#adn the fact that when i had to LITERALLY run from him after the last one to the point i was thinking of moving across the country when

[bunnyboy-juice]

tbh snooping on my ex doesnt even hurt bc of him directly atp- im glad he's getting better and happier. what hurts is seeing ppl who claimed that no matter what they'd be there for us both who chose him bc he played victim so well

[hmspogue]

Outer Banks season 2 Official Trailer shot-by-shot rundown

A comprehensive post where I scream about analyze the entire trailer frame by frame for clues, theories, and plot. Just my own opinions and general tin foil-hatting

These are screenshots from Netflix’s trailer for Outer Banks season 2. I do not claim or own any of these.

note: this post is tagged as a long post if you wish to avoid having to scroll until your thumbs break.

“My old man used to tell me, ‘it’s best to never say you’ve hit rock bottom’.”

(Putting all of these shots together since they’re scenes we already know but-) Holy shit, okay let’s just....start off like this I guess, damn.

“'Trust me’, he said...”

Kiara looking back and forth between the boys like this really just feeds the headcanon I have that her form of grief this season is going to be her trying to hold it together for their sakes (and eventually just snapping).

JJ just looks fucking furious someone give these kids a hug? I already know this scene is going to ruin me.

“You can always go...”

JJ back working at the hotel. He looks literally so angry again in this scene I could see him self destructing at work and losing his job? (Please do not be isolating yourself you beautiful son of a bitch even though I know you’re going to).

Pope in the Twinkie (costuming wise they all are in warmer looking clothes for some of the shots, so just confirming it’s a little bit into the school year when this all takes place).

“Lower”

Big John was real big into pep talks, I see. (seriously can you imagine Big John having this conversation with like 8 year old John B after he fucking dropped his ice cream cone or some shit I shouldn’t be laughing).

I’m just-

These poor kids, I wanna know how the police all the way down in the Bahama’s knew about them?

Their calves....

“RUN!”

Are going to be so fucking jacked by the end of this season I stg.

Fuck you.

“The gold from the Royal Merchant....it’s here.”

For a while, I had thought that maybe they didn’t even make it to the Bahama’s at the front of the season and ended there (because everyone had been filming in there). But I guess they’re going to be making two trips.

If I were a bird from this POV I’d shit right on that house no questions asked.

oooooh ho hokay. Just so we’re clear. Ward Cameron not only get away with murder and about two dozen other felonies, but-

“Half a billion.”

HE STILL FINDS THE GOLD IN THE CRAIN HOUSE AND GETS TO KEEP IT?

Not the polo with the snap back, I just know this man has a playlist called Sad Boi Hours that is just Juice WRLD’s top 5 songs on Spotify and he tells his friends they wouldn’t know the underground artists he listens to.

Sh, you have lost screaming privileges. Go inside and take a nap maybe.

“John B, we are fugitives in a foreign country.”

So, previously, I was talking about how I was confused how they would still be trying to find him is everyone thought he was dead, but here the wanted poster clearly says “presumed lost at sea”. I think that will be interesting to see how the Pogues all interpret that. 

Especially because they already had a memorial for John B and everything, I wonder if there will be any part of the Pogues holding out hope that they both could still be out there OUCH.

I’m going to circle back to this, but it looks like John B and Sarah are going to get separated for a little while in this man hunt, I could see my idiot himbo son trying to sacrifice himself so Sarah can get away but in reality just....stranding her.

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid?”

Oh, sweetie....

“Well, Sarah Cameron, I do stupid things all the time without realizing it.”

The volume of his self awareness is astronomical. sir, that is your whole character summed up in your own words.

GOD, IT’S ME AGAIN. PLEASE LET THEM LEAN INTO COMPLETE HIMBO JOHN B THIS SEASON I’LL DO ANYTHING-

nyyooooOOOOOOOOOOOOM-

“Hold on!”

The complete abject terror I would feel having John Booker Routledge driving get-away and then saying the words “Hold on” while reaching fro the gear shift? The english language fails me. 

Sarah, bestie, I’m so sorry.

I just wanna know-

what the plan or objective was in this situation. What was the reason for being this dramatic.

Rest in piss, bozo <3

“Ward’s still out there...”

Okay, same conversation they were having as before. I wonder what makes them decide they need to get back to the OBX for this tho.

“I can clear my name. This can all be over in one shot.”

It looks like Topper watching this but way more concerningly, correct me if I’m wrong but this 100% looks like....John B gets caught. And the DEATH PENALTY?! He did have a mug shot for the fliers in s1 and the one above but he was never brought in? Plus he just looks super dirty and dishevled in this one so I-

Jail break anyone?

I also still want to know if they’re going to go with a Topper redemption arc this season. like, does he know more than he should just from being around Rafe and his big fat mouth? Is he going to help out the Pogues even if it’s just for Sarah?

This shot just suddenly made me really sad. The thought of this all started because Big John left one last thing for his son to find, his literal life’s work. And when it all started, it was just a fun adventure John B and his best friends were going on together and having fun with. Then it all got dragged to absolute shit and turned into what it did, including the remaining 3 Pogues thinking that this treasure hunt took their two best friends away from them. And it’s nothing like Big John intended it to be.

Why my eyes wet?

Now we’re edging into what I was talking about earlier with John B and Sarah getting separated.

“If you think there is anything I wouldn’t do...”

Once again, John B is no where to be found. Also, just in case y’all didn’t already know or forgot Ward is an actual psychopath.

I believe this one of the new character, played by Jontavious Johnson (Stubbs). Based on the voice over it lowkey sounds like they’re implying Ward maybe hired Stubbs and Cleo to find and bring Sarah back. My theory would be I bet they do go to retrieve her, but she somehow convinces them that it would be more beneficial for them in the end to be on the Pogue’s side instead.

Miss Girl you gotta be keeping your head on a SWIVEL. Especially when you’re a FUGITIVE of the LAW-

“...you haven’t been paying attention.”

My guy, who are you clarifying this for?

It’s what you deserve for monologuing.

in all seriousness, the idea of them coming to face to face with Ward in Nassau after thinking they finally escaped him is genuinely terrifying.

“SARAH!”

It kind of looks like they’re either hiding their faces or covering their noses? I don’t know maybe it was from some tactic to get away from Ward.

What did I literally jsut say about yelling privileges, you unhinged mother fucker?

“I’m calling the shots now. I’m driving.”

The following progression of scenes made me actually snort-

“I can’t drive stick.”

PLEASE THE FINGER GUNS LAUNCHED ME INTO ORBIT I LOVE THEM, YOUR HONOR.

Alright, so now it looks like we’re in Charleston. This is the same scene with Heyward’s truck that got leaked from BTS (read: JJ and Kie shoulder touch).

One of the main things that stuck out to me in the following scenes which, you will see, is it lowkey looks like Pope is kind of heading up this part of the operation, or even going in alone? The following clips are just very Pope focused. 

I don’t know what it means, it’s just an observation.

“John B was not the only one that Ward double-crossed.”

LIMBRY-

Bro, we have been hearing about this woman for literal months and I just have....so many questions? 

Who the hell is she? How is she connected to Ward? Why is she in South Carolina instead of the OBX? How do the Pogues even learn about her and how to track her down? How is she meant to “help” them? GAH I JUST WANNA KNOOOW. I already know I don’t trust her though and no I will not be offering up supporting evidence.

Sir, that is my son please unhand him.

“I think you know what I want.”

.......no? But feel....free to explain yourself?

The print on the paper is the same one that’s on the ceiling tiles in the following scene. Obviously, with a key on it that most likely goes to the place a few shots from now.

Hell yeah, son, let’s get SLEUTHING.

“The treasure belongs to the Pogues.”

DAMN STRAIGHT.

Bestie’s I’m not going to lie, I stared at this frame for a solid 10 minuets and I have no idea what it says on there I’m sorry. Someone in the comments is welcome to enlighten us.

“We gotta find it first.”

I can’t tell if that’s just dirt or if he hurt his head? But he look GOOD right now for one thing. For another, same outfit as the one in the Twinkie from the beginning of the trailer.

Look at her. LooK AT HER! LOOK! AT! HER! I MISSED HER SO MUCH even in that damn smiley face top that continues to haunt my waking hours she is in it so much and it stresses me out for literally no good reason I’m sorry-

I could literally cry right now and I think that speaks volumes to how little we actually see him genuinely happy. Have I mentioned how much I love that red hat?

Also, probably not that important, but this is not from the same scene as the shots of Pope and Kiara were. This is from the next one-

“Woogity-woogity?”

“Give me some woogity, baby!”

Yeah, this pushed me over the fucking edge, the way that they’re actually happy and laughing? The fact that they kept woogity-woogity and made it A Thing? Yes.

I am, however, going to be intentionally ignoring what appears to be the very intentional stagingof having such an obvious space between where Kiara and Pope are sitting adn where JJ sits, even including the level they’re sitting on because I don’t have the emotional capacity to face those implications right now. Thank you for your time.

Yes yeeeeEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

GIVE ME ALL OF THE SCENES OF THEM ACTUALLY GETTING TO BE TEENAGERS AND JUST BREATHE AND LAUGH AND HAVE A GOOD TIME AND NOT BE RUNNING FOR THEIR FUCKING LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

before Rafe comes in and literally starts shooting because they can’t breathe for more than 7 seconds but we’ll....get to that.

They refer to Sarah as a Pogue this season or I burn Netflix to the ground. Your move, Jonas.

50 bucks says John B is driving the Twinkie again for the first time since being back.

I deadass think the Pogues JUST got Sarah and John B back and they’re just having the time of their life. Kie was in her smiley face outfit when Pope was in this one a few clips ago, and I still hold to the belief that that one still they released of JJ and Kie hopping over a fence is the Pogue reunion so-

Ward? I have no idea what he’s looking at behind the wall paper and I’ll be so honest I don’t care my eyes are only seeing Pogue content right now.

“This is a map of the whole island.”

This fit, when will John B learn how to operate buttons, stay tuned for season 5. Also my previous theory of this being their reunion outfits and stuff because Pope is in the back in the same jacket as before.

The plot thickens and so has JJ’s hair, Rudy drop the shampoo brand.

Please, dear God, tell me they’re back in the sex church. For @jiaaraa sake.

Kiara, your Madison is showing.

Okay, I really did try but all I can make out is Something to the tomb begin something something.

You’re welcome.

I am no expert but I do not believe boats operate on land.

John B looks like he is in the same outfit here that is in his mug shot we saw on the TV screen so I have a sneaking suspicion this is where he gets caught. 

“John B is back-”

Once again with the damn sexual tension that’s always between Barry and Rafe in every scene they do are we about to kiss right now?

“-it’s him or me.”

First of all, no.

Second of all, I’m just....so very confused about this time line this season. It kind of looks like Ward and Rafe follow and find Sarah and John B in Nassau (unless those scenes by the truck were actually back in the OBX). So did they....go to Nassau, then just come right back when they did? I’m just confused.

Put that thing back where it came from or so help me.

Literally when will you stop at this point I am begging you. 

This looks like the same scene the Pogues were, ya know, literally just having a good time at so fuck me, I guess.

Yeah, no, it’s going to be a no from me, I’m just going to pretend like I’m not seeing this and moving on.

I have simply no idea what is going on here or who that is on the bike but maybe JJ? Maybe Luke even? I think that’s JJ’s bike. 

The sewer scene. The SEWER SCENE-

For months sicne that tiktok leaked this damn scene has been genuinely all I could think about. So (obviously) it seems like they’re sending Kie down into the sewer to go do seomthing and things go horribly, horribly wrong. 

If you haven’t seen the tiktok, essentially all it was was JJ and Pope screaming and trying to lift up the man hole cover while Kie is begging for them to hurry from inside. I’m cheating a little bit as this isn’t a shot from the trailer but this picture was posted and it’s from the same scene.

I’ll just....leave this here. Back to the trailer shots.

Nice. Also, same shirt as mugshot.

Hey, um, what? 

Kiara’s car, she’s driving, I can’t tell who’s in the back seat or the front.

Holy God what is going on and how can I as an audience member put a stop to it?

So, same scene as we will see and was in the teaser but, for some reason, they’re all jumping off of a giant ass boat into the little life raft where it looks like JJ gets hurt later but don’t you worry we’re getting to that.

JJ AND KIARA WITH THE POGUE HANDSHAKE JJ AND KIARA WITH THE POGUE HANDSHAKE THEY BOTH LOOK SO DAMN GOOD AND THEIR LITTLE SMILES SPARE ME-

Cleo 🥵

I’m so excited to see her arc and what it brings this season you guys have no idea.

Please for the love of God be about to get Ward Cameron’s ass like he deserves literally punt him into jail right from Tanny Hill.

Sarah at My Druther’s with what looks like a bloody bandage on her side? Same outfit she’s wearing when they’re running from the police on the beach and she has the bandage there too so. Interesting. 

Topper hugging who I’m pretty sure is Sarah, being a general douche because he’s clearly looking at John B like 😏 

Clips like these serve to remind me just how many of my worldly posessions I would gladly give up to be able to punch Topper Thorton in the throat one time. 

I think this is Cleo jumping off the boat with Pope after John B and Sarah. 

Absolutely busting a lung at Pope’s form in this one.

John B and Sarah waiting in the life raft, still Cleo and Pope coming after them. The obvious next question is where are JJ and Kiara. The scene I’m sure you all have been waiting for is coming up and clearly takes place in the life raft as well.

So, I really think JJ and Kie get left for last, something horrible happens as they’re trying to jump (my head instantly goes to JJ maybe like pushing Kie out of the way and getting hit on the head instead or even just some accident). 

And, oh my GOD a scene of him falling off the boat after it happens and Kiara diving in after him immediately, having to desperatly try to stop him from sinkingand get to the life raft holy shit-

Girl CATCH HIM?????

Because why wouldn’t this be Rafe’s fault. Part of me wonders if this isn’t related to JJ being hurt.

I am going to try and unpack this as calmly as possible because behind my computer screen I am vibrating at a frequency that could shatter glass but respectfully.

WHAT IN THE FUCK IS TIAUEWFHLAILA

Okay, so scene wise, JJ’s hit his head somehow (probably while he was jumping with Kiara) it looks like and now they’re back on the raft. 

In my opinion, this is either:

A) JJ is in really, really bad condition after getting hurt in the jump and they’re not sure he’s going to make it. So this is a “Please stay with me, stay awake, please don’t die” hug OR

B) They very narrowly just avoided a deadly situation (my first thought is JJ hits his head while jumping, passes out in the water, maybe almost drowns but Kie and the others get him onto the life raft in time) and this is more of a “Oh my God, you’re okay, you’re safe now, we’re okay” hug. 

I honestly lean more to the second one based on the little bit of Sarah’s face we saw in the background. To me, it almost looked like she was smiling thru tears, which, fits way more with the second option than the first. 

Anyways. Moving on before I burst a lung again.

(also, before anyone comes at me, no, I’m not happy JJ is hurt, obviously.  

(Once again, arrest outfits). You can still see the bandage but it looks like Sarah’s limping now too so...good Lord give the girl a break maybe?

Everything in this trailer just went to shit so fast I think I have whip lash, can we go back to the Pogues hanging out and being happy now pkease I liked those scenes.

“I get it. You guys are scared.”

“No.”

She’s cute but, uh, hello sewer scene outfits. Seems like them planning to do whatever the hell they were going to do in the sewers but the boys are starting to get cold feet as maybe they should but hind sight is 20/20 I suppose.

“It’s kind of cute.”

“I’m not scared.”

“You should’ve just led with that.”

I will never be able to express how much I adore Pogue banter and general dumbassery and I have a feeling this season will not be lacking in either department

I high key don’t think these two are actually going to be there for this scene to go down but I’ll let it slide this time because-

They do be kinda cute.

It both feels like I’ve been waiting for this damn show for 3 years and also like I just watched season 1 last month explain that to me. 

Either way holy shit. I missed this dumb show and these dumb kids so much it physcially hurts and WE GET THEM BACK IN T-MINUS 16 DAYS.

Also. Where The Hell Is Wheezie Cameron And When Will She Have The Rights She Deserves.

[anangelicday-mrwolf]

Wolfsbane : Noblesse Fanfic (post-ending)

(previous chapter)

Chapter 30 – Wrong Start

“I give you 10 seconds for you to confess, whoever it is.”

Muzaka’s statement resonated in the air, left unanswered by his closest and most trusted warriors.

None of the four warriors could fancy what was in their lord’s head, and they were busy exchanging looks among themselves, until Garda, as the most experienced of all warriors, decided to be the vanguard.

“Pardon me, my lord, but... I am afraid we have no idea what you want to discuss with us.”

“Isn’t it obvious? I mean, can I make it any more obvious?”

Muzaka sighed from the bottom of his guts, as if he just encountered the gravest tragedy he has ever witnessed.

“Don’t you hear that? Our little girl throwing a raging, hissy fit as we speak.”

Oh.

No mouth in the area ever moved, but an identical sound rang in their heads in synchronization.

In fact, questions had been ringing in their heads even before Muzaka summoned them.

‘What on earth had happened to Lunark?’

‘Why is she so mad?’

‘Shouldn’t we stop her? At this rate, she’ll blow up at least 10% of our land.’

By the time damages caused by Union’s biological weapons were almost as good as gone, out of the blue thundered new cacophony undeniably from a work of destruction.

It turned out Lunark was to blame, slashing and trashing like a bull that has spotted a red flag, as reported by two rookie warriors that were dispatched to find out the cause of it.

And she was doing one hell of a job, so vicious that they could not even get close, let alone ask her what was wrong.

“But it seems her reasons are still functioning. She’s wreaking havoc at that infamous forest. But really, does anybody have any idea what’s gotten into the girl? Whether it is condolence or understanding or reprimand that she needs, I’ll be able to choose one only when I find out why she’s doing... All that. Anybody? Please?”

Nobody moved a muscle to Muzaka’s inquiry-slash-request, for they were just as clueless as he was.

That is, all except one.

Garda learned about Lunark’s rampage from new warriors, who were already throwing a talk party of their own regarding the grey-haired warrior’s behavior, and she ran to the spot right away to check what was going on.

And she could pick up Lunark’s voice even before reaching the forest, from which the former usually stays away.

“Aaaaaaaaaagh!!”

She managed to catch a glimpse of the younger warrior from afar, who was screeching an array of unrecognizable vowels and syllables, with her hands shifted into battle stance as she was hurling towards whatever she could reach, air, trees, or leaves afloat.

Garda had no choice but to retreat, partially because she got scared for her own life, and partially because she was beyond puzzled, never having seen Lunark so unbridled.

Luckily, she could spot Lunark’s face right before she turned away, which left a concerning impression in her head.

‘It looks to me she isn’t mad. She’s whipping up embarrassment from the depth of her soul. Just what could mortify and set her off like that?’

*****

Few days later, Frankenstein’s island

‘Just what did he do?’

The white-haired man had been asking himself ever since the lord of the island returned at last.

He did remember that Frankenstein said he would be visiting wolfkind; however, he was wondering whether he ate the Dark Spear on his way.

Because the atmosphere from the blonde human was so dark, so violent.

That was when 3rd Elder’s experience with mind games from Union kicked in, and he attempted to analyze Frankenstein’s mental state based on what he could make out of his islemate’s facial expressions.

As a result, he could identify a number of emotions: extreme irritation, fury just as extreme, remorse greater than either of the two, and, most importantly, self-hate.

Because of which, 3rd got highly conscious of his every breath and step, despite the fact that he was lodging on this island upon Frankenstein’s permission and consent.

On the other hand, unbeknownst to the scientist, he terrified that the former could have noticed his alliance with Helga.

So he ended up asking Frankenstein if there was something troubling him, ready for a lethal slap in the face.

It’s nothing.

Came a reply with a face that THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING, before the speaker fled the scene.

That did not do any good to relieve 3rd Elder of his fear, but at least he was convinced that the reason behind Frankenstein’s foul mood lay not with him.

When he walked away, Frankenstein’s steps were immediate, rushed as if he never wanted to talk about it ever again.

‘That just made it more curious for me, but I guess it’s none of my business, whatever it is. What matters is that Frankenstein knows nothing about my deal. Speaking of which, looks like the recorder and tracker in me really didn’t work.’

He already knew the answer; had they worked properly, upon his return Frankenstein would have cornered him almost as if he were going for a round of a full torture.

So all in all, regardless of what had taken place with the wielder of Dark Spear, 3rd Elder could not deny that it was all good for him.

It was so good to know Helga’s promise came with a reason.

It was very good to find out her accomplice was truly talented.

‘And I’d say she’s also talented, having discovered and won over such competence, especially considering the original alliance of the said competence.’

Though Helga did relay to him the course through which her accomplice had agreed to act as an accomplice, 3rd Elder was still mystified.

‘Anyways, I’d say nobody knows about my ‘betrayal.’ Which means I should focus on my job and do it right, on the day she mentioned.’

*****

Time never stopped its magic, and at last came the day marked on everyone’s calendar.

<I was wondering whether we could make it...>

<But here we are.>

“Haha, amen to both of you.”

Tao, who had found himself in front of computers for once, laughed at the screens hosting virtual conversation with four recipients at once.

Nonetheless, the man’s face held a hint of anxiety, and Adne somehow detected it like an X-ray.

<Mr. Tao, was it...? There’s no need to be so anxious.>

“Haha, was it that obvious? How embarrassing. And I have been calling myself an expert, with tons and variety of experience when it comes to computers.”

Tao laughed, scratching a side of his head, when Adne offered a word of comfort.

<Experiences does not really grow on par with poise. Besides, anxiety is not so bad, although this is from someone who just told you not to be so anxious. It’s a proof that you are responsible and conscious of the weight of your task.>

“My, I’m starting to feel small in your presence. We should be calling you the real expert.”

<An expert? Me? That’s preposterous. I am no expert.>

But I wanted to be one.

Tao blinked, wondering if he had just heard the werewolf doctor whispering.

Before he could ask if he had said something, however, Adne beamed in satisfaction.

<Most importantly, Mr. Frankenstein recommended you. And that’s more than enough reason for me to trust you.>

“Aww, come on, boss! You should really stop being a proud daddy.”

<I dare you to shout that in my face one more time.>

Tao felt his body turning rigid as a biting voice speared his eardrums.

So did Takio and M-21, watching the scene right next to his chair.

Frankenstein’s face, lighting up an entire monitor that was assigned to him, was brimming with annoyance.

<Thanks a lot, Tao. I’m already starting to think that I really shouldn’t have volunteered as an audience.>

“Aww, don’t be so mean, boss. There’s no way we’re leaving you out for the grand premiere of the event.”

<I would like to second that.>

Said Lascrea, who had been listening like a rock until then.

Because she was standing next to Yuhyung, who decided to be the operator for Lukedonia, only part of her face was visible.

The only one who has not spoken was the doctor from KSA.

Or rather, he decided not to speak, overwhelmed by the presence of werewolves, nobles, Frankenstein, and a group of people who had shared with him blood and sweat in battles.

But of course, that did not mean KSA would be left unspoken for the duration of the event, though it was because Tao directed a word to everyone at the scene.

“So, are we all ready? Status report, please.”

<Yep! All set!>

<Uh, same here...>

<...I believe we are ready as well.>

Adne was the last to send an okay, after a bit of delay, to which Tao responded with a nod completely void of a smile.

“So, shall we begin?”

Right on cue, Yuhyung took the invisible mike from Tao.

<Now, please follow the instructions I had left for you. First, run the program I installed for you.>

Tao’s fingers danced across the keyboard, for he had fully memorized Yuhyung’s instruction manual; and Adne and KSA’s doctor followed suit.

The two humans provided feedback whenever things were lost or stuck in the middle, and they reached step by step closer to the initiation of the QuadraNet.

By then M-21, Takio, and even Lascrea were having a hard time hiding their excitement.

“Okay, we’re almost there! Just a little bit more!”

Tao’s encouragement fueled everybody to the last stage.

<Now, once this file is activated, all four servers will be linked. And like I told you a number of times, we must activate the file at the exact same moment.>

“On a count of three. One... Two...”

Three.

Four fingers stabbed the enter key in unison, and not long after they held their breath in waiting, pleasing hum of machines and blue light began their duet.

<...Well? It looks like things went okay here.>

Asked a voice from monitor connected to the KSA’s headquarter, somewhere between anticipation and concern.

<W-w-we’re okay!>

<Uh, same here...>

Came voices wild with wonder, and Tao was about to laugh in reply, when an eerie whirring noise, pitched so high and so ominous, began to bore through everyone’s ears.

The fact that it took place just when they were literally less than an inch away from completion was horrifying enough, but they had yet to realize the real horror was yet to reveal itself.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Beep-beep-beep-beep.

BEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!

Monitors linking Lukedonia, KSA, and wolfkind also emitted similar noises, and soon Tao found his screens being painted with tiny numbers and alphabets one by one.

“Tao? What is it?”

“What’s going on?”

Barked Takio and M-21 in alarm; they did not define themselves as computer-friendly type, but they had enough knowledge to tell that such phenomenon takes place usually when there is a technical issue or its sort.

Not to mention Tao’s face was all they needed to see that something has gone terribly wrong.

“No, no, no...! Our server...!”

Tao yelled as he was slamming the keyboard with his entire fingers.

And right then Murphy’s Law decided to spit in their faces.

Pzzt...!

Everyone’s face blinked off as if promised, and instead the monitors were refilled with noises that made the RK’s eyes bleed just by staring.

“What the heck is going on...?!”

*****

“Tao? Mr. Jang? Doctor? Dr. Adne?”

Frankenstein was almost wailing for everyone’s name as well.

To no avail, of course.

“What is it? Just tell me what the hell it is!”

Frankenstein’s cry scattered into an echo unreciprocated, as he was clutching onto his monitor.

So he had no idea there was a pair of blue eyes watching him from his back.

‘Stage 1 is complete.’

Cause disturbance with everyone’s server the moment QuadraNet comes alive.

Therefore, make sure no one can pay attention to anything other than the sudden technical chaos, including what he and Helga will stir up in the future.

It was not an easy task, but they made it.

The 3rd Elder silently removed himself from the back of the stage, his mind winding back to the face of their accomplice, who happened to be featuring on one of Frankenstein’s monitors just a while ago.

(next chapter)

Perhaps it would feel a little rushed to bring about trouble so soon, when the previous chapter featured Frankenstein and Lunark’s first kiss, but now things will start taking the wrong turns. I mean, it’s no fun if there are no troubles or challenges in a fic lol. By the way, I started adding links on each chapter that can take you to previous/next chapter (you can find the link to previous chapter at the top, and the link to the next chapter at the bottom). I’ll add the links to all previous chapters very soon!

[jq37]

oh my GOD the new ep!!!! like!!!!!!!!! SO MUCH happened but then also the preview for the next ep looks SO GOOD

**spoilers for first kisses and last words**

Hoo boy this was, as I predicted, a BIG one. Not that I needed to be an oracle to figure that out since there’s only a few eps left but man did it deliver.

I still think that Cool Kids, Cold Case had the most off the wall nonsense happening in the shortest period of time but this ep I think was overall the most consistently wild ep.

So let’s take it from the top.

I think I forgot to mention it before but Adaine’s, “I go into a rage,” hardcore cracked me up.

“I have hold person.”/”I stuff a sock in her mouth.” Insult to injury Adaine. 

The entire group dunking on Aelwen, forgetting that Riz is literally bleeding out, half dead.

“sausage festival” 

Adaine really was dead serious about her snitching threat huh?

Ally miming a boom mic.

I love how everyone including Siobhan mess up Aelwen’s name or mix it up with Adaine’s half the time.

And speaking of, wow. What a rise and fall for her in 3 eps (and about an hour in game time). She’s queen of the nerds. She’s not even cool at her own school. And terrified of whoever she made whatever shady deal with. I know she literally tried to kill the whole party last ep and that she’s the worst but I almost feel for her.

Almost.

“This is not on you. This is on the world within which you inhabit.”

I love Adaine’s semi-indigent, “We’re not going to kill you,” because Alwen was 100% ready to murder them which, side note, imagine how much on an international incident that would have been.

Lol at the group tag team bullying Aelwen about going to Mumple and Adaine using her magic jacket for super petty BS.

“Hey mom!”/”GodDAMMIT honey.”

The parent/kid relationships are so good in this show.

Everyone but Kristen parkouring off the roof when Sklonda specifically set up a ladder. 

“The put a girl in a palimpsest,” followed immediately by, “She went to a party,” as if those are on the same level.

Sklonda Gukgak DUNKING Aelwen into the squad car with a technical assist from Adaine. I knew she was gonna be my fave parent from her intro scene and I love her even more than I thought.

“With all due respect, (A/N: Which is none), suck my dick, fuck you.”

“She tried to murder me.”/”BE THAT AS IT IS.”

“Eh, you carry a gun.”

“No one who’s detecting maidens is a maiden.”

I feel like I’m quoting a lot today but there were so many money lines this episode. 

Everyone always loses it when Brennan starts doing the Identify spell voice and I love it. 

Adaine’s dad is T R A S H

Adaine’s mom on the other hand…I’ve been wondering about her for a little while because usually the outright emotional abuse has been from her dad while her mom is either not there or not saying anything. So I’ve been wondering was her deal is and we finally got the start of an answer. I know we only have a few eps left but I hope we go a little deeper into what exactly is going on there. It seems like Adaine’s parents are gonna be a big factor in whatever endgame is planned so fingers crossed,

Everyone cracking up as Emily backs Fig into a corner talking to Penelope. 

I love Gorgug so freaking much. Just his good natured, lumbering self. EVery time Zac opens his mouth gold falls out. 

Emily MAXED out her deception huh?

I think Siobhan must have forgotten that she took the crystal with Ostentasia away from Aelwen at the end of last ep. Either that or they willingly gave it to the cops and I forgot (but I think it’s the former because she said in this ep that it was in Aelwen’s pocket when at the end of the last ep she def took it).

My autocorrect keeps wanting me to type Ellen for Aelwen. I WISH.

I knew it! He’s a PIRATE. Suck it Fabian. (lol at Adaine stirring the pot. That was like Adaine being sincerely polite and Siobhan trying to cause problems and I love mixed motive player/character decisions). 

I wonder if the banker is named after John Hughes. 

I can’t believe the dumb bank is actually a huge plot point.

Yikes, re: Bill and Fabian. That got tense. Though I’ve kinda been waiting for some kind of blowout for a while. His dad runs very hot and cold and I figured it would only be a matter of time before we saw some of the cold.

Also, Lou breaking character in the middle of that very intense moment to clarify a plot point. 

Sidenote: For a hot sec after reading the title of the ep and remembering how Sklonda is competent to the point of (probably) breaking the original plot, I was so concerned she was gonna eat it this ep. So glad she didn’t.

Anyway, the idea of swinging sadly on a rope is so freaking funny.

Fig: Can I offer you a sad song in this trying time?

Huge portrait of Bill Seacaster in Fabian’s room. 

Adaine is gonna bring up him kissing her sister very time she needs to get out of something w/ Fabian for the rest of her immortal life. 

Another sidenote: This is a little thing but I always think it’s interesting when fantasy worlds have the same months and days as us when they’re named after like Norse Gods and Roman statesmen that wouldn’t exist in their world. Same with Roman numerals and Irish coffee. 

“Am I allowed to smoke in here?”/”Of course.”

I really like the character detail that Adaine is always really polite to everyone, including/especially people like Fabian’s maid and Basrar. People that she wouldn’t necessarily “have to” be polite to, you know? It’s like she’s trying to make up for the fact that her family is a bag of dicks. 

“Fantasy Google”

The whole bit with Fabian’s porn stash was so good. This group is so good w/ yes-adning each other.

“Privateer me a new one.” Emily is so good.

“Special investment” Suspicious  

I was thinking “I can’t believe looking at a bank’s FAQs is part of this game,” right as Brennan said it.

So I went back and watched Siobhan’s face from when Emily first mentioned Kal Vaxis to when she got the connection to KVX and it took her 22 seconds. I also missed the quick cut to Brennan when Gorgug asks, “What is Kal Vaxis,” and you can tell he knows they’re so close to breaking it with the little grin on his face. I wish we had gotten a reaction shot right after she got it. Anyway, great team solve w/ the MVP trophy to Siobhan/Adaine. 

I loved when Zac, Emily, and Siobhan all whipped out their laminated maps in tandem to figure out what was happening. 

The hard mood change from Adaine dropping the bomb about Riz’s dad and to forming a committee to help Gorgug flirt with Zelda was wild.

Kristen telling anyone to be suave is hysterical. 

What a DISASTER of a committee Gorgug’s friends are. Well meaning but so trash

Fig: Tell her you got a SICK tattoo

Adaine: Bring her to see art in the middle of the night

Fabian: You cannot date this person (Kristen: You absolutely have to)

Kristen: Actually not garbage advice but she is in no position to be giving dating advice to anyone 

Riz: Having a literal existential crisis 

“Who else is he gonna date?” WOW, savage Adaine.

I meant to say this before but I love how Adaine’s go-to is immediately ice cream and she’s always on board to go to Basrar’s. Like how when she texted everyone 2 eps ago she was like, “Let’s get ice cream now.”

Mmm, don’t love that Gorthalax isn’t answering his phone. I have been waiting for a significant adult to die for a while now.

OK, look, the whole thing about Penelope and Dayne being eternal prom king/queen. Is it wild? Yes. Is it implausible? No. No it’s not. Even Murph, most veteran player, was kind of like, “Wait, does that make sense?” Because, in this setting, it kind of would? I’m not sure it fits within the story so far and I’d have to go back and listen to the more lore-y stuff again but the conceit itself is like the exact right amount of crazy to fit in this setting? And they never cut to Brennan like I wanted so I could judge his face for any kind of tell. But anyway, you guys know I’ve been predicting a prom finale and this would fit right into a prom finale. 

The girls giving Gorgug a pep talk before his date was ADORABLE. 

Gorgug having to check his phone to remember three words, “You look nice.”

“Your friends are popular and loud” True

Zelda’s a BARBARIAN! She’s a MEGA BARBARIAN! 

I know they mean ecstasy like intense emotion but I kept thinking, like, molly.

Hmm, so Penelope wanted to know if Zelda had hooked up w/ Gorgug, ie: if she was a maiden. Can they only palimpsest maidens? Or (as we will get to later) does nice guy Biz only want virginal maidens for his creepy reverse Weird Science arcade setup?

Zelda listing off every type of metal and then Gorgug’s, “Same stuff,” was perfect comic timing on Zac’s part.

Imagine the Hangman screaming down the road on fire, Zelda completely terrified. 

I love the Hangman so freaking much.

“DO NOT GIVE TREATS TO MY MOTORCYCLE.”

I can���t believe everyone is living at the freaking crappy apartments. I knew they were all gonna end up hanging at one persons’ house but I kinda figured it would be Fabian’s house or Gorgug’s house. 

I”m also concerned about Bill. I feel like we keep getting reminded that he’s mortal a LOT.

Did Gorgug’s parents have indoor fireworks on tap for Gorgug’s first date?

Oh my God the whole docking conversation. Never play chicken with Brennan because the dude will not blink.

“We didn’t do that.” That’s his other best comic timing moment of the ep.

“Polishing my axe”

Kristen this episode 

I really wish they’d made the roll to find Ragh later in the ep. Fig is so ride or die for Gilear now and I love it.

“I fall asleep.”

Adaine almost making her parents dunk on Gilear but then pulling back.

But also, Adaine and Gilear going off the the oracle together.

“Fig pack it in.”

Affirmations with Fig and Gilear.

Fig, do you really think platonically cuddling with Kristen is the move?

Riz setting himself up for a dramatic entrance is so fantastic.

Hmm, so Biz and Zayne were attacked at the same time. That’s why that cold pill detail was in there way back. I’ve been trying to figure out what was always planned and what was quick re-working but Brennan is so good I can never really tell.

Are multiple unrelated groups just getting into palimpsests at the same time? Or mostly unrelated groups tied to one person?

“We are not gonna get our security deposit back.”

RIZ’S DAD IS JAMES BOND! YES! I didn’t know I wanted that to be the case until it happened and now that’s the only acceptable option. 

Riz didn’t get the 20′s he needed when fighting Aelwen but man he got it at the best story moment this week.

Oh man that home movie

The pearl is grey. Interesting. 

“Mom our family is so awesome Mom we’re all so badass, I thought it was just us but Dad is awesome too, why didn’t you tell me Mom?”

Sklonda: Internally screaming. 

Man he went full Inigo Montoya.

“I’ve got nimble escape so…”

“I guess we have a two bedroom,” I think was a really underrated funny line.

Did Riz ever tell his mom about the time of death thing.

Everyone inundating Gilear with overlapping chatter.

lol the Hangman likes Zelda’s family

Ally’s panicked, “FUCK” is always hilarious. 

Why are all the adults in Gorgug’s life trying to get him laid?

OK so the elementals were conjured by Aelwn’s magic Brennan said. He said by Aelwen’s magic, not by Aelwen. I wonder if that turn of phrase was specific or arbitrary. Like, we were told where Aelwen is but we don’t know. Was she forced to do it (either by threat or by magic)? Clearly someone (Biz?) is pulling her strings to at least some degree. 

“It’s probably about marriage.” “WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED.”

That happened fast

Fun fact from my International Law class: When a government kidnaps someone, it’s called rendition. 

“There’s a war, fuck school.”

Yeah it is wild that Adaine’s parents didn’t call her.

OK so did the Elves get Aelwen back but also go, “But you still need to go to jail.” Because they cut Brennan off before the end of that sentence which might have had more clues in it.

“I text my mom k”

I also wanna know who gave Kristen a slushy marg (It’s war times. I bet things are looser now)

Murph’s face when Brennan said, “Lucky Stones” was so good. That was so Riz.

S/O to Ally for pre-casting Guardian of Faith. Good instinct. 

AHHHHHH BIZ

As I said in an earlier conversation s/o to Adaine for DUNKING on him at every opportunity because he DESERVED IT. Also, her instincts for who sucks in this game have been spot on.

Another s/o to Riz for having the presence of mind to not pull a Star Lord and to pretend to be on the bad dude’s side for long enough to gain some kind of upper hand.

OK, wow was not expecting that twist. I feel like I need to go back and rewatch some stuff to get a better handle of the timeline and stuff. Like, when exactly did the girls start going missing again? And what year is Biz? Has he been masterminding this whole thing? I feel like no but I feel like he’s masterminding his own thing which happens to a puzzle piece in something bigger? BUT IT’S A PRETTY DAMN BIG PIECE. Who opened the new arcade? Is it connected to the bank?  How did Biz get involved? Who’s his supplier? Did someone hook up Biz, Daybreak, Penelope, and Aelwen with Palimpsests to do their own separate things, hoping that at least one of them would succeed which would somehow be good for the mystery person? I am so excited to find out and I really hope Brennan and the cast do a Q+A sesh after S1 is over to hash some stuff out.

Siobhan’s face when Biz said he was going after Adaine.

ALSO, you’re just gonna TELL RIZ and you wanna PUT ONE OF HIS BEST FRIENDS into a MAGIC CRYSTAL???? AND YOU THOUGHT HE’D BE ON BOARD? Like, even if he was, what about the 4 other people who are there?????

(sidenote, wild Gorgug’s parents just left them alone, no questions asked)

Theme-wise, this is the fight ep I’m most excited for. It seems rad as hell.

All that yelling in the promo for next week. Either the raddest thing possible happened or there was a TPK. There is no other option.

Wow, that was a stellar ep and this is a really long post. I really can’t wait for next week’s!

Edit: I meant to say before, is Penelope’s FB album like…a hit list? Like does whoever’s doing the actual dirty work (Biz? S/o else?) know that whoever she takes a picture with is who they should target?

[ellaofoakhill]

Mother’s Malt, Part Three

The shrimp was untouched when they returned to the kitchen. Meline checked the temperature, and professed it nearly ready. Havel nodded, and his belly gave a great rumble. Ella gave a grunt of acknowledgement.

Meline clutched her medicine bag. She turned away from the roasting crustacean, and sat opposite Ella, staring at her until Ella looked up.

“What, Meline?” she asked. Havel loudly prepared a pot of tea.

Meline toyed with the strap on her bag. “I understand being upset that someone has snuck into your home,” Meline said. “I would be too. And I would be outraged if anyone flipped through my private musings like Vedris through the morning paper.

“But you only seemed watchful and concerned when we realized someone trespassed into Oakhill. And you were already angry when we saw your room.” She groped for words. “If you can tell me what the whiskey means, it might help you clear your head, and help us catch this burglar.”

Ella looked down at her hands for so long that Meline thought she wouldn’t answer. “My mother was a baronet in the Fey Queen’s court,” Ella said. “My father was a knight.” She shrugged. “Well, his mother was, so by birth, he was counted among the nobility, albeit he occupied the lowest rung of that ladder.

“Pops and I were close. He taught me how to work metal, though as a wood fairy, he couldn’t teach me much about iron.” She smiled. “His eyes were full of proud tears when I showed him my first steel knife.” The smile faded. “Mother and I were… distant. She would ask how went my studies, and I’d ask after affairs at court, but… we never just… talked. I wondered sometimes if she loved me at all, or if she was trying to be nice because I was her heir and required grooming.

“I was twelve hundred years old when the War began. Pops was a knight, but by blood only; his training with sword and shield had been cursory. He went as my mother’s armourer and squire. Mother, however, was skilled in magic and in warfare; she was a captain under Alluzandra.” Meline recognized the name. “But I think, like my father, she was at heart a peaceful soul.”

A small smile tugged at Ella’s lips again. “She loved growing things, even though she was a fire fairy. The day she and dad left—I stayed to run the estate—she gave me a bag of barley and a lump of bronze. She told me to bring as much joy with them as I could, in my own way. And she would love to see what I made of them.”

“So, in the Fey spring, I planted the barley. I watered it. I weeded it. I cut and threshed and harvested it. Again and again, through many long years. The bronze I made into a ploughshare, a scythe, and the instruments of distillation. The first two saw much use in those years.

“When I had grown that barley for twenty-seven years—enough to fill three valleys—I distilled it, and the instruments I’d made were well-used. I knew little of wood magic, but Pops had taught me some, and I consulted my younger sister, also a wood fairy and far more inclined toward gardening and growing things, and she helped me. So I worked, tweaking and modifying my brew, until I had a serviceable whiskey. I sweetened it with caramelized honey, and poured it into oak casks, to age until my mother returned and could sample it.”

There was a pause. The kettle started to boil. “After fifteen hundred years of fighting… Pops came back.” Another pause.

“I left Fey soon after. I gave the estate to my sister, who runs it with Pops now.” Ella met Meline’s eyes. “I didn’t realize my mother loved me until it was too late for me to tell her I loved her in any way but writing. That whiskey was supposed to be the start of something better than what we’d had.” She looked above the sink, at the sheaf of barley hanging over the window. “Every century, on the anniversary of her death, I return to Fey. I visit the Iron Field where she died, and Sycamore Rill, our family’s hall, where she’s buried. In both places, I pour a chalice of this whiskey, and have a glass myself. Sometimes Pops has one, too, but usually he leaves the two of us alone.”

Ella took a breath. Meline almost missed the hitch in it. “This cask was the last of it.”

Havel blew his nose with a sound like a muffled horn. Meline took the kerchief he offered her.

“So,” Meline hiccoughed after they’d mostly dried their tears, “do you feel a bit better?”

Ella wetly chuckled. “I’m not about to kill anyone now.”

There was a knock at the door. “Hello?” Ella was up in an instant, reaching for the handle and her pole.

“Wait!” Meline held up a hand. “Felix?”

A pause. “Yeah.”

Ella mouthed “You know him?” Meline nodded. Ella took an enormous breath. “Enter.”

The door opened. Felix was almost a head shorter than Meline. Like her, he wore neither boots nor shoes. His walnut hair would’ve been wild if he didn’t tie it down with a rag that might once have been blue. He had a small moustache and a beard that grew nowhere but on his chin and lower lip, not because he groomed it—anyone who looked at him could tell that wasn’t the case—but because it couldn’t be bothered to grow anywhere else.

Ella’s frown was deeper than a gorge. “Why have you broken into my hall and gone through my things?”

Felix looked more ashamed than Meline had seen him in a while. He glanced at her, then looked back up at Ella. “I mean’ no ‘arm. There was this big snake, ‘n’ she chased me up t’ this tree, an’ I dipped in through yer barn door. I—”

“Felix,” Meline said, “was this a black she-snake with light stripes?”

His head practically vibrated up and down. “Aye! Said she was Famofus er somthin’, but I didn’ stick around t’ hear more!”

Ella sat down. “How… how did you get into the stable? I have fairy bells on the door.”

“There was a fairy horse walked in same time I did,” Felix said, “startled ‘im a bit, near got kicked fer it.”

“I would imagine so,” Ella said. She sighed. “Why wander about my hall like a thief? If you’d come and explained yourself, I’d have given you a bath, a meal, spare clothes, and a bed. And more, likely, as you’re Meline’s friend.”

“No one was home,” Felix said. “Saw the shop downstairs, ‘n’ young’un there workin’,” Havel blinked at this description of him, “cursin’ up a storm, an’ left ‘im be.”

Ella spared a glance at Havel. “I cracked the sardonyx inlay I’ve been working on for a month.” He looked at Felix. “Did you bump anything on the wall as you closed the door?”

“I might’ve.” He registered Havel’s tone. “Sorry. No one else was ‘ome that I could see. Kitchen smelled nice, though.”

“About what time did you run into the stable?” Meline said.

Felix scratched his chin. “Just after moonrise?”

“So minutes after we left,” Ella said. She held the bridge of her nose between thumb and forefinger. “And going through my things? Misplacing them everywhere?”

“Felix is the actual worst when it comes to putting things back where he found them,” Meline said.

“‘arsh,” Felix said. He had the smallest smile on his face.

“But true,” Meline said. She was almost smiling herself.

“You were in my room,” Ella said. She sounded more exasperated than angry.

“I know I knocked over two books in the big nice bedroom, so I—”

“Did you read them?”

Felix and Meline shared a glance. Meline snorted. “I can’ read,” Felix said. Ella’s jaw dropped. She looked to Meline.

“Also true,” Meline said. “Felix is less literate than a botfly.”

“Also ‘arsh,” Felix said.

“Tellin’ it like it is.”

“Alright, alright,” Ella said, raising her hands. “So: Felix ran into my house because Thamnophis chased him; He found Havel in the shop in a temper, and accidentally shut off the lights; He wandered around looking to see if anyone else was home, bumping into things and replacing them in the wrong spot.” Her look turned quizzical. “Why, once you realized we were here, didn’t you reveal yourself?”

Felix cocked his head. “I never ‘eard a soul ‘til shortly before young’un here took a swing at me.” He looked up at Havel. “Not mad, defendin’ yer ‘ome, I get it.”

“But things have been moving around on us this whole evening,” Havel said. He looked like he was still adjusting to “young’un”.

“This is a big house,” Meline said. “The dining hall alone has three separate entrances.”

Ella nodded, staring for a while at nothing in particular. Eventually, she gave another sigh. “If it weren’t for the cask you spilled in my cellar, I wouldn’t actually have much issue with what you’ve done during your ‘stay’ here.”

“Fair,” Felix said. His eyes lit up. “The whiskey, y’mean?”

“Yes,” Ella said, “and for it, I’ll require—”

“It’s fine,” Felix said. Ella’s head snapped up. “I knocked over the little barrel when I put my arms in yer cellar, an’ I cracked it. So I switched it t’ another one. I’ll show yeh!”

The whiskey was in fact in another cask. Ella confirmed with a sniff and a taste. She held the cask tight to her chest for a moment; Meline saw a tear leak from her eye. She came up and wrapped an arm around Ella’s waist. Ella leaned her head on Meline’s.

Once she’d regained her composure, Ella turned back to Felix. He somehow looked even shorter. Just as Ella was about to speak, his belly gave a huge rumble.

Ella blinked. “Have you… when was the last time you ate, Felix?”

He counted on his fingers. “Six days ago?” At her raised eyebrows, he looked only the slightest bit defensive. “I’m a walker. We see the world, we live nowhere, an’ we take nothin’. I wouldn’ steal food if I ‘adn’ eaten fer twice that.”

Ella nodded. She thought a moment. “I won’t lie, you’ve made some unwise decisions tonight. But none that caused any lasting harm, and none that you can’t pay for.”

“Pay?” Meline said.

“I can chop wood,” Felix said, “and maybe add a room to Oak’ill, if you like.”

“Oakhill has enough rooms,” Ella said, shaking her head. “Cut and split a pound of wood for me, and I’ll count myself compensated.” She held out a hand. After a moment, Felix took it. “Now, shall we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox?”

 The smell of roasted shrimp filled the dining hall. She was shelled, and laid out on a platter with herbs and berries. Felix looked flabbergasted; Meline could see him swallowing, probably to counter his watering mouth.

Ella raised her goblet. Meline noted her tired, relieved smile.

 “Winter soon shall sally forth

From coldest waste in frigid North.

Balanced now twixt stars and sun

Remember we the Summer’s fun.

“Cherish warmth and scrumptious food,

And friends who lift the darkling mood.

Autumn’s here from west to east,

With milk and honey in jar we feast.”

 As Ella carved the shrimp and Havel served mashed potato and salad, Felix nudged Meline with his elbow. “Does ‘er lordship play Fiz Bind?”

[tusunns-blog]

untitled.

jaesun’s got this habit, and before he noticed, everyone else already had, and she’d already adapted.

‘alright boys go shower, remember practice at 7:30 sharp!’ a chorus of yes coach follows before the boys all pile out the bus and to the school locker rooms. it’s quick and easy, all eager to get home after a week on the road for the regional tournament, the same tournament jaesun could only attend if he passed mid-terms. despite making the shot that led them to mid-terms but whatever. he’s in and out in a matter of seconds, a couple things on his mind, school, following tests, homework, practice even though he’s tired as hell. routine routine routine.

he gets a nudge halfway out of walking out the locker rooms, backpack slung over his shoulder and hair still wet.

‘ooooh someone’s girl is here to see him.’ “she hear you say that you’re dead.” “you’re right, he’d be dead.”

and he’s by her side before she can return, hugging adn nearly lifting her off her feet. “jaesun it’s been a week.” “you’re heeeeeereeeeee you came to see me after the torture, you’re the best girlfriend in the world.” “true but, you’re squeezing me and we literally texted on the way here. and if you squeeze me too hard my mother’s never letting me come to see you from tournaments again, not to mention my mother is watching.” it should be mentioned that by this time he’s stopped squeezing and spinning, in favor of holding, holding tight and with literal stars in his eyes. it’s either that or the effect of spinning around to much. “damn I missed you.” ‘I missed you too but-” “but?”

the thing about this habit is everyone notices but him. he’s got haeri in his arms after what seems like forever. messages cut short for scrimmages, strategy meetings and skype cut short because of hotel craziness. needless to say he’s acting like it’s been a whole month. and it shows. it shows with his hands lowering down her back, fingers hovering before he hears a honk.

‘JAESUN GET YOUR ASS IN THIS CAR YOU HAVE HOMEWORK.’ he’s saved by his mother and before he can continue haeri leaves him a kiss on the cheek without looking him in the eye. and he just smiles and waves it off, saying he’ll text her and doing exactly that.

it happens in the cafeteria. when he’s hanging in line with his friends and feels her attack him. jaesun doesn’t see haeri between his first four classes so when he does he’s always glad. haeri isn’t much for affection in places like that, he knows, she knows. so her practically launching against him has him latching. fingers firm and low to catch her and grab since he’s caught off-guard. he fitlers through fabric while filtering through her words.

‘there’s a new ice cream place across the street from your job soooooo yes you’re taking me, you were busy all summer so this is my post-summer treat.’ jaesun filters a lot in while he’s in the cafeteria. he usually has a probably with loud things but he’s working on it, working on drowning through. yeah he hung with his friends at the table but most of the time they hung in the locker rooms during lunch. despite being known jaesun likes to make himself scarce to keep his thoughts the same.

that’s why he welcomes haeri’s presence against him, cheeky because she’s ignoring the fact that they’re in the cafeteria. or the fact that she’d ran against him in front of his friends and nearly had him hitting the wall. ignoring it all in favor of bouncing, flitting fabric through his fingers and all he can do is smile because really, truly, he’s only focused on that smile of hers.

“i’ll take you after work today then.” and it’s hard to pay attention to anything, like his hands, when her smile’s that wide. ‘hey uh---- the um, the line’s moving guys.’ haeri notices what jaesun doesn’t and she’s jumping from him before he can say anything, murmuring a thank you that he gladly accepts and running probably to jo’s side. if jo gives him a suspicious look while he’s getting his food he doesn’t notice that either.

it happens on the court. it’s a habit with no boundaries.

it happens after a late scrimmage, one of the first after regional tournaments, not too serious, not too important. just enough to keep him late and missing the time he could be spent asleep. or with haeri.

students attend scrimmages, parents, faculty, the whole lot. as a team that did make it to state they get good turnouts even for smaller matches. jaesun doesn’t mind, doesn’t think of much when he’s on the court besides moving on the court. it’s pretty easy to tune that out, zone in and zone out. when haeri’s involved, it’s easier to zone into her and tune everyone else out.

the bell rings and he follows her figure down the bleachers, meets her before she meets him. his arms circle, around the neck first and head against hers.

“ice cream right? i worked up enough for an entire sundae. plus I got permission for the car since I did good on last week’s death test. aaaaalllll thanks to you so you get anything you want.” he’s tired though. so while he plans on keeping his arms around her neck and her face in her chest, it doesn’t work out. “i always get whatever I want.” he plans on hearing mumbles, and then scooting for when her arms fly at him for trying to smother her in what she considers, ‘disgusting boy germs’. “true.” but what happens is his body leaning it’s all on her, holding just so that she won’t let go completely. scrimmage or not practice to prepare was hell and high school waits for no one. so he settles against her with the idea of ice cream in his mind.

not the students still in the bleachers, not the fact that he’s too settled, already out on the date with her before they leave the gym. that he’s got heat against his neck and he thinks it’s just the fatigue. not his fingers playing, lowering and dancing to keep his blood moving until he gets the food he needs.

“um, jaesun....” “hm?” ��take it off the court kwon!” “yeah yeah bye coach!” he moves in that instant, one arm dropping and the other sliding around her neck. comfortable and unaware.

a habit naturally, remains unnoticed until someone speaks on it.

‘someone’s been bold lately.’ and what better person than the thorn in his side. “and why are you here?” ‘haeri and I take art classes at the same building idiot.’ “I mean why are you next to me idiot.” ‘so haeri can see something pleasant before she rides off into la la land.’

since getting permission to use the car, he’s been able to pick up haeri and not worry about his mother being at every meeting. or haeri’s mother. anyone’s mother. the mothers picking up their children from the other classes aren’t much of a problem, neither are other students. it’s a place of anonymity for jaesun and naturally, he’s relaxed, leaning against the truck without a car in the world.

no practice. no tutoring. no work. just haeri.

speaking of, he’s coming out, small paint stains on her face that she only allows when she knows it’s him picking her up. which also means she must’ve had a good time.

“hey you.” “someone’s been on their good behavior, you should listen to me more often you get to see me that way.” “yeah yeah, ready to go?” “yeah sure, you’re paying for jo too?” “hell no.”

the habit sneaks its way in when he throws a protective hold over her, both arms folding over her sides and clasping behind her back. he’s quick, pulling her close and away from jo. they’re up against the car, they’re out in the open and jo’s never looked more smug.

“jaesun!” “sorry, it’s just us, jo can freeload another time.” “you’re just mad she kisses me more when it’s us three.” “no i’m mad you’re still here.” “jaesun!” “sorry she’s not coming.” he tightens at that, hands making a grasp where he can. holding her like she might jump out into jo’s arm, or like he doesn’t want to lose a day as nice as this. haeri haeri and just haeri. as if the idea’s too much to believe, as if jo’s the turning point in the nightmare jaesun grasps and doesn’t notice the squeak he gets. ‘haebae isn’t that your teacher?’ until he hears it again, haeri’s turning her head and jaesun’s looking straight. “did you forget something, why’s he looking like that?” “jaesun let go!!” that’s what gets him to pause and jo to laugh. him moving back to look down at her face, redder than red and refusing to meet his eye. him thinking before following her teacher’s eyes and the eyes of the kids by his side.

down. down and to his hands seated firmly in her jeans pockets.

he takes too long to process and haeri’s already out and running to the passenger seat.

“oops?” ‘nah, she likes it.’ “jo!” ‘love you bae, bye lovebirds!’

jaesun hasn’t been in the ring for half a year. he hasn’t had time and he didn’t think it’d made an impact. he had other things to occupy himself and clear all the mess that was the problem. he didn’t have any issues with using his hands...

until now.

haeri doesn’t speak half the ride to her house. jaesun’s still red when they pull up.

she’s got her hand over her face when he opens the passenger door for her.

“you’ve been ------ grabbing my --- you know! in front of everyone.” “i’m sorry!” “you ----- literally everywhere how didn’t you know----” “I just - it felt comfortable.” “i - stop.” he pauses, doesn’t even have it in him to pout completely. “we’re going to the gym, tomorrow.” “okay.” “and you need to pay more attention to your surroundings.” “okay.”

now he’s pouting, half smile, half pout. “barbecue?” “barbecue.”

they’re ready to move, supplies and bags thrown into the backseat.

“hey mom jaesun’s fondling haeri in the driveway again!” “get in the car get in the car get in the car!!!!”

troublesome or not, they’re laughing and like everything else, they adapt.

[anangelicday-mrwolf]

Wolfsbane : Noblesse Fanfic (post-ending)

(previous chapter)

Chapter 2 -  The Story Behind the Scenes

Seriously, you should see the look on your face.

Frankenstein amusedly murmured to himself as he peeked at the werewolf scanning her surroundings with astonishment.

Her rich pink eyes were busily buzzing around every single natural shape and composition within the vicinity, including emerald-hued leaves and bushes, petals of thousand colors waltzing in the wind, and streams set ablaze with orange gradient reflections of the sky.

Frankenstein could not help speaking up, rather fascinated at how much the normally composed and cool-headed werewolf warrior resembled a little girl who found herself in the Disney World for the first time ever.

“Please don’t tell me you’ve never been to a no man’s land.”

“I wouldn’t call this island a no man’s land. Not with you and the 3rd Elder occupying it.”

“I wasn’t asking for a literal interpretation.”

“I was told this island is a perfectly remote piece of land without any man-made structure, except for a biotechnological lab that also serves as a safehouse. So what I had in mind was a sandless desert with a gigantic cement appendage jutting out of ground, prisoned by water at all sides. But lo and behold, I’m seeing beautiful scenery in every corner.”

Lunark did not even glance at her host as she spoke, captivated by a horde of butterflies flashing their mesmerizing natural dyes.

“What a shame you have to play blind to all this feast for the eyes. Uh, no offense. I’m not saying that your duty fades in importance against this landscape. It’s just that...”

“This place is so beautiful it should be illegal to stay indoors. I get it. In fact, the owner of this island was in for a surprise upon move-in. And yes, that was an autobiographical description. However, neither of us is here for sightseeing, remember?”

Frankenstein’s jocular yet solemn reminder was all it took for Lunark to balance her attention and attitude in a strikingly professional manner.

“Allow me to pick up from where my lord left off.”

Noticing how her terminology for Muzaka changed, Frankenstein urged her to begin with a nod.

“He told you that his body saved him, didn’t he?”

“Yes. And then he just had to put a cliffhanger on his story.”

“Actually, that’s all there is to it. When the missile was inches away from my lord’s face, he was drawing out his power to maximum, as did the Noblesse right next to him. But ‘at the moment when there was no doubt his next inhale and exhale will be the last of his respiratory action,’ according to him...”

Lunark slightly creased the corner of her eyes, as if she were steeling herself to spill the most embarrassing memory from her childhood.

“...At that moment, my lord’s body moved on its own and fled from the scene.”

Frankenstein immediately retorted with an intensely questioning gaze.

“In case you’re wondering, it’s not a metaphor. At the very last moment, his body fled from the scene. But he failed to run from the aftermath of the protective impact against the missile, so he lost conscious as he watched the Noblesse being scattered to blood-red mass of sparkles.”

“...Are you sure you heard him right?”

“I’ve no reason to lie to you or distract myself when my lord is speaking. I’m relaying to you every word he unleashed to me in the most authentic form.”

Frankenstein has thought Muzaka died at the scene but somehow reenacted the resurrection of Christ, along with his master. But Lunark shed a new light upon the story behind the scenes – contrary to his belief, Muzaka has never died.

The blonde human was glued to his spot, stunned by the not-at-all-expected turnout of the event.

“Did it happen even before Lord Muzaka could attempt something, if anything?”

“Yes. He added that it felt like his body suddenly developed a mind of its own.”

“...So what he wants me to do isn’t to simply check if there is anything wrong with him. He wants me to diagnose the underlying cause of his behavior and perform whatever treatment that is deemed appropriate.”   

“...Precisely.”

Hit by the reality that this project will be much more complicated than he had thought, Frankenstein pressed his forehead with the palm of his hand. Lunark started to speak once again, her facial profile littered with hurried concern.

“I’m so sorry about this. I know this is no easy task. I know how neither the situation nor resources are cooperative for either of us. I know you’re terribly busy. However, I give you my word – I will do anything in my power to provide you with everything you need. So...”

“Relax. I’ve no intention to call the deal off. The mystery with Lord Muzaka could have risen the moment he and my master were about to come in direct contact with the missile. Which means I can’t rule out the theory that the phenomenon you just informed me about is related to my master’s return. Which is why there’s nothing I can’t or won’t do in order to unveil the truth.”

Straight away, the curves along Lunark’s cloaked shoulders sluggishly waxed and waned in the air, perhaps from a sigh of relief.

“But how come Lord Muzaka didn’t share with me his secret so far? He had plenty of time to talk to me before returning to the throne.”

Lunark softly snorted in understanding as she watched puzzlement settling on Frankenstein’s eyes. She remembered how five days after the missile launch orchestrated by Crombell, her current audience contacted the mourning werewolves to let them know the squad of five souls who were supposed to be lost rang his doorbell. She remembered how mischievous and pleased Muzaka looked as he told her Tao and Frankenstein were tremendously close to punching themselves in their faces the second they recognized him, Raizel, Lascrea, Kei, and Rosaria.

Most importantly, she remembered how for three days following their return, the five saviors went through recovery rehab packed with Frankenstein’s examinations and therapies as well as separate sessions for them to share and piece together their last memories and latest knowledges, which revealed that none of them had the faintest idea of how they got second chances in life.

“Was he scared the rest would call him a scaredy-cat or something?”

“As far as I know, he didn’t want to stir up a new trouble when they were just freed from the weight of the battle for all lives on Earth.”

“Which tells me he has been planning this ever since then. By the way, are you sure he was knocked out on the spot?”

“You know, there’s something he suggested me to tell you if you keep refusing to buy it.”

Lunark halted briefly with quivering lips, as if she could not believe she was brewing the subsequent comment with a sober mind.

“‘I’d rather cuddle you than lie to you about this.’”

To Lunark’s bewilderment and disbelief, Frankenstein instantaneously let assurance sink into his blue eyes.

“Fine. You can tell him that his sale was a success, albeit a disappointment. I was hoping he could provide me even the smallest of a hint, when my master can’t recollect what kind of miracle was there for him... But then again, maybe I should’ve expected it. After all, he lured me with ‘potential clue to my master’s return,’ not ‘the secret behind my master’s return.’”

Frankenstein remarked in a highly displeased tone, but Lunark did not complain about his attitude, for she could detect strong bitterness in his voice.

“Anyways, thank you for the details on the past. Now I’d like some details on the present,” said Frankenstein, clearly not wishing to waste any minute for this secret project.

Lunark reciprocated by silently dispensing a considerably bulky folder from her white cape, causing a slant in Frankenstein’s eyebrows.

“What’s this?”

“It’s part of the data and files I’ll start bringing to you from now on. You could say it’s the legacy left behind by the one who probably had been studying my lord for the greatest amount of time and depth.”

Frankenstein momentarily pondered whom Lunark could be talking about, before his mind was drawn to the fact that she referred to the folder as “the legacy left behind.” He then remembered who used to be Muzaka’s possessor for the past centuries.

It took less than a second for him to react by wearing the face of an enraged lion.

Perhaps Lunark foresaw such reaction. Or perhaps she was afraid that Frankenstein will turn his anger towards her, for forcing on him a totally unappreciated and unwelcome reminder. Whatever her reason was, she lost no time in explaining.

“As you’d know, when my lord was in slumber as the Union’s specimen, Ignes was practically in charge of all experiments and studies that featured him, with the 9thElder’s help. I’m sure you could obtain the latest data on my lord when he stayed at your personal lab, but I figured it’d be best to give you the files that will tell you what exactly the Union had done with his body.”

Lunark did not notice that she unconsciously quieted her own voice for the duration of her comment, due to the level of hostility on Frankenstein’s face, heavy enough to turn the natural glamor of their settings into the visual calm before the storm.

To Lunark’s relief, Frankenstein eventually loosened his facial muscles and sighed.

“You’ve got a point, though it’s a hideous idea for me to even lay my hands on that psychopath’s productions. But let me ask you – how come you have Ignes’s data?”

“She used to stay in my kind’s territory and run her studies, remember? The lab that was temporarily assigned to her to use was destroyed during the battle that took place not long after her appearance, and it’s still going through maintenance and reconstruction. And recently when we were rebuilding the database for our labs, Dr. Adne landed upon Ignes’s data. It turned out she hid her own data in our database, though it’s obvious that she hid only a tip of the iceberg of data she had collected for her lifetime.”

“How very generous of her to demonstrate two golden quotes at once: never put your eggs in one basket, and vultures never scavenge at their own nests.”

“The thing is, she did take care in hiding her data. There are security locks placed on all her files and data, separately designed for each piece. So it’s gonna take a while for us to unlock them one by one. And I plan on fetching each of them as soon as Dr. Adne breaks down the locks.”

Frankenstein nodded and scanned the pack of papers through the half-open folder, before he asked, “Okay, but did you have to bring them in printed copies? It’d be much more convenient for both of us if you simply borrow a USB drive from one of your researchers.”

“It’s the best way to prevent possible hack or leak of information, given that you take good care of it. And I plan to keep it in hard-copy format.”

Frankenstein was not expecting her to be so serious, for he posed his question halfheartedly. That was when he realized they never moved from the spot where he first stopped short. Lunark did not appear to be eager to move either, based on which Frankenstein could register what was going on.

“You don’t trust the 3rd Elder. And you chose to stick to this place to chat because you are wary that he might eavesdrop once we get ourselves to the safehouse.”

As if she were waiting for him to bring up the former enemy, Lunark furiously rolled her eyes. Frankenstein marveled at the fact that she managed to accomplish the feat without generating any squeak or screech in her eye muscles.

“Well, duh. There’s no telling what he’s keeping in that head of his. When Maduke was still breathing, in a way he was considered much more dangerous than the 1st Elder for various reasons. I know you’re smart enough to handle any threat that may arise, but you’d better watch it. Crombell is gone, and without a common enemy I wouldn’t be surprised to see him picking a fight with you again.”

“Noted. Which reminds me, why would Lord Muzaka want to keep all of this a secret?”

His question quenched the flurry of not-so-friendly emotions on Lunark’s face. Perhaps a little dispirited, she dropped her head as she unzipped her lips.

“I assume my lord already mentioned this, but my kind has just barely graduated from the training wheels in terms of renewal and restoration. Even with our centuries-old material and technological resources put aside, we had the Union technology and resources to support us. Both of them were made irrelevant to us, however, ever since I left the Union. So we have to start again from ashes and dust, especially since 1st Elder had demolished our territory. But I doubt things would have been better for us even if we had not cut ties from the Union, considering its current condition.”

Frankenstein needed no more from Lunark. After all, he was the David that severed the head of the Goliath named the Union. And he was positive not even the remaining body of the Union would be of better use than an unorganized stack of rocks, now with its topmost seats in the pyramid completely empty. Moreover, Frankenstein could swear the name of the Union will not be able to induce as much fear as it used to – not without the devilishly gifted scientist who was in command of Union technologies and researches.

‘And since the only living elders have either permanently renounced the elder’s chair or checked in under my hospitality for the time being, Union is virtually devoid of its best artisans of combat,’ thought Frankenstein, as he patiently kept his voice box frozen.

“The latest mission I have been assigned with was vigilance and espionage against the Union. Well, actually, it’s something I’ve been working on even before Lord Muzaka returned to reign. And not too long ago, in the course of my duties, I picked up valid evidence from more than a handful of countries over the world that the Union’s power is growing weaker. Some countries even informally stated they will maintain no more connection to the Union. But...”

“Taking out the alpha dogs doesn’t necessarily bring the eradication of a pack. Especially in this case, since we’re dealing with cancer cells that have grown over centuries, rooted in every corner and face of the planet, we shouldn’t expect to open the champagne so fast.”

“You hit the nail on the head. The Union’s delta and lesser dogs still live, and Union’s facilities and institutions still stand. Which means our enemy has yet to enter its coffin for good. So it wouldn’t be strange at all if the Union’s underlings commence a mass raid into our territory for vengeance, don’t you think? And need I remind you, my kind is going through the darkest era in history in terms of power.”

“I thought the precise location of the werewolf clan is a classified information, available only to agents and personnel with privileges as good as those of the elders.”

“The Union’s system is presumably meaningless now, with the elders gone. We’re suspecting anybody can reach any information regardless of rank.”

“I see. So did the Union ever...”

“No. Not yet. And it’s all thanks to my lord – or the fact that my lord has risen again – that we can stay untouched.”

“I thought the guy didn’t even die in the first place.”

“But that’s not the case for anyone not included in this secret project of ours. And you have no idea how sturdy is the protection that this news alone provides for all of us. The reason why what remains of the Union can’t even dare to approach our land is because of this rumor that my lord triumphed even death in order to protect the wolfkind. Only a lunatic would ever dream of trespassing our ground, when it is protected by the one and only werewolf that conquered a Union elder AND the death itself. Plus, the pure fact that my lord has returned serves as a huge assurance for my people.”

Frankenstein caught how Lunark’s eyes were sparked with not-so-faint pride and excitement as she continued.

“So imagine what would happen when the word spreads that something is wrong with my lord at a time like this. Dread and alarm would be least of our worries. We didn’t even get to complete the maintenance and redesign of our security system. And imagine what would happen if the Union learns that my lord might have to return to the hospital. Or worse, to a lab tank.”

“Still, I doubt the Union will do anything reckless. Not with its top dogs gone. Furthermore, there’s no way you and the rest of your warriors would let the Union pick up any latest information on your kind.”

“It is always better safe than sorry. Particularly at a time like this, says my lord.”

In response to her utterance, Frankenstein could only express understanding in his face.

He then recalled what Muzaka told him about Lunark the day before – that she “gladly” accepted his request when she has been “running here and there, doing this and that all at once.”

With his brain fully updated with details from Lunark, Frankenstein could guess what she has been up to until she walked into his island only moments ago.

“Part of your duties immediately before this one must have been deliberately spreading the words that Lord Muzaka has returned victorious from his so-called death match against death.”

“Not bad. That was fast.”

“Espionage is not limited to elusive collection of intelligence. And as of now, the best personnel for werewolves to make use of would be you, because you happened to be one of the hearts of the Union.”

“Indeed. As a matter of fact, that’s part of the reason why my lord appointed me as the secret agent for this job. In case you need intelligence on things that happened within the Union boundaries, I’ll be able to fill you in.”

Frankenstein nodded, with Lunark wordlessly staring at him, as if protesting she has run out of things to say.

“Is that all?”

“I guess so.”

“Then how about a walk? You’d want to know what you can find on this island. After all, you’d be our constant visitor from now on.”

Taking it as a cue that she can move, Lunark finally unbolted the joints of her lower body and paced along Frankenstein.

“Looks like I’ll owe you huge for a while.”

“No, we are in your debt. What you will do from now on will benefit all of us to an unimaginable degree.”

“God, thanks a lot for the pressure.”

Lunark held back a snicker as Frankenstein half-jokingly grumbled.

“Pressure? You? Do you realize you just made yourself sound like the 8th Elder when he had his rear end handed to you?”

“Thanks again for refreshing my memories on that idiot. And aside from that, I think you trust me too much.”

“Of course I do. I know what you’re capable of.” Said Lunark without a moment of hesitation.

Frankenstein sighed, his expression not clear enough to show whether it was from pleasure or pressure.

“Thank you SO MUCH for the pressure.”

As he finished his sentence, Frankenstein rummaged the inner side of his jacket.

He soon produced a metallic ponk with something he retracted, and Lunark watched him taking a silver hip flask to his lips.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I think this is the first time I ever got to see you taking something to your mouth to digest. And my nose tells me it’s not water or alcohol.”

“Let’s just say it’s like coffee to me.”

Frankenstein, to Lunark’s wonder, kept his answer terse and with an expertise tucked his flask back where it was hidden.

‘I can’t help noticing how he looks kind of tired. Is he getting any sleep these days?’

‘It’s about time to refill this stuff. I should set an alarm or something.’

Their minds housing different concerns, the werewolf and the human brushed through grassy trail now embedded with glow of the evening.

*****

The misty gleam of the dawn ghosting over his bedside table caught his attention when he opened his eyes, which taught him he woke up much too early. The only ones awake at this hour would be servants tasked with breakfast in his mansion. 

Nevertheless, Rael Kertia decided to rise and keep his mind as sharp as the blade of the warlord about to march off to war.

For today, for the first time ever he would get to stand in the Lord’s Hall as the head of the Kertia clan.

(next chapter)

Aaaaand next up we’ll be stopping by Lukedonia! Yes, of course I’ll be talking about what happens in Lukedonia, too, as this fanfic is a post-ending story.

And yes, the Lukedonia part will mainly center on Rael. Though Rael is a native Lukedonian, he has seen how the human world has changed as it entered 21st century and reached inner growth, so I figured he’d be the best character to show what happens to Lukedonia and its people, both within and outside its boundaries (and also partially because he is my third favorite character from the series lol).

Hope you stay tuned for more!