#a group might have a higher chance of victory

[gemkun]

i was having a shower and i started to think about the potential of assassination attempts or sabotage on veritas. i also have to credit @zorkaya for the delicious bodyguard au we've been creating and especially the recent response involving a threat on the doctor which meant ushering him away to safety.

it's clear that dr. ratio can take care of himself and the other guy(s) are probably going to come out worse than him , but i still think that it's not unheard of for him to be a target of envious researchers or people he rubbed wrong because let's face it , who doesn't find him displeasing ? someone asked me once to name veritas' friends and i for the life of me couldn't.

i also think when he was younger at least he was in the safety of the university but perhaps he hadn't been as methodical as he is now , so , if other students picked on him then he probably had to learn how to diffuse that as well. he's also the type to cover up any injury or tend to it quickly since he firmly believes he is capable of handling confrontations and battle. like he's a doctor , his job is to heal and tend to ailments. that extends to him as well.

this makes me wonder about who would be veritas' enemies because i'd be lying if i said he has none.

[p5x-theories]

What We Know About Fleuret

(last updated 9/24/24!)

Seiji Shiratori, codename Fleuret, is a second-year at a currently unknown high school. His Arcana is listed in the files as Freedom, which seems to come from angel decks. He joins the team as a “Phantom Idol”, or cognitive teammate.

Previously, in the first two betas, his codename was simply “Seiji”, however it was changed to Fleuret from the third beta onward. His files are named with the codename “Comte” (French word for Count, like the title) instead of his canon codename Fleuret, or even previous codename Seiji, though the exact significance of this, if any, is unknown.

His All Out Attack finisher text translates as “Are you ready”, referring to either a group or formally to a single person. His All Out Attack finisher art has also changed multiple times- it initially looked like this in the first two betas, then changed to this in the third beta, and finally was changed to the art featured above in the official launch.

His Japanese voice actor is Toshiyuki Toyonaga.

A text icon appears for him in the files, and he has a real-world 3D model, suggesting he might eventually appear in the real world and have some contact with Wonder. With this, and also as he is a Phantom Idol, he’s likely to be featured as either a Confidant or side story eventually, though this is uncertain.

Info on him in the real world has been translated as: “Part of a fencing club. He comes from a rich family and has been receiving a cold, elite education. On the outside, he may look polite, but his behavior is very detached. Inside, he longs for genuine affection.”

Later, his in-game description was changed to: "A boy in the second year of high school. He attends a different school from the protagonist. As the ace member of the fencing club, his strength has reached the level of winning tournaments, but because he is too serious about club activities, his relationship with his clubmates is not very good. He is a fan of the novelist Toshiya Sumi, and likes to read his works." The "Toshiya Sumi" here is written differently than Toshiya Sumi (Sepia)'s name is, but they're read the same way.

Beyond this, his personality and situation are largely unknown, as he wasn’t present in any beta outside of being a Phantom Idol, and has not yet made a real-world appearance in the official release.

Fleuret's Persona Leucothea (based on a Greek sea goddess) is categorized as a Wind type, and resists Wind while being weak to Psychokinesis.

Leucothea is a Resist Persona, meaning he’s good at targeting single enemies, and his trait makes it so that whenever he uses a skill, he has a chance to gain a level of "Inspiration", which boosts his attack power and speed. He has three wind attack skills: the first hits one enemy four times, with a chance to inflict the wind status effect, the second hits all enemies three times (and the more enemies he hits, the higher the chance of him gaining Inspiration), and the third hits one enemy three times (four if he has at least three levels of Inspiration) and increases his critical rate. His passive skills cause his third wind skill to hit an additional time if the enemy is inflicted with the wind status effect, and give him a chance of gaining another level of Inspiration at the end of each round.

In combat, his melee weapon is a rapier, while his ranged weapon is a flintlock pistol. His Highlight is shown from 2:21 - 2:33 in this video, and hits one enemy with a wind attack four times (or five, if he has at least three levels of Inspiration).

His recommended card sets are 1) 6 of Wands (Victory) + Queen of Coins (Harmony), 2) 4 of Coins (Power) + Page of Coins (Growth).

The game recommends teaming him up with 1) Sepia and Riddle, 2) Mona.

[binarystargames]

Valiant Horizon post-itchfund-launch devlog #1: Diceless, Roll for Magnitude, and Roll for Success

This post is about the various mechanical choices made in Valiant Horizon at a very high level. I group these into three categories: Diceless mechanics (stuff that works), Roll for Magnitude mechanics (stuff that works but you roll to see how much), and Roll for Success mechanics (stuff that works if a roll goes your way).

Diceless

The simplest kind of mechanic. This is what Assets, Exhausting Assets, and Burdens are:

You take an action and it works.

If you didn't expend a resource, you add or amplify a complication on that action.

The complications here are Burdens.

The resources here are Assets or Determination (which can either restore the use of an Asset or negate a Burden).

You can also reduce your access to a resource to achieve a larger effect.

This is Exhausting Assets.

The vibe I wanted to achieve wasn't "do you solve problems, overcome obstacles, etc." so much as "how do you do it". We are going to assume, generally, that the protagonists will get to the other side of whatever problem they encounter. The question then becomes: how do they win? What do they prioritize with asset use? What are they willing to let fall by the wayside or go imperfectly to get there? What resources are they willing to pull from the combat side to make it work? Are they willing to overextend themselves to achieve a victory? It becomes a question of resource management and long-term risk rather than short-term probability-based risk.

It's also a matter of spotlight management and diversity of outcomes. If your Windmagus knows they only get one use of wind magic per session, they know they can't solve every problem with that. But maybe they have something in their background that will suffice, or there's a good chance someone else will have something else too that might work. Or if they think whipping up a tornado will solve the problem better, they won't have easy access to their wind magic in the future, but it might be worth it. (Given that the penalty for Exhausting Assets is reset when you gain a level, this also encourages players to go a little more nuts with it near the end of a level - which should probably be something somewhat climactic anyway, so good!)

This is not how it's going to work in every Total//Effect game. Liminal Void, for instance, has more traditional "skill" rolls with Assets being granted by skills or by tools, granting things like advantage or stepping up numerical outputs. Get you a system that does both!

Roll for Magnitude

Now, this isn't to say it's a diceless game! Far from it. You roll a lot in Valiant Horizon. But usually you're rolling for magnitude and not success.

Generally I like the idea of failure-less combat. I'm sure plenty of people love the tension of whiffing attack after attack but it's not my bag in almost any circumstance. I'm fully on board with removing roll-to-hit. One criticism I have of purely diceless systems, though, is that they can lead to very predictable situations, especially when diceless abilities are tied to set effects/powers. (It's what spawned my quarterbacking posts.) Now, of course a GM/Narrator/facilitator/etc can always introduce new things to the scene to spice things up - that's why there's a "the GM does something cool" thing in LUMEN, for example, and why I kept that rule in APOCALYPSE FRAME. But that's already an intensive role, and requiring them to keep things interesting is sometimes a big ask.

As a middle ground, combat in Total//Effect still involves rolls for variable effect for set powers. They all get better at higher Totals (3 dice added), and most of them key something off of Effects (individual die values). This means that something always happens, no matter the roll value - depending on the ability, it may be extremely small, but it's something. Correspondingly, even pretty middling abilities (like basic enemy abilities) can sometimes spike up hard on triple 6's! (This happened literally the first Total//Effect session I ever ran. Incredible moment.)

If you're wondering what probabilities look like for it, I wrote a big piece on it here. Back in October, so parts of it are outdated! I can hardly believe it's been going this long. The math's still good though.

This is also used for Fame rolls for Reputation: Fame decays by a die roll at semi-regular intervals. (This is actually an off-shoot of two separate Total//Effect systems that are in play in Liminal Void, Rolls for Progress and Threats, which are Good Clock and Bad Clock respectively. Having something that conditionally ticks up but at a non-constant rate adds another level of tension to an already tense thing!)

Roll for Success

There is exactly one thing that can still fail on account of a roll: Calling for Aid from Relationships. The tension I want in Valiant Horizon shouldn't come from "does my cool combat stuff work" or "does the cool thing that my hero gave me". It comes from "can I rely on my friends". This is partially because it's a huge benefit! It's a 1/session/relationship thing where you can tag someone in out of turn and outside the action economy (if it goes well). But it's partially because I want that tension: do you, does your character, think they can reliably call on their friends for help?

At low levels of relationship, the answer is...sometimes, but not really. At higher levels, you've gotten a better understanding of how to ask: you can reliably ask for lesser things, but grander things are still dodgy. And at the highest level, you can always rely on them: it'll never fail as such. (Sometimes you'll get a mixed result still.)

---

Dice, rolling, and such are tools in the toolbox. Knowing when you want to use them, how you want to use them, and why goes a long way.

Next devlog, I’ll get into the various classes and start showing off more of the incredible art Charlotte made!

[everlastingrandom]

I'm hoping to get a chance to fact-check this more later today, but if not, I would love it if more people could help add sources:

Queens Shbira Public Safety alert:

Transcript of report:

Queens Shmira Public Safety Update | Community Alert

We have been notified this coming Shabbat, Saturday February 25th, a group of violent extremists are planning to come out a protest against Jewish communities across the country. NYPD Counter-terrorism Bureau has released a statement notifying the Jewish Community in NYC of this group's plans. Shmira has been in direct contact with the NYPD 112th and 107th precints and were reassured that there will be an increased police presences at Synogogues this week. The precints will be utilizing all necessary means of man power such as, House of Worship AUto, counter-terrorism units, precinct sector cars, and auxiliary units who will all be rotating posts at different key locations throughout our neighborhoods.

We would like to remind everyone that in the event of any incidence taking place to please be swift in calling 911 and reporting them to the police. The community is asked not to call 311 or the precincts directly to file these kinds of reports, in order to avoid delays in response.

Queens Borough Safety Patrol, Shmira

New York Police Situational Awareness Alert

Transcript of Report:

Domestic Violence Extremists Trumpet Upcoming Nationtional "Day of Hate" by Encouraging Direct Action

The NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau (IBC) recently observes online domestic violent extremist (DVE) messaging announcing a national "Day of Hate," scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25 February. Based on ICB observations of extremist postings online and at least one shared propaganda video on a social media platform, the anonymous online organizers of this overtly racist, anti-semitic event are instructing likeminded individuals to drop banners, place stickers and flyers, or scrawl graffiti as a form of biased so-called activism. According to at least one DVE shared message, organizers requested that participants in the "Day of Hate" photograph or record direct actions and submit them in order to create a compendium of exploits from around the country. Members of the service are advised to maintain elevated situation awareness and vigilance on Feb 25 for DVE activism in the form of biased, in-person acts around the city and at potential key locations that might garner higher interest from these types of actors based on the locations' affiliations with certain religious or social communities. Please see the accompanying infographic for awareness of DVE imagery.

Day of Hate Message:

Join [redacted] in a day of Mass Anti-Semitic Action

We are calling on all fighters of truth and justice to take a stand, and expose the international clique of parasitic vermin that infest our nation today. A national day of activism is set for February 25th. Make your voice heard loud and clear, that the one true enemy of the American people is the Jew. We refuse to capitulate to the wishes of the anti-white establishment, that our race be suberted and controlled by the devil's chosen few. The people demand White Power.

Shock the masses with banner drops, stickers, fliers, and graffiti. Inaction is unacceptable. The time to stand up for your people is today. Take pictures, and videos of your activism and send it to [redacted]

Groups that are interested in participating, please reach out to get featured in this post.

Hail Victory!

Police security agencies advise Jews to be on alert ahead of planned ‘National Day of Hate’ on Shabbat

Posting for everyone to be on high alert in the coming week. Please stay safe everyone. Do not live in fear, but be cautious.

[rummyprimes]

Master Rummy Hand Analysis: Tips for Card Combinations & Strategies

Analyzing Rummy Hands: How to Assess Card Combinations

Rummy is one of the timeless playing card games that has entertained people for generations. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, understanding how to analyze the Rummy game hands and assess card combinations is vital to your success in the game.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of evaluating different card arrangements, spotting opportunities, and making strategic decisions to enhance your chances of victory.

Let's embark on this exciting journey and elevate your Online Rummy skills to new heights.

Rummy Basics

Before we dive into the analysis of Rummy hands, let's quickly recap the fundamentals of the game.

Modern Rummy is a group of matching card games that involve forming sets and sequences of cards. The objective is to create melds, which can be either sets (three or four cards of the same rank) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).

The game begins with each player being dealt a hand of cards, and the rest of the deck is placed face-down as the stockpile. Players take turns drawing from the stockpile or the discard pile and then discarding one card to end their turn.

The game continues until a player successfully melds all their cards, declares "Rummy," and wins the round.

The Art of Rummy Hand Analysis

Mastering the art of hand analysis is the key to triumph in the online Rummy game. When you receive your initial set of cards, it's essential to evaluate the potential of your hand before deciding on your gameplay strategy.

Here are some critical factors to consider during this assessment:

Number of Pure Sequences

Pure sequences are your foundation for a successful Rummy card game hand.

A pure sequence comprises consecutive cards of the same suit without any wildcards. Having more than one pure sequence significantly increases your chances of forming melds quickly.

Focus on preserving these sequences during gameplay and build other sets around them when you play Rummy online.

Potential Sets and Sequences

Besides pure sequences, analyze the potential sets and sequences you can form with your current cards. Look for cards that are already close to forming sequences or sets.

This will help you decide whether to draw from the stockpile or the discard pile to complete these melds efficiently.

High-Value Cards

Evaluate the presence of high-value cards in your hand, such as Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks.

While these cards can enhance your melds' value, holding onto too many high-value cards might lead to higher point deductions if your opponents declare Rummy before you.

Wildcards

Wildcards, often represented by Jokers, are incredibly versatile in Rummy Cash games. They can substitute any missing card to complete a sequence or set.

Assess the number of wildcards you possess and their strategic utility in forming melds.

Making Strategic Decisions

Once you have analyzed your Rummy hand, it's time to make strategic decisions that can significantly impact the game's outcome.

Your moves should be well-calculated and aimed at improving your hand while disrupting your opponents' progress in 13-card rummy.

Prioritize Pure Sequences

As mentioned earlier, pure sequences are the foundation of a strong Rummy hand.

Make them your top priority during the initial stages of the game. Try to complete your pure sequences quickly and avoid discarding cards that can complete your opponent’s sequences.

Observe Opponents

Pay close attention to your opponent’s discards and the cards they pick from the stockpile. Observing their moves can give you valuable insights into their hand's composition and their potential strategies.

Use this information to plan your moves more effectively and prevent them from completing their melds.

Balance the Risk

Indian Rummy is a game of calculated risks. As the game progresses, you might have to decide between holding onto a high-value card or discarding it to minimize potential point deductions.

Be aware of your opponent's positions and the cards they might need to form melds before making these choices.

Mind the Discard Pile

The discard pile is a treasure trove of information. When you play Rummy, before drawing from the stockpile, always check the top card of the discard pile.

If it can be used to complete a sequence or set in your hand, consider picking it up and using it to your advantage.

Advanced Techniques: Card Counting

Card counting is an advanced technique in the card game of Rummy Modern game that can provide you with a significant edge over your opponents. It involves keeping track of the cards that have been discarded and picked up by players throughout the game.

This can help you deduce the likelihood of certain cards being available in the stockpile or your opponent’s hands.

By keeping track of the cards in this manner, you can make more informed decisions, such as knowing when to hold onto cards that are unlikely to be useful to your opponents or identifying when an opponent is close to declaring Rummy.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge to analyze Rummy hands and assess card combinations like a seasoned pro. Remember, Rummy online is a game of skill, strategy, and intuition, and with practice, you can leave other players behind and become a formidable contender in the online Rummy cash games world.

So, the next time you gather with friends and family for a game of Rummy in India’s Most Entertaining Rummy App, confidently assess your hand, make strategic decisions, and aim for victory.

Embrace the challenge, enjoy the thrill in our new Rummy app of RummyPrimes, and may the cards be ever in your favor! Get your game on!

[crazy-economics]

Trump's "November Miracle" and the Impact on China's Economy

The 2024 US election is undoubtedly a fascinating and eventful political drama. Even though many people thought that former President Trump had a higher chance of winning before the election, when the results came out, not many people could have truly anticipated that Trump would win so thoroughly. In other words, the Democratic Party suffered a hard-to-reverse defeat this time. For example, Trump won in all seven swing states this time. However, in the 2020 election, Trump only won North Carolina among these seven states.

Since he first became president in 2016, although he was only in office for four years, Trump's influence seems to have never stalled. In fact, there has always been a group of establishment figures within the Republican Party who believe that Trump has brought the Republican Party to such a terrible status, so they have been trying to eliminate Trump's influence within the party but ultimately failed. On the contrary, in the past four years, even if Trump is not in office, he is still the focus of American politics. For instance, in the 2022 midterm elections, he doubled down on assisting in the campaign almost everywhere in order to maintain and reinforce his political energy and influence.

Partly, Trump's victory this time certainly benefited from the institutional factors in the United States. However, the most far-reaching and crucial point is that he truly makes the American people understand what he said in essence. In practice, what do ordinary people care about most? Certainly, to fill their stomachs first. Then, talk about democracy and justice, or maybe international relations, and then, what kind of country to build in the future.

In a democratic society like the U.S., the electoral system is one person, one vote, so the key to winning the election is always the general public. After all, only a few people, such as scholars and experts, can truly think carefully and deeply. Therefore, it is precisely because Trump grasped this key that he was able to win a landslide victory this time.

First, his tax reduction policy is simple but effective. He mainly intends to reduce three types of taxes. The first is to cancel the tip tax. As such, the workers in the restaurant understand it. The second is the overtime tax, overtime income is no longer taxed. This time, he makes a large number of white-collar and blue-collar understand it. The third is to reduce taxes on pensions for the elderly, so then the elderly also understand it. Therefore, the votes all flowed to him like a fully opened faucet. For ordinary people, if you talk to them about the future of this country, they don't understand. But instead, if talking to them about the factors which are relevant to their daily life, they will understand.

Another typical example is his tariff policy. His tariff policy is also simple and easy to understand, that is, to reduce taxes on U.S. citizens but collect more taxes from foreigners. On paper, many Americans are so glad to hear that. Nonetheless, the point is that ordinary people may have barely thought that when tariffs increase, what they might confront immediately would be increased inflation. Once inflation heightens, interest rates will also increase, and ordinary people will still feel despair about their lives. Yet even like this, the general public normally will still not think so deeply, most people only think about and see the immediate good rather than the long-run benefits. Otherwise, this huge group will not be classified into the class of "ordinary people". But for the election, this strategy is just extremely effective. Particularly, for ordinary people.

An interesting detail is that more than ten days before the voting day, when Biden "misspoken" and called Trump's supporters "garbage", Trump immediately changed into a sanitation worker's vest, got on a garbage truck, and started interacting with his supporters. On the contrary, Harris invited big-name stars such as Taylor Swift who earns at least hundreds of millions of dollars a year to help out on stage. However, they completely prevent ordinary people from feeling that down-to-earth emotion. Harris, who has not been tempered by the primary election, seems to have left people with the impression that except for laughing wherever she goes, she does not make people feel at all how powerful and competent she is capable of doing to lead such an important country in the world.

When it comes to the election, there is wisdom in the old saying "The rich rely on thermometers to feel the temperature, while the poor rely on their skin." Therefore, the success of Trump's campaign strategy can be attributed to two simple reasons: to make all the people understand and to make all the people feel it.

Thus far, Trump not only won the presidency this time, but also gained almost full control of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. For quite a long time, the president of the United States has not been able to control the two houses fully. Because the United States is a country with checks and balances, if the president's party cannot control the Senate and the House of Representatives, it is almost half-sprained, and many policies thus become difficult to impose. When the Democratic Party did not get a majority in either the Senate or the House of Representatives this time, this is equivalent to giving Trump a green light in the future to implement his policies.

In summary, this year's election results are a great opportunity for Trump to go all out. We could wait and see that the United States will be completely Trump's America in the next four years. The Trump era has finally come again.

For the potential impacts of Trump's future economic policies on China's economy and U.S.-Chinese relations in the big picture, we shall first review the interactive relationship between the Chinese and American economies in the past few years. Barely two years after COVID, in order to ease domestic inflation, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates abruptly in March 2022, raising the interest rate range from zero to 0.25% to a high of 5.25% to 5.5% in a short period. As for the U.S. side, the most obvious advantage of raising interest rates is to attract capital and funds to return to the United States from China. Once China does not follow the pace of the United States' interest rate hikes, the gradually widening interest rate gap between China and the United States would increase the capital outflow pressure faced by China. Of course, raising interest rates will also increase the production costs of American companies, and their export competitiveness may decline to some extent. On the other hand, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar would also rebuild global investors' expectations and confidence in the growth of the U.S. economy. Overall, it is more beneficial than harmful to the U.S. macro-economy.

For another, Trump's philosophy - "America First" was already clearly stated during his first term, and will continue to be the basic philosophy of his governance for the next four years. Hence, a strong dollar and low interest rates must be the main theme of Trump's economic policy. When he was just elected, he publicly criticized the current Federal Reserve Chairman Powell for not cutting interest rates enough and urged him to resign. Powell did not show any weakness and firmly stated that he would complete his term (until 2026). Regarding the economic field alone, we cannot only see Trump's interest rate cuts. Instead, we need to analyze his economic policies from a broader view.

On paper, the low-interest rate policy advocated by Trump might be beneficial to China in the short-term, because it will narrow the interest rate gap between China and the United States, which will facilitate China to keep capital in the country. However, Trump also emphasized large-scale tax cuts for enterprises and individuals as well as a substantial increase in tariffs (especially for China, the average tariff level may increase to 60%). This combination of punches may make it difficult for China to cope.

Firstly, the interest rate cut might cause funds to withdraw from the U.S. savings and treasury bond markets, but this does not mean that this part of the funds will flow to China. As a short-term monetary policy, the interest rate cut will make US companies or investors feel the "happiness" of lower capital costs within a quarter or even a month. Due to the low interest rate, part of the funds withdrawn from the savings and US bond markets are very likely to flow into the U.S. stock market, causing the U.S. stock market to continue to step up in the short term, which is still good for the US capital market in the end.

Secondly, compared with the interest rate cuts, tax cuts are a long-term fiscal policy instrument, but can substantially reduce costs for U.S. enterprises. Combined with the interest rate cut, the ultimate effect would be that enterprises can not only obtain funds at a lower cost but also pay less tax and increase their profits.

Finally, tariffs on Chinese products would be increased. This policy eventually, might act as an ultimate weapon to "destroy" the Chinese economy. The effects in practice would be that investing in China has high costs and low profits while investing in the United States has lower costs and higher profits. What's more, the "Made in China" products will also be subject to super-high tariffs. In this way, most American companies will be finally forced to return to the United States, especially those manufacturing companies.

Therefore, Trump's economic policies cannot be viewed in isolation, his series of strategies must be combined into a whole to fully understand their underlying purposes. What Trump has pursued is the "carrot and stick" policy. Lowering interest rates and reducing taxes are carrots while raising tariffs is the scary stick hanging over the heads of capital. Driven by such series of policies, China will not only face the problem of capital outflow, but also the foundation of China's economy might be shaken at the same time. Because as the "world's factory", manufacturing has always been the lifeblood and foundation of China's economy. However, the target of Trump's economic policies is directly pointed at the manufacturing industry, which is incredibly vital to China. In the next few years, the unemployment rate, income growth, inflation, stock market, GDP growth, and other key economic indicators of the two countries will probably develop in opposite directions under the influence of this series of policies.

Apart from the U.S. side, if the Chinese economy encounters a "Waterloo" in the next few years, its intrinsic reasons will also be critical factors. In addition to some superficial reasons such as the foolish epidemic prevention and control policies that have continued to damage the Chinese economy for several years, the gradual deepening of the privileged social form, the increasingly uneven distribution of social wealth, and the continuous degradation of human rights, etc., the most essential reason is that with the continuous deepening of China's economic reform and opening up and the continued rigidity of the political system, the inherent contradictions between the economic system and the political system have become close to irreconcilable.

Since the reform and opening up in 1978, China has reformed everything that can be changed in the economic area. In terms of the political system, since the ruling party is unwilling to give up its dictatorship, it will never allow the "socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics" to have full competition, strict property rights protection, and human rights for entrepreneurs and citizens. However, the end of economic reform must be political system reform. This hurdle cannot be avoided. Otherwise, to borrow Marx's words, productivity will never be able to be liberated again and make a significant leap.

In short, the irreconcilable internal contradictions between the economic system and the political system will be a real bomb hidden deep in China's future economic development. The current predicament of China's economy is not just a simple economic cycle problem, nor can it be completely and ultimately controlled by the U.S. economic policy toward China.

[sociomi]

Sports Gambling 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Betting

What is the Over/Under? This is where a bettor doesn't attempt to pick who will dominate the match, yet rather bets on whether the last consolidated score of a game will go over the complete number posted by a sportsbook.

Utilizing the previously mentioned illustration of the Fighters and Knicks game, a sportsbook may put down an over/under of 230.5, and that implies they are finding out if you accept the all out joined focuses scored in the game will be over that aggregate. It doesn't make any difference which group scores what number of focuses, yet rather might they at any point consolidate to score pretty much than that aggregate?

Would it be a good idea for you bet the over and the Fighters rout the Knicks 125-110, you're a champ. In any case, assuming that score is 125-105, you're in a tough situation.

Are There Different Sorts of Bets? What is a Parlay: A parlay is a bet that assembles various bets that permits a bettor to win more cash. To lay it out plainly, more bets approaches more profit would it be a good idea for you hit every leg of the parlay. So assuming that you take the Knicks on the Moneyline while additionally taking the under (under 230.5 places), sportsbooks will consolidate those chances to make a considerably bigger payout.

Nonetheless, these bets are go big or go home, and that implies each different bet you have now consolidated together needs to win for you to win. In this way, in the model over, the Knicks need to dominate the match however the complete focuses in the game Likewise must be under 230.5. You will not get cash if by some stroke of good luck something or other occurs.

That is the reason the chances are higher and your benefit can be more prominent, however they are likewise a lot harder to hit and is the kind of bet you shouldn't make again and again.

What is a Prop Bet? Prop bets permit bettors to bet on unambiguous occasions or individual results during the game. It very well may be something like the over/under on the number of three-pointers Stephen that Curry hits or the number of bounce back Julius Randle that reels in. Or on the other hand it very well may be something much more unambiguous, for example, Klay Thompson being the main individual to score in the game. Check out big daddy game.

What is a First Half Bet? While betting on ball, you don't necessarily in every case need to bet on the whole game. You can put down bets on the Moneyline or Point Spread (or even player props) after only one quarter or one half. Individuals will frequently bet on this since they like the chances more or on the grounds that perhaps you think a game will be a victory and you don't know whether the most loved will rets their starters in the final part. This could mean they won't cover the spread for the game yet are bound to cover the spread for the main half, when every one of their starters are playing ordinary minutes.

[denimbex1986]

'Roughly $2.4 billion in combined worldwide ticket sales? Universal critical acclaim? Twenty-one Oscar nominations between them? It might seem like everyone's a winner when it comes to lifting up Barbie and Oppenheimer as shining examples of Hollywood excellence, and yet the "Barbenheimer" narrative that swept the summer of 2023 continues as the high-profile blockbusters prepare to square off at the 96th Academy Awards.

So, will the 2024 Oscars ceremony finally put to rest the long-standing (and good-spirited) war between Greta Gerwig's tentpole and Christopher Nolan's historical epic? In one context, it should, as Oppenheimer — Nolan's three-hour drama about the titular father of the atomic bomb that ended World War II — is the clear-cut frontrunner to win Best Picture.

With 13 overall nominations (the most at a single ceremony since La La Land notched 14 nods in 2017), Oppenheimer has clear, cross-branch support from all sects of the movie industry — compared to Barbie's haul of eight total nods. While Barbie showed up in Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling), Best Supporting Actress (America Ferrera), and Best Adapted Screenplay, Gerwig was shockingly omitted from the Best Director lineup — a category Nolan was nominated in and is poised to win.

As Barbie suffers on that key front, its Oscars chances significantly dwindle...

Since Oppenheimer is generating heat for multiple victories in other key categories (Robert Downey Jr. is the likely Supporting Actor winner, while Cillian Murphy is still alive in the Best Actor race, though far from a sure thing), it probably will notch higher on the voters' preferential ballots across every branch of the Academy...

Some Oppenheimer skeptics might say that the film has, thus far, only won hardware from groups that don't share crossover membership with the Academy (Golden Globes, Critics Choice), and they'd be right — but the film is the most consistent presence on the awards trail so far, later dominating nominations announcements from the industry-inclusive SAG Awards, BAFTA Awards, Producers Guild of America Awards, and the Directors Guild of America Awards.

In the end, does it really matter who wins the Barbenheimer showdown of 2023? For studio prestige, both Universal and Warner Bros. have huge victories under their belts: In the age of the dying box office draw, Robbie flexed her might at ticket booths around the world, and Oppenheimer proved that a director's name can sell a project perhaps more than any actor working today. Shades of pink and black dividing the two will meld to gold at the Academy Awards on March 10, with both films winning by mere virtue of existing as pillars of success, side by side, just like those adorable Barbenheimer houses on the beach in Santa Monica.'

[thetassteofawesome]

Betting Experts Answer: How to overcome emotions in sports betting

These days there are several on the internet alternatives that offer these solutions totally free or for a reduced charge. It takes a little work to find out to utilize them in the beginning but once you learn how to utilize these devices they can be an outright game-changer for your outcomes. Elimination games are also crucial as they provide possibilities to capitalize on the despair of a team that's up against the wall surface. If the leading group has won by close margins the general public might still miscalculate them by emphasizing the series lead rather than a logical evaluation of how the video games in fact played out. The primary principle to take in below is that oddsmakers don't established odds and also lines based solely on what they think the game's end result will be. Sportsbooks also intend to bring in roughly equal activity on both sides of a wager to safeguard themselves from a potentially large loss.

What is the 1 3 2 6 wagering system?

What you need to do is consistently check my site risk on systems 1, 3, 2, as well as 6 on every round as long as you win. The betting system will need you to wager one system for the very first bet and three devices for the following bet. If the initial and also second wager victories, you continue wagering two units on the 3rd as well as 6 units on the 4th.

We understand that this group has a 66% opportunity of winning, so if we are putting a great deal of these wrong probabilities, in the long run, we will wind up with a decent profit. Football betting strategies based on experience as well as data can also be profitable, but the best ones are based upon great odds at bookies. You require to be able to study as well as assess information to make enlightened picks. There is a big quantity of totally free data readily available online that will certainly allow you to do this. You're normally mosting likely to require to utilize several wagering websites for this technique or you're going to need lines to relocate significantly to earn a profit.

Keep Feelings Out Of Your Wagers

This may consist of the types of racking up plays that took place, the players that were playing well, the kind of opposition, or perhaps home-field benefit. The NFL is the most affordable sporting activity when it concerns wagering. Bookmakers have a 50.3% price when it involves covering the spread, which is incredible and also reveals that for this market, it's a plain coin turn the majority of the moment.

The group picked have to cover the spread, which in this instance is goals.

The odds for every wager are figured out by the sportsbook, which is the firm that takes bank on sporting events.

For that reason, if you are not positive in your competence or you just think that such a risk will certainly not bring you great value, it would certainly be much better to abstain from it.

Ten games isn't that huge of a sample size which's such a details collection of circumstances that it has virtually no worth to wagerers.

There is some fundamental mathematics that you need to understand, although there are numerous on the internet calculators that you can use instead.

If you are reading this write-up, you most likely already tried complying with tipster solutions. Many people think that locating an informant on a platform with a long and profitable prediction background suffices to support also your Football betting system. This football wagering method is based on mathematics as well as actual chance. By this, I imply that they are supplying chances higher than the genuine probability of winning. Whenever you locate betting opportunities such as this, you ought to position bank on them.

The Significance Of Nba Wagering Techniques

Nonetheless, as opposed to balancing your wagers, you lean towards the result you assume is more than likely. Thus, you will win a lot more depending on which of your bets you win. An accumulator includes incorporating numerous choices on a single bet slip. The weird of each individual wager are multiplied because of this, developing some fantastic prospective worth. It can be tough to understand when to adhere to the general public, however generally, the last try to find hyped occasions and hyped athletes to bet on. People are more probable to bet on the team or professional athlete they understand as well as enjoy than to bet on unidentified professional athletes or smaller sized groups.

Optimizing Your Football Betting Strategy: Tips for Increasing Your ... - SportsNewsIRELAND

Optimizing Your Football Betting Strategy: Tips for Increasing Your ....

Currently let's say we bet only on the faves-- they guys most likely to score. In the insular globe of sporting activities wagering, the exact same legislations of nature use. Our difficulty is to create opinionsbefore others develop them for us. In 2022, I suggested to PFN visitors a DFS lineup for the Pro Bowl. Like other DFS schedules, prop bets, against-the-spread predictions, and also moneyline suggestions, my proposed schedule was the conclusion of dozens of game-script simulations. States Where Online Sports Betting is Lawful-- 2023 The lawful situation regarding on-line sports betting states in the USA is absolutely nothing otherwise multi-faceted.

The best method to do this is to locate bookmakers using opposite odds on an occasion. By betting on both sides, you can win regardless of the outcome. Every set of chances a bookie uses features an implied chance, reflecting exactly how likely an outcome is anticipated to occur.

Wells Fargo Championship Picks: PGA TOUR Golf Best Bets, Predictions, Odds to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbo… - DraftKings Nation

Wells Fargo Championship Picks: PGA TOUR Golf Best Bets, Predictions, Odds to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbo….

There are likewise a lot of services that show chances and also costs for a particular competition throughout several sportsbooks. It may be just a few dollars occasionally, yet over the course of a sports betting season, consumers can win an additive amount of money from shopping the lines. This is why numerous gamblers look for the sportsbook with the best factors spread which essentially degrees out the playing field.

[comicgeekscomicgeek]

Their Hero Academia - Chapter 96: Towering Inferno

Continuing my nextgen MHA fic!

Earlier chapters can be found here or by searching the “their hero academia” tag.

As soon as the Green Dagger gave the start signal, the four towers exploded into a flurry of action, with the students from the starting groups scattering like spooked cats, trying to get their bearings. They only had three minutes before the Shiketsu students would be released. Two minutes after that, they would have to contend with the U.A. students. And two minutes after that, SSZ would be unleashed upon the field.

It took Izuku back to his own school days, and the Licensing Exams, both the Provisional and Professional one. Everyone was so desperate to prove themselves and that could easily override more critical thinking skills. If someone was being completely objective, the smartest move would be to stake out the door and mob the competitors entering later. On the other hand, that would require teenagers being pushed into competition with one another choosing to cooperate with students who were ultimately the opposition, and he just couldn’t see that happening this early.

He sighed. He’d been at this for more than two decades, and in that time there had been a shift in how Hero society functioned in Japan. There was certainly still a degree of competition for rankings among Heroes, but the rankings weren’t treated with quite as much importance these days (He honestly hadn’t tried to take All Might’s place as the new Number One. That had just kind of happened! He was grateful to trade it off with Mirio sometimes).. And cooperation was way up compared to when he was a kid, with many Hero teams and partnerships out there.

But at the end of the day… it was still human nature to want to be the best, to be the star. He’d half stumbled into his own fame, but for the countless others in the profession, well, sometimes it was a struggle for a Pro-Hero to even get recognized. Throw a bunch of teenagers together like this and their own victory was going to be first in their minds. Add in the public hierarchy with U.A. and Shiketsu as the big two Hero schools in Japan, and the mix of animosity and envy towards SSZ as ‘outsiders’ and ‘the elite’, and it was all but certain.

Multiple screens around the area displayed different views from the four towers. In the upper left of the towers, tagged as Tower One on the big screen, Izuku watched as the red Seijin ninja found himself being backed into a corner by the girl from Seiai who was generating tendrils made out of some kind of energy. She’d created eight of them all together and while he’d pulled a weapon from within the folds of his uniform—some kind of kusarigama—he was just barely able to parry her attacks. 

If Izuku remembered right, the ninja’s Quirk was touch-based. He’d taken down Toshi with it, at least. A bad matchup for him, then. He tried not to smile as one of the Seiai girl’s tendrils slipped past his guard and smacked the sensor on his chest. It let out a high pitched beep and started blinking red.

Above the monitors showing the towers, there were scoreboards, showing the competitors, grouped by school. A red x appeared next to the red ninja’s name.

This was the tower Toshi had been assigned to, so it was where he was going to be paying the most attention.

In the meantime, the Ketsubusu student who was dressed like an old-timey circus strongman had made his way to a higher level. But the strongman didn’t see Kayda Tsuchinoko, the daughter of Tsu’s friend Habuko Mongoose, sneaking her way through the rafters. The Ketsubusu student was strong, but so was Tsuchinoko’s snake tail. If she could take him by surprise, she might have a chance.

Tower Two was going to be one to watch as well. With both Nozomi and Haimawari in it, the action was likely to be fast and furious. There, a Seiai girl had fled from the action and retreated to the top floor. From there, she’d activated her Quirk and was projecting her consciousness into a construct made from the material of the tower. If she could keep her actual body protected, she stood the best chance of running roughshod over everyone else.

Which could be a challenge in and of itself. The Ketsubusu boy in the costume with the arrows has some kind of “push” power, while the girl from Isamu Academy had force blasts, making them well balanced against each other. Both were currently running and gunning, exchanging blasts and dodging the buzzsaws thrown by the green Seijin ninja.

Tower Three, at least objectively, seemed like a broader mismatch of abilities, and was also tilted towards female competitors. Other than Shinji and Ushimaru, everyone there was female. The girl from Ketsubusu had some kind of mental Quirk. She’d been able to make the others run away from her at the outset, but he hadn’t gotten a good look at what she could do at any point in the Festival so far. The Seiai girl had whipped up a cloud of steam, obscuring the entirety of the first floor. The Isamu Academy girl was firing nets randomly in the cloud, hoping to hit someone. Meanwhile, the purple Seijin had pulled a chain from her arsenal and had animated it with her Quirk, turning it into a makeshift fan to give herself a bit of space. There weren’t any clear winners here, at least as far as Izuku was concerned. But Shinji would likely waste little time in dominating the field once he was released.

At least Tower Four was a little more mixed. The Ketsubusu samurai, his armor freshly repaired from Mineta’s kick, had leapt right into the fight, using his energy slashes to scatter the rest. The animal shifter from Isamu Academy had given himself ape-like characteristics and was hanging from the exposed rafters, dodging out of the way of the Seijin ninja’s fireballs. And the Seiai girl was using her heat-generating touch to do damage to the steps, keeping the others from following after her. Kocho was in this one, and her Quirk would give her lots of advantages here. But so was Tatsuma. From what Izuku had seen in the first event, there might not be anything left by the time the others were released.

“We’ve seen first blood drawn already, but things are about to get more intense! It’s time for Shiketsu to join the fight!” Present Mic’s voice rang out.

***

Mika fought down the urge to cheer as Shinji rushed out. It probably wasn’t good to be rooting for the competition, even if the competition was your giant and super hot boyfriend. 

“Can’t believe they’re making me wait,” Spencer grumbled. He looked over to the Festival worker monitoring them, who was staring intently at a countdown displayed on a handheld device. “You sure I can’t forfeit my advantage here?”

The worker shook his head. “Sorry kid, rules are rules.”

Spencer kicked the ground in frustration. “Aw, dagnabbit.”

“What, don’t you want to spend more time with me?”

“Later, Mimi,” he replied, giving her a charming smile that made her heart do a few flutters. “Never mix business and pleasure. And the business here’s fighting.”

Outside, Shinji was more than proving his power. He’d opened with a massive blast of wind, blowing all of the steam out of the tower. The girl from Seiai with the net launching Quirk made the mistake of attacking him head-on, firing a pair of nets from the openings in her hands. Shinji just threw back his head and laughed. She couldn’t hear it, but she knew the body language well enough. He threw his arm up in an arc, letting loose a mini tornado almost as tall as he was. It raced out and sucked up the nets and slammed right into the girl, setting off one of her sensors and throwing her into the nearby wall.

The Seijin purple ninja was a little smarter, trying to sneak up behind him. She used her object control Quirk to send one of her chains to wrap him up, pinning his arms to his sides. 

Under most circumstances, that would probably have been a smart move. Shinji did use his arms to help direct his Quirk. But that was all it did. Direct his Quirk. He had more than enough control with it to fly, after all. A fierce wind whipped up around his body, pushing the chains away before shattering them.

Shinji was big. And he was loud. And he laughed often. Those were the things people saw, forgetting that Shiketsu was at least as difficult to get into as U.A. and even more rigorous in how it policed and educated its students. It got people to badly underestimate him.

Unlike Mika, it wasn’t something he purposefully cultivated. It was just how things worked out. And it had worked out to his advantage here.

The worker’s device beeped. “Mineta, you’re up in five seconds. Get ready.”

Mika gave Spencer a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll try and leave you somebody to fight.”

The Texan grinned, teeth bared. “Mmm, you’re too good to me, Mimi.”

***

Once, when she was small, Koharu had been channel chasing and had caught a few moments of a sci-fi horror movie, where some terrible monster had gotten loose inside of a space station. It had slaughtered most of the crew and had been chasing the remaining members around. It had been absolutely inappropriate for a child and had given her nightmares for weeks.

When the Nomu had dropped out of the sky during her internship, she’d felt a very similar fear.

What she saw when she flew out of the gate wasn’t quite that bad… but only by a few degrees.

Tatsuma, in her full draconic form, stomped heavily after the competitors from Seiai and Seijin. The samurai from Ketsubutsu was already on the ground, all three of his sensors blinking. His armor had been shattered again, his helmet lay a few feet away, and his sword had shattered itself on her scaly hide. She felt bad for the guy. He’d tried his best to stand his ground, and he’d gotten curb-stomped for it.

The girl from Seiai was just flat out running now, while the Seijin ninja was trying to pepper Tatsuma with fireballs. But using fire against a dragon was just as ineffective as it sounded; the attacks splashed against her scales like nothing. 

Tatsuma had one sensor somewhere on her back, between her wings, one on her upper right arm, and one on her stomach, as though daring someone to get close enough to try and hit it. With the increased size of her dragon-form, it made for a very small target.

The shapeshifter from Isamu Academy seemed to have made himself scarce. Koharu couldn’t blame him.

Maybe she ought to just fly to the top? Once she had a high enough vantage point, she could spread her scales and unleash some of her powders over the whole thing....

A screech like a bird of prey shattered any thoughts of strategy right before something slammed into her.

***

“Stand still, dammit!” the girl from Isamu Academy shouted, filling the air with force blasts. She was getting madder and madder, barely even bothering to aim her shots.

Sorry!” Isamu shouted back at the girl from his namesake school. “Can’t do that!” He kept himself slow, zipping along the ground, moving side to side at the same time. It was a lot of concentration, but so far he was managing

He could understand her desperation. She was down to her last sensor. The Ketsubusu guy had gotten both her and the green ninja with a massive spray of scrap from his repelling power. Isamu’d nearly gotten hit then as well, but had managed to push his repulsion field out through his whole body, protecting himself.

Pow! He slammed into the Isamu Academy girl’s legs, flipping her over his back and knocking her down. He spun around, slid into a stop, and stood. There. Her last sensor was on her upper left arm. He charged up a low level pulse and fired it off with a soft pup. The energy pulse splashed into the sensor and set it off with a high pitched beep.

“Damn…” the girl groaned.

But he didn’t have time to rest or celebrate his victory. The sound of metal on metal made him spin. He had just enough time to throw himself out of the way of a punch thrown by the Seiai girl. Or rather, by the construct body she was controlling with her Quirk. He rolled and fired a volley of energy pulses at her as he came up, but it did nothing to slow her down. Behind him, he heard the Isamu Academy girl running away.

He kept the volley up, a constant barrage of shots, but she just kept walking, slowly pushing against them.

Wait! This was just a construct, right? He gained next to nothing by fighting it. It didn’t have sensors, her real body, wherever that was, did. They were on the second floor of the tower, and he knew at least some of the fighting was on the ground floor. If she was smart, she’d have gone to high ground…

“And now it’s time for SSZ!” came the voice of Present Mic.

The chill that ran up his spine had nothing to do with fear. Definitely not. Not at all. Nope.

A high pitched whistle made everything stop.

“What the hell is that?” the construct demanded, stopping suddenly. She looked around in alarm.

Oh shit,” Isamu thought.

“A nightmare,” he said out loud.

***

“HAAAARRRAAAH!” the Ketsubusu strongman let out a roar, his muscles becoming even bigger than before. He swung a meaty fist in a wide arc, but Toshi was already moving before the blow could hit him.

A quick gravity bounce sent him up and over the bigger student and as he dropped, he increased his gravity and kicked, slamming his feet into his back. It sent him flying, but didn’t knock him down. And unfortunately, the sensor there’d already been triggered, probably when Tsuchinoko had gone after him. So all it bought him was time.

The strongman spun and growled, dropping into a fighting stance. “Pretty fancy footwork, Mini-Deku. Your dad teach you that one?”

“Actually, no,” Toshi replied. He bounced lightly on the balls of his feet. A lot of his fighting style came from Great-Grandpa Torino, studying what little footage there was of the man. He couldn’t match Nozomi’s mid-air redirection, but he could bounce just fine.

He launched himself, towards the nearest wall at low gravity and bounced off it, launching himself at the wall on the opposite side. There, he bounced again, towards the back wall and back towards the muscleman. 

Despite his size, the Ketsubusu student was faster than he looked. He spun and caught Toshi’s head in his hand, swinging him around and slamming him into the wall. Stars exploded behind Toshi’s eyes for a second. He’d been cycling his gravity up in prep for impact and the guy’d still managed to fling him around like it was nothing.

“Imagine somebody like me getting one over on somebody like you,” the strongman said. He cracked his knuckle. “I’m going to enjoy this.” He flexed again, growing even more muscular still. Once more, he let out a bellow. 

“HAAAARRRAAAH!”

“HAAAARRRAAAH!” 

Both of them stopped at the second scream, which was tinny and high-pitched, a sound like a cartoon mouse would make.

Both Toshi and the Ketsubusu competitor looked behind him to see… a miniature version of the Ketsubusu student, maybe only about waist high, flexing and letting out another tiny bellow of rage.

“HAAAARRRAAAH!” 

The tiny version let out another warcry, before breaking out into laughter. Both Toshi and the Ketsubusu student could only watch with fascination as his body stretched and reshaped itself, into a muscular, dark-skinned boy. It was the shapeshifter from SSZ, the one who’d been clowning around during the opening ceremonies by turning into Quirky the Quirkasaurus. Not quite the same, but still clearly the same person. The crowd was audibly in hysterics.

Everyone continued to stare at each other for a moment, before the shapeshifter broke into a toothy grin and laughed, throwing his head back, before doubling over with laughter. “Sorry,” he said after a moment, “but I just could not resist. You should have seen your faces!”

“What?” the Ketsubusu strongman said, flatly.

The shapeshifter cut off his laughter and pointed at the strongman. “You! That’s what you look like. All brute force and no style. Where’s your sense of showmanship? You dress like you’re part of the circus, but you have all the charm of a drunken office party!” The strongman seemed to deflate slightly.

Toshi, however, was quicker to recover his wits. And with one of the Ketsubusu guy’s sensors exposed now that his attention was on the shapeshifter, he increased his gravity and drove a punch right at it. 

THWACK!

The impact sent the Ketsubusu strongman flying.

Toshi spared the shapeshifter a quick glance. His form was changing again, but Toshi couldn’t tell into what, just that it was horrible. “Sorry,” Toshi said, “but I… gotta bounce!”

Shifting his gravity, he launched himself into a bounding jump to put some distance between him and the shapeshifter.

As he bounced away, he could hear the shapeshifter call out. “I will give you a five second head start just for that pun!”

***

Koharu slammed the heel of her hand into the nose of the Isamu Academy animal shifter, forcing him to release her from his taloned feet. He looked disoriented, flapping his wing-arms hard, as though staying airborne was all he could manage. She hadn’t broken his nose–thank goodness–but that had definitely hurt. His Quirk didn’t seem as versatile as SSZ’s shapeshifter; it looked like he could only take on animal characteristics, like she’d seen him do back during the first event. That was something, at least. It meant there were limits.

He’d put his sensors all on his front. One on each shoulder and one dead center of his chest. While he was still stunned, she fired a blast of String Shot at him, hitting him with enough mass to knock him back as it expanded into a net. It hit him dead on in his center mass, triggering the sensor and pinning him to the wall.

He struggled against it for a moment before his shape began to change again, taking on the muscles and dark fur of a gorilla. Before, her String Shot and Mineta’s balls had pinned him pretty decisively. Here, he had more leverage and her String Shot began to tear.

Which was when the rumbling started. She was flying, so she couldn’t feel it, but she could certainly hear it. And worse, the whole structure seemed to be suddenly shaking.

The sounds of battle that had been filling the structure had come to a clumsy halt. Just moments ago, she’d been able to hear Tatsuma’s heavy footfalls on the floor above and the screaming of the other competitors as they tried to avoid her or stop her without success. The sound of her flame breath had been even scarier, truth be told.

What she hadn’t heard or seen, she realized, was SSZ’s competitor entering the tower, even with the doors open. Maybe she’d just been distracted by her own fight, but she didn’t think so. 

She’d seen Torino and Ushimaru during the first event and the other boy was a very good shapeshifter. The other girl had some kind of water power, right? She remembered it now, the girl rolling out like a small wave during the opening ceremony.

If the ocean ever disappears, don't go looking for it.

It was a lesson drilled into every school child, especially those who lived in coastal cities and island communities.

“High ground!” she yelled. “Get to higher ground!” She flapped her wings hard, heading for the staircase. Going outside would make her too exposed.

“What?” the animalistic shapeshifter asked, confused.

Over her shoulder Koharu could see the arena floor had been ripped open, and a massive wave of water was spilling out from the entry gates, flooding the first floor. The Isamu Academy student was swept away and slammed around. And worse, the water was following her, heading up the stairs!

***

“That’s where you put your sensors?” the purple ninja demanded. One of hers was already glowing. “What is wrong with you?” She’d ditched her chain weapons from earlier and now held a pair of boomerangs. But she also had the high ground, so to speak, having been coming down the stairway as Mika was going up it.

Spencer and Shinji had been going at it when she’d left the bottom floor. And not in the hot way she’d had liked to see and would hopefully be dreaming about tonight. She and everyone else down there had wisely decided to scatter from the ensuing slugfest.

“What?” Mika asked, batting her eyelashes innocently. So she’d put two of her sensors on her boobs and the other on her butt. Psychological warfare was a legitimate tactic for keeping people from trying to touch them! And the officiants hadn’t said a word about it, even if they’d given her a look, so obviously it was fine, right? She was reasonably sure it was fine.

Also, she hadn’t completely heard the ninja over the howling of the wind and the way that ninja mask muffled her speech. Plus there was some kind of rumble and shaking that she didn’t know the cause of. But she was very good at reading people’s reactions to her antics.

The ninja threw her boomerangs, which were glowing as they left her hands. Mika dodged under them, firing off a volley of her balls. The ninja dodged as well, so that all they did was hit the wall. “Guess we both missed,” she started to say.

SMACK! 

Something slammed into her ass, making her yelp and her sensor there go off. The boomerangs sailed around her, landing back in the ninja’s hands.

Right. Boomerangs came back. And an object control quirk. Stupid!

“Hey, at least buy me dinner first!” she yelled, firing more balls at the ninja.

“By the gods,” the ninja said, “Don’t you ever shut up?!” She dodged the volley, but one of the balls struck one of her boomerangs, knocking it out of her hand. The ninja let out a cry of pain and tucked her hand against her body.

It was just the distraction Mika needed. “Only if my mouth’s otherwise occupied!” Mika brought her head low and charged up the steps, catching the ninja off guard as she headbutted her in the stomach. 

Mika kept her speed up, hooves clanging on the metal of the steps, until she reached the top of the stairs. She stopped suddenly there, letting momentum launch the ninja. She landed on the ground in a heap, another of her sensors now blinking.

~*F~*E~*A~*R~*~

It hit her like a blow to the head. Sudden, overwhelming, fear. No, not fear. Terror. The kind of fear reserved for a plant eater suddenly sensing a wolf. The kind of fear that provoked stampedes out on the prairie. The kind of fear that stirred up something ancient and primal in her, and played the sound of ancient hoofbeats in her mind.

Mika ran.

***

Deku being the Symbol of Hope or not, operations at Might Tower were played fairly close to the vest, and as a result, information about what students had interned there recently wasn’t publicly available. The I. Island footage on the other hand, was all over the internet, if you knew where to look. A lot of it was about as high quality as Bigfoot sightings, but if you knew what you were looking for, there were things that stood out.

The same things that had been standing out in public footage of the Shield for a little while now. One For All was about as well understood as the inside of a cat’s head, but Nana Shimura and Sorahiko Torino had kept careful records of everything they’d been able to learn. And all of that had been passed down to The Six Wind Hero - Cyclone, Nozomi Torino. The moth girl was worthy of closer inspection at another time (she’d received Uncle Izuku’s approval, after all), but right now, she was in the same field as Haimawari. She’d agreed to participate in the National Festival partially because the Headmaster requested it, and partially as a training exercise for herself, but now her priorities had shifted.

“Six seconds until entry.” She took a few rapid breaths as the officiant gave her the warning, stretching her lungs.

None of the competitors in the tower had been eliminated yet, and from the screens available, and what she could hear, she was fairly certain she had a fixed location on where her target was.

The roar of the crowd swelled, but her focus remained on the countdown “--one, and… go!”

A high-pitched whistle tore through the air, the exhaust ports her Quirk left across her skin tearing against the air as she burst out of the starting gate. Most of her propulsion came from the soles of her feet, but the ports on her arms allowed her to fine tune her steering. No sooner had the excitement of her and her teammates entering pushed the crowd into further enthusiasm, she clocked the glint of a metal blade flying at her. The ninja student had let themself fall behind as the fighting headed up the stairs, likely waiting to ambush new entrants. A reasonable tactic.

Unfortunately, it meant he was between her and her objective.

The propulsion from her feet abruptly cut off, and she expelled air from one side of her arms, flipping her harshly over the path of the incoming weapon. Her mid-air position was an awkward sight to behold, but she simply let out another blast from her feet and resumed her forward path. She pivoted again, diving under a second blade, then shoved her palms into the ground. Another blast of air, and she flew upwards into her attacker.

“Oh for fu–”

Whatever the Seijin student was about to say turned into something you might hear from a children’s squeaky toy, as Nozomi’s fist met his abdomen. Nothing added from her Quirk except the momentum behind her flight path. ‘Practical training’ was what Uncle Izuku used to jokingly call her signature uppercut. For a brief moment, she could feel the shape of his ribs against her wrist, before the impact sent the boy flying away from her. She hadn’t hit a sensor, but maybe the impact would trigger one of them. Not her concern. 

The ‘pup’ of Haimawari’s Quirk was audible one floor up, interspersed with heavy crashing sounds. Not easy to hear, but if you were already listening for it, you could catch it. He hadn’t pressed his advance further yet.

A floor to ceiling bounce let her build up speed before she flew up and just beyond the edge of the tower, grabbing onto an edge to come swinging around. And there he was. Haimawari, fighting some creature made of garbage.

“Hey, U.A.” It wasn’t the teasing tone she reserved for Toshi, and she certainly wasn’t smiling the way she did for him. She landed in a crouch at the edge of the floor, and shifted into a runner’s starting stance.

“I’ve got something to find out from you.” She took a deep breath, and a thought and a split-second scream later, the distance between the two of them vanished.

***

As Toshi headed for the next set of stairs, something thick and warm wrapped around his body. Not the shapeshifter from SSZ. He’d left him behind when the red ninja had interrupted their chase. The laughing shapeshifter had said something about not being able to resist messing with such a humorless guy. 

Toshi looked down to see red, scaly coils wrapped around him, leading up to the ceiling, where they were attached to a red-haired girl in place of legs, who was hanging in the rafters. Kayda Tsuchinoko. They’d met a few times over the years, though the last time was probably more than five years ago, owing to their families mutual friendship with Aunt Tsu and Uncle Rikido, but he wouldn’t say he really knew her. Sato probably did. 

“Midoriya, right?” Tsuchinoko asked. “Can’t believe I actually caught you. That’s going to win me some prestige back at school even if I don’t win this thing!”

Toshi tensed against her coils. Contrary to how it often looked, he didn’t actually have super-strength. He just used his ability to adjust his gravity to give power to his punches or his jumps, but he couldn’t actually lift a car over his head or break out of chains or anything like that. 

Beep!

The tip of her tail pressed against the sensor on his chest. She’d missed the others, at least.

“Good job!” he said. And it was. He hadn’t been looking up. A big mistake, obviously, and she’d taken advantage of it. 

“But not good enough!”

He canceled his gravity just enough to make himself float and activated the CO2 jets in his boots. He hadn’t used them during the first event, because he only had a limited supply and because they’d been out in the open, where it was easy to get around by jumping. The sudden acceleration was like being shoved forward by being hit by a truck, but Tsuchinoko let out a yelp. She was dragged from her position in the rafters and trailed behind him, still wrapped around his middle.

As the edge of the Tower approached, he cut his jets and returned his gravity to normal, landing on his feet. He increased his gravity to turn himself into the unmovable object and Tsuchinoko snapped around him, her tail releasing as her upper body went flying by. 

Toshi grabbed her tail as her upper body went sailing out into the open air and let himself fall backwards, dragging her back inside. He released her and got quickly to her feet.

She stared at him with eyes with slit pupils. “You saved me? Why?”

Why had he done that? It would have been a nice, easy victory. One person closer to guaranteeing he’d be in the final round. But…

“My body just moved on its own,” Toshi said. “Instinct, I guess.”

“Still got me, though,” Tsuchinoko said. She pointed to a sensor on her tail. “Guess even an accidental tag counts.”

They probably should have fought. It was the smart thing to do. To try and get another strike in that way.

But…

Toshi gave her a smile, before bouncing off. “Good luck!”

***

As Koharu flew, the water followed. It has swept up the Isamu Academy animal shifter (who’d managed to survive by taking on shark characteristics) and slammed him into a wall, setting off one of his sensors. And it had continued to flow even as she’d climbed higher.

It was only when she reached the top floor, open to the sky, that she understood the severity of what had happened. Up in the air, she could see the arena itself had been damaged. The ground had been torn up and exposed pipes shot water into the air in pitiful sprays. The water girl from SSZ – Amani, that was her name – must have pulled more water from the plumbing in order to get that much liquid.

A stupid part of her brain wondered if the toilets were still working after that stunt. Another part called it all overkill. And yet a third wondered if SSZ taught its students to use such over the top measures or if it was just Amani. And then she remembered Ushimaru and Torino, and decided that making that big of an impact might just have been their thing.

Other than the Ketsubusu samurai, who’d been eliminated early, and the Isamu Academy shapeshifter, it looked like everyone else had made it to the roof. Tatsuma was there in her dragon form, the girl from Seiai with the heat touch, and the blue ninja with his fireballs. Tatsuma’s sensors were completely untouched, but both of the others had only one left.

In a show of surprising teamwork, the Seiai girl dropped to her knees and unleashed a wave of heat into the roof, projecting it towards the stairs. Tatsuma and the ninja both unleashed their own firepower on the advancing water as well. It sizzled and steamed, but still rose up in a massive column. It towered over them for a moment, before it came crashing down. 

The Seiai girl was swept away, falling off the tower. She screamed as she fell, making Koharu wince in sympathy. That was a long way down. The ninja was swept away too, but he pulled a grappling hook from somewhere and threw it, snagging a spot along the edge of the tower. 

And Tatsuma? She stood there and took all of it, not being moved in the slightest. The only thing she did to defend herself was to flip her wings in front of herself, protecting her sensors. It was impressive and terrifying all at the same time.

The water pooled and pulled itself towards one spot, rising up and becoming Amani, now magnified in scale enough to look the dragon in the eyes. Koharu couldn’t make out any sign of the SSZ student inside the mass, it seemed that she wasn’t just controlling the water, but was one with it. Midoriya would probably have some really helpful insight as to what that meant and how to counter it, but she was at a loss. Amani and Tatsuma were sizing each other up, like a pair of wolves who had suddenly stumbled into each other’s territory. Tatsuma’s throat swelled as she drewin a breath, preparing to let loose another fire attack, while Amani’s enlarged figure  once again collapsed into a roiling mass of water, only her head visible. All three of her sensors floated and bounced inside her watery mass.

This was not a fight she stood any chance in. Both of them outclassed her on every possible level. Neither of them were even paying any attention to her, even though her instincts were screaming that would change in an instant if she made a move on either of them.

But…

She flapped hard, flying past them. As she did, she released a cloud of her Paralytic Powder. It probably wouldn’t do anything to either of them, but at least it would make her feel like she’d done something.

She swooped down outside the tower, to where the blue ninja was pulling himself back up. She flapped her wings harder, arms extended out in front of her, as she dove towards him.

“Hai-yah!” With one hand still hanging onto his climbing rope, he threw a volley of fireballs at her with his other. 

Internally thankful for the flying drills she’d been put through at the training camp, Koharu dodged them easily. Down to his last sensor, he was getting desperate, his aim erratic. And then she flared her wings, flipping upward, and slowing her descent. As she did, she unleashed her sleep powder, filling the air with orange-yellow powder. His mask helped him some. Most people went to sleep almost immediately, but he was able to throw another few fireballs, his aim even worse than before. His other hand began to slip, until, finally, he started to fall.

She swooped down again, and grabbed his arm, bringing him to a stop with a sudden jerk. His sudden weight made her wings ache as she fought to keep from dropping. Gritting her teeth, she brought them both into the third floor of the tower and dropped him on the still wet ground. His last sensor was on his head, attached to the side of his ninja headgear. She gave it a hard slap. It let out a high pitched beep and she breathed a sigh of relief.. The ceiling dripped on her head.

“That’s three eliminated for Tower Four!” came the voice of Present Mic. “And… Amani has walked off the tower? Talk about making a splash!”

“Yes, but I don’t think Tatsuma liked that, Mic… But with Shiketsu, SSZ, U.A., and Isamu Academy in the final round for this tower, she’s likely to get a second chance to even the score!

***

Driven by unrelenting fear, Mika took a running leap off the side of the tower and began to fall. In that instant, all the induced and irrational fear vanished, leaving her mind as clear as it ever was.

***

(Back at U.A., Chihiro Kaminari suddenly felt the urge to make a sarcastic comment and wasn’t sure why.)

***

Unfortunately, it was replaced by very real and very rational fear. Mika was a tall girl, with dense bones and muscles, and ample amounts of body fat in a number of places considered conventionally attractive by society. All of which meant that she fell very quickly.

Okay brain, she thought, I know I’m usually drowning you with thoughts of hot bodies, but right now, I can’t boobily breast my way out of this, so I need you to do math. You’re falling at x speed, the floors are x meters apart, angle of descent…

She quickly fired a number of balls from her horns, covering the ground below.

BOING!

Grateful for the fact that she didn’t stick to her balls (No, no time to laugh!), Mika instead bounced off them like a trampoline, hitting at just the right angle that she went sailing back into the ground floor of the tower. She slid along the floor until she collided with the central pillar.

“Let’s… not do that again,” she said, quickly getting back on her hooves.

There wasn’t anyone near her on the ground floor at the moment and she was ashamed to admit she’d lost track of who’d been tagged and who hadn’t. She could still hear the sounds of high-speed winds, backed up by a booming laugh, which meant Shinji was still in the game at least. The sound of heavy footfalls, like hammers on anvils, accompanied by delighted Texan yelling, told her that Spencer probably was too.

Quickly, Mika peered around the central pillar to check the other side of the floor. There, as she’d expected, Shinji and Spencer were still duking it out.

“Holy hurricanes!” Shinji bellowed. “I haven’t had this good a fight since I went up against Tatsuma! You are indeed a worthy adversary, friend!”

He shot both arms out, unleashing a massive funnel of wind.

Spencer, meanwhile, was glowing as he ran headlong into the funnel, his arms out in front of him. The wind funnel brought him to a stop momentarily, the glow around him getting brighter as he pushed against it. Little by little, he was actually making headway against the gale, his feet actually leaving footprints in the metal floor.

“You ain’t… so bad… yourself… pardner,” Spencer grunted. He started glowing brighter as he pushed forward.

Shinji planted his feet and kept up the blast of wind for another moment, until he abruptly stopped. Spencer, surprised by the lack of resistance, tumbled forward. Meanwhile, Shinji sidestepped him and thumped him on the back as he stumbled past him, hitting one of the three sensors that were in a triangular shape on Spencer’s back. 

Back when they’d been waiting to be released, Spencer had explained that “If they’re seeing my back, then I deserve to get hit.” Mika could respect it, even if she didn’t follow the logic.

Spencer quickly spun and prepared to attack again, while Shinji rose up on a small tornado and shot away from him. He let out a laugh of his own. “You are good, big fellah. Not many people’s pulled that one off. You got me once. But that’s all you’re gonna get.”

“You’ll forgive me if I disagree!” Shinji shouted, whipping up more winds.

Out of the corner of her eye, Mika spotted someone coming down the far stairwell. Not the purple ninja, but the girl from Ketsubusu, all in black, save for the blank white mask that only showed her eyes. She had to have been the one who’d caused her to go over the tower edge. The Isamu Academy girl had been the one firing the nets and the girl from Seiai had been the one making the steam. And she hadn’t seen either of them in a while.

The Ketsubusu girl began to raise her hands to the sides of her head, her line of sight focusing on Shinji and Spencer. She hadn’t noticed Mika yet. Good.

Lowering her head to aim, Mika fired a pair of balls at the girl. One hit her left arm, breaking her stance and concentration. The other hit her in the stomach, doubling her over and tripping her sensor.

“And that’s three down in Tower Three,” Mount Lady announced. “U.A., SSZ, Shiketsu, and Seijin take this one!”

“Great shot, babe!” Shinji called out, his fight with Spencer already forgotten.

She heard a massive clang that sounded like Spencer kicking the floor. “Ain’t gonna lie, that was nice shootin’, Mimi.” She caught a disappointed tone in his voice.

She walked around the corner. “But you wanted to fight more, didn’t you,?” she asked, a smile tugging at her lips.

“See? You just get me, Mimi.”

***

Toshi was shifting through gravity in high gear, bouncing off walls and the ceiling as quickly as he could. Ahead of him, he could see the red ninja creeping along. Concentrating, he poured on the speed.

“Meteor… Smash!”

He slammed into the ninja before he could react, knocking him down and triggering a sensor. The ninja snapped back up, trying to strike at Toshi (And probably employ that nerve paralysis Quirk of his again), but Toshi had lowered his gravity quickly enough immediately after impact that he went flying out of the way, flipping and landing in a crouch.

The red ninja looked down at the sensor as though it had personally offended him. It was his second strike.

There was a strange sound and a subtle feeling of a change in air pressure, coming from behind him. He didn’t think, he just lowered his gravity and jumped straight up. His head bumped the ceiling, but it was a small price to pay. A bright blue beam sailed under him and struck the red ninja before he could get out of the way, tagging the last of his sensors. It was a force beam and slammed him backwards. 

The ninja slumped against the wall. “All my ninja arts,” he muttered, “useless…”

Toshi looked behind him, to where the beam had come from. It was the Shiketsu competitor, the girl with the three eyes. He hadn’t seen her at all during the first event, but why hide such a simple Quirk?

Wait. She did have three eyes, didn’t she? But then why did she only have one eye now?

“Thank you,” the cyclopean girl said, “for setting him up for me. But my gratitude extends no further. We are still competitors here.” She brought her hands up and released a double-barreled blast.

Toshi turned and bounced, heading toward the stairs. He beams flashed around him, but fortunately none of them hit. Was her depth perception poor with only one eye? If so, that was a bad combination with an Emitter-type Quick like that. He poured on a little more speed…

SMACK!

He impacted hard with something solid and unbendable, where there should have been empty air, and fell backwards, landing on his butt. He looked up, blinking away stars, to see a pinkish energy field in front of the stairs. And just behind it, clearly generating it, was… the cyclopean girl?

Did she have any energy manipulating Quick then? But then why were there two of her? And each one only had one eye. Which meant that there was probably a third one running around somewhere too, no doubt with a unique ability all her own.

At least now he understood why they hadn’t seen much of her during the first event. With a Quirk like that, it was probably great for intelligence gathering, on top of the offensive abilities. 

“Good job, To,” the one who’d fired the beams said, coming up behind him. “I knew we could lead him into a trap.”

“Of course, Ko,” the force field wielding one said.

“All right!” a voice called out. It was another one of the girls. She seemed a little unsteady though and leaned against the wall to guide herself as she approached. “We got him!”

Both of the other girls gave each other a look, then nodded. The force field generating one encased the third’s legs in a block of pink energy and the blasting one hit her with blasts from both hands. The blasts rocked the third girl’s body, tagging one of the sensors as well.

“Well,” the third said, her voice suddenly and surprisingly deep and accented, “it was worth a shot.” And then… the third girl changed. Her form blurred and shifted until she became SSZ’s shapeshifter. He tried to change form again, starting to become something big and monstrous, but more force fields held all his limbs in place while the other blasted him again and again.

Which was when someone else let out a war cry and Toshi barely had time to dodge out of the way. It was the actual other cyclops girl, this one clearly with some kind of strength Quirk. He bounced out of the way of her strikes, rebounding off the walls and ceiling, before barreling back towards her. She parried each time, deflecting his strikes and sending him flying until he could right himself. Her reflexes were good; her strength was even better. This could go badly for him, especially if the other two took down the shapeshifter and joined the fight.

A beep told him that the other cyclopes must have finally taken down the shapeshifter. Toshi paused just long enough to look.

“Th–th–that’s all, folks,” the shapeshifter said, a pig snout suddenly appearing on his face.

“Let me guess,” Toshi said, carefulling looking between the one-eyed girls, “mental connection between your selves he didn’t have?”

The two one-eyed girls looked him over. “Smart,” the blasting one said. “Not a lot of people who can figure that one out.”

Both of them got ready to fight again. 

“And with that, it’s three down for Tower One!” Present Mic announced. “After such a strong showing, who could have predicted SSZ wouldn’t make it to the finals for this tower?! U.A., Shiketsu, Isamu Academy, and Seiai are going on to the next round!”

***

Torino tore through the constructed body of the Seiai girl like a missile, shattering it into a thousand pieces. “Good,” she said. “Just the two of us now.” And she launched again.

There was a time, when faced with an opponent with a personal mad on for him, that Isamu might have panicked and tried to run. Which was not to say he wasn’t still afraid, but a full term at U.A. with Aizawa for a homeroom teacher,, an internship under Deku, the events of the Tokyo invasion, the I. Island affair, and the summer training camp had changed his initial reactions from one of flight to one of fight.

At the speed Torino was traveling, he barely had time to do anything but react. But he threw up both hands and projected his repulsion field outward, as hard as he could. Torino slammed into it with a mighty crack and bounced off, flipping in the air, before she landed on her feet.

“Good reflexes,” she said. And then she was moving again, ricocheting around until she became a blur. His helmet sensors attempted to track her, but she flickered in and out from tracking. The sounds of her rebounding off the various surfaces became a staccato rhythm as he waited for the next strike, from whatever direction it would come. He was getting dizzy from turning to try and follow her.

She struck again and again, and each time, he just barely managed to get a repulsion shield up in time to deflect her blow. 

“Your defense is acceptable, but where’s your offense?” 

He could have pushed his field through his whole body. That would have offered some protection, but it might not have been enough, not all spread out like that. But he’d already been slow a couple times, now, getting his shield up with microseconds to spare. He had to get lucky every time. She only had to get lucky once.

And so did he.

He sucked in a breath and called up his Quirk into his hands. A few months ago, he’d have never dared try this, for fear of completely exhausting himself. But the more he’d trained, the greater his energy reserves, it seemed, especially since the start of the summer. 

He let loose, spinning, arms out, filling the air with rapid fire, low-power blasts from his Quirk. “MACHINE-GUN SHOOT STYLE: MAXI-BLAM!”

Much as a disco ball filled a room with light, his arms filled the air with small pulses of energy as he spun in place, waving his arms through the air. None of them carried more physical power than one of his punches might – he was going for quantity over quality here – but that was hopefully all that he needed.

Isamu was well aware that this was a trick he would probably have only used under desperate measures in the field. It was too wild, too undirected, too dangerous to have used on the streets of a city unless he had no other choice.

But if this wasn’t desperate, then what was?

It was almost deafening, between the screaming whistle of Torino jetting around, the sound of his blasts hitting the metal structure of the tower, and the sounds his blasts made on their own.

KA-POW! 

But there was a very distinct sound his blasts made when they hit someone.

He had shut his eyes shut before spinning, to avoid the resulting dizziness otherwise. As he opened them, Torino was nowhere in sight. Then there was a soft crumbling sound from above, and a piece of grit clattered off his helmet. He abruptly looked up, and Torino was clutching onto the ceiling, perched on one of the beams. 

“Plus Ultra offensive effort,” Torino said. He’d managed, through sheer luck, to tag one of her sensors. And from the way her other arm was cradling her midsection, it looked like it had hurt.“But your follow through leaves much to be desired.” 

Torino released her side and brought up an arm in front of her, gloved palm open. “Air Force - Ten Percent.” The fabric of her glove abruptly swelled like a balloon, before there was the shrrrp of velcro coming undone. The glove flew off her hand and tumbled clumsily but at high speed straight down. Isamu raised his hands in front of him in reflex, bringing up a shield, the glove slapping against it.

While his arms were still raised, he felt his stomach drop as there was a sound of impact on the floor in front of and below him. It was immediately followed by an impact, and a crunching sound as one of his sensors was triggered and smashed. Then his brain registered the impact.

Isamu’s costume was designed like motorcycle gear, to cushion impacts and protect his bones and vital organs from being smashed if he smeared himself on the pavement or ran into a wall. The blow knocked all the air out of him in one massive puff of breath and it was only by virtue of the padding that the blow was slowed just enough that he didn’t also lose his lunch. Throwing up in his helmet would have been very, very bad.

He sank to his knees, holding his stomach. But he managed to bring his head up to see Torino towering over him. She took his helmeted head in her ungloved hand. “You’re skilled. I’ll give you that. And you’ve found a lot of uses for your Quirk. But you lack a killer instinct. That will cost you, every time.”

She drew back her other fist to give him another punch. “And I can keep this up as long as necessary until you tap into what you were given.”

Which was when he activated his Quirk again, extending an adhesion field through his helmet. Torino’s eyes widened in surprise and then Isamu took off at full speed, dragging her along with him as he zipped along on all fours. She threw off his balance something terrible, and between her body and her cape, she created a hell of a lot of drag. But he didn’t particularly care where he was going. He zipped left and right at random intervals, turning sharply near corners to try and bang her against the wall. 

Torino fired her own air jets, trying to change their direction, but he kept his own thrust up, matching her burst for burst, at least for the moment.

But he was so fixated on her, that he wasn’t completely watching the road ahead. It was only when his own proximity alarms started screaming that he looked to see a long, fleshy tube stretching out ahead of him.

“Look out, you idiot!” Torino yelled.

Both of them slammed into the thick tube and bounced off, separating in the process as they skidded to a stop.

The tube retracted, but the rest of what it was attached to rounded the corner. Miyahara, Shiketsu’s stretching rubber man. 

“I don’t know what you two were getting up to,” he said, “but that was way too easy.” 

Miyahara started extending his arms. “I finished off the ninja, and somebody got the girl with the force blasts, so this is for all the marbles.”

***

Isamu would give Miyahara credit, he had a lot of confidence for someone who was facing two-to-one odds against two people with high mobility and range. Even as his arms stretched out to ensnare them, Isamu and Torino moved.

They hadn’t planned it, hadn’t spoken to each other, but their Quirks made it perfect for her to go high and him to go low. Pressed so low to the ground that the zipper on his jacket scraped against the floor, he slammed into Miyahara’s legs at the same time that Torino slammed into his head. 

Isamu kept going, while Torino bounced around for another strike, now aiming for his midsection. This time though, Miyahara elasticized himself against the impact and he stretched against her blow, until he snapped back, sending her flying like a pellet from a slingshot. 

There were a lot of flying heroes that that probably would have worked on. But Torino’s skill and particular Quirk let her almost immediately stop herself, rocketing back again.

Isamu, for his part, drew himself up and fired off a volley of energy pulses. They were physical impacts, so they stretched Miyahara’s body out as they hit (Which was something he was probably going to be seeing in his nightmares.), but did little or not damage.

He may have read this one wrong. The rubber man may have, in fact, been more qualified to deal with them than he’d thought.

“Sorry,” Miyahara said, though he did not, in fact, actually sound sorry. “I’m pretty much punch proof.” 

His arm shot out and Isamu was forced to duck and slide again, keeping just out of his way. Miyahara was good, though, stretching out of the way of Torino’s rapid fire strikes at the same time, his rubbery body moving like a snake.

He got lucky and his hand wrapped around Torino, elongated fingers pinning her arms to her sides. 

“Fine,” Torino gave him a once-over, before a smile pulled at  one side of her mouth. “Let’s see what your limits actually are.” 

As it turned out, holding on to someone who could effectively fly by shooting air out of holes in their body was not a good way to limit the use of their Quirk. Torino jetted off again, around and around the central column of the floor, back and forth, this way and that, with Miyahara’s arm stretching and being pulled along the entire way. 

Miyahara’s look of alarm swiftly became a grimace of pain as he tried to resist the pull, stretching out his other arm to grab onto a ceiling beam in an attempt to anchor himself.

That was when Isamu took his shot. A repulsion pulse, dead center mass, tagging one of Miyahara’s sensors. More importantly though, it knocked him off his feet and he went flying, his other arm reeling him in like a fishing line. Miyahara banged against the tower structure several times by the time Torino stopped, collapsing in a heap at her feet, all of his sensors lit up.

Isamu had far too much of a sense of self-preservation to point out that she’d copied the same basic strategy he’d used on her. 

“And that’s it for Tower Two!” came the voice of Mount Lady. “With that brutal takedown, SSZ, U.A., Seiai, and Ketsubusu will be advancing to the final round!”

“And with that,” Present Mic added, “Round Two is over and we have our tower champions! They all fought an amazing fight, but what will happen in Round Three? We’ll find out after a short break! …and I’d also like to give a big thanks to our dedicated maintenance staff, who I’m sure will have the arena grounds handled just fine.”

The look Torino was giving him, though, suggested that her interest in him was far from satisfied. 

Great.

Just great. 

[stateofsport211]

Two Games In: Brazil Remains Unbeaten, Portugal Also Qualifies, The Rest in Shambles

A Recap after the Two Group Stage Matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Groups E-H

Casemiro from Brazil celebrates his goal with his teammates in the match against Switzerland yesterday (📸 NDTV)

For Brazil and Portugal, their fates were already sealed by the second match of the group stage thanks to their two victories. Joining France in their knock-out rounds qualification, Brazil defeated Switzerland 1-0 in a close contest, while Portugal asserted its dominance against Uruguay by defeating them 2-0.

However, none other than them are in shambles. Not only they will have to rely on the third matches, to some extent, to find out their qualification chances but they will also have to go the extra mile to advance, considering their first two matches (and the upsets). For example, the chances in Group E are wide open after Costa Rica defeated Japan 1-0 right after Japan defeated Germany 2-1 in the first match.

This is how the rest of the groups unfolded. Buckle up, it is going to be a long read once again.

Group E

The standings of Group E (📸 LiveScore)

Japan started strong by defeating Germany 2-1 in the first match in a comeback scene, where initially Ilkay Gundogan's successful penalty execution led Germany 1-0. However, playing more aggressively in the second half, Japan's two late goals came after Ritsu Doan fired from the center to the pitch (74') and Takuma Asano's ball struck the right side of the box, catching the Germans off-guard, giving them the taste of their own medicine.

Keysher Fuller's goal celebration against Japan (📸 CNN).

However, their form fell short to the inspired Costa Rica, who played all-out to defeat Japan 1-0 after their defense improvement compared to the match against Spain, where they got beaten 0-7. The late goal came from Keysher Fuller at 81', where they capitalized on Japan's mis-passing and their readiness to attack. Even after the solid demolition start from Spain, in which two of those goals came from Ferran Torres, it was not enough to counter Germany's "all or nothing" game, where they draw 1-1. Germany managed to stay in the group thanks to Niclas Füllkrug's straightforward execution of Jamal Musiala's assist at 82'.

Niclas Füllkrug (right) celebrated the equalizing goal with Jamal Musiala, putting Germany back in the group (📸 EPA via The Telegraph)

It all might have boiled down to the third match of the group. Spain has a higher likelihood to advance to the knock-outs stage, except if they lose against Japan (should they play as aggressively as they are against Germany). However, Costa Rica can repeat its 2014 run should it win against Germany. The goal differences could be another factor because of the Spain-Costa Rica outcome; however, considering the number of surprises in this World Cup, it is worth seeing how this group unfolds at the end.

Group F

The standings of Group F (📸 LiveScore)

Canada's first World Cup appearance since 1986 might have ended here mathematically because of their slight losses. First, they lost in a close contest against Belgium 0-1, where Michy Batshuayi spot-on shot execution to the pitch at 44', despite Canada playing better all match from the way they attack the Belgian side. However, in the second match, Croatia proved their experience to come back against an initially leading Canada: although Canada had a fiery start with just a minute goal coming from Alphonso Davies, Croatia caught up with their massive counter-attack to score 3 other goals, in which they came from Andre Kramaric (36' and 70'), Marko Livaja (44'), and Lovro Majer (90+3'). This makes a great lesson to the young Canadian squad, knowing the increased Croatian intensity, but the first two matches also showed how Canada was able to compete against the world's best.

The members of the Moroccan team bowed down in gratitude for their victory against Belgium after the final whistle blew (📸 MuslimSkeptic).

Moving further up, Belgium did not manage to follow up their slightest victory after they got defeated by a "feel-like-home" Morocco 2-0, with the goals coming from Abdelhamid Sabiri right from the corner (at 74') and Zakaria Aboukhlal responding to Hakim Ziyech's assist (at 90+2'), where they were able to convert more chances than Belgium and applied more pressure toward Belgium. Both Morocco and Croatia previously started with a goalless draw as a result of Morocco's stellar defense, hence Croatia's inability to convert any of their chances.

Andrej Kramaric's goal celebration against Canada (📸 AFP via The Telegraph)

This leaves the contestation of the knock-out stage remaining between Croatia, Morocco, and Belgium, even if Canada somehow wins against Morocco. Considering the chances for both countries, Croatia v. Belgium will become the most deciding match of the day: Belgium needs a win or draw combined with a heavy Moroccan defeat to advance, while Croatia also needs either a draw or victory to follow such results. Taking into account the strengths and the forms of both teams, it is one of the matches worth following.

Group G

The standings of Group G (📸 LiveScore)

Richarlison's stunning second goal against Serbia (📸 Getty Images via ABC Australia)

Brazil had a strong start in this year's World Cup, with or without Neymar, the latter happened in the second match due to his ankle ligament damage sustained in the match against Serbia. With Neymar, Brazil defeated Serbia 2-0, where both of the goals came from Richarlison instead with his smooth touch (including the brilliant second goal), despite all the best Serbian efforts to pressure Brazil. Furthermore, Brazil was proven fine even without Neymar by winning slightly against Switzerland 1-0, after a late goal coming from Casemiro's half-volley at 82' to finish the previous passes. With that, Brazil became the first team who was unbeaten in 17 group-stage matches, starting in 2002.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic fired a goal to give Serbia the lead 2-1 in the first half against Cameroon (📸 Reuters via The Guardian)

Serbia, however, went full-on inspired on a goal party draw against Cameroon, who started with a slight defeat against Switzerland 0-1 after a goal from Cameroon-born Breel Embolo to counter Cameroon's fast start and constant attacks as a cherry on top on the numerous Swiss chances from earlier, celebrating on mute as a respect to his birth country. The thrilling match between Serbia v. Cameroon was not without reason: in this high-intensity, fast-paced game, Serbia started strong with their chances before Cameroon led 1-0 (with Castelletto's goal at 33'), followed by Serbia's counter-attack to score 3 more goals to end the first half, mostly came from the injury time one after another. Cameroon's second goal came after an overrule from the VAR ruled Vincent Aboubakar's position was onside in a very close call when he received the long ball while making contact with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Right after, Eric Maxim Choupo-Motins scored an equalizer right at the blank pitch left unguarded, signaling how Cameroon's counter-offensive kept working until the end of the match.

For Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia, the third match will be a competition between them to reach the knock-out stage, to some extent. While Switzerland has a slight advantage to advance, they have to strengthen their position by at least a draw against Serbia. Otherwise, if somehow Cameroon wins against Brazil, and Serbia wins against Switzerland, Switzerland and Cameroon will likely advance alongside Brazil. This is where Serbia v. Switzerland becomes a decider.

Group H

The standings of Group H (📸 LiveScore)

Portugal started solidly by defeating Ghana 3-2 in a high-intensity match. The goals started with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a penalty at 64', making him the first (man) to score at 5 different World Cup editions. However, Ghana quickly responded via Andre Ayew's goal in 73', before it was succeeded by their ball being stolen to precede Joao Felix's goal to make it 2-1. Portugal increased their striking intensity for Rafael Leao to score at 80', only for Ghana to try to counter-attack in Usman Bukari's goal fruition at 88', where no one could materialize their chances until the end.

Daniel Amartey from Ghana prays in his victory celebration after Ghana defeated South Korea 3-2 (📸 Getty Images via The Times of India) Subsequently, Ghana bounced back in another exciting encounter against South Korea, who cancelled each other over a goalless draw due to their inability to convert their closest chances. The match started with Ghana leading 2-0 in the first half, where Mohammed Salisu took advantage to score over an unguarded pitch at 23', continued by Mohammed Kudus' goal at a steady pace after receiving 3 different passes. However, South Korea quickly caught up at 2-2 to start the second half after their successful counter-attack one after another, both goals scored by Cho Gue-sung. Ghana managed to stand out in this match when Kudus scored another goal at 88' from a working lower diagonal shot. The match ended dramatically when the South Korean coach, Paulo Bento, received a direct red card over the referee's disallowance for their final corner to be taken.

To accompany Portugal's knock-out stage qualification, it all boiled down to the race between Ghana, South Korea, and Uruguay. Ghana had a slight chance to qualify with a minimum draw against Uruguay; however, they could be out of the race if they lost heavily against Uruguay, or lost the goal difference in an event South Korea draws Portugal. South Korea, on the other hand, would likely qualify only if they nail the goal difference and if they successfully defeated Portugal. Uruguay v. Ghana looks like the deciding match here, to some extent, considering the vitality of this match to Ghana to strengthen their position.

What's Next?

For some or most groups, the third match of the group stage will serve as their decider. For some others, one of them will be the decider, while for those facing a team who already advanced to the knock-out stage, it will be a semi-dead rubber where the outcome of the other match will be crucial in determining who will make it to the Round of 16.

It is worth following to see how everything unpacks at the end. Anything can still happen until the final whistle blew. There could be a recap written by the end of the groups, a writing per two groups by the time it ended.

[watchpartygames]

Three-Pointer Triumph: Basketball Card Games for Fans and Collectors

Basketball and trading cards have long been connected, with fans and collectors alike enjoying the excitement of acquiring cards featuring their favorite players. But did you know you can take your basketball card collection to the next level with fun and engaging games? Playing basketball card games not only adds a new dimension to your collection but also offers a chance to bond with fellow fans and challenge your basketball knowledge. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can get in on the action and make the most of your cards in fun, competitive ways.

The Basics: What Are Basketball Card Games?

Basketball card games combine the excitement of card collecting with the strategic gameplay of classic card games. Using basketball trading cards, players compete head-to-head based on player stats, game scenarios, or even custom rules that you and your friends create. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or organizing a more competitive tournament, basketball card games are a slam dunk for fans of the sport.

There are many ways to play basketball card games, depending on your preferences and collection size. Let’s look at a few popular formats that can bring your cards to life.

1. Stat Showdown: Player vs. Player Matchups

One of the simplest ways to play is by comparing stats between two players. Each player selects a card from their collection and chooses a category like points per game, rebounds, assists, or shooting percentage. The player whose card has the higher stat wins the round. You can keep score by awarding points for each win, and the player with the most points at the end of the game emerges victorious.

This format is perfect for quick games, as rounds can be completed in minutes, making it ideal for a casual get-together or an impromptu challenge during halftime of a real basketball game.

2. Fantasy Card Draft: Build Your Dream Team

Another popular game is the Fantasy Card Draft, which takes inspiration from fantasy basketball leagues. In this game, each player drafts cards to create a starting lineup of five players from their collection. You can set rules based on actual NBA game performances or create fictional matchups where players face off against one another.

For instance, you might simulate a game where two teams play a best-of-three or best-of-five series, using player stats to determine the outcome. A fantasy card draft adds a layer of strategy to the game, as you’ll need to carefully choose your lineup based on strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great option for long games and for those who enjoy the strategy of fantasy sports.

3. Collect and Conquer: Tournament-Style Play

For those who want to add an extra competitive edge, tournament-style play is an exciting way to involve more players and cards. This format can accommodate multiple people, where each player brings a set number of cards to the table and faces off in head-to-head battles. You can follow a single-elimination bracket system, where only the winner advances to the next round.

Alternatively, create a point-based system where players earn points for victories, big stat wins, or even creative plays. The player with the most points at the end of the tournament becomes the champion. This format works well for groups and can even be turned into an event with prizes or bragging rights.

Collectors' Edition: Adding Value Through Play

Playing basketball card games doesn’t just offer fun; it also deepens your appreciation of your collection. The competitive aspect of these games allows you to engage with the cards in a meaningful way, while still honoring the value and rarity of certain pieces. Whether you have vintage cards from legends like Michael Jordan or modern-day superstars like LeBron James, incorporating them into gameplay provides an opportunity to showcase your prized possessions.

For collectors, these games can even offer a unique trading opportunity. Winning a game could allow players to trade for coveted cards, adding a social and interactive element to the traditional collecting experience.

Game Tips and Tricks for New Players

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your basketball card game experience:

Balance Fun and Fairness: Make sure the rules are balanced to keep games fun and competitive. You can even mix and match different game formats to keep things fresh.

Adapt to Your Collection: Depending on the size of your collection, adjust the game’s difficulty level. If you have fewer cards, focus on simpler formats like Stat Showdown. For larger collections, try team-based formats like Fantasy Card Draft.

Play with Themes: Add unique themes like “rookie-only” games or “all-star matchups” to keep the excitement high and give everyone a chance to use a variety of cards.

Protect Your Cards: Use card sleeves or cases during gameplay to ensure your valuable cards remain in pristine condition, especially if they’re rare or valuable.

The Final Shot: Making Basketball Cards a Game of Their Own

Basketball card games are a thrilling way for fans and collectors to engage with their favorite sport beyond just watching the game or building a collection. These games bring out creativity, strategy, and competition while deepening your appreciation for both the sport and your cards. Whether you’re playing for fun, organizing a tournament with friends, or simply enjoying a friendly rivalry, basketball card games are sure to provide hours of entertainment.

So, dust off your collection, gather your fellow basketball fans, and get ready to experience the thrill of a three-pointer triumph—this time, with cards!

[kaidabakugou]

DAY 10: MOSNTERFUCKING FT. NAGA! KATSUKI BAKUGOU

WORD COUNT: 2.9K

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF ALIENS / MENTIONS OF DEATH / DUB-CON / BITING / APHRODISIACS / BLOOD KINK / TAIL FUCKING / THROAT FUCKING W/ TONGUE / DOUBLE PENETRATION / FINGER LICKING / OVERSTIMULATION / CHOKING / EROTIC ASPHYSATION / NIPPLE PLAY

for decades, humans have been broadcasting their presence in the universe. sending radio waves into space in the hopes of making contact with possible extraterrestrial life with no caution as to whether there might be dangerous predators lurking in that infinite darkness searching for their next target. and after many attempts, they finally got what they were seeking.

it's been two years since aliens made contact with humans. since then, humanity has evolved substantially. interstellar affairs were the least of worries for all the nations before any of this occurred. with the lack of protocol or proper response plans, humans weren't equipped to handle intergalactic species arriving on our planet. but they did what they did best, and they adapted to their new reality.

when the reptiles from outer space arrived on earth, they seeked mutual exchange with the humans. to provide us with the knowledge we lacked in exchange for a way to progress their receding species. humanity agreed, and the changes in society were limitless. technology became so advanced that humans could travel in and out of earth just as freely as the aliens could, and we kept our end of the bargain.

women volunteered, per governmental request, to have sexual interactions with the foreign creatures, with the full disclosure that the outcome was uncertain. many died in the attempt, not compatible with their dna. but with many efforts and scientific breakthroughs, cross species became possible between humans and aliens, resulting in the birth of nagas.

and with that, society changed forever, birthing centers were made to specifically progress the species for mutual benefit between parties. the space reptiles grew in numbers and humans found many ways to profit from the discovery.

nagas varied in form, if an alien had sex with a human, a creature with human features and anatomy on its upper half and the body of a snake on its lower half would come out, earning the name of nagas. if nagas had relations with the reptiles from space, the serpentine genes would predominate resulting in a more advanced version of the same reptilian alien. and if a naga mated with a human, the chances were uniform, either another naga would come or a human with a higher physical and mental capacity than regular humans would.

with such remarkable creatures, they were sought out for many reasons. they were used for military purposes by every nation, a game of who possessed the most advanced creature that would grant them victory when needed. the markets quickly thrived in many ways. nagas were killed for their skins to feed the fashion industry, underground affairs piqued interest with how many buyers wanted to get their hands on a creature that would surely get them status within their groups. and soon, naga tails were just as treasured as rare blue lobsters at high-ranking restaurants.

you had taken advantage of the situation as well, being one of the first volunteers to explore life outside of the planet. for an entire year, you visited other planets and explored different colonies among them, learning everything that you could about their culture.

but after a long year of traveling, you finally decided to return home. life outside of your planet was fun but nothing compares to the feeling of being on earth. you were currently hiking in the forest near your house, making your way towards the waterfall you’d visited countless times before. enjoying the fauna around you, since it was one of the things you missed the most while being away.

other planets did not have the green landscapes that earth had, or the same animals that could be found here. they didn't have the vast supply of water like earth does, and their plant life was almost non-existent. the majority of them relied on their advanced technology to provide them with the resources they needed, and others would make do and adapt with whatever they could find within their colonies. the animal life was also nothing compared to the abundant species on our planet, most of the extraterrestrial creatures possessed reptilian features, similar to the ones who visited us two years ago.

you were almost near the waterfall, the singing of the birds around you giving you a nostalgic feeling after not being able to hear them for so long. the sun peeking through the trees felt nice against your skin, with spring starting, all signs from the cold winter had started to melt and the weather was finally starting to feel warm again.

you're planning on making your trip to the waterfall brief, enjoy some snacks while admiring your surroundings, maybe going for a quick swim before making your way back home. not wanting to stay outside for too long or allow nightfall to catch you since springtime was the breeding season for nagas.

it wasn't rare to see nagas out in the wild, many would adopt hatchlings in pet shops thinking they could raise one for themselves and regret it later when they would start to grow out of proportion. resulting in them getting released into the wilderness to fend off for themselves and survive any predators that would be interested in them, including other humans.

untamed nagas could be quite violent if they felt threatened, and matings could be rather rough since male nagas would often try to force themselves on females, naga or human, to satisfy their own sexual frustrations.

you had set up your blanket near the rocks that had a clear path close to the water. finishing up some berries you had packed while you read the last page on the current chapter of the book you brought along to pass the time while the soothing sound of the waterfall filled your ears.

deciding to go for a quick swim before it was time to return home, you took your clothes off and entered the water. the warm liquid coating your skin as you sink deeper, making sure to give your surroundings a quick look before submerging yourself fully into the water. swimming near the waterfall as you feel your muscles relax under the soft stream, completely forgetting about the world around you.

floating around the water, a splash startles you as you immediately shoot up, wiping the water from your eyes and quickly looking around to see where the noise came from, frowning when you don't notice anything unusual. you remain still while wondering if it was just your imagination, but before you could fret further on the thought you noticed that the sun was starting to set, and you needed to leave soon.

swimming back to shore you fail to notice the ripples forming in the water close behind you until it is too late. something wraps around your ankle, preventing you from swimming further as a gasp fills your throat. suddenly pulling you harshly as your back hits a strong wet surface. a tail wraps around your center, making it impossible for you to move as you try to wriggle against it, but the large appendage only seems to get tighter the more you fight it.

a hissing sound feels your ears, making every muscle in your body go stiff as you feel your stomach sink. you could feel the vibration of the hissing deep in your bones, only one creature was capable of making such sounds, a naga. swallowing the lump inside your throat, you look back over your shoulder to get a better look at your captor, but the sight makes your breath hitch inside your chest.

the most captivating blown out vermilion irises were staring back down at your widened ones. wet blonde hair framing his face while droplets of water dripped from his ends, smooth skin adorned with brown scales that looked golden under the sunset skies. the tip of a forked tongue flicking constantly from in between his lips while he holds you closer to him.

the different shades of brown scales pulled you from your trance, noticing how some were darker than the others, making shivers run down your spine at the realization. a pit viper, some of the deadliest snakes among the nagas, with venom that could be fatal if not treated immediately.

before you could worry further on the thought, the male flipped you over so you're now facing him as you straddle his waist. noticing his erect cock in between the both of you, your lips parting as you stare down at it, not seeing one like it before. the throbbing pointed tip was already leaking thick ropes of cum that dribbled down his large cock, with long ridges that adorned the top of his shaft and pulsing veins under it, leading down to the large knot peeking from the slit of his tail.

sharp claws pull you from your haze as they grace against the delicate skin of your neck, dragging the back of his claws across your throat before finding refuge at your nape. feeling them tangle with wet strands of hair as he pulls you closer to him.

“what’ssss your name?” he asks while dragging the s between his tongue. you tell him your name and he repeats it, testing the words on his tongue before releasing what sounds like a pleased hum. his claws are still scratching against your head while you try your best to keep your eyes on his and not let them wander down towards the twitching cock between you.

“what um, what's yours? you ask, trying your best to stay calm and ignore the tension that's building between your legs.

“bakugou katssssuki”, you give him a small nod in acknowledgement while he starts to untangle his tail from around your body. feeling your muscles relax as you run your hands over your arms to soothe the tension.

you take a quick peek over your shoulder to where your things are waiting for you near the rocks before looking up at the sky, taking note of how it's almost nightfall, pondering if you could even make it back to your house tonight, or if you'll ever return home given your current predicament.

a warm breath against your neck startles you as you turn back to face the naga. bakugou had lowered his face down to your neck, breathing in your scent while nuzzling his nose against the crook of it. you're about to ask what he was doing but you were interrupted by the scream that ripped from your throat.

he sank his fangs into your neck, pain shooting through your body momentarily before heat starts to coarse through you, making you a panting mess while you try to ask what he did to you, stumbling over your words as you find it difficult to focus with the pulsing between your legs.

“relaxssss, female” he whispers against your ear, the tips of his forked tongue tickling against your heated skin. “it’ss jussst a little sssomething to make your body ready for me”

“n-no please don't do this” hissing sounds fill your ears as he quickly turns your face so that you're staring directly at him.

“ssstop fighting, you think you can come ssswim in my territory without a cosssst… and in mating ssseassson of all timesss” he spits before a wide grin spreads across his face, allowing you to see the long sharp fangs protruding from his mouth, still dripping with the aphrodisiac induced venom that he injected you with.

“you had to know exactly what you were doing”, he makes a show of sliding his long tongue across his fangs, drinking the venom from them before wrapping his tail around your center. lifting you up with it while hooking his claws around the center of your bikini bottoms, ripping them off in one swift motion before dragging his fingers between your folds.

slick coating his digits as it dribbles between them, smirking as he brings them towards his mouth. sucking his fingers while staring at you, your walls clenching around nothing at the sight of his tongue swirling around his digits while lapping up your juices.

claws digging into the fat of your thighs before sinking you down on his cock, the tip alone making your body jolt as it stretches you around him. lowering you deeper into his cock, the ridges rubbing perfectly against your sweet spot, not letting a single place inside you go untouched as you sink completely down on him.

the hissing sound returns while he gives you a moment to adjust before lifting you up until the tip of his cock is almost out and sliding you back down on him. repeating the action a couple of times before picking up the pace. raspy moans leaving your throat as he continues to thrust you up and down his cock with his tail.

bringing you closer to him while untangling his tail from your center, wrapping his hands under your thighs as his claws dig into your rear, drawing blood while he continues bouncing you on him. burying his face in the crook of your neck again, this time on the opposite side as he sinks his fangs down into your skin again.

injecting his venom into you before switching to suck on your skin, drinking your blood as the sweet taste of your liquids make his eyes roll to the back of his head. wrapping your arms around his neck to stabilize yourself as much as you could, you let your head fall against his shoulder as you feel the effects of his poison sink deeper into your muscles.

you feel his tail caress the back of your neck before sliding down your spine until it reaches your rear. rubbing it between your ass cheeks, collecting the slick oozing from your tight rim from the aphrodisiac before pushing the tip of his tail into your hole. the action making you yelp as he bullies his tail deeper into your rear. thrusting it while matching the rhythm with your bounces. the knot in your stomach was getting tighter and the stimulation on both of your holes was driving you closer and closer to the edge.

letting go of one of your thighs as he reaches up to wrap a clawed hand around your throat, lifting you from his shoulder as he brings you face close to his, not giving you time to comprehend what he was doing before pressing his lips against yours. dragging his forked tongue across your bottom lip, asking for entry as you open your mouth for him.

your eyes shooting open momentarily before they roll shut again at the taste of your own blood dripping onto your tongue. spilling the mixture of his venom and your blood down your throat as you moan into his mouth, a low purr vibrating in his chest as he devours you. your blood tasting sweeter mixed with your saliva as he pushes his tongue further into your mouth.

the wet muscle getting longer and longer as your lips stretch around his thick tongue while he shoves it down your throat. thrusting it in and out of your mouth while he stares down at you, your vision blurring with tears as you feel the knot inside of you burst. gushing all over his cock and tail as your release dribbles down your thighs.

going limb against his grasp while your holes are completely stuffed as he chases his release. the overstimulation pulling orgasm after orgasm from you as you start to feel lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. retracting his tongue from your throat as you greedily gulp air back into your lungs while he leans down on your body.

dragging his tongue down your chest before the forked tips coil around your nipple, his fangs scraping against your skin before he switches to the other breast, giving it the same treatment as he leans back up to your level. pulling you in for another kiss before burying his face in your neck again, the hissing sounds getting louder this time as he picks up his thrust.

his pace almost animalistic as he chases his release, the feeling of your walls clenching around him and your nails scraping against his scaled back sending him over the edge. his cum feels hot inside of you, filling you up until every last drop is spilled deep inside your warmth.

keeping you plugged as he pulls you close against him, embracing you in his arms as he submerges halfway into the water, keeping you warm while placing kisses on the side of your head.

“hey… you're still with me?” he asks while drawing circles on your back.

“mhm” is all you manage to say while nodding your head softly against his chest.

a soft chuckle leaving his lips as he lets you slip away into sleep while he keeps watch making sure no one else enters his territory while he has you like this. happy that he resisted the urge to kill you when you first set foot into his space, watching you from the trees, curious as to what a pretty thing like you was doing venturing off so far into the forest.

hopeful that he finally found a mate to spend his time with after years of loneliness and suffering. smiling against the side of your head as he activates the purring in his chest to make sure you get a good rest wrapped in his arms.

♡ kinktober masterlist ♡

[hehebread]

[BKDK] Izuku keeps mentioning a Kacchan to reporters and they think that's his gf

this was a request on twt that i had way too much fun writing. warning for suggestive language!

--

“And is there…. a special person….or a group of people you would like to thank on air today? Anyone who inspired you? Anyone you would attribute your success to? An image of victory per say?”

Izuku’s eyes glimmer as the bright lights of the studio reflect on his irises. “Oh!” He jumps in his seat, his perfectly- coiffed curls bouncing as he nods frantically to the show’s host. “Yes! Yes!” Leaning forward with his hands on his leg, the camera zooms in on his face where the blush is painting his cheeks. “I wouldn’t be the hero I am today if it wasn’t for Kacchan!”

And it’s as if an earthquake alert dropped on the talk show. The host grows this devious grin on his face as he turns to the camera team and says, “Well, well, well, behind every great man is a woman after all.”

Izuku isn’t quite sure why the host is bringing his mother into this since the interview is reaching its end and he has already discussed her influence in detail very early on, but he doesn’t get a chance to ponder.

The host, Yamaguchi-san, leans into Izuku’s space with renowned interest and an interesting glint in his eyes. Izuku feels himself sweating in his oversized maroon-striped suit.

“So, Midoriya-san, Hero Deku, Rising Symbol of Equity and Hope, can you tell us more about … Kacchan?” His voice goes higher at the last syllable, almost sing songs, and Izuku is not sure if he should be worried or not, but he won’t pass an opportunity to gush about Kacchan!

“Ah, Kacchan is very … confident, hardworking, strong, and smart. Kacchan is a hero who knows how to lead a team and perform under pressure, an inspiration to both myself and our entire graduating class, and a”—Izuku can feel the heat rise in his face as he tries to hide in his colour— “a shining star who was closer to me than All Might!”

The host makes a loud ‘AWWW’ noise at the same time as the small audience in the studio. “My, my! Sounds like Kacchan is very important to Hero Deku! Don’t be shy! Tell us more! Is there a physical description to go with your precious person?”

“Ahm!” Izuku fiddles with his fingers as he avoids the gazes on him. There a long beat of silence before he manages to say, “Muscles….Blonde…..Sharp eyes….” With a vague gesture to his middle section, he mumbles, barely audible, “Big, ugh…..” Heart.

“OOOOOOOOOH!” The host goes wild and so does the audience. “So are we talking Hiromi Oshima type big or maybe Rio Natsume, or aaaah Aki Hoshino even ….?”

Izuku feels his ears ring in humiliation as he tries to process what they’re talking about. Something Kacchan has in common with all these beautiful women is his big successful career so Izuku nods. “Yes!” Then, a thought occurs and he rises in his chair. “Even bigger!”

After all, Kacchan’s net worth is higher than these ladies.

“BIGGER?”

“The biggest!”

“Oh my god!” The host is losing his mind now! “And is it … natural? Or did Kacchan get a little help from professionals?”

“No, no, no! Kacchan was a natural ever since we were in school together!” Izuku’s eyes shine with a fire to defend his childhood best friend, no longer trying to hide in his big suit. “No one helped Kacchan get this big!”

“That’s … amazing!” The host shakes his head in both awe and disbelief. “Now we want to see Kacchan in action! When the hero works around the city, defeating villains, does the size get in the way?”

Does Kacchan’s fame get in the way of his work? “Sometimes,” Izuku muses, “But Kacchan never lets the restless and perky nuisances stop him, y’know. With a little shake from his hands, and a few colourful words of wisdoms, nothing gets in the way!” Izuku laughs as he remembers Kacchan’s way of dismissing fans and reporters alike.

“Wow!”

“Of course, there are times where Kacchan’s big firm moulds become springy and hard to control, but I have yet to see an instance where that has been a major issue. ”

Kacchan is still having some adjustment problems with his new hero costume, particularly his grenade mould, but that’s as far as distractions go.

“Does Kacchan not use support?”

“Uhm, only when it’s a dire situation! Sometimes I’m even allowed to provide assistance!”

“You must be very lucky…”

“I am! It feels … exciting and … very special! Kacchan doesn’t trust just anyone, y’know! I can never quite get used to the trust we built together. We are one unit working together.”

“Do you use your hands…. Or something else?”

“Oh, hands! Yes! But anything works really! Whatever Kacchan is comfortable with and needs at the time. Black Whip, combo moves, an iron grip...”

The host furrow his brows and seems to be considering Izuku’s answer before he opens his mouth again. “Uhm, never mind.” He then turns to the camera, smile back on. “Our time is almost running out! Thank you, hero Deku for your time! We look forward to seeing you again in the big screen!”

--

The next day, Izuku wakes up to the headline: Hero Deku And His Mysterious Busty New Girlfriend: The Beautiful and Spunky Kacchan!

He’s doomed

--

He sees Kacchan early the next day.

Having spent the morning talking to tabloids and the host show agents about the misunderstanding and whether or not it was possible to take down the episode at least, Izuku slumps his head on his desk in defeat.

Oh, this is very bad.

He starts thumping his forehead on the wood in sync with the bleeps noises in the phone, already planning his funeral in his head.

Okay, so it seems the suspense around this girlfriend is raking up his popularity, but god, at what cost.

“Nerd, we need to talk.”

Izuku’s soul near flies to the roof at the sound of the door to his office slamming close. Fuckfuckfuck.

Kacchan stands before him with his hand on his hip, teeth snarled and looking ready to tear his flesh open. Oh, this is going to be fun!

After flashing a haughty glare at the glass door to scare away the nosy friends hanging about, Kacchan continues, “About the interview.”

Of course! Yes! His final hour is approaching. “Haahahaha, what about it?” Izuku feels his undershirt cling to his torso, sweat collecting on his face. He directs a shaky hand to a nearby chair. “Feel free to take a seat, Kacchan! You want me to get you anything? Water, tissues, uhm, a knife, a body sized bag, or uhhh, a shovel? I think I have some spare sheets of paper if you’d like to give me a chance to—“

“So…” Kacchan starts.

“PLEASE TELL MY MUM I LOVE HER!”

“…this Kacchan, huh?” Having completely ignored every single word Izuku just said, Kacchan crosses his arms and scowls. “Is she strong? How come I never heard about her before? Since when did you start dating this gravure idol and pro hero, huh?”

“Wha—?”

“So, you just go around giving everyone pretty nicknames now?” Kacchan snorts and his expression darkens before he slams his hands on Izuku’s desk. He looks at Izuku from under his chin, and Izuku swear he can see flames behind his eyes. He growls, “What’s her actual name?”

An alarm bell rings in Izuku’s ears and he stutters, “Ka— Ka— Kat— Katsuko! Bakugan Katsuko…….”

Kacchan’s expression doesn’t change and Izuku feels his heart leap to his throat. God, Kacchan is gonna call his bluff at any minute now. He’s going to reject him then he’s going to break his heart and his bones.

“What’s she like?”

Kacchan shifts forward slightly and Izuku is just know noticing the ample cleavage in clear view. Right there. In front of Izuku’s face. “Uhm. Ah, she’s very, ugh, im- pec— impeccable!! And strong! Muscl— mature!! Breasty too – I mean, pretty! PRETTY!” Izuku bites his tongue then swallows thickly. “Beautiful, actually!” Lifting his gaze to meet Kacchan, he whispers, “Gorgeous. Just the most amazing person in my life.”

Kacchan is staring intently with his sharp red eyes, and Izuku feels his chest swell with confidence he never had before. “Kacchan is my inspiration, and I just … love … Kacchan so much. I wish I had the courage to tell him— um, her that.”

“Are you two serious?” Kacchan asks, impassive but there is silent rage hiding behind his words.

Something flashes quickly through Kacchan’s eyes before he narrows them. It takes Izuku a second to recognise that it’s /hurt/ and then he realise what he has just done.

“No, no, no!” Izuku backtracks immediately. “I don’t even know her that well! In fact, she kinda smells and definitely has sweating problem.” Izuku needs to do damage control and come clean NOW. “You know what? I will call her and break up with her right now. Ha ha ha.”

What the hell is he saying? Who is he going to call?

Kacchan stands up while Izuku fumbles with his phone. “Don’t be a dick,” he says, before he heads to the door.

Izuku jumps from his chair and is ready to chase after him when Kacchan stops him. “How big?”

“Huh?”

“You said Bakugan was big.”

Ah, yes, he did. Tragically.

“Um, y’know just…” Izuku motions with his hands like he’s moulding two doughballs, palms up and fingers wiggling because he’s lost control of his life once he accepted his funeral date, but that’s not even happening anymore so what is he doing really.

He then makes am hourglass shape in the air and belatedly realises that he’s just outlining Kacchan’s shape in front of him. Izuku retreats his hands and puts them behind his back in shame.

Kacchan is looking at him funny. Like he’s trying to figure something out.

“Does she shoot aerial bomb or something? Is that a combat-style quirk?”

Izuku blinks.

Kacchan just sneers and turns around.

“Whatever. I’m doing a photoshoot this afternoon. The Sekushī clothing line is dropping a new summer set and they asked me to model.”

“Se- Sekushi?? You mean, like—” Izuku feels his face go impossibly red. “You’re saying that, you’re going to wear, like…..” his voice goes down to a whisper when he says “…..a b-b-b-b-b-bikini?”

“Swimwear,” Kacchan turns to say over his shoulder, “Among other things.”

The sexy smirk he sends Izuku’s way is doing very, very weird things to Izuku’s body and imagination, things too inappropriate to describe in a work setting.

Kacchan leaves but not without offering the most dangerous challenge to Izuku’s mental wellbeing. “Feel free to drop in.”

Oh, he absolutely will.

“Bring Bakugon.”

Oh, he absolutely will not.

Actually….

Maybe, he will.

Kacchan is going to ruin Izuku

[rummyprimes]

Master Rummy Hand Analysis: Tips for Winning Card Combinations

Analyzing Rummy Hands: How to Assess Card Combinations

Rummy is one of the timeless playing card games that has entertained people for generations. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, understanding how to analyze the Rummy game hands and assess card combinations is vital to your success in the game.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of evaluating different card arrangements, spotting opportunities, and making strategic decisions to enhance your chances of victory.

Let's embark on this exciting journey and elevate your Online Rummy skills to new heights.

Rummy Basics

Before we dive into the analysis of Rummy hands, let's quickly recap the fundamentals of the game.

Modern Rummy is a group of matching card games that involve forming sets and sequences of cards. The objective is to create melds, which can be either sets (three or four cards of the same rank) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).

The game begins with each player being dealt a hand of cards, and the rest of the deck is placed face-down as the stockpile. Players take turns drawing from the stockpile or the discard pile and then discarding one card to end their turn.

The game continues until a player successfully melds all their cards, declares "Rummy," and wins the round.

The Art of Rummy Hand Analysis

Mastering the art of hand analysis is the key to triumph in the online Rummy game. When you receive your initial set of cards, it's essential to evaluate the potential of your hand before deciding on your gameplay strategy.

Here are some critical factors to consider during this assessment:

Number of Pure Sequences Pure sequences are your foundation for a successful Rummy card game hand. A pure sequence comprises consecutive cards of the same suit without any wildcards. Having more than one pure sequence significantly increases your chances of forming melds quickly. Focus on preserving these sequences during gameplay and build other sets around them, when you play rummy online.

Potential Sets and Sequences Besides pure sequences, analyze the potential sets and sequences you can form with your current cards. Look for cards that are already close to forming sequences or sets. This will help you decide whether to draw from the stockpile or the discard pile to complete these melds efficiently.

High-Value Cards Evaluate the presence of high-value cards in your hand, such as Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks. While these cards can enhance your melds' value, holding onto too many high-value cards might lead to higher point deductions if your opponents declare Rummy before you.

Wildcards Wildcards, often represented by Jokers, are incredibly versatile in Rummy Cash games. They can substitute any missing card to complete a sequence or set. Assess the number of wildcards you possess and their strategic utility in forming melds.

Making Strategic Decisions

Once you have analyzed your Rummy hand, it's time to make strategic decisions that can significantly impact the game's outcome.

Your moves should be well-calculated and aimed at improving your hand while disrupting your opponents' progress in 13-card rummy.

Prioritize Pure Sequences As mentioned earlier, pure sequences are the foundation of a strong Rummy hand. Make them your top priority during the initial stages of the game. Try to complete your pure sequences quickly and avoid discarding cards that can complete your opponent’s sequences.

Observe Opponents Pay close attention to your opponent’s discards and the cards they pick from the stockpile. Observing their moves can give you valuable insights into their hand's composition and their potential strategies. Use this information to plan your moves more effectively and prevent them from completing their melds.

Balance the Risk Indian Rummy is a game of calculated risks. As the game progresses, you might have to decide between holding onto a high-value card or discarding it to minimize potential point deductions. Be aware of your opponent's positions and the cards they might need to form melds before making these choices.

Mind the Discard Pile The discard pile is a treasure trove of information. When you play rummy, before drawing from the stockpile, always check the top card of the discard pile. If it can be used to complete a sequence or set in your hand, consider picking it up and using it to your advantage.

Advanced Techniques: Card Counting

Card counting is an advanced technique in the card game of Rummy Modern game that can provide you with a significant edge over your opponents. It involves keeping track of the cards that have been discarded and picked up by players throughout the game.

This can help you deduce the likelihood of certain cards being available in the stockpile or your opponent’s hands.

By keeping track of the cards in this manner, you can make more informed decisions, such as knowing when to hold onto cards that are unlikely to be useful to your opponents or identifying when an opponent is close to declaring Rummy.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge to analyze Rummy hands and assess card combinations like a seasoned pro. Remember, Rummy online is a game of skill, strategy, and intuition, and with practice, you can leave other players behind and become a formidable contender in the online Rummy cash games world.

So, the next time you gather with friends and family for a game of Rummy, confidently assess your hand, make strategic decisions, and aim for victory.

Embrace the challenge, enjoy the thrill in our new rummy app, and may the cards be ever in your favour! Get your game on!

[khadij-al-kubra]

Storytelling, Fate & Happy Endings

I’m still processing last nights episode (CR C2 Ep140), and much like every critter I’m SUPER emotional about it. But something about last night’s events and how they played out really got to me, not just as a fan but also as a storyteller. And even the day after, i was actually crying (still am crying in fact) more than i did last night watching it happen. At first i thought it was because i’m a fairly new critter and this is my first time watching a campaign come to an end. But the more i think about it and process, the more i realize that’s not just it. This effected me as someone who deeply believes in the power of storytelling and how it can not only effect but reflect the world around us. And because I have to get them out of my head, here are my thoughts on why last nights episode was so important, not just for CR fans but also as a an important narrative for right now.

...Yeah that’s a bit vague, isn’t it? Okay, let me explain. If you’re willing to take the time to read fellow Critters, I greatly appreciate it in advance. ^__^

WARNING: Major spoilers for CR Campaign 2 Episode 140 ahead. Also it’s gonna get kind of meta. And long. Because i have a lot of thoughts & feels.

So I think it’s fair to say that, as much as we would’ve been devastated by any of the M9 perma-dying in the last battle, part of us wasn’t expecting them all to make it out of there alive. Not even the players, I think, despite how much they likely didn’t want that to happen. Just look at the half-resigned way Liam talks about Caleb in the last few Talks Machina episodes. Or how, in game, Jester was fully prepare to die trying to stop the city from coming back. And for a while there, it seemed like some of them might not survive.

But then they did. Despite so many crappy rolls throughout the night they stopped Lucien, set free all the souls trapped in Aeor, saved Exandria, and brought each other back from the dead. Not only that, but they also did the impossible: They saved Mollymauk. Their lost friend who had such a deep impact on all of them even after his death. The delightfully charming asshole who was so full of joy and life and who, despite how the world treated him, was happily determined to leave every place better than he found it. Moreover, they almost didn’t succeed! But then they did, all because of teamwork, love and one last minute ditch effort ‘what-the-hell-have-i-got-to-lose’ dice role that none of them saw coming. And now they get to go home together, truly as The Mighty NINE.

Just this once, everybody lived! We got a happy ending!

And that’s HUGE in game...but also think for a second how that reflects outside of game too. Do you realize what a story like that means to people, especially given the year from Hell we’ve all had?

Think about it. This past year the world has suffered. We’ve all been impacted by the pandemic in some way shape or form, either on small levels or large. Our world has been at war with a virus that effected everyone and everything: Our sense of safety. Our health. Our economy. Our families & friends. Our freedom. (in the sense of our ability to travel & just be in close proximity to people without fear, but i digress) Deeply imbedded social and systematic diseases have been brought further to light in the past year and a half largely because of this virus. Some of us have lost people we love. Hell, the pandemic even effected the way that the latter half of Campaign 2 played out because of social distancing protocols. If you further compare this to Campaign 2, the world of Exandria was caught in the middle of a war that started because of social & systematic corruptions that had been rooted in two opposing kingdoms for years. And so many suffered and died because of it.

Then the Mighty Nein comes in. This ragtag group of delightful assholes with nothing to lose; these flawed but inherently good at heart and deeply human adventurers, broken and lost in their own ways, trying to make a home and family for themselves in a world that took advantage of them or left them alone or said they weren’t good enough...and they changed things. 

They grew. They fought back. They found moments of silliness and peace and joy and fun amidst all the strife and sometimes grief. Most of all, they tried. Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of spite, sometimes even out of compassion, but mostly just out of love. And in the end, not only did they help people and stop a war for the sake of their loved ones, but they also saved their world from being destroyed by a rotted perversion of life from the past that threatened to consume everything they cared about. AND they STILL managed to bring everyone in their found family back to life. Does it erase the bad and sad things that happened to them? Hell no! But those things don’t negate the fact that in that moment, they made it out okay. That this was a victory and they won!

Think of what a story like that means to people right now.

I’m personally a pretty spiritual person, and much like our favorite clerics, I also believe in a higher power. But whether or not you also believe in a Divine being, the Universe or whatever, every D&D player believes in one thing: Fate. Luck. Call it what you will. But it was fate that made those dice rolls that saved everyone happen. It was fate that not only stopped Cognoza from returning, but also brought Jester and Caleb and Molly back to life, even when it seemed like it wouldn’t work. (and holy shit that gave me emotional whiplash!) 

After everything they went through, both individually and together, the Mighty Nein defied the odd and demanded that Fate let them save their loved ones. They demanded that the world give them back their friend; That they deserved to have their happy ending & get to go home alive together. Just. This. Once.

As a writer, I know firsthand that there are some stories we find and create ourselves, but then there are stories that have a way of finding us. Sometimes a story or world or character from somewhere in the Aether will pop into our minds one day and say, ‘I need your voice to tell my story.’ Maybe this is just me getting carried away with the meta brain again. And like i said, i’m a spiritually inclined person, so I believe in things like Fate and a Divine Higher power writing out the stories of the Multiverse. If you’re reading this (and thank you for taking the time to do so) maybe you do too. Or maybe you don’t. Either way, if you’re a fellow critter, then you’re clearly a fan of good stories and/or playing Dungeons & Dragons. So you know how fate/dice roles have a big impact on the outcome of a story, regardless of how tightly written a setup the dungeon master makes. Given all that and how organically stories tend to play out in D&D, I genuinely believe that Matt Mercer and the whole CR Team were meant to be conduits for a story where the flawed heroes save the world AND all make it home alive.

And I think Fate knew that we needed last nights battle to end like this. After all the crap we’ve been through this past year, we needed this happy ending, deserved it even! Not just us critters, the CR team too. As much as we all like to joke that Campaign 2 was secretly scripted, we all know that’s not true. Yes, the setup storyline and world were brilliantly crafted by Matt, and the character roleplaying is beautifully acted out by the team. But the twists and turns, the direction it goes, and how the game plays out is all up to fated dice rolls just like any other game. And something, some kind of force of luck, some force of fate, some Universal Divine DM out there made the roles happen the way they did last night.

It gave us a happy ending.

I believe that this was meant to happen; now of all times with everything else going on in the world. Amidst all this darkness and rot, both in game and in the real world, in the end of it all there was light and life. A reminder that sometimes people do live. They do get second chances. They do find a new family or reunite with old ones. That sometimes the world can be saved for a time, and happy ending do still exist. Even if it’s not broadcasted on the daily news amidst tragedy reports, or even tragedies that don’t get reported (which sadly are a lot, but again i digress).

Because the thing is, like Beau said, no one else will probably know they were heroes. No one will know what the Mighty Nein sacrificed to save all of Exandria. But they don’t need to know that for it to still be true, for life to happen again, and for a found family of nine broken people who love each other to go home together safe. It doesn’t invalidate that the good things happened. That at least for today everyone was saved. That flawed people were still able to do good because they tried. That they left the world better than they found it and got their own small but satisfying happy ending. Even if only for now, because we don’t know what’s gonna happen next Thursday. We don’t know what the future will hold for the Nein or Exandria when the Campaign ends or even when (hopefully) some loose ends will be tied up in later oneshots. But neither that nor the bad and sad stuff that happened beforehand in the game and in the character’s lives invalidates the fact that tonight they won. They lived.

So why can’t that be true for us in the real world?

I said earlier that, as a writer, I believe in the power stories have to not only reflect but also shape our world. This story is an example of why, but especially this episode, and that’s why i was so euphoric about the outcome. It wasn’t just a game for me, and i’m sure for others too. It was a much needed reminder that happy endings can still happen in real life, just as much as they can in stories. Even when everything seems dark and corrupt and rotten and hopeless, we can still keep fighting. We can keep trying. We can make new families and start over and be heroes in our on little lives in small ways. 

We can leave the world better than we found it. 

And maybe, with hard work, imagination, luck and a little Divine intervention...we can also get the happy endings we deserve.