how you gonna make them end up together but at least you finally make it.

- That witch was crazy.But like the other stories,she want to stay young forever.'If only there's a plastic surgery and I'm surgeon,I swear I'll put her in there.'You cursed with yourself. 'What is plastic surgery?'

*Well okay let’s pretend that this is the custume which he wear in the palace as the leituenant.I’m sorry I suppose to find his with long hair so that it’ll be actually near the image of the male character in Mulan but I can’t find any.T_T*

Jeon Jungkook : Li Shang

- The Leituenant that had best fighting skill.He was the youngest one in the history that got the position.He trained really hard and you didn’t expect to be that hard.Helping him by seeing everything in his Pov. made you understand why he need to be tough when he trainned Mulan and other soldiers.

- You once thought what it would be if you visited China.This turn out to be a golden chance for you to achieve your dream.You get to tour around the city but that also mean you’re in the war that he fight as well.Although no one except him can see you but you still feel afraid.

- Who know a tough leituenant would be shy just because he didn’t know how to propose the girl.He tried like thousand of sentences just to propose Mulan for like 2-3 minutes.Thanks tothe little red dragon,Mushu? you didn’t remember exactly but that creature with a cricket really helpful.

Another one finish...You guys might see the princes one already but since last year some comments from Army talking about how perfect our boys would fit the role in Disney.So that’s the inspiration for me.Need to apologize because the photo that I edit seem to not in a good quality.Hope you guys like this one and don’t forget to check others since I also post the update of my masterlist.See ya next AU,thanks and love y’all. 

[bittysvalentines]

when you remember what you forgot

To: @maramcgregor

From: @thewesternredcedar

Happy Bitty’s Valentines, maramcgregor!! Your prompts were all super inspiring, but I was feeling seasonal so I went with a timely classic: Olympics AU! Please take AU seriously, though, as all sorts of stuff is shifted around, like when Jack OD’d and that Bitty is a figure skater still, and more- even the Olympic city is AU for my own storytelling purposes. Thanks to dear wrathofthestag for her beta work as well!

I hope you enjoy this!! *hugs* ___________________

TV Commentator 1: The torch has almost reached the stadium now, and we’ll finally learn who will actually bring it through the tunnel.

 TV Commentator 2: I’m on pins and needles, honestly.

 TVC1: I have my guesses. Don’t you?

 TVC2: There has been so much speculation, especially based on Montreal’s theme of “The Olympic Family.” Canada has so many superstars who are a part of that legacy of winter sports excellence.

 TVC1: Oh, and we can see a runner coming now with the torch, and the crowd is simply roaring. What a moment. It’s Team Canada’s captain, gold medalist Jack Zimmermann.

 TVC2: What a perfect moment for Zimmermann. Closing the circle on his long journey back to the pinnacle of his sport. So much focus on his personal life in the past, but now he’s just here as an athlete representing his country. What a moment. Listen to that crowd.

 TVC1: He’s taking this job seriously, look at that face. That’s the face of a proud Canadian and a proud Olympian.

 TVC2: He’s back for his second Olympics this year, after so many said he couldn’t get back here. What a moment for him, here in his hometown...

 TVC1: Oh goodness, look who is coming out now to take the torch from Jack.

 TVC2: Oh wow.

 TVC1: Four-time Stanley Cup champion and gold medalist Bob Zimmermann. Bad Bob, truly a legend in hockey.

 TVC2: Taking the torch from his son, what an iconic moment for Canada.

 TVC1: What a journey it has been for this family. So many public ups and downs, and now to be here. Truly an Olympic family and an Olympic story. My goodness.

*

 The stadium was enormous and darkened, so Jack didn’t look up, just watched the few feet of space in front of him, making sure he kept his feet and stayed in the light, taking the steady pace they’d suggested during rehearsal.

 He'd marched in with the team during the Parade of Nations and then been hustled out to quickly change and make his way to the tunnel for his run. There was hardly time for a breath.

 He’d been here before, of course, four years ago. But he’d needed to be so stoned on benzos to make it through the Opening Ceremonies, he didn’t remember much, just an exhausted and colorful blur.

 He’d come a long way since then. Far enough that he was ready to be back here, through rehab, finally on the right meds, in regular therapy, three years of progress, fully vetted by the Olympics committee. Captain.

 But still, it was impossible to look up.

 “I’m here, Jack.”

 His father’s voice, so close. Jack looked and there he was, his hand outstretched, eyes shining.

 “Here you go, Papa.”

 “Run with me?”

 Jack felt himself smile a little.

 “Yeah. Okay.”

 They took a few steps together and then a few more at a run before Jack let go and watched his father jog away from him, all of the spotlights and cameras following and leaving Jack alone in the darkness.

 It had all happened so fast, he wasn’t sure what to think.

 “You can go in through the athletes now and rejoin your team, Mr. Zimmermann.”

 The same helpful woman who had assisted him getting into place was suddenly at his elbow, holding out his team hat and sweater so he could change. “Canada is just on the other side of the U.S. here, through Norway. Would you like me to take you?”

 “No, I’m fine.”

 She led him to the edge of the roped in area that was swarming with American athletes, most of whom were still watching the torch’s progress towards the cauldron on the big screen, but several of whom were ignoring that in favor of taking pictures of Jack or shouting congratulations. She held the rope up for him to join them.

 Pats on the shoulder (and ass) from familiar faces and a couple of teammates who stopped him for hugs and chirps, fist bumps and high fives from random skiers and bobsledders, Jack threaded his way through the Americans. He’d almost made it to the next rope when one more voice managed to call out to him, distinct from the general din.

 “Jack Zimmermann? Hey. That was amazing!”

 A shorter blond man, familiar. Maybe from TV? Jack wasn’t sure.

 “Thanks.” Jack stopped in his tracks. The guy’s face was framed with little curls peeking out from his under his hat, cheeks flushed and lips red. Jack felt himself staring.

 “Glad we get to bump into each other again. Four years, oh lord.”

 The man was having to shout to be heard over the noise of the crowd.

 Jack wracked his brain trying to remember. “We met last time,” he shouted back.

 “We sat together at that athlete’s breakfast thing? Remember? I think I talked you to death. Sorry we never got the chance to meet up again.”

 Jack’s brain made the connection. He’d just watched an interview with the US Figure Skating Silver Medalist two days ago. “Eric Bittle.”

 A smile lit up Bittle’s face. “Yep. That’s me.”

 The holes in his memory from his first Olympic experience suddenly gaped open, vast chasms of people and events that Jack desperately wished he could somehow get back.

 Eric Bittle was still talking, his hands rubbing together in what looked like nerves. “I just wanted a chance to tell you… how much it meant, in my sport, that you were willing to do what you did in yours. You know. Coming out. It just was a… life changer. Really.”

 At that moment, the crowd around them started to roar, far louder than before. Jack swung around to look at the big screen.

 Eric Bittle leaned in close. “Oh lord, we did not just miss the cauldron lighting! I’m so sorry. I’d best stop distracting you, honey.”

 Jack shook his head, and shouted back, right in to Eric’s ear, “It’s fine.”

 The noise started to die down.

 “You get yourself back home to Canada, before I make you miss anything else.”

 Eric Bittle patted him on the arm and gave him a sweet smile. Jack could feel himself still staring.

 “Yeah. Okay,” he muttered.

 Bittle had already turned back to a group of athletes behind him to gawk at the spectacle unfolding around them.

 Jack slunk under the ropes between nations, ignoring the fireworks, and started to make his way across Norway.

 *

 Jack met up with his parents after the ceremony, still in the sea of bodies as it started to disperse.

 “Glad I roped you into this, kiddo?” his father asked with a gentle punch to the shoulder. “That was quite a ride.”

 “It was great, Papa.”

 Oddly, Jack had hardly thought about his torch run since it happened.

 Someone tapped Bob on the shoulder and he was cheerfully dragged aside into an interview, already offering sound bites as he turned to their camera. Jack’s mother pulled Jack into a hug then, her hands softly rubbing circles on his back.

 “I’m so proud of my boys,” she murmured.

 “Maman, could you see whether my schedule conflicts with men’s singles figure skating?”

 She pulled back to look Jack in the eye, brush a stray hair out of his face. “Sure, honey. If it works, do you want me to get tickets?”

 Jack thinks back to those little blond curls, wide brown eyes. “Yeah, maybe.”

 His father turned to them at that moment and gestured for Jack to join him in the interview.

 Jack took a deep breath, and went.

 *

 Back at his room in the gorgeous building where the team was being housed, Jack collapsed into a chair, wrung out and exhausted.

 He’d had a vague memory as he’d walked back across the plaza: of four years ago, standing in the cold, freezing his ass off while someone short and blond used his phone. But he was probably remembering wrong.

 Jack scrolled through his contacts anyway. He had hundreds, and he never sorted through them, even when he’d changed phones. Years of “we should get together” and “text me some time” merged into a huge list of unfamiliar names and numbers he’d never used once.

 There it was, partway down the list. Eric B. Jack’s heart picked up its pace a bit. It couldn’t be him.

 Jack Is this Bittle?

 Jack hit send and then twitchy panic flooded his legs. It was probably someone else that he’d forgotten, some prospect named Eric he’d housed for a night or some trainer who’d hoped Jack would call him for another session.

 The panic was electrical; he had to hop up and do something with the charge in his body. He did twenty push-ups and then changed into his pajama bottoms and brushed his teeth. When he came back to his phone, there was a response waiting.

 Eric B It is. Who’s this?

 Jack froze and read the text five times, slowly.

 Jack Jack

 Jack Zimmermann

 Eric B Jack Zimmermann?

 Jack I think you gave me your number four years ago, and I’m finally using it.

 Eric B Well that’s a kick! Better late than never, as my MooMaw would say

 Jack could feel his face heat at Eric’s conversational tone. Like he might be happy that Jack had gotten in touch.

 Jack I didn’t get to thank you for what you said tonight. Thanks.

 Eric B Oh honey. There’s so many of us this year, Jack. I can’t tell you enough how much your coming out meant to us.</I>

 Eric B To me.

 Jack had to stand up again for a moment. He walked in a quick circle around the room before he could answer.

 Jack It was the right thing for me to do for myself. I’m glad it helped you too.

 There was long pause after Jack sent this message. Maybe that was all either of them had to say?

 His text alert went off again after a minute.

 Eric B So, when’s your first game?

 Jack settled down and leaned back in his chair, pulling his feet up to tuck under him. Was this an actual conversation?

 Jack Thursday. When do you start?

 *

 Jack had gotten to sleep finally, way too late, after an extended text exchange with Eric in which he’d learned quite a lot about the upcoming figure skating schedule, good recipes for jam, and the story of Eric’s own tricky public coming out last year.

 He grabbed his phone in the morning and looked at the last text Eric had sent, just to be sure he was remembering correctly.

 Eric B Hope we can talk more soon. Anytime, okay?

 Eric had to compete today, day one. Jack’s hands got clammy just thinking about it.

 He stood in the hot shower for a long time, pondering his day: breakfast with his parents, team skate, interviews at one o’clock, and then, if his mother had worked it out, tickets to the figure skating venue in the afternoon.

 He needed to get his head around being here, get focused the series of games in front of him, because honestly right now, his mind was full of nothing but Eric Bittle.

 *

 Interviewer: So Jack, you carrying the torch into the stadium was a huge moment for the LGBT community. What has it been like since you publicly revealed your sexuality last spring?

 Zimmermann: Huh. Been like? Euh, the main difference is that I get asked about it in interviews all the time.

 Interviewer (laughing): Fair enough.

 Zimmermann: People just know a little more about me. Like knowing I’m Canadian, or six foot one.

 Interviewer: But it must be interesting to be here with a larger community of athletes who are out?

 Zimmermann: Yeah, sure. There are some great role models out there, like in... lots of different sports. And there are people who aren’t ready to be out, too, which is fine. The main thing is to improve the atmosphere so people can be themselves.

 Interviewer: Indeed. Do you think that’s happened?

 Zimmermann: It will have happened when we don’t have to talk about this in interviews anymore.

 *

 Eric Bittle was very flexible.

 That was what Jack had noticed a few seconds into Eric’s short program. Well, flexible and fast. And strong. Also, really slender. And his hair fluttered in a interesting way.

 Maybe he’d noticed a few things.

 Jack’s hackles were still up from his hours with the press after lunch. It had gotten a little better once he’d been able to join a few teammates in a group interview that was almost entirely fluff about the best places to visit in Canada, but before that he’d had three interviewers in a row ask him about his sexuality, and only one of them ask him anything specific about hockey.

 He’d stewed next to his mother for several skaters before Eric’s name was finally announced. He was fully aware of the cameras that were probably seeking out familiar faces in the crowd, and would no doubt find him, and then speculate.

 However, Eric’s leg could (apparently) extend entirely above his head in more than one direction, and honestly, that thought alone wiped clean Jack’s entire frustrating afternoon in one stroke.

 At the end of Eric’s program, as the crowd waited for the scores, a few people threw stuffed animals or flowers onto the ice. Jack watched as they got gathered up.

 “I should have brought something,” Jack muttered to himself, out loud.

 His mother looked at him, her brows raised. “You... wanted to… ?”

 Jack felt his cheeks go hot. “Oh, no. I just… I know him. Eric. But I’ll just send him a text.”

 Jack’s mother stared at him for a long moment, biting her lower lip. “Oh. Well when you do, tell him I thought it was a beautiful skate.”

 Jack’s cheeks got hotter.

 *

 Jack My mother loved your performance.

 Jack Oh and I did too. A lot.

 Eric B Wait? Are you here???

 Jack Yes

 Eric B Come say hi!!!

 “Honey?”

 Jack stared at his screen and then met his mother’s curious expression. “I just… Eric is asking… if we could meet up.”

 His mother’s eyebrows raised. “Oh?”

 “I thought he’d be busy… so. But it’s fine, never mind.” Jack looked back at his phone and then tucked it quickly into his pocket.

 “No. Go see your friend, honey. Papa and I will find you again later.” Jack wasn’t sure how he felt about the little knowing smile on his mother’s face.

 *

 “Jack Zimmermann, what in heck are you even doin’ here?”

 Eric pulled away from a gaggle of people and came dashing over to him in the cold concrete corridor, fully decked out in a cute zippered Team USA hoodie and some extremely form-fitting leggings that Jack had to look away from quickly.

 A huge set of badges were clattering against his chest as he ran over to him and pulled him into an enthusiastic hug. Jack’s body froze for a moment in surprise before his stubborn arms agreed to wrap around Eric’s back for a moment.

 The official who had led Jack back to the skaters’ area looked rapidly between the two of them, gave a quick nod, and left.

 “I got tickets. To…” Jack hesitated just a moment, but he’d already started the sentence so there was no going back. “... see you. Uh. Skate.”

 Eric’s cheeks pinked up and he shook his head. “Well that’s just a hoot and half cause you won’t believe what I finagled this morning? Tickets to your first game!”

 Jack thought his heartbeat might be visible through his skin. “Huh. Really?”

 Jack’s brain was flooded with the fact that now he was gonna have to score at least one goal on Thursday.

 Eric smiled then, his entire face lighting up. “Great minds, I suppose!”

 Jack couldn’t stop staring at him. The silence lingered just a bit too long before Jack managed to clear his throat and say, “Congratulations, Bittle. You were really great.”

 Eric shook his head, still grinning. “Lord, Jack, it went so well. I mean, I’m skatin’ in the goldarn Olympics. The team is fourth after the shorts! I cannot believe it!”

 Eric’s enthusiasm was so infectious, Jack found himself laughing a little. Eric’s eyes were so deeply brown, and he could not stop looking at them. Shit.

 “I should let you get back,” Jack managed.

 Eric licked his lips, and then said, sort of tentatively, “Jack, uh, you must have practice and all sorts of stuff you gotta do, right? Torch-guy interviews and all?”

 “Euh, when?”

 “Later?”

 “Today? No. I don’t have anything else today. Why?” Jack had hopes, but he didn’t want to even hint at them.

 “Well, Katya will literally murder me if I do anything right now but go back to my apartment and stay there, probably to use the crappy-ass oven to bake something so I don’t pass out from stress...” Eric’s cheeks were so pink Jack wanted to touch them just to see how warm they were. “But, well. She never said I needed to be alone, if you wanna keep me company.”

 Jack’s ability to communicate had been reduced to head nods and single syllables. “Huh. Sure.”

 Eric smiled and rested a hand on Jack’s forearm. “I gotta warn you, though, after I’ve skated, I don’t stop talking for hours.”

 Jack laughed and swallowed. “I won’t be a distraction?”

 Eric leaned in conspiratorially and said under his breath, “Well shit, Jack, I was kinda hoping you would be.”

 The official-looking group of people that Eric had been with were now all looking over at them with interest. A photographer down the hall had his lens pointing right at them.

 Jack felt like he was on the edge of something, a steep cliff, ready to fall or fly. But this was it. He’d come out so he didn’t have to pretend anymore, so he could march into a stadium of thousands of people, into a world of millions, and not have to pretend. Seemed like Eric Bittle was done with pretending, too.

 “I do like baked goods,” Jack said.

 Eric waggled his eyebrows. “Match made in heaven, honey.”

 They walked out of the arena together.

[aion-rsa]

Ready Player Two: The Sequel’s Best Easter Eggs & References

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This piece contains spoilers for Ready Player Two.

When Ernest Cline published Ready Player One in 2011, its exhaustive array of Easter eggs were literally built into the worldbuilding—seemingly one pop culture name-drop per pixel that made up the digital OASIS, per the fierce 1980s nostalgia that creator James Donovan Halliday possessed for the most formative decade of his adolescence. And once the billionaire inventor revealed the Easter egg hunt for his fortune, it made perfect sense that the 2040s generation of gunters would immerse themselves in the same references, placing themselves into Halliday’s mindset to inherit his treasure.

Almost a decade later, those ’80s references are more exhausting in Ready Player Two—like when Wade rattles off his vintage morning routine basically cosplaying as Marty McFly, down to getting woken up by Huey Lewis and the News’ “Back in Time” via a Panasonic RC-6015 flip-clock radio. Whereas the Wade of Ready Player One enthusiastically logged onto the OASIS by quoting The Last Starfighter, the sequel’s gunter-turned-billionaire seems burnt out. He takes no joy in playing at a fictional character’s life instead of trying to improve his own.

Similarly, if Twitter reactions are any indication, readers of Ready Player Two are already finding the dense ’80s shout-outs to be more white noise than fun tidbits to be caught and noticed. It’s the same trick, but it loses its efficacy once you’ve seen behind the curtain.

That said, there are a handful of Easter eggs that break through the static. Because what’s the best way to make two familiar things new again? You mash them up.

Seven Shards for the Siren’s Soul

In some ways, it feels as if the sequel is retreading familiar ground, not quite copying Ready Player One’s Easter egg hunt but certainly building a seven-part quest around solving pop culture riddles. What somewhat redeems the narrative choice is a slightly different take on Easter eggs: not an exhaustive ’80s Wikipedia entry, but the personal Easter eggs of one woman’s life.

That woman is Kira Underwood, wife of OASIS co-founder Ogden Morrow, but also the unrequited love of James Donovan Halliday. As young adults, their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns eventually transformed into the creation of Gregarious Games and, ultimately, Gregarious Simulation Systems and the OASIS. But when Kira died young, both men mourned her… but only one tried to bring her back.

This time around, the prize is not Halliday’s fortune, but Kira’s “soul”—or, at least, a digital copy of her consciousness that Halliday copied without her knowledge or permission. Each Shard references a key point in Kira’s life, plenty of which overlap with Halliday’s ’80s obsession, as Kira met the two boys in 1988—in the middle of playing Sega Ninja, in fact. That’s the trial for the Second Shard, but later Shards relate to properties dear to Kira, which makes gunters like Parzival initially disregard treasured texts like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion or the rich discography of a certain iconic purple-themed musician.

And as the Shard search goes on, the clues become more and more specific to Kira’s life, including the learning-is-fun planet that she and Og created together (Halcydonia) to bring free educational games to underserved children when they were unable to have biological children of their own; and Leucosia, her D&D character-turned-AI-persona. Each Shard also includes a “toll,” or a memory that Z must experience as Kira, to better understand how she was a vital person on her own, beyond these two men’s love for her.

While the Seven Shards won’t be immortalized in the best-of lists of fantasy quests, it’s a clear effort to reinterpret the notion of Easter eggs to be more than just however many pop culture references one person can hold over another. They can also be the personal artifacts that others are encouraged to excavate, and experience the world through another set of eyes.

Planet Shermer

Recast the foul, restore his ending. Andie’s first fate still needs mending.

The Third Shard’s riddle sends Z and Art3mis to Shermer, a planet named after the fictional Illinois town in which John Hughes set the majority of his movies. Inspired by his hometown of Northbrook (which was previously called Shermerville), Shermer was a composite of different aspects of suburbia from both sides of the tracks and everything in-between. A 2010 Vanity Fair article related how in Hughes’ mind, Sixteen Candles’ Samantha (Molly Ringwald) was a “passing acquaintance” of Ferris Bueller’s eponymous hero (Matthew Broderick), and The Breakfast Club’s Bender (Judd Nelson) grew up near Planes, Trains, & Automobiles’ Del Griffith (John Candy).

The OASIS’ Shermer follows Hughes’ thinking, by throwing his iconic teenage characters into a planet-sized Breakfast Club of sorts, with them all attending the same Shermer High School; Z notes that depending on which direction you approach the school, its facade resembles all three aforementioned teen films. That’s amusing enough, but then you remember that actors like Ringwald and Michael Anthony Hall collaborated with Hughes in a number of films—which means all of their alter egos are going to homeroom or the cafeteria together.

This portion of the book is rather delightful in how nonchalantly it plays out every fan’s crossover dreams and how it engages with parallel-universe casting decisions. For instance, Parzival notices Keith Nelson and Amanda Jones (Eric Stoltz and Lea Thompson) from Some Kind of Wonderful, only to realize that that couple is technically the original Marty McFly and his mother. And when it comes to deducing the Shard’s clue, superfan Samantha deduces that they must recast Duckie (the “fowl”) from Pretty in Pink, replacing Jon Cryer with a Weird Science-era Robert Downey, Jr., who had originally been up for the part. (You can already imagine the digital de-aging fun in the inevitable Ready Player Two movie.)

But while their goal is to get RDJ-Duckie and Andie dancing at prom, what’s most important is visiting Hughes himself in his home office to obtain his original Pretty in Pink ending. Perhaps the best Easter egg embedded in this mashup world is that when Art3mis and Z go to the Hughes’ home, they encounter his wife, Nancy Hughes. “I’ve never seen her here before!” Art3mis, who has played through this world’s rhythms countless times before, excitedly tells Parzival. “I didn’t know you even could!” It’s a nice parallel to Wade’s realization that Kira is more than just the wife or love interest, that she and Nancy Hughes are worth squeeing over all on their own.

L0hengrin’s Genderbending Avatar

As Wade relates, Parzival looks almost like him, just a bit thinner, taller, more muscular, and less afflicted by acne. His avatar is an idealized version of himself, as is the case for Samantha with Art3mis—though in Ready Player Two, she has incorporated her IRL facial birthmark into her digital persona, while Wade still sticks with his dream-self. They might also dress as pop culture characters, like Art3mis in her Molly Millions (from William Gibson’s Johnny Mnemonic) phase, yet it only goes so far as typical cosplay.

But in the sequel, Parzival meets YouTuber and gunter L0hengrin, who he identifies as a fan by name alone; in Arthurian legend, Lohengrin was Parzival’s son. When they meet in the OASIS, however, Parzival is struck by Lo’s avatar: She primarily takes the form of pixie-haired teen Helen Slater in The Legend of Billie Jean, but she’s also known for shifting into floppy-haired James Spader in Tuff Turf. While Lo, a trans woman, is not the first OASIS user to find herself in a nostalgic movie avatar, the fluidity of her gender presentation speaks to a deeper identification with various iconic figures depending on her gender in that moment. It also opens up the possibility of other genderqueer or nonbinary users finding their own unique representation via ’80s figures—after all, there are infinite personas to choose from.

The Afterworld

Another mashup world that Parzival, Aech, and Shoto visit on their quest for the Shards is a planet-sized shrine to Prince. And while its name is technically the unpronounceable Love Symbol, those in the know call it the Afterworld. Under ominous skies of “Purple Rain” they drive a “Little Red Corvette” to raid Paisley Park not for weapons, but for musical artifacts with which to challenge the Purple One(s).

Basically, the three gunters have to reenact Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, doing musical battle with seven iterations of Prince as the Evil Exes: Purple Rain Prince, Cloud Suit Prince, Gett Off Prince, Batdance Prince, Microphone Prince, Third Eye Prince, and Mesh-Mask Prince. Not to mention their henchmen, in the form of several past bands and collaborators. 

All things considered, the battle goes pretty quickly, especially since Aech is a super-fan coaching Parzival through how to wield the Cloud Guitar, and they have their own backup in the form of Prince’s old band Morris Day and the Time (a.k.a. The Original 7ven). There is a reason that Scott fights seven separate battles, each with its own arc and stakes. It ratchets up the tension in each fight and hints at Scott possibly failing, instead of seeming more like a means to an end, as is the case with Ready Player Two’s big jam session.

This one might be a tad more controversial for readers, depending on how sacred one holds Prince, but I would argue that inspiring a reaction—positive or negative—still counts as an Easter egg that works.

Needle Drops

Both Shermer and the Afterworld include dozens of music cues that can be triggered by passing over a certain spot or into a key moment out of pop culture history, though the needle drops are a consistent Easter egg throughout Ready Player Two. These “soundtrack landmines,” as Z calls them, set the scene, striding into Shermer High School to Killing Joke’s “Eighties”; or add gravitas to a moment, like when Parzival stares at Art3mis, realizing he’s still in love with her, and Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” begins playing.

For the most part, these cues belong to everyone: They’re planted in the same spaces for any user to trigger, regardless of whether or not they’ve ever actually sung or danced to these moments in John Hughes movies. Yet little Easter eggs like the Boston needle drop—which can only be triggered by one avatar staring at another for five seconds, while the ONI records an increase in heart rate—feel like personalized love letters to two lovebirds, caught in a special moment unique to just them. That’s exactly what you want an Easter egg to do.

Ready Player Two is available now from Ballantine Books. Let us know the Easter eggs that worked for you in the comments below…

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The post Ready Player Two: The Sequel’s Best Easter Eggs & References appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3pZdsp3

[newagesispage]

                                                            OCTOBER                2020

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 The Stones opened Rolling Stones # 9 on Carnaby St.** Bill Wyman auctioned off many unique items for the Prince’s Trust.**Wyman’s bass used for groundbreaking records in ’69 and ’70 broke a record at $384,000. The famous amp that got him into the Stones went for $106,250 and the most expensive toilet seat cover sold at auction with the tongue logo went for $1,142. Brian Jones Rock and Roll Circus guitar sold for $704,000.

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VOTE!!!!

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In San Francisco people can order dinner and drinks delivered with a drag queen performance.

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Joaquin and Rooney had a baby that they named River.

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Real Time has been renewed thru 2022.

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The new film, No Sudden Move about 1955 Detroit will star Don Cheadle, David Harbour, Benicio Del Toro, Ray Liotta and Kieran Culkin.

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Shep Smith is back with Just the Facts on CNBC.

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The Presidential debate: Well, Good Biden moments-“You don’t panic, he panicked.”  “It is what it is cuz you are what you are.” “Everybody knows he’s a liar.” Wouldn’t know suburbs unless he took a wrong turn.”  “Will you shit up man?” “Get out of your and trap.” Imagine if Bernie or a younger candidate with real energy were there. Imagine someone quick on their feet because we need that.  The bully style of scary clown 45 does fluster a normal person as it supposed to. Joe held his own and had real dignity though. It is hard to not respond to the President’s ridiculousness but he needs to be ignored.  Trump and son both seemed like they were about 8 Red Bulls into the day with all that pent up anger.  Who should be drug tested? Biden?  Trump went on about forest management but most of that land belongs to the Federal government.  ** I have never seen my mailperson trying to sell ballots.** Trump said that bad things are happening in Philadelphia. Biden should have showed some love for the state. He is on a tour of it now though. ** Chris Wallace said, “Why you not?” Was that a real question?  45 said, “I was a private business people.” They all had a little trouble talking. It is exhausting the way people put up with his manners.  **As soon as the debate was over, the Trump army wasted no time reaching out to goons to be poll watchers. Do they know that you just can’t show up randomly for that??**Apprentice insiders say Trump abuses Adderall.

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The other day when Trump took the podium for a rant, an open mike caught a someone saying, “Oh shit” On Fox.

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For those who insist Trump is a religious man, I’ll grant you he pays taxes like a church. –Stephen Colbert

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Letterman is ready with My Next Guest Needs no Introduction. This season includes Robert Downey Jr., Lizzo and Dave Chappelle.

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There are about 9 million feral swine in this country known as super pigs.

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There is talk of Levar Burton replacing Alex Trebeck when he retires. YES!!!!

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Cigar Afficionado magazine has named CBS Sunday Morning the greatest show on tv.

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The U.S. built tunnels under Trump’s wall to let water, garbage, DDT and other toxins flow thru. Millions were spent for nothing and now millions more will be spent to address this problem that empties into the Pacific Ocean.

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Days alert: Melissa Reeves is being replaced. Is it that she does not want to commute from Nashville or that she is a bit too conservative or something else? Is it an end of Days with old side characters and replacements of the stars??** Ava is coming back, JJ is back, Eric and Sami are gone. ** Absolutely loved the pic of Abigail 1 that confused Abigail 2. Funny!!!! It reminded me of the OLTL moment during Asa’s funeral when Blair saw the 1st Blair in a flashback.

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“Smaller than expected” would probably explain a lot about the proud boys. –Andi Zeisler

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Why does anyone listen to Christie or Rudy??

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Looting isn’t part of protesting just like murder isn’t part of arresting.

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A judge has said that Florida has created an “unconstitutional pay to vote system.” This has now been overturned. What are the things that can be termed felonies to keep one from voting? The list includes releasing helium filled balloons, driving without a license, catching the wrong lobster and disturbing turtle eggs. Amendment 4 was originally put into effect to stop freed slaves from voting. But SB7066 makes sure that felons complete the terms of their sentences. The fines, fees and restitution can be hard to navigate. There must be proof before they can vote but all counties keep their own records and there is no organization statewide.  Mike Bloomberg, John Legend, Michael Jordon and others are paying off millions of dollars in debt for felons in Florida so that they can vote if they can unravel some of the puzzles. Now Florida Republicans are saying that that is also illegal.

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Two thirds of the world’s wildlife has disappeared in the last 50 years.

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At our own peril, we have to step up or everything is lost. –John Batiste

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Michael Jordan will start up a Nascar team with Bubba Wallace.

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Laraine Newman signed up to be a poll worker. How do you get people to vote? Celebrity poll workers? Hey whatever works as long as the masses don’t gawk and hold up the lines.

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A refrigerator sized asteroid is headed to earth and may arrive about the time of the election.

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So the coronavirus relief funds were funneled by the pentagon to defense contractors.** What kind of a selfish fucking world do we live in? At least we know which people in this world give a flying fuck about the rest of us. Rally and fair participants, relief money scammers and mask protesters, we hear you loud and clear!!

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The Emmys went on thru the week of the 14th thru the 20th. Winners included RuPaul, Don’t fuck with Cats, Leah Remini, The Apollo, Eddie Murphy, Last Week 2nite, SNL, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Crown, Better Call Saul, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Archer, Hollywood, Maya Rudolph, Dan Harmon,  Bad Education, Cherry Jones, Regina King,  Julia Garner, Mark Ruffalo,  Uzo Aduba, The Last Dance and Stranger Things. Schitt’s Creek (and practically the whole cast), Dave Chappelle and Succession took home the big ones. Norman Lear became the oldest Emmy winner ever. Letterman ‘hitchhiked’ to the Emmy’s to present an award. I was really rooting for Amy Sedaris!!

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Bill Murray and Rashida Jones will star in Sofia Coppala’s On the Rocks.** The Doobie Brothers want Bill Murray to stop using their music to sell his golf clothes.

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Danny Trejo and Jessica Tuck will star in ‘The Shift.’

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Illinois is pulling down statues including Chris Columbus. Woo Hoo!!

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13 mummies have been discovered in a well, stacked one on top of the other. The Egyptian discovery from about 2,500 years ago has been well preserved.

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Hysterectomies on immigrant women in detention camps?? Really??

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Scientific American mag is 175 years old has never endorsed a candidate but Joe Biden id their man.

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Word is that in Indonesia the anti- maskers are forced to dig the graves of the Covid 19 victims.

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The Breonna Taylor case continues with a settlement and too few charges.

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Scary Clown 45 announced he will call in to Fox and Friends every Monday or Tuesday but a host told him that they were not committed to that.** The Scary campaign put up ads with “Support Our Troops” but the problem is they are Russian troops and jet fighters.** Trump did a phone interview on Fox Sports and talked about golf.

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It is a shame that Hillary lost the election and many more of us would be alive if she were running the show. But, I can only imagine the shit they would have given her.

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Brad Pascale, Trump’s former campaign manager, went to the hospital after being taken into custody in Florida after threatening suicide.

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Just remember , 1619 Project: Good   1776 Commision: Oh my! Why do these rich old fucks want us to stay as stupid and uninformed as they are? Haven’t we been in the dark long enough? They are the fake news masters.

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Jim Carrey will play Biden on SNL. Chris Rock will be host the season 46 opener on Oct. 3. New players will be Lauren Holt, Punkie Johnson and Andrew Dismukes.

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Gulf War Syndrome is a chronic and multi symptomatic disorder that has affected military personnel from the Persian Gulf War. The DOD is resisting the strong evidence and needs more of a spotlight. The possible exposure to chemical weapons may even have been passed on to their partners through sexual contact. All of this came to light in the mid 90’s thru complaints that were told to Ross Perot. Let’s hope Tammy Duckworth looks into this further.

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Amy Coney Barrett has been nominated to the Supreme Court. Her previous statements tell us she believes the ACA is unconstitutional, abortion is always immoral and the country should undo marriage equality. She is a member of People of Praise.** If she was a Muslim and everything else was the same regarding her beliefs and associations, Republicans would call her a religious extremist and never let her step near the Supreme Court. –Wajahat Ali.** Notorious A.C.B. ?? Do they have one original idea other than new ways to cheat and steal??

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Finn Wittrock has a funny little Emmy Uber ride on Funny or Die.

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Breonna Taylor’s neighbor’s wall got more justice that Breonna herself. –Jordan Uhl

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Go Stevie Wonder!!!

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Dax Sheppard went off the wagon for a while.

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A Giant Gundom? Really?

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A fun prank would be if we stopped this from becoming a dictatorship on Nov. 3rd and whatnot. –George Wallace

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Sen. Kevin Kramer has been acting a little crooked on building the Wall.

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The Metropolitan Opera has cancelled the whole season.

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Happy Doomscrolling

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Can dogs be trained to detect the coronavirus?

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Rand Paul is an idiot. Birx and Atlas have ruined reps. Give ‘em Hell Fauci!! ** Everything Atlas says is false. –R. Redfield

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Eric Trump must testify in court about the Trump business’s a judge has decreed. The Trump biz has made about 19 billion in the last 3 years.** The world is gobbling up the news about the Trump tax returns with tales of debt, the $72.9 milliion refund and foreign influence. How does the IRS let a refund like that happen? How bad of a businessman do you have to be to lose that much $? National security threat. One of his fans will probably bail him out.

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Bet we’d all own houses if we stopped eating so much avocado toast and committed tax fraud. -Kashana

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Mary Trump has sued The President and his siblings for fraud.

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Ellen is selling off $10 mil in art.

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61% say we should abolish the electoral college.

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The Netflix series, Challenger :The Final Flight reminds us that like The Titanic, the arrogance of man can change so many lives.

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Wilderness of Errors is a great doc. It proves just how right the book and mini -series got it.

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The remains of the 1644 warship, Del Menhorst have been found off the Danish coast.

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Everybody is talking about Jeff Daniels in The Comey Rule. The actors were upset when Showtime was going to push back the release until after the election. The actors said they wouldn’t promote the film so the film has premiered.

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David Tennant gets better and better and now he is giving us DES on ITV. Quality AND quanity.

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Independent prosecutors are not going ahead with a case against NE Patriots Robert Craft for soliciting prostitutes.

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America has no memories. –Wallace Shawn

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Tyler Childers has released ‘Long Violent History”. Give it a listen.

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Does it seem like the administration gets a word of the week and they really push it? Caravan-Herd-sedition-looters- Antifa. It is like they all share a brain and do not have a thought of their own.

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Chris Petrovski `will star in ‘Listen’ about a young Israeli soldier.

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On a personal note, I love the way that Autumn makes my brain feel. The spring allergies are gone, the hot muddled summer thinking fades and everything opens up.

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Gubler is back and in the video for Future Islands ‘Moonlight’.

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Niecy Nash wed Jessica Betts.

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Check out the Curious life and death of… on the Smithsonian channel.

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Conan is looking hot with his grown out hair.

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I just love Mel Rodriguez and Weijia Jiang. Some people just don’t get enough credit.

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Vet’s crisis line: 1-800-273-8255

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Donald Trump is taking page out of Charles Manson’s playbook. Start a race war, then convince the public you alone can end it. He’s a lying racist piece of garbage. –Rob Reiner

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Serious Question: Would good Christian conservatives have mounted a Go fund me for Timothy McVeigh? –Michael Mckean

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Old Navy will pay employees to work the polls on Election day.

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Trump is the most effective anti -liberal in my lifetime. –Newt Gingrich

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Tommy Chong does not seem too happy with Joe Rogan.

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Anna Faris is leaving CBS’s Mom as it heads into its 8th season.

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Q Anon should take advantage of the ACA. –Joe Biden

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Word is that the White House told Federal agencies to ban race based sensitivity training.  The thinking is that Un American propaganda training sessions have no place in Federal Government.

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I wish I lived in a country where John Kelly, James Mattis and John Bolton had at least half the balls of Sally Yates, Maria Yovanovitch, Fiona Hill, Reality Winner, Christine Blasey Ford or Stormy Daniels. – Andrea Junker** If only Mad Dog Mattis had the balls of Olivia Troye – Michael Mckean

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38 million Americans live in poverty.

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80 year old Sam Little with a possible 93 murders has now been called the most prolific serial killer in the U.S. and he has a photographic memory. Whoever takes this on, please let David Alan Grier play him in the movie.

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You must check out the album, the Angel Headed Hipster.

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Everybody is talking about Cottage Core.

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The Trump campaign can’t help themselves with things like playing ‘knockin’ on Heaven’s door’ and ‘Fortunate son’ at rally’s. It was like the time my Grandfathers young wife brought a purse to the funeral that boldly stated ‘Jackpot.’ True Story.

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Glenn Howerton and Seth Meyers should play brothers on something.** Also Meyers and Larry Wilmore wondered if the cancellation of Wilmore’s show was a reason for the racial unrest and terrible results of the last election. Hmmm.

*****

Can we remember this election enthusiasm for all future elections?  We need to take things seriously EVERY time.** So many say that even with our divide, we all want the same things in the end. I do not think that is really true. It seems that in this divide, we have different ideas about what we want this country to be.

*****

Harry Styles has replaced Shia LaBeouf in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling.

*****

Cat Cora has filed for a restraining order against her ex- wife, Jennifer who it seems has been stalking her.

*****

Showtime’s The Comedy Store sounds interesting with stories like Jimmie Walker who claims that Freddie Prinze wanted to kill John Travolta.

*****

Maplecroft, Lizzie Borden’s last house sold for about $890,000.

*****

A woman ref in the NFL?? It’s about time!

*****

Doc Martin will end after its 10th season.

*****

Kelly Clarkson is being sued by her management firm.

*****

Pope Francis refused to meet with Mike Pompeo.

*****

R.I.P. Tom Seaver, Sophie Farrar, Kevin Dobson, Toots Hibbert, Stevie Lee, Bruce Williamson, Ben Cross, Diana Rigg, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Rev. Robert Graetz, Ron Cobb, Gale Sayers, Dan Dettman, Kevin Burns, Mac Davis, wildfire casualties, Covid victims and Helen Reddy.

[wanderbitesbybobbie]

5 Inspiring Entrepreneurs Adapting to the New Normal

The year 2020 has been a big challenge as the Covid-19 pandemic arose and continues to disrupt the economic state in a global expanse. Thousands of people lost their jobs, not just in the Philippines, but throughout the world. Businesses abruptly shut down, more and more succumb to insufficiency in resources. But through all these happening around the world, could the toughest times stimulate the most exceptional solutions?

I have met five inspiring entrepreneurs and learned from them, as they pivot their careers and businesses to thrive amidst the pandemic. I have set a few questions for these role-models, hoping to motivate budding entrepreneurs and those who plan to start their own businesses. This might be a lengthy post, but just like my previous post about building a competitive Food Business, I am pretty sure you will pick up something along the extensive read. I hope this article inspire you to pursue your dream business despite the ongoing crisis.

BEATRIX MERCADO, RND, MSFS, Owner of Project Fit

BUSINESS NAME: PROJECT FIT PH

What was your previous profession before you decided to start your business?

I used to be a professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, but while I was a professor, I still did side businesses like selling baked goods and drinks.

What was your biggest challenge when you were starting?

I decided to widen my reach and cater to other cities, I underestimated the number of orders and the time and operation so it was really overwhelming, so from there, we learned our limits and things to improve on. From there, we learned how to improve our service, manage time and deliveries better without compromising quality.

What is Project Fit about and what do you offer?

Project Fit PH is a healthy meal delivery service and nutrition coaching service business. We help people live healthier through food and proper nutrition. We offer healthy meals for weight management, heart disease management, diabetes management, renal disease management and other health concerns, our aim is for people to live healthier and help them improve their nutrition as well. We also offer nutrition coaching with me, a Registered Nutritionist Dietitian, to help clients anywhere know how to build healthier habits, and know the meals the need to consume so they can achieve their health goals We also have various food choices like high protein meals, smoothie bowls and healthy drinks. A one stop shop for health.

How did the pandemic affect your sales?

I really was not making profits at all, my client base was so low that the only reason why I keep running the business is for my employees, so they can still earn for their family.

How did you pivot and bounce back from the pandemic?

I had to adapt, I reached out to my past clients, influencers, and boosted ads on Facebook. I also ran promos so clients will be enticed to subscribe to our meal plan. We have more products to launch and am excited.

If there would be anything you would advice budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

It’s okay to start small but always have a big vision for your business coupled with action. Things will be difficult, there will always be challenges, but we should learn and not dwell from them. Give the best you can in what you want to do, and most of all be consistent and never quit!!! I had thoughts of quitting before, but I kept on pushing and pushing, now we have more clients, I was once a one-woman show and now we are a team of 6 and as I go along in business, my vision and goals get bigger. Also, take time to rest, love yourself and keep on learning. Grow as a person, your business also grows.

    CHEF ERIC RAQUEÑO, SOUS CHEF, Kappou Imamura/Okada Manila, Owner of Tamago Boshi

BUSINESS NAME: TAMAGO BOSHI

What was your previous profession before you decided to start your business?

I am a Sous Chef at Kappou Imamura/Okada Manila.

What was your biggest challenge when you were starting?

Almost everything has changed because of the recent pandemic. Everything has become difficult. Every time you go out, you have to sanitize properly, take a shower right after, and endure a lot of hassle just to make sure you come back safe to your family. The long queues in the supermarkets were of no help. You have to source out your supplies systematically.

What is Tamago Boshi about and what do you offer?

It all started from my wife’s friend, requesting for some authentic Tamagoyaki/Dashi Tamago (Japanese rolled omelette). They have started looking for variations since then, so I made California Maki and Kimchi and then added some sushi rolls variety. I also jumped into the baked sushi craze, and I have also added Gyoza and Tonkatsu on the menu.

How did the pandemic affect your sales?

As of now I’m on a no work no/no pay status with my company and this small business of ours help us in ways.

How did you pivot and bounce back from the pandemic?

During the ECQ, restaurants were closed and almost everyone is in their homes. I jumped into the opportunity so I made Japanese lunch meals for my wife’s co workers and family members and started reselling my products. Though I am currently not back at work yet, Tamago Boshi has somewhat been a big help to us.

If there would be anything you would advice budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

My advice is to Just Do It! And don’t be afraid to fail.

HENRY CHUA, PAPER ARCHITECT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Paperbound PH 

BUSINESS NAME: PAPERBOUND PH

What was your previous profession before you decided to start your business?

Took up Architecture in college. Gone employed to a design firm, then from there, together with my business partner, we started Theology of Space. It’s an Architecture and Interior Design office. Designing hotels, restaurants, commercial spaces, offices, malls, cinemas, etc. Construction has been very exhausting. The energy in me was looking for a creative outlet, and there came Paperbound! Paperbound started at a printing store – photocopy, blueprint, office supplies, etc. Things didn’t went accordingly, we have to close it down. I was so devastated back then. I never gave up, got back to it for round two, like a boxing match. We focused on making custom items, like packaging, so no rentals to keep. Luckily, we got our niche on this one. Testing things out, on and off, we also tried making stationeries. We made “Ang Bao’s”, Money envelopes, because I personally needed it. Instead of making it red and gold, we made it our own version. Manila Fame saw our work, and it became our stepping stone from there. The rest followed.

What was your biggest challenge when you were starting?

Finance, I was thinking all these ideas, but I got limited resources to fund it. Therefore, i’m being limited of what we can do, but it has to work. Finance should never be an excuse! Little by little, we have to work out whatever we can. Marketing, Ideas were here, funds became available. How to sell them? Started with friends. There’s a pressure that the quality has to be good, or else. From there, keep selling and selling, always open for opportunities. Manpower, I cannot hire a professional to do all these. So sometimes, I have to do it myself. I see those as little challenges that I have to ace, so that later on, when I’m big as SM, I have a story to tell.

What is Paperbound PH about and what do you offer?

We are a design office that makes packaging and marketing peripherals. Everything that involves paper, we’re trying our everything to become at this. We may be not super cheap when it comes to price points, but what we can assure our clients, QUALITY is our top priority. We strongly believe if the product is at its best quality, customers will be happy, and price difference will be the least of their concern. Paperbound means quality, yet exquisite, yet avant garde.

How did the pandemic affect your sales?

Pandemic caused some of our projects to be postponed. Also, there’s a decline of need of our products because businesses are concerned of keeping their things afloat, more than opening or improving or marketing their items. Especially for some of the items that are non-essentials.

How did you pivot and bounce back from the pandemic?

We’re still bouncing back. What we did, just keep doing whatever we’re doing, be best at it. Continue to conceptualize. Continue to be creative and productive. We’re doing this not just for ourselves, but people around us. As a brand that advocates creativity and uniqueness, we need to become somewhat a beacon of positivity and hope. If we can do it, surely they can too! When all of these are over, we can look back and say to ourselves, “continuously doing our homework isn’t so bad after all!” With regards to pandemic, since we can only do much, we tried making “Thank You” and “Get Well Soon” E-cards, something that can be sent away to our front liners or whoever we owe our thank you’s; and something that we can give away to anyone who needs to hear those thoughtful words. As much as us we want to make PPE’s, we are very much limited. These may be nothing, but at least we’ve done our part, and it’s something true from our hearts.

If there would be anything you would advice budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

If you a have a dream business, then that dream is you. Continue to believe in it, it’s free anyway. Your dream, your vision, is a part of you, it’s what’s gonna keep you alive. Never sell it out. It may not materialize at first round. But with diligence, resourcefulness, and enough faith, things will happen, even beyond what you can imagine. Believing in your vision, and working it out, is far more important than finance, or marketing, or any tangible elements in starting a business. Your vision is the very foundation of everything. Without vision, people perish. So as businesses.

                LEVI DIZON, RN, Owner of Julio’s Beef Pares

BUSINESS NAME: JULIO’S BEEF PARES

What was your previous profession before you decided to start your business?

I’m currently working as a nurse in a government hospital. Cooking is not really part-time, it was my first love.

What was your biggest challenge when you were starting?

Saving money for your capital was really tough but I would say that trying to introduce your product and turning doubters to believers is by far the biggest.

What is Julio’s Beef Pares about and what do you offer?

We’re a home-based food service in Mandaluyong that offers freshly cooked Pork Dinuguan, Chilis, Beef Pares Mami, Mozarella Stuffed Longanisa, and the star of our menu, Beef Pares. Our goal is not just to serve food and be the new Beef Pares in town but to create opportunities for others.

How did the pandemic affect your sales?

Just like other online businesses, we thrived during this time due to the closure of big name stores. People turned to social media to bring warm and good food to their tables. On the other hand, this pandemic made everything more difficult to execute plans and actions but it was my burning desire to serve the people that pushed me to meet all the needs of our customers.

How did you pivot and bounce back from the pandemic?

If we’ll talk about sales, it was pretty consistent since day one but not until we reverted back to MECQ and cases started to increase drastically. People are concerned with cross-contamination and overall sanitation but we made sure that we follow safety measures to assure them of clean and good food. That’s all we want, make them feel safe and make them happy. That helped us to survive during this time.

If there would be anything you would advice budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Do what you want and never let someone stop you from reaching your goals. Never forget to pray and thank God for everything.

MARIA KRISTINA D. BAUZON, RN, Owner of Pizza Don and Cheesecake Library

BUSINESS NAME: PIZZA DON X CHEESECAKE LIBRARY

What was your previous profession before you decided to start your business?

I’m a nurse by profession but the food industry seems to be my calling. After passing the boards I continued engaging in the management of a family owned restaurant with (then boyfriend) now my husband. It’s about to turn 10 years old next year.

What was your biggest challenge when you were starting?

Starting as a home baker, the biggest challenge was how to introduce my products to the market. Being a newbie two years ago, not everyone gave my goodies a try. So I had to do extra work and effort to be recognized. Blood, sweat and tears as they say. That’s why I’m always grateful for my clients who gave me chance and tried my goodies out, it really means a lot to those who were starting, just like me.

What is Cheesecake Library about and what do you offer?

My business came to life when my husband and brother-in-law decided to put up a small coffee shop called Javeritas. Since my sister-in-law and I love to cook and make desserts, the goal was to supply our cafe with home-baked goodies. Cake slices and pastries can be bought through walk-in/dine-in in Javeritas. But we also do made-to-order cheesecakes for special occasions. For our packaging we keep it simple and clean. I love it when the colors of my cakes and pastries pop-out in our white boxes. Minimal packaging for quality goods.

How did the pandemic affect your sales?

The impact was pretty big. I had to turn down orders during the quarantine period because I myself was afraid to go out. I stopped offering pastries as well because even though I wanted to make them, my ingredients were lacking due to closure of some of my suppliers.

How did you pivot and bounce back from the pandemic?

The pandemic, the ECQ rather, deprived us of our cravings, and with this, my goal is to satisfy those cravings by baking quality products. I don’t do shortcuts. All ingredients are portioned equally to make sure that flavor is rich and consistent. As they say, good food makes you feel good. And I think right now, having a comfort food lessens the stress of our current situation. I knew I achieved that goal when I started having repeat orders. So I guess, that’s how Cheesecake Library is slowly bouncing back.

If there would be anything you would advice budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

To the budding entrepreneurs out there, my advice is that sell something that you yourself loves to eat. I always believe that food is someone’s expression of passion and affection. You can taste how much love they have put into it. In my case, most of the goodies that I bake are the ones that my husband and kids likes to munch on. So basically, the goodies that I sell are the same food that I serve on our family table. Believe me, the most honest and savage critic I have is a 6 year old boy. Lastly, grab this time as a chance to showcase your products, whatever it maybe. Give your best. Don’t get discouraged immediately if the response that you are aiming for is not yet coming. It will come, eventually. Just do what you do consistently. Research your market. Checkout the trend but innovate your work to standout. And, it’s okay to fail. But don’t give up. Remember, you’ll never get it right if you stop trying.

ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR YOURSELF? WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES?

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? 

FOR COLLABORATIONS, POSSIBLE FEATURES, OR ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE,

SHOOT ME A MESSAGE ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE!

OR SEND ME AN E-MAIL AT wanderbitesbybobbie@gmail.com

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

5 Inspiring Entrepreneurs Adapting to the New Normal was originally published on WanderBitesByBobbie

[luxenna]

Helllllllllllooooo again.

I feel super meh. Not great, not terrible, but just... in the middle. Like I’m a little bit worse than just ‘okay.’

There’s a few reasons why, but I wanted to just talk about some random stuff that’s been on my mind and some stuff that’s been going on in my life.

I started running! Eric and I went on a cruise a few weeks ago (which was amaaaaazing, btw!) and I was getting ready for that beach body lmao by running, which I started to enjoy... I guess lmao

Anyways, after the cruise I didn’t really have any motivation to run, so I decided to sign up for a 5k with my coworkers so now I have some motivation to train for that. It’s next week. After that, I’m not sure what else is going to motivate me other than just health reasons??? I do like how I feel after the run and it’s a great distraction so hopefully I’ll be able to keep it up.

I started from rock bottom so my mile time is kinda abysmal, but at least I’m able to run almost 2 miles without stopping to walk now. The last time I ran this much was back in high school and I was pretty much in the best shape of my life back then, although I think I’m getting pretty close now. So I’m pretty happy about that.

Work has been pretty good. I’ve been kind of feeling unmotivated, mostly because it’s been a bit slow. I’ve been studying for my A+ certification (it’s an IT certification) so that is my next goal. After that I want to start shadowing the system admins because I think their roles are really interesting and I can see myself doing something like that. Being a sysadmin is a long term goal of mine.

I still love my job and where I work, but I’ve just been feeling kind of bored because I don’t feel SUPER challenged, but I know that I should appreciate the slow times before it gets super busy and I get hella stressed hahah.

 My social life kind of sucks right now. :/ I don’t really hang out with my Year Up friends anymore, which I addressed why in the previous blog post. The other group of friends are people I’ve known since high school, and honestly I’ve never felt included in their group so I’ve just kind of given up on trying to feel included. It’s exhausting and I think it’s starting to take a toll on my self esteem. 

That’s why I gravitated my towards my Year Up friends back then because they really included me and my presence felt appreciated. It just fucking sucks that I don’t have them anymore. I have a few friends that I still talk to, but honestly it’s not enough.

I don’t really know how to remedy this other than meeting new people but lets be real lmao I’m shy as fuck. I know a lot of cool people at work but there’s not a ton of people around my age for me to hang out with. I know the only way to fix this is to get out of my comfort zone so I’m eventually going to face that... eventually. 

I’m getting close to moving out. My dad and I are actually going to go see an apartment tomorrow morning. I looked at the pictures and the unit looks pretty nice, so hopefully this will be the one I’ll want to move into. If not, it’s not really a rush, I just want to experience living by myself and having that freedom lol

Eric is getting deployed soon (AGAIN -___-) but this is the last time hopefully, because he’s getting out and moving to Washington afterwards. I’m fucking stoked beyond belief about that, but it’s just this hurdle that we both have to get over before that happens. I’m stressed and sad about that because it’s going to be difficult to adjust to the time difference again. The last time he was deployed I was able to stay up because I didn’t have a job, but since I’m a stupid adult and have responsibilities I gotta sleep at a normal time lol. 

I know it fucking sucks but I know we can get through it like we’ve always done. I’m just soooooooooooooooo over it, I just want to get our lives started already lmao. WE’RE SOOOO CLOSE!

I guess that is the main things why i’ve been pretty meh lately. My sad social life and Eric leaving. And the weather changing probably has something to do with it as well. I’m definitely getting a light therapy light for my desk at work. 

Also this is a super first world problem but ever since I got hired at my current job I’ve been making more money than I can handle? Like I’m trying SO HARD not to spend it on stupid shit and not eating out all the time, if I play it smart I can save up soooo much money now because I don’t have any bills (other than rent...soon....) but I feel like I’m not handling my money as well as I should be. I’m not in the red ever, but I feel like I could be saving a lot more. I’m probably being too hard on myself though as always.

Okay, I think I just brain dumped everything onto this blog entry. Catch ya next time. :) 

[coffeekeyboardsss]

(Four/Tobias x reader) Crushes

Request:  Hey! If it’s not too much trouble can I request a jealous/protective Four? Maybe like the reader likes Four and no one knows, and just when she considers telling him, her friend tells her that she likes Four. Because the reader believes she isn’t good enough for Four she encourages her friend to go for it and distances herself, eventually trying to move on with someone else (despite still loving Four) and he gets really jealous? Thank you so much 😊❤ (sorry if that’s confusing/too specific)

A/N: I am so incredibly sorry this stayed in my inbox for so long! But here it is, and even once I got it started it took me forever because I couldn’t wrap it up. I hope you like it

Warning: I didn’t edit 😐

Words: 2,589

———————-

You took a bite of your food and looked around at the chaos in the dining hall, looking for your friend. Everyone was talking and laughing with their friends and you felt rather left out. It had been a few weeks since you had started initiation and it had been intense. You had transferred from Amity to Dauntless, and there was no doubt it was very different. You suddenly saw your friend Kate walking over to you and you smiled at her. She was smiling back and walking fast towards you. You could tell she had something exiting to tell you.

“Hey, I have something to tell you” she says as she sits down.

“Oh yeah, what is it?” you asked, raising one eyebrow and smiling at her. Before she could speak, someone walked towards the two of you and faced Kate. You looked up and saw that it was Four, one of the instructors at Dauntless.

You weren’t going to lie, you may have had feelings towards Four. You couldn’t quite explain your attraction, it was just the way that he would defend you when Eric was being too harsh and helps you during training which made you feel more comfortable around him. You knew nothing would happen though.

“Well done at training you two” Four said, towering over the both of you. Kate smiled and looked up at him, you simply looked at him with a solemn yet content look trying to remain confident. Kate was a transfer from Amity and you were a transfer from Abnegation, it certainly showed here with the both of your expressions.

“Thanks!” Kate said cheerfully, twirling a strand of her hair and biting her lip. She had just come from training and was all sweaty and her knuckles were all scared, and yet she still looked gorgeous. You had no idea how she pulled it off, and you were envious of it.

“If you two continue the way you are now and possibly improve a little, I’m sure you’ll make it to the top of the ranks by the end of the first stage” he said, using the same stern yet calm expression as always.  You nodded and smiled a little whilst Kate beamed.

“Cool! Thank you!” she said, and Four looked at you and smiled a little before walking away. After Four walked away, you turned to face Kate. Kate was smiling from ear to ear, and her cheeks were crimson red.

“Oh my god, he’s so cool isn’t he?” she said quieter than before, leaning in closer so he wouldn’t hear. You suddenly realised what was going on and your heart sank a little. Kate had a crush on Four. Her constant talk of him for days, trying to start conversations with him, smiling and biting her lip. Why didn’t you see it before? Maybe you were just subconsciously trying to deny it, who knows. However, you knew nothing would happen between you and Four anyway so what was there to be jealous about?

You nodded and made a convincing smile at her, trying to push your feelings aside and trying to be happy for your friend.

“Yeah, he’s super cool” you replied. Kate smirked and continued to blush.

“So, I was going to ask you if I should ask him out or something” she said, resting her elbow on the table and placing her head on her hand. You hesitated for a moment and thought about it, remembering what you had thought before.

“Yeah! Sounds good” you said with fake enthusiasm, but Kate couldn’t tell the difference and she embraced you in a hug.

“Aww, you’re the best! I think you should ask out someone as well!” she said, still smiling at you. You suddenly looked at her with shock, showing genuine emotion now.

“Wait, what?” she asked, confused. Kate giggled and pointed to someone at a table behind you.

“What about Jack? He’s cute, and I think he likes you” she says, raising her eyebrow and smirking again. You hesitated for a moment, looking at Jack. You thought about the positives of dating Jack. It might be good to date someone to get your mind off Four, especially if this guy actually likes you. However you didn’t want to have to lead him on if he really did like you. Maybe if you just hung out with him for a little bit, try and flirt with him and keep it casual. It would get Kate off your back and help with you trying to get over Four. It couldn’t hurt, just as long as you didn’t lead Jack on too much.

“Yeah, okay I will” you replied, smiling at Kate. Kate beamed and hugged you again, tighter this time.

“Yay! I know you won’t regret it!” she said and you looked down at you feet thoughtfully whilst Kate took a bite of her food.

“Yeah, I hope so”

———————————————–

It had been two weeks since you had gone out with Jack. The both of you had tried to start a relationship together but things had gone much different than planned.

It turns out that Jack is gay, and he was looking for a bit of a fake relationship to cover it up. So the two of you pretended to date in front of his friends and family when they came to visit, which you were totally fine with. When you weren’t pretending to be together the two of you were actually really good friends, you even told him about your crush on Four so you could talk to someone about it.

“Do you know if they’re together or not?” Jack asked whilst taking off his shoes in the sleeping quarters. You shook your head and sighed, lying on your bed trying to recover from the exhaustion from training.  

“I’m not sure, she’s with him a lot but she’s probably just flirting…I hope” you said, and a moment of silence passed between the both of you.

“Have you even talked to him since?” Jack said as he took his socks off and lie on the bed as well.

“No, I’ve been avoiding him since” you said and Jack rolled his eyes. “What?” you asked and Jack smiled at you, seeming exasperated.

“You just need to talk to him, it might make you feel better even if he doesn’t have feelings for her” he said as he rested his head further into his pillow. You sighed and looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought when the door into the sleeping quarters slammed open and someone walked quickly in. You turned to see who it was and it turned out to be Kate, walking quickly towards her bed with a sad look on her face. Once she got to her bed she took her shoes off and threw them on the floor with frustration and threw herself onto the bed, facing into the pillow. You looked over at Jack and he gave you a concerned look, shrugging his shoulders. You rolled your head to the left facing away from Jack and towards Kate. She wasn’t crying or anything like that, she was just silent.

“Are you okay Kate?” you asked her, genuinely concerned about her and trying not to upset her. She rolled over and looked up at the ceiling. Once again she wasn’t crying, she seemed more annoyed than upset. She sighed heavily before she spoke.

“Yeah…It’s okay. I’ll get over it” she said as she rolled over and faced you, starting to calm down.

“Do you mind telling me what happened?” you asked, still concerned. Kate bit her lip and looked down at the floor in thought.

“No it’s okay, it’s just that Four doesn’t have feelings for me. It’s not gonna work out” she said quietly, but she still seemed more frustrated than sad. You hesitated for a moment, thinking about what she just said before you spoke.

“Oh, that sucks I’m sorry” you said. “Why didn’t it work out?” you added. You hated to be pushy, but you really wanted to know. Kate looked at you again and exhaled softly.

“He barely said anything to me and he obviously didn’t feel the same. I asked him out anyway to see and he said that he thought I was a nice girl but he couldn’t because he was pining for someone else and he didn’t want to have to put me through crap because of it” she said, looking away from you once she finished. A moment passed before Jack spoke.

“Four said he was ‘Pining’, really?” he said with a sarcastic tone. Kate chuckled before she spoke and looked back at both of you.

“He didn’t exactly say that, it’s true though” she responded and sat up on her bed. You thought about this for a moment in the silence that followed before you sat up and put on your shoes.

“I’ll be right back, I’m gonna go train for a little while on my own” you said as you finished lacing your boots and walked over to the door towards the training room, considering what you just heard. What was she talking about? Who was the girl that he was ‘pining’ for? You thought about all of these questions when you got into the training room and went towards the punching bag and got into the right mind space.

You punched at the bag with all you had. You punched at the bag until you knuckles burned and sweat dripped down your forehead.

“Hey” someone spoke behind you and you jumped before you turned around and saw Four standing a few steps away from you. You hesitated for a moment before speaking, once again trying to remain confident.

“Oh hey” you said, turning to face him and subtly rubbing your knuckles.

“I saw you in training all day today, I didn’t think you’d need to come back” he said, smirking a little. You smiled back, starting to feel less like you were pretending to be confident.

“I don’t, I just like to” you said as you quickly looked down at your knuckles to see how bad they were. They were turning an ugly black colour with a little bit of yellow bruising as well. You obviously didn’t look at your hands so subtly because Four immediately walked up to you and grabbed you hand gently to examine it. You looked up at him and he was analysing your hand with concern.

“Holy crap Y/N, what’ve you done” he said as he continued to look at your hand. You chuckled a little bit trying to hide how much your hands hurt.

“Oh I-It’s nothing” you stuttered, trying to seem tougher than you felt.

“It’s not nothing, I’m gonna patch you up” he said as he walked towards the edge of the training room towards a cupboard, opened the door, and pulled out a small first aid kit and sat down at a bench near the both of you. You sighed and walked over towards him, sitting down beside him. Four grabbed a few things and held your left hand lightly, applying alcohol rub to your cuts.

“You keep pushing yourself like this, you’re going to seriously hurt yourself one day” he said as he started to bandage up your hand. You rolled your eyes and looked at him.

“It’s okay, I’m tougher than I look” you replied and Four chuckled lightly. This was something you’ve never seen him do before, at least genuinely.  

“You start thinking that, you start to get cocky. I don’t want you to hurt yourself” he paused for a second before continuing to wrap up your hand, as if he regretted what he said.

“I didn’t think you worried about me that much” you remarked, a cocky smile painted on your face. Four hesitated for a second before he spoke.

“I don’t…I mean I do, it’s just that I-I have a general concern for you, yeah that’s it” he said, you felt amused by his discomfort. He usually made other people uncomfortable and tense, it was interesting to see him like this.

“You’re squirming, I’ve never seen you squirm before” you said, still smiling. Four looked up at you, smirking. He knew what you were doing now.

“Oh yeah, well don’t get too happy about it cause’ you won’t see it very often” he replied, looking away from you now and finishing to bandage up your hand. You smiled and looked down at the floor thoughtfully, a moment of silence passing between the two of you. After about thirty seconds, Four broke the silence.

“I assume you heard what happened from Kate” he said, looking angry with himself. You sighed and nodded.  Four looked up and focused on you deeply.

“Is she okay, I didn’t mean to hurt her” he said, looking concerned and worried. You smiled slightly, trying to make him feel better.

“She was okay after a while, she understood why and accepted it” you said, hoping he wouldn’t feel bad about it. Four nodded, still seeming upset. You looked at him whilst he rummaged around in the first aid kit trying to find another bandage. Now would be a better time than any other to talk to him about your feelings, but you were still too shy. Suddenly, you thought of an idea. It was a long shot none the less, but it would give you clarity either way.

“Four, I know why you turned her down” you said, preparing for anything that came your way.  Four suddenly looked up at you with confusion and slight worry.

“You do?” he said, still anxious. You nodded, hoping that you seemed convincing and breathed deeply, trying to calm your nerves. “Yeah…Kate told me a little bit” you muttered, still trying to act calm. Four sighed and looked at the ground, seeming more anxious than before.

“So you know…who it is” he said, quieter than before. You nodded shyly. Four anxiously rubbed at his face and rested his face in his hand, his voice muffled by his palm.

“I know you’re with Jack, and I didn’t mean for this to happen. I-I can get over it, I have to. It’s my only option.” You stared up at him with shock, forgetting to keep calm and remained speechless. It was true. You hesitated for what felt like forever before Four looked up at you, suddenly realising what was going on.

“You…You didn’t know” he said, suddenly panicking. You broke out of your thoughts and looked at him, feeling sorry for how worried he looked.

“F-Four it’s okay, I’m not with Jack” you said, feeling slightly relieved that you were no longer stressing about this whole situation. Four stared at you, starting to relax but also looking confused.

“Y-You’re not?” he stuttered, and it was one of the first times you had seen him openly worried or confused about something. You shook your head and rested your hand on his. Four stiffened at the contact and you felt worried, before he relaxed and you felt his strong slightly bruised hand in your palm.

“It’s good to know that we both feel the same way…” you said, looking deeply into his eyes. Four smiled and squeezed your fingers gently so he wouldn’t hurt your knuckles.

“I’m sorry, I’m sure there are a lot of questions that you want answered” You said, exhaling and smiling back at him. Four gently lifted his other hand slowly towards your hair, and stroked it lightly.

“They can wait…”

[itsworn]

Oldsmobile’s Ultimate Muscle Car: 1970 4-4-2 W-30 Packs 455 Inches of Rocket Power

Meet California natives Roxy Starr and Ilona, her mother. Roxy has always wanted to be like her mom. Ilona is a longtime muscle car enthusiast. Over the years her cars worth mentioning include a 1969 Firebird convertible and a 1969 GTO. She often touted the joys of Pontiac performance car ownership to her young daughter with the hope that their family could enjoy the hobby together.

Enter John Marble from Monterey, a family friend. He was well acquainted with publishing magnate Otis Chandler, who over the years amassed a legendary car collection. Marble graciously offered to take Ilona and Roxy (then 10 years old) to visit Chandler’s muscle car museum.

“My mom had always told me that the Firebirds and GTOs were the answer to muscle car happiness,” says Roxy, “but on that day at Otis Chandler’s museum I walked in and saw a 1970 Panther Pink [actually FM3 Moulin Rouge—ed.] ’Cuda. I sat next to the ’Cuda, and I said, ‘One day I am going to own you.’ That’s when my passion for muscle cars was born.”

Roxy continues to recall the journey: “John took us to the Pebble Beach Concours every year. By then I was about 14 or 15 years old. My mom and I were casually searching for a car for me when I got my license. At one particular auction I fell in love with a 1963 Corvette split-window coupe, white with red interior. My mom began bidding on the Corvette but then suddenly stopped. I protested and asked her why she had stopped bidding, and she answered, ‘I was not going to put you in a fiberglass sports car. I am going to put you in a real steel muscle car.'”

Preach it, mom! By 1995 the hunt was on for just the right Detroit muscle car. Roxy remembers checking out a ’Cuda, but it was not FM3. Further searching brought them to the car that would shape Roxy’s passion for muscle cars for the next 20 years, the featured Twilight Blue Poly 1970 4-4-2 W-30. The Olds was nicely restored and had already acquired star power by appearing in a 1989 Motorvision video as well as making cameo appearances in 1994 with Ed Asner in the ABC sitcom Thunder Alley.

Roxy says, “I was immediately in love with that 4-4-2.”

Oldsmobile provided plenty of reasons to love the 1970 4-4-2 W-30. It was the year GM finally lifted its restriction on engine sizes. No longer would muscle cars be limited to a measly 400 ci. In the world of customers demanding more horsepower, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Buick increased their brand-specific 400-cube engines to 455 inches. In that era of high-performance machinery, the mantra “There’s no replacement for displacement” rang true at every automaker. Detroit was on a performance roll, with big engines, scoops, stripes, and spoilers fanning the flames of a cultural infatuation with the American muscle car. One of the greatest examples was the Olds 4-4-2, especially when equipped with the fabulous W-30 package with 455 Olds Rocket power.

The W-30 package was available in 4-4-2 coupes and convertibles. It included the W-25 outside air induction (OAI) fiberglass hood with cold-air hoodscoops, dual hoodpin locks, rally stripes on the hood, side-body stripes, two sport-styled outside mirrors, and special W-30 emblems on the front fenders.

Under that OAI hood was a special 455ci, 370hp engine with Select Fit engine parts, a performance calibrated four-barrel cold-air carburetor, a low-restriction air cleaner with a vacuum operated flapper door, a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, a high-overlap cam, and heavy-duty cooling.

Putting all that power to the ground called for proper braking and suspension components, including single-piston manual front disc brakes, front and rear sway bars, heavy duty shocks, weight-reducing body insulators, G70-14 fiberglass belted white-letter tires, 14×7 wheels, and an antispin differential.

Roxy drove her 4-4-2 during the four years she attended Pepperdine University in Southern California. “All the Pepperdine people had their foreign exotic cars, and I had my American-made Oldsmobile 4-4-2,” she recalls. “I drove it everywhere, cruised it, raced it, but eventually the car got used up. I made a pact with myself that I would restore the 4-4-2 back to its former glory. I eventually found a restoration shop in Orange, California, that I thought would do the job properly. But I soon learned that the shop was going bankrupt. They were actually beginning to sell off my parts to make ends meet. Fortunately, I learned of it and was able to get the car and almost all the parts out of that shop.”

Rescuing the 4-4-2 from the scoundrels who attempted to steal it piece by piece certainly took courage and a little help from her friends. Lesser problems have caused many other enthusiasts to send their restoration projects to the barn for 30 years. But Roxy was not about to let adversity deter her from fixing her 4-4-2. She persevered, making the eventual restoration of the car that much sweeter.

Roxy would soon move to New York to advance her career in the fashion world, but not before she had found a proper place to house her beloved 4-4-2. She put the car in storage for what would be a five-year hibernation. Concurrently, she searched for a restoration shop that was trustworthy, competent, and passionate about muscle cars.

Eventually Roxy got a tip from a Las Vegas friend to contact Terry Myers, owner of Myers Classic & Corvettes in Rockford, Illinois. The fact that Myers was both a top-quality restoration expert with an impeccable reputation and also a Bloomington Gold Corvette judge convinced Roxy to contact him. In 2013, he picked up Roxy’s 4-4-2 and all the accompanying parts and brought everything back to his shop in Rockford.

The Olds was carefully disassembled, stripped to bare metal, and restored to factory-new condition. Roxy’s lifelong California car proved to be the perfect candidate for a flawless body-off restoration. Roxy was thrilled with the work, “Terry is one of the most detail-oriented restorers I have ever met,” she says. “Although he was known for doing Corvettes, I was thrilled that he would take on my 4-4-2.”

  This story of rescue and restoration certainly has a happy ending. Roxy’s 4-4-2 won the Outstanding Muscle Car award from ISCA, and both the Hot Chick and Gold Concours Awards at the 2016 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. It is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, once again surrounded by exotic foreign cars as it was in its Pepperdine days. Rescuing her 4-4-2 W-30, and displaying it for the world to see, qualifies Roxy Starr as a bona fide muscle car megastar.

At a Glance 1970 4-4-2 W-30 Owned by: Roxy Starr Restored by: Myers Classic & Corvettes, Rockford, IL Engine: 455ci/370hp W-30 V-8 Transmission: Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic Rearend: 3.23 gears and anti-spin differential Interior: Blue Strato buckets with Sports center console Wheels: 14×7 Super Stock II Tires: G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas white letter Special parts: W-30 package, OAI hood, Hurst Dual-Gate shifter

Oldsmobile built 2,574 W-30 cars in 1970, but this particular example, in Twilight Blue Poly with white stripes, is by far the most striking of all paint combinations. The 4-4-2 rear bumper was notched for those brash exhaust trumpets.

The standard 455ci engine in the 4-4-2 was rated at 365 hp with 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The factory claimed a 5hp bump up to 370 at 5,400 rpm for the W-30 engine. The late Joe Mondello, aka Dr. Oldsmobile, would proudly declare Oldsmobile’s “select fit” process of matching engine components an indicator of the company’s commitment to building superior performance machinery.

Power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes provided superior stopping power in 1970. The power brake booster and master cylinder are correctly restored with spot-on factory finishes.

The W-30 label on the radiator support was provided by the factory for tuning information. Fuel requirements are also listed to keep the 10.5:1 compression-ratio 455 happy.

Oldsmobile combined performance and luxury better than any other muscle car brand, rivaled only by the Buick Gran Sport. The blue Strato Bucket seats with the sports center console perfectly complement the Twilight Blue Poly exterior. Four-seasons air conditioning, a Rocket Rally Pac, a four-spoke sport steering wheel, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM pushbutton radio, and sports-style dual mirrors provide the driver with the ultimate muscle car command central.

The muscle car universe should have required the Hurst Dual-Gate “his and hers” shifter in all automatic muscle cars. When it was time for serious driving, the second gate was opened up and gated shifting was enabled.

The factory N66 Super Stock II wheels are 14×7 and adorned with a hub ornament, a trim ring, and chrome lug nuts. They are wrapped in factory-correct Goodyear Polyglas G70-14 tires.

This picture was taken shortly after Roxy purchased the car from a gentleman named Eric. Though the previous owner keeps a low profile, Roxy still has a number of his handwritten notes describing how she could care for and maintain the 4-4-2.

Roxy would rather drive her performance cars than trailer them to muscle car shows. She says, “We ended up restoring the car so beautifully that I could no longer drive it. It was kind of a mistake, but a beautiful mistake!” The car will be displayed temporarily in select venues and will eventually be back on the road, where it belongs.

The post Oldsmobile’s Ultimate Muscle Car: 1970 4-4-2 W-30 Packs 455 Inches of Rocket Power appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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[itsworn]

Sneak Peek at 27 Project Cars for 2017

What’s in the Works at Some of the Country’s Top Shops

Each year we anxiously await the biggest shows of the year—especially the SEMA Show—because they tend to be the places where shops both big and small will pull the wraps off their latest and most ambitious builds. We picked up the phone and called some of the regulars to see what they have in store for SEMA 2017 and beyond. Granted, our sampling is a bit biased, but it looks muscle cars and 1930s hot rods will dominate—as usual. If you need some inspiration to get your project off the ground or if it just needs some direction, let these trendsetters be an inspiration. Without any further ado, here’s what we uncovered, or at least what the shops were willing to share!

(Photos: Robert McGaffin)

1929 Ford Tudor Sedan

Rad Rides by Troy

Owner: Mark and Dennis Mariani

Powertrain: Bob Panella Motorsports 377 Dart/Chevy small-block and a five-speed from Bowler Transmissions.

Chassis: Rad Rides 1932 American Stamping rails with 10-inch kick up for Halibrand quick-change rear, with dropped I-beam front end.

The changes to the 1929 Model A body are substantial, besides the chopped top and raised rear fenderwells. The cowl has been heavily reworked and the windshield was laid back, incorporating a unique visor much better integrated than Ford’s original attempt. The cowl steering features a unique reverse-link arrangement with billet-aluminum arms helping to correct the traditionally bad geometry of cowl steering in these early cars. There are lots of billet bits scattered throughout the build and a ton of unique sheetmetal surgery. This should be one stunning and totally new take on Ford’s Model A.

1949 Cadillac Sedanette

Roy Brizio Street Rods

Powertrain: LS3 engine and 4L65E automatic transmission.

Chassis: Art Morrison independent front and rear.

Though Brizio is known primarily for its 1932 Ford buildups, the shop has also been getting more and more into these later (by Brizio standards) restomods. Basically, they look fairly stock on the outside, but are completely modern underneath. This one is running an Art Morrison completely independent suspension chassis, with an LS3 and 4L65E automatic transmission for go. Color is undecided at this time, but we know the interior will be some sort of leather by Sid Chavers. Sitting lower than stock, Brizios is having wheels that mimic the Caddy “Sombrero” hubcaps done in 17-inch for a better stance. You know this Cad will get driven.

1932 Ford Coupe

Roy Brizio Street Rods

Powertrain: Edelbrock crate small-block Chevy and Tremec five-speed transmission.

Chassis: Brizio with Kugel independent front and rear suspension.

A very similar build to one done for Eric Clapton a couple of years ago, this is a fairly typical build for Brizios, with its chassis featuring Kugel independent front and rear suspension. A reproduction steel Brookville three-window body was chopped 2-1/2 inches and the roof was filled. The 350 Edelbrock Chevy crate motor is hooked to a Tremec five-speed. While painted identically to the Clapton coupe in Ferrari Titanium, this car’s interior will run oxblood leather rather than the Ferrari-beige of the Clapton car. Craftsmanship and detail are show-car quality, but this little coupe will see plenty of highway miles.

(Photo: Robert McGaffin)

Third-Gen Camaro

Rad Rides By Troy

Owner: Joe Lendway

Powertrain: 1,000hp twin-turbo 409 Chevy small-block and 4L80E automatic transmission.

Chassis: Fabricated in-house with independent front and Mark Williams Pro-9 four-link rear.

We always expect the unexpected from Rad Rides, and this third-gen is no exception. The design is an in-house collaboration influenced by IMSA-style road racers of the 1980s—taken a couple notches further. Owner Joe Lendway is a robotics engineer for GM and was able to snag a GM-built, 409-inch, twin-turbo small-block for his Camaro. The plastic front end has been replaced with a fabricated aluminum copy modified extensively from stock. One of the most unique features is found inside with the chrome-moly sheetmetal cage forming a more organic assembly than traditional chrome-moly tubing. Billet-aluminum bits include hood louvers and the fuel-cell cover. Rad Rides will be whittling unique wheels by SEMA time, with those shown being rollers.

(Rendering by E. Black Design)

1935 Chevrolet Standard Coupe

Ironworks Speed & Kustom

Owner: Greg Heinrich

Chassis: Ironworks Speed & Kustom.

Powertrain: Stack-injected small-block Chevrolet with five-speed trans.

Built on an Ironworks custom chassis with suspension parts from Perfection Hot Rod parts, the body is wedge-sectioned, chopped, lengthened in the rear and will feature a machined aluminum firewall. Newly cast Indy-style magnesium wheels are mounted to a quick-change rear end with custom split wishbones front and rear. Sid Chavers is on deck for the upholstery, and the project’s completion date is set for 2018.

(Ragle Design)

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle

Ironworks Speed & Kustom

Owner: Andrew Lezotte

Powertrain: 700hp LSA with a T56 Magnum.

Chassis: Speedtech chassis with Ridetech coilovers.

A subtle 1-inch widebody and minitubs will hide 335 rear rubber and widened front inner fenders will house 305s front tire. Expect an Ironworks signature interior with custom-machined aluminum bits. Rodger Lee tells us, “This is the modern version of the badass Chevelle Chevrolet never made.”

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Ironworks Speed & Kustom

Owner: Greg Heinrich

Powertrain: Dry-sump LT4/T56 Magnum.

Chassis: Speedtech front subframe and rear torque arm.

Riding on 11-inch- and 12-inch-wide 19-inch Forgeline wheels and painted PPG Corvette white, this Bow Tie will feature Ironworks custom billet parts, including the rear spoiler and gauge cluster. A complete stainless exhaust uses Flowmaster mufflers with quarter-panel exit exhaust tips.

(Photos: Brandan Gillogly)

1967 Buick Skylark

Pure Vision

Owner: Steve Strope

Powertrain: 6-71 blown 426 Hemi with 727 transmission.

Chassis: Fabricated front clip using a highly modified Pete & Jake’s four-bar/dropped-axle front suspension.

For Steve Strope, owner of Pure Vision, this car is just perfect. The front wheels are pushed forward 4 inches with the wheel openings moved 3 inches to match. The rear factory framerails have been moved inboard, and the early 1960s Pontiac Super Duty rear axle uses leaf springs instead of the factory A-body coils. Inside is a custom quilted-stainless dash insert and a driver seat moved back to the rear-seat floorboard area in front of a custom Flaming River column. The custom tach uses a Porsche 356 tach body, a Mercedes chrome bezel, and a custom SW-styled face by Redline Gauge Works. On the outside, a custom Moon tank was countersunk into the license-plate area of the front bumper. As Steve says, “Its got M&H slicks, a blown Hemi, and zoomie headers—what more do you want?”

(Photos: Brandan Gillogly)

1969 Chevy Nova

Pure Vision

Owner: Joe Rogan

Powertrain: Chevrolet Performance LT4/T56 six-speed, bellhousing, accessory drive, and ECU.

Chassis: Art Morrison front clip and Art Morrison IRS.

Featuring a custom chassis using Art Morrison components and subframes that will be integrated into the floorpan, this Nova will use Camaro cues, including a 1970 Z-28–styled rear spoiler and 1969 Camaro wheelwell openings.

(Photos: Robert McGaffin)

1972 AMC Javelin

Ringbrothers

Owner: Prestone

Powertrain: Whipple-supercharged 6.2L Hemi Hellcat/Bowler 4L80E

Chassis: Detroit Speed & Engineering front subframe and rear four-link.

This Javelin is a hometown favorite for the Rings; they recently purchased it knowing it would make a great project. Stored in a basement for decades, the car was last registered in the 1970s and its vintage custom paint was checked but remarkably intact prior to restoration. Prestone will use the Javelin to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

(Alberto Hernandez)

1967 Chevrolet Nova

Alloy Motors

Owner: Geoff Gates

Powertrain: Chevrolet Performance LSA/five-speed manual, Moser 9-inch with nodular third member.

Chassis: Schwartz Engineering chassis with Alloy’s own aluminum tub/monocoque and rollcage.

For clearance, the side-character line and wheelwells will be raised to fit a modern wheel and tire package without tucking the wheels inboard, and there’s extensive front and rear sheetmetal work. Alloy Motors from Oakland, California, is returning to SEMA with an LSA-powered Nova build for 2017. The Schwartz chassis will tie into a stressed-aluminum tub and makes up the exterior rocker box seen below the riveted bodyline.

(Photos: Phillip Thomas)

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Big Red Camaro

Owner: RJ Gottlieb

Powertrain: 555ci Chevrolet big-block, five-speed, and 9-inch.

Chassis: Bill Osborne stock-car chassis.

Reconfigurable between land-speed and road-race engine, transmission, and suspension combinations, Big Red will be back and better than ever as it sets its sights on Pikes Peak this year. The Camaro has been rebuilt and rethought (even before the fire in 2016) with a three-link/four-link rear suspension that can be swapped, depending on what RJ intends to race.

(Chris Horton/Cars by Chris)

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

GAP Racing

Owner: David Snell

Chassis: Roadster Shop.

Powertrain: Chevrolet Performance LT4/Bowler T56 transmission.

This drop-top will ride on a Roadster Shop Spec chassis with HRE wheels and 15-inch Baer brakes. For the hot Houston summers, with the top up, Vintage Air and Thermo-Tec insulation will keep cruising cool. Speak Easy Speed is the paint shop of choice for this build.

1955 Ford T-Bird Roadster

Squeek’s Metal Works

Owner: Dave Kipp

Powertrain: 427ci Ford SOHC Cammer with six-speed Tremec transmission.

Chassis: Art Morrison reconfigured by Mike Chrisman at CARS, Kugel independent suspension front and rear.

Long in the works, Kipp’s T-bird has so many subtle mods you’ll never catch them all. The eyebrows were fabricated by Squeek and tied into the front fenders, eliminating the cast pieces, and the windshield posts and door tops have been modified for what is now a roadster. The area behind the seat has been moved back into the trunk area and the seat was moved back for more interior space, the design line running into the front fender is now functional, and the rear wheel openings now mimic the fronts. The car will be House of Kolor red with a pewter interior. Jim Green in Seattle gets the credit for building the rare Cammer engine.

1933 Hot Rod Pickup

Factory Five

Chassis: Tubular steel space frame with IFS.

Showcasing Factory Five’s latest in its product line, the pickup uses the race-proven 1933 Hot Rod frame and a new steel bed. Factory Five’s 1933 Hot Rod truck will debut at SEMA 2017, and it will be in production by January 2018.

1970 Ford Mustang

Timeless Kustoms

Powertrain: Supercharged 5.0L Coyote with six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Chassis: Custom-built by Timeless Kustoms to incorporate Nissan GT-R AWD drivetrain.

“Sabotage” will debut at SEMA 2017 and features a 2013 Nissan GT-R’s AWD drivetrain underneath a widened 1970 Mustang body.

1968 Chevy Caprice

Weaver Customs

Owner: Keith Echols

Powertrain: LSA supercharged 6.2L V8/4L85E four-speed automatic.

Chassis: RideTech tubular upper and lower arms/Ford 9-inch with four-link.

The big cruiser will feature subtly restyled sheetmetal and bumpers front and rear, a custom dash, hand-fabricated console, and one-off gauges.

1941 Dodge Power Wagon

Weaver Customs

Randy & Sydney Weaver

Powertrain: 4bt Cummins with HX-35 turbo and GM TH350 automatic.

Chassis: Custom four-link with Fox 2.0 shocks, Danas axles, and Detroit lockers front and rear.

Like Weaver Customs’ unibody Ford HOT ROD featured in 2016, this truck will sport a full custom interior featuring WWII-appropriate Colt 1911 pistols in leather floorboards, a smoothed body, and a custom bed.

1969 Camaro

Weaver Customs

Owner: Brian & Michelle Klein

Engine: Stroked and supercharged small-block Chevy with a TKO 600.

Chassis: Custom frame with four-link and FAB 9 rear axle with 4.30 gears.

Among its many modifications, this subtle custom will have narrowed and tucked bumpers and a one-off grille.

1965 Pontiac LeMans

Coybilt Inc

Powertrain: 489ci Pontiac.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with IRS.

Instead of doing the usual GTO clone route, this Pontiac will honor its namesake and be focused on road racing with a fire-suppression system, 16-point cage, custom-built floors, mini-tubs, rear diffuser, aero work, belly pans, channeled body, and custom 19-inch, FIA-style, true knock-off wheels. The engine is the current focus and is at DCI motorsports being built to produce in excess of 1,800 hp by way of DCI Ram Air 5 heads with twin Paxton superchargers, dual four barrels, and an air-to-water intercooler in the intake.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro

Roadster Shop

Powertrain: 1,300hp, NRE-built, twin-turbo small-block Chevy.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Fast Track.

With 1,300 hp under the long-and-low hood, you can understand why Roadster Shop added some extra grille acreage to the Camaro to ensure the twin-turbo small-block can get all the air it needs. A Roadster Shop chassis has a low, 4-inch ride height, with the bulged fenders tucking massive meats.

1969 Dodge Charger

Roadster Shop

Powertrain: 6.4L Hemi.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Fast Track IRS.

Ever since Roadster Shop built “Slicer”—a radical, twin-turbo Viper V10-powered Charger—we haven’t been able to look at a ’68 the same way. While this newly built 1968 is toned down, it still carries the obsessive attention to detail that Roadster Shop is known for. A 6.4L Hemi will churn an independent rear Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, and the body will be equally impressive. An all-new nose has been fabricated, including bumper, valance, spoiler, grille and surround, as well as the tail of the car that has a fabricated rear valance, diffuser, and spoiler.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Roadster Shop

Powertrain: Chevrolet Performance LT4 and six-speed manual.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Fast Track.

This 1969 Camaro features Roadster Shop’s Fast Track chassis, which provides the foundation for a healthy, supercharged LT4 crate engine with a six-speed manual. The Camaro has extensive sheetmetal work on the rockers, valences, and side scoops, while several pieces will be machined from billet aluminum, including the grille, headlight doors, taillights, and interior knobs/switches.

1968 Chevrolet Camaro

Roadster Shop

Powertrain: Aluminum ZL1 big-block Chevy.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Fast Track IRS chassis with machined billet control arms and spindles.

We can’t get ourselves to pull our eyes from this subtly old-school build from RS, complete with an all-aluminum ZL1 427 big-block fed by eight individual throttle-bodies and Stinger hood! To go with the road-race look, an independent-rear RS Fast Track chassis was utilized.

The Magic Bus

Randy Grubb

Powetrain: Oldsmobile 455.

Chassis: FWD GMC motorhome.

Like his amazing Decoliner, Randy Grubb’s latest project—started on January 1, 2017—will be a double-decker cabover. While his previous RV project used a White cabover, an iconic Divco delivery truck was selected for the fascia of “The Magic Bus.” For the upper deck, VW Type II Samba serves as an airy cupola, with lots of window glass, skylights, and sunroof. We expect even more windows by the time he’s done transitioning the VW body to the rest of the cab. If it were any taller, it wouldn’t be able to roll out of Randy’s garage!

1932 Ford Roadster Pickup

Goolsby Customs

Owner: Matthew Gordon

Powertrain: Olds Rocket 88 and Bowler T-5 trans.

Chassis: Goolsby Customs with RideTech shocks and Currie rear axle.

All but wrapped up, this classic beauty wears a custom mix BASF paint and brightwork by Advanced Plating. The vintage-styled interior uses a one-off Olds gauge cluster by Classic Intruments, Goolsby Edition by Lokar shifter and pedals, and upholstery by M&M Hotrod Interiors.

1940 Ford Convertible

Goolsby Customs

Owner: Debbie Walls

Powertrain: Borla induction small-block and Bowler automatic.

Chassis: Roadster Shop Chassis with Currie rear end.

Mixing and matching trim, this 1940 Ford will use a 1948 Ford top and 1946 Chevy bumpers chromed by Advanced Plating. Painted with a custom BASF paint, this Goolsby creation will also use Lokar custom trim, shifter, and pedals.

1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda

CAL Creations

Owner: Kent Matranga

Powertrain: Hellcat 6.2L V8/Tremec 6-speed

Chassis: CAL Creations custom

This ‘Cuda has plenty of custom sheetmetal work including shaved door handles, tucked bumpers, and a one-off spoiler. Inside is a custom interior and a rollcage.

1953 Chevrolet Pickup

CAL Creations

Owner: John Harman

Powertrain: Chevrolet LS3

Chassis: Stock rails with Art Morrison crossmember

Vintage trucks are always in style, and this CAL Creations built keeps it clean and simple with the dropped Advanced Design truck

1968 Chevrolet Camaro

East Bay Muscle Cars

Powertrain: Chevrolet LT4

Chassis: Chris Alston G-Street with cantilevered IRS

Set to debut at the Chris Alston Chassisworks booth, this Camaro has custom rockers and lower facia, and a new Rally Sport-style grille.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

East Bay Muscle Cars

Powertrain: Chevrolet Performance LSA

Chassis: Art Morrison

This drop-top Chevelle features a two-seat custom interior with modern style inspired by C7 Corvette.

The post Sneak Peek at 27 Project Cars for 2017 appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network http://www.hotrod.com/articles/sneak-peek-27-project-cars-2017/ via IFTTT