#but have rapid fire on for the Gate fight...

[fell-maverick]

Beating Gate with the Shadow Armor is so satisfying...

[mayvora]

ㅤㅤHello!! I write things sometimes and have a habit of writing my random thoughts and saving them for later!! and then never using them. lol. so I bring them to you today!! with hope that they can inspire you !! tell me if you like them! (likes are cool but sharing is caring! :D)

ㅤㅤLook under the text block to see them!!

‎‧₊˚✧ [ Accidental Thoughts / Ideas ]

I'm a storyteller; I love my stories, I live them, I love telling them to others and dragging them into my world.

But sometimes my stories start telling themselves in my head...

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Lips with a taste of stars...

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

" So this is love... "

With their blood on your hands, with their lips whispering one last breath?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Just ask me and i will answer

Just ask me and i will answer

Just ask me and i will answer

Just-

But no one ever does.

And the world are burried in chest, the fire in chest, so hot and painful.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Words are meant to be shared, not hoarded!

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

We learn to dream to fight the nightmare.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

The story has a soul when the creator loves their creation.

Love is in small things; in little symbols, in second-lasting smiles, in carefully written words, in songs and rhythm. The more you give in the beginning the more you get in the end.

We step our ways through nothingness into everything.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Without falling you will never learn to love flying.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

I do not want the pedestal, I do not care for role of sun; I can lead but do not want to, I can shine but don't wish to; my role is to mirror the light I see in others so the world can know the beauty of the stars that surround me and love them like the suns; and love them like I love them; the moon will always crave the shine of stars and give them back the fraction of their light.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Through our light we reach immortality.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I don't miss you. I miss knowing that you're safe. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Loving people is easy. What's not easy is being hurt by what you love most.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

You run away with my heart in your hands

And I feel that it is how it ends

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Some sing about love

Some sing about fate

And duets sing about falling again.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

I wanna breath in my last life;

Breathe before I die;

I choke on broken lullaby

And sing my last goodbye, I sing my last goodbye;

Heart is silent; a simple lie; I die, I die, I die.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Any happiness must be returned.

One good word can save someone's life. One bad thing can kill.

Other people's anger is not your problem. It's a problem for them. they have to live with hatred and anger in their hearts, and you can move on, because the only one who should suffer from evil is its creator.

‎‧₊˚✧ [ Parts of the unwritten stories ]

The gates of the kingdom of death opens with the fading light of dawn; the clouds shape the gate, forming it's structure on the star patterns created by the loving hand of death themselves.

Would you dare to walk the paths of dead?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Time is running out. It is fleeting, rapid; we do not see its real power, looking only at what seems to us eternal and reliable.

But the rocks are breaking. The seas are drying up. Epochs are passing away.

Epochs... they leave with the people who held them on their shoulders.

Are you still here?

Go home.

Go.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Everything in the world ends one day. Good things go away faster. Not because they are short-lived, but because we do not feel the time when we are happy. And we get lost when it turns out that it's gone.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

They were dying in the arms of their love - but they were smiling anyway.

"I want you to forget me."

I want you to never miss someone who cannot come back.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

[Character name], rolling up their sleeves; tattoos on their arms; pattern glows with a cursed green, and their eyes twinkle with pure darkness; they are a magician, and magic awakens on their hands, obeying only a confident smile and one simple yet crushing word.

"Fall down."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

their blood on her hands / drawing blood patterns on their cheeks / a dead soul on her cold lips / her broken heart in crystal tears.

I want to love you / I never want to love again.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

The hand of cards has always played in your favor.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

Sometimes she will hear a song of wind in her heart; the sound of universe singing to her the melody of a thousand lives she lived.

She opens her eyes - the feeling dissapears.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

No one ever loved him. So how could he learn to love if he never had a good example?

‎‧₊˚✧ [ Bits of dialogue ]

" I can take the pain! "

" We can't. Do you want us to live with bargain of guilt, knowing that we hurt our love with every touch?"

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I wanted to do something special. I felt the urge and couldn't resist it! Its like a fire burning down my bare chest, something I can't summon with a simple word. I wanted to move, I wanted to dance, I... "

"You were still hurting. "

" I felt better! I swear I did! It was just shiwers, I got up so easily, I... I thought I could make it. "

" It wasn't enough. "

"No... No. It's never enough. Im always behind and always crashing. "

"It doesn't make us love you any less. "

"...you know, huh... What is inside of me. You always do."

Their partner smiled - but their eyes were full of pain, and soft laught didnt reach their sea of sadness.

"I always do."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"The time is not right. Go home. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I collect stars for you. I think they would look nice on your skin. The universe needs their stars, don't you think so, my precious galaxy?"

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I don't want your soul"

"Then what do you want?"

"Your love."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I adore what you are deeply."

"The bump of chaos, humor and impulsivity?"

"The universe itself recreating its own code in such small yet beautiful shape. "

‎‧₊˚✧ [ From the One Special Au ]

"You always take care of everyone around you. Let me take care of you this time."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"Emperor... "

"Don't call me that."

"It is what you are. Making choices for the whole world. Like it's yours. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

How long did you think you can take it?

"As long as my lungs would breathe and my heart would burn. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"You wanted to make me a king, Fate? Here's your chance! I accept my crown."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

The Storyteller never got a chance to ask for forgiveness. The Leader never had the time to tell them that they forgave them long time ago.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

He was a hero. And a hero is a very bad thing to be.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"Its MY destiny to die for them, why did you take him? Why couldn't you take me instead? It is what you predicted to me, why did he had to pay the price?"

"Everyone has their own destiny. He completed his."

"What WAS his destiny? To DIE?!"

"No. To bless you with his love when he was still living."

"I don't understand."

"You will."

...

[the last moments of their life] "I do now."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"I was supposed to die."

"Who told you that I'll let you?"

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"The sun will never stop shining, and you will never stop loving; I was not wrong about you."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"It was so easy to love you. You've always been so sincere. You admired us, you loved us; sometimes it seemed to me that you had been waiting for us all your life, keeping love in your heart for us to drown in it when we met. I longed for this love, I wanted to fall into the ocean of your heart, burying my soul and all of myself in it; I had to bury the stubbornness that kept me so far from you, convincing my anxious mind that I should not trust you. I shouldn't have, but I couldn't help but believe, because that's how you are... You can get into the heart of anyone and stay there forever. You're a whirlwind that couldn't be resisted; at some point I stopped and just... accepted you. And what was supposed to burn with cold turned out to be a warm spring wind, smelling of lilac and warming every cell of the body better than any fire. "

"You are my fire. I love you. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"Until my faith is extinguished or I find out that he is dead, my connection will continue to give me fragments of his emotions, creating a lie based on hope, even if he is no longer alive. My brain will deceive me over and over again until I accept that I have lost him forever. "

"There have been stories about souls who, even after seeing the death of their loved one with their own eyes, still felt these ghostly emotions – this happened to those who went crazy, refusing to admit that their soul mate was not alive. They could keep talking into the void, looking for them, cooking for two, making a place for them, calling their name... I was always afraid that this would happen to me, I was afraid of this madness. I felt contempt for it. "

"But now I understand... that I couldn't give him up even if he died in my arms. He's like breathing to me, you know? And my people get attached strongly and never let go."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

How it begins.

"They say that we always get what we deserve. But did we deserve to die? What have we done to be exterminated? Burned at the stake?"

And how it ends.

"Shh, sunshine, it's okay. I deserve it. I deserve every bit of pain that fate puts on my shoulders; I let down those who trusted me and betrayed their love. I get what I deserve."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"The poem of the End on his last breathing lips."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

People were afraid of magic; but They wanted to drink it like the purest water, they wanted to breathe it in full, so that magic filled every alveoli and soaked into hot blood.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"The war is on our heels; it follows every step we make, never too close and never too far, not losing us no matter where we try to hide, not letting go no matter how hard we fight. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"Let me explain. There is a theory that says that our planet and all other planets revolve around the Sun. And the Moons circle the planets and reflect the light of the Sun. Of course, I'm not saying that this theory is true. But if we lived in a world where we all circle around the Sun, then you would be our Sun. And each of us is the Moon, circling around its goals, motives and beliefs that make up our planets. And we all reflect your light."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"You are all that I am and all that I want to be. I would give you the world, but you are my world. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

How it begins.

"This place is my home.".. I would like it to become your home too. "

And how it ends.

"Thank you for sharing your home with me. "

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

He loved them more than life; he shouldn't have.

He was born to love; he had no right to love; his love would have killed them as it once killed him.

He won't let them experience the pain he went through once.

Even if it means cutting them all off from himself.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ‎‧₊˚✧˚₊‧

"The universe began with infinite Darkness; Darkness was its first creation, its first essence, its first state. At first there was only Darkness; but Darkness was not alone forever. In the midst of Darkness, in its dim surface, the very first Light was born; the opposite of the Darkness, so fragile, but so infinitely strong; The Darkness hated her. In the Light, she saw her main enemy and sought to destroy her immediately, to engulf her, as the sea buries ships in the waves. But the Light turned out to be stronger than Darkness might have seemed; she did not want to lose the fight, not daring to give her very first life into the arms of death."

" Light was the first Life; Light gave birth to the first World. It wasn't our world, and no one knows if the first world still exists in the universe. But many people strive to find it, to touch its origins; even, it seems, in human religion there is a mention of the first earth, abandoned a long time ago. There were the first creatures in the first world; not the humans, no, we do not agree to admit that humans were the first. Because people are not capable of what the First Ones could do! The first ones could create worlds, you know? And ours was created like this too! Created by them!"

"You believe me, I know. You're not one of them; you never have been. One day you will understand my faith in them, one day you will hear the universe singing; it is something that cannot be forgotten. But I digress! Shame on me, of course. And we were talking about the First..."

"He was one of them, the first son of Light, the first birth, the first life; he was the first love. He loved the world he was born into; he loved admiring the Darkness at the edge of Light, he loved the dance of creation and the birth of worlds, he loved his brothers and sisters, he loved Life. But it was hard to keep alive; The Darkness was hungry, angry and merciless, sweeping away everything in her path, biting into the Light with sharp fangs, destroying young worlds. Pain pierced his crystal heart when he saw Her cruelty. And at some point, he couldn't afford to just watch anymore."

The Storyteller raises his eyes to the sky, peering into the endless darkness; the stars blink at him and he, smiling absently, reflects their light, shining in rhythm with his distant brothers. His friend, delighted with him, does not even dare to breathe; he only freezes, not taking his gentle gaze away from the light that has taken such a fragile and beautiful form and descended to this earth.

"He loved as none of us can love," the Storyteller whispered, suddenly turning to his listener and looking at him as if he was... everything. "I thought so before. But now I understand that he loved the way you love. I look at you and see his gaze, his touch; his love in your eyes, in your heart and your immortal soul."

A moment of silence; a moment of awareness. A moment of sacred silence. The Storyteller looks away, but it is clear that he is trembling from this confession...

"...He gathered all the love that was in his heart and turned it into the purest Light. It is said that at that moment his heart was beating to the beat of the universe itself; therefore, his spell, his sacrifice, his oath is called by us "The Last Heartbeat". He gave us every beat of his heart. He gave himself to us, turning into the brightest of the stars, illuminating each of the worlds of the universe, no matter how far away it was. He shines for us, allowing us to live at the expense of our lives; we all owe ourselves to him, my friend. He is our Sun, and he will shine for us until the universe dies, destroying us all along with itself."

ㅤYou are still here? Want to stay and hear campfire stories? Or you wanna go? Don't forget the lamp then. Nights are dark; don't get lost. And visit me again! I love telling stories :]

ㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤ

ㅤ

[atlasthegreatest]

Reunion Amid the Chaos / Summer Landsdown x Brother! Male Reader

In a desolate wasteland, Y/n Landsdown, separated from his sister Summer during an attack years ago, journeys toward Corinth, the last haven amidst the chaos of a war against Venjix. As he approaches the city gates, Y/n finds himself surrounded by Grinders, mechanical enemies threatening her survival. Just when he feels all hope is lost, Summer, now a skilled Power Ranger, intervenes, saving him from the onslaught.

Word count: 3208

A/n: This was requested by an anon. Enjoy it!

The desert stretched endlessly, a wasteland scorched by war and ruin. Dust storms whipped across the cracked earth, and the faint hum of enemy machines echoed in the distance. But Y/n pushed forward, driven by a singular hope—the city of Corinth. The last haven. The place where his sister, Summer, might still be alive.

Years had passed since Y/n was separated from her, and memories of those moments haunted him: the fires, the panic, the attack that split their family apart. Summer had told him to run, promising she’d find him. But she never did. Not until now.

Y/n adjusted the scarf covering his face as Corinth’s towering walls came into view, glimmering like salvation on the horizon. With every aching step closer, his heart pounded with renewed hope—and gnawing fear. What if she wasn’t there? Or worse… What if she didn’t remember him?

————————-

Summer sat cross-legged in the Rangers’ base, absently scrolling through the city’s CCTV feeds. Dillon and Ziggy were arguing in the background, Flynn was explaining a new upgrade to the city’s shield systems, and Doctor K… well, she was being her usual deadpan self. But Summer wasn’t paying attention to any of it.

Her heart wasn’t in it today, not really. The past few weeks had dredged up old memories of her family—of Y/n. She had no idea where he was or if he had even survived outside the city walls. She had tried not to think about it, but something always reminded her. Sometimes a random face in the street. Or a dream. Or even just the way the sun hit the desert horizon, the same way it had the day she lost him.

Then, she saw it. A flicker on one of the CCTV feeds.

Summer leaned in her brow furrowing. “Wait…” she muttered, clicking the image to zoom in.

There, staggering through the wasteland just beyond Corinth’s gates, was someone wrapped in a tattered scarf and jacket. Summer’s eyes widened as the figure turned toward the camera. It was blurry, but something about the way they stood—the tilt of their head, the slouch in their posture—was unmistakable. It was Y/n.

“Guys!” Summer shot up from her seat, startling the others. “It’s him!”

Dillon gave her a puzzled look. “Who?”

“My brother.” The words rushed out like a secret she’d kept buried too long. “It’s him—his outside the gates!”

Before anyone could stop her, Summer was already racing for the exit.

————————

Y/n had made it so close—so agonizingly close. The gates of Corinth were just ahead, their metal surface shimmering in the heat. Relief surged through him, but it was short-lived.

The ground trembled. Y/n turned, his heart sinking as a familiar buzzing filled the air. Grinders. Dozens of them. Their cold, skeletal forms glinted under the sun as they swarmed toward him, their lifeless eyes locked on their target—him.

Y/n clenched his fists. Running wasn’t an option anymore; the Grinders had cut him off. If he wanted to reach Corinth, he’d have to fight. And he had no weapons.

One Grinder lunged at him, and Y/n barely managed to sidestep it. Another swung a metal arm toward his head, and he ducked just in time. But there were too many, and Y/n was already exhausted from the journey.

Just when it felt like the end, a yellow blur shot through the horde. A figure vaulted into the fray, taking down three Grinders in a series of rapid, fluid movements. The metallic clang of weapons striking echoed in Y/n’s ears.

“Get away from him!”

Y/n froze. That voice—her voice.

Summer.

She fought like she was born for it, every move was precise and deadly. She ducked, flipped, and struck with a ferocity he’d never seen before. One by one, the Grinders fell. She had them on the run in minutes. When the last of them crumbled into scrap, Summer turned to Y/n, breathing heavily, her yellow suit shining under the sun.

Y/n pulled down his scarf, revealing his dirt-streaked face.

“Summer…” Y/n’s voice cracked, disbelief and relief washing over him.

Her visor snapped up, and for a moment, all the years, all the separation, melted away.

“It’s really you…” Summer whispered, her blue eyes wide with emotion.

Y/n barely had time to react before she ran to him, pulling him into a tight embrace. She squeezed him so hard it almost hurt, but he didn’t care. Y/n clung to her like a lifeline, tears stinging his eyes.

“I thought I lost you,” she whispered against Y/n’s shoulder. “I looked everywhere, but…” Her voice faltered.

“I thought I lost you too,” he murmured, holding her just as tightly.

For a moment, the wasteland, the Grinders, the chaos—it all disappeared. There was only the two of them, finally reunited after so many years apart.

Summer pulled back slightly, studying Y/n’s face like she couldn’t believe he was real. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

Y/n nodded, but before he could take a step, she added, “And you’re never leaving my sight again, got it?”

A small, breathless laugh escaped him. “Got it.”

With one last glance toward the wasteland, the two of them turned toward the gates of Corinth. Whatever dangers lay ahead, they knew one thing for sure: this time, they weren’t going to lose each other again. Not ever.

As Summer led Y/n through the gates, her hand never leaving his, Y/n realized that maybe—just maybe—this was the beginning of something new. A chance to fight, to survive… together.

—————————-

The gates of Corinth hissed open as Summer held Y/n close, her arm around his shoulders like she was afraid he might vanish again if she let go. The massive steel doors groaned under their weight, opening just wide enough for the two of them to slip through before slamming shut behind them. The city’s air smelled different—crisper, cleaner, and charged with an undertone of electricity.

It felt surreal. Y/n was inside. Safe.

Summer didn’t say a word, but she kept stealing glances at Y/n, her lips pressed together like she wanted to say everything at once but didn’t know where to start.

Finally, she squeezed Y/n’s shoulder, grounding herself in the reality that he was here, walking beside her again. “Let’s get you checked out first, okay?” she whispered, her voice gentle but firm. “You look like hell.”

Y/n snorted. “Feel like it too.”

When they reached the base, Summer led Y/n through a maze of corridors until he found himself in the Rangers’ hub. As Y/n stepped inside, the team waiting there took in the sight of him—dusty, disheveled, and leaning on Summer as he’d collapse at any second.

Ziggy’s mouth fell open. “Whoa, this is your bother? The one you’ve been talking about?”

Summer shot him a warning glare, and he quickly backed off, raising his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! No stupid comments, got it.”

Flynn gave you a kind smile, his Scottish accent thick and warm. “Glad ye made it here, mate. It’s no’ easy out there.”

And then there was Dr. K. She didn’t even look up from the tablet in her hands. “He’ll need a medical evaluation. Then, I suggest food, water, and rest. Preferably in that order.”

Summer rolled her eyes but gave a quick nod. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve got it covered.” She turned back to Y/n. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

—————————

The bright lights of the medical bay stung Y/n’s eyes, and his muscles protested as he sat on the edge of a sterile bed. Summer hovered nearby, refusing to sit down, pacing like a restless cat. Y/n could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fists clenched every time she glanced at him.

“Stop pacing. You’re making me nervous,” Y/n teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Summer shot you a look, her lips twitching into the barest hint of a smile. “Sorry.” She sat down on the edge of the bed next to him, exhaling like the weight of the entire world was pressing down on her.

There was a long silence. Not awkward—just… heavy. So much had happened, so much time lost. Y/n could feel the questions bubbling up between the two of them, unspoken but urgent.

“How did you survive out there?” Summer finally asked, her voice quiet, almost fragile.

Y/n shrugged, suddenly feeling the exhaustion settle deep in his bones. “I kept moving. Ran when I had to. Hid when I could. I heard rumors about Corinth… I figured it was my only shot. I thought maybe you’d…” Y/n trailed off, swallowing hard.

“I thought I’d find you here,” he finished softly.

Summer’s eyes darkened with guilt. “I tried to find you, I swear. I went back for you, but there were… Grinders everywhere. It was chaos. I didn’t know if you made it.” She shook her head, frustration flashing across her face. “I shouldn’t have left you that day.”

Y/n reached out and squeezed her hand. “You didn’t have a choice. You were trying to protect me.”

Summer’s hand tightened around his like she was afraid to let go again. “Yeah, well, I’m not making that mistake twice.”

Before Y/n could respond, the door hissed open, and Ziggy stuck his head inside. “Hey, uh, just checking—everything okay in here? No emotional breakdowns or anything?”

Summer groaned. “Ziggy, seriously?”

Y/n couldn’t help it—he laughed. And after a moment, Summer did too.

—————————-

After the medics finished treating Y/n’s wounds and he’d scarfed down a meal like he hadn’t eaten in days—which, to be fair, he hadn’t—Summer brought him to her quarters. It wasn’t much, just a small room with a bed and a few personal touches: photos on the wall, a potted plant in the corner. But it felt… cozy. Like her.

She rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a spare blanket and pillow, tossing them onto the couch. “You can crash here tonight,” she said, trying to sound casual. But Y/n could see the flicker of something vulnerable in her eyes as if she was afraid he might disappear in the night.

Y/n gave her a small, tired smile. “Thanks, Summer.”

She hesitated, standing there awkwardly for a moment. Then, as if on impulse, she crossed the room and hugged him again—this time slower, softer, like she was trying to make up for all the years they’d been apart.

“I’m really glad you made it,” she whispered into Y/n’s shoulder.

Y/n hugged her back just as tightly. “Me too.”

When she finally pulled away, she gave him a playful nudge. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crazy team properly.”

Y/n nodded, settling onto the couch with the blanket wrapped around him. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, a strange warmth filled his chest. It wasn’t just relief. It was something more—something that felt like home.

Y/n wasn’t just surviving anymore. He was here, withhs sister. And that made all the difference.

—-———————-

The morning sun filtered through the small window, casting soft beams of light across the room. Summer was already awake, lacing up her boots and getting ready for the day’s patrol. Y/n yawned, sitting up on the couch as the events of the last 24 hours came rushing back to him.

She glanced over at Y/n with a grin. “You ready to see what it’s like fighting alongside the Rangers?”

Y/n raised an eyebrow, stretching his stiff limbs. “Do I get a cool suit too?”

Summer chuckled, shaking her head. “One thing at a time, okay?”

As Y/n stood up and joined her by the door, she gave him a mischievous smirk. “But, hey… stick close, and you might just get your hands on some gear sooner than you think.”

With a final playful nudge, the two of them stepped out into the bustling city of Corinth, side by side. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Y/n knew this was where he was meant to be.

Together.

Bonus chapter:

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over Corinth as the city bustled with activity. The morning had been uneventful, but an undercurrent of tension hummed through the air. Y/n could feel it in his bones, a chill that whispered of impending danger.

After his first day as part of the team, he was determined to prove himself. Y/n had trained with Summer and the others, practicing the fighting techniques they had honed during their battles against the forces of Venjix. Despite his enthusiasm, he still felt the weight of uncertainty. He wasn’t a Ranger yet—just a survivor trying to find his place.

“Hey, ready for today’s training session?” Summer asked, her eyes bright with excitement as she approached her brother in the command center.

“Absolutely!” Y/n replied, trying to match her enthusiasm, though a small knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach.

“Great! Flynn and I are going to go over some combat scenarios, and then you can join Ziggy for target practice.”

Y/n nodded, mentally preparing himself. As he moved through the command center, he spotted Dr. K in her lab, tinkering with a gadget that looked like a mix between a computer and a bomb. She glanced up as he passed, her expression inscrutable.

“Are you sure you want to participate in today’s training?” she asked, her voice steady. “You might find the simulations quite intense.”

Y/n gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”

“Good,” she replied, a hint of approval flickering in her eyes. “Just remember: in a real battle, hesitation can be fatal.”

————————

The training grounds were bustling as Summer called the team together. Y/n stood alongside Ziggy, watching as Flynn demonstrated a complex maneuver, weaving through invisible foes with fluid precision. Summer was Y/n’s anchor, her presence a source of confidence as he watched and learned.

“Alright, everyone! Today we’re going to simulate a Grinders attack,” Summer announced, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Remember to stay alert and communicate with each other!”

As the training began, Y/n found himself falling into a rhythm, blocking and countering moves with growing confidence. He mimicked the techniques Summer had shown him, combining his survival instincts with their strategies.

But then, just as he began to feel the thrill of combat, the air shifted. A low rumble echoed in the distance, causing the ground to tremble beneath his feet.

“What the—?” Flynn halted mid-move, looking up at the sky.

A shadow loomed over the training grounds. Y/n squinted against the sunlight, spotting a formation of Grinders descending upon the city, their metallic bodies glinting ominously. The tension snapped like a taut string, and adrenaline flooded Y/n’s system.

“Everyone, to your positions!” Summer shouted, urgency lacing her voice.

As the Grinders landed, chaos erupted. They charged toward the command center, their cold, relentless eyes set on destruction. Y/n felt a surge of fear but pushed it aside. This was his moment—to show Summer and the team that he was more than ready.

Y/n sprinted alongside Summer, joining the others as they fought off the advancing Grinders. His heart raced as he recalled the training drills—this was the real deal now.

“Stay close!” Flynn called, his voice cutting through the cacophony of battle.

Y/n nodded, adrenaline propelling him forward. He ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding a swinging arm from a Grinder, and retaliated with a swift kick to its knee joint. The machine staggered but quickly righted itself, targeting Y/n with renewed aggression.

“Watch out!” Summer shouted, her weapon striking down another Grinder as she leaped in front of him, blocking the incoming attack with a quick parry.

“Thanks!” Y/n gasped, his heart pounding as he regained his footing.

“Just keep fighting!” she urged, her focus shifting back to the battle.

Y/n joined her side, their movements synchronized as they fought together against the relentless machines. Every punch and kick felt like a step toward reclaiming the years they’d lost, a way to prove he belonged with her—here in Corinth, fighting for their lives.

————————

The battle raged on, the clang of metal and the shouts of the Rangers filling the air. As he fought, Y/n began to notice the patterns in the Grinders’ movements, their mechanical nature betraying a predictable rhythm.

“Summer!” Y/n shouted over the noise, his voice barely cutting through the chaos. “We can funnel them into the narrow passage near the command center!”

She glanced at him, a flash of understanding sparking in her eyes. “Good idea! Everyone, form a line! We’ll channel them!”

The Rangers responded immediately, moving to create a defensive line as the Grinders charged. Y/n felt a surge of adrenaline as he fell into formation, the plan taking shape in front of him.

With careful coordination, the team funneled the Grinders into the tight space. Y/n fought alongside Summer, his confidence growing with each blow. Finally, as the last of the Grinders stumbled into the trap, Y/n and the Rangers struck together, knocking them down one by one until the last one fell with a resounding crash.

The field fell silent, the weight of the battle settling around Y/n as he caught his breath. The adrenaline slowly ebbed, replaced with a sense of triumph.

As the dust settled, Y/n turned to Summer, breathless and exhilarated. “We did it! We actually did it!”

She grinned, pride radiating from her. “You were amazing out there! I knew you could handle yourself.”

Y/n could hardly believe it. The fear that had gripped him before the battle had transformed into something exhilarating. He felt alive—part of something greater than himself.

Flynn, panting, joined you, his expression amused. “That was good teamwork. We all played our parts.”

Ziggy bounded over, a cheeky grin plastered across his face. “And you, my friend, were the surprise star of the show! Can’t wait to see what else you can do!”

Y/n chuckled, still riding high on the adrenaline. But beneath the laughter, a deeper realization settled in his heart. He was no longer just Summer’s brother—he was a Ranger, part of this incredible team, fighting alongside them to protect what mattered.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Y/n looked at Summer, who was sharing a laugh with Flynn and Ziggy. A warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging that he hadn’t felt in years.

The battle had tested him, but it had also forged a new bond—one that was unbreakable. Whatever lay ahead, Y/n knew they could face it together, side by side.

And as Y/n joined his sister and the rest of the team, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of his journey.

[deletarius-draws]

Memaella 'Star-Shattered' Axia

A portrait piece of Memaella and her personal assigned pixie, Sparknix. This is a oc of mine from the originally created Feywild world of Rubellyn of the Forgotten Realms. A separate realm in which her story and many others take place. She has little relation to Solus Aximand, my Tav from my Baldur's Gate 3 playthrough, but he is part of their lineage. Memaella does know Solus' father Lucaulrhus Aximand, whom I'll cover more on whenever I have more on him. But for now, here is some character lore, ending with a bit of dialogue for Memaella.

(You have my sincerest and humblest thanks for reading or just glancing at the illustrations.)

Memaella ‘Star-Shattered’ Axia – An albino Axia, wielding her golden great axe with green gems crested within and maroon wrapping decorated with gold accent embroidery. She is often said by Jhulqira himself to be one of his proudest projects and successful specimens, her pain was one of his most memorable pleasures. Often stating, “Ah Memaella…She was exquisite indeed. Now, she is perfect.” 

 Memaella was born into a respected Aelvaren family known for their valor and dedication within the Astral Spaces and Rubellyn Feywild. From a young age, she exhibited an unyielding determination and an uncanny knack for combat, quickly rising through the ranks as a soldier. Driven by a desire to protect her people and prove her worth, Memaella volunteered for the Aximand Axia project. She entered the process with optimism, excitement and bravery, ready to face any trial. Her past as an Aelvaren soldier is marked by countless battles and sacrifices. 

Transformation and trials - During the mind-scraping process overseen by Jhulqira, Memaella’s psyche was irreversibly shattered. Her mind, already tested by countless battles, succumbed to the brutal treatment. Yet, unlike the others, her spirit remained unbroken. She continued to press forward, driven by an inner fire that refused to be extinguished. The trials left her with an offbeat, cracked psyche. Her unpredictability and the sense of whimsy mixed with an edge of madness earned her the moniker, ‘Star-Shattered’. The stars in Aelvaren high elf culture representing the minds of the many. Despite – or perhaps because of her fractured mind, she emerged as one of the most formidable warriors of the Axi warriors. Even with the permanent mental scars of Jhulqira’s mind-scraping, Memaella’s determination to protect her people and her realm never wavered. 

Her transformation into an Axi warrior was painful, physically and mentally taxing, but her spirit remained indomitable. Her quaint, fractured mind became both her strength and her shield, allowing her to embrace the madness and turn it into a weapon. 

Memaella’s skin is of pale ivory, with reddish flushed joints, cheeks and rosy nose on a freckled face. Her gold-blond coiled hair is streaked with white stress strands. Her slightly slanted, vibrant silver eyes with a hint of blue, wears a wide and crazed grin or widely closed smile. Her ears chipped from past battles, sporting abnormally sharp canine teeth. These characteristics add to her intimidating and demoralizing presence on the battlefield for the opposition. 

Memaella is taller and leaner than other Axia, with muscle fibers that are among the most adaptive, enhanced and hardened quirks of her anatomy. Despite her lanky stature, she moves with an almost maniacal precise and rapid grace, making her a fierce and unpredictable fighter.  

Combat Style – Memaella wields her golden great axe with green gems encrusted within and maroon wrapping decorated with gold accent embroidery. Her combat style is a blend of whimsy and hyper amusement, mixed with a menacing grin that demoralizes enemies. 

Her occasional clever taunts mid-fight, along with her maniacal grace, serve to psych out her adversaries. She is known to laugh and jest even in the heat of battle, unnerving foes, giving her a psychological edge. 

Memaella’s Interaction with Sparknix 

Memaella’s pixie companion, named ‘Sparknix’, mirrors her wild and crazy nature. Sparknix is a tiny whirlwind of chaos, with a name that reflects her electric personality and penchant for causing sparks of both trouble and amusement. Sparknix acts as a wild card and ability buff support familiar for Memaella, constantly recharging Memaella’s Alkanine essence, amplifying her damage output. Sparknix can also stun enemies by electrocuting them, placing a status effect that shocks them over time. Sparknix is a nuisance in battle for their adversaries, acting as a distraction zipping, zapping and giggling across the battlefield. 

Sparknix: “Did you see the look on that Ogre’s face? I swear, he almost wet himself!” 

Memaella: “He did more than that. I Think he might have lost his lunch too with all the viscera leaking from his belly. 

Sparknix: “Oh, we do make a delightful mess. Onwards, to the next Victim – I mean, Target!” 

Memaella’s Interaction with other Feywild Allies 

Memaella’s interactions with other members of the Feywild alliance are marked by a playful respect. Her eccentric nature and fractured mind are both a source of amusement and inspiration for her allies. 

Dryad Ally: *Light giggles* “Memaella, your laughter is infectious. It brings a strange comfort in these dark times.” 

Memaella: “Laughter is the one of the best weapons, my dear Dryad. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always the axe!”

[epicnessunfolds]

Maybe not all is lost

Fandom: Castlevania (cartoon 2017-2021) Pairing: Alucard x Greta (foreshadowed) Rating: G Word count: 1988

Summary: Retelling Alucard and Greta's first meeting. Based on the script of Season 4 Episode 4, having added Alucard's inner thoughts and feelings.

Damn his blasted heart and mind for still holding on to a shred of decency and going to the aid of the people of Danesti. A bunch of villagers in need of a champion to fend off nightcreatures - Alucard kept thinking while riding hard that it was an act for himself more so than for those poor people. He’d help them out shortly, leave them with a little bit more defense and be on his merry way back to his pisspoor wine and enormous deserted castle. With rotten creatures on stakes as sentries. What a prosperous life!

Alucard saw the nightcreatures pounding at the wooden gate of Danesti and allowing his body to take control, he flung himself off the horse, his loyal sword by his side, and smashed the creatures to smithereens. It all happened fast, the rush of the fight fueling the fire in Alucard’s veins. He felt alive for the first time in a long time - being in action, doing something that was helpful (maybe not only for himself), cutting down nightcreatures like they were nothing. It was all done too soon. Not even winded, he stepped off the head of the last slaughtered Hell-spun demon.

He met the eyes of the woman at the front who had held the gate. A beautiful darker-skinned woman with amber eyes and angular features and chestnut hair. Disarmed on the inside by the woman’s appeal, he forced his tone and body language to remain cool and aloof.

“You sent me a letter?” The awed expression on the woman’s face didn’t pass unnoticed. However, it lasted the briefest of moments. Almost like it had never been there. Alucard felt a shock down his spine. It’s been so long since someone gazed at him with naked wonder. And back then it hadn’t ended up pleasantly. The woman’s words drew Alucard back to the present.

At his nonchalance her brow furrowed and without hesitations, she replied, “Yes. Welcome to Danesti.”

“I presume it’s seen better days,” he said, casting a look around.

“Quieter ones,” she added and in the next breath, she introduced herself. “I’m Greta, the village headwoman.”

“Call me Alucard. No ‘the’.” Even to himself, the tone of his voice sounded distant, half-dead.

Greta couldn’t have possibly been older than 25, a young woman as head of the village, not something usual around Wallachia. Or other parts of Europe, for that matter. Either the village recognised her as justly being worthy of leading and chose her or she had inherited the position. The former seemed to be closer to the truth based on the way the people around looked at her. With pride. And also considering the unmasked concern that showed on the young woman’s face when she inquired about Marius, the dead messenger whose steed carried his dead body all the way to Alucard’s front door.

At Greta’s display of true feelings, Alucard allowed himself to feel sorry for the boy. He said as much.

“Well, he’s not the only one we’ve lost. But he was the last of his family, which is why he risked the journey. Still, I’d hoped...,” for a second Greta had a faraway look, her posture ever so slightly slumped by a pang of grief. “Well, that’s what hoping gets you, I suppose.”

Her rapid regain of control over her emotions stumped Alucard. How much death had she seen that she could set the grief and burden of leading a village for later, for when there’d be time to mourn and process?

“I have a lot more people to save, Alucard.”

He chose to ignore the people around them eyeing Alucard with a mix of awe and fear. As if sensing the turmoil of the sparse crowd, Greta addressed them kindly.

“Get some rest, everybody, while you can.”

Alucard refocused on their conversation, inquiring about the times the village had been attacked. He still didn’t really know why he’d agreed to come and talk. It was obvious the village needed help and him being so close to it... a part of Alucard had to admit there was something comforting knowing there were people some miles away from the castle. That he wasn’t truly alone in the world. It would be a shame for them to die and desert him, too.

Greta had no hesitation on putting Alucard on the spot. “Will you help us?”

He couldn’t say Yes outright. He took a moment to will his sword into its scabbard, thinking of a way to answer in a way that wouldn’t give her or himself too much hope. “I’m sure I can do something for you.”

Greta’s face hardened, her eyes taking the wooden houses scattered around the field. His answer clearly displeased her.

“I’m not interested in magic tricks and one fight. These people are under my care. Will you stay and defend them for as long as it takes?”

Alucard wasn’t particularly fond of backing off, so he made a futile attempt at enforcing his position. “I said-,” he was cut off.

Greta crossed her arms. “You have to understand. I don’t know you. You’ve been 20-odd miles away for months. You creep around the forest. You’ve got bodies on stakes outside your weird castle. You’re obviously half-vampire and you stink of wine, and you appear to me to be at least half-crazy. But you were the only possible advantage I could think of. I don’t need to be impressed by low-key swagger. I need you to commit to saving these people. Because my life isn’t worth living if I can’t save theirs.”

The conviction with which Greta spoke, the way she determinately conveyed her trust in Alucard, admitting to not actually knowing him, the plan she came up with based on sheer proximity to seeing how he lived. She considered him an advantage. After living alone and having been through the trauma inflicted by those two siblings whose bare bones hung on spears, Alucard couldn’t allow himself to get close to anyone again. And yet, Greta’s words hit their mark. She didn’t need his trust, but she willingly gave hers. It was good enough for Alucard. Besides, he quite appreciated her response to his unplanned provocation.

In a split second Alucard made up his mind and sent a short prayer to the skies to not regret this later. He arched a surprisingly well-groomed eyebrow - well, he had cleaned up before riding, but he couldn’t help not indulging in a couple wine glasses before riding out.

“All done?” He sounded almost bored.

Greata’s lips twitched in withheld amusement. “Did it work?”

“Yes,” he replied lightly.

“Then I’m all done.” A full smile appeared on Greta’s lips, one that lit up her entire face. “Thank you.” As if holding on to not waste her chance, still grinning, she added, “And that was one hell of an entrance.”

Before Alucard could come up with a witty reply, a voice carried from the shabby latrine.

The new comer, Saint Germain, Greta was obviously not pleased with him, and his pompous way of acting put him instantly into the category of people Alucard had no care for getting to know better. Excentric man with a bit too much wit for his own good and a knack for already stepping on Alucard’s toes so soon.

When startled by noises coming from the forest causing Alucard and Greta to tense a prepare for another fight, a bunch of refugees arrived. Greta went their side to welcome them inside the barely defended village. Taking advantage of their solitude, Saint Germain whispered to Alucard.

“She’s very good, isn’t she? It’s a shame.”

Squaring his jaw, Alucard entertained the bearded man. “What is?”

“Well, such a talent with the common people, but it’s wasted out here, don’t you think?” The audacity of this eccentric traveller to throw shade at Greta’s standing when it was clear as day that she cared for these people. That she considered them kin. Saint Germain had dismissed her and Alucard’s growing disdain for the man.

“I think she’s probably right where she’s supposed to be.” Alucard was surprised at the chill in his voice, but Germain didn’t even flinch.

Greta came up to their side once more, informing them about the people seeking shelter. Putting all the pieces of information side by side, Alucard was troubled by the complexity of the situation - vampires and nightcreatures working together, unheard of.

“I am, of course, not a military man, although I have certainly advised generals and kings, but might I suggest that this village is inherently indefensible?” Saint Germain butted in, his question functioning as a point of focus.

Alucard and Greta took in their surroundings anew, the reality sinking in and twisting Greta’s features into pure worry and remorse. “It hasn’t worked out well, so far, has it?”

There was a hardness in her gaze, a hint of regret at not doing better, but also determination to do better. To take care of her people and have them somewhere safe.

“You may have a point, Saint Germain,” Alucard begrudgingly agreed. His frown hid a mind at work, trying to come up with a solution as fast as possible that would ensure the village to be better defended. A moat dug, perhaps, water from the river redirected towards it to fill the ditch, but that’d take weeks, maybe even months. And nightcreatures attacked nightly. It wasn’t a plausible defense method at all.

Alucard would’ve preferred to ignore Saint Germain, but his low tone and grating voice pushed through the half-human’s thoughts. “Perhaps, just until we all find out what’s going on, perhaps the remaining persons in your charge might be moved to a more secure location, like, um...,” the pause caused something to churn in Alucard’s stomach, dreading what was to come, “y-your castle...possibly.”

Alucard gasped, the words hitting him like a punch to his solar plexus, taking his breath away. That castle was his fortress, his home, his refuge, his prison. And the one place where he was safe by keeping everyone at bay. If he were to let the villagers to take refuge there, he’d have to give up on his peace of mind. He’d have to be on alert at all times, to guard his castle’s entrance, to enforce the windows, to do anything and everything to keep people out . And them... gathering and settling in his front yard... unimaginable.

Alucard growled at Saint Germain, reminding the old man who he was talking to. He took a moment to himself, muttering under his breath. “And God shits in my dinner once again.”

Only after the fact, registering what he said, Alucard groaned and hung his head. “Oh, no. I really am turning into Belmont.” Growing more desperate by the moment, he contemplated, “Is life even worth living now?”

With his thoughts drifting towards Belmont... and Sypha, and how he, Alucard, had felt in their company, not lonely, but content, considering Sypha a friend and Belmont... an acquaintance, a close one who could take Alucard’s shit and give more shit right back. A bond. Forged with people. And the memory of those two people reminded Alucard that people could be good, too, with the desire to the best they can to live. Like Greta did, like the villagers that called her ‘headwoman’, like the refugees whose fault lay in being in the path of vampires and nightcreatures.

Alucard really hoped he would not regret his decision later. Besides, Greta, she was interesting. He thought he wouldn’t mind to learn more about her. After all, Alucard had to face it - he almost didn’t recognise himself anymore. Maybe, just maybe, while keeping his guard up, he also let go of his humanity. Or so he thought. But Greta, first through her letter, then through her shrewdness proved to Alucard that a ray of humanity was still left in him. One that could grow back... in time.

[brainmaggotzzzz]

☆Little AK47☆ Hwang Inho x reader

part 10

cw: death, violence, grief

story masterlist:

You lay motionless on the floor, your breath shallow, your body limp—playing dead. The cold ground pressed against your skin as you waited for a guard to check your number, every muscle coiled, ready to strike. You had to follow Gihun’s plan. It was the only way. The only path to justice—to make them pay for your brother’s demise.

A gunshot shattered the tense silence. It was Gihun. He had ambushed a guard, wrestled their weapon away, and fired without hesitation. The body collapsed with a dull thud. This was your moment.

A guard crouched over you, distracted by the chaos. Without hesitation, you kicked them with all your strength, sending them stumbling back. Your hands shot out, ripping the gun from their grasp. For a moment, your finger hovered over the trigger. But then it all surged forward—the anger, the grief, the seething hatred. You pulled the trigger without a second thought. The shot echoed, and the guard crumpled instantly, his hot pink jumpsuit greedily absorbing the spreading pool of blood.

Youngil, Jungbae, and Daeho moved swiftly. Youngil shoved you behind the steel barricade—makeshift protection built from bunk bed scraps, once meant to shield your team from the other players.

Gunfire erupted from both sides. The remaining guards unleashed a hail of bullets, while your team fired back. You peered out, aiming precisely, and pulled the trigger in rapid succession.

"Stay back!" Youngil shouted.

You ignored him, continuing to fire at the masked figures. They didn't feel human. Just faceless, soulless obstacles in your way.

"Retreat," the female automated voice announced over the speakers. The remaining guards turned and sprinted toward the steel gate. One wasn't fast enough. The gate slammed shut behind him, trapping him inside.

"Hold fire!" Jungbae commanded.

You stopped instantly, but your focus had already shifted. The lone guard wasn’t your concern. Your eyes locked onto the O players—the very people responsible for your brother’s death. And one player in particular. The one who had pushed your brother to his doom.

Weapon in hand, you strode toward him. He raised his hands in surrender, his eyes wide with terror.

"Please, I have a family," he pleaded, his voice cracking.

"So did I," you growled through clenched teeth.

You knew why he did it. He wanted to survive. He needed the money. It was self-preservation—such a human instinct. But you didn’t feel human anymore. Not since Ewan died.

"A public execution is fitting for a fucker like you," you spat, all traces of empathy obliterated by grief.

"No!" Gihun's voice cut through the tension. He rushed toward you, desperation in his eyes.

"Don't you see it, Gihun?! He's not even human!" you screamed, your hand tightening around the gun.

"That’s not why we took the guns! If you do this, you’re no different from them!" he yelled back.

The player trembled under your aim, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Your grip wavered. A long, suffocating silence hung between you. Then, finally, you lowered the gun, your gaze cold and unforgiving. Without another word, you turned away, joining Gihun as he approached Jungbae and the others.

Youngil’s eyes never left you, watching your every move.

Gihun stepped forward, addressing the stunned crowd of players. "We’re going up to the masked men’s headquarters. We’re going to capture the ones who captured us, end this game, and make them pay. If you know how to use a gun and want to fight, step forward."

The players murmured among themselves. You spotted an elderly woman clutching her son’s wrist, stopping him from joining.

Jungbae stepped in, his voice steady yet urgent. "I know you’re scared. I am too. But this might be our only shot at getting out of here alive. Fight with us, so we can go home together."

A few men hesitated before stepping forward. You watched them all closely.

One by one, they were armed. Player 120 stepped up to instruct them. "This is the MP5, a submachine gun. Press this lever here, pull the magazine out���like this. The selector switch—down for full auto, up for single-fire. We don’t have many magazines, so keep it on single-fire. Insert the magazine, pull the handle back, release. That’s how you load it. Got it?"

"Yes!" you and the others responded in unison.

You scanned their faces—some pale with dread, others steeling themselves for what was to come. It was madness, taking on an army with nothing but a handful of players.

But you? You weren’t afraid. Your face was unreadable, void of emotion. But your eyes burned with something far more dangerous. Vengeance.

Youngil saw it.

Without warning, his fingers wrapped around your sleeve. You turned to face him, meeting his intense stare. He had always tried to stop you from reckless choices, from walking straight into the fire.

"Y/N," he said firmly, his grip tightening. "Don’t get involved in this."

A bitter chuckle escaped your lips. This was never about you. This was for Ewan. For your team, even in a twisted way for Youngil, to show him that you're right here, by his side, wether he likes it or not. For every unwilling person trapped in this nightmare. Your safety didn’t matter.

"I’ll be fine," you lied, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

He didn’t believe you. Neither did you.

"Don’t throw your life away like this," he urged.

Your jaw clenched. "You can’t stop me. If I leave here in anything other than a body bag, I’ll spend my whole life hating myself for not doing something when I had the chance."

His eyes darkened.

But you had already made up your mind.

◇

You stared at the lone, unmasked guard. He looked young—your age. His hands trembled as he stood at gunpoint, his breath uneven. How does someone like him end up working in a slaughterhouse disguised as a game? Desperation? Greed? A twisted sense of amusement? It didn’t matter. What mattered was that he was a cog in this grotesque, blood-soaked machine.

"Take us to your captain," Gihun commanded.

The guard nodded, his face drained of color. Did he get it now? Did he understand what it was like to be powerless, to have his life dangling by a thread?

Jungbae didn’t wait. He slammed the back of his gun against the glass window on the door, shattering it into hundreds of jagged pieces. With a swift motion, he reached inside and unlocked it.

You were about to step forward, but before you could cross the threshold of that mockingly pastel-colored doorway, Youngil’s grip tightened around your arm.

"Stay. Back."

The usual softness in his gaze was gone. No hesitation, no pleading—just cold, unwavering determination. He wasn’t asking. He was ordering.

Annoyance flickered in your eyes. You thought he had dropped this already.

"I don’t want to," you replied, your voice as icy as his stare.

He knew arguing was pointless. You were just as determined as he was, and words wouldn’t sway you. So, he didn’t bother trying. Instead, he acted.

Before you could react, Youngil grabbed you by the wrist and dragged you back to the bunk beds, shoving you down against the cold metal frame. You struggled, thrashing against his grip, making it as difficult as possible, but his strength overpowered yours with ease.

"Youngil! Ah��what the fuck are you doi—"

The sharp sound of fabric tearing filled your ears.

Your eyes widened as he ripped a bedsheet apart. You tried to stand, but he pressed you down—not harshly, but firmly, with just enough force to keep you in place.

"Stop it! Untie me now! Don’t do this—I need to go!"

Ignoring your protests, he worked quickly, binding your wrists to the bed frame with precision. The knots were tight, secure enough that no amount of struggling would loosen them.

Once he was sure you couldn’t break free, he straightened up, towering over you.

"I’m sorry, Y/N," he said, his voice firm but heavy with something unspoken. "I did this for your own good."

Then, turning to the remaining players, he called out, "X players! Watch over her. Make sure no one hurts her."

Without another glance, he spun on his heel and walked back to join the others.

You fought against the restraints, your body jerking against the bed frame, your voice raw as you screamed his name.

"Youngil! Youngil, untie me! Let me go!"

But he never looked back. He didn’t falter.

◇

You worked tirelessly at the binds, rubbing them against the rough metal of the bed frame, hoping friction would wear them down. But it was useless. No amount of struggling would set you free.

Tears welled up in your eyes, frustration and helplessness knotting in your chest. Every distant gunshot made you flinch, each one a brutal reminder of the fight happening without you. Your team. Youngil. Were they safe? Were they still alive?

"Kid," a gentle voice called.

You turned to see the elderly woman from the mingle game approaching, her son trailing behind her. She was the one who had been so protective of him, just as Ewan had been of you. Your bloodshot eyes met hers as she crouched beside you, her expression kind yet sorrowful.

She reached out, wiping the sweat from your forehead with the sleeve of her jumper. "You don’t know me, but I can see the pain in you," she murmured. "Aigoo… if something like that happened to my Yongsik, I don’t know what I would do."

She covered her mouth for a moment, as if trying to steady herself, but you just stared at her coldly.

"I’m sorry," she said softly. "I mean… I can’t imagine what you’re going through."

She reached into the folds of her clothing, pulling out an unopened glass bottle she had  from dinner. Gently, she set it beside you.

"Here, have some."

You glanced down at it before lifting your gaze to your bound hands, still stretched above your head. Your voice was flat when you asked, "And how am I supposed to drink this?"

"Oh! Of course, silly me." She let out an awkward laugh before twisting the cap off and lifting the bottle to your lips. You took a cautious sip, the cool liquid soothing your dry throat.

"Thank you," you murmured. Then, after a beat, "Could you untie me?"

She reached out, stroking your hair gently, before shaking her head.

"You’re young. You have parents waiting for you on the other side," she said with a warm, empathetic look. "It’s for the best… so you don’t go."

A bitter chuckle escaped you. "‘On the other side’ is a good way to put it."

Her hand stilled for just a moment before she resumed stroking your hair. You had no parents waiting. No family left. Your father was long dead—not that he had ever been much of one. And your mother… she was slipping away, lost in her own mind, unable to even remember your name. The future held nothing for you.

The old woman sighed. "I see… Well, if I were your mother, I’d be thanking that gentleman for keeping you here. It’s dangerous out there." Her voice was thick with sympathy, her touch tender, almost maternal.

"I’m sorry about your boyfriend, 111."

You blinked, your face twisting in disgust. "Boyfriend? He was my brother."

The same revulsion you felt when your friends used to gush over him, calling him handsome, having crushes on him—it crawled under your skin now.

The woman cupped your cheek, her palm warm and comforting. "Oh, you poor thing. That’s even worse." She let out a weary sigh, shaking her head. "You know, boys are like taxis—they come and go. But a brother…"

Her son nudged her lightly, signaling for her to stop with the odd comparison. But you barely noticed. Watching them interact—just a mother and her son, teasing and nudging each other like it was any other day—made something in your chest ache.

◇

You stayed with her like that for a while, her presence strangely soothing. There was something so maternal, so nurturing about her that it comforted your strained soul in a way you hadn’t felt in years. Every time a gunshot erupted in the distance, she reassured you that your comrades would be okay, her voice gentle yet firm. She even loosened your restraints slightly to make them more comfortable, a small kindness in a cruel world.

Then, suddenly—

The door slammed open, and Daeho burst in.

"Ammo, ammo, ammo," he muttered under his breath, pacing like a man possessed.

"Daeho!" you called out, trying to catch his attention. "Are they okay? …Is Youngil okay?" Your voice cracked, the desperation evident.

But he didn’t respond. It was as if he didn’t even hear you. He moved in a trance, frantically rummaging through the pockets of fallen guards, searching for more ammunition.

"Please! Someone untie me! Let me help him!" you screamed to the crowd.

A player from the opposite team stood up, sneering. "Shut it, crazy bitch! You’re lucky we haven’t roughed you up for slapping one of us."

You clenched your teeth but said nothing. You knew better than to snap back when you were this vulnerable.

After stuffing his arms full of magazines, Daeho suddenly collapsed to the floor. His body rocked back and forth as he muttered something incoherent, gripping his head as if he were trying to hold himself together. The elderly woman rushed to his side, helping him onto a bunk bed, whispering words of comfort.

But you didn’t have time for this. You needed the ammo.

"Please, someone, I beg you! Untie me so I can help them!"

No one moved.

Your jaw tightened. Fine. If they wouldn’t help, you’d do it yourself.

You pushed yourself up as high as you could, twisting your body so your mouth could reach the binds. Then, you bit down. Hard.

The fabric was thick, but you didn’t care. You clenched your teeth and pulled, jerking your head forward with all the strength you had. Your neck screamed in protest, but you ignored the pain. Again. And again. Slowly, the fibers began to fray, to thin, until—

Snap.

The fabric tore completely, and your arms were free.

You wasted no time. Grabbing the gun from your lap, you sprinted toward Daeho, who sat curled into himself, knees to his chest, rocking back and forth.

"Daeho!" You shook him violently. No reaction.

"Where’s the ammo?!"

Nothing. His eyes were distant, unfocused.

Desperation flared inside you. Without thinking, you swung your hand across his face, the sharp crack of your palm against his cheek ringing through the room. His skin reddened instantly.

"Where’s the ammo?!" you demanded, voice raw.

Daeho blinked, dazed, then weakly pointed toward his crumpled jumpsuit on the bed. You snatched it up, unfolding it, and dozens of magazines spilled onto the mattress. Relief and urgency crashed into you all at once.

Then—

A voice crackled through the radio.

"The radio, of course," you muttered. You grabbed it and sprinted toward the pastel-pink door.

"Where’s the ammo?! Where’s the ammo?!" Gi-hun’s panicked voice burst through the speaker.

You pressed the button. "Don’t worry! I’m on my way! Is everyone okay?!"

Gunshots were the only response.

Your heart pounded as you sprinted up the stairs, navigating the sickeningly cheerful maze, ducking low in hopes of staying unnoticed. The shots kept ringing—relentless, violent. Then, another voice came through.

"We almost reached the control room! We need backup! We need magazines!"

You ran faster.

More gunshots.

Then—

A voice that froze your blood.

"Gi-hun, I’m sorry. It’s all over. They got us too."

Youngil.

His voice was strained, weak.

Terror wrapped its cold fingers around your throat.

"Youngil, what happened? Are you all right?!" Gi-hun’s frantic voice cut through the static.

Two gunshots rang out.

Then—a sound that made your entire body go rigid.

A sickening, wet gurgle.

Your breath hitched. The world around you blurred.

"No—no, no, no—"

You sprinted, your feet barely touching the ground. Your pulse roared in your ears, drowning out everything except the deafening truth that threatened to break you apart.

He was gone.

Youngil was gone.

Not just your brother. Now him, too. The man who had slowly, without you even realizing it, become something more. A protector. A tether. Someone you could trust, rely on, even when the world had already taken so much from you.

And now he was just another body. Another casualty in this nightmare.

Your vision darkened at the edges, but you kept running, your body fueled by something beyond adrenaline now. It was rage. Cold, all-consuming rage.

Finally, you reached a corridor leading to a purple hallway. A steel door stood at the end, propped open by a single magazine, keeping it from sealing shut.

Bodies littered the ground.

Some were guards. Some were the players who had stepped forward, who had dared to fight back.

Your hands tightened around the gun, knuckles white.

You burst into the room.

Jungbae and Gi-hun were already there, positioned on either side, taking cover as they fired at the guards. Without hesitation, you passed them magazines and raised your own weapon.

Then, you fired.

The recoil slammed into your shoulder, but you barely felt it.

Your body moved on its own, your finger pulling the trigger again and again, each shot fueled by an unrelenting fury.

Youngil was dead.

Ewan was dead.

You had nothing left to lose.

And they—whoever they were—would pay for it in blood.

◇

There was no way in hell you’d win. Even with the extra magazines, you were simply outnumbered.

But that didn’t stop you.

You fired relentlessly at every pink figure that moved, your anger manifesting itself in your index finger, pulling the trigger over and over. The gun felt like an extension of your wrath, your grief, your utter refusal to go down without a fight.

You switched to full auto.

The gun roared, sending a hailstorm of bullets into the sea of faceless guards. But no matter how many fell, more kept coming. Like cockroaches.

Then, suddenly—

Jungbae stepped forward.

You instinctively halted your fire, watching in disbelief as he dropped to his knees, hands raised in surrender.

"I surrender," he said.

Your eyes widened.

Gihun, the mastermind behind this entire plan, hesitated for a moment before following his friend’s lead.

You just stood there, frozen.

What the hell were they doing?

Your grip tightened around the gun, unsure of what to do. Then, almost instinctively, you ducked behind the corner, hiding—like a coward. But your mind had different plans.

You peeked out, scanning the scene.

That’s when you saw him.

A masked man, dressed in black from head to toe. His suit was pristine, his eerie geometric mask void of emotion. But his presence alone commanded authority.

The Captain.

"Player 456," he spoke, his voice distorted just like the others, but with a chilling, deliberate calm. "Did you have fun playing the hero?"

Gihun inhaled sharply but said nothing.

"Look at the consequences of your little hero game."

You watched as he raised a gun, pointing it directly at Gihun and Jungbae.

Your blood ran cold.

They looked at each other, sharing what could very well be their last glance.

Then, the Captain spoke again.

"Find Player 111. She’s out here somewhere. I want her alive."

Your stomach twisted.

Alive.

Not to spare you. No, he wanted you alive for a reason—probably to make an example out of you. A public execution, a lesson for the rest of the players.

You heard footsteps approaching.

They were getting closer.

If they took just one more step forward, you’d be exposed.

Your breath came in shaky exhales, but your hands were steady. As soon as your eyes met theirs—eye to mask—you pulled the trigger.

Two shots. Straight to their guts.

The guards staggered back, collapsing before they could even react.

The Captain’s attention snapped to you.

Your pulse pounded in your ears as you turned the gun on him, rage fueling every fiber of your being.

This was the man.

The man who orchestrated this nightmare.

The man who ran the very machine that had stolen your brother from you.

And now, Youngil.

The man who could have been—

You pulled the trigger.

The bullet struck his shoulder, sending him stumbling back, gripping the wound.

But before you could finish the job—

Something hard and dull slammed into the side of your head.

Pain exploded through your skull.

Your vision blurred, darkening at the edges. The world around you swayed, the masked figures turning into smudges of black and pink.

The last thing you heard before everything faded to nothing—

"Bring her to a room and check for injuries."

The Captain’s voice, calm and composed, even as blood seeped through his gloved fingers.

◇◇◇

votes, reblogs and comments are appreciated ~ let me know what you think about the story :DDD

[maddiedott]

The Mourning Dove

Chapter Four-

Warnings: Baldur’s Gate Spoilers, cannon violence, ocs, insults, looting corpses, prying a brain from a skull, injured, slight cussing, fighting mentioned

A/n: finally getting to the actual story!! Lmk if I missed any warnings, it’s a little rushed I think, tried to stick to the original plot, and also like change it a little? I’m also hoping this is longer than the rest so… enjoy!

The sharp pain in my skull was the first thing to alert me to my survival. The ache in my arm and side was the next as I was thrusted out of the strange pod-like structure. The sticky, smooth, hard surface I fell on caused my body to repulse. Cringing as I swiped the feeling of it off of my hand and onto my trousers.

I push myself to stand, trying not to retch at the sight of where I was standing. The place was intestine-like, from the fleshy walls to the vein colored floors that held a slimy sheen to it as it was meant to resemble bone. And the smell- dear Gods, the smell! Ash and something indescribable.

Normally the first thing to notice would be the giant hole in the wall and the site of demons and… what in the hells was even going on outside? Some type of battle or something? That would explain the fires around the room.

“Ow. Fucks sake.”

My head whips around, hair smacking my cheek and neck from rapid movement. I wasn’t alone.

To my right lay a girl, sat back on her heels as she held a hand towards her forehead which was leaking blood from her temple. Her hands glow a moment before the wound closes and the blood stops pooling out onto her greyish-purple skin. Even with vitiligo pigmentation.

A drow.

“Are you alright? You’re bleeding, sweetheart.” I call out, not daring to step closer.

Drows were unpredictable. Though this one seemed civil. Nothing like the stories I heard my father tell to his friends about the Underdark and the drow he had encountered. This one had a cleric uniform. Chainmail tunic and simple brown leather pants paired with worn boots. The necklace of a Selûne was certainly an eye-catcher, a sign of someone trustworthy, at least for the moment.

Her head snaps up, eyes scouring the area from where my voice had come from. I give a little wave in order to gain her attention. A friendly smile plasters itself onto my face, a concerned look taking over my features. I needed an ally, that was clear. From this shit-show that was happening, a friendly companion could do well here.

“Yes. Yes, I'm fine.” She replies curtly, pushing herself off the ground and dusting herself off from whatever slime it had collected.

I give a sharp nod, eyes leisurely glancing around while she stands. She was stand-offish. That was easy to see, her trust was something that would not come easily. And a cleric could be very useful should a battle come into play.

“I don’t suppose you have an idea of where we are or what we’ve been dragged into?” I ask, beginning to inch towards a large vat of what looked like discolored water in the middle of the room.

I could feel her eyes on me as I moved, clearly on guard and hand lowering to the handle of her mace as she observed.

“No.”

“Right… Well, guess we should explore huh?” I suggest, tearing my eyes away from the weird calderon. “I’m Dovie.”

She stares at me for a moment before she slowly lets her hand relax and drop to her side, no longer believing me as a threat to her life.

“Hala.”

“Lovely to meet you.”

My eyes darted from one side of the room to the other, beginning to walk around in search of some kind of door or way out of this place. I take particular interest in what looked like… well… one could only describe it as an arsehole. Gods, where in the hell were we?

“Almost as lovely as this… architecture.” I joke, cringing as I turn towards my new found ally. “I believe this is a door over here.”

She simply hums before walking over. She nears the puckered flesh of a door, only making it about a foot away before it opens on its own. I could see the disgusted face of the drow, her nose turned up at the sight.

“How pleasant.” She comments, voice filled with repulsion.

I watch as she walks forward, exiting through the anus looking door and into the next room. Taking a deep breath I follow after her, quickening my steps in order to catch up with her strides. I push through the disgust as I pass through the door and into the identical looking fleshy room. While there were no pods in this room there were tables, one with a corpse of a goblin and the other seemed to be filled with a few stone tablets.

Stepping further into the room I make my way towards the corpse, bracing my nerves before stealthily slipping my hand into the pockets and fishing around for anything useful. In the left pocket I manage to get a few gold pieces, pocketing them and turning around to face Hala who stood there with a look of disdain.

“What?”

“Have you no self control? We were taken and placed in those pods with some sort of tadpole shoved into our eye and your first instinct is to loot a corpse?”

I simply shrug my shoulders, strolling past her and towards an out of place podium with a glowing red orb. Gingerly placing my hand over it I stumbled as the floor beneath began to move. Listing upwards to a suspended platform. This one held a unique chair and another person, mumbling and groaning as his exposed brain twitched and surrounded by jars filled with brains.

As I step closer the brain begins to speak, begging to be released from its confinement.

“What’s up here?” Hala calls out as she arrives on the platform, walking up the ramped flooring on the right. “Is that a brain, and is it speaking?”

“Mhm.” I hum in acknowledgement before gently gliding my fingers over the wrinkly organ and sliding them into the skull. Giving a solid pull, the brain slides out and sits idle in my palms.

“You’re psychotic.” Hala gasps.

“No. Simply curious.”

The brain twitched again before leaping from my hand and falling to the floor with a grotesque squelch. It proceeded to sprout four arms with claws at the ends and antenna-like limbs from its top.

“Ew, ew, ew!”

“We are free. Our freedom is ours. Friend.” It says, voice echoing.

From behind my eye the squirming feeling returns, causing me to place a hand against my temple. Hala seems to have the same infliction.

“We must go to the helm. At the helm we are needed.” The brain urges.

It takes me a moment before I can recoup, grouting softly as the tingling itch behind my eye ceases.

“Sure. What could go wrong, listening to a… brain.”

It sounds pleased by my statement as it scoots closer, crawling while its claws scrape against the floor. I step backwards and it follows, almost obediently.

“You have yourself a new pet.” Hala comments, a mixture of amusement and disgust lacing her words.

I glance from the brain back to her. It’s almost laughable. I had always wanted a pet, a companion even during my time in my father’s home, he forbade anything that had fur, feathers, and scales. But to have my first pet be a brain, one that is exempted from my father’s rules as it was entirely flesh… the gods are cruel tricksters.

“Well, companionship aside, let’s continue on, yes?” I conclude, clearing my throat and using the elevator platform back down.

Continuing on through a hole in the wall, as there was nowhere else really left for us to go towards,I finally notice that this thing that we are in is flying. Soaring through the air past mountains and gray air and skies. Dragons swirl around us, screaming as they zoom past. They’re accompanied by demons as I soon realize.

“Are we… Are we in Avernus?” Hala asks.

“That would explain the fire and sweltering heat.” I agree.

We come to a stop in both conversation and speed. I’m not entirely sure where she comes from, but a woman spins through the air above us before dropping in front of me, silver longsword drawn and pointed towards our small group.

“Abomination. This is your end.” She growls out.

It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out what or who she is. Gith. From the olive colored skin, the circular markings along her face, small scrunched nose that sits directly in the middle of her face, and the large pointed ears with ridges along the shell. That would explain the dragons.

A sharp throbbing pain quickly ebbs into my mind, skin tingling. Suddenly I am witnessing memories I don’t contain- dragons, sword, and my own face in quick rapid movement. I realize soon that it is her memories I am seeing. No- this is the current time, I am looking through her eyes.

“My head. What is this… ugh.” She groans.

I hadn’t realized she had the same reaction, hand holding her head in pain as she slightly hunches, bending at her torso. She must have seen through my eyes just as I have seen through hers.

“Tsk��va. You are no thrall- Vlaakith blesses me this day! Together we might survive.” She speaks once regaining composure.

Hala and I share looks of confusion and concern. She must have seen through the Gith’s eyes just the same as I had.

“Pardon me, thralls?” Hala asks.

“We carry mind flayer parasites. Unless we escape- unless we are cleansed- our bodies and minds will be tainted and twisted. Within days, we will be ghaik. Mind flayers.” The gith explains, eyes narrowed, but a flash of panic sifts through them.

“Yes. Right. Because of course we are! Do you have an idea on how to stop it, or are we simply just doomed?” I ramble, throwing my hands up in annoyance.

Just my luck.

“First, we exterminate the imps,” she gestures towards her left at the three imps feasting on a corpse, “Then we find the helm and take control of the ship.”

“As for that thing,” the gith’s eyes trail towards my pet brain, “It will remain tame as long as it believes we are thralls. It may be of use in the fight to come.”

She ends her sentence and turns, rushing off towards the imps. She’s very eager to fight. My eyes turn back towards Hala who seems conflicted. It was a lot to process in such a short time frame. I go to ask if she’s alright, concerned if something else ailed her. But as if knowing what I was about to ask she holds a hand up and shook her head.

“I’m fine. Let’s continue on.” She brushed off, walking past me and after the gith.

I follow after her hearing said gith shout in her native tongue followed by a loud screech from the imp. There was a battle quickly forming. The gith was quick to strike an imp down in a single blow, my pet brain followed soon after striking another in a fatal swipe of its claws. Hala casted a spell, a sacred flame if I was to believe right, there she quickly disposed of the last standing imp.

It was incredibly fast, leaving me to feel out of place as I had simply just watched and not attacked. No one noticed though, and if they did they had not mentioned it as they continued on, not even looking around. Hala and the gith exchanged a few words but I couldn’t quite catch them. They led as me and my pet brain took up the rear.

I try not to hesitate as they climb up sticky, slimy, and fleshy looking ladders. I hold back my gags and protests as I climb up. The feeling of needing to retch was hard to hold back. Reaching the top, we go through another arsehole door that leads into another strange room.

There was a large red tube in the middle surrounded by tilted tables, each holding people. Pods line the left wall as well. There was yelling coming from one of them, enough to make out even though the sounds were muffled.

“Someone needs help.” I breath out before beelining to the sound of the yelling.

The last pod held a girl, her fists beat against the window of the pod. Thunks and cries for someone to let her out grew louder as I approached. She was not a gith, nor a drow. She was a half elf. A high half elf by the looks of it. Black hair held in some long style as her bangs stuck to her face from sweat. As I step up to the pod I call out to her, asking if she’s alright.

“You! Get me out of this damn thing!” She cries out, fists still pounding.

“We have no time for stragglers.” The gith cuts in, eyes narrowed.

“Like hell we don’t. I am not going to just leave her there! Hold tight, I’ll see what I can find.” I call out to the half elf.

“Try that contraption next to the pod- they did something to it when they sealed me in. Hurry! Please!” She shouts in desperation.

Glancing to the right of the pod, there laid a panel. Like the rest of the ship it was flesh like, although this one seemed more insect than flesh. With buttons that looked like eyes and antennas in the middle where it looked like something could be slot in.

“Let’s split up. It’ll be easier to cover more ground. Me and… brain will take the room on the right, you two search this one.” I command, not allowing them time to argue as I head towards the next room.

The room seemed to be almost like an audience room. Chairs circled a pod that held a lifeless woman, ridged and growing up before splitting like a leaf. I glanced down at my newfound pet, seeing if it had anything to speak about. Perhaps a tour. But it remains silent, as do I.

I continue forward, up some stairs and looting through a chest there and a corpse of another woman. One pocket was filled with gold and a bronze necklace, the other held a rune. It was the perfect shape to fit into the panel next to the half-elf’s pod.

Returning to the first room- stepping over corpses and another brain thing running back and forth between rooms, not sure why it’s out and about- and the panel I gently slot the rune in, praying that when I press the button it will open the pod and not turn her into a mind flayer or something. As I place my hand above the slotted rune, my mind throbs again, aching in discomfort. It fades quickly, and power fills its void as I feel connection with the panel. Willing it to open, it does, and the girl falls from the pod and onto the floor.

I remove my hand from the panel as the feeling fades, rushing towards her and helping her to sit up. She mumbles a few prayers, thanking a god.

“Careful, are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. I Thought that damn thing was going to be my coffin. Thank you.” She spoke.

I notice her eyes dart from me to the gith, the microexpressions of weariness one seeing her, the twitch of her nose, slight curl of her upper lip and the sharpness her eyes take. She doesn’t seem too fond of our small band.

“You keep dangerous company.” She comments, almost snarling towards the gith.

“I suppose, but she has her uses to help us in fights.” I argue, a lighthearted lilt in my tone to try and keep the mood as light as I could.

“Fair point,” she turns her eyes back to me, expression softening only slightly. “Looks like there’s plenty of fighting ahead. Let me come with you. We can get off this ship, and watch each other’s backs along the way.”

I grin at this, nodding enthusiastically before glancing around our small group. I see the nod of approval from Hala, she seems as eager to have as many allies as possible. The gith seems less accepting though, which is understandable as she was just insulted.

“Yes, the more the merrier. I’m Dovie, this is Hala and… I never caught our gith friend’s name.” I introduce pointing to each woman.

“Lae’zel.” The gith grunts out.

“Shadowheart. One moment.” She spoke.

Turning around she sticks her hand back into the pod before producing a spherical object and stuffing it into her pocket before turning back towards us. My eyes meet Hala’s again, brows furrowed. She seems to share my confusion but shakes her head as to not question the girl. I agree, after all everyone is allowed their secrets.

“Let’s continue on then, yes?” Hala coughs.

“Finally. Let us make for the helm- we’ve wasted enough time already.” Lae’zel scoffs.

“She’s right. Lead on.” Shadowheart agrees.

I give a sharp nod before heading to the door on the other side of the room, ignoring the people passed out on the tables. There was nothing I could do for them at the moment except offer mental condolences and lead on. No one objected to leaving them, although Hala faltered slightly, frowning but followed nonetheless.

The next room was small, just having another door. There must be some sort of separation of powers here? Perhaps the helm is just up ahead. Lae’zel stops mid stride as I approach the door, clearing her throat to gain our attentions.

“We are nearing the helm. Once inside, do as I say.” She announces.

“Who put you in charge? I’ll trust my own judgment.” Shadowheart spat.

My eyes roll, bickering between the two seems to be a common occurrence. Hopefully it won’t get in the way of battle. Hala meets my gaze once more, sharing the sentiment and rolling her eyes once hearing the insult the gith hurls at the half elf in her native tongue.

I push forward.

As we exit the room we seem to some in during the middle of a fight between devils and mind flayers. A particularly nasty one at that. The snap of bones and squelching of flesh paired with the scent of ash and blood hangs and echoes throughout the battle. A mind flayer turns towards us as it snaps the neck of a devil.

“Thrall. Connect the nerves of the transponder. We must escape. Now.” The tentacled being bellowed.

“Do it. We will deal with the ghaik after we escape.” the gith shouts before pulling out her sword.

“Connect the nerves! We will connect them!” My brain pet seemingly cheers.

“Okay, I’ll go connect the nerves. Watch my back!” I call out before sprinting forwards.

Past the imps and devil hogs, and the mind flayer as it enters another battle with a devil. I hear the clashing and shouting and squelching behind me but pay no mind to it. Tunnel vision on the nerves had me pump my legs faster as I ran. Jumping and sidestepping corpses of thralls, imps, devils, and other brains. I could hear my heart beating within my ears and mind. I don’t notice the shouting of my allies, warning me of the new dangers appearing in front of me. I left them to deal with it. Without so much as a scratch I reach the helm. Now I could hear Hala behind me, fighting against imps and devil boars a few feet behind me. Gods she was fearless.

One hand comes up to wrap around one of the blueish tentacles, grabbing another with my other hand. I stare at them for a second before placing them together. It was as if they had a mind of their own, connecting together like they were holding hands. I let out a breath of relief.

Though my relief was short as a bronze dragon head peeked into the room, its eye finding me before it roared and sprayed fire. I scream as the heat licks at my skin, knocking me off guard as I tumble, losing my footing and falling to the ground. I’m not sure what happens to cause me to fly through the air, getting tossed to one side, smacking against the wall before returning to the other side like a rag doll getting tossed around.

I see the hole approach closer, my fate of falling out of the ship and smacking onto the ground was something I wished to avoid if given the chance.

As I reach out towards the nerve panel I connected, I manage to grasp the edge of it, crying out as it cuts and stretches my fingers uncomfortably. I raise my other hand, grabbing onto the nerves in hopes of it righting itself. My efforts are in vain as my fingers slip and I fall once more. Though rather than falling through the hole in the ship wall to meet an untimely end I manage to hit a wall. Grunting in pain I place a hand against my ribs, wincing as the throbbing ache makes itself known.

I glance up, looking around for my comrades but find glowing orange eyes instead. A mind flayer sits across from me, staring intently as if trying to convey it’s thoughts into my skull. I keep it’s gaze. There should be fear, panic, disgust rushing through my body. But I feel nothing. No panic, no fear, not even ease. Just numbness.

I’m not sure what happens next as I am struck in the head, crying out in pain as a sharp stabbing feeling hits my skull, ricocheting and producing a ringing sound. I can’t recall when I lost consciousness. I remember falling. Then nothing.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Enter the Warriors Gate (2016)

Enter the Warriors Gate a.k.a. The Warriors Gate is bad but kind of cute. I could even see some viewers looking past its numerous and obvious flaws and having a good time. That ending though; it’ll convince just about everyone that what they just saw has been done better elsewhere.

Teenaged Jack Bronson (Uriah Shelton) is a wizard at video games. His skills lead a real-life warrior from the past, Zhao (Mark Chao), to confuse him with a skilled fighter. Zhao must protect Princess Su Lin (Ni Ni) from Arun the Cruel (Dave Bautista), who wants to force her into marriage and steal her kingdom. After the princess is kidnapped, Jack is transported to the past and forced to fight.

This setup is nothing special. A normal teen is brought to a mystical world whose inhabitants confuse him for a mighty warrior. Most of the time, our hero/heroine finds a way to become the person they need to be by using knowledge of history or by replicating modern-day technology to combat their enemies. This story by Luc Besson (yes, really) and his frequent collaborator, Robert Mark Kamen gives Jack many unearned wins. Most come rapid-fire in the last 15 minutes of the story where a happy ending is basically served on a golden platter. Many come even earlier. Uriah Shelton looks about as Chinese as a Big Mac but he communicates with all of these people from the past with no problem. They just stop speaking Mandarin a couple of minutes into the film… until the end when director Matthias Hoene suddenly remembers he's trying to appeal to both Western and Eastern audiences simultaneously.

The biggest surprise is that this film never dusts off that old “This hot dog, what kind of dog is it made from?” line. When we learn Jack lives alone with his mom, you assume it’s either so the film can have our hero eventually overcome the grief born from his parents' divorce or so we can swiftly shoo mom away and get the adventure started. Guess which one Enter the Warriors Gate chooses to go with. I’ll give you a hint. It can’t even manage to get its title's grammar correct, much less handle complex character arcs.

Where this picture wins some points is in the comedy. There are numerous off-hand remarks made by Arun the Cruel and his chief executioner that’ll make you laugh. Once in a while, it’ll blindside you with some unexpected gags and you’ll take a break from laughing at the film to laugh along with it. And there are numerous reasons for you to ridicule this adventure. Most come during the conclusion. Even before then, there’s some bad and needless CGI, awful wigs, and cringe-inducing dance numbers. The writing is quite poor, particularly when you realize the wizard (Francis Ng) introduced at the beginning of the movie could’ve probably done everyone a favour by single-handedly defeating the baddie on his own.

Enter the Warriors Gate feels like a release from 30-40 years ago. Everything about this tale you’ve seen done before, many times. Seemingly aware of this, it tries to keep things interesting by having both someone from another world comes to ours, and the reverse too. At least the actors are likeable, which goes a long way. It’s competent but never inspired. (April 4, 2020)

[discoprince1991]

My Pokémon Teams for the BG3 Companions

So, I did this for fun, and decided to create Pokemon teams for all of the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, including the default Dark Urge. I did not do one for Tav since Tav is completely an OC, whereas at least with the Dark Urge, even though they are also customizable, there is a base one you can use without changing anything if you want. My rules for myself were that each of them had to have a Starter Pokemon and no Legendaries/Mythicals/Ultra Beasts/Paradox Pokemon/etc. So, here they are:

Lae’zel

-Hisuian Samurott (Ability: Sharpness) (Item: Assault Vest) (Aqua Cutter, Ceaseless Edge, Aerial Ace, X-Scissor) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Aegislash (Ability: Stance Change) (Item: Leftovers) (King’s Shield, Iron Head, Shadow Ball, Brick Break) (Tera Type: Ghost)

-Hitmonchan (Ability: Iron Fist) (Item: Life Orb) (Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Drain Punch) (Tera Type: Fighting)

-Orbeetle (Ability: Frisk) (Item: Light Clay) (Light Screen, Reflect, Bug Buzz, Psychic) (Tera Type: Psychic)

-Toxicroak (Ability: Anticipation) (Item: Black Sludge) (Poison Jab, Cross Chop, Bullet Punch, Ice Punch) (Tera Type: Poison)

-Salamence (Ability: Intimidate) (Item: Weakness Policy) (Dragon Pulse, Air Slash, Flamethrower, Tailwind) (Tera Type: Fire)

Shadowheart

-Hisuian Typhlosion (Ability: Frisk) (Item: Heat Rock) (Lava Plume, Infernal Parade, Sunny Day, Solar Beam) (Tera Type: Ghost)

-Zoroark (Ability: Illusion) (Item: Focus Sash) (Night Daze, Confuse Ray, Sludge Bomb, Toxic) (Tera Type: Poison)

-Lunatone (Ability: Levitate) (Item: Light Clay) (Light Screen, Reflect, Psychic, Power Gem) (Tera Type: Psychic)

-Lycanroc Midnight Form (Ability: No Guard) (Item: Choice Band) (Stone Edge, Close Combat, Sucker Punch, Play Rough) (Tera Type: Fighting)

-Galarian Slowking (Ability: Regenerator) (Item: Life Orb) (Eerie Spell, Sludge Wave, Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot) (Tera Type: Poison)

-Florges Blue Flower (Ability: Terrain Extender) (Item: Leftovers) (Moonblast, Grassy Terrain, Giga Drain, Psychic Noise) (Tera Type: Fairy)

Astarion

-Greninja (Ability: Protean) (Item: Focus Sash) (Surf, Dark Pulse, Ice Beam, Toxic Spikes) (Tera Type: Dark)

-Crobat (Ability: Infiltrator) (Item: Black Sludge) (Cross Poison, Brave Bird, Leech Life, Steel Wing) (Tera Type: Flying)

-Mr. Rime (Ability: Screen Cleaner) (Item: Heavy-Duty Boots) (Rapid Spin, Freeze-Dry, Psychic, Drain Punch) (Tera Type: Psychic)

-Houndstone (Ability: Fluffy) (Item: Leftovers) (Last Respects, Shadow Sneak, Will-O-Wisp, Dig) (Tera Type: Ghost)

-Gardevoir (Ability: Trace) (Item: Life Orb) (Attract, Draining Kiss, Psyshock, Moonblast) (Tera Type: Fairy)

-Drapion (Ability: Sniper) (Item: Black Sludge) (Poison Jab, Crunch, Leech Life, Toxic) (Tera Type: Poison)

Gale

-Meowscarada (Ability: Protean) (Item: Choice Scarf) (Flower Trick, Knock Off, Sucker Punch, Play Rough) (Tera Type: Fairy)

-Glimmora (Ability: Toxic Debris) (Item: Focus Sash) (Stealth Rocks, Sludge Wave, Power Gem, Explosion) (Tera Type: Normal)

-Alolan Persian (Ability: Fur Coat) (Item: Assault Vest) (Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball, Hyper Voice, Tera Blast) (Tera Type: Flying)

-Hatterene (Ability: Magic Bounce) (Item: Quick Claw) (Dazzling Gleam, Psychic, Calm Mind, Trick Room) (Tera Type: Psychic)

-Electivire (Ability: Vital Spirit) (Item: Expert Belt) (Supercell Slam, Ice Punch, Fire Punch, Earthquake) (Tera Type: Electric)

-Metagross (Ability: Clear Body) (Item: Air Balloon) (Meteor Mash, Zen Headbutt, Body Press, Giga Impact) (Tera Type: Steel)

Wyll

-Quaquaval (Ability: Moxie) (Item: Focus Sash) (Aqua Step, Close Combat, Ice Spinner, Swords Dance) (Tera Type: Water)

-Ceruledge (Ability: Weak Armor) (Item: Leftovers) (Bitter Blade, Shadow Claw, X-Scissor, Solar Blade) (Tera Type: Fire)

-Houndoom (Ability: Unnerve) (Item: Assault Vest) (Flamethrower, Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb) (Tera Type: Dark)

-Salazzle (Ability: Corrosion) (Item: Black Sludge) (Burning Jealousy, Sludge Wave, Attract, Toxic) (Tera Type: Poison)

-Dracozolt (Ability: Volt Absorb) (Item: Air Balloon) (Bolt Beak, Breaking Swipe, Earthquake, Aerial Ace) (Tera Type: Electric)

-Kingambit (Ability: Supreme Overlord) (Item: Focus Sash) (Kowtow Cleave, Iron Head, Brick Break, Iron Defense) (Tera Type: Fighting)

Karlach

-Incineroar (Ability: Intimidate) (Item: Life Orb) (Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Drain Punch, Trailblaze) (Tera Type: Fire)

-Haxorus (Ability: Mold Breaker) (Item: Assault Vest) (Outrage, Iron Head, Brick Break, Breaking Swipe) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Machamp (Ability: Guts) (Item: Flame Orb) (Drain Punch, Facade, Throat Chop, Cross Chop) (Tera Type: Fighting)

-Revavroom (Ability: Filter) (Item: Leftovers) (Spin Out, Poison Jab, Magnet Rise, Temper Flare) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Pawmot (Ability: Iron Fist) (Item: Expert Belt) (Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Mach Punch) (Tera Type: Electric)

-Malamar (Ability: Contrary) (Item: Leftovers) (Foul Play, Psycho Cut, Lunge, Superpower) (Tera Type: Psychic)

Halsin

-Torterra (Ability: Shell Armor) (Item: Rocky Helmet) (Earthquake, Seed Bomb, Stone Edge, Crunch) (Tera Type: Grass)

-Ursaluna (Ability: Guts) (Item: Flame Orb) (Earthquake, Facade, Drain Punch, Heavy Slam) (Tera Type: Ground)

-Sirfetch’d (Ability: Scrappy) (Item: Assault Vest) (Meteor Assault, Leaf Blade, Throat Chop, Poison Jab) (Tera Type: Fighting)

-Hisuian Zoroark (Ability: Illusion) (Item: Throat Spray) (Bitter Malice, Hyper Voice, Flamethrower, Icy Wind) (Tera Type: Ghost)

-Kangaskhan (Ability: Inner Focus) (Item: Heavy-Duty Boots) (Body Slam, Brick Break, Thunder Punch, Outrage) (Tera Type: Dragon)

-Lycanroc Midday Form (Ability: Sand Rush) (Item: Focus Sash) (Sandstorm, Trailblaze, Dig, Stone Edge) (Tera Type: Rock)

Minthara

-Chesnaught (Ability: Bulletproof) (Item: Rocky Helmet) (Spiky Shield, Seed Bomb, Body Press, Iron Head) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Ariados (Ability: Sniper) (Item: Quick Claw) (Sticky Web, Toxic Spikes, Lunge, Poison Jab) (Tera Type: Poison)

-Weavile (Ability: Pressure) (Item: Assault Vest) (Throat Chop, Ice Spinner, Shadow Claw, Low Sweep) (Tera Type: Dark)

-Froslass (Ability: Cursed Body) (Item: Life Orb) (Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, Draining Kiss, Psychic) (Tera Type: Ghost)

-Gallade (Ability: Sharpness) (Item: Expert Belt) (Psycho Cut, Sacred Sword, Night Slash, Aqua Cutter) (Tera Type: Fighting)

-Paldean Tauros Blaze Breed (Ability: Intimidate) (Item: Rocky Helmet) (Raging Bull, Trailblaze, Earthquake, Close Combat) (Tera Type: Fire)

Jaeheria

-Hisuian Decidueye (Ability: Scrappy) (Item: Quick Claw) (Leaf Blade, Triple Arrows, Aerial Ace, Shadow Claw) (Tera Type: Flying)

-Liepard (Ability: Limber) (Item: Assault Vest) (Foul Play, Play Rough, U-Turn, Seed Bomb) (Tera Type: Dark)

-Alolan Marowak (Ability: Rock Head) (Item: Thick Club) (Shadow Bone, Flare Blitz, Bonemerang, Thunder Punch) (Tera Type: Fire)

-Kricketune (Ability: Technician) (Item: Focus Sash) (X-Scissor, Trailblaze, Aerial Ace, Night Slash) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Beartic (Ability: Swift Swim) (Item: Damp Rock) (Rain Dance, Ice Punch, Liquidation, Earthquake) (Tera Type: Water)

-Decidueye (Ability: Long Reach) (Item: Life Orb) (Spirit Shackle, Giga Drain, Air Slash, Low Kick) (Tera Type: Fighting)

Minsc

-Emboar (Ability: Reckless) (Item: Assault Vest) (Flare Blitz, Wild Charge, Drain Punch, Scald) (Tera Type: Fire)

-Morpeko (Ability: Hunger Switch) (Item: Leftovers) (Aura Wheel, Seed Bomb, Psychic Fangs, Fire Fang) (Tera Type: Psychic)

-Kleavor (Ability: Sharpness) (Item: Razor Shell) (X-Scissor, Stone Axe, Night Slash, Aerial Ace) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Tyranitar (Ability: Unnerve) (Item: Focus Sash) (Stone Edge, Crunch, Earthquake, Ice Punch) (Tera Type: Rock)

-Perrserker (Ability: Tough Claws) (Item: Assault Vest) (Iron Head, Trailblaze, Aerial Ace, Close Combat) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Breloom (Ability: Poison Heal) (Item: Toxic Orb) (Seed Bomb, Brick Break, Rock Slide, Poison Jab) (Tera Type: Fighting)

The Dark Urge

-Charizard (Ability: Blaze) (Item: Heavy-Duty Boots) (Flamethrower, Scorching Sands, Air Slash, Dragon Pulse) (Tera Type: Dragon)

-Baxcalibur (Ability: Thermal Exchange) (Item: Clear Amulet) (Icicle Crash, Outrage, Iron Head, Earthquake) (Tera Type: Ice)

-Alolan Raichu (Ability: Surge Surfer) (Item: Electric Seed) (Thunderbolt, Psychic, Surf, Electric Terrain) (Tera Type: Electric)

-Shiftry (Ability: Pickpocket) (Item: Focus Sash)(Leaf Blade, Dark Pulse, Rock Tomb, Extrasensory) (Tera Type: Steel)

-Grimmsnarl (Ability: Frisk) (Item: False Surrender, Spirit Break, Stomping Tantrum, Thunder Wave) (Tera Type: Dark)

-Annihilape (Ability: Defiant) (Item: Expert Belt) (Rage Fist, Close Combat, Thunder Punch, Poison Jab) (Tera Type: Fighting)

I think the reason I picked most of them should be fairly easy to figure out. But if you would like me to explain some of my picks or disagree or wanna discuss them, feel free to comment.

[marylandlifecoaching]

Temperature

I was meditating {as I do}, and started thinking about my marriage. By far, the most solid thing I can think of in my life. I know some must get sick of how well my wife and I get along. In over 2 decades of being together, we have never had a fight. We’ve never really even had a sticking point. And this is for two reasons. But during meditation today, one really stood out. And that is temperature. Let me explain…

We both have mastered the art of reading energy and the art of the bounce back. Case in point. Last Friday, wife was having a high pain day. Being disabled, she has so much to contend with. I run a rapid response team. I am often running to people on the worst day of their life. It can be complex balancing everyone’s emotions. But I digress.

My shift ended and I had to make several additional stops on the way home from work. Not really a big deal, but add that onto the already hour commute, I was ready for the week to be over. When I got home, my wife started firing at me right out of the gate. Nothing terrible, she was just asking for help. literally one foot in the door, I said I would need a minute.

Fast forward over the next 5 minutes, we just could not get in sink. The wife said she was going to let me be, and would see me later. I dropped everything, which included my attitude {which I didn’t think I had}, gave her a hug, and said lets have a good weekend. I then proceeded to help her.

The temperature {mine} was rising. Hers was dropping. We both could feel it. Within minutes, we were on track, and got caught up on the days events. We had an amazing weekend. The art of the bounce back. Neither of us needed to be right. Neither of us committed any offenses. We both responded with love, compassion, and kindness. I helped her with her needs. She in turn gave me the rest of the night off to decompress.

We both choose peace, not pride. There is no ego involved in a healthy relationship. We understand that her wins are my wins. My wins are her wins. It really is that simple. You can ask anyone in our lives. Family, friends or co workers. You could search both of our social media from the start of us dating. You will never find a time when we weren’t supportive of each other. I attribute that to temperature. We are so in tune with each others temperature.

If little things often become big things in your relationships, perhaps it’s time to start checking in with each other. That is our secret. From early on, we always made time to talk to each other. That grew into meditating and praying with each other. There isn’t much going on with each other, that the other does not know about.

Now I don’t know if that makes for a successful relationship. But what I do know is, that neither of us have been the source of a headache for each other. Ever! And why is that? Because we constantly take each others temperature.

[mandaniprotectionservices]

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[mayhemproduces]

Joshua Bishop (c) vs Jade Suzuki - MPW World Championship

The day Jade Suzuki came into MPW was a shocking one, to say the least, but nothing could have prepared us for what came next. Going undefeated for close to six months; beating Alex Shelley, Sardonyx, and VENY, among other notable names. Luring Lacey into Death Row and aiding them in finally conquering the Chaos Cup. And now, standing toe to toe with the Intense Icon himself, the MPW World Championship on the line. While we can’t imagine what Thunder in Paradise will look like if Jade were to win this, you shouldn’t look past this one - and we’re off! They come slugging it out straight out of the gate, going ham with forearm shots to one another’s faces! Suzuki is eventually able to get Bishop in the corner, lifting him up with some sick sounding chops. Bishop fights back, getting himself out of the corner, but Suzuki is still swinging at him. Bishop backs her up into the corner, but Suzuki reverses, lighting him up with more chops, Bishop’s skin already turning a light shade of red, before Suzuki backs up, finally giving Bishop some room to breathe, and tells him to bring it! And Bishop does, walloping Suzuki with a huge forearm before wrapping her up in a headlock. Suzuki quickly brings them to the ropes, pushing Bishop off, but the champion floors her with a shoulder tackle! Bishop wipes down Suzuki and runs the ropes, picking up steam for another, but Suzuki strikes with a huge big boot! She shoves Bishop into the corner with a high placed chop, landing another in the corner before she clinches Bishop. Holding his head to her chest as she batters him with rising knees to the chest, pummeling his lungs and his torso. Once Bishop can break free and shove her back, he comes at her with forearms, slamming his arm into her jaw with rapid speed, but Suzuki fires back with a WICKED chop, dropping Bishop to a knee! Suzuki lets off more knife edge chops, keeping Bishop at bay as he tries to fight back. Usually, we see Bishop chopping the hell out of people, as he’s very heavy handed himself, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen him in this much peril, especially straight out of the gate like this, but win, lose, or draw, Jade Suzuki is making sure Bishop walks out of the arena with his chest turned into hamburger!

As the chops keep coming, Suzuki switches it up, and slaps Bishop across the face! She boots him down before putting him on the ropes, more chops, before Suzuki starts to alternate between arms, battering his jaw with forearm smashes. As Bishop’s arms begin to droop at his side, we can see his chest is already bright red and beginning to bleed, as Jade has popped some blood vessels in record time. But now, Suzuki backs up, watching Bishop struggle to get up, using the ropes, before booting him back down. She grabs the leg, drawing him away from the ropes, and she sinks into a Cobra Clutch. Going from a hard hitting slugfest to a tightly placed submission, Bishop is already struggling to breathe. We know he isn’t going tp tap out here, but there’s only so much the human body can withstand before it gives out. Bishop tries to crawl to the ropes and tries to reverse the pressure. But Suzuki rolls him onto his stomach. She releases her hold around the neck to tie up the legs, grabs Bishop’s throat, and rocks back into a Bow and Arrow stretch! One of Suzuki’s favorites, as it targets the ribs, the spine, and makes it so difficult to breathe. On a big man like Bishop, it’s a little more awkward to hold it in, but Suzuki holds it for as long as she can, and Bishop starts to fight out. He powers out of the hold and gets back to his feet, but Suzuki catches him with another ferocious chop! Bishop turns around from the force of that one, holding his bruised chest, and Suzuki nails him with a forearm to the back of the neck! She turns Bishop back around, and the champion lights her up with shots to the gut! He’s fighting back, but Suzuki lands an elbow strike! Bishop grabs her by the back of the head and rams his elbow into her face repeatedly - but Suzuki does the same! Another slugfest in the middle of Club La Vela! They’re as evenly matched here as one can get, and Suzuki breaks it up by twisting Bishop’s arm over her head, nailing him with a huge chop! Bishop goes down, but Suzuki still has a grip on his wrist. She stands above him for a moment before pushing Bishop onto his stomach and wrapping him up in an STF Camel Clutch. Tied up like this, Bishop’s got pressure on his neck down to his tailbone, with Suzuki wrenching back as deeply as she can get it- but Bishop doesn’t look hurt. He’s pissed.

Bishop’s staring daggers ahead as Suzuki wrenches back on her hold, but it’s only a matter of moments before Bishop is able to pick the two of them up, getting Suzuki off him, and nailing her with huge elbows to the face! Suzuki quickly ducks and buries him in the corner, more clinched knee strikes quickly popping off before Suzuki grabs him, spins, and tosses him into the turnbuckles with an exploder suplex! Suzuki rolls back, getting to her feet - but Bishop is right there! He turns her inside out with a HUGE Clothesline! Despite all the punishment he’s taken, Bishop is still alive and fighting! He picks Jade up and starts to pound her chest in with hard chops, lighting her up with them. Suzuki falls back to the ropes, holding her chest, before charging Bishop - but he scoops her up, planting her with a Black Hole Slam! Bishop grabs her by the throat, hoisting Suzuki off the mat, wanting to follow up with a Chokeslam, but Suzuki kicks him right on the ribs! Bishop flinches, setting Suzuki down on her feet, and Suzuki fires off one massive forearm! Knocking Bishop back, and she brings the fight back to his door step, firing off several big forearms, but Bishop throws his own back. It’s a test of soul, a test of who can hit harder, who wants it more. Suzuki is able to duck one of Bishop’s shots and slip behind him, tossing the champion with a German suplex - but Bishop gets right back up! He won’t stay down! Bishop gets back up and charges Suzuki, but she catches him with a STIFF forearm! Bishop’s momentum suddenly halts, and he falls back, body suddenly limp. But he bounces back, and CLOBBERS Suzuki with a massive Pump kick! Suzuki just about gets decapitated, and does a little flip! Bishop turns her over, hooking both legs, trying to retain!

1… 2… Kickout!

That’s arguably been Bishop’s best shot of the match so far, and it’s done one hell of a job of flooring the challenger. Now, Bishop tries to send her down to hell with a Chokeslam, but Suzuki fires off elbows to the side of the head before he can lift her this time. Once Bishop’s grip begins to falter, Suzuki breaks free and gets on Bishop’s back, locking him into a rear naked choke! She’s got it locked in deep, dead center in the ring. Bishop tries to fight it off, tries to break the grip, but he drops to a knee. The champion is fading, and fading quickly, and Suzuki releases the hold to set him up for a Gotch Style Piledriver - but Bishop scoops her up, and rams her into the turnbuckles with a Death Valley Driver! Bishop squashes Suzuki and now sends her to the ropes, scooping her up, on the rebound, and planting her with a MASSIVE Black Hole Slam! The mat shakes off that one, and Bishop drops into the cover!

1… 2… Kickout!

Lifting Suzuki up, she’s all but deadweight until Bishop shoves her back, looking for another Pump kick, but she moves! She grabs Bishop by the waist for a suplex, but Bishop elbows that off, shoving her back. Bishop charges - but Suzuki scoops him up! She’s got Bishop on her shoulders! Suzuki charges towards the corner, dumping Bishop with a HUGE Buckle Bomb! Bishop hits hard and stumbles towards the middle of the ring, all the while Suzuki hits the ropes, knocking him down with a huge big boot! Bishop’s down, and Suzuki flattens him with a senton! Suzuki covers!

1… 2… Kickout!

Sitting back on her knees, Suzuki kneels above him, picking Bishop up with a firm hand around the jaw, before slapping the ever loving shit out of him! It sounded like Bishop just got smacked by a frying pan! Holy shit! Despite how hard that hit him, a grin spreads over Bishop’s face, his eyes sparkling with the love of this brand of violence, before throwing back one hell of a forearm back at her. Suzuki responds with a stiff, heavy handed shot, and they end up battling all the way to their feet. Still going hard, putting in everything they’ve got behind these shots. Suzuki ducks a shot from Bishop and grabs the arm, reaching around for the other, and she lifts Bishop up in one fluid motion, slamming him down onto his tailbone in the next. She flattens him on his stomach, going from the Full Nelson bomb into the Rings of Saturn, and sinching it in DEEP. There’s nowhere for Bishop to go, and he’s locked inside one of the most dangerous holds in Suzuki’s arsenal, and maybe all of wrestling! Let’s not forget how many arms and shoulders have been lost to the Rings of Saturn, and with Bishop suffering an arm injury not too long ago, that makes this an even more volatile situation for the champion. But he wouldn’t be the MPW World Champion if he intended to give up. Not now, maybe not ever. Seeing there’s no easy way to get to the ropes, Bishop decides instead to maneuver his hips until his legs are under him. And With Suzuki still hanging onto his shoulders, Bishop stands up. He charges towards the corner, wanting to drive Suzuki into it, but she’s able to put her feet on the ropes and kick Bishop back, forgoing the submission to save herself. But in the end, it doesn’t matter, and Bishop jumps up and SLAMS the top of his noggin into Suzuki’s chin, rocking her with a giant headbutt! Suzuki starts to fall off the ropes when Bishop grabs her, prying her off the ropes, and tosses her with the Bishop Bomb! But Bishop drops to his knees, holding his arm. He crawls into the cover, throwing his arm across Suzuki’s chest, trying to retain!

1… 2… KICKOUT!

Picking Suzuki up, Suzuki nails him with a big forearm! Bishop stumbles back, and Suzuki waves him on, barking at him to come on before she clobbers him with another HUGE forearm! Bishop drops to the mat, and Suzuki is on him in a matter of moments. Sitting on him and holding him down so she can rain down vicious elbows, trying to beat him into submission, into giving up his title, before turning him over and locking him back into the Rear Naked Choke. If Bishop won’t stay down for three, Suzuki is going to choke him out. And choke him out she just might. Suzuki picks him up, wanting to swing Bishop into a deep body scissor, but Bishop throws her off! She scrambles back to her feet, throwing what would be a big boot at Bishop, but he moves out of the way, and rocks her with a colossal forearm! Bishop is back on his feet and raining down elbows at Suzuki. She tries to cover up, but it’s no use. Bishop chops her on the back of the neck, then nails her with a huge forearm to the base of the skull! Suzuki’s out on her feet as Bishop lifts her up, tosses her to the ropes, and plants her with a HUGE Black Hole Slam! Hand around the throat, Bishop hoists her up, and plants her with a ring shaking Chokeslam! Bishop beats his chest before lifting her up one more time, and tossing Suzuki with a huge Bishop Bomb! This is it, Bishop retains! Deep cover!

1… 2… KICKOUT!

NO! SUZUKI KICKS OUT!

Bishop springs to his feet and runs the ropes, diving into Suzuki and CLOBBERING her with a huge forearm to the back of the head! Suzuki goes down, and Bishop rolls her over, cradling her for another deep cover! Is this it?!

1… 2… 3!

“Here is your winner, and STILL MPW World Champion, JOSHUA BISHOP!”

Bishop does it! He retains!

But there’s no time to celebrate! Before Bishop can even grab the title from the referee, he’s attacked from behind by Lacey Karmens! They’re taking the fight to Bishop!

Eventually their brawl ends up on the outside platform of the ring, with Lacey beating down Bishop. They back up, charging towards him for the San Fran Bicycle knee - but Bishop scoops them up! He charges towards the railing, and tosses Lacey into the pool! Lacey’s going for a swim! They’re flopping, trying to get their footing in the water, as Bishop stands tall! And that’s all for tonight, folks! We’ll see you back in the Boardwalk Beach Resort one more time for Thunder in Paradise, next Sunday! See you then!

[deathbind]

The thing about Serot's storyline is, in a more generalized DND verse, it would realistically unfold over many months or years. He'd have time to excavate memories, reconnect with Refhremmit, reckon with Meresankh, weigh his options. He'd also most likely have a group of dedicated companions he's traveled with all this time and with whom he's bonded. There'd likely be more of a support system. Overall, it's less overwhelming for him. I mean it's still overwhelming but at least there's time to process things.

In BG3, though? The game realistically takes place over a couple months at most. Despite how much playtime you put into it, in-universe it would feel very rapid fire. Barely room to breathe. The storyline of the game is on its own overwhelming. Then Serot is contending with his personal storyline on top of that. He's also in a strange land with little support system (which is important to him). Any friends he made in Baldur's Gate beforehand are, well, in Baldur's Gate. He bonds with the companions, but they're all pretty wary initially and he knows from the start they'll be parting ways eventually when he makes for Meket. That doesn't stop him from trying to form lasting bonds; it just that he knows, from the start, he will go it alone again if they survive this.

So it's like. Of course he's not in the best headspace throughout the whole game. Of course he makes rash decisions at certain points. Of course events don't unfold neatly. Of course he feels like he's drowning for at least two thirds of the game, caught in the undertow no matter how hard he fights. Act 1 isn't so bad, but everything after the Underdark is a nightmare sequence.

[8one6]

I mentioned it before but whenever I start gearing up to run a TTRPG for my friends I put together a campaign prospectus. It's a page or so with three to five different campaign ideas that I both think would be fun to play and that I'd be willing to run.

In the past it led to some fun campaigns like the post-post (technically post-post-post) apocalyptic Fantasy Craft game where they had to find the keys to the engine keeping the world running, or the GURPS campaign that was pitched as "Non-military Stargate".

This time I've got five pitches:

Trinity's Gate - 80s cyberpunk/fantasy

The nuclear tests of the 1940s & 50s opened gates to realms beyond Earth. Wonders beyond imagination brought rapid advances in science and technology, allowed the wealthy to prosper, and caused the world to fall into corporate dystopia fueled by suffering and sorcery.

Arcanotronic cyberware, megacorps run by billionaire elves, shadows to run, and scores to settle.

This one is a little light on the description because it's going to be pretty obvious that it's store brand Shadowrun. Most of the players enjoy the various flavors of cyberpunk and I think adding portals to fantasy worlds offers a lot of hooks for the players and for running it. Also making the tech explicitly magic powered means I can go as chrome and neon mirrorshades as I want.

Blood Red Planet - 90s action/horror

The Face of Cydonia was real. Beneath the 10 million year old ruins of the Red Planet the first explorers found strange artifacts that kicked off a 21st century gold rush. You live and work in Muskberg, one of the half dozen cities on Mars, living the normal lives of service workers, corporate drones, or security guards when one day all hell literally breaks loose. Now monsters tear through the aging habitats and leaky domes, strange energies mutate your fellow citizens, and the only way off the planet is through the heart of the ruins. You'll need your wits, some luck, and the biggest fucking gun you can carry to escape from a planet stained blood red.

This is "What if Doom and Total Recall had a baby?" and I'm not even going to pretend it's not. It would likely be a shorter campaign mostly due to there being a pretty firm end goal of either stopping the invasion of Mars or getting off the planet.

Aaron's Troubleshooters - space adventure

Freelance problem-solving you can trust! Courier service, private investigation, security consulting, defense contracting, emergency extractions, resource scouting, and birthday parties. No job is too big. Founded by the child of the former owner/CEO of Aaron-Starjet Astroneering (And Aaron's Errands package delivery), the Troubleshooters have fallen on hard times. You are the crew of the company's last starship, the cryptid-class Chupacabra. Your mission is to take any job worth more than the fuel cost to get there, pay off your debts, save the company, and maybe solve a galactic crisis or two while doing it.

This one is a bit of the opposite. It's an open ended sandbox. The players get a ship and a goal to wipe out their mountain of debt. Also the name is 100% because Aaron sounds like errand and I thought the pun works.

Spears & Spirits - Animal empowered cavemen vs demons of shadow and bronze

You know the rituals to absorb a creature's spirit and take its power and strength for your own. You know how to make stone and claws, wood and bone, fangs and flesh, into tools and weapons for yourself, your band of warriors, and your tribe. You know how to tame flame and turn back the darkest night.

Something evil now encroaches upon the lands of three rivers. Creeping from the depths of dark fire mountain a new threat has arisen, monsters armed with strange, gleaming weapons and commanding the forbidden dark flame.

Think fantasy Far Cry: Primal. The players gain the powers of creatures they hunt (like wolves, cave bears, dragons, etc) and use them to fight the armies of invading demons. I was looking for an idea that wasn't just standard fantasy and I had the idea that stone age vs bronze age (but with magic) would be neat.

Hench-Monsters in the Dimension of Dungeons - Monster dungeoneering

Hench-Monsters: name for the many creatures spawned in endless hordes by the Mother Dungeon, a near limitless expanse of always, mazes, chambers, corridors, caves, and caverns.

Known to the outsiders as the Dimension of Dungeons, the outsiders come seeking treasures, power, and the glory of defeating the Dread-Boss at the heart of every subdomain.

You were a Hench-Monster until something awoke within you. Perhaps by random chance or a gift imbued by the Mother Dungeon herself, it is a spark of greatness, a spark of awareness, and unfortunately for you, a spark that has severed you from the Grand Cycle of battle and rebirth. Without that you are as much an outsider to the other dungeon denizens as any Elf or Human.

By scavenged sword, by tooth and claw, by wits and cunning you fight and survive. Will you carve your own kingdom from the dungeon walls, will you seek the outsider gates and the realms beyond, or will you brave the perils to seek the secrets of Mother Dungeon herself?

Simple idea: what if you played the monsters in the dungeon? The setting is basically the dungeon from Danmachi and the players would use the species creation rules from the Genesys RPGs Keyforge book to build their characters.

~-~-~

All of these are pitches for a Genesys RPG game because right now it's my favorite generic/universal system (no one wants to play anything goes GURPS for some reason). We've got access to all of the published materials and it's got some decent support on Drivethrurpg.

Once we can get together to discuss what sounds good for the group I'll know which pitch they like and can begin camping prep.

[marvelslegacies]

Noah & Cass | Superior | Past Paragraph

As Noah, Akimi, and Harvard all gathered expectantly outside a large stone wall with a metal gate at its great center, Noah couldn’t help but make small talk. Akimi was a young, thin-framed girl with a slender face, her pin-straight black hair was bent into unnatural waves and her eyes remained narrow the whole time she scowled, as if she felt a suspicion about everything around her. Harvard was a broad-shouldered young man with bleach blonde hair and startling blue eyes which seemed to glow against his pale white skin. Akimi appeared Asian and something else, Harvard might have been Norwegian for all Noah knew.

The three had met once before in a government building which held an exam room. There the three and a handful of others had completed a strange written exam with questions pertaining to hand-to-hand combat, usage of weapons, and a written portion with all prompts relating to using one’s own body as a weapon. Noah could see that of the group, he and Akimi and Harvard were the only three to answer the final question correctly, and locate the next checkpoint: this place. This spot in front of this giant, ambiguous building which was marked by no signs. Just an unknown corporation’s physical presence with no useful information attached.

“I guess we’re the chosen ones.” Noah said, spreading his arms welcomingly as the other two gathered at the gate.

“There will most likely only be one final person.” Akimi informed him sharply.

Noah rolled his eyes but held onto her comment in his mind.

“What I heard is it’s like a master class, so there’ll probably be more than one.” Harvard countered calmly, examining the gate.

Noah wondered what he wrote about on his exam. How did Harvard weaponize himself? If it were with intellect, Noah had a reason to view him as a threat. And Akimi… he considered, he knew she had extra, alien-like appendages that could protrude from her sides. She could adhere to any wall, climb over or under anything. And they were so strong, so agile. Deadly and pointed. Noah decided he would pay special attention to Akimi, as she stood out as the stronger of the three.

“Look, guys, we form a secret alliance now and whoever else we face in there-” Noah started, easily riling himself up- “Shut up.” Akimi spat with rapid fire speed.

Noah obeyed.

Harvard held back a chuckle.

“The gate should open soon. It’s nearly mid-day.” Harvard told them thoughtfully, “At the end of the equation there was a number for the 1200. I assume it simply meant noon.”

Akimi and Noah exchanged glances, Noah looked confused because his solution to the final equation, the one regarding the location of this check point, did not offer up a 1200 at any point. Akimi looked irked that Noah was giving her such a stupid-looking face.

“How- How did you come up with 1200?” Noah asked Harvard seriously.

Harvard cocked his head, looking shocked, “How did you know to come here if you didn’t solve the equation correctly?”

Akimi huffed in a mocking way.

Noah felt hurt, but held this feeling back, and blinked nervously. Finally, he spilled out, “Obviously I got partial credit. I showed up here like the two of you, didn’t I?”

Akimi rolled her eyes this time and she and Harvard remained silent for several minutes. Even Noah consented to the comfortable silence for a time.

“What if Akimi’s right and we three have to fight to the death?” Noah offered up as quickly as the thought occurred to him.

Akimi sighed an irritated sigh and said nothing.

Harvard shook his head disapprovingly. “This is not Ultimate Fighter or Mortal Kombat. We all made it to the final selection. After all this, it’s probably just a standard job interview.” Harvard examined his fingernails for a moment then tossed his gaze to the sky, bored.

A creak of the gate roused the three and they stepped back for the gate to swing itself open, creeping slowly.

The three looked at each other as there was no one there to greet them. Definitely, they filed inside.

Once inside the gates, Noah noticed the lawn was pointedly filled with pure black statues of people with beautiful, natural bodies. All naked.

“Very Greco-Roman,” Noah commented, staring pointedly at a tiny sculpture of a penis.

“Let’s go.” Harvard said, shouldering Noah from behind and pushing onward.

Noah rubbed his shoulder but said nothing and moved forwards after Harvard and Akimi, who was several paces ahead. She clearly had not been distracted by any of the lawn ornaments. No matter how lavish.

“The building itself had an open space the size of a garage door, with a thin layer of purple light forming a translucent wall of force, protecting the opening in some way.

Noah looked at what had to be hundreds of years of scientific research and billions of dollars in funding. “Well, how can you say there is no God where there are bonafide, man-made force fields.” he stared bemusedly at the twinge of purple and found his eyes chasing that color further and further into his periphery.

Gently, he raised up a hand and pressed slowly up against the force field. It repelled his natural movement and sent out unseen, unheard electronic pulses into his fingers and palm. They shot painfully down to the bones past his wrist.

Noah pulled his hand away and wrung it out.

“Hey guys. Don’t forget our alliance.” he hissed at Akimi and Harvard as two figures made their way from within the building towards its only opening.

“You have arrived.” An animatronic voice announced over a loudspeaker.

The purple faded away inaudibly with its force field.

“Whoa.” Noah said to himself in a low tone.

“Welcome, welcome.” said a deep baritone voice. It belonged to a man who stood well over 6 feet tall. Next to this behemoth of a man was an older-looking Asian man with round glasses and all black attire.

“Father.” Akimi spat with malice, causing Noah and Harvard’s heads to swivel towards her.

“It was you this whole time.” she accused.

The Asian man raised up his hand and received dutiful silence from Akimi, though she fumed and teethed with rage.

“I kept the truth from you because you must learn it on your own. There are secrets in secret societies.”

Akimi said nothing, her eyes caught in a dagger glare at her father.

The larger man spoke again, addressing the three of them, “Congratulations. You have been selected as extraordinary individuals for The Academy. The three of you have succeeded in many trials in order to arrive here today, but this is just the beginning.” He pulled in a quiet breath and continued, “Here, you will enter a world in which violent power comes with respect,” a pause, “and opposition. We offer you the highest level of training with and without weapons as well as specialized training for each of your unique, individual… talents.” His eyes fell on Noah. “Here you will be ranked in terms of most dangerous, most deadly. If you accept this offer, we will turn you from human beings… into powerful tools which you may then use to change the world in the way you see fit. Because, although you are not all mutants…” Noah felt another surge of confusion. Akimi was a mutant and he was a mutant. Was Harvard not a mutant?

“...You three are extraordinary individuals. You have been determined: Superior.”

Paperwork followed, medical tests followed, experiments followed. Gut wrenching, excruciating training followed. 

Soon after, some few weeks had passed, another group of ‘extraordinary individuals’ made it successfully to The Academy. A pink-haired girl who couldn’t stop smiling, a thin man with a sharp nose and shaggy brown hair, and a brown-skinned boy with tight curls and hazel eyes. They were brought in by Akimi’s father, Poe, unintroduced and left to mingle with Noah and Akimi and Harvard in their barracks-like dorm room.

“Is this legal?” the boy with hazel eyes said. He looked to be the youngest, about 15, maybe 16.

“Can’t be.” The pink-haired girl piped up cheerily, still smirking at everyone.

The third said nothing. So Noah filled in the empty space with words, and eventually, the six of them got slightly more comfortable with each other.

Training followed, tests followed, sparring sessions followed. Slowly they were being introduced to each other in combat. Noah would spar with Akimi and whenever she grappled him with her strong alien-like arms, he whispered sweet nothings to her, flirting blatantly. Akimi hated this, and fought him harder each time.

Noah could easily overtake Harvard if he were allowed to use his powers, but in the beginning, because Harvard was not a mutant, Noah was disallowed the use of his powers, and had succumbed to Harvard’s might many a time.

Ruki, the pink-haired girl, was quick on her feet and could apparently see and predict every move her opponent would make. She said she could see a path in front of her, and if she strayed from the path, she would be hurt. As long as she stayed on the path before her, no force on Heaven or Earth could harm her.

Noah had never faced Cass in combat after 6 weeks of brutal training. He wondered why the two had not yet been matched together to fight. Cass and Akimi had sparred, and so had Cass and Harvard. Cass had earned both of their respects in these battles. And had even gotten Akimi’s sparse attention. This made Noah grow hot with jealousy. And he prayed for the day he would finally face Cass in battle. How did he get her to like him? How could Noah win back Akimi’s affection? Perhaps the answer was through battle. Noah wasn’t sure.

Still, Noah and Akimi grew closer with time, and developed a friendship. She even changed her sleeping arrangements so as to be closer to Noah’s bunk. Cass and Akimi kept their distance from each other most of the time. But sometimes the two would meet in secret and disappear together. Cass could teleport, one of his many tricks, and the two had the pleasure of coming and going from the Academy completely undetected. Noah relished the thought of slipping away in secret with one he could trust.

As the weeks turned to months, Harvard and Ruki grew restless and longed to leave the Academy behind. They began to question Poe periodically, probing him for information, about how to leave or disengage from the Academy or if there is a graduation date of sorts. Poe gave sparingly what he knew and he feigned to know very little as well. He was hard to crack, and when the two approached Akimi about her father she simply shook her head, eyes closed and face resolved. She knew well that he would not give away anything he did not wish them to know.

As their time passed, the lessons became more grueling and tedious. The level of difficulty never ceased to rise. Harvard, especially had grown stronger and had near impossible human strength. Noah had developed some control especially with his mastery of the elements: water and air. He also had become more connected to the earth, allowing him to bend the element to his will with greater ease. Akimi never used her powers outside of combat, she seemed to long for normalcy although she clearly could not attain it. Ruki never faltered but improved the least. Her ability came so naturally, there was no skill to hone, it was simply her body’s intrinsic reaction. The curly haired boy with hazel eyes, called Sovereign, grew sullen gradually. He withdrew and spoke very little, some days not at all. As the six approached their next set of trials, they found the air had a tinge of finality to it.

[govindhtech]

Enhance Your Gaming with MAG Codex 6 13th Accessories

Tech News: MAG Codex 6 13th & MAG274UPF

MAG Codex 6 13th

Baldur’s Gate 3 and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon were both critically acclaimed video games that were published in August of this year. Because the preceding effort on both games spanned about a decade before their releases in August 2023, it is widely considered to be the most emotionally affecting event in video gaming. These games will be shown to you while running on MAG Codex 6 inside of RTX 4060 8GB and RTX 4070 12GB together with MAG274UPF.

After a decade, a significant amount of progress has been made on Baldur’s Gate 3. Regardless of the game’s picture quality or how melodic the soundtrack is. A story-rich open environment that allows for a large amount of player agency is what makes this game so attractive. Depending on the choices we make, we either have the opportunity to become a hero or a villain. In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, we get to assume the roles of a wide variety of characters and interact with a wide variety of individuals. Fight together or do it alone and roam about. That is the question.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is the name of the second game. It was created by the renowned company FromSoftware, who were also responsible for creating the soul-like video game Elden Ring. They develop an entirely new fast-paced action shooting game in which the player assumes the role of a mercenary and operates a mech in order to complete various tasks. During the course of the missions, we need to acquire the cash to construct our mech in order to complete the fights.

The system requirements for these games are not too demanding, and MAG Codex 6 13th is more than capable of meeting them. To construct the system, Intel 13th CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40 series graphic cards are used as building blocks. And make advantage of DDR5 memory so that you can provide higher levels of performance than DDR4 memory. In addition, we are aware that a significant number of consumers have a requirement for a future update. The MAG Codex 6 13th is built out of ordinary components, which means that you won’t need to go hunting for specialized parts to upgrade in the near or far future. Components can be simply replaced.

The graphics quality of video games has significantly advanced over the last ten years. As a result, our most recent 4K gaming monitor, the MAG274UPF, is the one that we suggest for your preferred kind of entertainment. Because the MAG274UPF has a very high resolution, we are able to experience the highest possible picture quality and see the most intricate picture on the screen as we go over the whole globe of Baldur’s Gate.

A display with a high refresh rate is the ideal option for playing the action-packed shooting game at a quick speed. The MAG274UPF has a Rapid IPS panel architecture, which provides a seamless viewing experience in addition to zero ghosting technology. Allow you to overcome your foe in fights that take place in all directions.

MSI has also developed two curved gaming monitors, the MAG-275CQRF-QD and the MAG-325CQRF-QD, for those who like more immersive gaming experiences. The QD technology provides stunning color for video and gaming visuals, and the 1000R design included in both monitors makes for the finest gaming experience curve ratio. In addition, MSI creates a variety of color profiles, including sRGB and Adobe RGB profiles, to cater to the preferences of a wide range of customers. We are still able to enjoy the wonderful and authentic sensation of colors.

In conclusion, if you are interested in playing a variety of games on MSI gaming desktops or monitors, you may discover a suitable arrangement by visiting our website. You may choose the game you want to play as well as the size and resolution of the display you wish to use, and the system will demonstrate how the game works for you.