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liaromancewriter · 3 years ago

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Always My Number One

Premise: Ethan Ramsey is known for many things but being named America’s Top Hot Doctor was not an honor he was expecting.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,740

A/N: This fic was inspired by a conversation with my flock (you know who you are). This takes place later in 2022. I’m also participating in this week’s @wackydrabbles, prompt 128 which will appeared in bold.

Cassie Valentine liked lazy mornings in bed, especially ones where both she and her husband, Ethan Ramsey weren’t working. They had been married for five months and every day was better than the last.

She looked around the master bedroom, her eyes still adjusting to the new view, so different from Ethan’s apartment. A few weeks ago, they had finally moved into their place. A penthouse in the Waterfront District, close enough to trendy shops and restaurants she liked and surrounded by water that Ethan wanted.

She glanced over at the clock on his bedside table; it was after ten o’clock which explained why the other side of the bed was already cold. Given the choice, Ethan did not loll about in bed. Whereas, she was more than happy to sleep the morning away.

Cassie rolled on to her back, stretching her arms and legs as she gave a brief (miniscule really) thought to getting out of bed and grabbing some coffee, maybe going for a run. No need to go crazy, she thought. Running in the afternoon was perfectly acceptable. But coffee? That was a necessity.

She wondered if she could convince Ethan to install a coffee machine next to their bed. It would save them (okay, her) so much time in the morning. And then she imagined his reaction — he’d pinch the bridge of his nose for sure — and knew it was a non-starter.

She spent another half-hour just lying there; her thoughts wandering from everything that had happened in the last couple of weeks (Eeek! Her best friend was marrying her brother!) to all the things she still needed to get done for Christmas.

Wanting coffee more than anything, she picked up her phone to text Ethan, hoping he was home and could bring her one from the kitchen, when Sienna’s name popped up on her screen.

She pulled up the Picta feed, scrolling down to the earlier posts. She had forgotten about the list coming out this week and wanted to see if she knew anyone on it. Feed followers could anonymously submit recommendations and voting was open for all.

Cassie had leaned into the whole competition, which had originally started out as something fun. But when the trauma surgeon from Chicago started garnering more votes, she had launched a secret offensive to propel her favorite people forward. Looks like it had worked.

Minutes later, she was sitting up in bed and laughing out loud at the comments from Jackie and Bryce. Before she knew it, she was adding her two cents to everyone’s post and Jackie joined in, as if lying in wait for Cassie’s comment on the top post.

The notification on her group chat with Max and Sienna popped up and she quickly switched apps. These were the only two people in the world who really understood her goofy and oft times snarky sense of humor. And they didn’t disappoint.

Cassie wasn’t surprised by the thirst comments, but the fact that Max’s Picta Fan Club had switched allegiance had her cracking up.

“What has you in stitches?” asked Ethan, walking into the bedroom with a coffee cup and paper bag.

She looked up at him, unable to stop giggling as she clutched the phone in her hand. She glanced down, then back up at him and just lost it.

Throwing her phone aside, her head fell forward as she hugged her knees and hid her face. Belly-deep laughter made her body shake, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes when she raised her head to stare at Ethan’s perplexed face.

“I have no idea what’s going on unless you’re punchy from lack of coffee,” he said, handing her the bag and the cup with Derry’s logo stamped on the side. “Here.”

“Did you go all the way to Derry’s for my coffee?” she asked when she finally felt in control again.

“Of course not,” he scoffed, sitting down on the foot of the bed. “I was paged back to Edenbrook. Apparently, everyone forgets how to do their job when I’m not there.”

“Poor you,” she teased. “Must be so hard to be indispensable. Smart, handsome, and America’s Hottest Doctor of 2022. You’re a catch, Dr. Ramsey.”

He creased his forehead, eyebrows knitting at her words. “What on earth are you babbling about?”

In response, she unlocked her phone, scrolled to the bottom of the Pictagram feed and handed him the device.

She sipped her coffee, fishing inside the bag for the cupcake she was positive would be there and waited for the explosion. It wasn’t far behind.

He read the first couple of posts and then he cursed out loud in outrage.

“What the hell is this?” he griped. “We’re respected physicians not contestants on Americas Top Model.”

“Americas Top 50 Hottest Medics actually,” she corrected, fascinated by the flush spreading across his face as he scrolled up.

“Is that Carrick? And, Cassie, why are you commenting on this drivel?”

“He’s no Ethan Ramsey,” she said seriously, the laughter in her eyes belying the tone. “Just telling it like it is, babe.”

“Hrm,” was all he said. “Who is this Land Olsen and why does Varma think he had a shot on my team?”

“You mean you don’t recognize your number one fan?” she asked with mock seriousness, her hands clutching at her throat.

“I thought you were my number one fan, Rookie?” he smirked. “Isn’t that what you told me when you were trying to get my autograph that first day?”

“Since we’re married now, I can tell you the truth,” she grinned back. “That autograph wasn’t for me.”

“What?!?” His brows shot up in consternation. He started to respond when her phone pinged and he glanced down.

“Why is your brother telling me to get my own Picta Fan Club? Why on earth would I want one?”

His confusion was so endearing that Cassie almost gave the game away. Almost. She wasn’t done messing with him though.

“Scroll up, babe.”

“Hmm. Dr. Hadley is a leader in her field,” he said stopping again. “I bet you she’s just as upset about this ranking as Harper would be. At least she ranked higher than Carrick. Although how he managed to make it to third, let alone the list, just shows how stupid people on Picta are.”

“How do you know her?” asked Cassie, scarfing down the cupcake and coffee before setting the empty cup on her nightstand.

“We’ve run into each other at conferences over the years,” he said absently, his thumb on the screen as he scrolled up.

Cassie knew the moment he saw his name and picture. His body went stiff and then his hand came up to pinch the bridge of his nose as a litany of inventive curses flew out of his mouth. She burst out laughing, enjoying every minute of his discomfort.

“What the he…why would this user want someone to rip them?” he asked, bafflement written across his face.

“It’s not rip, babe, it’s R.I.P. as in fuck me,” she explained, wiping the tears from her eyes.

She had known he would be annoyed, but his bewilderment was too amusing for words.

“Who is kayla212 and why is she comparing me to Max?”

“You really should apologize to Max,” said Cassie, her tone grave. “He’s upset that you stole his Picta Fan Club. Kayla212 was one of his first fans along with Thirstybitch.”

“I didn’t ask them to be part my fan club, Cassie,” he retorted. “I don’t even know what that means. Why would a perfect stranger want me to treat their…”

He trailed off as he glanced down and then his eyes went wide. “That’s it. I’m firing Edenbrook’s PR department! They’re supposed to stop these things and not fan the fire.”

“Think of the rise in residency applications,” countered Cassie. “Edenbrook has three of the hottest top five doctors. Everyone will want to work here.”

“We’re a hospital, Cassie,” he grumbled, pacing in front of the bed, “Not a talent agency. Patients don’t care how their physician looks.”

“Shows how much you know,” she muttered.

“And why are you commenting on this crap?” he asked, holding the phone out.

She climbed out of bed, her arms akimbo as she faced him.

“Unbelievable, Dr. Ramsey. I have to show my appreciation and support for my one and only,” she said in a tone that told him it should be obvious. “Can’t have people thinking your wife doesn’t find you hot.”

He opened his mouth as if to argue the point but then he beetled his brows as if a thought occurred to him.

“Wait a minute. This photo,” he said, swiping out of the Pictagram app to pull up her photos. “There’s only person that has this photo of me and I know for a fact that it’s not online anywhere.”

“Uh oh,” said Cassie realizing her rookie mistake. She sidled past him as he scrolled through her photos looking for confirmation.

“Come back here, Rookie,” he called out as Cassie made a run for the bedroom door, her runner legs pumping to escape his grasp.

She was laughing as she glanced back to see him chasing her with a determined look on his face. She was almost up the stairs to the second level when his long legs caught up with her and he grabbed her from behind, keeping her locked in his arms as he walked them to the couch.

“Going somewhere, babe?” he said menacingly.

“Uh, just, you know, fresh air and what not,” she stammered uncertainly at his mood.

“It’s in the low thirties outside,” he said neutrally before shaking his head. “I really should have guessed what I was in for that first day when you asked me for private lessons.”

“Are you okay, Ethan?” she asked confused at the change of topic. She placed the back of her hand on his forehead to check his temperature.

“That was the moment I knew,” he said softly, ignoring her question.

He leaned down to brush his lips across hers, deepening the kiss as he lay her down on the living room couch.

“Knew what?” she asked, her arms circling his neck as she tugged him down to cover her body with his.

“That my life would never be the same again.”

With that, he proceeded to show her just why he was America’s Top Hottest Medic.

A/N 2: If you’re wondering about how Max’s Picta Fan Club first discovered Ethan? Read Carry You Home.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging in reblog.

#choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart choices

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kill-cry-die · 3 years ago

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Percy Headcanons <333

Percy is a both a cat and dog person, he loves them both equally

Percy is surprisingly good at soccer, though his favorite sports are basketball and volleyball

He's a very affectionate person, he loves to hold his friends hand and kiss them on the cheeks

His friends will sort out blue candy for him

Ever since he figured out he could talk to fish he stopped eating them

Percy has a bunch of stuffed animals, all of them either blue or sea themed

Estelle absolutely loves when he takes her to the aquarium

She also brags about him to all her school friends

At Paul and Sally's wedding he walks his mom down the aisle

He was also both the maid of honor and best man

He loves to take his friends on tours of Manhattan

His favorite restaurant is one him and his mom went to when he was younger when she had extra money

When he first got the sims he made him and Annabeth and had them get married, he doesn't tell anyone

Nico coming out to him encouraged him to come out, he tells Nico first

Him and Hazel love to steal Frank's hoodies since they're so big on them

Him and Piper wear similar clothing sizes so they share clothes

Even though him and Clarisse act like they don't care about each other they will 100% defend the other if they need it

Silena was the first person to figure out he had a crush on Beckendorf

Before they found out Luke was evil him and Annabeth had a fan club for him

During the SoN they finally talk to each other about their feelings for Luke, it ends with them crying

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amenomiko · 4 years ago

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Yeah I don't do SLBP fictions but I'm just curious. What if SLBP characters meet with IkeSen Characters?

Nobunaga

IkeSen Nobu: .....

SLBP Nobu: .....

IkeSen Nobu: Well? Does your MC allows you to drink sake from her lips?

SLBP Nobu: What-

IkeSen Nobu: Hm. I see that your MC is not bold as mine, then.

SLBP Nobu: Hooh? Does your MC do it for you?

IkeSen Nobu: *Grins* Always.

MC: Say it again or you will see darkness once I touch your bloody neck Nobunaga (✿❛◡❛).

-----

Hideyoshi

IkeSen Hide: ☺ Nice to meet you.

SLBP Hide: Hehehe same here ᕕ( ՞ ᗜ ՞ )ᕗ!

IkeSen Hide: You are very young aren't you?

SLBP Hide: You can say that ☺. But I admire you so much! You have lots of fan girls 😲✨

IkeSen Hide: They are just a bunch of lovely ladies. I am not that popular ☺

SLBP Hide: ...Senpai 😳✨✨✨

IkeSen Hide: What- who taught you that--

-----

Masamune

IkeSen Masa: HAH! What's life if you don't ride your horse like this ٩( ᐛ )و! *Ride his horse by STANDING on it*

SLBP Masa: *Went pale* Uhh..

IkeSen Masa: Come on, lad! You only live once (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨✨

SLBP Masa: But I don't think that is safe..

SLBP Kojuro: Exactly. What in the world.. Hey, you just let your master do those dangerous act?

IkeSen Kojuro: This is not a first time. Besides, I'm happy as long as he is happy uwu✨✨✨

-----

Mitsuhide

IkeSen Mitsu: *Grins*

SLBP Mitsu: (´・��・｀)...?

IkeSen Mitsu: Ah, pardon me. I'm just thinking on how lucky you are, living in a castle without having a mother hen in it ( ͡^ ͜ʖ ͡^).

SLBP Mitsu: Mother hen? Well yes, since our food supplies like chicken is placed separately away from the castle.

IkeSen Mitsu: And it is to my knowledge that your MC is very pure?

SLBP Mitsu: *Smiles* Yes, she is. She is very kind too. How about your MC? I heard that she is a strong lady.

IkeSen Mitsu: Yes. She is over there (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵).

MC: *Takes Mitsuhide's gun and pointed it to a cockroach* PEW PEW MADAFAKA OAO

SLBP MC: *Already fainted from so called cockroach +A+*

SLBP Mitsu: (　☉д⊙)....

-----

Mitsunari

IkeSen Nari: (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)🌸🌸🌸🌸

SLBP Nari: (눈‸눈)....

SLBP Nari: You are a tactician you say? Sorry not sorry to say this but you don't look like it.

IkeSen Nari: Am I? Oh.. You don't have to be sorry. Being honest already explains that you are a kind person (❁´◡`❁).

SLBP Nari: No. I'm clearly mocking you here.

IkeSen Nari: Eh? But you don't look like it. Because you are like Ieyasu-sama. He may look strict and firm, but he is very kind (*´ω`*)

SPBP Nari: You are beyond help are you?

IkeSen Nari: See? You even want to help me! I'm honored ((o(*>ω<*)o))!

SLBP Nari: .....*groans*

IkeSen Ieyasu: *Appears beside him* Welcome to the club.

-----

Ieyasu

IkeSen Yasu: 😒😒😒😒

SLBP Yasu: 😒😒😒😒

IkeSen Yasu: What's with that clothes for war? Your helmet is weird.

SPBP Yasu: Heh. Unlike you, you don't wear anything on your head. Don't blame me if an arrow stab across that messy hair of yours.

IkeSen Yasu: Your skills doesn't need to be used on battlefield at all, as your bright yellow armor hurts people's eyes.

SLBP Yasu: And your clothes still have those puffy ball scarf, that's not an armor, that's a winter clothes.

Both: *HISSES* OAO

Sasuke: IkeSen Yasu and SLBP Yasu, my dream came true (´；A ；`)❤❤❤❤❤

-----

Kenshin

IkeSen Kenshin: (눈‸눈)...

SLBP Kenshin: (*´ω`*)🌸🌸🌸🌸

IkeSen Kenshin: Your room.. Is this even a room? What's with this small rocks with weird shape, and those dry flowers, and those mushrooms? Is this a storage room given to you as your chamber?

SPBP Kenshin: *Gasp* QAQ don't call my beloved baby rocks that way! They have a name! You see, this one is Hana, Sumire and Kanae, and..

SLBP Kanetsugu: He gave it a name. Great. Just great (-"-;)

IkeSen Kanetsugu: (눈‸눈)....

IkeSen Kenshin: Be quiet. You are disturbing my peace in drinking this sake.

SLBP Kenshin: Ooooh OAO✨✨✨ you drink sake with plum??

IkeSen Kenshin: Yes. It's the best pleasure ever. Hm.

SLBP Kenshin: *Gasp and take one of the plums in his hand* Can I have this? This plum is so beautiful 😳😳😳✨✨✨ I've fallen in love ❤❤❤❤

IkeSen Kenshin: ...What. *spills his sake onto the floor instantly*

SLBP Kenshin: Yaaay! New friend ((o(*>ω<*)o))!

SLBP Kanetsugu: GAHHH LET GO OF ME! SOMEONE HAS TO SMACK HIM OUT OF HIS SENSES \(OAO)/

IkeSen Kanetsugu: *Holds SLBP Kanetsugu casually* (눈‸눈)...

-----

Shingen

IkeSen Shingen: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨

SLBP Shingen: ( ͡^ ͜ʖ ͡^)✨✨✨

IkeSen Shingen: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵) Dango?

SLBP Shingen: ☺☺☺ Sure.

IkeSen Shingen: Your hair really represents Takeda as a whole, eh. I like that.

SPBP Shingen: 😏😏😏 Heh. It's also like a charming point, as it captured both men and women's heart.

IkeSen Shingen: So.... You even do men like the rumors said?

SLBP Shingen: *Grins* Well, up to you to believe it 😏

IkeSen Shingen: Oh.. *Turns away and eat his sweets with a straight face*

IkeSen MC: You are lucky that your place has some BL 😒

SLBP MC: Pardon? What is a BL O.O?

-----

Yukimura

IkeSen Yuki: ಠ_ಠ...

SPBP Yuki: (´。＿。｀)...

IkeSen Yuki: You eyes are so blue. Are you a barbarian's child? Wait- Even your lord has red eyes. Uh.. Okay.

SLBP Yuki: Well it is created that way. My brother has blue eyes too.

IkeSen Yuki: So.. Your MC. *looks left to right before turning to SLBP Yuki* Does she run like a wild boar?

SLBP Yuki: Huh?? What- (　☉д⊙)??

IkeSen Yuki: Our first encounter was bad. Not only she run and bump onto me roughly, she even make us nearly fell off the cliff.

SLBP Yuki: W-wow. People from the future sure have lots of energy (°д°).

*Suddenly, a R18 book landed in the middle of the place they were sitting* PAP!! Σ📚

Both: *JUMPS*EEEEEKKKK \(O//////A///////O)/

Sasuke: *Takes note* I see, I see, no matter which game he's in, his mind is still a pure virgin (´・ｪ・｀).

-----

Sasuke

IkeSen Sasuke: (´・ｪ・｀)....

SPBP Sasuke: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨

IkeSen Sasuke: *Looks from his chest to SLBP Sasuke's toned and bulky chest and back to him* I see. So this is the feeling like those anime characters with flat chest compared to those who has plump chest. *sigh* (´・ｪ・｀)

SLBP Sasuke: Don't let it get to you! I trained for years to get this too!

IkeSen Sasuke: It's alright. I don't think my MC has interest in Jojo-Like Humans as we are all created with a normal toned body.

SLBP Sasuke: Jojo who 🙃?

IkeSen Sasuke: Do you say ORA ORA ORA ORA when you attack your enemy?

SLBP Sasuke: ...No ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ.

-----

IkeSen MC: (✿❛◡❛)

SLBP MC: (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)

IkeSen MC: So you can cook?

SLBP MC: Hehehe yes. My family runs a restaurant. And you can sew, right?

IkeSen MC: Yes, I'm a seamstress in the castle (*´ω`*).

SLBP MC: Woww..! That's nice 🌸🌸🌸 I heard that you are brave too..! Unlike me.. My hair were cut into half and.. I was punched and.. *sighs* (´；ω；`)

IkeSen MC: *Sweats* Uh... *Gulps*

IkeSen MC: I'm glad I'm so sassy and just got locked up and the men swoon to my smile. Heh. Heheh. Phew. ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ

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maxwell-grant · 4 years ago

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You are your top 5 Shadow agents

I don’t talk about the Agents as much as I should, even though I constantly try to stress their importance, because I’m working on essays for them individually. To be honest, I think about the Agents practically every day to the point I have a hard time separating my headcanons from the actual canon material, but I have to stay true to it, and the lack of material regarding them means that the only way I can truly talk about their characterization is by diving deep into the novels and taking notes, which I don’t have much time to do, and then finding the right books or moments to talk about, which is even more difficult.

This by no means constitutes my big thinkpiece on them, but it’s a start, and ultimately narrowing it down was a lot harder than I expected. This order is by no means final, if you asked me this question next week or next month I’d probably have a different answer, but it’s the 5 that I find myself thinking on the most.

Honorable mentions: Jericho Druke and Myra Reldon, who are incredibly awesome characters conceptually and who have great moments each, and whom I definitely think deserve big turns on the spotlight if the Agents ever get put on the spotlight again, but are held back by issues with their presentation and lack of prominence. Margo Lane, whom only just narrowly missed the cut because, as much as I like her and think she gets an underseved bad rep and definitely has great things going for her, I sadly have to concede isn’t as consistently great or well-written as she should be. Clyde Burke, whom I definitely like a lot based on what I’ve read and consider an integral part of the line-up, but haven’t read enough of the novels he’s in to really solidify him as one of my favorites just yet. And Slade Farrow, who is a bit too complicated to talk about superficially.

Allright, so here they are

Number 5: Burbank

As the center of all communications within The Shadow’s network and the only character in the series who is even more mysterious and elusive than The Shadow himself, Burbank is fascinating and the kind of character who simultaneously seems to be both begging for an in-depth exploration and yet who also should be dead last on the list of mysteries about the series we want spoiled, because nobody wants the mystery ruined. He’s a bit of cipher personality-wise compared to the other agents, but he kind of has to be, and I think it helps to illustrate the many forms the agents of The Shadow can and should take, that one of them is this total mystery whom we know nothing about and yet is so vital to the whole thing. And it’s interesting also because, for all the many variations we’ve had on The Shadow’s life and thoughts and feelings and etc over the years, Burbank has stayed more or less the same. Whatever variations he’s had in design aside, Burbank just is.

The pulps did often have moments where we would get to see moments that told us a little more about Burbank, gestures he did, capabilities he had and didn’t have, little details Gibson would sprinkle in to keep people fascinated. Several scenes with Burbank are almost presented like you’re watching a movie, in the way Gibson keeps describing his face being mysteriously blocked from view by objects or lighting, like not even in your mind you are supposed to know what he is. And it’s all the more fascinating because, unlike The Shadow, as far as we know, Burbank is just some guy who’s good with tech, who was only recruited in the 2nd story but apparently knows The Shadow from before it, and whom The Shadow entrusted with virtually every secret necessary to keep his operations running.

It’s kind of a sign as to how utterly neglected the agents are that, to this day, few writers who’ve ever touched The Shadow has ever come close to giving us any sort of explanation or backstory or anything on Burbank, and I refuse to believe these people had that much self-control. Of course I have my own ideas for Burbank, but even I would hesitate to put them on a story, because Burbank epitomizes that double-edged sword that comes with a solid narrative mystery. Burbank just is, and hopefully he will stay that way.

Number 4: Dr Roy Tam

Mention of Dr. Tam meant much to Sayre. He was acquainted with Roy Tam, the Chinese physician. He knew that Tam was a power in Chinatown; one who worked for good

Unrolling a map, Tam showed the entire Manhattan area, studded with tiny dots in districts quite remote from Chinatown.

"These represent my outposts," he said soberly. "They are places, owned by Chinese - restaurants, laundries, curio shops, other places of business. In each of these places, I have a friend."

The Shadow understood. Dr. Tam was the motivating factor among the Chinese who adapted themselves to American ways. His mission was to create good will among races, to put an end to prejudice and superstition.

A newer and more sober spirit had replaced the old and dangerous festivities. Feuds in Chinatown were a thing of the forgotten past. Dr. Tam and his associates had done much to bring about the present sentiment; but there were persons - even among that group - who felt regret at the passing of old traditions.

Dr Tam is a remarkably layered character for one that only appears in about ten stories, and he’s one of the agents I’m most eager to discuss in-depth. He’s another one of those agents that Gibson introduced by tricking you into seeing him as a villain, as a Yellow Peril cliche, until he is revealed to be in fact a good man. Not just good, Roy Tam is presented as a powerful, influential and cunning Chinese man with a lot of assistants secretly working for him, and who is consistently presented as a progressive, pacifistic, benevolent civic leader and ally, even friend, of The Shadow.

Tam is very much westernized and the stories paint that mostly as a good thing, and this is one of the areas that I think could very much result in an interesting story that looks at the ramifications of his role, because of course not everyone is going to agree with his viewpoints, of course him being an advocate against superstition and tradition isn’t necessarily a good thing (and it’s not how Yat Soon, The Shadow’s other major Chinese ally, works, which puts the two at odds), and of course it’s a complicated situation, but the fact that Tam invites this kind of debate at all I think is something very interesting

Largely because of the movie, Dr Tam is one of the few agents of The Shadow who’s managed to sustain appearences in modern stories, and none of them have ever really went with his original angle as a powerful civic leader. Instead he’s been largely painted as either a scientist, like in the movie, a general practitioner, and a psychiatrist, and his age has been all over the board.

I prefer him in his original form but I also very much like the idea of Roy Tam being, like the Chinese supervillains he was created to be a subversion of, an incredible genius who’s got skills in all fields that can fit under the “Dr” part of his job and is also an incredibly capable leader able to unify splintered communities under a cause of unity and cooperation, someone who absolutely could be the adventuring genius so many other pulp heroes are, except he dedicates himself wholesale to his community and the fight against prejudice and the betterment of lives, even if he’s misguided or wrong at some of the causes he takes up. I really think this character could partake in really great stories if ever brought back.

Number 3: Cliff Marsland

(Fan-art by @cryptixcreations)

Cliff may have actually been the first agent I really fell in love with based on concept alone, even before I read the stories he was a part of and started loving all of the others. He’s one of the few agents who has prior history with The Shadow and we get ever so tantalizing hints at his background that we ultimately never get to learn about in full. He’s the resident tough guy and underworld contact of The Shadow, which in any other series might have made him the biggest badass and a loner action hero who’s too cool for things like thinking and relying on others for help. But here, trying to be that only gets Cliff into trouble, and circumstances gradually morph him into the series equivalent of a Team Dad.

He was one of the agents who we got to see develop as a character. As he appears more frequently past his introduction, he grows from a headstrong, careless jackass, mostly interested in the action parts of the job, who “resigned himself to an adventurous career with violent death as its inevitable termination”, into one of the most reliable and capable agents, taking the lead during action scenes but otherwise fully defering leadership to Harry, and being the agent most likely to partake in gunfights and rescue The Shadow out of trouble, joining in missions like infiltrating circuses or high-society clubs and forming very strong friendships with Harry, Clyde & Hawkeye, who almost kills a man with his bare hands when he thinks Harry’s been killed. He’s the hardass, square-jawed ex-con who plays the reputation of a brutal killer, and is in reality a great friend, ally and husband (Arline has sadly only been mentioned in three stories), on top of being an invaluable fighter and secret agent.

Cliff could have easily been the protagonist of a long-running series all his own and that’s one of my favorite aspects of The Shadow’s agents. They are people with agency, goals and dreams and relationships and lives beyond the roles they play, they all have strengths and weaknesses and faults and positives that bring them much closer to us than The Shadow could ever be, with no end to the variety of roles they can take, and Cliff in particular is a character I’m very attached to.

I do hope that he eventually found peace in a quiet life with Arline once his business with The Shadow was over.

Number 2: Harry Vincent

The Shadow as a franchise has been vastly worse off as a result of Harry Vincent being completely sidelined and mischaracterized in virtually every adaptation since, and the sheer love that Shadow fans hold for Harry purely may be the closest thing to a true universal opinion in the fandom.

Harry is a lot of things: the audience surrogate, the protagonist of much of the early stories, the leader of the agents in field duty, the dude in distress who gets kidnapped far more than even Margo, a hopeless romantic, an action hero, the one who gets sent to recruit agents because all The Shadow has to do is send Harry on an assignment and wait for him to come back with a new friend. He is a competent, resourceful, strong, extremely kind ball of sunshine who's got the potential for greatness, even if he can't see it.

And for this post I’m going to highlight this: Harry is, on top of all that, the ultimate embodiment of what The Shadow strives to protect, help and uplift. He is the living proof that The Shadow's mission has a good, positive effect in the world, long after criminals are brought to justice and plots are failed and victims are rescued, purely by the fact that he’s alive and helping others who were once like him. Someone who, despite having so much to offer, could have easily been swept away by the world’s callousness and cruelty, if The Shadow wasn’t there to rescue him and uplift him.

I liked The Shadow pretty much at first sight after seeing the character’s design and listening to episodes of the radio show, and my appreciation for the character grew after reading The Shadow’s Shadow, but it wasn’t until I encountered @oldschoolcrimefighters and her brilliantly informative writings on The Shadow and Harry that I not only fell in love with the series, but decided to do everything in my power to try and get other people to love it too and see the potential it has. I think a lot more people should at least be aware of why Harry matters.

Number 1: Moe Shrevnitz

I was honestly a bit surprised when I rounded up all of the agents to make this list and Shrevy here ended up in Number One, but in hindsight, it may have been obvious all along.

My reasonings as to why Shrevy is my favorite agent do get a bit too personal, especially because of something that happened to me as I was writing this post, so I’m putting it on a separate post here.

#the shadow #pulp heroes #pulp fiction #replies tag #harry vincent #moe shrevnitz #roy tam #cliff marsland #burbank

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hopes4gf · 3 years ago

Text

Thievery and Mischief- (a descendants/marvel crossover)

After the tour, I decide to pay a little visit to my friends at Auradon Prep, Tia and Tavian, my favorite twins from Louisiana and drama club captains.

”Yo, Adri! What’s up?” Tavian says.

”Long time no see, how y’all doing?” I ask.

”Good now that there’s some peace and quiet,” Tia says, looking up towards the top of the stage.

”Not my fault you guys are so boring,” A voice says from the rafters.

I look up and see a guy with large wings, almost like a bird’s.

He stares at me, his eyes widening and suddenly he swoops down.

“Holy crap, you’re Adri Ababwa. I’m a big fan,” The guy says now standing in front of me.

”Nice wings man,” I say.

”Thanks, I grew them myself. Mutant powers y’know?” Angel says.

”Mutants?” I ask.

”My dad is a fairy, my mom is a sorceress. I’m Angel, by the way,” He says.

”Angel...by any chance are you the Bell twins’ cousin?” I ask.

He nods.

”They talk about you all the time, I see why now,” I say.

”It’s rare to see mutants in families. Some have wings, have claws in their hands, can shapeshift, that’s probably why I look up to you,” Angel says.

”Cause I can shapeshift into a tiger?” I ask.

”Exactly,” Angel says.

Tia and Tavian stare at us confusedly.

”Power talk,” I say.

The bell rings and the twins collect their things.

”Ooh, Tia! When’s the next time your mom can make me some of her famous gumbo?” I ask.

”If you come with me now, we can stop by her restaurant,” Tia says.

I turn to Angel.

”Wanna come?” I ask.

”Sure,” Angel says.

————

After meeting Angel, I learned some things about mutants and their abilities. This lesson was pretty enlightening and made me feel like I wasn't alone with my curse.

Later, I get a call from a number I don't recognize while walking through the gardens. I pick up the phone.

"Hello?" I say through the phone.

"Hey, Adri. It's been a while," A familiar voice says through the phone.

I recognize the voice to be Stefani, or Lady Gaga through the phone.

"Oh my gosh, Stefani! It's such an honor to talk to you again," I say happily.

I sit under the usual gossip tree to take the call.

"I know. Anyways, darling, I have a little project for you. You're someone who I love and hold dear as an artist, so I want to collaborate with you on a couple of songs for a movie I'm producing a soundtrack for," Stefani says.

"You want to collaborate with me for a motion picture soundtrack?" I ask.

"Mark Ronson is also gonna help and a couple of people from my team too. I was also looking in the credits for your album and I saw your boyfriend did the mixing for a couple of songs. I was hoping you and him might want to tag along on this," Stefani adds.

"I'm sure he would e happy to, but for now all I can say is yes to you on my own behalf. I would absolutely love to," I say with a smile.

"Great! I'll text you meeting details on Friday," Stefani says.

"Great!" I say.

I hang up the phone and giggle. I feel like screaming for joy. So many great things are happening! I guess that's what happens when you hit rock-bottom, you only go up from there. And now, everything is looking up.

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

I walk to the gym where I find Jay with Lonnie and the rest of the fencing team.

”Take a break, boys!” Lonnie says, blowing her new captain’s whistle.

Jay spots me by the doors and walks over with a smile on his face.

”Hey, babe,” He greets.

Before he can kiss me, I put my finger over his lips.

”We have songs to write for Gaga,” I say with a smile.

Jay’s smile drops.

”Gaga? As in, Lady Gaga? Grammy award winner, Gaga?” Jay asks.

”She just called me and she wants us to write her songs for a movie,” I say.

Jay smiles widely and lifts me of the ground, hugging me tightly.

“Jesus, why didn’t you tell me sooner? That’s great! What if we win as Oscar or a Grammy or even a Teen choice award? I’m so proud of you,” Jay rants.

I laugh at his reaction to the news.

”Why is Jay smiling like that?” Lonnie asks, coming up to us.

”We get to write music for Lady Gaga,” Jay says proudly.

Lonnie’s jaw drops.

”Congratulations! You deserve it for making such good songs for her album,” Lonnie says, patting Jay’s shoulder.

”Nah, the real mastermind is Adri. Her lyrics and her voice made the songs much more beautiful,” Jay says.

I blush softly and punch his arm shyly.

”Shut up,” I mutter.

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

After Jay’s practice, we follow Lonnie to Coach Jenkin’s office.

”There's my favorite captains!” Coach says.

“Oh shush, we know we’re good,” I say with a smirk.

I first bump Lonnie.

”Speaking of Captains, I got word of your schedule changes,” He says, pointing to me and Jay.

”Even though these changes have been made, I still think you’d be able to advise your teams. Especially you, Jay, since Ben is out of action,” Coach explains.

”Are you promoting me?” Jay asks.

”I’m making you Captain of the Tourney team, Jay,” Coach says.

Jay’s jaw drops.

”No way,” Jay says in shock.

“Looks like things are looking up, JJ,” I say with a smile.

Jay’s mouth morphs into a smirk.

”Damn right,” He says.

Coach gives us a soft smile.

”You guys can celebrate or something, but on Monday, I expect you all to adjust,” Coach says.

”Yeah,” We all agree.

Suddenly, the announcements go off.

”Adri Ababwa, please report to Fairy Godmother’s office,” The announcement says.

”Did you get your skateboard taken again?” Jay asks.

”How many times are you gonna get that thing confiscated?” Lonnie asks, rolling her eyes.

”It’s in my locker, chill. I have no idea,” I say, getting up from my seat.

I walk through the door and walk to the office.

I walk into the headmistress’s office and I see Mal and Ben with Fairy Godmother.

”Long time no see,” I say to Ben and Mal.

”Glad you’re here,” Ben says, hugging me.

”We called you here because Mal has a proposal for you,” Fairy Godmother explains.

“Rogers stepped down from his position,” Mal says.

My smile fades. Steve Rogers? Family friend, Avengers, Steve?

”Steve stepped down from Captain? Why?” I ask.

“He and Tony had a dispute after Voltron in Germany. I’ve tried to keep a temporary position since Uma came into the Isle, but we need more troops. I think you’d be the best for it because of your powers and experience. And plus, you're already trusted on the court,” Mal explains.

”Mal, I’d be honored to. But I have to find a way to fit it into my schedule. The only free time I have is around now,” I say.

”So, then you can clock in at 5 and finish at 8,” Ben says.

”It's an intensive training role. You’d pick up recruits, train them, and go to the dungeons,” Ben says.

”Not bad,” I think.

”Fine, I’ll do it,” I say.

”Thank you so much,” Mal says with a smile.

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

I walk into the base of operations and spot a familiar face. Bucky Barnes, Steve’s best friend, and newest Avenger.

”Hey, metal arm,” I joke.

”Thank god you’re here,” Bucky says, spotting me.

He gives me a side hug.

”What the hell is wrong with Steve?” I ask him.

”Steve doesn’t agree with the new laws set by Rhodes and the Marshall. Since Sokovia, they wanna add restrictions on our powers because of the explosion and because of that telekinesis girl,” Bucky says.

”I mean they did destroy the city too,” I mention.

”The reason for Tony’s nightmares,” Bucky recalls.

”He has nightmares?” I ask.

”Yeah, if Loki ever comes back, he’ll have a malfunction,” Bucky says.

”Let’s hope that his arc reactor surgery saves him,” I say.

Bucky laughs, remembering he doesn’t have a heart.

”Anyways, let me show you around. So, this is the center of the base, here we have our tanks, our fake grenades, our armory, and training center,” Bucky explains.

”And the troops?” I ask.

”I think that’s your job to cause the first commotion,” Bucky says, handing me a grenade.

”Watch this, grandpa,” I say, taking the grenade from his hands.

I toss the grenade into a group of guys.

They all huddle near the grenade trying to cover it and push each other away.

”Hey! What the hell are you sons if bitches doing? If you see an enemy grenade, you take cover!” I yell.

”The hell is this bitch?” One of the guys asks.

”Bitch? I’m not anyone’s bitch, and for the record, I’m your new Captain,” I say.

The troops all mutter and scoff at each other.

”Go home, kid! You’re kidding yourself if you think you’re gonna train us,” Another guy says.

”What’re your names?” I ask the guys.

They both look at me like I’m dumb.

”I’m Jack. This is Lio,” Jack says.

”I’m promoting you,” I say.

They both look at each other in shock.

”Both of you are now my Lieutenants. You’re gonna spend the majority of training by my side. Whoever are Lieutenants, you’re demoted. If there’s anything I know about being a soldier, you’d fight any fight or anyone to make it to the top. As I train each of you, you must be following my direct orders only. I will watch you all carefully and see if any of you demonstrate proper soldiers' skills. That will determine if you are my second in command. New recruits will all be promoted in place of older ones. As long as you keep up with your task, you’re safe. Any bullshit, you’re out, understand?” I say.

”Yes ma’am,” The Troops say.

I grab a sword from a barrel and I throw it at Lio.

”Get to work,” I order.

The troops go to their assigned positions and Lio and Jack come towards me.

”Who the hell are y-“ Lío starts.

”Bro, that's Adri Ababwa,” Jack explains.

”The artist?” Lio asks.

“Yeah, I’m a huge fan and I’m so fucking sorry about the way I acted earlier,” Jack apologizes.

”It’s fine, I don’t take shit personally. At least anymore,” I say.

”Bruh, you called her a bitch,” Lio comments.

”Shut up,” Jack mutters.

”Listen, I can already tell you two are friends. So please make this easy for me and shut the fuck up and listen,” I say honestly.

”You know you remind me a lot of Rogers,” Jack says.

”We’re friends,” I say.

”You’re friends with Steve Rogers?” Lio asks.

”Yes, now listen up. We’re gonna do some tactical work. You’re gonna go through the grass here with your rifles, your gonna shoot three birds and bring them to me. Got it?” I order.

”Yes ma’am,” They say.

They then pick up their rifles and crouch through the grass.

They miss every shot when birds pass by. One of them lands on Lio’s head and he coos the bird. I roll my eyes at his action. Then, Jack shoots two birds at once. My eyes widen at his shot. They fall into the grass and he picks them up. Lio shoots a bird and it falls slowly.

”That's one big bird,” Lio comments.

As it falls to the ground I notice it’s not a bird.

“Are fucking stupid? That’s a human, not a bird!” Jack shouts.

I run quickly under the person and they fall in my arms.

”Angel? Jesus, are you okay?” I realize.

The metal winged man winces in pain. I realize his hip is bleeding.

”Lio, what the hell is wrong with you? You shot him in the ribs,” I say.

I place him in the grass and reach for Jack’s medkit. He hands it to me and I open it up. I take a pair of tweezers and some alcohol.

”Sit still,” I advise.

I pry the bullet from his hip slowly and Angel grits his teeth from the pain. The bullet comes out cleanly and I put alcohol on the wound and wrap it up.

”Can you fly?” I ask him.

”Sure,” Angel says.

He uses his wings to fly up straight.

”Now who the fuck mistook me for a hunting duck?” Angel asks.

Jack points to Lio.

”Come on, man,” Lío says exasperatedly to Jack.

”Terrible shot,” Angel comments.

Then he takes the gun from Lio’s hand and shoots a bird. The shot is clean and the bird falls quickly to the grass.

”That's how you shoot,” Angel says, picking up the bird from the grass.

He’s good. And he’s got those wings too.

“Hey, Angel? You got anything to do after school?” I ask him.

”No,” He scoffs.

”Would you be interested in being a troop?” I ask him.

”What?” Lio and Jack ask.

”Well, I’ve got nothing else to do,” Angel says.

I smirk and pat his shoulder.

Later, I give Angel his new uniform and make him another Lieutenant. We continue tactical shooting until sunset.

I then search the premises of the base and look at the other troops. They whisper and smirk as I pass by. Some troops, practice grenade launching, shooting positions, fencing. I think to myself:

”Maybe this is something Jay would be interested in hearing.”

I smirk to myself as I think about how successful Jay has been so far in his time in Auradon. I walk into the training center and spot Bucky talking to a troop.

”Hey, how was your first day?” Bucky asks.

”Could’ve been better, but it means progress,” I say with a soft smile.

”Good to know you’re a hard hitter instead of a soft princess. Kind of like your mom,” Bucky says.

”Don’t mention me and my mom in the same sentence, you 100-year-old soldier. That’s like putting you and Steve in the same sentence about ice,” I say, rolling my eyes.

”Shut the hell up,” Bucky says punching my arm with his regular fist.

”You ever punch me with your vibranium arm, I will kill you,” I warn.

Bucky laughs and leaves me alone.

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

One day at school, Angel and I decided to sit together at lunch. We talk about training and new things I could teach the troops. As we talk about ammunition I spot Jay talking to Ruby Fitzherberg, Rapunzel’s daughter. I see her pressing upon him and twirling her blonde hair. Jay uncomfortably tries to walk away.

”Oh god,” I say, rolling my eyes.

”God what?” Angel asks me.

”Jay is with Ruby,” I say.

”Ruby? The girl who slept with five guys at once? You better scoop your man before she gets him,” Angel advises.

”How do you know that?” I ask.

”What? I’m gay. Of course, I know,” Angel explains.

My eyes widen at his words.

”Huh?” I ask dumbfoundedly.

”I said what I said, I’m gay,” Angel says.

I blink in confusion and stand up from the bench.

I walk over to Jay and Ruby and sling my arm around his shoulder.

“Hey guys,” I say.

”Adri! Nice to see you after you dealt with Angel in the theatre,” Ruby says.

”You were there? I didn’t see you or hear your annoying voice,” I say with a smirk.

”I was just asking Jay whether or not he likes my new hair,” Ruby says flirtatiously towards Jay, ignoring my words.

”Um, it looks the same,” I say.

”That’s what I said,” Jay agrees.

”Come on, I cut it 4 inches!” Ruby says playfully hitting Jay’s arm.

”Excuse me, can you not put your hands on him?” I ask her.

”Why not?” Ruby asks.

”It’s super clear that he’s uncomfortable,” I say.

”No he’s not,” Ruby replies bitterly.

Ruby turns to Jay.

”Adri, can we go?” Jay asks.

”Gladly,” I say through gritted teeth.

I grab Jay’s arm and we walk back to my table.

”Who’s this?” Jay asks, seeing Angel.

”This is Lieutenant Angel, the guy Ruby was talking about,” I say.

”Jay. Jay Farr, I’ve heard quite a bit about you from Adri,” Jay says.

”I’ve heard a lot about you too,” Angel says.

”Anyways, you saw what I saw right?” I ask Angel.

”Um, obviously. Ruby has absolutely no self-control. Hey, I’m gay by the way and if you ever and I mean EVER dump her, you’re either getting a Louboutin heel to the face or a date with me,” Angel says.

I scoff at his remarks.

”What? He’s hot,” Angel compliments.

”Thanks, man but I have plans with this girl so...no thanks,” Jay says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

”Like I was saying, Ruby thinks she is all preppy and cool when she’s totally out of line for that shit,” I say to Angel.

”What did she do exactly?” Jay asks, peeking in the conversation.

”She was flirting with you- anyways I try to be sane one...”

”And you’re complaining why?” Jay asks in between my words.

Angel snickers to himself. I glare at Jay.

”You. Are. Mine. End of story,” I say through gritted teeth.

Jay laughs to himself after I speak.

“Jeez, you’re jealous! I didn’t actually think you’d slide into the conversation because of that,” Jay laughs.

”With your tendencies, it was so obvious that you were uncomfortable but when I walked over you played into it! It was so clear,” I say frustratedly.

Jay continues to laugh at my responses. I look over at Angel and rolls his eyes.

”She feels like your toying with her and she doesn’t like it,” Angel blurts out.

Jay stops laughing and his smile drops. He turns to see me.

I play with the underside of my nail, trying not to look at Jay.

”Is that true?” Jay asks.

”I don’t know. Maybe I just feel like at any moment you could be suddenly interested in some other girl who’s better than I am,” I mutter.

Jay puts a hand on my thigh and I turn to face him.

”Baby, why would I make plans with you if I didn’t love you or care about you enough to stay with you?” Jay asks.

I blush lightly and shrug.

”It’s because I think your worth every minute of my life,” Jay says sincerely.

I smile softly and I kiss his cheek.

”That's cute,” Angel says.

”Shut up,” I giggle.

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

A month later,

”Tell me something, boy. Aren’t you tired try to- Fuck what rhymes with that?” I sing, stopping mid-way to think.

”Void?” Stefani suggests.

”Damn it, why is it so hard to write a love song without having the word love in it?” I ask exasperatedly.

”Cause it’s impossible?” Jay suggests.

”It is possible. We’ve just got two weeks to figure it out,” Stefani says, sitting back down in her chair.

Jay puts out his hand for me to pass him the guitar.

”How about we just repeat a couple of lines?” Jay says, receiving the guitar.

“Tell me something, boy, aren’t you tired of trying to fill that void?

or do you need more?” He starts.

”Aint it hard keeping it so hardcore?” Stefani finishes.

”Yes! That’s it,” I say, writing it down.

We’re about to finish the last song of the motion picture and we’re almost done. But the lyrics keep falling apart.

”Maybe Bradley should just come in here and help us,” I suggest.

We call in Stefani’s co-star, Bradley and he sits.

”What’s the dilemma?” He asks.

”We need more ears. So, how about it?” Jay asks.

Jay hands Bradley the guitar.

”Shit, I’ve only been in classes for a month,” Bradley hesitates.

”You can do it,” Stefani says confidently.

youtu.be/MUX4ZWkDS-s

Bradley starts to strum the chords of the song. I hand Stefani our brainstorm journal and they both look at our lyrics.

They sing the parts of the song effortlessly. At one part, Stefani improvises and nails the part.

They finish and Jay and I clap.

”That was movie magic at its finest! Now, let’s record it, mix it, and then off we go,” I say.

We all get up from our seats to start working on our parts.

Jay and I lay down the mixing and Bradley and Stefani record. And just for fun, Stefani plays a piano version and we end up recording that too.

Later that night, we come home absolutely exhausted.

I plop onto my dorm room bed and sigh. I look up at my ceiling and see the moonlight peeking through my curtain. The bed sinks and I turn to see Jay lying there next to me, looking at the curtains.

”Long days at work, huh?” Jay asks me.

”I took off training to do that, so, yes,” I say.

We both paused in silence for a minute.

”Hey,” Jay speaks up.

”Yeah?”

”Do you think we’ll get nominated for anything?” Jay asks.

”Probably,” I say, thinking out loud.

”You know. I’m glad you asked me to start making music with you. It’s like something I can remember about you...like our own special thing, you know?” Jay says.

”Yeah. By the way, Stefani was the one who asked for you. Not me,” I say.

”Really? I didn’t think that would ever happen,” Jay says in surprise.

I chuckle at his reaction. I turn to my side and wrap my arm around his body. He does the same, pulling me closer to his chest by gripping my waist.

”Baby, where do you see us in the next year?” Jay asks.

I furrow my brows in confusion.

”I mean. Do you think we’ll be together after senior year next year?” Jay asks.

”I mean, we’ve had no problems with our career schedules so far. Sure we had the situation with Lonnie but luckily I’m that wasn’t real,” I say.

Jay laughs at my recollection.

”I’m sorry for that,” Jay chuckles.

”I know. Anyways, I actually believe we could be traveling, making songs, doing couples interviews and photoshoots, and maybe I can have you come to Agrabah and convince my parents to help us get married?” I suggest.

”Married? You wanna marry me?” Jay asks.

”I mean, we need a new heir in the bloodline. And I don’t think Aziz wants to settle down or rule the kingdom yet,” I say.

Jay chuckles to himself for a minute. He scoops down and places a kiss on my forehead.

”Why can’t we do that now then?” Jay asks.

My eyes widen at his words. I blink twice adjusting to his reaction.

”You wanna do all that now?” I ask him.

”Why not? If that means I get to spend the rest of my life with your crazy ass? Definitely,” Jay agrees.

A smile morphs on my face and I jump up to get my phone.

I dial my mom’s number.

”Ma, it’s Adri. We’ve gotta make some plans...”

3,858 words

#marvel #marvel x oc #descendants #descendants jay #descendants x oc #descendants novels #fanfiction #multifandom #loki #son of jafar #descendants 2 #descendants 3 #loki x reader #jay x reader

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mythgirlimagines · 4 years ago

Photo

Just in time for this week’s Tuesday, I have a special little talentswap! Speeding her way into your inbox with her delivery in hand is Myth, the Former Ultimate Delivery Girl.

———————————————-———

BACKSTORY AND TALENT

As the third and youngest daughter of two restaurant owners, Myth more or less grew up in her parent’s restaurant, known as “Heart’s Kitchen”. Unfortunately, it‘s safe to say that Myth lacked the cooking skills of both her parents and older sisters. However, her true ability lies in physical stamina and running speed, which makes her the perfect person to conduct deliveries, while her parents and sisters are busy cooking and waiting tables. Being part of both the track and gymnastics club at her school really helps with delivery speed and traversing the dangerous parts of the massive town that she lives in. To this day, Myth has always been able to deliver her parent’s food in 30 minutes or less, no matter how far or dangerous the intended location is. It’s safe to say that she has interacted with various colorful personalities in her high-speed career.

——————————————————-

RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Tailor

As the owner of “Ripped Seams”, only the greatest tailor shop in all of town, Wyre holds the honor of being Myth’s first ever customer, and is Myth’s best friend to this very day. Despite being rough and tough, Wyre’s craftsmanship when it comes to their famous suits is truly unparalleled. Ever since they first met, Myth knows exactly what Wyre’s usual is: high-grade yakiniku that’s light on the sauce so Wyre’s high-class suits won’t get stained. Sometimes though, Wyre wishes Myth could take a break once in a while. Wyre may stay up all night perfecting the seams on their suits, but Myth is truly on an entirely different level.

Outfit: Glasses, tanned overcoat over a white dress shirt and an orange bowtie, matching tan pants, brown loafers.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Barista

Scar, or “The Supreme High Lord of the Liquid Realm“, as she is called on the job, runs the atmospheric and esoteric “Witch‘s Brew”, a coffee shop famous for its horror aesthetic and the fantasy personas that all the staff have on the job. Scar and Myth regularly cross paths, for they both have jobs in food service and similar workaholic personalities, much to the concern of the people around her. Sometimes, when Scar’s hands are tied, she entrusts Myth with delivering her fresh and hot coffee and pastries to customers all around town. Myth’s speed and efficiency means that the coffee/pastries arrive at the door still hot.

Outfit: A black hooded cloak, smudged-up eyeshadow, purple gloves, mask, scarf and boots from original design.

Fusion Anon, Ultimate Samurai

Living on the rural outskirts of the large town, Fusion lives in an old-fashioned temple with his younger brother, parents, and paternal grandparents, who also happen to be samurai and the last surviving members of his once-prestigious clan. Fusion usually spends his time training with his family members, and this has worked up quite the appetite in him. Myth delivers Fusion his daily fix of 10 full bento boxes. Myth also learned that, despite Fusion’s large and threatening appearance and talent, he is very friendly, loyal and protective of others, a bit like a father. Fusion thinks Myth has the potential to be the perfect kunoichi.

Outfit: A large afro tied into a man bun, a white haori, bandaged-up arms and hands, blue hakama pants with a brown scabbard that houses his longsword, white socks, brown sandals.

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Revolutionary

Having once lived in the poorer parts of the town, Fusion II has led a rebellion with her fellow lower-class brethren against the corrupt government, and now it is one of the nicer parts of town. Fusion II regularly sees Myth delivering food around town, and views Myth as a slave to her job, and just wishes Myth could chill out and take a break. But she couldn’t deny that Myth’s stunts are awesome and her food is delicious, especially the veggie sliders. Myth remembered when the town was a dangerous slum that she had to parkour around, and internally thanks Fusion II for making her job easier.

Outfit: Black leather jacket with shoulder spikes, ripped jeans, a red megaphone clipped to her belt, spiked boots that add to her height, sunglasses and undershirt from original design.

Just Anon, Ultimate Thanatologist

Because of Janon’s talent and appearance, you would expect him to be somber and emo, and you would be right in that assumption. But as hard as Janon tries to come off as an angsty and cynical jerk, he has a soft spot for children and regularly stays beside them and comforts them in their death-related grief. Myth regularly delivers last meals to people are planning to die soon, so she definitely saw Janon at his job. Janon would never admit it, but he is seriously concerned about Myth’s work schedule One look at Myth was all it took for Janon to know that Myth will die from overworking herself.

Outfit: A black skeleton themed hoodie and matching face mask, black eyeshadow, formal wear from his original design.

Sparkle Anon, Former Ultimate Priestess

Having grown up raised by overly religious folks, Sparkle was fed information about the Holy Book day after day and is very knowledgeable regarding virtues, vices and history of her religion. Sparkle has also managed to convince people of various other fates to convert to her own fate, and is hailed by the town as a kind and charismatic soul. Sparkle’s loud voice really helps her in her religious sermons and other events that she was asked to host. Myth regularly delivers Heart’s Kitchen’s food to Sparkle in the priestess’s off-days, with the restaurant’s famous fluffy bread being Sparkle’s personal favorite.

Outfit: A priest’s cassock with a sparkly rosary necklace, blue slip-on shoes, glasses from original design.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Card Shark, and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Gunslinger

Residing in one of the most crime-ridden and seediest sections of town, Egg and Wet Sock are feared entities in the town’s underground crime ring, with Egg being the brains and Wet Sock being the brawn. Myth regularly has to watch her back or else the Freak Twins will jump from the shadows and do cursed things to her order. Without even missing a step, Myth manages to parkour and dodge any accosting and shooting attempts by the Freak Twins and get the order delivered on time, much to the irritation of the diabolical duo, who just wants the busy delivery girl to stop sapping illegally-earned money out of them.

Outfit: White dress shirts, brown vests, black pants, black heeled boots, glasses from original designs, Egg’s vest buttons resemble card suits and Wet Sock has brown holsters that house black pistols.

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Drummer

Having been suckered into joining a garage metal band that was eventually named “Ruined Petals”, Curious is renowned by metal fans for their straight face and stoic demeanor despite their wild fashion and fast-paced drumming.Despite thier passive personality, Curious is renowned by their bandmembers for being the heart of the band and the glue that holds the band together. Curious’s bandmates regularly orders Heart’s Kitchen’s famous spicy wings and Myth is always there with their order. They regularly order the wings to watch Curious eat them with utensils and without even flinching.

Outfit: Hair that reaches past their shoulders, elaborate makeup, black head bandana, open black vest, white chest wraps, black gloves, black ripped jeans, spiky black boots.

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Pinball Wizard

With an unparalleled win streak and an equally unparalleled temper, Nerd crushed previous pinball records in every arcade that he has ever been to. Rumor has it that he destroyed a pinball machine for losing a game the first and only time in his life. Because Nerd pours most of his time into pinball, he regularly forgets to eat, so Myth always delivers him small food packages that Nerd always incinerates with his scouter in response. Nerd always tries to incinerate the irksome delivery girl with his scouter, but Myth’s inhuman speed and parkour skills means she always escapes unscathed.

Outfit: A black polo shirt with an obnoxious 90s-esque pattern, blue jeans held up with white suspenders, brown shoes, scouter from original design.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Statistical Analyst

With statistics dominating his life, this petit prodigy would never do anything that would result in at least a small chance of death. This has resulted in him never leaving the small apartment that he lives in, for fear of his safety. His apartment neighbor took pity on and had Heart’s Kitchen’s food delivered to him. Because Eldritch stays in his apartment doing statistical calculations at all times, Myth couldn’t really get much of a read on him. Eldritch witnessed Myth’s fast running speed and parkour stunts, and seems to be fully convinced that Myth isn’t even a human, but rather a superhuman alien.

Outfit: His original outfit but with math badges as opposed to conspiracy badges.

Dream Anon, Ultimate Drill Sargent

Dream works at the “Solar Flare Boot Camp”, a fitness camp dedicated to future army soldiers. Dream’s infectious optimism and energy motivates the soldiers under her care, and they want to serve and fight for the country, if it means coming back to see the adorable smile of Dream. Dream regularly orders large amounts of food for both herself and her soldiers, which Myth manages to carry and bring to the gym without any signs of struggling. Upon seeing Myth clear the camp’s obstacle course in record speed, Dream knew that Myth had it in her to become a competent soldier.

Outfit: An army helmet, a standard camo-colored army jumpsuit, black sunglasses, brown army boots.

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Racer

Dominating the national racing circuit with her trademark race car known as “Haley”, despite her young age, Iris’s contagious energy and dorky optimism have garnered her a fanbase, even outside of the racing circle. Myth regularly goes to Iris’s practice ring to send her food. Iris looks up to Myth, and can often be seen attempting to do the stunts that Myth can do. Unfortunately for Iris, while she is graceful when she is in a car, the same can’t be said for her skills outside of that, for she is superbly clumsy.

Outfit: A galaxy printed jumpsuit and helmet that matches her car, a blue scarf with a couple of yellow star patches, yellow gloves and boots, the helmet has lots of cracks and dents.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Mangaka

Purple is famous for her serialized manga, most notably “Ultraviolet”, a dramatic and tragic manga series centering around the newly crowned heiress to the throne reversing the effects of the cruel reign of her parents. Spending most of her time in her studio, Purple always has Heart’s Kitchen deliver her food, for she gets so wrapped up in her work, that she forgets to both eat and sleep. The few conversations Myth had with Purple were confusing, to say the least, for Purple is not only painfully shy, but she also speaks with rather archaic terms that Myth has trouble understanding.

Outfit: A black overcoat over a white dress shirt and a purple ribbon, a purple skirt, leggings and shoes from original design.

This series centers around the adorable (but simultaneously hardcore) delivery girl interacting with the odd and colorful denizens of her enormous town.

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PERSONALITY

DeliveryGirl!Myth is a hardworking girl, who would stop at nothing until the assigned order is right where it needs to be. She is energetic and athletic, being both a part of the track team and the gymnastics team at school. Myth almost never takes a day off, and doesn’t really have any hobbies apart from the before-mentioned sports teams. She is married to her career and has zero time for idle chitchat or romance. Despite being burdened with such a large workload, Myth manages to stay positive and manages to make enough time to get the deliveries in on time, regardless of how many orders are thrown at her.

———————————————–

APPEARANCE

DeliveryGirl!Myth has shoulder-length brown hair with swept-up bangs and glasses. DeliveryGirl!Myth wears a white and pink cap with Heart’s Kitchen’s logo on the front, a pink track jacket with blue stripes on the sleeves over a white shirt with a “1#” logo on the front, blue jean shorts, long white socks and pink and white sneakers.

———————————————–

So now that this week’s talentswap is finished, let me know what you think of this AU! In the meantime, have fun and stay safe!

-Fusion Anon

---

Very nice! And can confirm, Wyre looks good in suits ^_^ ...and it took be a while to realize where the talents were from XD

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imaginesfubu · 4 years ago

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Obey Me Characters as Pokemon Trainers AU (Pt. 2):

Part 2 is finally here! Read Part 1 here! Again, the pokemon chosen were considered based on character personality, appeal to said character, Pokedex entries, and, in the demon brothers' cases, their respective sin they represent.

Asmodeus: This demon trainer of Lust is all about fashion and appearances, meaning he prefers Pokemon Contests over battling. If he does engage another trainer, his brothers, or the MC, he will surprisingly put forth an effort if he notices that his pokemon party actually want to battle and dirty up their precious costumes. Since Asmodeus rules the pokemon contest industry, both the personalities of Asmo and his pokemon charming the industry and their fan club without fail, I would think Asmo would be a Normal type. His team will wreak havoc ob his opponents when all of his pokemon know the move "Attract." Vietnam war flashbacks to Whitney and her Miltank

Asmo's team would consist of: Sylveon (originally an Eevee), Wigglytuff, Cinccino, Blissey, Staraptor (refer to its Platinum entry), and Lopunny.

Honorable mentions: Audino, Chatot, and Purugly (when caught as a Glameow; was horrified that it evolved into Purugly. Emphasis on ugly, but still loves it nonetheless)

Legendary: Meloetta

"You are such an ADORABLE trainer! You're so cute that my pokemon and I could just eat you up!~"

Beelzebub/Beel: Beel as a demon trainer would look VERY intimidating due to his height and body build, he is actually a softie and a major foodie; he likes traveling with his brothers to different regions and their respective cities and towns to try signature dishes. Unfortunately for all the chefs, they love Beel as their regular customer, but ultimately hate the fact that he's literally eating the restaurants out of house and home, and kick him out in order to restock on food and other supplies. Don't worry, once the restaurants are fully stocked, the chefs graciously allow him back in, serving him and his twin brother Belphie to a free meal, accompanied by a dessert of their choice, also on the house.

Considering Beel's insatiable appetite, his loving nature towards his family, and his physical strength and physique, I can see him as a dual trainer of Normal and Steel types, leaning more towards Steel pokemon due to their resistance of Poison and sheer endurance to most of the other elemental typings.

Beel's pokemon would be: Ursaring, Munchlax (later evolved into Snorlax, sweetly reminding him of Belphie when apart), Alolan Sandslash, Copperajah, Aggron, and Bastiodon.

Honorable mentions: Steelix, Solgaleo as "the beast that devours the Sun"

Legendary: Melmetal (see Shield pokedex entry) or Solgaleo.

"I'm hungry. After this battle, wanna go grab something to eat together?"

Belphegor/Belphie: Y'all know Caitlin from Unova's Elite Four? That's Belphie. All this pokemon demon trainer wants to do is sleep and spend time with his twin brother Beel. Out of all of his brothers, Belphie is by far the most ruthless of all when it comes to pokemon battling, but doesn't like to show it until after you can't run away from a trainer battle. You wish you could. Belphie would be a very powerful Ghost type user. If you wake him to battle, only for the battle to be time that "I could be using sleeping," you will pay dearly your life. The only two people who have the honor to wake him for a battle are Beel and MC, only after MC proves themselves as a competent trainer.

Belphie's pokemon team would consist of: Gengar, Bannette, Spiritomb, Jellicent, Golurk, and Mimikyu.

Honorable mentions: Decidueye, Palossand

Legendary: Lunala or Hoopa, alternating Hoopa's forms depending on the battle.

"*YAAAAAAAWWWNNN* ....You woke me up to battle? ...Fine, but if this turns out to be a waste of time I could be using to sleep, you're suffering will be slow and painful."

Diavolo + Soon-to-be Dateables

Diavolo: This Demon Lord trainer is of course, the Champion of the Devildom, succeeding his dad. Diavolo is a trainer with many great titles and even greater status, but that doesn't stop him from swinging by each school in the Devildom to have fun with the younger demons and learn all about the latest trends and memes. Diavolo himself is a big kid himself, never thinking twice about his child-like actions in front of nobles or any demon trainer with a high status. He's very charming and charismatic upfront, and is the kind of demon you could talk to or joke about anything without feeling nervous. Diavolo knows that the only reason he's so laid back and fun-loving is thanks to Lucifer, so he trusts and appreciates Lucifer a great deal.

Taking into account Diavolo's personality and status, I would deem him as an expert in Dragon type pokemon, embodying the many personalities Dragon type pokemon have. They enjoy having as much fun as Diavolo does, and both are forces to be reckoned with.

Diavolo would have the following team members: Duraludon, Salamence, Dragonite, Tyrantrum, Haxorus, and Dragapult. Diavolo loves seeing Dragapult yeet Dreepy to their opponents because he finds it funny every time.

Legendary: Giratina, gifted to him from his father after beating him in battle and becoming Champion

"Being both a Demon Lord and a Champion is such a draaaag! Nobody wants to challenge me because they're intimidated by me, I guess. How about you an I have a little fun with a pokemon battle? Don't hold anything back from me!"

Barbatos: His ability to see alternate timelines and universes and manipulate them to his will leads me to the obvious: Psychic. Between caring for the royal family and their grand palace, he can't find the time to battle with his pokemon as a stress reliever, unless Diavolo orders him to battle him and to "have fun" while battling him. Even though Barbatos apparently knows all and sees all, he nonetheless humors Diavolo already knowing the outcome.

Barbatos's team: Gallade, Gardevoir, Alakazam, Espeon, Xatu, and Gothitelle.

Honorable mentions: Orbeetle and Indeedee (one male, one female whom he asks them to help with his daily tasks in the Devildom's royal palace.)

Legendaries: Dialga and Palkia: They both assist Barbatos when he uses his abilities to maintain order amongst the alternate timelines and universes, and keep him from over-exerting himself in the process.

"Would you like to challenge me in a pokemon battle? Haha, no need to answer that, I already know that that's what you want."

Luke: Precious child of God. Very defensive and reluctant to associate with demons, but over time begins caring for them. He favors Beel the most out of all the brothers, but will never admit it outright to anyone no matter how obvious it is to everyone else. Enjoys baking more than battling, so his team isn't fully evolved. He won't battle unless Simeon is training him in battle or Luke challenges trainers in the Celestial Realm that are around the same age and level as he is. Because of his personality as of now, he would be a Grass type trainer.

Luke's team: Treeko, Turtwig, Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Snover, and Bounsweet.

Honorable mentions: Snivy and Milcery, with Milcery helping Luke bake in the kitchen, and Skiddo

Legendary: Celebi or Jirachi

"What? You want to battle m-m-me?! Why? I know I'm not that strong, but I think it won't hurt to try!"

Simeon: Literally Luke's guardian angel in the place of Michael the Archangel during their time in the Devildom. He's very patient with everyone, especially with Luke. His patience gives off an impression that Simeon is a grounded angel who thinks things through before speaking and acting. But if someone hurts Luke in any way, all logic and patience goes out the window, as he will savagely check the individual and pray to God asking for forgiveness. Ground types would be Simeon's cup of tea.

Simeon's team: Torterra, Gliscor, Mamoswine, Flygon, Rhyperior, and Mudsdale.

Legendary: Suicune or Ho-oh

"I think I may be missing something in Luke's lessons as his mentor in both battling and teaching about the ways of the three Realms. Think you could help me figure out what I'm missing with a friendly pokemon battle?"

Solomon: Very mysterious human trainer who doesn't talk much about himself. Is he a rival or friend? It's difficult to tell, but he hasn't done anything to raise any alarms, so the MC deems him as decent for now. But why does he act like he knows something that everyone else doesn't? Because of his seemingly shady impression he gives to others, whether he realizes it or not, makes him a Poison type trainer.

Solomon's team: Roserade, Venusaur, Naganadel, Salazzle, Crobat, and Drapion.

Legendary: Eternatus or Kyurem

"Oh? You're approaching me? Instead of running away you're coming right to me?"

MC: "I can't beat the shit out of you without getting closer."

"Then come as close as you like!"

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Finally done! This AU is still a WIP, but thank you for reading such a long post! I decided to include Diavolo and the rest into one big post to keep from making so many parts to this AU

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me asmo #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me beel #obey me belphegor #obey me belphie #obey me diavolo #obey me barbatos #obey me simeon #obey me luke #obey me solomon #pokémon

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foretolds · 4 years ago

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CASSIUS MORALES BAPTISTE called into ORACLE FM. They were a little bit HEDONISTIC & RECKLESS at first, but we kept them talking until they got a little PROTECTIVE & WORLDLY. They said they’ve been working as CHEF AT OBSCENITY, and thinking about aligning themselves with NA since they have been living in Nova Satus for FORTY ONE YEARS, and from what we can tell, they still give off huge THE SLOW LOWERING OF DESIGNER SUNGLASSES TO MAKE A POINT, THE PRIDE IN THE CLAIM OF BRUISES LEFT RIGHT AT THE CORNER OF COLLAR BONES, & BASS IN THE BOTTOM OF A HEARTY LAUGH THAT MAKES AN IMPRESSION vibes . [Y'LAN NOEL, HATIAN LOA (PAPA GHEDE), CIS MALE, UNKNOWN , HE/HIM ]

While taking a vessel is usually a process that is more inviting, Cassius has occupied this one for as long as he cares to remember (or tell), for more intimate reasons. The story changes depending on when and how he is telling it, but few have managed to settle him enough to garner the real account of the way things happened. Some are given the tall tale of ritual sacrifice, a dramatic rendition of his ceremony, others are told the long winded yet rewarding story involving a lover with a dream to keep whatever was left of a broken heart.

The truth? The truth was that the man he occupied now was the cemetery keeper for the body of one of his greatest lovers. This usually wouldn’t have made him particularly special, but it was watching the way the man continued to work through, or passed, his own needs to give to the dead that made him appealing. His loneliness was so palpable at one point, that the gift of possession seemed like it would, and could, come as a relief. So, they had made a deal.

Cassius sat with this man for awhile, days turning into years, until finally he had agreed to preform the ritual that would allow him to live forever, even if he was forced to shove over for the needs and wants of a loa that was fickle yet somehow still honorable, in some sense. When they joined, he allowed the man to occasionally slip through, to have a few days, a few moments, a few memories that would and could be his alone. In a sense, some would say that he loved his vessel, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Where they were, wrong, though, was in thinking that this gave him some kind of weakness.

That was years ago, though. Years, decades, centuries. He has been here, watching, operating, living his life. Throughout those decades he has indulged all of his whims, whether it be working as a doctor and enjoying the irony in being the one that would decide if sickness would bring them to join the dead, or would they bounce back better than ever; or a coroner for his people, specifically, because America was never warm enough to them, and they died on the street far too often for his liking.

When he was coroner, and when he deals with the dead, he is the pillar of guidance and assistance. They don’t deserve to feel fear when they pass, the simpler parts of humanity can bleed away to make way for the after life that is often more welcoming than the world can be. That’s the caveat, isn’t it? He knows celebration intimately, even in the fact of despair, but that doesn’t mean that he is always the poster boy for this years fuck boy Olympics. No, you just have to know how to talk to him nice, to ask him to be serious for a moment, and you’ll always get a seriously answer, lecture, or piece of advice.

As the stories go, he has always had an issue with food. The glasses that usually adorn is features are not needed, but we’re once used as a tool to hide the way he watched those who much steal it from him. Now, they are more of a dramatic accent, but that doesn’t mean that he is particularly forgiving for anyone that steals from him, or his following, considering it a large offense, and one well worth holding a grudge for.

At the advice of a very specialized therapist, he would open the restaurant behind his love of said food. He learned that making it, that giving that gift back to people, eased that anxiety and began to quell his need to constantly run away with sustenance that he did not need. Eventually, his passion became the restaurant that would stand today. It gives him a chance to deal with his own bullshit, but it also seconds as a chance to bestow his own blessings on people - through charity donations, catering funerals (an obscenity special that is always pro bono), or just lifting the spirits of those that enter the front doors.

He found Nova Satus to be the right place for that years ago, and when he was approached about their potential return to full power, he jumped on it. The man might be partially dormant, but he misses the way that belief flows in the blood, the way it sets your body on fire. The way appreciation tingles right under the skin, the way adoration feels when it’s whispered against your lips. All of it he has chased on a small scale, but now, now it has to return full force.

Cassius goes by Baptiste and very rarely allows or enjoys anyone else calling him by his first name. Much like the truth behind his origin story with his vessel, this is a privilege for a select few, rather than a standard setting.

Baptiste often is found wearing all black, almost to the point where it is comical that the man even owns any other colors. However, alternatively, if anyone makes the mistake of telling him that he looks like he’s dressed for a funeral, he simply grins while explaining that a funeral is the most important party you’ll ever have.

Baptiste is extremely sex positive, and will throw hands over anyone who decides to slut shame, kink shame, or otherwise. Because of this, he also hasn’t had too much of a history in committed relationships. It’s not that he is not open to them, they had to just be worth the while, and keeping both his interest in personality and his need for filth in the bedroom can be...well, a task.

Baptiste is almost always wearing a pair of glasses, most frequently they are sunglasses that are either pushed on his nose dramatically, gestured with, or otherwise.

Papa Ghede is well known for the obscene, both generally and sexually. That being said, he is always going to be the first one to say something vulgar to some degree. He is unapologetically shameless, and smooth in a way that is both attractive and irritating, depending on the day and person. Alternatively, catch my guy with a very popular only fans account, the number one fan of whatever day myst gets new shipments in, and rolling through every single amateur's night at the local strip clubs.

Last but not least, at least for now, he also tends to be jovial, in a sense, dancing words in circles or saying shit just for amusement value or to get a reaction. I apologize in advance for whatever nonsense is going to come out of his mouth, truly. That being said, that is just how he operates. However, if you want or need him to be serious about something, the solution is simple: use your words. If you ask him to be serious or take something seriously, he will, and he will offer a solid response.

POWERS

death force manipulation

vodou magic

necromancy

healing

enhanced charisma/sexual inducement/sex deity physiology

underworld lordship

possession/aspect manifestation

contract bestowal/summoning/power bestowal

wish granting/blessing inducement/curse inducement

immortality

WEAKNESSES

contract/blessing/curse negation (including prolonged use of blessing, power, contract or misuse)

may also need to present offerings, complete task or favor, or user must have certain qualities to obtain curse/blessing.

all wishes come with price and balance, all wish, curses and blessings come with loopholes and twists.

can be bound by high level magic (usually requiring several covens/witches/magic beings)

weakness creation/inducement/empowerment

spicy healing (aka he has to take on some portion of the sickness he is taking away, or suffer some consequence in order to do that)

possession can be negated by rune, certain protection spells

life balance - lives saved have to equal lives taken, so if he saves one person, he also has to kill someone to maintain the balance

#revive.intro #❪ ⠀ ✞ ⠀ ┆ ❝ ANCESTORS PUT ME ON GAME ANKH CHARM ON GOLD CHAINS. ❞ ╱ ⠀ ABOUT. ⠀ ❫

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hquirks · 4 years ago

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Karasuno & College AU Pt. 1

School: Karasuno

Genre: headcanons, fluff, crack, slice of life

Warnings: mental health breakdowns

A/N: This is a Haikyuu!! Headcanon where the Karasuno first years attend the same college and experience their first semester. This is written under the assumption that they attend a Japanese college that follows an American college system. Lastly, most of these headcanons were based on our own personal experiences in college and from our friends.

Disclaimer: This is very...long LMAO. We’ve been working on this for the past 2 weeks on and off. We just had a lot of feelings but we had so much fun! We’re sorry but we hope you enjoy!!

By: Noodle ✨, BananaMilk 🐯, & FriedOmurice 🌊

HINATA SHOYO

Sports Communication Major

Gets scouted by a university’s volleyball team for either middle blocker/winged spiker

Procrastinates so HARD like does his essay that’s due at 8 am the night before. He PASSES his classes especially the ones for his major and what he is randomly interested in but he is still a mess when it comes to studying.

Though Hinata would be the person you see openly crying out of sadness and doom at 1am in the library

While he has gotten better in taking care of his body, however like any college student, he lives on redbull and coffee especially during finals.

Tries to not pull all nighters but will due to his procrastination and inability to get work done efficiently

Lives in the same dorm building as Kageyama but on different floors. They burst into each other’s rooms unannounced all the time since they’ve established long ago that they are best friends and do not give a fuck. They banter with each other 24/7 (their respective roommates have grown immune to their loudness and bickering.)

Hinata’s roommate is Inouka from Nekoma!! They both get along really well and are able to live well together so they stay roommates the rest of the years in college. Hinata is a little messier than Inuoka but he keeps his messes to his side that Inuoka never minds.

Their apartment is super wholesome bc since they’re always encouraging each other, they leave little notes like “You got this!!”, “Good luck on your exam!” or “You’re amazing and awesome! Don’t forget it!” Also, the apartment just looks really homey, very lived in.

He becomes kinda popular at school because he just ends up befriending all his classmates (and is even closer to the people in his major) and also because of being on the volleyball team!! Hinata gets recognized everywhere even when he’s off campus and everyone says hi to him, and he never minds.

As a freshman, he attends all of the freshman events and all the free events that happen every day Friday!!!! His favorite Friday event is when they get to stuff an animal (either their school mascot or another animal) and are able to dress it up and keep it! (His favorite is an owl dressed like a volleyball player that he named Little Giant)

Tries to get involved with other clubs but because of volleyball and his inability to juggle more than 3 things, he doesn’t (but still ends up becoming friends with the people in the club bc they think he’s so friendly and fun)

Ends up going to a lot of events held by the clubs he’s befriended! He kinda of becomes a recruiter for the clubs because if he finds someone who talks about an interest, he recommends them one of the clubs. (The clubs are forever grateful because they always get an influx of people during fall semester every year.)

His first semester grades consists of:

- The Coming of Individuality (mandatory freshman course): C+ - Japanese Literature: C - Sports Media and Society: B - Principles of Sports Reporting: A - Biology 1: C-

Hinata has a breakdown about his grades because he does not want to lose his starting spot on the volleyball team. However, he improves much more due to the help of his friends like Yachi and Inuoka the next semester.

KAGEYAMA TOBIO

Sports therapy

Also gets scouted as a setter by the same university as Hinata

Since Hinata is adamant about attending all the freshman events and free events the campus offers every Friday, he eventually gets pulled into going with Hinata even though he doesn’t want to.

Thanks to Karasuno and Hinata, he has softened over the years and has learned to be more sociable with others, but he still prefers to hang out with the first years squad and is still a quiet person.

In their first dorm year, Kunimi and Kindaichi were planning to room together & they were looking for a third roommate, and Kageyama was assigned to their room

They eventually grow mutual respect towards each other

His grades are better than when he was in high school because he actually likes his classes, but he still sucks at general education subjects

He lives on coffee and 5 hour energies to get through finals. He has to cut down on the 5 hour energies because he ends up not sleeping for 3 days straight and he starts to get worried.

Kageyama eventually caves in and tries to join other clubs that do not revolve around volleyball thanks to his friends. Somehow, and the first year squad is still confused as to how, he grew to love the cooking club and he gets really excited whenever they’re trying out a new dish! (He also thinks that as an athlete knowing how to cook and take care of his body is crucial).

One day when they’re hanging out at Yamaguchi and Tsukki’s apartment, he cooks for them a recipe he learned from the club. The others are really apprehensive at first to taste it, but are genuinely so surprised that it actually tasted REALLY good and immediately start showering him compliments and yelling. Kageyama’s brain goes mush and all he can say is HINATA BOKE(Hinata: WHAT??? I was complimenting you and I wasn’t the only one, Bakageyama!!)

Besides going on his daily runs, he will also find time to go to the gym early in the mornings. He brings Hinata along with him and they just end up competing at the gym. They become regulars and befriend the front desk people and the security guards.

Because of how popular and good-looking he is, he ends up developing a fan club but doesn’t know about it until one day Tsukki points it out. It’s right after midterms in their 1st year and all five are out to eat. Tsukki’s gets annoyed because there’s just been a hoard of girls (& guys) following them in the restaurant.

Tsukki: can you tell your fanclub to leave us alone?

Kags: ...my what???

Tsukki, unimpressed but not surprised:....

Hinata points out that he has a fanclub like the Great King and Kageyama just blanches...he wants to be like Oikawa but not like this LMFAO

Kageyama’s first semester grades:

- The Coming of Individuality (mandatory freshman course): C+ - Principles of sports therapy A+ - General Japanese 1 C- - Calculus 1 B+ - Ethical Issues in Sport A-

TSUKISHIMA KEI

World History major (Honors Program)

Very orderly with his course plans (LEARNING CURVE WHO??)

The guy who plans his week ahead and actually diligently studies. Since Tsukki is BUSY all the time in college, his planner is DETAILED and NEAT. He carries it with him all the time in his backpack or pocket since it is so small and portable. If needed whenever his plans do change, he would carry small sticky notes to plan it out on the spot and make sure everything goes smoothly still. Plus he hates it when it looks messy so sticky notes are a must.

Doesn’t usually go to events on his own willpower. He usually gets dragged into events by his upperclassmen (Kuroo and Bokuto) or Yamaguchi begs to go with him because he doesn’t want to go alone.

Enjoys going to the college’s on-campus museums during his spare time. He visits seasonally since the museums change up one exhibit every few month dedicated to a certain event or artist. His favorite is the art museum because it’s quiet and calming. (Also, he’s undisturbed by the others...)

Doesn’t want to be the group manager but becomes one anyway because he just can’t watch others “ruin” his grade.

Has some university credits already from his AP classes / dual enrollment so he’s already finished with some general education requirements but still needs a few more.

He can actually graduate a semester early BUT decides against it because his apartment lease goes through the next semester and doesn’t want to be bothered with finding someone else to take his spot. (He won’t admit it but he would kinda sorta miss the 4 idiots...)

Sometimes he forgets to eat (Yamaguchi usually reminds him plus they end up going to lunch together too). Often buys starbucks sandwiches on the way to class.

He has his own starbucks cup. He always drinks the same thing, so the workers remember his face and order. Sometimes they make his order ahead of time because they know. Loves their chocolate croissants.

That bitch who drinks BLACK coffee every morning for enjoyment!!! He also drinks espresso for necessity during finals

Arrives to class early so he can get the really nice seat in the back and doesn’t want to sit next to anyone

In class discussions, Tsukki is a classic smartass. He will not hesitate to give out his opinion and often plays devil's advocate for the class.

He doesn’t join the school official volleyball team, but joins the volleyball club instead because he has to juggle between being in the honors program, being a research assistant, and playing volleyball

Doesn’t want to admit it, but still supports the boys at the official volleyball team. Goes to almost every game in disguise.

Tsukki’s first semester grades:

- The Coming of Individuality (mandatory freshman course): A- - European History and Culture A+ - History Research Seminar: A+ - Crime and Punishment in Japanese History: A+ - Empires, Nationalism, and Revolution: A+

Won’t say it, but is actually pretty upset that he got a A- in Coming of Individuality

YAMAGUCHI TADASHI

He majors in psychology and minors in business administration.

Knows where all the university gardens are and has a favorite spot when he studies sometimes if he wants some fresh air.

In continuation, he knows and goes to all the nice trails and parks around the city. He tries to go when he cans and he often brings the other first years when they all have the time. (Everyone except Tsukki enjoys it...but Tsukki grows to love it as well.)

Yamaguchi and Yachi go together to pet the therapy dogs every Friday by the library and cry from the cuteness and love they receive. They have a favorite dog that is a shiba inu named Mizu who is the ABSOLUTE sweets and gets so many belly rubs from these two.

Yamaguchi works at a boba place to cover his loans. The first-year squad comes over often to study and hang out with him (really though they tease/play around with him). He is a STAR employee, having been there most of his 4 years and is employee of the month frequently. Knows the regulars’ orders by heart and is doted on the little old lady who comes in with her dog every Sunday morning.

He LOVES all the good food. He knows all the low key, hole-in-the-wall places that DELIVER on food. His favorite food is teriyaki chicken. It’s basic but also HAS to be quality chicken and chicken.

When Yamaguchi wants to cry from the stress of doing SOOOOOO MUCH (school, job, research assistant, and psychology club), he goes to the psychology building because it’s colder and has fewer people. He discovered a spot there that no one ever goes to and cries there.

He actually found his mentor/ researcher boss who was a psychology professor and researcher who saw him one day and asked if he was okay.

He joins the psychology club and gets so involved!! He does the mentor/mentee program and because he loves helping people so much, he ends up having so many mentees and even adopting a few who get abandoned

Even though he’s already busy, he actually becomes secretary this 2nd year, VP 3rd year, and then president his last year!

Yamaguchi does NOT do coffee, but he loves tea and anything relating to tea. His favorite boba flavor is matcha green tea.

Because of this, he becomes obsessed with matcha in general and will get matcha flavored anything

Yamaguchi and Tsukki are roomies (duh). People don’t get why they live together with their opposite personalities, but they eventually see why

Yamaguchi first semester grades:

- Psychology of Personality: A+ - The Coming of Individuality (mandatory freshman course): A- - Social Psychology: A+ - Introduction to Statistics 1: B- - Introduction to Finance: B

Has always been a good student and works hard for his grades but his first semester grades suffer a little(freaks out about his B’s) because of all the stuff he has on his plate, however, he learns to handle it better and understands that a B is still okay!!

YACHI HITOKA

Graphic Design Major

Binge-buys Shein and YesStyle Clothes the first week

This QUEEN has taken every self defense lesson she could get her hands on and bought herself pepper spray as well. Even though the boys felt they were fine, she gave them pepper spray to put in their bags(practically shoved it in their bags because she wants them to be safe too)

She gets a lot of compliments for her cat keychain from others, but none of them really know that the keychain can be used for self defense and Yachi bought it because it was cute and effective.

Her campus has a building for all of the student life and activities and there’s a small bowling alley. Lemme tell you, she’s a serious bowler; like her scores are always in the triple digits. She goes every Wednesday religiously all four years (except during midterms and finals week) because it’s half priced.

OFC she joins the bowling club and competes throughout her college years. Y’all already know she’s winning the medals.

THE QUEEN OF SAVING MONEY AND COUPONING!! She will always snag the free, semesterly coupon book in the plaza when they give them out. She ends up grabbing 4 (2 for her and 2 for her roommate)

Yachi LOVES sweets so when she’s feeling stressed, she usually eats sweet things or cries and if she’s REALLY stressed she’ll do both. Her best friends are her tears, a tub of chocolate ice cream, and videos of animals(cats, dogs, pandas mostly but cats are her fav mostly) plus tiny food cooking to make her feel better.

In clubs that she joins, she often becomes the multimedia chair and everyone loves her designs and ideas!!

She interns during her 3rd year as a local business where they use her design as the new logo for the company!! Because of how well the design was, she ends up catching the eye of a major company (one she’s been looking at for a while) and they offer her a job after graduation!!

The boys are super proud of her and surprise her with a congratulations party for her success!! The boys are tearing up at how much Yachi has grown as a person(imagine Kiyoko when she presented Karasuno with the team flag and all the second and third year boys CRIED. That’s what happens basically)

Yachi’s first semester grades:

- The Coming of Individuality (mandatory freshman course): A+ - Perceptual drawing: A+ - Typography: A+ - Principles of Art History 1:B+ - Introduction to Statistics: A+

Yachi is SMART and has great grades, but her anxiety affects her when she’s dealing with big projects for her classes. She eventually gets better every semester and learns to manage her anxiety when it comes to big assignments! Bottom line, she evolves to be a BOSS.

FIRST YEARS’ SHENANIGANS (FIRST YEARS)

Coming of Individuality: freshman required course

- Hinata, Yachi, and Yamaguchi agree to be in the same class Hinata convinces Kageyama to take the course with him

- Yamaguchi asks Tsukki to take the course with him and Yachi, which he agrees, but Tsukki doesn’t know that Hinata and Kageyama are also there

Plants Drops!

- Every 3rd Thursday of the month, the gardening club has a plant drop where they give out plants for free in their campus’ plaza

- So, Yachi and Yamaguchi are the first ones to find out about it, and end up dragging the other 3 to go with them

- Tsukki thought he would hate it but he got this little cactus that he’s kept alive all four years and brings it with him when he graduates into his new apartment - Hinata tries to keep the plants alive but ends up forgetting about them so he has to opt for cacti only; though, he does end up keeping one plant alive for the rest of the semester but forgets about it when he goes home and leaves it in the dorm - Kageyama ends up keeping two plants alive, both little ferns, and names them banana and strawberry (his favorite milks) They still go every 3rd Thursday even if they have plants because it gives them an opportunity to see each other if they have been busy

Yamaguchi and Tsukki’s place

- The undisputed hangout place for the first year squad (Tsukki worries that Kags and Hinata will break something every time they come over) since it is so close to campus. - They often come over in between classes to chill and eat their food in peace while watching Netflix or playing Mario Kart or Super Smash together.

MANDATED (Tsukki didn’t want this but the others wanted this to happen) first-year lunch hangout

- Every Friday at exactly 11:15am, the first-year squad would eat lunch together at a local food stand on their campus called Tikis to catch up for the week. - They chose Friday because they tried all the other days and decided collectively that Fridays were the best. - The food stand usually sells a variety of food (usually soul food) and switch it up every week but it has some of the BEST food on campus (& even the city) - Without a doubt, the first-year squad ALWAYS make sure to leave space for their mandated Tikis lunch when doing their schedules every semester. No excuses.

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curious-minx · 4 years ago

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A ranking of four 200 Hundredth Episodes: Bob’s Burgers’ recent victory lap stands above the rest

The Bicentennial. How many among us get to be a part of something that get’s broadcasted for over 200 episodes? In the world of animated sitcoms it is a small, Fox dominated burrow. Bob’s Burgers is the latest series to become bestowed with this particular honor, and is possibly the best of the Fox line-up to do so. Family Guy’s 200th episode, Season 11 - Episode 12, is the only Fox series to be given a full blown on-air anniversary treatment. The episode is a Valentine themed Brian and Stewie lark and like all of the other entries on this list celebrates it’s 200th episode anniversary in a more casual, blithe fashion. Family Guy is the only show Fox has bothered to air an entire half hour special, but months before the actual airing of the 200th episode in Februrary. I am deliberately skipping over Family Guy and South Park’s 200th episodes. In the former’s stead I chose to watch American Dad’s 200th episode, because McFarlane is such a titan in adult animation that deserves recognition. The South Park episode is too exhausting for me to get into. South Park’s 200th episode, Season 14 - Episode 05, is the one that evoked the wraith of a New York based Radical Muslim organization that would soon be “shut down” (i.e. members arrested) a few months after the episode aired on April, 2010. The 200th episodes of South Park and the Simpsons are the only two series to have received Emmy nominations, and in Simpsons case a win, due to their 200th episodes. Here’s hoping for Bob’s Burgers to get a similar recognition, because I think its 200th episode is pretty special and straight to the point.

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1.) Bob’s Burgers - “Bob Belcher and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Kids”

Out of all the 200 episodes is episode the most consciously in conversation with itself. The 200th episode has been treated with a reasonable amount of respect with The A.V. Club bringing their Bob’s Burgers coverage out of retirement and Variety and Salon also got into the mix. Gotta be honest a part of me over at The Curious Minx would prefer if the Bob’s Burgers recap lane was kept on the narrower side, but on the other hand this is a fabulous series that should be written about by as many different publications.

In a recent tired and routine zoom Variety interview (https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/bobs-burgers-remote-recording-200th-episode-1234830796/) BB’s creator Loren Bouchard touches upon how this 200th episode is supposed to serve as something of a pilot. An episode so fully realized that even if you are someone with no active bank of knowledge about the Bob’s Burgers minutiae of the Belcher family dynamics and still enjoy this episode as much as a full blown series fan. The episode is written by Steven Davis, a producer and writer with an extensive amount of episode writing and producing credits on Bob’s Burgers. The quality of a Bob’s Burgers script in the pandemic era is becoming more relevant, because of the diminished role of improv, and this episode definitely feels crafted by a creative team fully in touch and aware of their characters and how to put them in satisfying situations.

Compared to any of the other animated sitcom families, the Belchers are noticeably the more lower middle class. There is a pervading sense of an overall struggle for survival and prosperity that is cooked right into the series pilot debut. Season 1 - Episode 01 “Human Flesh” sets the tone of the series, despite the overall writing and characters being sharper, the stakes have not changed much. Bob’s Burger’s like any American restaurant not under the protective aegis of a Big Franchise is in a state of perpetual turmoil. In the pilot episode the difficulties of running a standard American restaurant are made even more complicated by dysfunctional family hijinks.

The 200th episode differs from the pilot in one dramatic way and that is the presence of the extended Belcher family member Teddy. In the original pilot Teddy is completely absent, whereas in the 200th episode Teddy’s role as surrogate family member is made even most distinct by having Teddy being invested above and beyond in helping save his pal’s Bobby’s restaurant. The return of the ornery and quirky Health Inspectors Ron and Hugo are serving as the most obvious form of echoing of the pilot. I highly recommend rewatching the pilot after viewing this episode, because I had completely forgotten that the Belcher’s saving grace is that Hugo and Linda were once in a relationship together. The pilot is noticably very contained setting wise, focusing exclusively in and around the Belcher family restaurant. Whereas, the 200th episode explores more settings with the Belcher children going across town to find a replacement for Bob’s broken oven part, an oven that they feel they are entirely to blame for destroying. A couple of celebrity guests Stephanie Beatriz and SNL’s Kyle Mooney that true to Bob’s Burgers spirits are usually just playing characters of little to no consequence. Unlike the other Fox family in this list that really leans in on having celebrities playing themselves, the best celebrity guest appearances on Bob’s Burgers tend to be the most anonymous, and Kyle Mooney’s put upon hardware store clerk is a great example of this.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t dwell on the satisfying Linda contribution of the episode. Linda makes the critical set piece that ignites the restaurant fire. Linda’s gnarly mermaid sculpture is a great visual metaphor for the series. Especially when the Mermaid Statue is used to build up a very well constructed song-based gag. The whole episode made me feel really good about the state of the series and especially the Movie (And Loren Bouchard backs this up by giving interviewers the impression that the film’s delay has only improved its quality). As far as 200 episodes of long running animated sitcoms go, you certainly can’t go wrong with this one!

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2. King of the Hill - Hank’s Bully

By all accounts the most unremarkable episode on this list. An episode that also has a trollish spirit that gets a sadistic glee in tormenting the fuddy duddy Hill patriarch. This is the also the 200th episode with the lowest stakes, the least of a spectacle, and most unassuming 200th episode. While trying to research anything of note to include in my review of the episode all I could find was this reddit post (https://www.reddit.com/r/KingOfTheHill/comments/bpl235/hanks_bully_was_near_impossible_to_watch/) where a user is criticizing the way in which Hank it mistreated. When I was rewatching this episode my partner also found this episode hard to watch and sympathized with Hank’s plight against a Clifford-like malicious imp of a hateful child who’s sole purpose is to make the lives of everyone else around him more difficult.

To me what most stands out about this episode is the fantastic direction by longtime King of the Hill animator, former Bob’s Burgers animator, and current Rick and Morty director, Kyoung Hee Lim. A seemingly badass woman working in a field that is not particularly kind to women or to women of color. I am pretty shocked that no one in all of her years as a director on some pretty important shows has brought her up or did an interview piece on her. Maybe this is something the good folks at The Curious Minx can aspire to? I am definitely going to be taking a further dive into the 22 episodes of King of the Hill that she directed and revisit the 15 episodes of Bob’s Burgers to see if I can discern what makes a Kyoung Hee Lim episode.

One major ploy detail that I noticed in this episode, a detail that is also oddly prevalent on the other two 200th episodes, is the trash talk. And by that I do mean literal trash talk. The B-plot of this episode is what makes the episode pop for me in that the pairing of Dale and Peggy is a really successful one. The episode finds Dale frustrated with the Arlington Waste department and how they won’t take his refrigerator full of dead squirrels and his freeze full of dead crow. Dale then takes advantage of this dead blessing in disguise by getting into the world of competitive taxidermy with Peggy’s creative eye complimenting Dale’s gruesome technical prowess. Both of these characters operate on such an oddly similar wave lengths that watching the two of them embark on a taxidermy journey together was strangely touching and fun to watch. And I am a vegan that feels weird about killing animals in video games, but the ending visual gag of the episode is especially inspired. My one complaint is that the episode is severely lacking in Bobby Hill. Probably because I just recently finished watching Better Things and basically want every show to be the Pamela Adlon show all the time.

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3.) American Dad - “The Two Hundred”

Visually and conceptually this 200th episode really impressed me. As previously mentioned at the start of the post, I am not someone that is particularly warm to the McFarlane brand of comedy, but American Dad really is where he saves his best work for. This 200th episode got the complete opposite treatment of Family Guy. Airing on a Monday night on TBS this episode was pretty much given a shrug, but that does not tamper down any of its ambitions. The whole episode is basically a pastiche of Apocalyptic Dystopian alternative timeline tropes centering around an alone and traumatized by his past Stan. The episode has one of the most clever ongoing visual gags I have seen on a show where flash backs are teed up by Stan’s ridiculous new post apocalyptic tattoos. The core family and ancillary characters of American Dad are all given terrific moments to shine in this heightened post apocalyptic hellscape, and the key to any enduring series success if whether or not you can tell that the creatives involved respect and enjoy the characters that they are writing for. This being a McFarlane project there are a couple of embarrassing lines of dialogue from the show’s respective gay and Black characters and an over indulgence on Rodger based humor, but overall this 200th episode left me with more appreciation for this series as a whole. I will still always make sure to appreciate whenever a long running creative property takes stylistic swings and risks.While there is nothing particularly fresh or novel about a cannibal laden post apocalyptic wasteland this 200th episode managed to find some find fun character beats to subvert tropes or double down on them. The visual of a consistently on the move runaway train that is also mysteriously always on fire was also especially well executed. This episode could easily have been a series finale if the series hadn’t already played around with alternative timelines like in their Christmas specials.

This episode also features more trash talk! One of Stan’s tattooed regrets revolves around Francine failing to get the trash picked up on trash day because Stan had purposely neglected to take it out. This rather odd pattern is about to make a whole lot of sense with the fourth and my least favorite 200th episode by the Simpsons.

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4.) The Simpsons - Trash of the Titans

How many more times can I impress upon you that the 200th episode of your animated sitcom is an an occasion for trash talk? One more time. This 200th episode of The Simpsons is by far the most trash centric 200th episode of them all. The first animated adult sitcom to get over the 200th episode hump, the 200th episode “Trash of the Titans” has some fun real-world trivia attached to it, but other than that this is one of the lesser “Golden Era” Simpsons offerings by a long shot.

My primary source on contention with the episode lies in the direction Homer takes in most of the episode. A 2016 Uproxx (https://uproxx.com/media/simpsons-donald-trump-hillary-clinton/) article gained traction and a Wikipedia citation by comparing Homer’s antics to that of possible former rising Dictator Donald Trump. The episode involves Homer acting at his absolute most abhorrent in an election to boot, and his behavior in this episode is some of the most irredeemable Homer has ever been. The article oddly neglects to make note of the fact that Homer in this episode also makes similar slights against Mexico, referring it to an inherently “dirtier” country. The episode ends on a truly groan inducing aged as fine as old socks in the cheese drawer with a crying Native American gag. Ah 1998 when we could pretend that the Crying Native American commercial was just silly social commentary and not racial minstrelsy.

There is also one other instance that didn’t sit well with me and that’s when Homer is seen physically assaulting a woman working the booth at a U2 concert. I could handle the bullish descent into crooked politician, but watching Homer violently push a woman out of the way felt out of place. A retread of all the growth and development we’ve seen him go through over the course of 200 episodes. Of the other three patriarchs discussed on this list a Homer Simpson centric plot tend to not work as well for me especially if you compare him to the other animated TV fathers.

The episode also features two celebrity guest spots. One made by Steve Martin who does a good job becoming more or less unrecognizable as the original Springfield Sanitation Commissioner Ray Patterson. The other celebrity guest appearance is more of an ill-portent of signs to come with U2 playing themselves. Whenever a celebrity is playing themselves on The Simpsons it usually does not work out. Not everyone can be used to advance a plot as seamlessly as Barry White. Although it is funny, funny in a “oh, we were so much simpler” sort of way that this episode garnered controversy and a ban on UK television over U2 and Mister Burns’ use of the word, “wanker.” Flash forward to 2009 and Bono is once again throwing around his favorite cheeky pejorative this time in reference to fellow earnest bland frontman Chris Martin (https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/24741/Read).

Resting Wanker Face

The other fun factoid about this episode once again is not related to the show, but the show’s influence spilling out into the real world. In the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Adams Mine was an abandoned pit located somewhere in Ontario situated in a term I’m learning for the first time, the “Canadian Shield.” An exactly similar proposal is made by Homer Simpson during his reign of Sanitation Commissioner. This sweeping of trash under the rug does culminate into a satisfying visual gag as a climax that feels like a Garbage Pail Kid/Toxic Avenger version of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. More bizarrely and unfortunate, this episode also aired a week after the passing of Linda McCartney. How messed up is that? Couldn’t they just have waited at the end of the season or at least on an episode that doesn’t involve wallowing in filth?

The episode features another developing bad habit in terms of the inclusion of songs and song parodies. There is virtually no connection to Willy Wonka in this episode other than the fact that both “Candy Man” and “Trash Man” have share a similar pronoun. Unlike the use of songs in Bob’s Burgers where they tend to be unique to the character’s reaction to dramatic consequence, on the Simpsons it’s more often than not a a song for the sake of a song. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but why not go for a joke about parodying real musical trash titans, The Cramps, or even trash up a U2 song? On the episode’s Wikipedia entry in the Production section Matt Groening is quoted to saying that the visual gag of a department store sporting the slogan, “Over a Century Without a Slogan,” wasted a lot of man hours. So much effort and reach for a joke with a fraction of a minimal of pay off is essentially the Simpsons ethos in one visual gag.

Once again, it bears repeating that this episode is also rewarded for an Emmy. If you break down the episode as starting off as a satire of Holiday Commercialism with the creation of the cynical Love Day holiday and ending the episode as a foreboding parable about the very real ecological repercussions of improper waste management. This clearly sounds like classic Simpsons reverse engineering management. Instead this is a classic case of an episode of the Simpsons being more interesting to think about than it is to actually watch. This is also the 200th episode that least honors its central cast of characters. Marge and Lisa are both afforded meager moments of wisdom and decency, but Bart is more or less even more irrelevant to the plot than Bobby Hill was on his 200th episode.

As for today it seems like the only Simpsons anniversary that will likely rouse any more attention it’s way will be the 1,000th episode.. Think how much more trash we as a collective species will have made by the time that milestone roils around!

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In Conclusion:

When you start to make 200 episodes of anything the one feeling that seems to creep up is one of, “taking out the trash,” or you’re making art out of trash. Trash being a metaphor for the entire medium of Television. The TV market is an ever growing landfill, one of America’s Rapiest Dads made a whole cartoon about kids living and learning life lessons in a junk yard. So much of Television is only a means of mass marketing ground up pieces of detritus. Then you’re supposed to be grateful that your detritus gets to be a bumper for advertisements and the occasional merchandising. You’re an adult, you’re not supposed to take cartoons seriously. They are empty calories, brain noise, and at best background noise. Yet they are the only types of shows that can consistently manage to get over well over the 200 episode mark. At least back before the Netflix business model of show’s only deserving 1.5 seasons.

Bob’s Burgers is reaching its 200th episode in an unfathomable media landscape, one that is completely demolished and in the process of being rebuilt from the aftermath of the coronavirus. The 2020s could be a turning point for animation going forward, animation is a severely grueling and technically difficult sector. This newfound interest in the medium may finally be the financial boost and support that it dearly needs in order to properly pay artists for their work. The creators of these series may not think of what they do as art and to keep themselves afloat have to think of the act of bringing an animated sitcom into the world as necessary as taking out the trash. Our trash is a mirror. Inside the landfill we see our own morals and values reflected right back at us. Bringing forth life means a lot of shit. With every year you keep an infant human alive that means (x) amount of disposable diapers piled up. I suggest we make like the Belcher children and try to salvage our trash, put a wig on our trash, put a crop top on our trash, paint some lashes on your trash, because we’re all in the end up going to be put into the ground (beef).

#Bob's Burgers #The Simpsons #American Dad #King Of the Hill #TV #TV Review #TV Series #Animation #Cartoon #Anniversary #200

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ginnyzero · 4 years ago

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Completely Harmless Ch. 37

Completely Harmless An SSO SilverGlade Re-imagining Story (Or Fix it Fan Salt fic) By Ginny O.

When Lily and her friends wanted to buy horses and were directed to the Silverglade Manor and its myriad of problems, they didn’t expect to start a revolution. They were just a bunch a stable girls. Completely harmless. Right?

A/N: Things are only canon if I say they’re canon. Pre-Saving the Moorland Stables compliant for the most part. Posted in its entirety on my website. Posted in 2000 to 4000 word bits here. Rated T for Swearing Word Count 177,577

Chapter Thirty-Seven Vandalism and The Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur

Rainbow Week it appeared had invigorated Baroness Silverglade. For the very next morning she called an employee meeting over breakfast. Everyone from her children, to the people who worked the shops and restaurants, and the stable help were all in attendance.

Over waffles with vanilla ice cream and piled high with mixed berries and served with duck egg omelets, the Baroness sipped her coffee before she said without any preamble. “We have several projects that need to be handled in the upcoming weeks before Midsummer. While most of our house has been put in order, and we have received high marks on our recent inspection.” The Baroness’ lips tightened since it had been anonymous and she’d only received the results after it’d been completed. “There are still things left to finish and the rest of our domain hasn’t been so lucky.”

No one quite dared to say anything.

“As for the Winterwell family, I have sent a strongly worded admonishment to Baron Winterwell about paying more attention outside of that mockery of what he calls a town and to the rest of his part of the county. If I have to step in, I will be informing Count Marchenghast.” The baroness swiftly buttered her toast. “Fortunately, you ladies are a credit to your various upbringings and are an asset to this county.”

Not even Linda knew what to say to that. A simple thank you didn’t seem sufficient. Not that the Baroness seemed to require any responses. This was her meeting and interruptions weren’t on the agenda.

The Baroness’ knife went on the side of her plate. “Ms. Lily, please arrange for me to meet with Ms. Melissa of the Valedale Running Bulls? Anytime today will be preferable.”

“Yes, Baroness,” Lily made a mental note to text Melissa after the meal was over.

“The contractors will be starting our permanent event pavilion over the next week. Something about having to build the proper molds to have a level floor. It involves a big pipe and honestly, as long as they get it done and its level, I don’t care how they manage it. After the pavilion has been finished, we will be moving onto to the race track.”

Godfrey appeared with several boards filled with pictures and architectural sketches. He placed them on easels so everyone could see them properly.

“The racetrack will reflect the pride of the Silverglade family and honor the prior Moon Riders and Aideen,” the Baroness said. “Those who come to compete and to watch the races will see the care and grandeur of the place, and give our family the respect it deserves.”

There was a very large entrance arch over what would be the main entrance and it was perpendicular to the rest of the building. To either side of it were banks of columns and then each side had a porch with statues of women dressed in Greek clothes. Those must be the former Moon Riders of the Silverglade family and Aideen.

The inside stands had more columns holding up the roofs. The roofs curved inwards where there were stairs. The stands curved around both ends of the track.

“Antonia, the Silver Glade will be providing food for an outdoor café at the entrance,” the Baroness said. “There will be stables for the competitors on the first floor of the stands, while the atrium will be the ticketing area. I won’t expect you ladies to take care of the stables at the race track as well. We will be hiring specifically for the times the race track is in use. I won’t ask you to put up with a rival club so nearby. Nor will I stand for another club near my manor.”

“Thank you, Baroness,” Lily murmured. It was the only appropriate thing to say.

“While the contractors are working on that, we shall be dealing with the shameful prospect that is Valedale,” the Baroness took a bite and wiped at her lips. “And for that we’re going to have to find out how bad things are and how far this has spread.”

Linda cleared her throat. “There’s a scientist in Crescent Moon Village that knows who to test soil and water samples, Dr. Hayden.”

“He’s a bit of a grouch,” Lily warned.

“I can deal with grouches as long as they can do the work,” the Baroness nodded.

“He’s an entomologist,” Linda added tentatively.

“Then he would have to keep an eye on the water and the soil to see if it is effecting the bugs,” the Baroness’ lips twitched. “Or at least, he should be instead of capturing them and pinning them to boards.”

“I don’t know if that’s his type of entomology,” Lily murmured. “I don’t think Ginny and Susan have much to do with him.”

“Or want to,” Pauline added.

“Lily,” the Baroness turned her attention to her. “I want you and Melissa to go to the Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur and check the source of the water there. The Great Tank drains off into the lake under the ice and from there it trickles down through springs and the Silversong River throughout the Valedale, Firgove, and Mistfall areas. Dress warmly.”

“What about Firfall?” Lily asked.

“What about Firfall?” the Baroness voice turned tart.

“They’ve been cut off through an avalanche of rocks and brambles,” Lily said.

The Baroness closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “And what were the rangers going to do, shovel them out?” She asked, voice vicious. “Well, I guess we’re borrowing the bulldozer again. Though we might need the excavators as well and several skips from Jorvik City. Aaron, get the permits and papers ready to clear the road to Firfall. Hire some skips. Lily, you managed to get G.E.D. to bend last time.”

“Cookies and shillings,” Lily said.

“Have Harold bake them a month’s worth of cookies and I’ll pay them. We can get to it as soon as the papers and permits are ready.”

“I’ll get that started today, mother,” Aaron said quickly.

“It’s probably former Councilman Skoll who didn’t say anything. He was working with G.E.D. to get money to the town. Maybe he thought he could get them to clear the road for him.” Lily explained. “I don’t know if Rania’s mother knows about it yet. She’s got a large mess to sort out with the town as it is. They really need a ferry.”

“Aaron, add that to the list.”

“New Hillcrest needs a ferry,” Tyra murmured.

“That’s up to Baron Winterwell,” the Baroness shook her head. “Now, who is the new leader of Dundull?”

“Sigry Varanger,” Linda said. “Rania Varanger is her daughter.”

“Good woman. I like her,” the Baroness nodded. “We all know what we need to be doing,” she said and applied to her food.

They all finished breakfast and scattered to do chores and take up their posts at their jobs. Aaron was muttering about getting back to Jorvik City right away. Anastasia had designers to check on in order for all the other girls to have their own new outfits.

Linn came back to the stable, riding fast. “Lily! Linda! Judy! Someone’s spray painted rude messages on the riding hall, and there’s trash all over, and egg on the windows!”

“What?” Linda gaped at her.

They mounted their horses and rode down to the stables to assess the damage.

“Who would do this?” Linn waved her arms. “We worked so hard to clean it.”

“It’s a good thing that marble is protected.” Linda sucked her cheeks in.

“We’ll get it cleaned up,” Lily promised Linda.

“You shouldn’t have to do stuff like this. Take pictures. Document everything before you clean it.” Linda said. “And I’m not unlocking it until it’s clean.”

“It’s lucky you locked it then.”

Linda shook her head. “Not luck, precaution. I don’t want people to sneak in the arena at night to try the course and hurt themselves.”

They went back to the stable for cleaning supplies and returned.

Sabine stood outside the door with a nasty smile on her face, but she was also checking her watch. “What’s the hold up? The arena should be open by now.” Her timer stood behind her wringing her hands.

“If you used your eyes, you’d see why it isn’t open yet,” Lily told her. “The Arena will be open once it’s ready.”

“If you want it open sooner, you can help,” Linn smirked. “There are plenty of supplies.”

Sabine glared at them and marched off with her horse.

Linn shuddered. “Her and her horse give me the creeps.”

“Then why did you time for her so long?”

“My job?”

Lily shrugged. Point.

All the girls hurried up their chores to help out as soon as possible as they had to scrub off paint and eggs, and pick up trash.

By the time they were done, the contractors had arrived and were locking together molds to make the floor of the pavilion. It was a kit so it should go up fairly quickly once they had the floor poured and they could set the walls onto it.

They saw what the Baroness meant by a big pipe. They had a big pipe it looked like that they were going to use to roll across the top of the molds to make the floor level.

But it looked like the contractors were digging some of the dirt out. Bjorn and Agnetha were taking it away in wheelbarrows. They knew better than to ask.

Lily texted Melissa about seeing the Baroness.

Melissa texted back she’d be down right away.

Lily headed back up to the Manor as Agnetha drafted a couple of the girls to help them shift the dirt.

Melissa had a new outfit on with a stylized charging bull in green and deep maroon.

“Nice,” Lily said.

“Anastasia came through. I’m so happy not to be wearing druid symbols anymore. Elizabeth kept giving us the stink eye.” Melissa rubbed her hands on her breeches.

The Baroness was in her office. “Someone vandalized my arena,” was the first thing out of her mouth.

Lily passed her phone over with the pictures.

“Send these to Aaron,” the Baroness said after she looked through them. “If we can catch them, we’ll press charges.”

Lily took her phone back and did just that. Poor Aaron was going to have a busy day.

“Tell me what you have,” the Baroness ordered Melissa.

Melissa got out her own phone. “We’ve taken as many pictures as we could. One of my members is an amateur photographer. So, we rented a zoom lens to take pictures of what they’re doing above the mountains. We can’t see much since they’ve penetrated the mountain now. There’s one way in and one way out. The path curls around the mountain from the lake to over the village. Both waterfalls are being affected. But they’ve posted no bills. We think there isn’t any more than three or four of them.”

The Baroness looked through it. “Can you send these to my son? We can see what we can do about trespassing and not having the proper permits.”

Melissa took her phone back and Lily showed her Aaron’s information. Lily sent him an email to expect Melissa’s email.

“Has Elizabeth been giving you any trouble?”

“Not Elizabeth.”

“Someone is?”

“Rhiannon has gone through our horses and insists that several of them are Starbreeds. We paid for those horses fairly. We have papers,” Melissa turned red in anger. “We aren’t giving them up.”

“Nor should you,” the Baroness said. “The druids have long overstepped in trying to acquire what they call starbreeds. Whether or not Starbreeds exist is none of my concern. My concern is the welfare of the horses that are under my care and that I sell. And I don’t know what the druids do with my horses, thus I refuse to sell to them.” In her mind, it was as simple as that.

“Baroness Silverglade,” Lily said it tentatively. “You, don’t seem to have a good relationship with the Keepers of Aideen.”

“I have my faults. One of them is the firm belief that the Keepers of Aideen do very little for Jorvik and instead lure young women in with false promises of sisterhood and then refuse to impart anything useful to them before putting them into danger.” The Baroness laced her fingers together and appraised them. “Keeping their secrets hasn’t rid Jorvik of John Sands and his like. Have they ever won against them? Or are we in an eternal stalemate.”

Lily inhaled sharply.

The Baroness changed the subject. “As I told Lily earlier, I would like the two of you to go to the Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur. Dress warmly and do whatever you need to do to get into it. Linda may have some information for you about it.”

Lily stood. “Then we better get going so we can return quickly.”

Melissa stood as well. “Thank you, Baroness Silverglade.”

They left her and went to the library.

“Anything we should know about the Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur?”

Linda chewed her lip and gestured for them to sit. “The Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur is an ecological anomaly. It’s believed that is where a meteor crashed and hit Jorvik before Aideen came. The meteor’s magical and scientific properties such as having its own magnetic field, have created an area of eternal winter. The meteor crater originally completely filled with water. The water drained out and created an ice cap over it. Researchers were able to explore under the ice cap until it collapsed in 1912. No one has been there since.”

“So, dress warm? Have lots of rope?”

“Your horses might not move as fast in the Valley. There are references to the pack animals being slow until they brought in the Icelandic Horses. Those horses got left behind when they left and that’s why there is most likely a herd of them there today. Assuming they survived.”

“Take a shovel,” Melissa said.

“Sunglasses,” Lily murmured.

“The notes say there was an elevator down into the crater. I have no idea if it works or not.”

“After a hundred years of abandonment?” Lily raised her brows. “There is this thing called entropy.”

Linda smiled. “I don’t know, thus, I say so.”

“All right. We’ll check that first.” Lily said. “Good thing, Anastasia included a winter coat in all of this. And New Hillcrest had mittens.”

The two agreed to meet at the base of the mountain in Valedale with supplies. Not sure how cold, cold, really was, Lily grabbed a purple sweater she’d bought and put it in her saddlebag along with her winter coat. There wasn’t any reason not to layer. She put on wool pants instead of cotton and tugged on the winter boots.

She raided the tack room for a shovel and a bunch of rope. Then asked Antonia for food. She didn’t know how long she was going to be gone. How big was this area anyways?

Satisfied she was as ready as she was going to be, Lily put on a beanie and took the transport to Valedale.

Melissa waited on her horse at the base of the mountain as agreed, also wearing warm clothes on the bottom. She and Elizabeth were exchanging glares. Lily inserted herself between them.

They urged their horses up the mountain towards the snow covered pass. At the top, they were able to look over across the waterfall and see Dark Core’s camp. Black smoke streamed out of the machines as green water flowed out of their cave and into the waterfall.

“What a mess,” Lily murmured.

Wind hit the snow and them making them shiver.

They pulled on sweaters and shrugged into winter coats buttoning them up and tugged on mittens.

“The pass must have opened recently. I’ve been checking it since we got here,” Melissa said. “We sent some lemmings up this way.”

“Can anything really live there if it’s been covered in snow?” Lily asked.

“I hope we don’t find a pile of horse bones,” Melissa whispered. “That’d be sad.”

“We might find horse bones and living horses,” Lily said and urged her horse forward.

Her stallion’s nostrils flared in distaste but he went.

The pass turned and opened out to a cliff on the edge of the mountain. Right in front of them was a huge wooden structure with a snow covered wooden walkway; the elevator.

They walked up the ramp and got off to look at the elevator. There weren’t any boxes, only thick chains hanging down. Lily knelt by the edge and looked down.

“Oh, that makes me dizzy, Lily. Stop.” Melissa groaned.

Lily took several pictures using the zoom function on her phone. “The cars are both down there, but I don’t see any of the mechanics up top, do you?”

Melissa looked around. “Not at all.”

“So, the controls are down there,” Lily backed up and stood.

Leading the horses, they searched the cliff area.

Melissa pointed. “That could be a way down.” She said gesturing at the cliffs.

“But I’m not going to call it a way back up, and I’m not going down unless we can get out,” Lily bit her lip. She pulled out her phone and sent a president wide group text. They needed a mechanic.

FOR THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGES PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MY WATERMARK AND CONTACT INFORMATION. THANK YOU. I get it. Some of you might get excited and want to see this stuff in the game, especially the clothes, tack, and pets. However, the only way I want to see this in the game is if I get paid for it. If I see it in the game and I’m not paid for it, there will be hell to pay. You think I’m salty. I’d be angry. Personally, I’m not going to send this info to SSO. If you do, leave my contact information there! Don’t give them any excuses to steal.

Now, I’ll know you haven’t read this note if you leave me comments about how ‘salty’ I am about the game and if I hate it so much I should do something else. I am doing something else. It’s called Mystic Riders MMORPG Project. Mystic Riders however is a very baby phase game. You can check out our plans on the game dev blog. (Skills, Factions, Professions, Crafting, Mini-Games, 25+ horse breeds!) If you know anyone who would be interested and has money or contacts about game making, direct them to the blog.

#star stable #sso #star stable online #fan fic #jorvik reimagined #star stable salt #completely harmless #silverglade reimagined #many nods to ruth westside

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chiseler · 5 years ago

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Puttin’ on the Ritz

No fame is more fleeting than the showbiz kind. Some entertainers are just too much in and of a particular time. In the 1920s Harry Richman was a big star, billed as the Greatest Entertainer In America. He could sing and play piano, dance and act a little; he ran a hugely successful nightclub, was the toast of Broadway and, very briefly, a star in Hollywood; he wrote or introduced several songs that are still sung. But most of all he just personified the Roaring Twenties. He was the sleek, rakish, vaguely smarmy bon vivant in top hat and tails who was enjoying the decade's non-stop party as much as you were. It's been said that he was to the 1920s what the Rat Pack were to their era. Harry's career peaked just as the party crashed to a halt at the end of the decade, and he faded out in the 1930s. If his name comes up at all today, it's probably less often as an entertainer than as a footnote in aviation history.

He was born Harry Reichman in Cincinnati in 1895. His dad, a Russian Jewish immigrant, started out peddling eyeglasses door to door, carrying all his equipment on his back. He worked his way up to a prosperous wholesale business and real estate empire, and developed a taste for the high life. It killed him by the time Harry was an adolescent. In his thoroughly entertaining (sometimes suspiciously so) 1966 autobiography A Hell of a Life, Harry paints himself as a fecklessly scheming kid who grew up quick. At nine, he writes, he was a weekend ticket taker at an amusement park, shortchanging every customer he could because he was saving up to marry his childhood sweetheart. One night he showed off his ill-gotten riches by taking the girl out on the town. They stayed out too late to go home, so Harry got them a hotel room. When the cops burst through the door in the wee hours they found the kids sleeping fully clothed on separate beds. A doctor confirmed that the girl's honor was intact. Her dad put the kibosh to their romance anyway.

Harry's mother bought him piano lessons, dreaming he'd be a concert pianist, but like most kids at the time he was more interested in ragtime and jazz. He left home at around fourteen and headed to Indianapolis. There he and a kid who played fiddle went door to door in the kind of neighborhoods where an upright in the parlor wasn't uncommon. They'd bang out a few popular tunes for spare change. As Remington & Reichman they were soon touring the very small-time Webster circuit of vaudeville theaters in the Dakotas and Canada, known to vaudevillians as the Death Trail. Harry kept working his way around the west, singing at the piano in saloons and whorehouses, working as a singing waiter in restaurants, as part of a "Hawaiian" hula act in a circus sideshow. At the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco he was in a musical act that opened for Harry Houdini, fifteen shows a day. Playing in Los Angeles clubs favored by the movie crowd he got to be pals with Charlie Chaplin and Al Jolson, whom he idolized. Jolson got him a shot at Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic, the late-night club revue that gave Eddie Cantor his big break. Harry raced to New York, but flopped and was canned after only one night. He was so despondent he ran off and joined the Navy.

He arrived back in New York in 1920, just when Prohibition did too. Now he and the city were ready for each other. On vaudeville stages he found work as an accompanist for headliners like the singer Nora Bayes and the beautiful twin Dolly Sisters, and for a while was Mae West's on-stage pianist and straight man. He was reluctant to speak lines at first because he had a lisp that he could hide more easily when singing. West convinced him it was a distinguishing feature. He soon got top billing on his own on the Keith-Albee circuit. He also played at ritzy speakeasies like the Beaux Arts, where, he claims, Prohibition's hostess with the mostest Texas Guinan stole her signature line "Give the little girls a big hand" from him.

Nils T. Granlund, known as NTG, was both a radio pioneer and the publicist for Marcus Loew's movie theater empire. He hired Harry to headline live radio shows from Loew's State Theatre, the movie palace in Times Square. Harry plugged new songs on air, like Billy Rose's "Does the Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?" With NTG's help he opened his own Club Richman just behind Carnegie Hall. Harry made it one of the most opulent and exclusive nightclub/speakeasies in town. A lot of Broadway and movie stars became regulars, as of course did Mayor Jimmy Walker, and the Vanderbilts and Whitneys, and foreign royalty -- you saw everybody who was anybody there.

Or wanted to be somebody, like the chorus girl Lucille Le Seur. Accounts vary as to how Lucille got into the swank club. In one version, she convinced NTG, her sugar daddy at the time, to get her a spot in the club dancing the Charleston. NTG introduced her to Loew, who arranged a screen test at MGM, where she'd get her first tiny roles in 1925. Studio chief Louis B. Mayer decided her name sounded like Le Sewer, so the studio ran a publicity campaign in which the fans got to give her a new name: Joan Crawford. She never liked it.

For his part, Harry claimed that he discovered Crawford. He did have an eye for the beauties. He was one of the first to spot Jean Harlow, Sally Rand and Maureen O'Sullivan. Harry was an infamous ladies' man, bedding a long line of beauties from chorus girls to socialites to Harlow, maybe Rand, and Clara Bow. According to Harry, his office at the club had a secret door for sneaking them in and out while their husbands or dates drummed their fingers at their tables thinking they were just taking a long time powdering their noses. He says that the Hollywood Bowl couldn't hold all the women he had, and classes himself "a specialist in man's favorite sport."

Between the club and his other gigs Harry minted money and became the playboy nonpareil. He wore the finest bespoke suits and carried a gold cigarette case with his initials on it in diamonds. He commuted in a Rolls from Manhattan to his big house out on the water in Beechhurst, Queens, where he had a yacht and threw Gatsby-like parties for celebrities, beauties and millionaires. He learned to fly and kept a growing fleet of planes at nearby Flushing Airport. Harry worked hard, played hard, drank oceans of booze and smoked whole fields of tobacco. Everyone marveled at his stamina and joie de vivre even in that over-the-top decade.

In 1926, while still playing the host at his club, Harry got a featured role on Broadway in George White's Scandals, one of several knockoffs of the Ziegfeld Follies. After a boffo year it toured other cities, including Cincinnati, where, he notes ruefully, it tanked. In 1930 he headlined Lew Leslie's International Revue, where he introduced "On the Sunny Side of the Street." And in 1931 he made it, finally, into the Follies as well. He got his choice of songs to perform, including "Lullaby of Broadway." He was at the top of his career in those shows, the king of Broadway; his friend Eddie Cantor memorably said he wore Broadway like a boutonniere.

He didn't do so well in Hollywood. He starred, playing himself as "Harry Raymond," in the 1930 musical Puttin' on the Ritz, in which he introduced the song by his pal Irving Berlin. The movie did mediocre business then and is barely watchable now except for that number, Harry gliding around in front of an army of dancers with his top hat tilted over one eye. His recording of the song, which some consider the best, was a hit. (Among his other records are Berlin's "Blue Skies," his own "Muddy Waters" and a pretty wonderful Jolson-ish rendition of "Ain't She Sweet.") While in Hollywood to make the film he met Clara Bow. Teamed up at first for publicity purposes only, they became a hot item and got engaged. Then she suddenly married someone else. Hearing the news, he says, was the only time in his life that he fainted.

He'd make only two more feature films and one short. He sums them up this way: "All were forgettable. It became clear to me that whatever I had was best projected in person, either on the stage or in a night club." By the time he made the last film, released in 1938, he was well past his prime. When the Depression hit and then Prohibition ended, guys like Harry, icons of the Roaring Twenties, just didn't fit the new reality. To his credit, he didn't hang around like some other ghosts of the 1920s did. He left New York and settled in Miami, which was booming and lousy with new nightclubs where he could coast for a few years on his dazzling past. He went fishing with Hemingway and played with his airplanes.

His real fame in the 1930s came in fact as a flyer. In the mid-1930s he'd set altitude and speed records. Then in 1935 he and the pilot Dick Merrill made the world's first round-trip transatlantic flight in a single-engine plane. They filled the plane with tens of thousands of ping-pong balls as flotation devices should they land in the soup. Harry being Harry, after reaching Wales on the outward leg of the trip, they flew on to Paris to party all night with Maurice Chevalier before making the return flight. They landed upside-down in a Newfoundland bog, but they made it. It wasn't as big a deal as Lindbergh's one-way crossing in 1927, but Harry calls it the high point of his life.

Harry didn't make much news after that. He played some clubs through the 1940s, his looks and voice rough from all that carousing and smoking. He still had lots of friends in the show business who tried to engineer comebacks for him, but the public had long since forgotten him. By the time A Hell of a Life came out in 1966 he'd spent the millions he'd made in his heyday and was living alone, quietly and frugally, in Burbank, an old guy who'd gone full-tilt as long as he could, had a hell of a lot of memories and not too many regrets. He died in 1972.

by John Strasbaugh

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prorevenge · 6 years ago

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B!7ch of a friend insults me over dead uncle, gets exposed for all the shit she did

So, long-ish one here, and it’s been some time so I don’t exactly remember the dialogue.

So, as a backstory this happened when I was in the equivalent of Junior year of high school. I became friends with a girl one year older than me and soon we grew to be like sisters, doing shit together all the time and being generally like sisters. Might I also mention that at that time both of us were into shit like Reiki and weird sorts of spirituality and the occult and shit like that, and me being the edgy teen I was at that point was incredibly happy to have someone share my interests.

When my junior year started she was a senior and met a guy at college admissions prep who she apparently immediately fell for. Of course she introduced him to me and him and I took to each other almost too well.

Bf is the boyfriend, D is my friend.

Bf and I started to get along marvelously and being the stupid kid I was of course I fall for him hard, but I hid it and decided that I would be the better person and eat my feelings since he was her boyfriend. So I kept it friendly and basically developed an iron control on my emotions (which to this day is both a good and a bad thing for my mental health).

Over the next 6 months D had become obsessed with him, increasingly jealous and manipulative with both of us and was basically making both our lives hell. She was calling me for hours sometimes just complaining about how Bf has the emotional range of a teaspoon, other times raging and crying, and at that point I was stuck mediating between D and Bf on a daily basis, almost to the exclusion of everything else. I recognize now, years later, that she was incredibly emotionally abusive to both of us. While being a generally abusive twat and psycho bitch she was also very very horny and flirty and about a couple of days before shit hit the fan she made out with a classmate of mine in front of me while asking me not to tell her boyfriend.

One day soon after BF calls me pissed off beyond belief because he and D got into one of their arguments which after half a year of relationship became explosive in nature. He wanted to leave her since he was tired of her bullshit and she threatened to kill herself. I don’t remember exactly what had triggered the argument but what I do remember was that I was feeling so damn guilty about not telling Bf what I had seen. He was one of my best friends after all, and I was put in the situation of either covering up her cheating or risking a big meltdown. I chose to tell Bf that I think she’s just crying for attention since she made out with So-and-So the other week and he went mad. Like seeing red kind of mad. He thanked me for telling him what happened and said he’d go to her house and break up with her and that he’ll keep me posted.

An hour later I get a string of angry texts from her that I betrayed her and that I should stay away from them and all sorts of belittling things. Bf also blocked me on her request and told me to stay away and so I ended up the “villain” and feeling like I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.

After a few days of being miserably depressed, a few girls from my class approached me at a party I couldn’t dodge out of and asked me what’s wrong. After telling them what D had done they were the ones who convinced me I did the right thing and that I wasn’t the villainous bitch she made me look like. You can imagine how fucking pissed I was after giving my all to her and getting jack shit in return so I started plotting revenge. The first step was contacting her ex who I knew she hated, going out with him but bailing like a chicken because I was still feeling guilty. That didn’t work, I was a weakling and made up with her and suffered a few more months until summer came and the three of us went on a seaside vacation where shit REALLY hit the fan. I booked a couple days extra after they were supposed to leave and on their last evening, while at a restaurant, I got a call from my parents telling me to not come home early because my favorite uncle had died and they were going to his funeral. I was distraught and went to my hotel room while D said they’ll just drop by their room and come stay with me since I wasn’t feeling like being alone. Guess what: she got horny and had sex for 2 hours while I sat alone crying my eyes out. When they came D wanted to do some drugs, got incredibly high and started arguing with me and Bf about some stupid spiritual shit she saw while on her trip. Bf was already pissed with her since on our second night she got shitfaced drunk and flirted with everyone in the club, so him and I decided we wanted to go to the beach and see the sunrise. She came too, arguing with Bf and me the whole time until these stupid ass words left her mouth:

D:”Bf, I cannot believe you are arguing with me and you(me) - stop whining, it’s just some dead guy, get over it already!”

What. The. FUCK. Did. You. SAY?!

I stormed off in a rage, with Bf running after me afraid I’d do something stupid in my altered mental state and she kept sneering and complaining. I can honestly say I blacked out out of rage at some point because I can’t remember what she said that made me punch her square in the damn face.

I got home the next week and started looking for a way out of this sham of a friendship. D didn’t even apologize for the shit she said and I had had enough, so when a mutual friend reported that she was making out with some guy at a party I immediately reported it to Bf and the same thing as before happened with both of them blocking me.

Fuck you and good riddance, I thought, but boy oh boy karma served me a true opportunity to wreak havoc not long after.

Fast forward 6 months I was in my senior year, kept my side of mine and D’s mutual friends and was dealing with what I know now is my still severe depression when guess who calls? You guessed it, Miss D sobbing on the phone because Bf “wrongly” accused her of cheating with a friend of his. Oh but of course I’ll help, I say, not mentioning that I’ll help get her exposed if anything.

I wheeled and dealt, called favors, pretended to be friends to people and generally was a manipulative ass bitch until I got the information of what exactly she did and wasn’t telling me: that she actually cheated with SEVEN fucking blokes. Seven. Not one, not two, seven. I was flabbergasted to say the least.

Through a bit of clever usage of computers I even got convo transcripts and made sure Bf found out everything - ie I told him every single dirty thing she did with a grin of satisfaction on my face and then as the “nice” girl I was held him back so he wouldn’t kill her. I do believe my thoughts were on the line of “nobody kills her before I can make her suffer.” Just peachy, I know. I somehow convinced him not to kick her ass into kingdom come and instead arranged a meeting in the KFC next to our school where Bf wanted to “make up with her”. I told D that I had convinced him of her innocence and he agreed to get back together and she was “soo relieved I worked my magic again”. Little did she know I didn’t have to drop by the post office when I told her I’ll go ahead, run an errand, and meet her there, but that I went ahead, got all of our friends there to witness and plastered a whole section of KFC with screenshots of her lewd conversations with various blokes. Bf was also there, almost murderous, waiting for her to arrive.

After a bit of a wait I had the honor of witnessing the most glorious sight ever: D walked in, all happy and hopeful in her tiny cheater soul, and her face instantly dropped when she saw me, her now ex boyfriend and everyone in her group of friends from high school waiting for her surrounded by proof of her shenanigans. That was not the only thing that dropped though, since as I was reveling in the look of utter betrayal on her face she proceeded to pass the fuck out.

I didn’t even care what happened after; it was enough that she saw me there, looked at the predatory grin on my face and knew I was behind it all and had robbed her of the one thing she cherished most: her Bf. It was worth the almost full year of abuse and the couple of months of manipulation and lies to see her fall.

Years after she even apologized sincerely when she realized what drove me to this revenge plot and now we’re civil, but now she knows she should NEVER. Ever. Cross me.

(source) story by (/u/AliTheMadWarlock)

#prorevenge #by /u/AliTheMadWarlock #pro revenge #revenge stories #pro revenge stories #pro #revenge #last10

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takenbyemrys · 5 years ago

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Chapter: 1/1

Main Pairing: Derek Hale/ Stiles Stilinski

Summary: The pack returns for Spring breaks during their last year(s) of college and they play a game of never have i ever. They come to find out that very few of them actually know Stiles. Turns out Stiles isn't a virgin? And Derek like cannot handle confident/kinky Stiles.

It was during pack night that they truly learned that they didn’t actually know Stiles. It was after they’d all gone away to college, and they were in their junior and senior years. Derek had rebuilt the Hale house for all of them, and they stayed there when they came home from classes. It was during one spring break that Lydia suggested the game. They hadn’t drifted apart, per say, but they all lived in different cities now, so they missed a lot of stuff between them.

Stiles and Cora had gone the farthest, to Caltech and UCLA respectively. It was a short drive between the schools, so they shared an apartment in the middle. Lydia and Allison were both accepted to Stanford, while Scott and Isaac were at UC Berkeley. Erica had stayed in Beacon Hills to go to community college while Boyd went to the Police academy. As a wolf, Cora made sure to come home every break to see her alpha, but Stiles had only come home every other break, citing homework or other things. Derek tried not to let it get to him, but the pack could see that not seeing Stiles for so long was taking a toll on their Alpha. They could all tell that Derek was ridiculously in love with him, especially when Stiles came home the summer after sophomore year, sporting a couple tattoos and very defined muscles.

So when they were finally all together the spring break before they graduated, Lydia couldn’t help but suggest a good game of never have i ever. They each had five shots sitting in front of them, waiting to be taken. Stiles didn’t like the mischievous looks Lydia was giving him.

“Okay! I will go first.” Lydia smirked around the circle. Groans went up, they knew they were going to be getting drunk fast. “Never have i ever, had sex with someone of the same gender.” Isaac, Cora, Derek, and Stiles all took shots. Scott tilted his head.

“Stiles why did you take a shot?” He asked.

“Well Scotty, you take a shot if you’ve done the thing Lydia said. I did the thing.” Stiles snarked.

“Wait, what?” Isaac was so confused.

“Guys, what’s so wrong with me having sex with a guy?” Stiles snarled. Cora started the giggle softly.

“It’s not the guy part Stiles. We just never thought you’d actually had sex.” Allison admitted. Cora was full of rolling on the floor now. Lydia was smirking. Stiles gave them his best bitch face. Even Derek was interested.

“Guys, i’ve had sex. Jesus Christ I’m twenty two fucking years old.” Stiles huffed. “Who's next?” The pack shifted uncomfortably, but Isaac spoke up.

“It’s me. Um, never have i ever had sex in a public place.” Erica and Boyd smirked, clinked their shots and downed them.

“You two would,” Stiles snickered before downing his own shot. They were all openly staring.

“Okay, where the fuck did you have sex in public?” Erica asked.

“Well, there was time i went camping in the Angeles national forest. I did it at the local country club in the restaurant bathroom. Cora, you remember when we went to museum of contemporary art in LA?” Cora blushed.

“I knew you weren’t in the bathroom for that long!” She accused.

“I mean, I technically was.” Stiles smirked. “There’s a couple others.” He shrugged. “Erica, you’re next.” The blonde bombshell appraised him with a new respect.

“Alright, never have I ever said the wrong name in bed.” She smirked. Lydia blushed and took a shot. Stiles tried to take his quickly.

“Jesus Stiles, whose name did you say?” Erica whistled. Cora was laughing again.

“Cor, shut up. I’m not talking about this.” Stiles blushed.

Cora snorted. “We can talk about it later. Boyd go on.” The wolf thought for a minute before he spoke.

“Never have i ever kissed the picture of a celebrity.” Boyd said proudly. No one moved.

“Scott.” Stiles said accusingly. The beta flushed bright red before quickly taking a shot.

“I forgot you saw that.” Scott mumbled.

“Oh my god, whose picture did you kiss?” Allison squealed with a grin. Scott mumbled something unintelligible. “I’m sorry, i didn’t catch that.”

“Leonardo DiCaprio!” Stiles chuckled. Scott blushed.

“I was like seven okay! My mom liked him.” Scott blushed. “Look, it’s my turn. Never have i ever had a threesome.” Stiles and Lydia took shots.

“It’s like I don’t even know you.” Erica whispered to Stiles, who just grinned at her.

“Well, what was it like?” Isaac asked, leaning forward. Lydia rolled her eyes.

“It was just sex Isaac,” Lydia admonished. Stiles shrugged.

“Pretty much. I wasn’t a huge fan of splitting my attention.” Stiles shrugged.

“You like to give it your all, huh Stiles?” Erica smirked. Stiles gave her a wink. Derek was honestly stunned. Stiles was always as pure as fucking snow, and he would honestly love nothing more than to learn everything that Stiles knows.

“Okay, never have i ever fantasized about a friend's significant other.” Allison said. Erica and Isaac each took shots. “What you haven’t done that Stiles?” She teased. Stiles just shrugged.

“Eh, i do have a line.” Stiles smirked. “Oh alpha, my alpha, your turn.” Stiles giggled. His four shots were hitting hard.

“You skipped me Stiles.” Cora said, sticking her tongue out at him. Stiles snickered.

“Sorry, Cor. Please, embarrass me more.” Stiles leaned into Derek’s shoulder. Cora smiled wickedly.

“With pleasure. Never have i ever tried role playing.” Stiles slammed his empty glass on the floor.

“You bitch!” He cursed. Cora was rolling on the floor again.

“Story time!” Erica said gleefully. Stiles noted that Allison, Scott, Erica, Boyd, and surprisingly Derek had all taken shots.

“I can’t do it. Cora tell the story for me.” Stiles buried his face in Derek’s shoulder, who was frozen. They all rolled their eyes at their alpha and turned to Cora.

“Okay, so it was last year, and i was supposed to be out camping with friends, but it was raining, so we came home early. When i got home, i didn’t expect that Stiles had someone over, so i opened his door to tell him i was home and i still can’t ever forget this.” Cora was grinning, but she had to stop and take a deep breath. Stiles groaned in anticipation. “So this girl Stiles was kinds of seeing at the time, was totally not okay with me living there, just to put this out there for later. But anyway, i open his door and what do i see! Stiles is kneeling on the bed, wearing nothing but kitty ears and a leash!” Erica and Lydia squeal. Scott claps his hands over his ears, Boyd fucking laughs, and Isaac is tomato red. Derek, is even more stiff under Stiles.

“So, you’re the submissive type?” Derek smirks. Stiles groans.

“Quite the opposite actually. I’m very domineering. But jesus, come on guys. I’ll try anything at least once, okay?” Derek’s heart stuttered.”I’m out of shots. I’ll hold up fingers now.” Stiles lifted his face of Derek’s shoulder and held up a hand. He waited patiently for the wolves to stop laughing.

“So, why cat ears?” Lydia wheezed. “No wolf ears?” Derek couldn’t help but think of Stiles in wolf ears. His inner wolf growled with want. Stiles groaned.

“They were all she had. Jesus, let’s just move on. Derek, what have you never done?” Stiles asked. Derek cleared his throat and focused on the rest of the pack.

“Uh, never have i ever slept with someone in the room.” Derek said proudly. Erica, Boyd, Allison, and Scott took shots as expected. But everyone was floored when Cora and Lydia took a shot. They were even more floored when Stiles slowly lowered a finger.

“You slept with me sister.” Derek growled. Stiles ducked his head.

“I mean like, yes, but also, we were not in our right minds. It was like three years ago okay? And Cora, we decided that we were absolutely never going to talk about it.” Cora just snickered.

“Wait Lydia? Who did you sleep with?” Isaac asked. Lydia and Stiles avoided eye contact.

“Oh. My. God.” Allison said.

“Dude! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you slept with Lydia!” Scott hissed. Stiles avoided eye contact with everybody.

“It was right after high school graduation, but uh… It… uh… didn’t end very well…” Stiles wined. Lydia covered her mouth.

“What happened? Was is not good?” Erica asked.

“Oh no, Stiles is definitely great in bed, but uh…” Lydia blushed.

“We each said someone else’s name.” Stiles finished. The entire group groaned.

“Ouch.” Boyd said.

“Whose names did you say?” Isaac asked. Lydia and Stiles met eyes and snickered.

“Can’t say.” She shrugged.

“Scout’s honor promise.” Stiles nodded.

“So you were both into someone you weren’t ready to talk about?” Allison asked.

“Oh yeah. So let’s move the fuck on.” Stiles said. Lydia was still blushing. Stiles leaned into her side.

“We’re a couple of hopeless causes.” She snickered.

“I am, you’re not.” He said. “Anyway, my turn, so never have i ever fallen asleep during sex.” Stiles grinned. Scott took a sad shot to the jeers of the pack.

“Shut up okay.” The game continued for a couple more rounds until most were out of shots. The pack learning that Stiles had used sex toys, had multiple one night stands in one night, hooked up with someone over tinder, and hooked up with a professor, thanks to Cora’s pointed questions. He had been injured trying to impress someone, he got a little quiet after that question, and Lydia pushed the game forward.

The game ended when Cora smirked at Stiles. He knew it was over. “Never have i ever been in love with someone in this room.” Allison, Boyd, Erica, and Scott took shots. Stiles groaned and flopped his hand on the ground. They all turned as Derek picked up his glass and downed his last shot. Everyone was staring at him with awe. Stiles, because he’s really that fucking oblivious, and the rest of the pack, because they didn’t think he’d own up to it.

“Who the fuck are you in love with?” Stiles breathed. Derek blushed, looking anywhere but at his pack. Why did he feel the compulsion to take the shot? It was so much better when he could hide it away. He told himself he would be happy if Stiles had ever found someone. Derek sighed and caught Stiles eye. “Fuck it’s Lydia isn’t it?” Lydia face palmed behind him.

“No, you fucking idiot!” Cora yelled.

“It’s you Stiles.” Derek said. Stiles’ jaw dropped. Derek flashed his eyed at the pack and sent them all running, abandoning the alcohol they had left. “Stiles?” Derek asked, resting his hand on the man’s shoulder. Stiles jumped at the contact, springing to his feet. Derek watched as he paced the living room, muttering unintelligible things to himself. Suddenly he stopped and turned to Derek.

“You can’t be serious?” He said. Derek sighed. Of course this was the reaction he would get.

“Yes Stiles, i am serious. I’ve been in love with you for, quite a while.” Derek sighed. Stiles stared at him slack jawed. He blinked before he was flinging himself at the alpha. Derek caught him with ease, and was more than stunned when Stiles captured his lips. They made out for several minutes before Derek pulled away. “What is this Stiles?” He asked.

“This is me, kissing the man i’ve been in love with since i was fucking sixteen.” Stiles groaned as he tried to capture Derek’s lips again, but Derek was frozen.

“What?” Derek breathed.

“Derek. Ya know how we just went over that I slept with Lydia right after high school graduation?” Derek growled. “Right, well when we each called out the wrong name… i called out yours.” He finished lamely. Derek growled and captured the man’s lips once more.

“Well, now i’m going to make you call out the right name.” Derek growled.

Basking in the sweaty afterglow of Derek’s chest was so much better that Stiles had ever imagined. “So, are you going to come home more often now?” Derek asked softly.

“Derek, the biggest reason i stayed away was because it was so painful to see you while i was pining.” Stiles admitted. “So, when i graduate, i plan to fully take up residence in my bedroom next door.” Derek rubbed circles on his back.

“Or, you could take up residence right here,” Derek breathed. Stiles swore his heart skipped a beat. He smiled into Derek’s chest and nodded. “Good, i need you here so i can keep an eye on you. I can’t have you sleeping with my sister again.” Stiles snorted.

“We’re never talking about that. For the record. I called out your name that time too. That’s why she had so much glee about it.” Stiles groaned. Derek couldn’t help but smile.

“Maybe when you get back after graduation we can scrounge up some wolf ears for you,” Derek growled, rolling on top of Stiles. Stiles couldn’t help but laugh, thinking about all of the fun they were going to have over the years.

Fin.

#Sterek #stiles stilinski #derek hale #Pack Feels #lydia martin #cora hale #isaac lahey #scott mccall #alison argent #vernon boyd #erica reyes #teen wolf #stiles x derek #never have i ever

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