#bison is putting the power is power bottom

[ropebunnykant]

alright i’ve mentioned i was gonna make a post about the sex scene, but honestly i think the establishment of their dynamic starts even sooner with their first conversation at the bowling alley.

like, it starts off with kant approaching under false pretenses - giving bison unsolicited advice about to get a strike - and then when he realizes that doesn’t work, he’s more straightforward about the fact that he just wants to talk to bison because he’s cute. he goes to walk away and then bison stops him and indulges him in the excuse he made to get close! sure, he questions how close kant does get, but he allows it once kant brings up his excuse for it. i again think this moment is meant to tell us that bison is capable of seeing right through kant but that he will gladly indulge him and play along if he can find fun in it, which is exactly what he’s doing with their whole courting ritual! bison is not at all naive to the fact that kant is trying to get close to him under false pretenses - he’s just finding the fun in playing along. i also think it establishes nicely this sort of push and pull dynamic they have where bison is very obviously the one in control. he can push kant away if he wants to and kant will be waiting there to be pulled back.

i also think the moment where they’re discussing where they should go in order to sleep together is interesting because it highlights the obstacles that are keeping them apart in their relationship as well. they can’t go to kant’s place because he lives with his little brother (babe is the reason that kant has to be an informant) and they can’t go to bison’s place because he lives with his older brother (fadel won’t allow kant to get close unless he’s distracted). so, they have to meet in the middle and go to a hotel, a very impersonal place.

and then we get to the actual scene in the hotel room and the moment they enter once again establishes this push and pull dynamic. and while the way it’s set up kind of reads like kant is the one is charge, it’s still all up to bison at the end of the day. because he is the one that chooses to sit on the chair first instead of the bed, he makes kant lure him over despite the fact that they both know exactly what they came there for. it sets up this idea that even in the moments where it seems like kant is in control, bison is really the one with all the power.

and that’s proven when not even a minute later kant tries to ask for his name and bison tells him they don’t need it. sure, he tries to say that’s perfect for him, but why ask in the first place if you didn’t care to know, kant?

and then it’s proven again when bison stops this time to make sure kant has a condom. i’ve already discussed the possible symbolism this could have, but to sort of recap, i find it interesting that the condom was highlighted when in many other jojo shows, they aren’t really brought up as a factor. so, i wonder if it’s meant to emphasize this layer that exists between them, even when they think they’re at their most bare - and how while it might seem like kant is the one putting that layer there, it’s actually bison (he’s the one that asks for it AND the one that opens the condom).

bison’s power in the situation is ONCE AGAIN emphasized when kant starts going to town and bison stops him because “you’re not doing this solo, you know?” and then he takes control. in less than two minutes we have FOUR instances where bison holds all the power, but for the most part he allows kant to think he does - it’s only until the last one that he makes kant acknowledge it.

kant has all this confidence and bravado, but the only semblance of power he actually has is what bison is willingly giving him - otherwise, he’s totally at bison’s mercy even if he doesn’t know it.

also, it’s interesting that while they show flashes of a couple positions (“several positions really”), one of them bison is fully towering over kant - which as we know from joong was likely a little difficult of a shot to actually get since khaotung is so short, so i assume it was purposeful for him to be so much higher than kant in that position - power dynamic!

also! in the last shot before the morning, where bison once again establishes his control by leaving before kant wakes up, you see kant fully under the blanket while bison has one foot out. he has one foot out the door! not just in the sense of he was gonna ditch before kant woke up, but in the sense of him literally not being as involved in the relationship as he comes across! he is playing along.

[motelroomjesus]

Okay so.... I read the entire The Heart Killers novel in one sitting. How did I do that??? By ignoring my responsibilities, BUT I had a lot of fun LMFAO

I'm excited to see how they adapt this to the screen. It really is your typical assassin story, but the classics are classics for a reason! Unexpectedly fluffy for the premise, but also this a f4f (freak4freak) romance. Really excited to see how they manage to show the sex on screen because zoo wee mama..... the boys are crazy. Anyway, reading the novel has solidly cemented Fadel as my favorite character, such an unexpected side to him that I think all the viewers have already clocked just from the first two episodes.

I'm gonna talk about some characters and plot spoilers now so don't read under the cut if spoilers ruin your life

Okay, so already they've deviated just a bit from the novel, I'm assuming due to time and filming constraints (u know the usual). Mostly with Fadel and Style's story, it's nothing major tbh they just got the ball rolling pretty fast on them. They've stayed true to the characters, especially Style! Style is just as flirty and bold in the novel as he is in the show, which makes the bomb of him being romantically and sexually inexperienced in every aspect all the more shocking, even to Fadel. Their first sexual encounter together was rough until Fadel realized that he was Style's first. It was a really revealing moment for both those characters to me as a reader. It's the first time we see Fadel falter in front of anyone and the first time we see Style fully drop the confident mask he puts on. A very vulnerable moment and it's definitely the catalyst that propelled them MUCH closer to each other emotionally (and physically 😵‍💫).

Oh, FADEL...... He is so shxkbdksn. I love him to bits, like honestly. He is so deprived of affection. He is genuinely so soft hearted whether it's about his brother or his lover, he's constantly looking out for them. Even when he confronts Style later on, he's not even mad. He's so genuinely filled with sorrow and sadness that it's come to that, what he thought was the conclusion of the only love he's allowed himself was genuinely heartbreaking for him and it was apparent despite the tough assassin facade he was trying to keep up in front of Style. He is SO devoted and loyal. Love him BAD.

Bison, also seems to be presented pretty novel accurate so far. He seems too carefree and naive, but he's had a knife in his hand just in case the whole time. He really wants to live a different life. He wants out really bad and, unlike Fadel who made that decision after Style, Bison came to that before he even met Kant. He wants to fall in love and do laundry and cuddle with someone. He just wants true freedom. It made me feel even worse when he finds out of Kant's betrayal because he chose to let that guard down despite the gnawing feeling he had in the back of his head that he can't trust anyone. He took the chance on Kant and it ended up biting him in the ass. Also, we need more power bottoms I LOVE U BISON !!

Now Kant...... I can't say I liked him all that much until the end of the novel. 😭 He's genuinely selfish unless it's about his little brother and very much gives every man for themselves. He's all about self-preservation. He had no problem pulling an unknowing Style into dangerous undercover police informant work, did in fact drug Bison at one point, so yeah not on my nice list at all. I do think he had feelings for Bison at the beginning, but they weren't significant enough for him to stop what he was doing. He ends up redeeming himself a bit at the end. He tried to get the Captain to let him off the hook for this mission to no avail, and you know with the whole u kidnapped me and beat me up bc I betrayed u but I still waited for u to come get me at this abandoned house u left me at for hours so I could confess my love for u bit, but still. Very up and down feelings for him as a reader.

The bdsm was actually interesting to read here too. Sane (kinda), safe (sometimes) and consensual was really the name of the game here and I'm grateful for that. Were things a little under negotiated? Yeah, but I'm willing to look past that considering what s&m dynamics look like in other series and novels 😬 There was also a brief description of subspace that I found kind of nice. It was interesting to see these aspects of sexual dominance and submission present in a novel from a genre that often foregoes diving even an inch into safe kink (and sex) practices.

Also that masturbation scene is NOT in the novel from what I recall, so THANK YOU JOONG AND JOJO !!!!!

Crazy, but expected plot twist, and yet I was still at the edge of my seat. Granted I am easy to entertain, but I really enjoyed reading this. I actually would recommend this novel to others. It was just fun 😽

[dreamsausage]

just had a dream about ni no kuni two where we ran around doing quests and had to destroy a labyrinth to get to another kingdom

and we made it to the new kingdom which was a huge forest. and we got a new member of our team who was a little kid with a blue-and-red dinosaur hood who used hammers and wands

and then we got another member of our team who was a pink mer-dog who worked similar to lofty - and if you lost enough members of the party in battle he would do a big attack that halved all the enemies' health and gave you a massive special defense boost. you could remove him from battle by switching him into a separate menu

then I put my switch into handheld and went into my kitchen and my sister was there

I showed her the new stuff and then showed her this thing where if you found specific item sets you could unlock a familiar that could be used by different party members

bracken had a huge mythical beast that was labeled as "rhino" where you needed to get an item from the first game which was a claw, an armour that was a hide of some sort, and a hammer that looked like an elephant foot. it could charge forward in battle and knock enemies over to stun them.

batu had some kind of giant monster thing and to use it we had to collect the head and the top and bottom jaws of a piranha-plant-like monster.

the kid with the hood could use a giant caterpillar, which needed a cloak made of leaves, a piece of shiny armour and some kind of pair of boots.

I think roland was able to use this huge snake with a golden head. you needed a curved sword, an evil eye wand and a black cloak. it attacked enemies by biting them and could also coil around them to weaken or curse them I can't remember which

tani's monster was a bison cow thing. it was like a baby cow but it already had horns. for this one you had to get a sword that looked like a horn, a spear that had a black tip, and something that looked like a baby buckler but slightly different. I'm guessing it had attacks like stomping the ground because its hooves were really big and powerful. I never selected hers so I didn't see what it could do, but I had two pieces of it so I could see how it looked.

leander and evan's monsters were just silhouettes because I hadn't gotten any of the items needed. I already unlocked roland and the little kid's ones, I had two of the three pieces for batu's one, and I was trying to get the last two pieces for bracken's one. I could see what those were because their silhouette became slightly more visible when you selected an unfinished monster.

when you got the items, you picked the ones you wanted to surrender and it would put the item permanently onto the part of the silhouette that the weapon represented - the claw was the rhino's head, the leafy cloak was the caterpillar's body, etc.

the mer-dog and lofty were in thr same menu, and it was this really cute artwork that had each of the monsters running around and playing with eachother. the dog was trying to get lofty to play, the snake and the caterpillar were crawling around to the left, the rhino thing was meant to be playing with evan's monster. tani's cow was running towards where leader's thing would be, and the plant seemed to be snapping at it as well. it seems that before you've gotten the party member, the monster is just a blacked-out silhouette, and you only start unlocking it with the items once you get the owner. stronger monsters require rarer items, and some might only be acquired through quests or main storyline events, like the dog. I apparently already had a good grasp of it while I was playing, and immediately entered a battle to see how the dog would work. I had bracken, roland and evan on my team, but switched to bracken halfway through. I have no idea what I pressed to activate the familiars - it might have been a power like the ones when you press ZR.

I only unlocked this after I got leander from hydropolis, and it's one of the first things he mentioned when I got back to evermore. my guess is that because hydropolis was set in the past, they kept the ability to form familiars and used them alongside higgledies as more appeared. obviously, due to the lack of familiars in the overworld or the heart-winning harp, you can only form a familiar from your soul.

I have vivid memory of what each of the characters looked like. plus the little kid who joined our team only vaguely followed us around in enclosed spaces; he would run around and do cartwheels. at one point he seemed to be practising a spell that required him to run really fast, but he just tripped over and fell flat on his face. I was worried until he laughed, got up, and started trying again. I think we got him from the new area at some point.

but yea that's it

[travelingtheusa]

MONTANA

2023 Jun 16 (Fri) – We rode into town to get fuel and pick up milk at the grocery store.  We stopped in the café for lunch.  It was not very good but we ate it.

      At 3:30 p.m. we went to the pavilion to set up.  At 4:00 p.m. we started the travel meeting despite the fact that everyone was not there (I want to set the stage for promptness so I will not wait for everyone to get there).  The briefing was long but filled with important information.  Johnny did a power point presentation about the Milepost but most everybody was confused just the same.  It will make more sense when we start using it.  Right now, our move tomorrow is not included in the Milepost.  The book only follows the main routes and we will be on side roads for the first two moves.

2023 Jun 15 (Thu) – We worked on caravan “stuff.”  I called campgrounds and venues to confirm our attendance.  At 4:30 p.m. we went down to the pavilion for the potluck dinner.  It has been quite well organized.  First, the group was divided into two groups:  Group 1 and Group 2.  Then each team was assigned a leader.  We are in Group 1.  The menu has been divided into 3 meats, 3 vegetables, 3 desserts, and whatever (I am assigned the whatever is needed).  The theme for tonight was Mexican.  Only 10 of the rigs need to cook while the other 10 enjoy the meal.  I suppose it makes things easier.

      The meal was delicious, of course.  The group organized the meal to include tablecloths and lay out very well.  The caravan is forming up nicely.  There is usually someone you can identify as a problem person who we will have trouble with on the caravan, but no one has emerged as such yet.  Maybe we’ll be lucky and not have one of those on this trip.  We will see what we will see.

2023 Jun 14 (Wed) – We stayed around the campground getting everything ready for tonight’s orientation meeting and welcome dinner.  We went down to the pavilion at 3 p.m. to set out the travel guides, jackets, and goodie bags.  There was a mistake in the jackets.  We got two of the same one and one missing.  It turned out to be both the vendor and my fault.  I sent him an email asking to ship a jacket to us in Alaska.  He’s been so hard to get hold of, I hope he responds quickly.

      The orientation went well.  Paul took pictures as everyone arrived, then sent them to get their items staged in the back of the pavilion.  Everyone was full of questions but lighthearted and ready to begin.  After the meeting, we all went to the Johnson’s of St. Mary café for dinner.  We had bison vegetable soup, bread, bottom round beef with huckleberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, and cole slaw.  It was pretty good.  Everything was served family style.  Day 1 was off to a good start despite a cold and wet day.  The jackets were just what we needed!

2023 Jun 13 (Tue) – Paul and I went down to the café to see what the lay-out will be for tomorrow’s dinner.  It is a cut log cabin style with lots of animal skeletons and skins hung around the room.  The lower dining room is 4 steps down to the dining room.  Not bad.

      We brought out all the items to go into the goody bags for everyone.  Johnny & Linda, Joe & Diane, and us all put the stuff in the bags.  There were books, chocolates, candy, give-aways, and hand-outs.  Hope everyone likes what they get.

       We got an email from the guy at the Western Millar Sawmill.  We had a tour scheduled for June 22.  After trying to get hold of the contact for almost a week, he finally got back and said they couldn’t do the tour.  No real reason why.  Another person sent me an email saying the tours were cancelled during COVID and never resumed.  Then a phone message from the guy at the sawmill intimating that the wildfires in Canada are to blame.  That’s disappointing.

      When we were done with the bags, Johnny & Linda rode with Joe & Diane and we drove to the Many Glacier, after a quick stop at the post office to mail off a birthday gift to our grandson.  We went to the Many Glacier Lodge for lunch.  It was very nice and the lodge was beautiful.  Built in 1915, it has kept most of its old-style charm.

      After lunch, we went to the Ptarmigan falls then to the Weber falls.  They were both invigorating.  When we got back, Paul and I walked around greeting the folks who arrived in the campground during the day.  We now have 13 of the 20 rigs going on the caravan.  Guess 7 will be coming in tomorrow.  At 5 p.m. we had happy hour and we were pleased to see that everyone came to it.  This promises to be a good group that will socialize with one another.  

2023 Jun 12 (Mon) – We had to run into town to the credit union to get another $5,000 for the caravan petty cash fund.  Then I had to go to another bank to exchange that for Canadian money.  My $5,000 turned into $6,150.  Pretty good deal.  We also stop at Albertsons to get some dry food for Sheba.

      We got back to the campground, finished packing up, and pulled out at 10:40 a.m.  It was a pleasant drive through some beautiful country to St. Mary.  We pulled in around 2:30 p.m.  I went into the office and settled the bill for the caravan then drove to our campsite.  Six rigs are already here.  Everyone who knew us came over and gave big hugs and hellos.  After set up, I walked by each rig to find out who was here and what campsite they were in.  Then we all brought our chairs to a site where Joe put up his 10x10 tent and enjoyed some comradery and libations.

      At 6:30 p.m., we called it quits and went in.  Linda made her famous etouffee for us, Joe & Diane, and Dave & Dot.  We set up two picnic tables – they were mini tables that only seated 4 – and ate outside.  It was very pleasant.

2023 Jun 11 (Sun) - We tried to watch the church services back home but the sound was terrible.  We could hardly make out what people were saying.  Apparently, Doug is away and the laity was conducting the service. 

      We did the laundry.  The campground has 2 washers and 4 dryers.  Why so many dryers as compared to washers is anybody’s guess.  While the clothes were drying, we drove into town to get propane and fuel for tomorrow’s move.  We ran out of propane this morning but when Paul went to check on it, the tank was full.  Turned out to be a bad regulator.  So we picked up a new regulator and hose at North 40.  While I was there, I got a present for our grandson who is turning 4 the end of this month.  I also went online and ordered a stamp collecting kit for our other grandson who is turning 11.  They keep getting older.  😊

      Johnny & Linda, our tail gunners on the Alaska Caravan, arrived today.  We happily greeted one another.  After they ran to the store to get needed supplies, we sat and visited, talking about the upcoming caravan and plans for conducting it.

2023 Jun 10 (Sat) – We continued work on the books and other items until 11:30 a.m.  Then we drove to the Roadside Diner to meet Marlin & Beth.  They are also taking a caravan for the first time.  Beth peppered us with questions and concerns.  We answered them all and, again, worked to reassure them as we did Karl & Terri.  They are certainly excited about the trip.  As are we.  Several members of the caravan have been checking in as they move toward our starting point in St. Mary.  One couple is already there and others are arriving from now to when we start on June 14. 

      I continued to call campgrounds and venues to confirm arrangements.  It turned out that the White Pass train ride only has 38 reservations, not 39.  When I asked the clerk to add one, she said they are full.  I have to call back the day before or day of the trip to see if there is a cancellation.  If that doesn’t happen, one of the group (probably Paul or I) will have to sit the trip out.  I keep mumbling to myself, “Remember the ‘F’ word.”  (FLEXIBILITY)  I know there will be changes as we go along but I want this trip to be perfect.  It is the trip of a lifetime for so many people.  We hope it will be the best.

      We went food shopping.  Also stopped at a place called North 40.  It was like a combination Camping World, WalMart, and Ace Hardware.  We were like kids in a candy store, exploring all the items stocked on the shelves in the huge store.

2023 Jun 9 (Fri) – We pulled out at 9 a.m. and headed for Great Falls, MT.  We are staying at Malmstrom AFB FamCamp.  We had reservations at the Annex on base but when I called to confirm and get our site number, we were told we wouldn’t fit in that campground.  Instead, they relocated us to the Gateway off base.  It is a very nice campground – sites are paved with concrete, they are full hook-up with 50 amp, and there is a small laundry room. 

      Another couple from our upcoming caravan – Karl & Terri – are also in Gateway.  They came by to say hi but we were out shopping.  We found their note and walked over later to say hello.  This will be the first caravan they have ever been on and they are pretty excited.  We reassured them, reviewed some of what is coming up, and (hopefully) made them feel a little more comfortable about the trip.

      There is also another couple from our caravan staying in the Annex.  We will meet them for lunch tomorrow at the Roadside Diner.

      We ran out to Staples to pick up the printed Travel Guide, binders, and tabs.  The clerk offered us a 20% discount which we jumped on.  It saved us over $200!  When we got back, we spent the day putting the books together.  Came to discover that one page was off and half the book is right and the back half is off in terms of where the chapters start.  Thank goodness I added pages for notes.  Otherwise, the book would be unusable.  As it is, the notes from the previous chapter will be at the front of the next chapter.  Inconvenient but usable.

2023 Jun 8 (Thu) – It rained most of the day today.  It was overcast and blah.  We went for lunch at Steve’s Café.  I had a cheeseburger; Paul had a chicken sandwich.  It was good.  We also stopped to get fuel for tomorrow’s move.

       We spent the day working on Alaska caravan “stuff.”  I made calls, sent emails, and printed copies.  We are close now!  Unfortunately, Canada is experiencing wildfires now.  The smoke is choking the easter seaboard.  I hope the fires don’t impede us as we travel through Canada to Alaska.

2023 Jun 7 (Wed) – We went to breakfast at the Running Bear Pancake House.  It was crowded but we only had to wait about 10 minutes.  The waitress was a hoot and we wound up leaving her a hefty tip.  It pays to make the customers feel good.

      We returned to the campground, packed up, and left at 9:35 a.m.  Paul has solved the bedroom slide issue (we think), but only brings it out about a foot – just to be on the safe side.  It’s open just enough to squeeze past the bottom of the bed to get to the closet.  The drive was very nice through awesome countryside with meadows, ranches, miles of open, grassy plains, and mountains.  The weather stayed nice for us.  At noon, we stopped at the home of the owner of Precision Guns in Whitehall.  He has a shop in town but also runs business out of his home shop.  There was no parking so we pulled over as far as we could on the side of the road.  He took my shotgun and ammunition to hold until we get back from Alaska in three months.

      Continuing on our way, we arrived at Fort Harrison in Helena.  Unfortunately, they had us down as arriving tomorrow and had no room for us today.  I got on the camping app and found a spot at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds.  They only have 30-amp hookup.  We had to fill our fresh water tank.  They also don’t have sewer hookup or dump station.  It’s pretty bare bones here.  The sites are a little uneven but spacious. 

       We spent the afternoon finalizing the paperwork and hand-outs for the caravan.  I uploaded the travel guide and sent it to Staples for printing.  We will pick 21 copies of the guide along with binders and divider tabs on Friday or Saturday.

2023 Jun 6 (Tue) – We got up early in order to beat the crowd to the park.  We left at 7:30 am and stopped to get breakfast at a café.  When we got to the entrance of Yellowstone, we waited on a long line to get in the park.  So much for an early start. 

      We drove the southern loop around the park.  What a fantastic place!  We stopped at several places to hike down to see waterfalls and thermal locations.  At lunch time, we parked next to the Yellowstone Lake and enjoyed sandwiches while gazing out at the snow covered Grand Teton Mountains in the distance.  It was a long day but just breathtaking.  The weather held out for the entire day,  sprinkling a little on our way out of the park.

2023 Jun 5 (Mon) – We packed up and left Idaho Falls, ID at 9:35.  It was almost a four-hour drive to West Yellowstone, MT.  We are staying at the Wagon Wheel Campground.  It is an older campground and in need of TLC.  The sites are tight and there are lots of overgrown trees in the camp.  There is a hotel next door with the same name.  They charged us $177 for two nights!  It is about 3 minutes from the entrance into Yellowstone National Park.

      After we squeezed into our assigned campsite, we headed out to tour Yellowstone NP.  We took the upper loop road in the north of the park.  Tomorrow we will take the bottom route, or southern loop.  Our Senior Pass got us in for no cost (the entrance fee is $35).  There were many cars there already.  The park was so awesome.  So many different kinds of things to see.  There was still snow around the higher altitudes on the mountain slopes and some of the higher elevation roadways.  We spotted a grizzly with bear cub, elk, and lots of bison.  Looking forward to coming back tomorrow.

[daleisgreat]

30 Years of Super Nintendo - Flashback Special

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of the North American launch, so it seems the perfect time to post a Flashback Special honoring it! Suppose you have not perused a past Flashback Special of mine (all linked at the bottom of this entry). In that case, they are essentially my history with the platform over the years, with a little bit of history thrown in, and recounting all my favorite games, accessories, memories, and moments with the system.

Odds are for the average gaming enthusiast reading this, and you probably are familiar with the core details of the SNES launch stateside (if not, then I highly recommend CGQ’s video on it for a quick breakdown). The SNES launched in 1991 when I was eight. I did not have a subscription to any gaming magazines yet, so I most likely first found out about the system around that time from classmates at the time at school, the infamous Paul Rudd commercial, and the fourth season of Roseanne that transpired from 1991-92. I vividly remember the Roseanne episode with her son, DJ, pleading with his parents for the brand new SNES for his birthday gift and how his parents dreaded not being able to afford the system. I covered that episode when I did my Roseanne complete series re-watch here in the year leading up to the relaunch of the show several years ago. It brought back memories of how that was the story with my parents also denying me the much sought-after SNES, saying it cost too much and that I already have an NES to tide me over. ”But mommmmm, the SNES is 16-bits!!!!” Yeah….playing that angle got me nowhere. Kiosks & Friends The first couple of years for the SNES, I mostly remember playing at store kiosks. Super Mario World blew me away from the brief time I played it with it being such a leap from the NES installments. I always ate up the precious few minutes I could procure at a store kiosk if no one were playing Super Mario Kart. One last store kiosk memory was eye-gazing over the impressive WWF Royal Rumble. I loved WWF WrestleFest in the arcade, and for a couple of years, it was the only WWF game that offered up WWF’s marquee over-the-top rope elimination match, the Royal Rumble, and it was endlessly fun to play in the arcade. Fast-forward to playing it on console kiosks around its 1993 release, and I could not eat up enough of that game’s Royal Rumble mode either, and at the time, the graphics seemed like a huge step up from the wrestling games on NES. One of my favorite issues of Nintendo Power is the 50th issue that did a several-page spread on WWF Royal Rumble that I must have thoroughly re-read at least a dozen times.

I read this NP spread of WWF Royal Rumble many times, and it was one of my initially most desired SNES games! Around 1993/94, a couple of friends and classmates started to get the Super Nintendo. An early SNES memory that stuck with me all these years is my grade school friend, Jon-Paul, having me over for his birthday where he rented a SNES console and Street Fighter II: Turbo from the video store, and we played it for several hours straight. Another is spending a lot of 1994 at my neighborhood friend’s place, where we played countless sessions of NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat II. Both games were big on codes and secrets and perfect two-player games. I was just regularly getting into video game magazines at this time and ate up issues of Tips & Tricks, Game Players, and Electronic Gaming Monthly to see what kind of hidden character and other much-rumored codes were making the waves each month for both of these games. Mortal Kombat II especially dominated the code-fervor that season with trying to uncover how to face off against secret characters like Jade, Noob Saibot, and Smoke, and trying to memorize all the input sequences for the game’s infamous Fatalities. Fast forward to late 1995/early 1996, and I still did not have a SNES, but a new neighborhood friend, Rich, just got one and the next several months at his place introduced me to so many SNES games. Rich kind of got me somewhat into RPGs at the time, and while it may not sound fun on paper, there were many times I recall just kind of embracing the role of “armchair gamer.” I did this for games like EVO: Search for Eden, and Eye of the Beholder while keeping an eye out during gameplay to offer whatever suggestions seemed viable.

FFVI was eye-opening to me at the time of what video game narratives were capable of, and I devoured the latest secrets for FFVI discovered in the latest issue of my Game Players subscription that was delivered. The RPG I felt like that I contributed something to was the game that was originally released as Final Fantasy III. That game featured two-player support for battles only, so it was refreshing to help Rich with progressing through the game finally. My two favorite characters to use were Sabin and Cyan. That game especially blew me away with its larger-than-life story with two different game worlds, the momentous opera scene with Celes, the dazzling mode-seven graphics when traveling via airship or Chocobo, constantly getting irked at Shadow whenever he deserted the party, and so many other priceless moments. Over the years, I tried restarting the GBA version on a couple of occasions and regrettably have yet to finish it. Finally Owning a SNES….in 1996

Growing up with divorced parents put me in a unique childhood when it came to gaming. I lived with my mom, who provided for us as best as possible for the three siblings I grew up with, so we only had an NES for us for the longest time. However, when visiting my dad on weekends, he would always be big on hitting up as many garage sales and second-hand stores as possible and would acquire whatever he thought seemed like a bargain. Games-wise, this usually meant he lagged behind a generation because everyone was offloading their Atari VCS/2600s at garage sales for cheap when the NES was king, so I could have a great couple of years to become familiar with the pioneering-era of games on Atari. He then got into the NES scene when the SNES hit in 1991. Sure enough, the same month the N64 launched in America in September 1996 was when he bought a Super Nintendo for the family used at our local Premiere Video. The game we picked up with it was Street Fighter II: Turbo. My dad instantly remarked upon booting it up the noticeable jump in graphics. We played nothing but Capcom’s second Street Fighter game on SNES for a few weekends. I could only finish that game by button mashing into a victory against the final boss, M. Bison, once….with M. Bison. I still have a lot of love for this era of Street Fighter - whether it be for the roster, every character’s stage and theme music, and receiving Nintendo Power’s strategy guide for the game for Christmas and studying it regularly to improve.

After a few weeks, we realized we needed something else than a fighting game, and after another trip to Premiere Video, we came home with Super Mario All-Stars. It felt like the easy choice to go with 16-bit remakes of all four 8-bit versions of the core Mario Bros. games. Every game felt like a whole different game with all-new graphics and sound, and more importantly, being able to save progress midgame. This was a bigger hit with the entire family, and it provided many days of taking turns in its alternating two-player mode to see who could get the farthest in the four Mario games included.

Make sure to have some tissues by your side as you witness FFIII/VI's infamous "opera" scene. Seriously, this was mind-blowing stuff to 13-year old Dale in 1996. 16-bit Sportsball Fun

After playing a lot of those first two SNES games, I went into this stretch for the next several years, where most of what I played was sports and wrestling games. I attribute this to many multiplayer sessions with Rich, my brother, Joe, and my dad. I know my dad was not all that into sports other than a passing interest in rooting on hometown Minnesota pro-sports teams. Still, I have to give him credit for spending as much time with us and taking the time to learn and become a pretty solid player at teaming up with me in many sports games. It is worth noting that I feel the 16-bit era is probably the last-gen where most of its library of sports games had a relatively simple pick-up-and-play feel that NES games had. That changed a little bit in the final SNES years, where it was usually EA’s games that started to incorporate more realism in their sports games and make use of most of the buttons of the SNES controller. For football, Madden NFL ‘97 was the one I played the most. I played plenty of the Genesis version at Rich's place, so much so that I noticed too many little differences with the SNES version to make it stand out on its own. For 16-bit sports nuts that want to know, the Genesis version had the better playing version, but the SNES had a better overall presentation and more popping audio and visuals. I was part of a small slice of sports gamers big into NES Play Action Football, and the 16-bit version played almost exactly like the NES version, but with a 16-bit upgrade and also has a nifty feature to play games at the high school, college, or NFL level.

NBA Jam and NBA Hangtime dominated my 16-bit sports lineup. The code scene for these games were so intense at the time I had to keep my own binder of notes on them all that I still have today as seen above! As I alluded to earlier, when it came to hoops, I played way too much NBA Jam the first year it was out at my friend’s place. However, the arcade hoops game I played the most on SNES was NBA Hangtime, which was developed by the same people who made Jam. I got that game new for Christmas in 1996 and must have played it regularly with Rich for nearly a year straight. I do not hear that game receive the same level of praise as Jam, but it added a few new fun layers to freshen up the gameplay, like being able to do co-op dunks and earn “Team Fire,” and being able to create players. For more simulation-focused hoops, I played a lot of NBA Live ’96 with my dad, in addition to Nintendo’s NCAA Basketball which appeared like a technical marvel to me that was ahead of its time with the mode-seven camera allowing constant 3D rotation whenever possession of the ball changed and foreshadowed what would become the go-to camera perspective for the next-gen of basketball games. Finally, I will cherish my time with Bill Laimbeer’s Combat Basketball for it being the only hoops game I ever had to consult a guide to figure out how to shoot the damn ball….and for its surprisingly rocking soundtrack. Find out all about it when I broke that game down with the Your Parents Basement crew on their penultimate podcast.

Nintendo incorporated the same camera style into its hockey game, NHL Stanley Cup. Its graphics also impressed me, but it was rather challenging to score a goal, and I did not have as much fun with it. I played EA’s hockey games more on Genesis than SNES, but EA’s baseball game, MLBPA Baseball, was the hardball game I spent the most time with on Super Nintendo. Many years later, I picked up Nintendo’s Ken Griffey Jr. Presents: Major League Baseball, and had some fun with it, but already played the Game Boy version of it to death by the time I picked up the SNES version, and thus did not invest as much time with it as I did with EA’s game. Wanna Wrassle!?

I must have read through this review of WWF RAW countless times in my youth, and seeing how this essentially is a bigger and better version of Royal Rumble only increased my desire to one day own a SNES! The North American wrestling library was a significant step up from the bottom of the stairwell where most of the NES games hung out….but on the SNES, it only made it roughly halfway up the stairs. The aforementioned WWF Royal Rumble provided many hours of fun for its day, but it has not stood the test of time with the button-mashing grapple meter it featured that will obliterate thumbs on the normal difficulty level! Its sequel, WWF RAW, was noteworthy for having more match types available and being one of the first games to have a selectable female wrestler in Luna Vachon, but it too used that same ill-fated grapple meter that has not aged well. WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game is a fun little hybrid of Mortal Kombat and wrestling, but the SNES version is notorious for lacking two wrestlers compared to all other home versions.

For non-WWF games, WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling is rather unremarkable….except for its exceptional wrestler select screen.There were a few interesting unlicensed wrestling games in America. Natsume Championship Wrestling featured a solid wrestling engine but removed/altered the AJPW wrestlers from the Japanese version of the game. Hammerlock had a promising concept of having part of the screen dedicated to nonstop Tecmo-esque cinematics. In contrast, the other half of the screen featured 2D gameplay, but the cameras constantly flipped on screen, to which half was dedicated to cinematics or gameplay. It resulted in it being a jarring mess. Saturday Night Slam Masters is no such mess, however, and is a better hybrid of fighting game meets wrestling game, with this one done by Capcom. It features larger-than-life character sprites, full-on ring entrances with laser lights, and is a fun-playing combination of wrestling and Street Fighter. To top it off, Slam Masters has Final Fight’s Mike Haggar on the roster to boot!

Joey Pink does a fine job detailing why Capcom's "Street Fighter" in a wrestling ring should not be missed! Ensuring RPGs are here to Stay Aside from watching Rich play some of the RPGs I listed above, and of course, playing Final Fantasy VI with him, I did get a chance to play a few other RPGs on the SNES over the years, and it was not until the last few years that I finally finished a couple of them. In the late 1990s I first started two RPGs that stood out to me at the time because they broke out of the medieval fantasy mold most other RPGs at the time took place in. Shadowrun on the SNES was drastically different from the Genesis version I first encountered at Rich’s. This one still had the same futuristic cyberpunk world setting and terminology, but there were many more dialog options with NPCs that were pivotal in asking the right questions to progress the story. Additionally, the hacking games played out differently and had more of a puzzle theme to them than the action-oriented ones in the Genesis version, and the combat had kind a PC interface where a cursor had to be dragged across the screen on which target to aim at. I still wound up being totally into it and became stuck in the back half of the game before my save data became corrupted. I thought that would end my days with Shadowrun…

SNES Shadowrun remains one of my all-time favorite RPGs as of this writing! The final gauntlet tower was an ordeal and a half to work through, only to face off against a dragon as the final boss! …until nearly two decades later in 2016. I mentioned on past flashback specials how I occasionally guest host on the Your Parents Basement podcast, where they cover a random retro game per episode. In 2016 they asked me if there were any games I had in mind to cover, and Shadowrun felt like worth revisiting and possibly knocking off the “must beat this game” bucket list. I progressed until about a little over halfway through by the time we all met to record and broke down the game, but by that point, I just started to make further progress than my last effort and was determined to see this one through! I was playing on actual SNES hardware and was surprised that the battery still held a save but ran into trouble in the final tower with a gauntlet of enemies on each floor to overcome before the final boss. I looked up a walkthrough and discovered an exploit to grind experience to beef up my character. Eventually, I managed to persevere and finally conquer the final boss, a fire-breathing dragon, to cross finishing Shadowrun off my bucket list! I had a riot podcasting with the YPB crew about it too, so please click or press here to give it a listen if you want to know more about this under-the-radar 16-bit RPG.

Fast forward three years later in 2019, and the awesome YPB hosts of Steve, Huell, and Todd helped me once again restart and finish another SNES RPG that I came close to finishing in the late 1990s before evil corrupt save data reared its ugly head again. This time the game of choice is the uber-expensive Earthbound. Like Shadowrun, that game stood out to me because its setting went against the grain of fantasy settings and instead took place in modern times as grade school kids. The opening levels felt like getting lost in your neighborhood and using childlike items as weapons like Yo-Yos and baseball bats. I do not own that ridiculously expensive game, but by 2019 I did own a SNES Mini (more on that in a bit) that I made sure to abuse the save state and the rewind functions it provided to overcome some troubling bosses in the back half of the game. That final act of the game certainly goes places with its sci-fi twists and feels like an entirely different game, but I still loved it all the same! It felt exhilarating to finally knock this one off my “to do” list as well, and I had just as much fun dissecting it to pieces with the YPB crew that you can check out by click or pressing here. Unfortunately, this is where my extensive hands-on time with SNES RPGs comes to an end. I played a lot of FFIII/VI, and finished Earthbound, and Shadowrun. Sure, I dabbled in several other games but did not put more than an hour or two into them. One of those games is the much-heralded, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and I have no excuse for never sticking with it because I loved the NES original. It was the GBA re-release I played, and I think I was spreading myself thin while playing and reviewing too many games simultaneously. Lufia and Breath of Fire II were another pair of RPGs I put a couple of hours into that both left me with promising first impressions, but there was a whole other reason why I did not go back to those again, and that is because then I was waist-deep at the time in….. Discovering Emulation Right around the time my family acquired its first computer in the fall of 1997 was when I found out about emulation. It seemed way too good to be true to easily download and play games right on the computer, especially when factoring in the SNES was at the tail end of its lifecycle, and there were still new games releasing for it. As an unemployed 9th grader at the time, I sampled countless 8- and 16-bit ROMs with the SNES games I was the most curious about. A few of the RPGs in the previous paragraph being prime examples of the ones I invested the most time into. It proved to be overwhelming with so many choices, but I took a long sabbatical after a year or so of taking in the emulation scene after the family computer crashed and I lost all the save data I had amassed in so many games.

It has been interesting to see how emulation has evolved over the years from programs like SNES9X and Retroarch to being incorporated into machines like the MISTer, RetroPi, and Retron 5. Nintendo has learned to embrace official, legal emulation over the years with purchasable digital classic games on systems such as the Wii, WiiU, and 3DS. Having a stable income as an adult now many years later, I feel guilty for embracing the emulation scene so hard in my teenage years, so much so that whenever Nintendo re-releases one of its classic hits several times over, I choose to purchase it again (well…usually at a sale price) to redeem myself. Keeping SNES Alive Today

Over the years, I find myself diving into retro games versus the latest and greatest coming out. I am a fan of the various SNES hardware updates/clones, both officially from Nintendo and unofficially from other companies, which has kept my SNES and other retro game fandom blood flowing over the decades. I am unsure if it feels right to lump it in here, but the Super Game Boy lead to me getting a lot of extra life out of my SNES. Playing Game Boy games on the big screen was a big deal to me back then, considering it was always a pain to make out what was happening on the non-backlit handheld. For some reason, those special border screens that would eventually have funny animations after being left idle for so long made an impression on me. Game Boy games with the “Super Game Boy Enhanced” logo on the front of the box usually have their own exclusive border and special color palette. I loved the Mole Mania and Donkey Kong Land borders the most! I thought it was rad that around 15-20 special enhanced Super Game Boy titles featured multiplayer support with two SNES controllers. They consisted almost entirely of Bomberman and fighting games, but it was still a cool feature nonetheless. The handheld Hyperkin SupaBoy is the unauthorized SNES take on the Sega Nomad by having a portable SNES. It is a bit on the bulky side, but it has a rechargeable battery, and its support has been flawless with my entire SNES library. Another Hyperkin product I got a lot of use out of is the Retron 5. I know that particular clone system is controversial with retro game enthusiasts based on the unauthorized emulators it implements. However, the user interface and emulation support made it possible for me to make record progress in many SNES games by taking advantage of save states and its optional Game Genie-esque cheats library. The SNES Classic Edition is an excellent official piece of hardware from Nintendo that has the pint-sized SNES pre-installed with 21 SNES games, one of which is previously unreleased Star Fox 2. It has an adorably intuitive interface and supports game rewinding and save states, which made it the way I was finally able to finish Earthbound. It was also surprisingly not-so-difficult to plug into a PC and import a bunch of SNES ROMs into. Other companies like 8bitdo made that system extra convenient by making their recommended wireless controllers compatible with it!

If you did not grow up with the SNES, then both of these options are great entry points for those looking to move on beyond emulators. The Analogue Super NT may have been pushing it too much price-wise. When it comes down to the nuts and bolts of emulation tech, I am not a wizard by any means, except that by all sources, it sounds like the Super NT offers the best hardware emulation with its FPGA technology. It makes SNES games appear as pristine as possible on an HD/4KTV without any or as minimal of the fuzziness that happens whenever I try plugging in the composite/RCA cables from a base SNES system into a 4K/HDTV. For those unfamiliar with the Super NT, this video from the My Life in Gaming crew does a thorough dissection of everything it has to offer. The list of options in there is intimidating to mess around with, but this sounds like the way to go if one wants to keep playing their cartridges……although I have to admit I am pretty satisfied currently with the Retron 5 and SNES Classic Edition.

Odds are some of you are quite a bit younger than me and grew up post-SNES lifecycle. Not interested in going down the pricey road of hunting down old cartridges and hardware, and do not want to dabble on the dark side of illegal emulation? Then a terrific alternative is if you have a Switch with Nintendo’s $20/year online service membership and taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch Online and Super Nintendo Switch Online digital game portals. It has unlimited access to the slate of games on there, along with save points as long as your membership remains active. The implementation of save states and the user interface has also improved noticeably over the emulation used for NES & SNES Classic Editions. More importantly, it adds the feature to play online with a friend. Last year I played online SNES games with my nephew, who was wrapping up 6th grade at the time, and this was his first time playing SNES games. He loves Mario Kart 8 on Switch, and so when the first game we played was the original Super Mario Kart, I could not help but crack up when he instantly remarked, “Dale, this looks old!” He eventually came around, and then we had some fun playing co-op , Joe & Mac . A couple of years ago, on my Genesis Flashback Special, I made sure to reminisce of my fond memories of the summer I spent playing nonstop Sega Channel. These NES/SNES Switch portals are essentially the Sega Channel, but far better because it does not cost $15 a month (in 1994 dollars which equals $27.63 today per Google), offers multiple save states, and ability to play online for only $20 a year!!! Kids, get your parents to hook you up now!!! Miscellaneous Quick Hits

SNES games were the most common denominator on six of the 13 episodes I guest hosted on the retro game podcast, Your Parents Basement. Check out their full archives by click or pressing here. -Turns out I did quite a few guest hosting spots on Your Parents Basement Podcast for SNES games. For those that are podcasting fiends and dug the three episodes I linked to already, then I will link you to three more SNES themed episodes I appeared on where I breathed in the Mode 7 skies of Pilotwings, embraced Capcom’s action-platformer prowess in X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, and made sure not to miss any Gatorade and Wheaties health pick-ups in Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City.

-The SNES controller is my favorite pre-disc console era controller. It kept the similar button layout of the NES controller but rounded off the edges into its iconic “dog bone” feel so the controller no longer cramped in your hands! Throw in the two extra face buttons and two additional shoulder buttons, and it opened up all kinds of deeper gameplay possibilities! It made it perfect for most fighting games that used almost all the face and shoulder buttons. I found the shoulder buttons were also smartly implemented in NBA Jam/Hangtime for being assigned to use for turbo speed functionality. As far as other SNES controllers/peripherals go, since I loved the NES Zapper, I always wanted to try the Super Scope, but as a kiddo, its bazooka-sized proportions were kind of intimidating. It still kind of bums me out all these years I never got to experience it with epics like Yoshi’s Safari, T2: The Arcade Game, and Tin Star. I never had an opportunity to use the SNES mouse either, which I kind of regret all these years later after seeing all the marvelous creations from experts at Mario Paint, and it was cool to see some PC ports like Civilization, Doom, and Wolfenstein 3D take advantage of SNES Mouse compatibility.

-The 16-bit era was when fighting games exploded, and as you can tell above, I spent a lot of time with Street Fighter II: Turbo, and the first two Mortal Kombat games. Other than that, though, the only other fighting game on SNES I put significant time into was TMNT Tournament Fighters. It was released at the tail end of the TMNT-mania when the cartoon peaked at its popularity. The game itself was a surprisingly competent licensed fighting game from Konami, and tried its best to feel like a solid Street Fighter-clone. Speaking of them pesky turtles… -…TMNT IV: Turtles in Time was the only beat-em-up brawler I put considerable time into on the SNES. I have vague memories of trying others out once or twice like The Peace Keepers, and Super Double Dragon, but Turtles in Time was the one I frequently revisited over the years. It is a superb rendition of the arcade game, with SNES-exclusive levels like the Technodrome that had a fantastic first-person boss fight against Shredder, where lowly Foot Soldiers had to be chucked right at him to defeat Shredder. The soundtrack is one of my favorite SNES scores, so much so that I went all-in to get the for it! I have so many great memories of this game, with the highlight being my friend Matt and I revisiting this for complete runs of it once every year or two for about a dozen years.

Turtles in Time and FFIII/VI are my favorite SNES soundtracks, but Turtles in Time I own on vinyl so I will embed it here in all its glory for you to enjoy as well!

-The SNES library had a quality slate of racing games. Super Mario Kart quickly rose to the top of the ranks and was always fun to bust through a GP with a friend. Street Racer was one of the first kart-clones to hit in 1994, and for some reason, that one always stuck with me. As did it being one of the few games to have four-player split-screen support with all four screens being horizontal! Rock ‘n Roll Racing is another killer arcade racer on SNES; think of a more beefed up RC Pro-AM, but with a good dose of heavy metal mixed in. This past year saw it re-released as part of the Blizzard Arcade Collection for everyone to experience it! I remember trying out F-Zero at a store kiosk around SNES launch, but was too young at eight years old at the time to fully grasp its style of futuristic racing (or that the name was a riff on F1 racing until a couple of years ago). I was more into a game similar to its style that was the trilogy of Top Gear titles. Uniracers was a quirky racer I enjoyed with its unique aesthetic and one-wheeled racers taking advantage of their nature in races filled with jumps and loop-de-loops….too bad about Pixar holding a grudge against Nintendo and legally forcing them to yank it off shelves. Nintendo’s other racer, Stunt Race FX, was ahead of its time with the polygonal FX-based graphics running pretty chunky on the SNES. Still, it is a commendable piece of 16-bit tech they were just barely able to keep running at a passable-enough framerate. Another FX-chip game that did not originally gel with me was…

-…the original Star Fox. Being 10 when it released in 1993, I thought those polygonal graphics looked blocky and horrendous and would have none of it! Many years later, I would revisit it and rightfully come around on it! -Another Nintendo-published game that received a lot of hype was Donkey Kong Country with its cutting-edge 3D models. They were plastered all over gaming mags at the time. I briefly recall trying out the first and second of the three Donkey Kong Country games on SNES. However, I did not put more time into them because I beat Donkey Kong Land on Game Boy before our family got a SNES, which was just a watered-down port with some remixed levels for the handheld. I enjoyed my time with it, but its disappointingly blunt “congratulations” ending left a bad impression on me, and I never felt like giving the other entries a serious go all these years.

-Some may be wondering why there has yet not been anything dedicated to the pair of Super Mario World titles and Super Mario RPG? Super Mario World was probably one of the first SNES games I tried when I visited my older brother at his first apartment in the early 90s. I think the heavy-duty graphics and trying to comprehend attacking with Yoshi proved to be too much for eight or nine-year-old me at the time. I played it a few other times in my 20s, hanging out with coworkers on retro game nights, and had fun with it, but I think since I was exposed to the NES trilogy more and played the hell out of All-Stars, that those were the versions I preferred more. I appreciated how Nintendo stepped up to Sega’s edgier marketing at the time with Nintendo’s “Play it Loud” marketing campaign. Unfortunately, I think their ad for Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island was a bit too extreme for 12-year old Dale at the time. That ad (click here for it if you are feeling daring)was forever planted in my subconscious and always crossed my mind and indirectly caused me to avoid Yoshi’s Island for all these years. I did pick up Super Mario RPG and it is on my “bucket list” of games to play as well. I am holding off on it all these years because I was hanging out with Matt one day, and he explained how he was having a tough time with the final boss, Smithy. Well, he wanted to give me a quick demo to show how unforgiving of a challenge the boss was….but for some reason his clutch gaming skills kicked in right then, and he beat Smithy and was exposed to the ending right then and there!

-As far as other tough SNES games go, the two most challenging for me are easily Contra III: The Alien Wars and Zombie Ate My Neighbors. Contra III is like the first two games on steroids. I love the boss battles and intense walk-n-shoot chaos, but do not love constantly dying in one shot! Zombies Ate My Neighbors is another fun action-platformer that is also equally tough to make it farther than a few levels in unless you seriously dedicate yourself to it. Hey, both of these games also saw re-releases this past year on current consoles with the Contra Anniversary Collection and Zombies Ate My Neighbors & Ghoul Patrol set for those wanting to experience 16-bit nail-biting difficulty (but with save state support!).

I hope this excellent video review from the quintessential retro video game source, Jeremy Parish, suffices for my lack of any meaningful Super Mario World memories here. -In 1997, I was hyped for a late SNES release, the original Harvest Moon. The farm/life/dating-sim series is still around today from publisher Natsume (as well as the original developers parting ways with Natsume and delivering their own competing Story of Seasons series). During the SNES era, I spent several summers out on a farm. I appreciated rural life's solitude and free spirit lifestyle, and that first Harvest Moon game perfectly encapsulated that. Trying to determine the best way to spend the day tending to the fields, livestock and managing a social/family life was surprisingly fun and engaging! Harvest Moon remain one of two games that I submitted a blurry Polaroid photo to Nintendo Power’s “Arena” high score section. I cannot recall if my score got posted or not.

-The original Sim City port on SNES received a lot of love around the SNES launch window, with Nintendo giving it a unique makeover with bonus Nintendo characters in it and an exclusive tutor in the form of Dr. Wright to ease everyone into the simulation gameplay. I never played too much of that version, but one night at Rich’s, the game we decided to rent that night was Sim City 2000. That one was released way late into the SNES lifecycle and lacked any Nintendo extras the first SNES game had. Still, we stayed up all night playing it and looking at our daily news recap and mayor approval ratings and trying to figure out where to stop underwater pipe blockages! It ran slowwww on the SNES, but we tolerated it fine enough at the time because I had yet to play the PC version. Eventually, I would check out the PC version and came away surprised with so much I had to put up within the SNES game. -For those wanting to dare the Super Famicom scene, there are a plethora of great games that never made their way stateside, and better yet, a hearty chunk of them have received English fan translations. I am partial to the FirePro wrestling games that never made it here that are vastly superior to all the American wrestling games I broke down above, BS Out of Bounds Golf is an addicting take on miniature golf, the original Star Ocean, and the Back to the Future platformer that was not a five-star classic by any means, but blew away the poor NES and Genesis games that did release here. If you are not that familiar with the Super Famicom library, this top 50 list from RVG Fanatic is a great place to start your research and very much helped clueing me into a bunch of Super Famicom games I had little-to-no knowledge of. Conclusion

If you are around my age reading this, you may be wondering why I have not gone on about the fabled “16-bit Wars” by now. Rest assured, I experienced it in the lunchroom and at recess and in gaming magazines at the time. I devoured all the side-by-side screenshots in gaming mags of dual-platform releases to see if I could spot which version was better. I want to say back then, I sided with the SNES because I grew up with the NES, but that does not seem like a fair choice since I did not own a SNES until 1996. Reflecting on it, although I experienced a fair amount of RPGs and other games on SNES with Rich, I primarily played endless hours of Genesis games with him back at the time. So whenever I hung out with Rich, I considered myself a Genesis fan, and when I finally got a SNES and grew my SNES library, I considered myself a SNES fan and avoided a lot of the “console wars” trash talk. For younger readers here who want to learn more about the fervor of the 16-bit wars, the book, Console Wars, and its corresponding documentary (which is currently only available on Paramount+/CBS All Access sadly) are my recommended ways to absorb all that hoopla. I will cherish all of the past 30 years of SNES memories and hope you have enjoyed reminiscing with me for the last several thousand words. If you want to hear more of my SNES memories in podcast form, I have a few SNES-centric episodes of my old podcast I recently un-vaulted and have embedded below for your pleasure. They have some of the friends I repeatedly mentioned above as co-hosts that share their SNES experiences and memories, so please load up a random SNES “podcast game” and boot one of these podcasts up for fitting background noise….

10 years ago I did a 20th anniversary SNES special with Matt!

Here is the history of RPG series episode dedicated to the 16-bit era.

Finally, here is Matt and I hosting the 16-bit installment of our history of comic book games series. Bonus Overtime

It would not be a Flashback Special without one random oddball bonus story to wrap it up with. The only Kirby game I ever finished receives that honor. One day, my brother and his friend Jake were over at my place. We were discussing SNES games at some point, and Jake mentioned how Kirby Super Star is his all-time favorite. I said how I never played it and did not think anything of it at the time, but the next time I met up with him and my brother, Jake had the copy of that game with him and insisted on borrowing it to me and said not to give it back until I finished it. I felt this sudden obligation to play through it as a priority, so I did not feel like I was keeping his game hostage. Luckily, Kirby Super Star is a damn fun game, which the front of the box labels as “8 Games in One!” Most of the games are abbreviated-length adventures of only a handful of missions in their unique theme of levels, and a few of the games are mini-games like a race against King DeDeDe. Regardless, almost every game provided that trademark Kirby lighthearted fun and was hard to put down! Kirby’s Dream Course is also a lot of fun on SNES, and is an interesting take of Kirby meets miniature golf! With that anecdote, I will wrap up yet another Flashback Special. Thank you for sticking with me this far, and If you dug reading about my trials and tribulations with Nintendo’s 16-bit machine, please take a look at the other Flashbacks I have linked below!

My Other Gaming Flashbacks Dreamcast 20th Anniversary GameBoy 30th Anniversary Genesis 30th Anniversary NES 35th Anniversary PSone 25th Anniversary PS2 20th Anniversary PSP 15th Anniversary and Neo-Geo 30th Anniversary Saturn and Virtual Boy 25th Anniversaries TurboGrafX-16 30th and 32-X 25th Anniversaries Xbox 360 15th Anniversary

[chaoticevilbean]

So, there’s this whole Youtuber Atla Au, and I have Stuff stuck in my Head. This is Sokka-centric bc thassa me.

Here Goes:

- Sokka has a mixed channel. He does educational videos, how-to videos, political videos, stories about him and his weird friends, dancing and singing videos, makeup videos, parkour videos, etc. He’s a very well known account.

- He uses fake names/obscure nicknames/code names for anyone he mentions. Anyone featured in his videos either wears a mask/facepaint or allows him to say their real name. He uses only they/them pronouns unless the person is with him and has given him other pronouns to call them by.

- He has never mentioned his name, refuses to be called Boomerang despite someone suggesting it because “that’s a disrespect to boomerangs, please don’t”, and he responds to commenters asking for his name with “;)”, “:)”, and “...”

- People only know he’s a male because he put that in his first video

- Sokka always wears facepaint in his videos, and absolutely no one recognizes him. He is unidentifiable. His continuous need to wear contact lenses and wigs of varying styles and colors also messes with people. No one can figure out what Nation he’s from (there are all four in this AU).

- Sokka has seven different facepaint styles he’ll wear.

- - Earth Kingdom is just Kyoshi Warrior facepaint. Someone attempted to drag him for disrespecting a elite warrior and all-female team. The Official Kyoshi Warrior account responded with this and only this: “Back off, he’s ours.”

- - Southern Water Tribe is based off their traditional warrior paint and La. Northern Water Tribe is based off of Tui and wolves.

- - Air Nomads is brown and blue arrows and flying lemur markings around his eyes.

- - Fire Nation is based off of Agni and the Painted Lady. It’s simple with red and yellow markings, and the accents will either be black (if he’s talking about something funny), blue (if he’s talking about something weird), or white (if he’s talking about something cool). People had to figure out those meanings themselves.

- - The Spirit World is based off of Hei Bai and Wan Shi Tong, a black, white, and grey style.

- - The blended one is cut into six sections. Fire and Air are the top two, taking up his forehead and creeping into his hairline. Water and Earth are on the bottom, bleeding down his neck. The Spirit World and nonbending sections are on his eyes. For those, he does fox markings on both sides, and the Spirit side is colorful like many of the minor Spirits are (bugs and birds and others). The nonbending side has normal fox colors, and the edges of all sections are blended together.

- - Each mask has a different meaning, which wasn’t figured out until later. If something is about a story, then it will be Fire Nation or Water Tribe. If the story includes strangers, then it will be Fire Nation, but if it’s mostly his pre-established friends, then he’ll have Water Tribe. Any sort of performance is Earth Kingdom, unless he’s doing it with someone else, which is when he wears his blended one. If the video is instructing in any way, it’s Air Nomad. If it’s a political video, he will always have his Spirit facepaint on.

- Most people assume he’s Air Nation because he seems nomadic. He’s constantly talking about new friends, his backgrounds change every video and he speaks all the languages one could possibly learn.

- As a Note, there are all four Nations. They all have different languages. There are formal and informal of each language (or common and high-speak). There is also the General Common, which is the language basically everyone knows so they can communicate with other nationalities. Air Nomads have many different slangs depending on where the nomads are from, but only one central language. They don’t have formal or informal.

- Sokka’s most viral video is called Secret Tunnel. He met some nomads and they taught him to use their instruments at an amateur level. He then asked if they wanted to record a video with him. They said yes, so he recorded them singing and dancing to the song, and he joined in on guitar (or whatever the stringed instrument is called in that episode). The video ‘solidified’ that Sokka was from the Air Nomads.

- Things people know about the channel and the Friends (called ‘Boomeraang’, though no one seems able to figure out why - most pass it off as a typo, but true fans know Sokka pays too much attention to his work and his boomerang)

- - Lady is either related to Sokka or as close as a sibling. They’re a master waterbender and extreme activist. They’re constantly starting rebellions and protests and getting into trouble through that. They have once impersonated a Spirit in order to get rid of a corrupt company that was polluting a river and then got the nearby fishing town to work together to clean said river. Lady got their education in waterbending after beating “an old coot in battle, didn’t have much to learn but Lady needed ‘finesse’ or something.”

- - Kuzon is Lady’s SO. They were friends first, SO’s second, and Sokka had to endure the pining. Kuzon acts older than they look, and uses extremely outdated slang. A video with Kuzon in the background as Sokka told a story confirmed the fact when Sokka asked “What did you say to Bluey?” “Flameo, Hotman!” It is assumed that Kuzon is a bender, but no one knows which type. Kuzon once threw a raging party because his school was really strict. The entire student body was invited and the cops were called, but no one got in trouble because they weren’t breaking any laws.

- - Bluey is either a nonbender or a firebender. Sokka’s stories are unclear on that, but one thing is clear: Bluey is a vigilante. And works in a tea shop. And holds some sort of position of power somewhere. It varies from “Bluey stopped a drug ring this month” to “Bluey’s uncle told them they can’t work the night shift because they haven’t slept” to “Bluey just passed a rule saying no drinks during meetings. They’re just mad that I kept slurping my cactus juice.”

- - Bandit is an actual criminal, but also holds some position of power. They are blind, maybe, and an earthbender. Apparently the greatest earthbender in the world, but that could also be Rocky. Bandit scams scammers, usually ones on the street that can’t call the police because they’re also criminals. They’ve made a lot of money that way, and Bandit uses the funds for a combination of food and taking Sokka shopping since he helps them. Bandit also fought in an underground earthbending tournament and won the title every time. Sokka says that the reason behind Bandit even going there was that their family was awful and somehow thought they were fragile, so they learned how to ditch their escort and vent their frustration via illegal fighting ring.

- - Rocky is a king. And insane. And friends with Kuzon and some old people. Nothing else is known, besides they’re a bender.

- - Bison. Is maybe an actual bison. Is Kuzon’s best friend and they’re constantly kissing everyone and messing around with Lemur. Lemur is flighty and loyal and like lychee nuts. Not much else is told, but they’re in many stories and the wording is weird enough that no one can tell if they’re animals or humans.

- - Wheaty was a real jerk when they all first met, and the group all left on bad terms. However, when they met back up, Wheaty was much nicer and was trying to be better than they originally were. They had to go to therapy to help with anger issues and were recovering well when the group reunited. Gurl (Sokka makes sure to spell it out for the viewers) is one of Wheaty’s best friends, having been there for the other through everything. Yuyan was in a similar boat, and was usually the ‘voice’ (Sokka would laugh at that, before continuing as if he hadn’t) of reason. The trio were all very nice and helpful, and had some other friends that Sokka met and hit it off with. Mini-Me was someone who was smol and idolized Sokka. Big Man always traveled with Mini-Me, but never once stopped them from following Sokka around.

- - Warrior is a nonbender and is the one who taught Sokka to fight with fans. They also educated him on toxic masculinity, getting rid of the sexism ingrained in him (*note, in this AU, Sokka wasn’t as sexist, due to being exposed to a few more people and the internet, and therefore finding more female idols. Suki helped him stopped what was left, because he still struggled and wanted to be better). Warrior is about 30% of Sokka’s impulse control, which is still a large chunk considering how many impulses he has. They have been in a few videos wearing an entire robe and mask get-up, and spoke once (1) when they told Sokka that Knife and Ballerina were head over. It was the middle of a video about how to fight with fans.

- - Princess, Knife, and Ballerina were a trio that could rule the world. Princess probably would’ve turned out awful if they hadn’t left home with their uncle. Knife hated any sort of protocol, but never seemed to show emotion. Both they and Yuyan were people that had to be observed to understand their emotions at any one point. Ballerina was happy, a gymnast, a yoga instructor, and a nonbender. It is assumed that Knife is a nonbender who uses only knives and Princess is a master firebender, but there is speculation.

- - Roller and Pusher were best friends. Roller was in a wheelchair and Pusher always pushed them. Roller was incredibly intelligent and often helped Sokka with inventions, while Pusher was a skilled earthbender who used more finesse than most.

- - The Moon is mentioned once and never again, and everyone wonders why he mentioned them in the first place (when discussing what he’d done while Lady battle for her education “I hung out with The Moon”).

- - Most likely to appear in a video are Roller, Pusher, Bandit, and Gurl, all in masks. Bandit’s they can’t possibly see through, but they walk like everything’s normal.

- - Most likely to be off-screen in a video are Kuzon, Bluey, and Lady.

- - Most likely to be mentioned in a video are Kuzon, Bandit, Bluey, Lady, and Warrior.

- Things that are known about Sokka:

- - He learned Earth Kingdom formal from Bandit and informal from a combination of Friends and observation. He learned Fire Nation formal from Bluey’s uncle and Bluey occasionally slipping into it and informal from Kuzon and some colonists he met. He learned the dialects of the Southern and Northern Water Tribes from The Moon, Lady, and Lady’s family. He learned Air Nomad from a variety of monks and people like Chong and Lily.

- - His parkour skills come from a combination of his Friends’ illegal activities, chaotic antics, and just a dash of bad luck.

- - He learned fighting from practically everyone he’d met, and observing them or having them teach him. He hadn’t actually wanted to learn to fight with fans or knives, but Warrior and Knife had taken one look at him and told him he had to or else. In fact, the only weapons he wanted to learn to use were a sword, a club, and his boomerang. He learned the first from Rainbow Father, the second from Bi Father, and the third was self-taught. Everything else, he posted videos as he learned new skills, and also told the varying stories of how he was coerced into being taught. For example, Ballerina insisted on teaching him chi blocking, a very obscure form of fighting, and would randomly use it on him until he agreed. They always undid what they blocked immediately after, but it was still annoying to randomly lose use of both arms.

- - Sokka’s Boomerang is deadly in his hands. He does not know this. During a livestream, Gurl snuck in after causing a distraction outside of the room he was in and read it off someone’s comment. They informed the viewers to never bring it up because Sokka didn’t know and if he underestimated his Boomerang, than everyone he used it against would, too. And that led to hilarious situations.

- - Sokka is a genius and inventor who has several patents. However, no one can find him through them, mostly because he didn’t want any attention when he put the items out into the open. He invented submarines and airships (people had no use for them before, but found they were incredibly useful when Sokka got everything patented and got a sponsor). He also invented cactus juice, which is as mentally impairing as alcohol with none of the lasting physical effects. Bandit loved that one.

- - Sokka has seemingly been everywhere. He’s mentioned meeting the Spirits Hei Bai, Wan Shi Tong, and the Moon and Ocean Spirits in passing. (*while wearing the Spirit facepaint* “I mean, I get that the Spirit World seems great and all, but I’ve been there. Not that exciting. Met Hei Bai and had to be rescued. Don’t see the appeal. And there isn’t a single bathroom there.”)

- - Can dance pretty average, but knows a lot of different styles because of various Friends. Can also sing and whistle well, and usually hums Secret Tunnel while doing parkour. Most of his music videos include other people, minus a few where he was asked to demonstrate his instrumental skills. He, again, is average and only knows the different instruments because people decided he should learn.

- - He is amazing at makeup. Every person he brings in to do (mostly people who aren’t seen again on the videos) leaves with stunning work done.

- - He can draw and paint, but he didn’t start off good. He started doing instructional videos based off articles and lessons he found. His viewers learned with him, and he’s improved greatly. He’s also prone to adding random rainbows to his landscapes, even in the black and white ones (it starts a trend of usually colorful things done in black and white, or in a way that’s more appealing to colorblind people).

- - Sokka wants to get rid of patriarchal societies and old men with problems. He fully supports his Friends’ protests and rebellions, and is likely to have cohesive arguments backed up with verifiable evidence and trustworthy sources.

- - He loves terrible jokes, and knows they’re terrible, but that’s the point.

- - He’s theorized to be in a position of power because once King Kuei and his bear Bosco walked on-screen from behind (Sokka was at a park and had his Earth Kingdom facepaint, so he definitely wasn’t expecting anyone to come), spotted Sokka and looked absolutely delighted, came straight over and hugged the boy from behind while he was explaining a move with a club. King Kuei said nothing, just hugged him until it was returned, let go, and waved goodbye. Bosco did a similar thing before following his owner. Sokka just continued the video as if nothing had happened, so it seems that he’s used to being around heckin’ royalty.

- Boomeraang gets a lot of hype and Sokka does sell merch and earn money, but only sells what is specifically requested. Someone requests he make t-shirts with his channels logo on it, he starts selling them, and doesn’t stop until there aren’t any more demands. Spoiler, there’s always demands. He tries to tell them he doesn’t want to take their money, but he almost had a riot when he suggested not selling anything anymore because he felt bad.

- The Gaang knows about the channel and talk about it a lot. Sokka had planned to keep it small, anonymous, and just have fun with his catch-all videos. He’s 2/3 at this point.

- Katara has her own activist channel, and considered making a second as the Painted Lady and use Sokka’s rep to eventually boost her, but decided against it. Her channel is called ‘Freedom Water’, based on the fact that water is the element of change. She has a moderate following.

- Toph has her own channel as well, which consists of Sokka holding the camera for her and videotaping her as she performs complex earthbending. She calls her channel ‘roc’. Her following is mostly other earthbenders who aren’t too proud to learn from a preteen, and other kids who think she’s cool. She also has a channel called ‘Bandit’, which is just her in the mask she wears for Boomeraang, telling all about different ways she’s scammed scammers, occasionally also showing videos of those instances. Sokka is her cameraman there as well, and will sometimes go on-screen with his facepaint. That channel has a large following because of Boomeraang. Toph is actually good at not slipping into the wrong nicknames or giving away genders.

- Aang has a channel called ‘The Temple’, which is almost solely different animals he spots. Some people try to say that he isn’t at the Air Temples, but he just laughs and ignores them. It drives people insane and it’s just accepted that the name of the channel is misleading. He has a small to moderate following, mostly animal enthusiasts, and the others are nature enthusiasts.

- Zuko has a channel followed by only theater kids and wannabe theater kids. He literally put ‘Title’ as the name, and uses his videos to rant about different plays and a lot about how the Ember Island Players botch the best of shows.

- Jet has an official channel for his Freedom Fighters, which is now solely used for spreading awareness and raising funds for those who need help (orphans, abused people, and people affected by disasters). The group lost a lot of followers when they changed their tune from angry and vengeful to calm and actually trying to help instead of harm. However, Katara and Zuko both gave shout-outs to the channel, and Toph ‘mentioned’ them as well (*read: threatened her followers if they didn’t check it out*). Their following has grown and now has a very good rep.

- Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee share a channel called ‘Royal Three’ where they show off their skills. They have a large following.

- Teo and Haru help manage everyone’s accounts and Teo is the official Kyoshi Warrior technician by the time everyone is done. Both are paid by their Friends for the work and recommend the duo to literally everyone possible.

- The Kyoshi Warriors are extremely well-known. There was an uproar when Ty Lee was announced as an official Kyoshi Warrior. They post basic fighting tutorials.

[volkswagonblues]

prologue to my zukka biopunk role-reversal AU

note: It’s technically a sequel to Through the Ice Darkly, but you don’t need to read it for this snippet. All that’s required to know is that it’s set in a world where the Northern Water Tribe attacked instead of the Fire Nation. Instead of ATLA’s steampunk world, the NWT and SWT developed biopunk technologies instead. Zuko, growing up in a conquered nation, is still obsessed with the Avatar. Sokka is still the son of Hakoda, chief of the SWT, though because his society isn’t ravaged by war, he has more time for his scientific interests. 

Though of course, in ATLA-verse, science and spirituality are two sides of the same coin...

They were great adapters, Sokka’s people. Clever and resourceful, they were hunters and dreamers and storytellers. Like ice, they knew how to move and reform with the seasons.

They called themselves the Southern Water Tribe, not because some among them had the power to bend water, but because they thought of themselves as water. They understood and respected the great flexibility of the world.

prologue - when Sokka meets Koh the Face Stealer - snippet under cut

The summer that Sokka was ten, Bato brought him to a hunting camp situated at the mouth of a wide bay, about two days’ journey away from Sokka’s normal home in the capital city. Sokka’s grandmother was there, along with a dozen or so families. They were there to hunt the enormous shoveller deer whose herds migrated to find food in the warmer months. Where the deer went, humans followed. And that summer, Sokka was one of them. 

The summer that Sokka was ten, Bato brought him to a hunting camp situated at the mouth of a wide bay, about two days’ journey away from Sokka’s normal home in the capital city. Sokka’s grandmother was there, along with a dozen or so families. They were there to hunt the enormous shoveller deer whose herds migrated to find food in the warmer months. Where the deer went, humans followed. And that summer, Sokka was one of them. 

He didn’t want to leave home, but that was what the adults had decided. It seemed a strange and mysterious decision to Sokka, but at ten, most things seemed strange and mysterious to him. Especially Sokka’s own dad. Sokka would have protested, but in the end he loved his dad too much to say anything that could make him sad. There was enough sadness going around already that summer.So when Bato came to take him away to join Gran-Gran and  the rest of the people in the Old Village, Sokka went quietly, like the good son he wanted to be.

They called it the Old Village, but in truth the Old Village wasn’t old or a village at all. The people of the Old Village didn’t stay in one place but moved around with the seasons. In winter they built houses out of snow and ice. In spring they traveled on long sleds made of wood boards that were lashed together, and when the temperature warmed they got off their sleds and moved into sod houses instead, or pitched skin-tents to follow animals for hunting. 

Once upon a time they would have built or sewed everything by hand or with waterbending. For instance, waterbenders would make the runners for their sleds out of ice, but if there were no waterbenders that generation, people put frozen moss or even frozen fish on the bottom instead, to make sure the sleds skimmed lightly over the terrain nonetheless. This was how it used to be done, but since then even people of the Old Village accepted a few modern conveniences, like sugar and steel Earth Kingdom knives and warm underclothes spun out of air bison wool, which kept out the cold antarctic air like nothing else.

They were great adapters, Sokka’s people. Clever and resourceful, they were hunters and dreamers and storytellers. Like ice, they knew how to move and reform with the seasons. 

They called themselves the Southern Water Tribe, not because some among them had the power to bend water, but because they thought of themselves as water. They understood and respected the great flexibility of the world.

Part of that flexibility meant that, a century or more ago, when some of them started building a great city out of snow and ice closer to the Pole, some of their friends and clansmen adapted. They moved within its great walls and started new lives there, trading and studying and putting their cleverness and resourcefulness to use inventing new contraptions and new ideas – new animals as well. Some of their friends and family did not do this, and they chose to live the way their people had always lived, adapting themselves to only the great machinery of nature. What was good for their ancestors was good enough for them. They shunned a city life for something bigger and wilder and free. 

Neither side lived a better life than the other. They were just different, that’s all. 

Sokka’s grandmother liked her life outside the cities; her son-in-law – Sokka’s dad – was content inside one. He was a very important man, and he was responsible for a lot of people, so he and his wife brought up their children inside the capital, where he was busy trying to carve out a future for all of his people. He was very concerned about their future, and because all things were connected that meant he was also concerned about his past. He often sent his children to visit his mother-in-law. He wanted them to sleep in sod houses and learn to cut deer hides and listen to old stories, so they wouldn’t forget the old ways. Where they came from. 

When Sokka becomes a young man, the past will become an interesting topic for him too.  But the summer that he was ten, he wasn’t thinking about any of this. He was too busy doing two things: the first was avoiding the other boys, and the second was watching the otter-penguins.

There was a colony of them a mile away from the hunting camp. They were all the company Sokka required that summer.

A mile’s walk there and a mile back wasn’t much distance for a ten-year-old boy with a lot of energy, and a few weeks after he and Bato arrived there, Sokka began sneaking away every morning to visit the rocky beach where the rookery gathered. No one accompanied him, and he found that he liked it that away. The otter-penguins were amazingly social creatures with one another, and they accepted their strange featherless visitor with a cool indifference. Sokka had arrived just before their eggs were ready to hatch, and the penguins were more concerned about diving for food than about him. 

So he spent those weeks observing them, sometimes mimicking their waddling walk for his own amusement, sometimes working on projects that he designed for himself. He built a little roofless house right by the rookery, and he built it by piling up driftwood and pebbles he found on the beach. Some days he sat there for hours, just watching the flock. He learned a lot about them very quickly. For instance, the male otter-penguins had excellent balance. Even an injured male could hold a round egg against his stomach, gracefully tumble over small precipices and trip across rocky slopes – and never drop it. And after the eggs hatched, the female otter-penguins took care of the pups in the water and held them close by wrapping them with strands of seaweed. And they each had their own names, just like humans did. The mothers and father made distinct noises to call their own pups back to them when it was time for feeding.

They did all of this, and Sokka watched. He listened. He observed.

At ten, Sokka should be doing chores around the camp: fetching and carrying, sharpening knives and harpoons, scraping the hair off hides, helping to repair and maintain the skin-canoes – that sort of thing. But he was no good at doing any of that. He was ten and going through that unfortunate phase where none of his limbs were the right length, and everything he did that summer he seemed to do wrong. He kept dropping knives and ripping up fishing nets by accident. The worse part was that the other boys didn’t even laugh at him; they gave him looks of pity instead.

Before long, he gave up on the chores and the camp altogether. He avoided the other boys, and after a while they avoided him right back, which suited Sokka fine. He’d found something more interesting to think about anyways. 

That summer he was ten was a time of sunlight, rocks, penguin calls, and the rushing tides. It was the first and last time he ever applied himself to anything with such purity of purpose. He was acquiring knowledge the same way that the otter-penguins dived for fish or hatched their eggs: instinctively, without questioning why.

The little otter-penguins were cute, with their soft fuzzy heads and their wobbling walk. Sokka liked them, and though he winced when some of them were eaten by the leopard seals who prowled the dark, frigid sea, he never interfered. The fish were food to the otter-penguins, just as they were food to the seals, just as the seals might one day be food for Sokka himself. His father called it the miraculous interchange that made the universe work, and Sokka believed him. But still, he felt sad. The poor parents that had worked so hard through the winter were left with nothing to show for it. It seemed unfair..

It was sad, but Sokka could bear it. He did bear it, until one day, when Sokka himself was busy repairing one wall of his driftwood house – the colony started yipping and fussing like nothing he’d ever heard before. 

Sokka ran to see what was the matter, expecting a seal or maybe even a particularly bold black whale. But when he got to the source of the commotion he nearly stumbled from the shock. 

One of the penguins was missing a face.

There were no smears of blood, no telltale signs of shredded feathers. This was no ordinary injury from a preying seal. Somehow, the dark eyes and the nubby beak was gone. There was nothing but a smooth patch of feather, like someone had wiped their sleeve across a patch of snow. It was a female penguin, and she was waddling sightlessly, trying to find its way back to its hungry pups.

Sokka looked around him wildly; the mother had left her two pups a bit farther up, on a great flat rock shelf. The pups whined, but the rest of the otter-penguins were calming down now,  returning to their placid business, diving and feeding and caring for their own young. He looked back at the faceless penguin, still waddling around in circles, unable to sense the hungry cries of her own children.  

What happened? Sokka had never seen anything like this before, but one thing was clear: the mother was ill, and she would not get better. He examined the pups: without a mother to teach them how to swim and feed, they would both die before the season was over. 

The world was very cruel to children without mothers.

“No!” Sokka screamed out loud. “No, no, no!”

All his grief and loneliness surged up at once from a small dark space inside his heart. All the sadness he’d been carrying exploded through him, and it was such an enormous feeling that, had Sokka been a waterbender, the tides next to him would have crested and crashed with powerful roars of foam.

But he wasn’t a bender, and something else that was stranger and wilder happened instead. The world shimmered; the air itself cracked down the middle, and everything that Sokka had been so calmly and so happily observing a moment ago became strange. 

Mist rolled by, even though it was a sunny day. Flying, glowing creatures zoomed around Sokka, and everything became brighter and richer in colour, even through the mist. Sokka stopped screaming, fascinated by the changes in the landscape. He wanted to chase one the flying creatures, but then something scuttled by him and left a chill running down his spine.

It was a massive being, many-legged like an insect, coal-black and plated with hard shells. It looked like a bug but it had the head of a human woman – a disconcertingly pretty one with sad grey eyes. 

“Hello there,” said the bug-thing in a rasp. Its face flickered, changed in rapid succession from the young woman to an old man to some sort of animal Sokka had never seen before.

Sokka stumbled backwards, fell, and cried out again when his palms scraped against the rocks. The thing changed its faces like a dancer putting on masks for a ceremony, except it when a dancer took off their mask at the end of the ceremony, the whale or seabird went away and the dancer became human again. 

Whatever this creature was, it wasn’t human.

It’s been a long time since I came this south, said the creature. But the Avatar has a powerful pull on all of us.

Sokka screamed. He tried to get up and he tried to run, but he couldn’t. One sharp pincer edged towards him. It came closer, closer–

And then a distant mountain peak, one that Sokka had seen a million times before, leaned down. It crossed the hundreds of miles between them like it was a single step, and the mountain bent its great heft over the creature, all its crag and weight bearing down with unbearable pressure, and then the mountain too spoke:

Not yet, Koh. We still need him. 

The creature hissed, about to object, but then the ocean, all salt and tumbling motion, also rose up and added its presence to the mountain’s. 

Leave him, said the ocean, and this command was echoed by the unseen moon and the distant aurora and the ancient rock under their feet.

“First it was the moon girl, now it’s this boy,” Koh said. “Mark my words: we’re intervening too much in human affairs, and you all know it.”

Koh gave one last look at Sokka, and then disappeared, scuttling back into the mists. Sokka was too terrified to speak, too terrified to move. All the spirits were focusing their attention on him now. He knew this instinctively,  the same way that he knew up from down, light from dark, the smell of burning deer fat from seal. 

The mountain shifted; the enormous and distant rock became a heavy weight hovering over Sokka's chest. It prodded him there, like a finger.

Hello, Sokka, said the mountain, and the greeting was echoed a hundred times. A million.

Hello Sokka. Hello. Hello. Hello.

Sokka didn’t remember running the distance back to the camp, but he must have, because the next lucid thing he remembered was throwing his arms around Bato, not caring that he was leaving blood and dirt over Bato’s clothes. 

“What’s wrong?” asked Bato, his brows creased with concern. “Sokka, what happened?”

Sokka shook his head. He was born and raised a city kid; he would always be one at heart. He could not describe how terrifying it was to discover that, the whole time he was looking at the world, the world was looking back. 

“Bato, please,” he sobbed. “Please. I want my mother. Where is she? Where’s Mom?” 

Bato patted his head and held him close. “Oh, Sokka,” he said – and nothing else.

Sokka’s grandmother was nearby too, running over from some task with her grisly knife still in hand. She clucked her tongue; wiped the blade off with a brisk motion. “Tell the boy to stop wailing and get him inside somewhere, I’ll bring him something to eat. Something warm will snap him out of it.”

Sokka raised his head from where it was buried in the material of Bato’s sealskin parka; he shook it. He wanted to stop too, but his body had other ideas. Water was running down his face: a mix of tears and snot, blood from where he had bitten his own tongue. The taste of it all was frightful, all coppery and salty, slick from the mucus building up in the back of his throat, which was too wet and too dry all at once. 

“Dad?” It was someone else who came to see what was going on: Ayaliq, Bato’s own daughter. She trotted over and cuddled Sokka from his side, wrapping her little arms around him and Bato at the same time. “Don’t be upset,” she said. “It’s okay, Sokka.”

One of Bato’s hands cupped the back of Sokka’s head, a warm protective weight. “Leave him be,” he said to Sokka’s grandmother. “This is the first time he’s cried since the day itself. It’s only been three months.”

“You think I don’t remember how long ago my only child died?” 

Sokka let out another howl. His vision was swimming; the force of his gasps made him light-headed. Gran-Gran gave him a sharp tap on the back of his head. The sudden jolt of pain stunned him, but it also grounded him back in reality. 

“You shouldn’t have brought him here alone,” Gran-Gran said in the silence. “He needs his sister and his father with him.”

“What could I do, Kanna? The Northern Water Tribe is here making threats again; Hakoda wouldn’t leave the capital. Katara wouldn’t leave her father, not even for her brother. And I had to take him here, Kanna – at least out here Sokka’s taking an interest in something. You didn’t see him in those first few days. We could barely get him to get out of bed. He grieves hard for someone so young.”

Gran-Gran sighed. “I grieve for my daughter too,” she said. “Every day. Every minute. But death is a part of life. My grandson will learn this in time.”

Sokka wanted to say that he had already learned plenty, but instead he spat weakly on the ground and watched the string of drool stretch, then snap in mid-air. It was disgusting. He felt disgusting. He had also wet his pants, he realized, and he was so embarrassed to be like a little kid again in front of Ayaliq, that he shoved his face back into Bato’s parka. Ayaliq was a year younger than him, but she had probably never wetted her pants.

“Be kind to your cousin, Ayaliq,” Bato was saying. “And give him some time, Kanna. Let him cry for now. Just let him cry. He needs it.”

--------

Later, as a young man, when Sokka’s sister would breathlessly tell him about meeting the Avatar, the bridge between their world and the Spirit World, Sokka would scowl. He would turn away with his heart pounding.

“I prefer things that exist in the real world,” he would say, and it would come out much harsher than he’d meant it to. Katara would take it as a sign that he was judging her somehow, that he thought she was a silly girl for believing in the extraordinary. She would react badly to Sokka’s disapproval of the Avatar.

And Sokka did disapprove, though not for those reasons. He disapproved because he was afraid.

He wasn’t good at explaining it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the world of spirits was not necessarily friendly towards the human one. That his brief glimpse – hallucination? – of the Spirit World told him that it was brisk and insensate, that it was filled with impossible angles and geometric paradoxes. That its inhabitants were ancient and careless beings whose intelligence was beyond human, and obeyed rules set not by morality but by order and chaos. Those beings were sometimes benign, sometimes malicious, always incomprehensible. Sokka wasn’t sure he wanted to meet a person who bridged that world to theirs. 

He wasn’t like Katara, always with her eye fixed on some higher purpose. The everyday world with its speechless mountains and rolling seas, its everyday interchange of energies and motion: this was enough for him. Sokka didn’t need to meet Tui and La to appreciate the wonder of the tides and the moon. What spirits that existed in this world already were vast and incomprehensible enough. 

Sokka would prefer to keep the two worlds un-bridged.

He couldn’t explain this to Katara, and they would grow even further apart because of this. Piercing through to the Spirit World would be easier than crossing the chasm between them. It was as if Kya’s death had split some fundamental building block of the world as Sokka had known it: On one side, Sokka went with Bato; on the other, Katara stayed with their father. 

On one side, the radiance of discovery. On the other, the terror of what he might find. And then, much later, the horror of what Sokka’s discoveries would be used for.

By the Avatar.

[dragon-pups]

Bad Batch as Dragons (WIP)

They’re lacking their tattoos and scars, but my drawing tablet is coming in tuesday so they’re going to get a glam-up. So I thought why not just describe a bit of my thought process on each...

Crosshair

Gale Tyrants

I thought of Crosshairs dragon form from a body shape point. He’s a thin, but muscled, man. So it would be the same as a dragon. I actually used some references of skinny but very long cats to get his body shape. Which of course I covered up with his extremely long wings. And by long wings I mean, he’s a thin and very long dragon. If you took his wings and unfolded them they would be about as long as he is. That is unnecessary considering how tiny his frame is. So probably ridiculously fast, plus his incredible eyesight, and he could spot his prey and be on top of it before it knew he was there.

His species spends most of its life in the sky, rarely needing to land for their wings are big and powerful enough to carry them through any weather. They also probably feast on small prey items, so they don’t risk breaking their thin bones in a fight (kinda like a cheetah).

Tech

Marsh Lurkers

For Tech I took some inspiration from @shadow-hyder​ and made him as close to vegetarian as I could (considering dragons are carnivorous). So he, or his species, are pescatarian, that's why he has those short snout whiskers (like a catfish, kinda), they help him find hidden fish in the mud/silt at the bottom of water bodies or in murky waters. Then the extra webbing between the shoulders and wings, between the toes, and on the tail is for extra ‘grip’ in the water.

I see his species as small peaceful dragons that spend a good portion of their lives moving from one body of water to another, and causing mischief with their too big curiosities. 

Hunter

Feral Forester 

For Hunter I just thought how many sharp ornamentation can I put on him that make some sense. Long claws, elongated canines of course, jaw and cheek spikes sure; but raptor-esque claw on the wing might be pushing it. I’m also real proud of that snarl (best one I’ve drawn). Long powerful legs for leaping from tree to tree, or onto prey.

Environmental I see Hunter, or his species, prowling thick forests and absolutely mauling all threats (Bengal tiger-esque)

Wrecker

Mountain Drifter

My thoughts for Wrecker, as I actually drew him first, was to start with your basic dragon. I figured that with how bulky his body would be, comparatively to the ‘regs’, that wings would be more for gliding around; not for lift off. That’s why his wings are about as large as Hunters even though he’s a bigger dragon. I also drew this at o-three-hundred, so I was at that loopy stage of tired so when I thought of what ornamentation to add I giggled “nubby horns”, and proceed to add blunt horns for smashing things all while giggle “nubby”.

The environment I figured he, or his species of dragon, would be in is the mountains (I know, basic). But they, or he, could use their wings to glide from peak to peak, and crush unsuspecting prey from above. Though they are definitely gentle giants (like a mix of a retriever puppy and a bison).

[unholyhelbig]

Scratching at the Door | #HW201

Prompt: Creature Feature/ Cryptids 

Summary: Emily is given a new job at a national state park, where something watches her through the windows, and scratches at the door. 

Read on AO3 here 

Emily could feel her stomach contract as the old Sedona made its way over the packed dirt path. Its giant wheels didn’t’ struggle as much as her pension for keeping her breakfast down. She instinctively grasped at the foam-covered bars that kept tourists seated and tried to will her first meal to stay put.

The yellow paint was chipping away to a rusty red and the logo “Fort Worth Guided Tours” had long ago faded away. They had tried to fix it with a poor attempt at gluing on a plastic design instead, but it was just as bad under the mercy of the sun.

Emily realized she had stopped listening just as they ducked under another canopy of trees. The sun that had been burning her skin raw vanished, if only momentarily, as the ride decided to smooth out.

“Not many people come out here in our offseason,” The woman at the wheel said over the sputtering engine. “Fort Worth is a beauty all year round but it’s more of a summer destination- Gee, you don’t know how glad I am that we found you. The job isn’t too taxing, I promise.”

The girl bit her tongue and laughed nervously. The forest stretched out for miles in front of them; Emily could hear water on all sides of them but hadn’t been able to locate its source yet. The air was beginning to sting against her cheeks and she loosened her death grip on the bars.

She had been staying at a motel right off the highway that smelled strongly of stale cigarettes and off-brand detergent. Someone had tossed a newspaper into the bin by the vending machines and against her better judgment, she pulled it from the old receipts and food wrappers. An ad for a winter caretaker was among the classifieds. Emily jumped on the chance for permanent room and board.

She had fibbed in her initial interview about previous experience; but as Chloe said, it wasn’t a difficult job and both of them took an instant liking to one another. So she considered herself lucky. Emily would fake it until she made it, and by then, the summer season would be in full effect and she could head to whatever small town she threw a dart at on the map next.

Chloe beamed and stepped on the gas a little harder to get over a big dip in the trail. “There are a few people who go fishing on the lake in the early mornings, but most of the time it’s just you and a few other employees. You’ll hardly see them.”

“What exactly am I doing?” Emily asked, holding her breath as Chloe took a sharp corner. She tried not to look at the steep fall to her right. “The ad wasn’t really specific.”

“You just need to keep an eye on the property. The City owns most of this place and they have pretty shallow pockets if you know what I mean. We put almost every other staff member on sabbatical. For the most part, it’s just you and the night shifter.”  

Emily nodded along like she understood and let the rest of the ride go as smoothly as possible until an old cabin came into view. It looked dusty; it’s wood paneling enveloped in the thick forest. There was an old grill and a hammock that had been wrapped inside of itself. The engine cut off entirely, and it made her ears ring.

She could smell the water, and hear the river trickling somewhere west of the structure. Chloe hoisted the one duffel bag out of the backseat and reached with her other hand for the rifle that Emily hadn’t known was there. She had never fired one off before, but that was one of the formalities that she blurred to get this position in the first place.

Her boots crunched on the gravel and she minded her weight on the creaking steps leading to the cabin door more than Chloe did. The door had been painted red at one time, a bloody-pulpy color that had faded away. There were sets of long scratches against the remaining color. Emily moved the pads of her fingers against the gashes and felt a chill run up her arm.

“What made these?” She asked. Chloe glanced up from her task of finding the keys to the cabin. Her crystal eyes reflected green under the trees. She narrowed them and finally grabbed hold of her prize.

“All sorts of animals out on Greer Island. Some of them are more curious than others.” She shoved the rifle into Emily’s hands. It was weighty and smelled old. “That’s why you have this.”

Whatever- free room and board. She could deal with a couple of bears and some daring deer. It was better than the cheap motel room and the scratchy sheets. It was a much better improvement than the backseat of her Toyota. She followed Chloe into the cabin.

A thin layer of dust covered the entire place; there was an old plaid couch and a matching chair that sat adjacent to the grey stone fireplace. A bookshelf devoid of much reading material was pushed against a far wall below a taxidermy bison that looked like it was missing an eye. The place had an open floor plan and lead directly into the kitchen. There were two closed doors that held firmly onto that crimson color.

Chloe set the duffel bag down with a loud thud, Emily felt her fingers clench around the barrel of the gun and her shoulders edge up to her ears. She stifled a profanity and took a few more steps into the little cabin.

“The fridge is fully stocked.” She continued, “I’m out here once a month to restock everything for you. There isn’t much service, but there is a walkie-talkie in the bottom right drawer that has enough power to get to the main cabin. If it’s storming, that’s not the case.”

Emily nodded again and tried to comprehend the quick instructions. Chloe talked too fast, she decided. But she listened eagerly. “What do I do if it storms?”

“Either use that gun or run like hell. You can try both but” Chloe frowned and ran her finger over the edge of the rickety kitchen table and picked up a layer of dirt. “Christ this place is dusty. Anyway, you have four patrols around the lake each day. It takes an hour for each one. Between them, you can do whatever you want except for swim in the water. That’s how you catch something nasty.”

“What exactly am I looking for?”

Chloe shrugged “Anything out of the ordinary. If you see people fishing make sure you check for their license. The date of expiration is on the top right corner. If they’re expired, ask them to leave and radio into the main cabin so they can keep their eyes peeled.”

“Ok.”

“And whatever you do, make sure you finish your last patrol before dark. The sun sets around Six right now but it’ll change to five soon enough. Make sure you have enough firewood and lock the door. Don’t open it until your morning patrol.”

“Ok,” She dragged the word out this time. Something about Chloe’s change in demeanor made her itch uncomfortably. There was a stillness to the air. “Sounds simple enough.”

“Like I said, not too taxing, you can get some writing done up here, I’m sure.” She was beaming again, like the desolate nature of her words hadn’t weighed so heavily on the atmosphere. She dusted her hands off on her jeans and informed Emily that her uniform was in the closet (Which she learned was the door to the left).

“Oh, and Emily?”  

“Yeah, boss?”

Chloe was standing with her hand on the door. She left the metal key they used to enter on the table on the clear spot that was wiped away earlier. Her eyes were that dark and stormy blue again. “Whatever calls to you in the middle of the night ignore it. It’s not real.”

Emily didn’t sleep well that night, despite the four-post bed being the closest thing she’s felt too comfortable in months. Chloe’s words weighed heavily on her, and she locked the three deadbolts that she hadn’t noticed before. She had located the radio and kept that on the nightstand until she fell into a fitful slumber.

The sun rose right at six and her alarm started blaring. She slid on the jacket with Lake Worth’s logo on the breast and the sleeve before following the clearly marked trail towards the water. It was a simple walk and it was too early for her to spot anyone fishing.

She ended up back at the cabin at 7:30 and collapsed in a cold heap on the dusty couch. It was oddly silent and she had two more hours to kill before she had to make the trek again. Chloe was right; she would get a lot of writing done here.

Emily brewed some coffee and downed two cups as she wrote a decent part of her manuscript, papers spread over the kitchen table. The alarm on her watch went off a few minutes before 10:00 am and she made her way back to the lake.

The autumn sun was warm against her cheeks and she decided to enjoy the walk more this time. She breathed in the scent of the season and kept her eyes out for anyone on the water. She checked one fishing license and went on her way.

Her next patrol wasn’t until 3:00 pm so she decided to crack open one of the many books on the shelf. She chose “The Howling” by Gary Brandner and settled onto the couch, getting lost in the cheesy horror novel from the ’60s.

Emily had fallen easily into the routine three days in; she did each patrol but struggled immensely to beat the sunset on her fourth walk around the lake. It was colder and it made her move slower.

The scratching started on the seventh day. Her world had grown colder and she had fallen into an easy routine of walking around the lake. She left the double-barrel rifle next to the front door but made sure the radio was strapped to her belt.

The first night she heard it was no different. She had nearly forgotten Chloe’s foreboding words, but it had become a habit to lock the door at night. She missed the moon and the crisp dark air. But even still, she headed the warning.

Emily had dozed off on the couch with the book at her side. It’s heavy spine hitting the floor startled her awake. The fire she had stoked burned out and her heart pounded in her chest. But that wasn’t what had stirred her, no, it was a dull scratching- barely noticeable if it weren’t for the quiet of the cabin.

She sat up and stared at the door.

It budged at the pure force of the animal on the other side, and Emily figured that she had been reading too much about the occult. As Chloe said, some beasts are more curious than others, and she had dead-bolted everything. She watched the door for a few more tedious moments before crawling into bed.

Emily saw the tracks the next day.

They were unlike any animal she had come across before; long and jaded. It’s nails dug into soft clay earth and trailed right up to her front door. There were fresh slashes in the red paint- and she swallowed back her discomfort.

She had to call the cabin on her fourth walk that day, the sun was setting faster than she cared to admit and she trudged through the icy path. An orange light coated the earth as she thought strangely of the animals around her. The particular animal that started to wait under her window at night, it’s breath fogging the glass. She made it to her porch just as the soft pink of the sky faded to a darker blue, almost black.

Emily had another restless sleep, like her first night in the cabin. There was the same scratching at her door and the radio crackled with feedback next to her. She wondered if anyone else heard the thing past her walls.

Chloe brought her new supplies on the tenth day, stating that the roads were a lot worse than usual and that a big snowfall had cleared out the entire grocery store in town. She presented her with stale bread and some orange juice that had enough pulp to create the fruit that it came from. Her boss stuck around and fried up some eggs.

“The scratches on the door,” Emily started.

Chloe stilled her movements, she had the blunt end of the spatula against the iron skillet. But it was just a beat where she was taken aback, barely noticeable. “Mm, have they been bad?”

“No. I mean, as normal as they can be. What kind of animal sounds like that?”

“We’re not sure. Not one you want to mess with.”

She tipped the pan over and divided the eggs evenly between the two before sitting in the rickety chair across from Emily. She didn’t wait to dig in, shoving a good heaping of the food into her mouth. Emily figured it avoidance.

“You said something about it calling out to me”

Chloe stopped the fork halfway to her mouth, a large glob of yellow yolk splashed into the grooves of the table. She lowered it and sat back in her seat. “Has it?”

“It hasn’t.”

“Good.”

She dropped the subject after that. They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence and Chloe left before the next time Emily had to trudge along the lake. It was getting harder, the colder it was, to get back to the cabin before nightfall. She gripped the radio tighter and let the eggs settle to the bottom of her stomach like rocks.

She put what Chloe said out of her mind until the scratching began again.

Emily had another fitful sleep. The air was growing colder and it made her chest ache. She rose when the sun did and took her first walk around the lake. She spotted two fishermen by the edge of the water and stopped just short of the tree line.

“Howdy,” one of the men said, he reached instinctively for his wallet, and Emily, drowsy from sleep, thanked him. “You’re new.”

“You’re out here a lot?”

She checked both of their licenses and watched as they effortlessly slid them back into one of their pockets. The sky was overcast and there was an odd stillness to the water. The man who had stayed quiet smiled widely and nodded. The fishhooks on his hat clinked together.

“Oh yeah, all the time. Most people don’t like to be out here in the cold but we love it. Fewer tourists and people trying to get a look at that dumb lake monster, they simply scare him off if you ask me.”

The other man shoved a pointed elbow into his friend “You know that shit ain’t real. It’s a money pit. Hell, they have shirts and bumper stickers. It’s nothing but a legend.”

“No, remember Mike? It hopped down from the trees an’ slashed all four of his tires. That’s why his hair is grey.”

“Mike Granger? His hair is grey because he’s an old lying bastard.”

Emily watched the exchange with wide eyes. She didn’t know much about this sleepy little town. She had pulled into the motel in the late hours and only spoke with one woman. Her voice was husky from years of smoking and the only vacancy sign in the place buzzed like a trapped fly. She should have paid more attention- should have eaten at a diner or asked Chloe more questions, even if she didn’t get the answers she wanted.

“I’m sorry… monster?”

Both men stopped their arguing and stared at her. She waited as her breath pooled past her lips. They were dried and cracked and tasted like blood. The taller one cocked an eyebrow and sent a narrow glance at his friend.

“Now, surely you didn’t take this job without knowing the Lake Worth Monster.”

She shrugged dejectedly “I’m afraid I did.”

“It’s a big hairy beast. Half goat, half-man, some bloke even said he can shapeshift. It’s got scales too and apparently claws long enough to slice tires. It’s been around since 1969 and our little town has capitalized on it since then. Like I said, a complete marketing scheme.”

Emily hugged her jacket closer and nodded. She thanked both of the men and continued on her way. She didn’t stop until she was back at her cabin. Her breath was shallow and she knelt down to stare at the long scratches on the door.

She struggled to put the beast out of her mind, to forget what the two strangers had said. She had checked and then double-checked the locks but still, she worried. Her eyes trained themselves on the ceiling and she listened as something crawled below her bedroom window.

Emily woke the next morning to the radio crackling. She reached for it blindly. “Hmm?”

“Emily, do you copy?”

“I copy.”

“I know it’s early. There’s been an accident. I need you to meet the sheriff down on the south side of the lake.”

Emily sat up and cursed herself for the quick movement as stars danced against her eyes. She pressed her palm against her forehead and blinked hard until they faded away. She squeezed the radio and told Chloe that she understood, even though she didn’t.

She saw the caution tape and the flashing lights that looked brighter under the half-risen sun. The sheriff was a tall woman with dirty blonde hair and soft pink lips. She was bundled up more than Emily and stood with her boots at the edge of the icy hardened shore. There was an overturned boat and the crackling of a radio other than hers.

“Emily, I presume?”

She nodded and her head was spinning “What’s all of this about?”

“Two fishermen are missing to the public.”

“What does that mean?”

“As far as anyone else knows, they’re just missing.” The sheriff grimaces and fixes her hat. “They were mutilated.”

Emily swallowed the dark feeling in her stomach. “By what?”

“You mean who?”

“Yeah, yes. By who?”

Emily didn’t’ mean by who; she meant what she had said and the sheriff stared at her as if she were to head back to the cabin and never speak of it again. Did this town have a vow of silence in the winters? She sheepishly kicked at the gravelly sand and listened as the woman spoke evenly.

“We don’t know. We were hoping that you had seen something but Chloe explained that you wouldn’t have. Said you were really good at your job and the time that these men were killed doesn’t line up with one of your patrols. I still wanted to speak to you.”

She could smell the blood and the way it mixed with the black water and looming fog. She wondered if they didn’t’ follow the rules and hadn’t gotten inside before the sun moved behind the horizon. This was the price to pay, for insolence.

Emily answered the remaining questions that the sheriff had before trudging back to the cabin. This time, she didn’t’ stop to feel the scratches on the door. This time she slammed it behind her and flopped onto the couch. She must have fallen asleep.

It was nearly dark, and she was late by the time she woke up. She had missed both of her midday patrols and wasn’t about to miss the fourth. Her body ached from the uncomfortable position she had winded up in. Emily slid on the jacket and thought twice before grasping at the shotgun behind her. It’s weight nearly throwing her off.

She was tired and the air was buzzing with electricity. There was a storm brewing and half of her knew that the rain would come down as slush instead of simple water. The twilight sky had clouds blocking a half-moon.

Emily had a job to do, and she wasn’t about to lose this one like she had the others. She had convinced herself, in the few weeks of solitude, that the manuscripts were coming along nicely because of the environment and the way she could listen to her own breath and the sounds of the cabin settling.

The sheriff and the boat, and the horrid scent of dried blood had been swept away with the wind. She kept further away from the shore, only stalling for a moment as the color in the sky began to fade away to black.

Emily didn’t know why she stopped. Why she listened to the ripples hit the shore and her own stilted steps against the sand. Her toes were numb, two pairs of socks not enough to keep the cold at bay. She recalled a conversation she had with Chloe the second time she dropped off supplies. This time she brought Emily a notebook and some pens- a few books about the Holocaust to lighten the mood.

It wasn’t a funny joke, but she chuckled anyway. “Thank you for taking this job, Emily. I’ve really taken a liking to you, you know?”

“I like you too, Chloe.”

She had flipped through the pages of the book and faired that if she got really desperate, she would give them a shot. She wasn’t’ much into history and neither was Chloe, seeing as she left them here with not much care.

“You been hearing weird things at night?”

“No,” She lied, setting the book on the step next to her “Whatever it was must have gotten bored enough.”

Chloe nodded and smiled before climbing back into her dusty yellow jeep and heading off to her next destination. Emily sat on the porch and watched her go. She breathed in the musty scent of the trees around her and flexed her fingers. Emily had made up her mind a few nights ago.

She wasn’t sure if she should watch the sun settle behind Lake Worth. If she should plant her feet in the sand and wait until whatever it was that wanted her came. A bit of caution tape was left behind, its plastic hissed in the wind so loud that she nearly didn’t hear the twig breaking.

Chloe had been hiding something; and as foolish as it was, Emily needed to know what. Those men, those that had settled onto the rocky lake with the intention of fishing had to be one of many. One of maybe thousands. Her morbid curiosity was too much.

Emily heard it before she saw it. She waited for something and nothing all at once, her breath solidifying in front of her as night finally fell. She hadn’t seen the way the sky lit up with stars all at once- but she enjoyed it now. Her eyes traced the constellations.

She clenched her eyes shut until those stars appeared within her mind and the sound of the water lapping at stones and sand and dirt moved over her ears. Almost too loud for her to hear it. Almost. Emily felt the heat of its sour breath on her shoulder, and even from where she stood, she knew it towered.

Emily drew in a cold, ragged breath and she tightened the grip on a gun, she didn’t even know how to use.

[nightgirl250]

Follow your orders

fic where the reader is the very first vampire like the mother of all vampires and she visits the volturi and scolds them for their bad behavior like their 1 year olds and this is around the time the cullens are there because edward was gonna expose himself. Maybe she’s actually like a vampire (like fangs, blood red eyes, dark cloak: the stereotype vampire)

Request by @fandomnationwhore

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Sighing, I look towards my children. As of late each of their actions have been displeasing. Exposure of our kind. Controlling other covens. The only one who gets to control is me.

I am the mother of the night. Giver of a second life. Regeant for all new beginnings. Creator of a superior species. Queen of the vampires. A blessing upon strong and curse upon the weak.

Standing from my throne, I toss the letter of recents reports my spies have gathered and clicked my tongue.

My children have displeased me, acting like worms and leeches to each other. Snapping my fingers once, my servant and son James walks through the door.

“You called Mother,” he says getting down on one knee, bowing to me.

I gesture for him to rise and continue “ I have a situation. You James are one the best trackers, locate the Volturi and Olympic covens, and find when the are meeting. You have 35 minutes to do so. That is more than enough time, so go,” I say staring down at the feral blonde.

“Yes mother,” he says and turns to complete his tasks. Heading to my chambers, I pay no mind to the hundreds of servants and pets, who bow down as I pass.

“Novia,” I call. Within seconds the short Cameroonian girl appears behind me, already bowing. I don’t turn to look at her

“Yes Queen Mother?” She says sweetly, making me smirk. I’ve always loved how her voice sounds, especially right after she has eaten.

“Prepare a warning to the Cullens and Volturi. They both need to taught a lesson about order,” I says calmy.

Novia stands and smirks. “Yes mother. Who shall I have complete the task?”

“Who you shall deem fit, I trust you are ready for such tasks,” I say turning to the girl.

I can hear the excitement and energy coursing through her veins as she says “right away my queen,” and skips out to complete her task.

Walking to my closet, I walk past the dozens of boring outfits, each covered with diamonds,pearls, and other crystals.

Past the organza, satin, and neoprene. Beyond the blood reds, matte black, and ash gray outfits.

Stopping in front of my velvet cobalt blues. Using my powers, I breeze through the different options till I find the one I want.

“Finally,” I say levitating the dress off the rack. It was a slim long sleeve dress, that tightened around my top half and lightly flowed at the bottom. With the dress ending just below my feet.

Within a snap of my fingers, the dress was pressed, ready and on my body.

The evening sky blue inside of the dress helped complement the ice gray on top of it. The sleeves went down to the back of my hands, ending in points as light blue and gold embordiary lay across the gown.

Putting on the matching shoes. I walk further into my closet for my crown. Walking past several others before I stop infront of the gold sapphire crown.

Placing the fifteen pound, 17th century crown. A gift from the Queen of France for my blessing. It wasn’t a favorite, or most expensive or meaning.

Picking up the trinket, I gently place it on my head. Giving my self one final look. I say “ this will do for now,” and walk out of my closet.

“Oh mother,” says James, waiting out my chamber doors. I walk over to the blonde and frown seeing him struggle to rise.

“You have returned from your task,” I state taking in James injured appearances, “yet you are injured. Step forward to I may heal you, James,” I say putting one hand out.

Clutching his torso and limping, James steps closer to me. I gently place my finger tips on to his forehead, making the cracks in his skin and fractured leg, heal into plus, while cleaning up his hair, and putting fresh clothes on him.

I never understood why he chose those filthy rags of ripped up jeans and a necklace but it made him happy. So, I gave him a fresh pair of jeans with a new belt and a leather jacket. I didn’t bother with a shirt on him.

Removing my fingers from his forehead. James releases a soothing and relaxed sigh that brings a smile onto my face.

“Good as new, my boy,” I say as he is about to bend down, “there is no need for that my child. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t heal you,” I say cupping my hand around his gentle face.

“Yes mother,” he says prepping his arm out. Even though James is one of my more actively hunting kids. He and his coven always came to see me.

Taking his arm, we walk steadily as we arrive to the doors of the castle. Novia and two guards stood together at the doors.

“Hello Mother,” says the trio bowing to me.

“Hello children,” I say letting go of James’ arm. He moves next to Novia as I say “have you all completed your tasks from earlier?” I ask.

James gives me a curt nod, as the two guards each pulls out a small chest. Novia opens the chest and reveals two shimmering orbs.

I smile at the kids. “Well done, my sweets. Come come it’s time to go,” I say as Novia closes the chests.

“Wait Queen Mother,” says a high pitched voice coming towards us.

I look towards that direction of the child like voice to see Katja running down the hall with a giant cloak above her head.

“Hold on, mommy. I have something,” she says finally reaching us. The young 6 year old vampire smiles and holds up several cloaks.

Wearing a little black sundress, she skids into a halt infront of the group.

“You nearly forgot your cloaks,”she says. I smile at Clara, one of the physically youngest daughters I have.

“Thank you little one,” I say as Novia takes my dark bison hide cloak and drapes it across my shoulders and secures the leather straps and covers my head and crown in the wolf fur hood.

I give her a simple thank you as I drape on her dark navy cloak and fix her hair a bit before standing straight.

One of the guards holds their hand out for me. I gently take it, as the other guard grabs James and Novia.

Within the blink of an eye, we leave my castle and enter the hallways of the Vulturi home. Letting go of the guard, I frown at the stench of old blood and the decapitated human head on the floor.

“Disgusting,how do you kids live like this?” I say, “honestly this place is a mess. Dust,blood, and bones are everywhere. Ugh I must talk to A—,”

Looking to one of the guards chests, I sigh. “Right, I ordered you to handle that issue. Well then come,” I say as the scent of blood hits my nose.

No one else notices the scent, since it was far out of there range. Slowly and quietly we walk to main room of the Vulturi home as Calculate how man humans there were.

There were 12 in total. *Must be tourists* I thought since it there was some festival or celebrations outside.

There were nine females and three males in the group. From the foot steps they were all in good health, under thirty years of age, with steady heart beats.

I turn away from the sweet coppery scent as my children turn and growl at it. “Come now children we must work first then eat,” I say as they continue to look down the path towards the humans.

I frown slightly seeing how James struggles to compose him self. As all of my children struggle to compose themselves.

My heart tingles seeing their hunger,but they must learn to hold their own as Vampires. Clapping my hands, the children send me a glance as I look at them.

“Come my loves,” I say holding out a hand to them. Slowly and fighting their hunger one by one my children hold hands together. And we walk away from the scent of human blood.

With each step they regain their composure until they are no longer holding my hands and standing tall.

I give a smile to them but as soon as my smile came it went away as we stood in front of the doors of the Vulturi main room. I could smell who was behind those doors.

All of the members of both the Vulturi and Cullen clans and one human.

My two guards draw their weapons and open the door. Both of them moving in complete synchronization as light from the room entered on their gold and black armor.

No one could see my face but everyone instantly bowed and got down on their knees. All besides the human.

I opted to ignore the human upon seeing my poor grandson Edward being held in chains by his Vulturi brothers.

I don’t bother to tell any of them to rise as I walk over to the poor boy.

Cracks and fractures cascaded down from around his wrists and neck. Barely able to bring his head up. I run my fingers through Edward’s smooth hair.

Letting the chains turn to rust and ash as his wounds heal. He takes deep breaths as he slowly rises to his feet and open his mouth.

“Hello Queen Mother,” he says meekly. I could tell he was nervous like most of my children meeting me. I wanted to hug him. But I couldn’t not right now.

Not if my children think it’s okay to hurt and harm eachother for some fake personal vendetta.

“Go join your coven and human while I discuss with your Vulturi brothers,” I say. Edward nods and bows and walks off to his coven before I turn to the Vulturi with a scowl on my face.

With their red and clad black cloaks on their backs and still on their knees. I walked up to Aro and Marcus and smacked them.

The boys winced. I could see the small cracks on both of their faces. But I would not heal them.

“Does any one know what that was for?” I say scanning the crowd filled with members of the Vulturi Coven. My children. My babes. “That was for the mistreatment of your siblings.”

I watched as some of them tense and fidget. “Because you lot have seemingly forgotten that family comes before all. That you don’t fight each other. Than you are a family before you are a coven!

“This is unacceptable for you kids to genuinely think it is okay to even raise a hand upon your siblings and believe that I won’t know it. That I your mother, your queen, the first Vampire, Leader of this Race and Species would not know that you are trying to execute your siblings,” I scream making the children since as the ground shook beneath me.

“Stand up all of you,” I say. Synchronized all of the Vulturi children rise and stand.

“You believe that due to your covens power. A power that I have blessed you with and can take away any moment. That you are better than your siblings. Right! Right?” I ask.

Some of the children take a step back as the collectively say yes.

“What was that ? I couldn’t here you,”

“Yes, Queen Mother” they yelled.

“When what is the truth? My dear Jane,” I call making the nervous short blonde take a deep breath. “What is the truth?”

“The truth is that we are all a family, no matter our coven, our belief, or our differences. We are a family. You as our mother and queen. Us as your subjects and children.” She says timidly.

“Say it again for your siblings my dear,” I command. “But this time Aro will say it. Seeing as he is your coven leader that you have chosen. My dear Aro, please educate your younger siblings on the works of family,” I say coldly.

Aro slowly steps forward and calms his nervous facade. And with grace and elegance says “The truth is that we are all a family, no matter our coven, our belief, or our differences. We are a family. You as our mother and queen. Us as your subjects and children.”

Aro says it perfectly and so will his coven. Slowly yet surely. I call each of my children’s name and make them recite of the family values. One by One. Word by Word.

I could hear the humans light giggles as my last son and newest member of the Vulturi Coven Daniel finishes.

“Good Daniel,” I say turn to the Olympic coven. “Now Carlisle I believe this human is Isabella Swan,” I say making the young girl gasp and look at Edward terrified.

“Yes, Mother this is she,” says Carlisle calmly.

“Good. This is she want to be a future Vampire especially of your coven then she is the perfect person to start us off.” I say making Edward and Carlisle open their mouths to objection only to be met with a flick of my wrist.

“Isabella,” I call, making her straighten up. “Recites the values of family. Surely you have been paying attention. Seeing as over 20 of my children have said them.”

“Y-Yes your Highness,” She says timidly and clearing her throat before saying “The truth is that we are all a family, no matter our coven, our belief, or our differences. We are a family. You as our mother and queen. Us as your subjects and children.”

I give the small girl a smile and a curt nod before the rest of the Olympic Coven says the values.

Once every one of the two Covens had said the values I turn back to the Vulturi.

“What have we learned today or for some been reminded off”

“That we are family that goes beyond our covens and should not act in childish manors. And that if we should have a dispute come to you and handle them.” Says Daniel leaving everyone else in the room to nod and agree.

“The next time I come here and see that your have forgotten your values it’ll be more than some words and a flick. Be sure that due to your recent actions, I will checking up on all of you so expect visitors. Clean your homes and prepare for the family,” I say.

All of my children and the human bow their head before saying “Yes, Queen Mother.”

[fyrapartnersearch]

Howdy there! How are you?

Self

My name is James Home. I’m a 23 year old trans male from Olympia WA. In time zones that’s PST (Pacific standard time) am a visual artist, graphic designer, and storyteller. My Briggs acronym ENFJ. In saying so I’m a huge talker and communicator, physically and literally! Personal interests of mine include BOTW, FFXV, and Hanibal atm. I have a lovely and incredible wife named Isabella. We both additionally like DND (were even painting our minis), collecting Halloween decorations, and watching Avatar the last air bender with our roommate. Though I do have a history in plenty of other fandoms as well and always on the lookout for recommendations.

Preference

So for myself I love to take care of my Rp partners in all accommodations possible.

Meaning if your heart has been craving fluff, rough smut, or a plain ol hug. IM GAME! If none, no biggie let’s make a plot spot!

Roles I usually fall under are but not limited too….

-DOM , Vers, Power bottom

-caretaker, guardian, teacher

-father, handler, knight

-beefcakes, robots, selfless leaders

And so much more!

The roles I lean towards are

-caretaker, strong and silent-ish type, and flamboyant entertainers.

-male roles, trans male roles, open to trying a female role?, non binary, pangender role.

- I do enjoy topping, some aspects of BDSM, and some hard kinks.

-fallen leader, relearning about a loving world, hopeful in a dark world.

-not taking their role as important as they should have or are, “I’ve been doing this for years. But this is new”, and “I brought you your favorite drink wanna cuddle, I’ll provide the sugar?” Types

And so much more!

As far as story things themes are

-highly complex kingdoms

-High pace fantasy

-society by the ocean

-abandon green houses

-heavily dense forests

-fae and fiend worlds

-AUs of pre-existing universes from shows

-magic incorporated

-supernatural

Worlds we design collectively.

My HARD NOs are…

NO MINORS ROLEPLAYING WITH ME, 19 AND UNDER DO NOT APPLY

-abuse in active Rp (can be used from background and really has to depend on circumstance)

-harm of any children

-harm of expected mother

-any form of r*pe play

-blood play, degrading play, hard impact play

-crying kinks, humiliation kink, and electric play

-no smoking kinks either or character usage of substances.

Writing

I’m not too big on proper grammar or sentence structure as long as there was an idea getting across. I’m ok with role playing as many people as you’d like to actively work on, so doubles, and even triples are okay. Plus working two different stories is fun! I do prefer paragraphing and we all know the feeling of one word responses. This is a hobby and creative outlet from myself so that’s why I have no big stressors about punctuation or spelling.

Storytelling

Here are some story concepts I’ve come up with. Yet if you’d like to imply your own let’s talk about it!

Counterpart pathways

A magical filled fantasy realm where all is possible including the bad. One summer day a incubus/demon hybrid named Jona, father of three, learns someone has kidnapped all three of his boys! He's on the hunt for clues and finding them at all costs. Gathering the best crew possible of Moof the best wolf bounty hunter in all the realm, Bell the boys spider caretaker shapeshifter, and Glover the bull/bison hybrid the green alchemist, set off to find the children. Along the way by gathering clues they encounter obstacles and trials of skill and pursuit! Will they ever find the three octopus babies ? Will Jona have closure and put on a shirt? Will Bell ever stop stealing everything shiny? Will Moof grow more confident in his teammates? Will Glover not stop shaking and being such a wuss? Who will help this odd 4 on their epic abnormal quest?!

Puddles

A time traveler that gets stuck in between dimensions due to their powers temporarily weakened from the extensive work they've been doing end up meeting a stranger who takes them in. Not used to the timeline they shows up in, they have to knowledge of normal behavior. They must figure out a way to recharge their abilities but has not of the slightly clue as to what it causing them to have lost them in the first place. Is the person that's helping them good or evil? Who's side are they on? How will they figure them out? Why do they find the stranger oddly familiar?

When men become mortal

An alien/robot/human species that survives by using different masks/chips for various occasions. It's like buying different clothes but they adapt or transform the hoist for a month or less of another body/form/identity. The main character experiences a technical difficulty where their head socket cannot adapt to a new face for long and has to get it repaired. Though along the way he seems to find that not wearing a false identity they actually enjoy seeing the outside world with no expectation of appearance. The other is a identity artist, the one whom develops different faces and identity. He spends hours tweaking details of bodies and faces. He always has the nicest things because of his work and from important commissions and work for certain clients.They meet at a gallery that the artist is hoisting at a museum. The individuals there are decorated like some of the model pieces and others artist curators-part sellers. The faceless one decides to go to the museum to see what's or who's being showcased and since he has a little bit of extra money he saved up for the occasion. Everyone finds him interesting since he doesn't have an appearance, they think he's a model. Thus they send him to meet with the artist for the show. The artist doesn't know him at all. They find eachother very different but most parts similar. From their meeting the artist gets inspired by his original face. Coming to realize that even himself that he has given into the world he never wanted to.The two of them hit it off. Both dwelling into the matters of the "perfect" vessel. Asking the serious questions such as what makes a body, a face, a soul attractive? They go on for hours and it starts to inspire the artists work into his new resorted craftsmanship. The faceless impressed by the purposed questions and also work. The two of them grow closer resulted from talking so much about bodies and meaning. All the while testing out the new creations, body parts, and vessels capabilities. Not all though is good while the two develop this hoist. There's a villain at hand who one of the artist's main clients that goes unsuspected. They want to use the designs to create a vessel for the bad and wealth. Only to include to kill off all humans.The two of them hit it off. Both dwelling into the matters of the "perfect" vessel. Asking the serious questions such as what makes a body, a face, a soul attractive? They go on for hours and it starts to inspire the artists work into his new resorted craftsmanship. The faceless impressed by the purposed questions and also work. The two of them grow closer resulted from talking so much about bodies and meaning. All the while testing out the new creations, body parts, and vessels capabilities. Not all though is good while the two develop this hoist. There's a villain at hand who one of the artist's main clients that goes unsuspected. They want to use the designs to create a vessel for the bad and wealth. Only to include to kill off all humans. Thus forces the artist to reveal his true identity. A human being. Not a hologram. Plus he's not just an artist but a ex-con scientist from the labs that have bloomed into a internalized war. Faceless becomes confused and also hurt that the artist to mention this. Only for the two of them being followed. The artist informs the robot that the hybrids (the children of the robot-species, generations of offspring) are the real threat to society. The one who hoists and is in charge of the power sorce is human and machine. The first of its kind, and also the previous mentor of the artist/ex-scientist. Who will get to the power source first. Our main dynamic couple or the robotic uprising that believe all humans should cease to exist once and for all?

Gay Cryptids

Themes

Active night life

Next to the ocean, sea, body of water.

Beach city/lost boys/Mad max?/punk/ regal?/neon lights/old mascots/vapor wave af

Carnival / festivals

Dark market authenticity

Biker gang(s)

Aquatic features, art, incorporated in surroundings

Lifestyles like fish importing, dock workers, sushi shops, fancy diners

Common foods are all fish and sea foods

The city was a work in process for a resort city, and a major violent storm came too early taking out some of the fancier parts of the island. Most of the higher end houses and mansions were believed to be damaged in the outer edges of the island. There had been a castle built as a main part of the hotel/resort. Old costumes, sets, mascots were left to rot by the seas breeze. Barnacles, ivy, and vines with exotic flora and fauna growing wildly cover the buildings. Possibly even growing in the mansion and other houses. The main part of the biker gang is in a abandoned church next to the sea caves is where the biker gang mostly resides and work primarily as hit men and women. The island would be decided by the two head family of vampires one powerful family versus the other in over control if the current situation of resort in the actual tourist location.A rambunctious gang of young cryptics disguise themselves as human during the daytime but during the night it's quite the time to be alive and young. Various story arcs of love and lust between the group members figuring out their own sexualities and forming adulthood. Though most of it is all of them just fucking around.A rambunctious gang of young cryptics disguise themselves as human during the daytime but during the night it's quite the time to be alive and young. Various story arcs of love and lust between the group members figuring out their own sexualities and forming adulthood. Though most of it is all of them just fucking around.

Plausible locations

Old mill

Carnival / freakshow

Rides and amusement

Abandoned Church

Greenhouse

Garden

Boat house

Log cabins

CAMP grounds

Old schools

Warehouses

The Docks or Port

Boat houses

Boat docks

Abandoned Hotel

Studios

Bike store

Surf or like diving store

Knickknack shack

Ma and Pa restaurants

Antique stores

Downtown

Library

Hospital or infirmary excotic masion

I have story plots for days SONNNN so these are at skim level for plot.

If you’d like to contact me the best ways are

Discord at

Agodnamedhome#4202

Onlyagodnamedhome@gmail.com

I work from 11:30 to 4 Monday-Friday

But available before, and after for sure.

Thursday’s at 5 are my therapist appointments

Weekends are 100% free atm

Looking for a long term, short term, a friend!

[agodnamedhome]

Howdy there! How are you?

Self

My name is James Home. I’m a 23 year old trans male from Olympia WA. In time zones that’s PST (Pacific standard time) am a visual artist, graphic designer, and storyteller. My Briggs acronym ENFJ. In saying so I’m a huge talker and communicator, physically and literally! Personal interests of mine include BOTW, FFXV, and Hanibal atm. I have a lovely and incredible wife named Isabella. We both additionally like DND (were even painting our minis), collecting Halloween decorations, and watching Avatar the last air bender with our roommate. Though I do have a history in plenty of other fandoms as well and always on the lookout for recommendations.

Preference

So for myself I love to take care of my Rp partners in all accommodations possible.

Meaning if your heart has been craving fluff, rough smut, or a plain ol hug. IM GAME! If none, no biggie let’s make a plot spot!

Roles I usually fall under are but not limited too….

-DOM , Vers, Power bottom

-caretaker, guardian, teacher

-father, handler, knight

-beefcakes, robots, selfless leaders

And so much more!

The roles I lean towards are

-caretaker, strong and silent-ish type, and flamboyant entertainers.

-male roles, trans male roles, open to trying a female role?, non binary, pangender role.

- I do enjoy topping, some aspects of BDSM, and some hard kinks.

-fallen leader, relearning about a loving world, hopeful in a dark world.

-not taking their role as important as they should have or are, “I’ve been doing this for years. But this is new”, and “I brought you your favorite drink wanna cuddle, I’ll provide the sugar?” Types

And so much more!

As far as story things themes are

-highly complex kingdoms

-High pace fantasy

-society by the ocean

-abandon green houses

-heavily dense forests

-fae and fiend worlds

-AUs of pre-existing universes from shows

-magic incorporated

-supernatural

Worlds we design collectively.

My HARD NOs are…

NO MINORS ROLEPLAYING WITH ME, 19 AND UNDER DO NOT APPLY

-abuse in active Rp (can be used from background and really has to depend on circumstance)

-harm of any children

-harm of expected mother

-any form of r*pe play

-blood play, degrading play, hard impact play

-crying kinks, humiliation kink, and electric play

-no smoking kinks either or character usage of substances.

Writing

I’m not too big on proper grammar or sentence structure as long as there was an idea getting across. I’m ok with role playing as many people as you’d like to actively work on, so doubles, and even triples are okay. Plus working two different stories is fun! I do prefer paragraphing and we all know the feeling of one word responses. This is a hobby and creative outlet from myself so that’s why I have no big stressors about punctuation or spelling.

Storytelling

Here are some story concepts I’ve come up with. Yet if you’d like to imply your own let’s talk about it!

Counterpart pathways

A magical filled fantasy realm where all is possible including the bad. One summer day a incubus/demon hybrid named Jona, father of three, learns someone has kidnapped all three of his boys! He's on the hunt for clues and finding them at all costs. Gathering the best crew possible of Moof the best wolf bounty hunter in all the realm, Bell the boys spider caretaker shapeshifter, and Glover the bull/bison hybrid the green alchemist, set off to find the children. Along the way by gathering clues they encounter obstacles and trials of skill and pursuit! Will they ever find the three octopus babies ? Will Jona have closure and put on a shirt? Will Bell ever stop stealing everything shiny? Will Moof grow more confident in his teammates? Will Glover not stop shaking and being such a wuss? Who will help this odd 4 on their epic abnormal quest?!

Puddles

A time traveler that gets stuck in between dimensions due to their powers temporarily weakened from the extensive work they've been doing end up meeting a stranger who takes them in. Not used to the timeline they shows up in, they have to knowledge of normal behavior. They must figure out a way to recharge their abilities but has not of the slightly clue as to what it causing them to have lost them in the first place. Is the person that's helping them good or evil? Who's side are they on? How will they figure them out? Why do they find the stranger oddly familiar?

When men become mortal

An alien/robot/human species that survives by using different masks/chips for various occasions.

It's like buying different clothes but they adapt or transform the hoist for a month or less of another body/form/identity.

The main character experiences a technical difficulty where their head socket cannot adapt to a new face for long and has to get it repaired. Though along the way he seems to find that not wearing a false identity they actually enjoy seeing the outside world with no expectation of appearance.

The other is a identity artist, the one whom develops different faces and identity. He spends hours tweaking details of bodies and faces. He always has the nicest things because of his work and from important commissions and work for certain clients.

They meet at a gallery that the artist is hoisting at a museum. The individuals there are decorated like some of the model pieces and others artist curators-part sellers.

The faceless one decides to go to the museum to see what's or who's being showcased and since he has a little bit of extra money he saved up for the occasion. Everyone finds him interesting since he doesn't have an appearance, they think he's a model. Thus they send him to meet with the artist for the show.

The artist doesn't know him at all. They find eachother very different but most parts similar. From their meeting the artist gets inspired by his original face. Coming to realize that even himself that he has given into the world he never wanted to.

The two of them hit it off. Both dwelling into the matters of the "perfect" vessel. Asking the serious questions such as what makes a body, a face, a soul attractive? They go on for hours and it starts to inspire the artists work into his new resorted craftsmanship. The faceless impressed by the purposed questions and also work. The two of them grow closer resulted from talking so much about bodies and meaning. All the while testing out the new creations, body parts, and vessels capabilities.

Not all though is good while the two develop this hoist. There's a villain at hand who one of the artist's main clients that goes unsuspected. They want to use the designs to create a vessel for the bad and wealth. Only to include to kill off all humans.

The two of them hit it off. Both dwelling into the matters of the "perfect" vessel. Asking the serious questions such as what makes a body, a face, a soul attractive? They go on for hours and it starts to inspire the artists work into his new resorted craftsmanship. The faceless impressed by the purposed questions and also work. The two of them grow closer resulted from talking so much about bodies and meaning. All the while testing out the new creations, body parts, and vessels capabilities.

Not all though is good while the two develop this hoist. There's a villain at hand who one of the artist's main clients that goes unsuspected. They want to use the designs to create a vessel for the bad and wealth. Only to include to kill off all humans.

Thus forces the artist to reveal his true identity. A human being. Not a hologram. Plus he's not just an artist but a ex-con scientist from the labs that have bloomed into a internalized war. Faceless becomes confused and also hurt that the artist to mention this. Only for the two of them being followed.

The artist informs the robot that the hybrids (the children of the robot-species, generations of offspring) are the real threat to society. The one who hoists and is in charge of the power sorce is human and machine. The first of its kind, and also the previous mentor of the artist/ex-scientist.

Who will get to the power source first. Our main dynamic couple or the robotic uprising that believe all humans should cease to exist once and for all?

Gay Cryptids

Themes

Active night life

Next to the ocean, sea, body of water.

Beach city/lost boys/Mad max?/punk/ regal?/neon lights/old mascots/vapor wave af

Carnival / festivals

Dark market authenticity

Biker gang(s)

Aquatic features, art, incorporated in surroundings

Lifestyles like fish importing, dock workers, sushi shops, fancy diners

Common foods are all fish and sea foods

The city was a work in process for a resort city, and a major violent storm came too early taking out some of the fancier parts of the island. Most of the higher end houses and mansions were believed to be damaged in the outer edges of the island. There had been a castle built as a main part of the hotel/resort. Old costumes, sets, mascots were left to rot by the seas breeze. Barnacles, ivy, and vines with exotic flora and fauna growing wildly cover the buildings. Possibly even growing in the mansion and other houses. The main part of the biker gang is in a abandoned church next to the sea caves is where the biker gang mostly resides and work primarily as hit men and women. The island would be decided by the two head family of vampires one powerful family versus the other in over control if the current situation of resort in the actual tourist location.

A rambunctious gang of young cryptics disguise themselves as human during the daytime but during the night it's quite the time to be alive and young.

Various story arcs of love and lust between the group members figuring out their own sexualities and forming adulthood. Though most of it is all of them just fucking around.

A rambunctious gang of young cryptics disguise themselves as human during the daytime but during the night it's quite the time to be alive and young.

Various story arcs of love and lust between the group members figuring out their own sexualities and forming adulthood. Though most of it is all of them just fucking around.

Plausible locations

Old mill

Carnival / freakshow

Rides and amusement

Abandoned Church

Greenhouse

Garden

Boat house

Log cabins

CAMP grounds

Old schools

Warehouses

The Docks or Port

Boat houses

Boat docks

Abandoned Hotel

Studios

Bike store

Surf or like diving store

Knickknack shack

Ma and Pa restaurants

Antique stores

Downtown

Library

Hospital or infirmary excotic masion

I have story plots for days SONNNN so these are at skim level for plot.

If you’d like to contact me the best ways are

Discord at

Agodnamedhome#4202

Onlyagodnamedhome@gmail.com

I work from 11:30 to 4 Monday-Friday

But available before, and after for sure.

Thursday’s at 5 are my therapist appointments

Weekends are 100% free atm

Looking for a long term, short term, a friend!

[chaoticevilbean]

The Flames of the Moon

Chapter Two : The Fire of Loss

Appa was fast, and it appeared that he really had only needed some rest to get back to his apparently-normal flying self. The warship was easily located, moving through a canyon of ice. On the deck, Prince Zuko and Aang were in the middle of a battle. It seemed Aang was making his own daring escape right then.

"Appa," he called up to the bison, his voice echoing slightly off the ice. Zuko took this distraction as an opportunity to strike, sending fireball after fireball at his enemy. Aang managed to dodge all of them, backing up against the edge of the ship. His staff was knocked away and two blasts suddenly send him flying unconscious over the railing.

"Aang!" Katara was leaning over the side of the saddle, trying to get a glimpse of her friend in the water. Tui and La, please don't let him die, both teens thought as they waited for some sort of movement. "Aang! Aang! AANG!"

On Katara's last shout, a bright blue glow rose in the ocean. Something shot out from the water in front of the ship, and Sokka could see that it was Aang, his eyes and tattoos glowing much like they did when he was still in the iceberg. A swirling vortex of water surrounded him, towering above the metal deck of the ship. On the deck, the Fire Nation soldiers stared in dismay and fear at the display of power.

The Avatar lands on the deck, bending water from the column that had held him up into a circle. He releases it, sending out as a shockwave into the soldiers, knocking them off their feet.

"Did you see what he just did?" Katara shouted from where she was crouching, relieved and as amazed as everyone else.

"Now that was some waterbending!" was Sokka's only response as he steered Appa towards the deck. The Avatar stopped glowing, and Aang collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. Appa landed, allowing Sokka and Katara to slide off and run towards their friend.

"Aang! Are you okay?" Katara knelt down beside him, Sokka following closely.

"Hey, Katara. Hey Sokka. Thanks for coming," Aang reacted weakly.

"Well, I couldn't let you have all the glory," Sokka quipped.

"I dropped my staff." Sokka searched with his eyes hurriedly before spotting the glider.

"Got it!" The teen ran over and grabbed onto the staff, lifting it up only to see a hand firmly gripping the other end. Sokka panicked momentarily as Prince Zuko attempted to pull himself upward. Sokka tried to pull the staff away, but when that only succeeded in giving Zuko a better hold, he instead used the end to poke the prince repeatedly in the head. The royal's grip loosened and then released and he fell, only just managing to grab the anchor chain.

"Ha! Water Tribe, baby!" Sokka crowed in victory, turning back to Appa and moving towards the bison. However, Katara chose that moment to freeze the deck, also succeeding in freezing her brother. After calling out her name in exasperation, Sokka got straight to work using his boomerang to hack at the ice while increasing the temperature of his feet so the ice melted a bit on the inside.

"Hurry up, Sokka!" Katara called from Appa, just as he broke his feet from the ice. Hopefully no one would notice that there were two puddles in the piles of ice where Sokka's feet had been.

"Yip-yip! Yip-yip!" he shouted at Appa as he climbed aboard the bison's head once more.

"Shoot them down!" Sokka turned just in time to see an old man and the prince shoot a huge blast of fire at them. The teen was halfway standing in the saddle when Aang leapt up, redirecting the fire towards one of the cliffs. The impact caused an avalanche of ice and snow to fall, burying the front of the ship and preventing them from following the group. Aang waved goodbye at the ship, much to Sokka's frustration. Will he please stop being so friendly with enemies?

Sokka leaned back slightly, only pointing Appa in the general direction of the Southern Air Temple before turning to his new traveling companions. Katara sat with Aang next to her, the two of them propped up against each other.

"How did you do that? With the water? It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen!" Katara questioned Aang, sitting up properly so as to address him better. The twelve-year-old sat up as well, his eyes on the bottom of the saddle. After a small moment of silence, he quietly spoke up.

"I don't know. I just sort of... did it." The siblings looked at each other before Sokka asked his own question.

"Aang, why didn't you want us to know you were the Avatar?"

"Because I never wanted to be." Aang moved away, watching the sunset from their place above the clouds.

"But Aang, the world's been waiting for the Avatar to return and finally put an end to this war," Katara stated, as if that would change anything.

"And how am I going to do that?"

"According to legend, you need to master water, then earth, then fire, right?" This got Aang's attention.

"That's what the monks told me."

"Well, if we go to the North Pole, you can master waterbending!" Finally, Aang was back to his normal exuberant self.

"We can learn it together!"

"And Sokka, I'm sure you'll get to knock some Fire Nation heads on the way." And maybe learn some more bending yourself remained unsaid but heard. Katara was always happy when Sokka practiced his bending, since she worried he would be scared of his flames.

"I'd like that. I'd reeally like that."

"Then we're in this together!" Aang smiled as he pulled out a scroll, speaking to both of them as he did. Sokka did not think that smile was good news for their trip.

"All right, but before I learn waterbending, we have some serious business to attend to. Here, here, and here." He pointed at three different places on the now unrolled map, two in the Earth Kingdom and one in Air Nomad territory.

"What's there?" Katara pointed at one of the spots.

"Here, we'll ride the hopping llamas," Aang pointed to the first Earth Kingdom spot. "Then waaay over here, we'll surf on the backs of giant koi fish." Sokka watched the boy in wonder as he pointed to the Air territory place. "Then back over here, we'll ride the hog monkeys." He moved his finger to the last location, drawing mildly horrified looks from his companions. "They don't like people riding them, but that's what makes it fun!"

~_~_~_~_~_~

The next morning, Sokka woke up with the Sun and decided to start meditating once again. He and Katara had meditated every day for many years, but had stopped once their father left and they had to take care of the tribe. He sat with his hands resting on his knees, palms up. Breathing in and out deeply, Sokka felt the heat and energy of the Sun feed his inner flame. The Moon was gently feeding him energy as well, a cooler version of the Sun's power. In and out, in and out.

Sokka didn't know when Katara and Aang joined him, but when the morning had fully come and he got up to make breakfast, Aang and Katara were sitting on either side of him. His sister was in the same pose as him, and Aang was in what must've been the Air Nomads traditional pose. The teen's movement caused the other two to stand as well. Aang looked ready to burst from happiness, despite having just done something that was supposed to calm the mind and body.

"I didn't know you meditated, Sokka! Most nonbenders don't because they don't have a reason!" Katara giggled as she moved to get food out, leaving her brother to answer the airbender's questions.

"Katara had to learn to meditate because she's a waterbender and Gran-Gran wanted her to know as much as possible. I learned as well because I didn't want her to feel alone." A half-truth. Katara meditated every night and Sokka every morning, so the two started doing it together at both times.

"Do you want to meditate with me?"

"Well, the two of us had to stop because of the workload after the men in our village left. I guess, if we start the habit again, there isn't really anything stopping you from joining us. Although we do it at dawn and dusk." Aang nodded sagely, a smile still on his face.

"Of course!" With that, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Sokka's middle. Normally, the teen wouldn't mind that much, especially after meditating. But this time, Aang didn't let go. Instead, he just gripped a little harder and seemed to melt into Sokka.

"Um, Aang? What're you doing?" Sokka asked. Aang buried his head into the other boy's chest and mumbled something. "I can't hear you, but we need to get breakfast before Katara drags us over by our ears."

"I said you're warm," came Aang's voice again, just barely audible. Sokka tensed slightly before trying to gently pry the Avatar off him.

"Aang, let go of Sokka and I'll make you some food," Katara called from where she was fixing up breakfast. "Why don't you tell me about the Air Temple while I finish." That got the boy moving in seconds. Sokka breathed a sigh of relief that Aang apparently found no suspicion in his unusual body temperature.

"Wait 'till you see it, Katara! The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world!" Aang really was excited to visit his old home. Sokka could hear his sister trying to break the news to Aang about the Air Nomad genocide, but she just couldn't do it. Probably the polar-bear-pup resemblance in his eyes.

Soon after breakfast, the trio set off. They flew for hours, and at lunch, when Sokka's stomach was growling, they discovered the bad news about Aang using the blubbered seal jerky as firestarter. The kid felt really guilty about it, especially because Sokka's stomach let itself be heard every ten minutes or so. The worst part was that Sokka's firebending caused him to need a bit more food, and he hadn't eaten much any of the days before. Katara looked at him in sympathy a few times, but mostly just focused on trying to break the news to Aang about his people.

They reached the Southern Air Temple sometime a few hours later, a large stone structure built into the clouds around it. Aang rushed into it on foot the moment they landed, telling his new friends about every piece of culture he could. Near the airball area, his head began to droop, a sigh coming from the small boy.

"What's wrong?"

"This place used to be full of monks and lemurs and bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds. I can't believe how much has changed," Aang responded in the saddest voice Sokka had heard from him yet. Yeah, no way I'm letting him stay that sad.

"So, uh, this airball game. How do you play?" The smiles on the others' faces were well worth losing seven games.

"Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt," Sokka gritted out as he sat up from where he had been thrown. Noticing something, he pointed at it for his sister. "Katara, check this out."

"Fire Nation." The helmet was obviously very old and battered, and from the cracks and burns, both siblings knew they were lucky there wasn't a matching skull.

"We should tell him," Sokka insisted.

"Aang! There's something you need to see!"

"Okay!" Katara's resolve visibly crumbled at seeing how happy the airbender was. Snow crashed down on Sokka and the helmet, muffling the world. His first action was to make sure he didn't naturally melt the snow. His second was to dig himself out. Muffled words about waterbending and seeing the temple reached his ears. Popping his head out and grabbing Katara's hand, he took in her sheepish look and knew she hadn't told Aang.

"You know, you can't protect him forever."

"I can for Aang's sake. If he finds out that the Fire Nation invaded his home, he'll be devastated."

"Hey guys!" The two looked up at Aang, who stood in front of a statue of a monk. "I want you to meet somebody!"

"Who's that?" Sokka questioned, dropping the previous subject for that moment.

"Monk Gyatso! The greatest airbender in the world. He taught me everything I know." The preteen bowed to the statue, rising with another sad look.

"You must miss him." Katara spoke with understanding. Sokka could tell she was remembering their own grief because of the Fire Nation.

"Yeah," Aang mumbled, walking away.

"Where are you going?"

"The air temple sanctuary. There's someone I'm ready to meet," the airbender replied as he walked up some stairs behind the statue. Sokka gave a shrug to Katara's questioning glance, before leading the way after the boy.

The hallway they went through ended at a large door, covered in ornate designs and large pipes. They only briefly discussed whether or not there was anyone on the other side, before Aang used his bending to open the door.

Statues. No people, no stored food or supplies, no treasure, just big stone statues. Sure, they were the Avatars before Aang, but they were still statues.

"Aang! Snap out of it!" Katara exclaimed when Aang went into some sort of trance.

"Huh?" was the boy's eloquent response, complete with a dopey grin.

"Who is that?"

"That's Avatar Roku. The Avatar before me."

"You were a firebender?" Sokka asked. Aang nodded, and the teen didn't comment anymore.

"There's no writing. How do you know his name?" Katara inquired.

"I'm not sure, I just know it somehow." Sokka resisted the urge to growl about the kid's weirdness, knowing that his own predicament wasn't much better.

A noise startled them all, and Sokka was quick to get them hiding. The eldest of the trio pulled his club out and at the ready, listening to the quiet creeping sounds. None of them spoke as they waited, and when the shadow reached the statues, Sokka lunged out, Aang and Katara right behind.

"LEMUR!" Aang shouted at the same time Sokka called out, "DINNER!"

"Don't listen to him. You're going to be my new pet," Aang reassured the strange creature, glaring slightly at Sokka. Sokka had dealt with this too many times to believe he had a chance of actually eating the lemur, or even just keeping it from joining the group.

"You know what? If you can catch the lemur, you can keep it," he told his companion before turning swiftly and letting out a warcry at the creature.

"Wait!" Aang lept forward, rushing down the hallway. "Come back!" Sokka followed quickly, not wanting to lose the kid in less than a week. They raced back through the hallway and out into the courtyards, which Aang took a shortcut off a balcony to get to.

Sokka managed to both lose and find him in a moment. He scanned the different areas around him, and found a curtain swaying in nonexistent wind. Bingo.

"Hey Aang, catch that lemur yet?" Sokka called as he pulled back the old fabric. Aang was standing with his head in his hands, crying. "Hey, it's okay if you didn't. I can help yo-" He cut himself off at seeing the battlescene of skeletons in the room. The only Air Nomad skeleton was wearing the same necklace as the statue of Gyatso that Aang had showed them.

"Oh, man... Come on, Aang, everything will be alright. Let's get out of here." Sokka grasped his counterpart's shoulder, pulling back quickly as a glow began to emanate from the boy. Anger radiated along with the light, and the Avatar lifted his head in rage. "Aang! Come on, snap out of it!"

Wind kicked up around the Avatar's feet, a light blue sphere surrounding and growing. It pushed out, knocking Sokka back out of the building and making the ruin rubble. He cried out as he hit the ground, feeling something crack but unable to hear anything besides the screaming winds. Katara joined Sokka from where he had dragged himself over to hide behind some large debris, both shielding their faces from the shrill air.

"What happened?" Katara shouted, her question barely audible.

"He found out firebenders killed Gyatso," Sokka yelled back.

"Oh no, it's his avatar spirit! He must have triggered it! I'm gonna try and calm him down!"

"Well, do it before he blows us off the mountain!" Sokka clutched the rubble, the pain from his cracked bone, which he assumed was a rib, making his fingers cramp with strain. Katara slowly approached the Avatar, struggling to fight the gales he produced.

"Aang, I know you're upset," she was calm despite the very possible chance of death, "and I know how hard it is to lose the people you love. I went through the same thing when I lost my mom." Sokka's chest tightened, a combination of strain and old grief. "Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you still have a family. Sokka and I, we're your family now.”

The Avatar's glow doesn't fade, even when his feet hit the ground and the wind died. The siblings came up on either side of the boy, Sokka limping and holding his side to try and not jostle his ribs.

"Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you. Promise," Sokka gently said. Aang was a tribe member. He was the moment they opened that iceberg and the kid asked to go penguin sledding immediately.

The glow faded as Katara grasped Aang's hand, and the airbender collapsed into her, the both of them kneeling on the ground.

"I'm sorry," Aang mumbled tiredly.

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault," Katara reassured him.

"But you were right. And if firebenders found this temple that means they found the other ones, too. I really am the last airbender." Katara's face twisted in sadness, and she pulled Aang closer. Sokka once again grabbed his shoulder, this time not letting go.

They stayed that way for a little longer, before Sokka gently told them to start preparing to leave. Katara looked at his hand where it held his side, nodded once, and then quickly but carefully pulled Aang along to Appa, some excuse on her brother's absence spilling out.

Once he was sure he was alone, Sokka smoothly pulled his jacket and shirt off, revealing his side covered in bruising that was quickly darkening. With a wince, he covered his palm in purple flames, lightly touching them to the equally purple skin. A grunt and hiss escaped his lips as he felt the flames begin their work. It pulsed through his chakra lines, or what he assumed were his chakra lines. The crack in the bone fused itself together, smoothing itself out with wave after wave of heat.

It took five minutes to heal the wound, and Sokka was panting by the end from the combination of fiery pain and the use of the purple fire. He shrugged his shirt back on, wrapping his coat around his waist so he could cool off.

The others were almost finished checking over things, so Sokka took over for Aang, ignoring the concerned looks Katara kept sending him. The work was done quickly, and Katara went to get Aang from where he was looking at the Avatar statues.

The lemur that Aang had been chasing earlier ran towards Sokka from where he had entered, though the firebender couldn't tell when he had come. It deposited a load of fruits and nuts at his feet, and Sokka immediately dropped down to eat, his fire having taken a lot from his already low energy supply.

"Looks like you made a new friend, Sokka," Aang commented as the lemur ran away a little.

"Can't talk. Must eat," was the hurried reply. The lemur came back to jump onto the monk's head.

"Hey little guy." Aang turned to face the abandoned ruins of his former home. "You, me, and Appa. We're all that's left of this place. We have to stick together. Katara, Sokka," he turned back to his companions, "say hello to the newest member of our family." The boy walked over with the lemur on his arm.

"What are you going to name him?" Katara asked."Momo," Aang decided as the lemur stole a peach from Sokka, who looked at his empty hand in despondency. Katara laughed as they boarded Appa, her brother taking the reigns and pulling out their map. Next stop, giant koi fish.

[megamanx1994]

Mega Man Forever Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Fight for the Gem (Disclaimer! We’re not going through this again.) We held a funeral for Gouken. I was saddened the most. But not as sad as Ryu would be when I delivered the news. Later I was working  with Asami and Varrick on another MK for the Power Man suits. “What are you doing?” asked Daisy. “I’m getting ready to take down Shadaloo and S.I.N,” I said. “By yourself?” asked Daisy. “If that’s what it takes,” I said, “Its my fault that Ryu’s been captured, now I’m gonna set things right.” “Suit is functional sir,” said R.O.B. “Good,” I said, “Then let’s roll.”  I started to leave but Daisy got in my way. “As much as Daisy hates to do this, she cannot allow you to go,” said Daisy. “Daisy, you want Bison and Seth to take over the world with his army of super soldiers?” I asked. “You know that’s not what Daisy wants,” said Daisy, “But she wants you to die even less!” “I’m the only one that can stop him,” I said, “I’m taking him on by myself!” “Like hell you are,” said Sakura joining Daisy. “Sakura?” I asked. “I’m your girlfriend now, and wherever you go, I go,” said Sakura, “That’s all there is to it.” “Exactly,” said Ken, “You think you’re alone on this, but you’re not.” “Remember that lesson that Ryu taught?” asked Blanka, “Don’t carry so much weight on your shoulders. Let others help you when you need it. “You guys….” I said. “I’m going with you too,” said Daisy. “And you can count me in too,” added someone. We turned around to see Guile. “Guile?” I asked. “I think this belongs to you,” said Guile. He gave back the Mark II power man suit he had. “If you’re gonna take on Bison and Seth, then I’m game,” he said, “My wife and daughter convinced me that even I need help from others.” I looked around at all of my friends. “Alright then,” I said. “Are we done with the life lesson?” asked Varrick, “I thought we were working on a battle armor. What weapon are you gonna choose?” I thought for a second. “You’ll need more than that,” said a person. It was C. Viper. “You’re that Maya woman,” said Chun-Li. “I came with a present,” she said. She had some weapons from her own suit. “I may be working for S.I.N, but we have different goals,” she said, “I’m an undercover agent and I wanna join in shutting them down.” I thought for a moment. “I’ll take it,” I said. “But which….” Said Asami. “All of them,” I said, “Let’s get to work.” I started outfitting each of the weapons on the mark II suit and gave it a paintjob. Everyone else was getting ready and training. Sakura took one of her Gi’s and ripped the sleeves off. We all looked at her. “What?” she asked. Ken was punching a log to get to full strength. Eliza was watching him and knew she had to tell him. “Ken,” she started, “I kept telling myself I wouldn’t do this to you… but please don’t go.” “Eliza, I know you’re scared, but Ryu’s my friend,” said Ken. “Ken…. I have something to tell you,” said Eliza. After a while I was geared up and ready to go. “Guile, thank you,” I said. He grinned. I noticed Ken not joining us. “Ken, aren’t you comin’?” I asked. “I can’t,” said Ken, “Give Ryu my regards when you see him.” “What’s going on?” I asked. “Eliza’s pregnant,” said Ken. “Oh,” I said, “Well congrats man, you’re about to be a dad.” “I know right?” asked Ken, “Hopefully it’s a boy so my legacy can go on.” I got into the Juggernaut Armor. “Let’s roll,” I said. I flew with Sakura on my back while explaining the details. “Chun-Li, you and Sakura will go in and distract the guards while Guile locates the map,” I said, “Daisy, you and I will find Ryu, and then shut down this weapon that Shadaloo created.” “Got it,” said Daisy. “Let’s do it!” said Sakura as she jumped down. “She sure has courage,” I said. Chun-Li and Sakura were in dresses about to head inside. “Who are you two?” asked a guard. “S.I.N sent for us to help with the party,” said Chun-Li. “We’re the entertainment,” said Sakura. They started to go in. “I think thre’s some kind of mistake,” said the other guard, “We didn’t ask for any entertainment. “The only mistake,” said Chun-Li. “Is you two,” said Sakura. “Not knowing when to shut up!” they said in unison taking out the guards. They got out of their dresses. “Ready for some extra credit?” asked Chun-Li. “Yeah!” said Sakura. Guile dealt with the security guard in the map room. “Your mission will soon be complete Charlie,” he said. He was looking at the map. “Nicholas, I think I found Vega,” he said, “He’s in that room.” “Oh you’ve found a lot more than Vega,” said Barlog as he shut the door, “You’ve found trouble!” I kicked down two double doors. I then got out of my Juggernaut armor. “Sentry Mode,” I said. I saw Vega standing at the stairs and Ryu at the bottom. “Ryu?” I asked. He looked at me and his eyes were dark red. There was something implanted in his chest. “See anything familiar?” asked Vega. I looked at him and said, “I see a sad attempt at copying my design.” “Really, cause I see our new vessel,” said Vega, “We just do a test run, work out the kinks, and it’ll finally be ready to reproduce!” I was walking closer to Vega. “Let him go,” I said, “Before this mess gets worse.” Vega grinned at me and snapped his fingers. Ryu came at me and we were fighting. Meanwhile Sakura, C. Viper, and Chun-Li were taking out all the guards allowing Daisy to get inside. “Time for Daisy to stretch her legs,” she said. She did some kicks while stretching her legs. Sakura heard me fighting Ryu and knew she had to do something. “Sakura where are you going?” asked Chun-Li. “Nicholas is fighting Vega,” said Sakura, “Somebody’s gotta help him!” I fell to the ground and was waiting for my wounds to heal. But something was wrong. The wounds were still there. “You’re asking yourself how,” said Vega, “Haven’t your parents ever taught you to look before you leap?” The room was glowing red. “I took some of your blood and enfused it into this room,” said Vega, “It makes your abilities and the powers of other people rendered useless.” I got back up but Ryu knocked me down. “Ryu, I’m not the enemy!” I said, “Try to think!” “Anything you tell him is gonna go in one ear and out the other,” said Vega. He took off his mask. “You ruined my beautiful face,” he said, “I’m just returning the favor!” He was about to kick me but I grabbed his leg. Sakura jumped on top of him to help. I was facing Ryu. “Vega’s controlling you,” I said trying to get to him, “Fight it!” He attacked me and I tried evading it. “I guess I have no choice,” I said, “Shroyuken!” I did the shroyuken on him but he evaded it and punched me in the gut. He then picked me up and threw me around like a rag doll. Vega then came near me with his claws in his hand. He pulled be up and then stabbed me and screamed in pain. “Try healing from that!” said Vega. He pulled them out and I fell. Guile was still battling Barlog. “Time for that rematch I owe you,” said Barlog, “Only this time I’m gonna kick your ass!” “Not if I can help it,” said Guile. He did quick steps and then punched Barlog in the face and followed up with a Sonic Boom. “That was for Charlie!” he said. “Why you little….” Said Barlog. “Arwoooooooo!” shouted Blanka. He did a rolling attack on Barlog to keep him pinned down. “Nice moves,” said Guile with a smile. Barlog pushed him off and he landed on Guile. “Alright, I’m done messin’ around!” said Barlog. Guile secretly had a detonator on the ground and pressed the trigger. “Its time to end it!” said Barlog, “What the….” The detonator blew pushing Barlog out of the room. “You couldn’t have done that earlier?” asked Blanka. “Don’t push it,” said Guile. I took a serious beating from Ryu and Vega. “Don’t do dying on me yet,” said Vega, “There’s one more thing I want you to watch me do before I put you out of your misery.” Some minions had Sakura pinned. “Sweet sweet Sakura,” said Vega, “That’s the Japanese translation for Cherry Blossom right?” He felt her hair. “Stop it…..” I said. “Its ok Nicholas,” said Sakura, “He can’t hurt me!” “How long can you hold that bravery of yours girly?” asked Vega, “Minutes? Hours?” He pulled her gi off of her. “Let’s just TEST THAT!” he said. Her blood got on his claws and he tasted it. “So sweet, so yummy,” said Vega. He came to me. “You know what I’m gonna do now?” asked Vega, “I’m gonna stab you to death with my claws, and then go after Sakura.” I tried to attack but I was too weak.  “You thrown your last attack,” said Vega, “Had you not been so stubborn your little girlfriend’s death would’ve been quick and painless, but now that you’ve really pissed me off, I’m gonna finish her nice and slow.” He just made a big mistake. “Cherry Blossom and I,” he said as he got his claws ready, “We’re gonna have a hell of a time.” I grabbed his hand before he could attack and pushed him away. I then did some of the moves I learned to attack him. “That was for Sakura,” I said, “This is for Ryu!” I did the spin kick and kicked him in the face. “And this is for me!” I shouted. I did quick steps and then did a powerful Shoryuken. “Shin-SHORYUKEN!!!!!!” I said. I launched him out of the room and he landed outside. Sakura was trying to get Ryu to calm down. “Ryu stop, this isn’t you!” said Sakura. She held him back from attacking me. He slowly started to remember everything we went through together. The chest piece was starting to come off. Sakura and I worked together to pull it out of him to gain his sanity back. He fell to his knees. We got out of the room and my healing factor was working again.  “What happened?” asked Ryu. “It’s a long story,” I said, “I’ll explain later.” “Nicholas, we’ve found the power source!” said Chun-Li, “We need you to get over there right now!” “We’re on our way,” I said, “Ryu can you do us a favor?” “What do you need?” asked Ryu. “I need you to go into the computer room with Guile and shut down the security protocols,” I said. He thought for a moment. “Alright,” said Ryu. I took my shirt off and gave it to Sakura then got into the Juggernaut Armor. “Its time to kick it into action!” I said. To be continued………… Immediately Sakura and I were taking out the soldiers and thugs for Shadaloo and S.I.N. M Bison, Seth and Akuma were watching us. “Come to me my prey,” said Akuma. The thugs had us surrounded. “Shit,” I said, “Time to lay down the big guns.” “No need!” said someone, “Hadouken!” It was Ken. “Ken-san?” asked Sakura, “I thought you had to stay with your wife.” “She told me to go,” said Ken, “She couldn’t bear the thought of me losing my best friend. But afterwards I’m coming straight back to her.” “Glad you could join the party,” I said. “Save some room for me too,” said Dan. “He wouldn’t stop begging me to tag along,” said Ken. “Nicholas I’m in the computer room,” said Ryu, “What now?” “Ok on one of the computers there should be a file that had all of the rooms and procedures,” I said, “Just drag the mouse and then click on that file!” Ryu was really confused. “Mouse…. File?” asked Ryu. “Ok, you see the thing that looks like an arrow?” I asked. “Yeah,” said Ryu. “You use the mouse to drag it,” I said. “Drag it?” asked Ryu. “Drag it!” I said. “Drag it,” he said determined. “Drag it!” I said. He literally used the mouse to drag the arrow on the computer screen. “Its not dragging!” said Ryu. “Drag it across the desktop!!!” I said. He did that and knocked some equipment over. “That didn’t do anything,” said Ryu. “Of course it didn’t!” I said, “You know what? AAAAUGHGHGH!” “Wait, I got it!” said Ryu. The doors to the main room opened. “Well, I’m surprised you made it this far,” said Seth. I got out of the Juggernaut Armor. “Its over Seth,” I said, “We’re shutting down your weapon and bringing you down.” “Is that right?” asked Seth, “And you plan to do that with your tin can?” “No,” I said, “I plan to do it with my bare hands.” I got into a fighting stance. “Stand back,” said Seth, “I will handle this brat myself.” He had the cosmic gem in his hand and placed it inside that yin yang thing on his body. “Yes,” said Seth, “This unlimited power is finally within my grasp!” He did a shoryuken and I avoided it. “What the….” I said. “You think you’re the only one with toys?” asked Seth, “I was born a cyborg who can copy any move I come in contact with. For example; Sonic Boom!” He did a sonic boom and I dodged it. I did a spinning kick at him and he did the same and deflected mine. “Shit!” I said, “Hadouken!” I shot multiple hadoukens at him and he evaded them all by stretching. “Funny,” said Daisy, “Daisy doesn’t recall her power being copied.” “There’s another guy with your power,” said Chun-Li. He landed a kick on me and it felt like multiple attacks hiting me. I tried landing punches on him and he kept evading them by teleporting. “He’s busy with Seth,” said Ken, “I say we take down that engine!” “Got it!” said Chun-Li. The rest of the gang went to the Tanden Engine and saw a giant sphere containing a light. “A few focus attacks should do the trick,” said Chun-Li. She charged up for her signature move and shot it. “We need more power,” said Sakura, “Hadouken!” Seth was too strong but I didn’t give up. “You power could be of use to me,” he said. He tried his copy ability and I avoided it. “Thrust kick!” I said. He dodged and did a powerful sonic boom. “Everybody DUCK!” I said. Everyone did what I said and his attack hit the machine. “Allow me, Seth,” said Akuma, “I will finish him off, gem or no gem!” “Come at me asshole!” I said. “One at a time you fools!” said M Bison who was close to the machine, “Before….” They bumped into each other and were caught in the blast. I managed to narrowly escape and joined the others. Dan and Blanka were running from a fire. “Oh fuck!” said Dan. Sakura and I did a hadouken to douse the flames. “Let’s beat it,” I said. We all managed to get out of the factory. From the debris, a giant hand emerged. “You guys made it!” said Chun-Li. “Of course we did,” I said, “It takes more than a collapsing building to bring us down.” “I do have the feeling that something was following us though,” said Ryu. Daisy saw something. “Um guys….” Said Daisy, “Would that be it?” We turned around to see a strange figure that had looks from Seth, Akuma, and Bison. “That device must’ve fused their bodies together!” said Chun-Li, “This…. Enormity, in fact that’s what I’m gonna call it!” “I’ll kill you all!” shouted Enormity. I got into a fighting stance. Enormity knocked me out of the way. “Nicholas!” said Sakura. Enormity got in her way. “You will be the first to die,” he exclaimed. “Get away from her!” said Guile. He tackled him and tried to pin him down. He was too strong for Guile to handle. The juggernaut armor was malfunctioning. “We’ll just do this the old fashioned way then,” I said, “With two fists, and maximum effort.” I charged up for a Hadouken. “Multi-Hadouken!” I said. I shot multiple hadoukens at Enormity. He teleported around and attacked me but I dodged and blocked every move. I remembered each of the techniques Ryu taught me and used them to my advantage. “Nicholas needs our help!” said Chun-Li, “Spinning Bird Kick!” She did her signature move distracting Enormity while Daisy stretched around pinning him. “Shouken!” said Sakura doing the shoryuken. “Spiral Arrow!” said Cammy doing her signature move. They all attacked Enormity and the red gem dropped from his necklace. “NO!” he yelled. I saw the gem and used my cat-like reflexes to catch the gem before him. “Nicholas no!” said Ryu. “Yes,” said Enormity, “Now you will all watch your friend lose his sanity!” But somehow I didn’t give into its power. I was still me. “What?” asked Enormity. “I’m too strong to lose myself,” I said. Enormity grinned. “Gem or no gem, I’m still powerful enough to destroy you,” he said smiling, “I managed to destroy one of my rivals before.” I was charging up using the gem’s power for a shoryuken. “As I will…..” said Enormity. “Shiiiiiinnnnnnn…..” I said. “AGAIN!” he finished. He shot a yoga flame at me. “SHORYUUUUUUUKEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!” I shouted. I was flying up with my fist on fire and went straight through the flames. I punched Enormity and there was an explosion As the dust finally settled I landed on my feet. Half of Akuma’s body was badly burned, and Seth was shut down. Bison was nowhere to be seen. “Whoa,” said Dan. “Amazing,” said Sakura. Ryu smiled knowing his lesson went well. Guile saw that Bison was behind me and was about to attack. “Nicholas duck!” said Guile. “Wha….” I said. Bison almost had me but I evaded him and Guile hit him with a sonic boom. He then started brutally beating him hard. “You murderd my friend and comrade,” said Guile, “All these years I’ve been wanting to avenge him.” He got out a gun. “Finally after all these years, justice is served!” he shouted. “GUILE STOP!” I yelled, “It only takes 4 or 5 moments!” “To what?” asked Guile. “To be a hero,” I said, “I spent my entire life thinking that being a hero was a full time job. Wake up a hero, brush your teeth a hero, or go to work a hero, but I figured out that its not true.” “Where are you getting at?” asked Guile. “I’m saying that there are moments where we are given a choice; to right a wrong, fix a mistake, help an ally, spare an enemy,” I said, “In those moments everything else falls away.” Guile was starting to realize I was right. “The way the world sees us,” I said, “The way that we….” Chun-Li shot him. “Damn it Chun-Li!” I said, “I was in the middle of a speech!” “It’s a robot,” said Chun-Li ripping off the skin. “Then that means….” I said. I saw that Seth had escaped us. “Those bastards,” I said. “It does suck that they aren’t behind bars, but at least their organization won’t be able to rise for quite a while,” said Chun-Li. I looked at the gem. “We should take this to GSI,” I said, “Somthin’ tells me that there’s more than meets the eye with this gem.” “Nicholas,” said Sakura. I turned to her. “Are you ok?” I asked. “I am now,” said Sakura, “Like I said, I feel more safe with you.” She punched me in the gut. “Ow!” I said. “That’s for being careless!” she said. “I can’t say I didn’t deserve that,” I said. “….And this is for saving my life,” said Sakura. The two of us shared a kiss. “Well its about time,” said Ken. “I know you gotta go back to America soon,” said Sakura, “But I’ll visit you every chance I get.” I thought of something. “You wanna come with me?” I asked. “To America?” asked Sakura. “Yeah,” I said, “I don’t mind.” She jumped on me and gave me a smooch. Daisy took a photo. “This is so goin’ on Instagram,” said Daisy. There was a celebration where we were all praised as heroes. “Jimmy!” said someone. It was his long lost mother. “Mom?!” asked Jimmy. They shared a hug. “I’m so happy I found you Jimmy,” she said. I smiled knowing that Jimmy got his wish. All he had to do was believe in himself, just like I did. The next day we said our goodbyes and headed back to Brooklyn where I now resided at. 5 weeks later…….. Sakura was in the process of making some food for a celebration. “I love that dress,” I said. “That’s what you said last time Mr. wonderful,” said Sakura. Daisy was watching Mighty Transforming Battle Warriors. “Daisy, you gonna stop starin’ at the TV screen?” I asked, “Come and eat some before we gotta go, its amazing.” Daisy saw someone that was similar to my power man alter ego. “Nicholas look!” said Daisy, “They’re showin’ us on MTBW!” We went to look. “Well I’ll be dammed,” I said. “I told you that show was great,” said Sakura. I smiled. Someone knocked on the door. “Its open,” I said. It was Chun-Li. “Sakura, Daisy, Nicholas!” said Chun-Li. “Chun-Li-san!” said Sakura. “You gotta come with me, I need your help!” said Chun-Li.  “What’s goin’ on?” asked Daisy. Chun-Li had a rifle in her hand. “You’re never gonna believe this,” she said. “I believe it,” I said as I got my suit. “You do?” asked Sakura. “I believe,” I said. Chun-Li smiled. This whole Power Man thing was never a hobby, or just something to pass the time. It was a responsibility. There will be times where I doubt myself, where I feel like people are against me. But the day will never come, where I forsaken the people I care about. So you can take away my tricks and toys, you can sabotage my armor. But there’s one thing you can never take from me; Its this statement. I am Power Man. THE END Still Breathing by Green Day I'm like a child looking off in the horizon I'm like an ambulance that's turning on the sirens Oh, I'm still alive I'm like a soldier coming home for the first time I dodged a bullet and I walked across a landmine Oh, I'm still alive Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm? Just shine a light into the wreckage So far away, away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way away My way to you I'm like a junkie tying off for the last time I'm like a loser that's betting on his last dime Oh, I'm still alive I'm like a son that was raised without a father I'm like a mother barely keeping it together Oh, I'm still alive Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm? Just shine a light into the wreckage So far away, away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way, away, away... As I walked out on the ledge Are you scared to death to live? I've been running all my life Just to find a home that's for the restless And the truth that's in the message Making my way, away, away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way away 'Cause I'm still breathing 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own My head's above the rain and roses Making my way, away 'Cause I'm still breathing (My way to you) 'Cause I'm still breathing on my own (My way to you) My head's above the rain and roses Making my way, away My way to you Thanks by the way, for listening to this story. It was just somethin’ I had to get off my chest for a while. And Star told me you were the best source to go to, although you do seem a little young to be a doctor, no offense Marco….. Marco was asleep. “Marco?” I asked, “Marco Diaz!” He woke up. “Where were we?” asked Marco. “Were you power napping?” I asked. “Sorry man,” said Marco, “I just drifted.” “So where’d I lose you?” I asked. “I guess the battle at the bank,” said Marco. “So you’ve heard none of it,” I said. “I’m honestly not that kinda doctor,” said Marco, “I don’t have that kind of training.” “Now that you mention it, it reminds me of another thing I wanted to talk about,” I said. As I went on and on about another story, Marco started to fall asleep again. Meanwhile at Gouken’s grave, the dirt started to rumble. Amnesia by Red Sun Rising Everyday is the same and I complain about it But I'm alright Blue to grey it's mundane but there's something strange about it But I've got the right I'm not sick like you I'm not burdened by the truth This is it Your only one moment in time Don't be afraid to ever love Lest the roses hit the stone This is it Your only one moment in time Release your grip Don't roll your eyes Take a breath Life should be touched not choked to death Slide the X through the square so I won't forget about it, tomorrow's come Am I the only one that thinks the trouble with nothing is that it's fun I'll never be as sick as you And never see the shit you do I'm not burdened by the truth This is it Your only one moment in time Don't be afraid to ever love Lest the roses hit the stone This is it Your only one moment in time Release your grip Don't roll your eyes Take a breath Life should be touched not choked to death Don't you say that, I won't forget it Don't you say that it's all invented Don't you say that, I won't forget it, won't forget it, won't forget it, won't forget it This is it Your only one moment in time Don't be afraid to ever love Lest the roses hit the stone This is it Your only one moment in time Release your grip Don't roll your eyes Take a breath Life should be touched not choked to death Later one evening I was dropping off Crash to Echo Creek University. “Thanks again for the lift mate,” said Crash. “Don’t sweat it,” I said. “Its so awesome that you’re a peacekeeper,” said Crash, “Maybe I can be your sidekick or apprentice or…” “Let’s not get carried away,” I said. “Right,” said Crash, “So are there like trials or something to becoming a peacekeeper or….” “Do me a favor,” I said, “Just be yourself. There’s no need to try and mimick someone’s persona just to get them to respect you.” “Any other advice?” asked Crash. “Don’t do anything I would do, more importantly don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I said, “There’s an orange little spot and that’s where you operate, but it doesn’t mean you’re a peacekeeper. Yet anyway.” I was getting the door but he thought it was a hug. “Its not a hug, I’m just gettin’ the door,” I said, “Good luck out there. Oh, you might need this.” I gave him the fruit cannon. “I can keep this?” asked Crash. “Yeah, it doesn’t fit me,” I said. I drove away. “Oh this is so awesome!” said Crash.

[arplis]

Arplis - News: The number of hunters is actually on the rise

And quality habitat is at the lowest it’s ever been. Competing ideas are at play in the hunting industry and community. Here’s more. Over the past few years, the hunting community has jumped full sail into what it’s calling the R3 movement. “R3” stands for recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters. And it’s an effort to boost the number of hunters in myriad ways, mostly due to the idea that hunter numbers are in decline. It’s an interesting idea, but it bears a closer look. While hunters are on the decline per capita, the actual number of hunters on the American landscape tells a different story. And beyond that, habitat and biodiversity in the lower 48 are both well into declines that are not only alarming but also potentially devastating to both hunter opportunities and the variety of healthy American ecosystems in general. There are three things I think we need to look at from a wholesale perspective. The first is the consistent use of fear-based marketing tactics that tends to put the hunting community on the defense. The second is taking a look at hunter numbers from a broader perspective that shows us some good news about hunter numbers. And the third is aligning our educational focus to both help habitat and create public goodwill, as hunter numbers per capita are unlikely to increase at the rate of population growth. Understanding these main issues is just the first step in correcting the narrative. What follows is a call to action: to educate, rather than try to recruit, our non-hunting friends. Because what hunting really needs is not more hunters, but more habitat. ‘The Decline of Hunting’: Scarier & Sexier Than Your Halloween Costume Off the bat, I’d like to set the record straight: I’m all for new hunters coming into the fold. I’m in my seventh year of hunting, and other hunters have certainly helped me get here. I’ve hosted a women’s hunting camp, in part to help introduce novice hunters to the pastime. Personally, I’m not sure hunters can be created or recruited out of marketing efforts. But I do think that a broad and general public who views hunting positively is the best deal we hunters could possibly create for ourselves. And the general, non-hunting public can make a powerful ally for land conservation. (More on this later.) Photo credit: Roman Kosolapov via Shutterstock Over and over again, I’ve heard organizations and well-heeled influencers talking about how hunter numbers are in decline and that this is a mortal wound in the side of hunting culture that needs to be addressed. There’s some truth here — albeit massaged truth — and I’ll get to that. But fear is the ultimate motivator, and whenever I sniff out fear in messaging, my inner skeptic sounds the alarm. Making fear sexy involves adding some sort of positive outcome or good intention; it gives worrying a purpose. The hunting community is deft in this regard. A few examples of things I’ve heard in one form or another reflect this: “There are fewer hunters than ever! If we recruit more hunters, then we’ll save conservation!” “Hunters are in decline! We need more hunters or the system is going to fail us, and we’re gonna lose our hunting traditions!” “If we don’t have enough hunters, we don’t have enough money to protect the things we love to hunt! More hunters, more money!” This leads me to my first point: If you find yourself being motivated by fear or defensive tactics, think twice. Fear is the most commonly used tactic in marketing because it works. And really, R3 is a giant marketing campaign for an effort that has no data to show it will substantially increase numbers in hunting. I’d be remiss to not mention that a lot of this fear comes down to money. Hunters and anglers do contribute a lot of money to conservation, through a variety of sources, including hunting licenses, excises taxes, travel, buying power, and more. It’s certainly in the best interest of any membership-based organization, brand, or wildlife agency to generate more income. It’s one thing to increase your bottom line — that’s all fine and good — but it’s another to massage numbers and messaging in certain ways to do it. So let’s look at the numbers in a different way. Are Hunter Numbers Really Declining That Much? One of the main points that come up in the conversation around hunting decline is hunter numbers per capita — not hunter numbers in total. When we talk about what percent of hunters exist across the national population, it ain’t big. At less than 4% of the population, hunters are outnumbered. But that’s nothing new. In 1958, the American population was about 175 million. Today, our population stands at nearly 333 million people. Around the same time, 54 million folks lived in rural areas. The rural population today is actually more than that, at 59 million folks. Even with more people living in rural areas, the per capita percentage of rural America sharply declined as our urban population grew. And that’s also true of hunters per capita. But the numbers of hunters actually haven’t diminished all that much, when we look at it more holistically. In 1958, 14,138,182 people owned hunting licenses. In 2020, hunting license owners numbered 15,158,443 — over 1 million more. And we’re not all that far away from the peak number of 17 million hunters in 1982. And it’s worth noting these numbers wax and wane a few million over time. Put another way for more context: In 1958, 8% of the population hunted. In 1982, with more hunters than ever before, there was still a per capita decline, at 7%. And in 2020, 4.5% of the population hunted. Yes, that’s a decline per capita. But it’s not, in my opinion, a damning one. The Real Decline: Habitat Loss American Bison wander the Kansas Maxwell Prairie Preserve, public habitat in Kansas donated by the Maxwell family; photo credit: Ricardo Reitmeyer via Shutterstock Habitat loss comes in three types: destruction, fragmentation, and degradation. And America has all three in spades. The grasslands of the American Plains stand as some of the most imperiled in the nation. Serious fragmentation and monocultural agriculture practices are harming flora and fauna at alarming rates. Since colonization, American grasslands have declined by nearly 60%. Wetlands and waterways are also in serious trouble. Since the 1950s, we’ve lost nearly 17 million acres of wetlands. To top it off, a recent study from the Ecological Society of America showed that imperiled species in the U.S. are most affected by habitat loss on private lands. And private lands make up 60% of the U.S. landmass. Thankfully, the U.S. has a more robust system of public lands than the majority of countries, but this is not a catch-all for habitat, especially with most of the public land centered in the American West. With habitat increasingly fragmented, plowed under for massive cornfields, or simply paved over with concrete, we’re seeing massive losses in the numbers of birds, insects, plant life, and suitable habitat for all wildlife across the lower 48 in particular. Not only does decreased habitat mean fewer opportunities to hunt, but it also means fewer species overall. Take the northern bobwhite quail, for example. A combo of habitat fragmentation and timber managed for economic rather than ecological bounty are two huge reasons why we’ve seen an 85% decrease in the bird’s population since 1966. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can manage timber for both birds and the economy, and we can help increase hunting opportunities in the process. Groups like Quail Forever focus almost entirely on habitat restoration and give folks the tools they need to create habitat on their own. The National Wildlife Federation has a Certified Wildlife Habitat program that allows individuals to certify their backyard gardens as quality habitats for all sorts of critters. And hunting- and angling-driven conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation incorporate increased habitat reclamation, protection, and enhancement as top priorities in their conservation efforts. As a result of these efforts, millions of acres of habitat have been restored. As many conservationists say, “What’s good for the bird is good for the herd.” It’s all interconnected. But there’s a helluva lot more to do here. Under Pressure: Decreased Opportunity, Increased Demand If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Wow! My favorite hunting spot is getting hammered. Guess it’s not my favorite spot anymore,” you’re not alone. The increase of hunters and the decrease of opportunity is a serious issue. Here’s the meat of this oxtail: We have more hunters than we did in 1958, and we have lost large amounts of quality habitat to hunt. Habitat begets both plant life and wildlife. All these things feed off each other. This results in a lot of pressure being put on a massively reduced huntable landscape. The issue of the 3.5% per capita loss in hunters in the overall population isn’t reflective of a dying tradition; it’s reflective of a growing and more urbanized population with less exposure to hunting. This leaves a potential rift in a democratic society. If the majority isn’t for hunting, the minority loses out on their traditions. We saw it happen in British Columbia with the banned grizzly hunt. It can certainly happen here if hunters don’t act in their own best interests. So, What Do We Do? Canada geese in migration at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, DE; photo credit: Bo Shen via Shutterstock If any hunter wants to do all hunters a favor, we need to be great ambassadors for hunting culture. Not to bring people in, but to better their assumptions about who hunters are. We need to lead on educating and incentivizing private landowners on ways to help the wildlife and plant life they interact with daily. We need to castigate and throw out the damaging image of “trophy hunting.” And we need to feed our non-hunting friends wild game, leave the door open if they want to join, and hopefully create an advocate either way. But the biggest necessary overhaul is the need to shift our focus from the unsubstantiated fear propagated by the R3 movement and move toward engaging in greater and more nuanced public education, in conjunction with real physical work to restore habitats and ecosystems. Maybe even in our own backyard. Here’s my call to action: Don’t convince someone to go on a turkey hunt with you. Instead, ask more people you know to help with a local habitat restoration project. Certify your garden or even your balcony. And if you don’t have private land, invest some time in a small tract of public land. Then, tell folks about it. Toot your own horn. Bring non-hunters into the habitat-making fold. If every hunter committed to bettering one acre of land in a year, more than 15 million acres could be restored. And, surprisingly, that’s 1 million more acres than would have been restored by hunters in 1958. The post The Hunter Decline Myth: Habitat — Not Hunting — Is at Risk appeared first on GearJunkie. #Conservation #Hunting #Hunt/Fish

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/the-number-of-hunters-is-actually-on-the-rise

[droneseco]

The Wowstick Electric Screwdriver Review

Wowstick

7.50 / 10

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See on amazon

This electric screwdriver is a neat accessory for occasional repairs around the house. With 56 screw bits included, you'll be able to fix almost anything, including most electronics. This screwdriver won't strip your screws, and it will look nice on your desk. It also doubles as a fidget tool.

Key Features

Dual 0.15/3N.m torque

Rated speed at 200 rpm

Specifications

Brand: Wowstick

Battery: 6 hours

Charging Time: 40 minutes

Weight: 1.76 ounces (50g)

Pros

Electric with six hours battery life

56 screw bits included

Three LED lights

Cons

Included base doesn't double as charging station

Some models come with non-replaceable battery

Some models not repairable

Buy This Product

Wowstick amazon

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The Wowstick electric screwdriver comes with almost all the screw bits you could ever need. You can use it as a precision screwdriver for repairing electronics, but it also features a manual and dual power mode that lets it handle more common jobs. And with its sleek design, it'll look great on your desk or workbench.

We backed the Wowstick Pro Kickstarter in 2018 and have been using it for almost two years now. Is this tool all we hoped it to be and has it stood the test of time? Find out in this review.

What Is a Wowstick?

Essentially, the Wowstick is a battery-powered screwdriver. It's not your everyday screwdriver, though: it's a desktop screwdriver.

The Wowstick doesn't have nearly enough power to replace the electric screwdriver in your toolbox. But it's sleek enough to look great on your desk, compact enough to fit into a (man-) purse, and it offers enough utility to come in handy for odd jobs around the house. Despite making great eye candy, you'll find the Wowstick most useful for repairing electronics.

What's in the Box?

Our Wowstick Pro package included the pen-shaped electric screwdriver, complete with a cap, a screwdriver base, a USB-C charging cable, and a total of 56 screw bits, packed into three rolls for storage.

The Wowcase seen in the image above is an optional accessory that comes bundled with some Wowstick sets. Those bundles may also include the Wowpad, a magnetic tray for holding your screws in place, a magnetizer, a hand tool set, and more.

Wowstick Mini Pro Specs

Screwdriver Material: Aluminum

Bits material: S2 alloy steel

Rated speed: 200 rpm

Torque: dual 0.15/3N.m

LED: 3 x LED

Controls: two buttons for positive and negative torque, respectively

Power source: Lithium battery

Battery life: six hours, if used continuously

Charging port: USB-C (some models feature micro-USB)

Charging time: 40 minutes

Size: 0.6 x 6.8 inches (1.6 x 17.3 cm, D*L)

Weight: 1.76 ounces (50 grams)

Included screw bits: 56

Screw bits, size 4 x 28 mm:

PH0000, PH000, PH00, PH0, PH1, PH2

SL1.0, SL1.5, SL2.0, SL2.5, SL3.0, SL3.5, SL4.0

H0.7, H0.9, H1.3, H1.5, H2.0, H2.5, H3.0, H4.0

T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20

P2, P5, P6

Y0.6, Y1, Y2.0, Y2.5, Y3.0

SQ0, SQ1.0, SQ2.0

U2.0, U2.6, U3.0

W1.5

Delta: 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 3.0

Bison Fone: 0.8

Screw bits, size 4 x 45 mm:

PH0, PH2, SL2.0 H2.0

How Does the Wowstick Work?

The Wowstick is a battery-powered precision screwdriver with two buttons, three modes, and three LEDs.

The lower button lets you tighten screws (positive torque), while the upper button loosens screws (negative torque). Fortunately, you're not limited to using the electric/auto mode to tighten or loosen a screw. You can use your Wowstick in the manual mode, just like any old-school screwdriver.

In dual-mode, i.e. when you combine auto and manual mode, the Wowstick truly comes into its own. You'll automatically enter dual mode when the torque reaches its limit. Hold the respective button while you're manually tightening or loosening a screw and let the screwdriver adjust as you move back-and-forth. We don't recommend using this mode extensively because it could damage the gearbox, but it does come in handy.

As you're working, the three "shadow-less" LEDs at the bottom of the screwdriver will illuminate your project and help you see everything.

A magnet at the base of the bit holder keeps screw bits in place, and we found that the bits themselves are mildly magnetic, as well. From what we know, this mild magnetic force is not a threat to your electronics. And it's great for not losing your screws. (It won't help you with your marbles, though.)

What Can You Use the Wowstick For?

With 56 screw bits included, there aren't many things the Wowstick can't do. We've been using it for repairing electronics, like laptops or computer mice, and for tightening screws on various household items.

You shouldn't use it for bigger projects, though. For example, we wouldn't recommend it for putting together IKEA furniture or fixing larger power tools. Those bigger jobs might require screw bits not included in the Wowstick package.

What's more, with a torque of 0.15/3N.m, the Wowstick isn't powerful enough to fully tighten longer or larger screws. While you can use its manual or dual power mode to finish the job, keep in mind that this could wear out or damage your precision tool.

What makes the Wowstick perfect for working on electronics is that its lower torque protects those more delicate screws from being stripped.

What Is the Wowstick Battery Life Like?

Our Wowstick has a battery life of about six hours in continuous use. Other models promise a battery life of up to eight hours. We've been using our Wowstick extensively since we got it in early 2019 and have yet to run into any issues with its battery.

While we have obviously charged our Wowstick a few times by now, we haven't noticed a decline in its battery life. The Wowstick also maintains its full speed and torque until it's close to running out of battery power.

We have the model with a USB-C charging port. A full charge takes around 40 minutes.

The one thing we thought was disappointing is that the base doesn't double as a charging station. What's worse, you can't really charge the Wowstick while it's sitting in its base. Although the Wowstick sits charging port down on a bottom-less base, meaning you could theoretically connect a cable though the bottom, we have yet to see a desk with a suitable cable port. The design could have been smarter, but it's an opportunity for a DIY solution.

Can You Repair the Wowstick?

The Wowstick is the perfect tool for fixing electronics. But is the screwdriver itself repairable? Yes, if you buy the right model.

Our model wasn't designed to be taken apart, so there's no easy way to replace the battery or fix any broken parts. Later models, however, come with replaceable AA batteries, and you can remove the Wowstick's inner parts without too much effort. You can also find replacement parts online. That makes it repairable, as long as you know what you're doing.

With our 2018 Kickstarter model, we'll have to get inventive once the battery or something else breaks down.

Who Should Get the Wowstick Electric Screwdriver?

The Wowstick electric screwdriver is a neat little tool for occasional fixes around the house.

It comes with a generous selection of screw bits and, depending on the bundle you get, many more useful accessories. It can handle electronic repairs without stripping your screws, it works well for other small screw jobs around the house, you can even use it as a fidget tool, and whether idle or in use, it always looks great.

For more serious electronic repair jobs, however, we'd recommend getting the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit. It doesn't look as good, it's 100% manual and slightly more expensive, but it comes with a complete set of electronic repair tools and a lifetime warranty.

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