#c/4 hana

[rising-volteccers]

*agressivley slurps up the frozen wip through a silly straw* GOOD SHIT

You know what anon? Seeing this honestly sparked motivation that I ended up finishing the idea I have for [Frozen] so...

Series: Pokemon Horizons

Characters: Friede, Murdock, Liko, Roy

Part of my Status Effect series. I'll see if I have the motivation to do the caretaking part of this piece. Here's [Poison] if anyone wants to read that haha.

--

No one ever asked why Friede hated winter.

To be fair, even if someone did ask, he wasn't entirely sure what he’d say. Friede didn't exactly hate the season after all. How could he when it brought out a festive mood to the Brave Olivine? Where his crew brought out their scarves and jackets, sipping on Murdock’s special hot chocolate? Even the Pokemon that traveled with them for years understood the changing seasons meant special treats made to warm them up were given after dinnertime. 

Friede didn't really hate winter. Not at all. It was the cold. 

He hated the cold. Friede couldn't stand the way the cold air seeps down into his lungs, freezing him from the inside out. The chill always curled into the space around his heart, causing it to tighten with every breath he took. 

He hated how keeping warm was an ongoing battle. It felt like he just couldn't stay warm during the winter months no matter what he tried. Layering jackets and scarves, cocooning himself into multiple blankets in bed–regardless of his efforts, the cold would still somehow find its way through into his bones.

By this point in their travels, his crew rarely bat an eyelash when he started complaining about the cold. They knew he disliked it, not that he hated it. Sometimes they do get annoyed when he whines a little too much, and when that happens he'd sequester himself within his room, wrapped in multiple blankets until he felt a little more like himself again.

Friede complained a lot because the alternative was to let the chill settle in, leaving him miserable with chattering teeth and hands shoved deep into his pockets. He didn't want to bring a dampened mood to the table, and he somewhat preferred annoyance to concern. 

He knew it was by his own fault for not having the cleanest track record when it came to things that inconvenienced him. Friede kicked up a fuss for something minor like a cold but kept to himself when he sustained more serious injuries. It was just second nature for him to hide when vulnerable, as well as not worrying the people around him.

So Friede complained and whined so they don't see just how much he hated the cold. That it reminded him of long days within a dark, cold lab feeling numb. They just chalked it up to him being over dramatic, which suited him just fine.

When Liko and eventually Roy joined the crew, Friede slowly came to realize that these two looked up to him. It wasn't difficult to notice the way Roy hung on to his every word, or how Liko often turned to him for advice. With that realization came this want to be a good role model. 

So Friede helped with their training, imparting knowledge and doing all that he could to help these two grow. This also meant conducting himself in a certain way, seeing that he didn't want them to pick up on any of his ‘bad’ habits. 

When they eventually landed in a region deep into its winter months, he didn't complain about the cold. Friede simply found himself unable to in the first place, not when Roy expressed such wonder upon seeing light snow falling from the heavens. He didn't want to ruin it with his usual spiel, nor did he wish to break this strong, dependable image the kids had of him.

When it came time to explore the nearby town for supplies, Friede found himself trudging through ankle high snow alongside Liko, Roy and Murdock. He'd rather be back on the ship than out here but Murdock requested as many hands as possible to help carry the groceries he planned on buying. Orla had repairs she needed to do while Mollie went to check up on the Pokemon, leaving him and the kids as the only ones capable of assisting.

Sporting multiple layers to combat the cold, Friede stamped down on his mild jealousy of seeing Murdock and the kids dressing warmly with only an additional layer to their long sleeved clothes. He felt a bit stifled when moving about but the extra clothes kept him somewhat warm. 

Friede remained at the back of their little group throughout their walk. Quietly, he observed Roy’s open awe, Liko's quiet wonder and Murdock's musings. He listened to idle conversations shared between the trio, about how Roy’s island didn't even really get snow while Liko only experienced light dusting of it when winter arrived. Their excitement was palpable enough to make him smile.

At some point, the group walked along an elevated path next to a frozen pond. From their position, they spotted various Ice-types by the pond’s edge, looking like they were moving towards the nearby forest. 

Friede squinted his eyes to make out the exact Pokemon in the distance, leaving him half distracted. He didn't notice Fuecoco walking closer to the edge, prompting Roy to drift away from the group while Liko and Murdock were caught in a conversation. 

The sudden yelp immediately drew his attention. Friede whirled around just in time to experience a mild heart attack when he saw Roy disappear over the edge. Everyone scrambled to where Roy fell, peering down to find that he and Fuecoco had slid down the (thankfully) short slope onto the frozen pond.

“Roy! Are you and Fuecoco alright?” Friede called out, eyes already seeking for a path that would bring them closer.

“Ow… yeah, we're fine!” Roy responded. He held tightly on Fuecoco when his gaze swept his surroundings.

“Alright we're heading down! Make your way over there!” Friede pointed to the closest edge where Roy could get back on solid land. 

After Roy shakily got to his feet, all three of them quickly headed to the edge. Roy slowly shuffled his way over through slow, hesitant steps. He was about halfway across when he suddenly stopped, eyes widening.

“U-Uh. I think–I think I see cracks?”

“Keep moving Roy! Slow but steady!” Murdock’s voice encouraged the boy to continue but it was obvious how scared he was.

Without much thought, Friede stepped onto the frozen surface. Ignoring Murdock and Liko's surprised cries, his focus lay on getting to where Roy was. Seeing his approach granted the boy some much needed courage to keep moving.

When he got closer, that was when Friede spotted the cracks Roy mentioned. He didn't say anything, simply encouraging Roy until Friede managed to grab hold of his hand. 

“C’mon, just a little bit more. Slow and steady.”

Roy gave a tiny nod. Together, the duo shuffled their way closer to the edge. By then Murdock had stepped onto the pond while Liko remained on solid ground. He had his arm outstretched, ready to grab hold and pull them towards safety. 

Just when it seemed that they were in the homestretch, Friede's ears picked up on a terrifying noise. He couldn't help but look over his shoulder. 

A large crack had formed, rapidly moving to their position. 

His body simply moved on its own. Friede pulled Roy and Fuecoco close before shoving them towards Murdock’s outstretched arms. Another sharp crack sounded, followed by a litany of others. Friede looked up just in time to see the horror on everyone’s faces before the ice gave way, plunging him into dark waters.

The shock he experienced differed from Cap’s electrical ones; painful as can be but cold cold cold. Friede instinctively gasped, causing freezing water to fill his throat. Before panic truly seized him, he desperately kicked his legs, slowly propelling himself towards the hole he fell through.

Friede didn’t know who’s cry was louder; his or the kids when his head breached the water’s surface. He barely got a lungful of air before his head went back under again. With his eyes squeezed shut, it was pure instinct that pushed him to swim for the surface. 

He managed to get his head out of the water again, fighting to keep the panic at bay. Each breath was wet and painful, like millions of needles prickling his lungs. The extra layers he wore to keep warm now acted as anchors that weighed his body down. The frantic yell of his name prompted Friede to seek for its source.

That was when he spotted Murdock, stripped of his outer jacket whilst on his hands and knees. It looked like he was slowly crawling to where he was at. His friend looked fearful but determined.

“Grab it!” Murdock shouted, holding onto one of his coat’s sleeves before flinging the rest towards his general direction. Understanding his intent, Friede shakily grabbed onto the other sleeve, holding on for dear life.

Murdock started to worm backwards, flat on his belly with one hand tightly gripping the sleeve. He was doing a valiant attempt of dragging him out of the water but every time Friede got his elbow up on the edge of the ice to pull himself out, the ice couldn’t support him and broke.

Each time he fell back into the water, it squeezed out the air in his lungs. His heart pounded faster than he thought possible but adrenaline was one hell of a drug. Still, the icy waters rapidly drained his energy. Friede knew that the moment he let up in his desperate attempts of getting out, that was it.

Murdock ended up crawling closer again. Friede wished he had the breath to tell him not to reach out himself; falling in along with him would defeat the purpose of trying to rescue him.

“Roll,” Murdock gasped instead. “I know you can do it Friede. Roll.”

Even as his senses were getting dull, Friede had enough mental clarity to understand what Murdock meant by that. He got a shaking arm out of the water, still holding tightly onto the coat with his other hand. Through harsh, irregular breaths, he gingerly placed his elbow on the jagged edge of the hole. He twisted his body inwards, getting his knee onto the edge as well. With one last burst of energy, he pulled himself out before rolling away from the hole. He rolled and rolled until he couldn’t move anymore. 

As he laid there simply breathing, drenched and freezing cold, Murdock had wormed after him on his belly. Friede didn’t have anything left in him by the time Murdock hooked his hands underneath his armpits, pulling him away until they were presumably out of danger. 

Murdock eventually fell back, gasping for breath himself from the exertion of saving his life. Liko and Roy frantically approached them moments later.

“Friede, are you alright?” Liko asked first. He didn't have to look at her to know that she was scared.

“F-Friede I'm so sorry because of m-me…” Roy sounded like he was moments away from bursting into tears.

“H-Hey it's fi–” Whatever assurance he wanted to give evaporated the moment he tried to turn onto his side, coughing out the water he inhaled during his struggle. Odd how he’d be freezing but feel like his lungs were burning.

Hands quickly settled on his back for support, and it was those same hands that helped him sit up. Friede ended up slumping against Murdock's side, too drained to be of much help.

“S-S-Sorry ‘bout g-getting you w-wet,” he spoke through chattering teeth. Feeling the way his hair plastered over his face, it wouldn't surprise him if a layer of frost had formed already. Friede certainly felt more ice than human by this point.

“That's the least of your worries. C’mon, we gotta get you back to the ship.” Thankfully, Murdock took charge of the situation. Friede didn't have the capacity to assure Liko and Roy right now.

Before Murdock lifted him to his feet, Friede shakily put on the damp jacket Murdock used to pull him out. He couldn't protest when Liko wrapped her and Roy’s scarves around his neck. They couldn't remove his soaked clothes right now so the best they could do was put more layers on him. 

“You have Charizard's Pokeball on you?” Murdock asked.

Right, he did have it. Charizard would be able to provide some much needed warmth. Friede tried to reach for the Pokeball clipped to his belt but his fingers refused to cooperate. 

Liko noticed his struggles so she leaned in to carefully grab the Pokeball, uttering a soft apology for encroaching on his personal space like this. She swiftly released Charizard from its Pokeball.

His partner immediately zeroed in on him. It growled softly, quickly going to his side, eyes shifting between Friede and Murdock.

“We need to get him back to the ship. Can you stick close to his side for some warmth?”

Charizard grunted once. It opened up one wing to partially cover Murdock and Friede, somewhat shielding them from the light breeze blowing past. Flying directly on Charizard would be the faster option but Friede barely had any strength for even walking, let alone holding onto Charizard through the flight. This was the best option they had at the moment.

“Liko, Roy can you head back to the ship first and let Mollie know what happened? Contact her on the way back and help her with anything she needs.”

“Okay!” The kids quickly set off to do just that.

“I think it's better if I carry you on my back. Do you think you can hold on?”

Friede's teeth chattered too much for a verbal reply so instead, he gave the tiniest of nods. With Charizard's help, he got on Murdock's back, arms loosely wrapped around his friend's neck. Murdock kept him secured by holding onto his legs. 

By the time Murdock began the journey back to the ship, Friede's eyes slid shut. Vaguely, he recalled Mollie’s words on how dangerous it was to fall asleep when freezing cold. He did his best to stay awake but he had no energy left in the tank.

Friede drifted off in the cold he hated, unaware of Murdock's increasingly frantic calls and Charizard's growls.

[hashem-bader]

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[dovveri]

the right reasons

bachelorette masterlist - part 1 ▸ part 2 ▸ part 3 ▸ part 4 ▸ part 5 ▸ part 7

synopsis: final stretch of the season. home visits.

warnings: implied sex

w/c: 3.4k

a/n: apologies for late update i have been laid on my literal deathbed with sickness and the brain juices have basically run out for this series so this is a short update to get them flowing again and hopefully i can wrap it up soon 🙏 ty for the support as always!

‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅

the next few days are hectic with house visits. because of the contract you had both signed, and the fact that the entire nation has been invested with sana's journey to find love, it was a given that sana wouldn't be able to just drop out of show. that didn't mean she didn't try, in fact you had to pull her back from calling all the lawyers in the district to break her contract, insisting that it was fine to see the show through and that you were going to be there for her no matter what. it took a few more assurances, and a couple rounds of sex, kisses, and promised cuddles before she reluctantly agreed to continue filming the upcoming home visits.

jiwon's family was first. you had both met her younger siblings and her several nieces and nephews that were very young. they were all very sweet and it was adorable watching jiwon entertain the young ones.

fortunately, the classic 'father figure that gives the intruder the i'll kill you if you hurt her speech' wasn't present because it seemed jiwon served as that person for her younger siblings. though her younger sister was a little skeptical at first, she easily warmed up when she saw how great sana was with her kids.

sana and jiwon wrapped up the night with a private talk, one which sana didn't share with you, but you were learning to trust her, even though it still looked like she was dating 4 people and soon to choose the love of her life, you had to trust that it was going to be you after it all ended.

jacky's family was next except since most of his family was back in australia, you actually just had a nice dinner at jacky's apartment with eunji who jacky had nominated as his family stand-in. you had apologised profusely to eunji for not being a better friend and not being there for her on the night she was eliminated but she laughed at you and rolled her eyes, saying it was completely fine. she was also friendly with sana who was a little anxious seeing her again so soon after practically rejecting her on national television, but eunji was extremely cool, and they got along even better as friends.

if you ignored the cameras set up everywhere and the producers running in and out, it was a pretty normal night between 4 friends. you had enjoyed dinner made by both jacky and eunji, drunk soju, sung bad karaoke on jacky's home-installed karaoke television set, and played nintendo switch games all night.

in typical bachelor fashion, jacky and sana also had their own private talk on the balcony towards the end of the night, although it was a little silly watching the producers and camera crew figure out how to film it because it was a small apartment, meant only for jacky to live in, so the balcony was basically right outside the living room where you and eunji had stayed, trying not to look outside and give them their privacy while they were having their mandated talk.

then, the crew had surprised everyone with a flight to japan for momo's home visit. momo had greeted all of you at the airport in a traditional kimono and one ready for sana as well. sana had teared up seeing her and being in her country of birth again. the next few hours were a whirlwind as momo and her sister hana took you all for a tour of their home city, stopping by all the essential places to eat, take pictures at, and had even brought you to momo's old dance studio where they had readied a performance just for sana. the producers were very happy with the amount of content they were getting as you explored the city.

you could tell sana absolutely loved this date. the amount of planning momo put into it showed how much she wanted to impress sana, and how much she understood her homesickness and her love for her birth country. it was hard to be jealous of momo getting most of sana's attention during the date when sana was on the verge of tears at every new sight, sound, and feeling. and momo was a sweetheart anyway, always being inclusive of everyone, making sure she was there if anyone needed translation or help with anything, you adored her as a friend, grateful that she was able to provide this experience for sana during the stressful filming season it's been.

you ended the day at momo's house. you met her parents and although you were a little intimidated by her dad's buff physique, he turned out to be a big teddy bear who supported his daughter more than anything. both her parents were glad to be able to converse with sana in their native language, and easily warmed up to her because of the fact that she was japanese and communication was made a lot easier. you spent a lot of the dinner just watching them, only catching hints of their conversation from your select knowledge about the japanese language, but momo noticed eventually and tried to translate as much as she could which you appreciated very much.

it was only a little awkward when momo and sana went for their end of the night chat and you had to sit with momo's family attempting to make small talk with your broken japanese. it turned out okay when momo's mom smiled sweetly and brought out dessert, turning on the television and flicking to an episode of the bachelorette with japanese subtitles. it turned out to be the episode that heechul had tried to rizz up momo and sana using his almost offensive japanese, and you were all able to laugh as you tried to explain using gestures and your best attempt at charades exactly what type of man heechul was behind the scenes.

although japan and korea weren't far, the crew had let you had some time off in japan and granted a day off after filming the dinner with momo's family so that sana could go home and see her family as well. so that night you had taken the bullet train from kyoto to osaka and sana had held your hand, leaning into you as she talked through her childhood stories softly. it felt like it was just the two of you against the rest of the world.

the next day sana was positively glowing. she practically skipped around you in circles while she took you around her home town. it was clear she was loved and missed in the neighbourhood. sweet old ladies and old friends were stopping her everywhere, asking how she was, if she was going to move back to japan soon, everyone wanted a piece of her.

you had dinner with sana's parents who you'd met already when they flew to korea for sana's graduation. although there was still the language barrier, it was easily overcome when sana's mom started showing you albums of sana's baby pictures and pictures of her throughout her childhood.

sana had squealed adorably, trying to cover up her baby pictures and chasing you around the house while you yelled out comments while rapidly flipping through the pictures before she could catch you.

you ended the night collapsed on sana's bed in her childhood room, cuddled into each other. you never really decorated your room when you were younger, too repressed and focused on your studies to ever find the time or worth in doing so. but seeing sana's walls plastered with old japanese anime posters, idols, her ceiling dotted with glow-in-the-dark stars, and pictures of her friends and family everywhere, you can't help but yearn for the childhood you could've had if you had tore away from the books for a little bit.

you're both laid supine on the bed, looking at the imitation night sky sana has in her room, little do you know sana's gaze is focused on you instead.

"y/n?"

"hmm?"

"thank you for being here."

"are you kidding? i wouldn't be anywhere else in the world right now. plus we just got a free trip to japan, life couldn't be any better. i should be thanking you."

sana giggles and fully turns her body, facing you and draping an arm over your stomach. you have your arm under her neck, supporting it while she nuzzles into you.

when she starts playing with the bottom of your shirt, sneaky fingers sliding up and under it, you squeeze out a warning, "sana... your parents are literally next door."

you can feel her smirk against your neck as she starts leaving light kisses along it, and you're helpless, lifting your head slightly to give her better access.

she hums against you, "you can be quiet can't you?"

you make a muffled sound of protest, "your childhood idols and plushies are watching us right now."

you can't see it but sana rolls her eyes, continuing her way up your neck, "i lived out my teen years in here. you think they haven't seen me get off?"

you squirm at the thought, the image of sana under her sheets, trying to keep quiet while she touched herself to whatever fantasies she had at the time.

"you're thinking about it aren't you? how i looked- coming home after school- do you have a school uniform kink y/n? that's slightly concerning y'know?" she leaves a hot trail of dangerous kisses up your throat with each phrase, intent on driving you absolutely crazy.

"n-no!"

"mm okay." then her lips are on yours and really, you should know better than to alert her parents of your sexual proclivities but when sana's licking into you like that you can't blame yourself for not being able to think straight.

‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅

the final date is of course, with jihyo back in korea.

you were nervous walking in through the front door, the sight of jihyo's parents and her sisters, all familiar faces from when sana and jihyo used to host parties and get-togethers for the various holidays of the year.

fortunately, jihyo's parents and rest of her family were sweet enough to welcome the both of you with open arms. as if the breakup never happened. you gripped sana's hand tightly knowing she was probably going through a hellstorm of emotions right now, being in an environment that reminded her of the brokenness jihyo left her with.

what you did not expect was jihyo's ex-boyfriend to also be at the dining table, all smiles and big buff arms.

sana's hand tightened around yours at the sight of him, her eyes quickly flashing to jihyo with a mixture of hurt and disbelief. jihyo avoids her gaze, sitting down next to her ex-boyfriend instead.

you hear sana take a deep breath, composing herself before the cameras and smiling, you can see straight through it though, keeping her hand in yours when you take your seats at the table, glaring daggers at both jihyo and her ex.

it's clear the tension around the table is present.

jihyo's mom clears her throat, attempting to strike up a conversation, "so sana... it's been a while since we've seen you. what have you been up to?"

sana smiles politely, "well this entire show has been a pretty big thing lately. although i will say i was very surprised to see jihyo there on opening night. not as surprised as i am to see your ex-boyfriend here though." sana directs towards jihyo, a little harshly, stabbing her food with her fork.

"sungbin. it's nice to meet you." sungbin offers a polite nod, but keeps mostly to himself.

"sungbin is my best friend. i thought if y/n could go on this whole experience with you then it wouldn't be a problem if i brought my best friend along." her tone is cutting, like she knows something you don't. "besides... my family's already met you and given you their approval. i thought the whole point of home visits was to get to know people close to me and see if they like you?"

sana shuffles a little in her seat, her grip on you tightens. "right."

the table falls silent again, only the sounds of cutlery scrapping against plates able to be heard.

it's more than awkward and you can see the producers talking worriedly with each other, coming up with any ways to make this more entertaining.

it's jihyo's dad that clears his throat this time, "so sana... do you think you've found your 'one' on this show? i know jihyo is a contestant on your show but know we still care about you and want the best for you, even if that's not our daughter." he smiles kindly, while his wife pecks him on the cheek for his sweet words.

"dad!" jihyo startles.

"what? just because you decided to break up with sana doesn't mean we wanted to let go of her."

"yeah sungbin isn't nearly as good as you at super mario bros even with all those muscles." jihyo's youngest sister chimes in with a laugh, lightening the mood easily as you slip into old conversations and reminiscing better times. you can see the producers visibly relaxing as conversation starts flowing, but jihyo is still tense, unable to look at anyone except sungbin in the eye.

eventually the night leads you into board games with the family while sana takes jihyo outside to talk. you give her a reassuring look before she heads outside, sungbin gives you a strange glance but you don't bother paying him any attention. regardless of his presence, he was still a stranger to you.

you're celebrating your third pass by the go slot in monopoly when the argument outside starts to get louder and louder, able to be heard from inside the house.

"why would you bring him here!?"

"what do you mean why? don't tell me you haven't been sneaking around with y/n this entire time! you haven't even given this show a chance have you?! you haven't given us a chance!"

"jihyo i told you last time that we are over! we have been over for over a year now!"

"i apologised for that okay! i just thought- i didn't think you'd be the type of person to go on this show for the wrong reasons sana."

"what- what wrong reasons?!"

"you're not here to find love! you've had it! even when we were dating i always thought it was kinda weird how close you and y/n were!"

"what- what are you talking about jihyo?!"

"you know damn well what i'm talking about."

"i don't."

"the fact that you've been in love with y/n since way before we were dating sana."

"wh- what?!"

"yeah. i figured if you're not taking this experience seriously than i give you a taste of your own medicine. that's why i invited sungbin tonight. everyone talks about people only coming on these reality shows for their 15 minutes of fame, i didn't peg you to be one of them sana."

"i am taking this seriously! how can you tell me anything about what i've been doing when you've had tunnel vision this entire time? you've only been focused on trying to get me back after i already told you that we're over!"

"if you are taking this seriously then tell me you don't have feelings for y/n. tell me you're going to end up with one of the final four, it doesn't have to be me, but don't you think you owe it to the others who have been trying so hard to impress you this entire time to give it your all?"

"i- that's not for you to decide jihyo."

"you can't say it can you?"

there's silence for a bit, the muffled sound of sniffling. you can't help but feel like you're intruding, and the fact that everything was being filmed and recorded right now made it even worse.

you quietly slip out of board games night and head towards the producers.

"you're going to cut that out right?"

"sorry?"

"their conversation. you'll cut it out?"

"excuse me, who do you think you are?"

"sana's best friend. who cares about her and her national reputation as korea's most eligible bachelorette."

the producer sighs exasperatedly, "we'll see what we do in the final edits. no promises." he rolls his eyes and pushes past you to go talk to the camera directors.

you hurridely go outside to see sana sitting on the balcony, her head in her hands, jihyo looking out across the balcony.

"sana?"

they both turn to you, jihyo rolls her eyes predictably, scoffing and moving past you back inside. you take the opportunity to step outside and close the door behind you.

"sana sweetheart..."

sana's eyes are watery, barely concealed emotions rampant across her face.

"cameras." she gestures weakly around the balcony where cameras and microphones are still set up.

"let's go home then."

she takes a breath, nodding slightly and taking your outstretched hand, you squeeze it reassuringly, leading her out of the house and offering your goodbyes to jihyo's family.

rather than take the driver back to the bachelorette pad, you insist on driving and giving the driver the rest of the night off. that way, you can at least ensure the both of you aren't under the watchful eye of producers looking to make a buck off sana's misfortune for entertainment.

it also helps that you can take a detour and head to a late night ice-cream parlour you and sana used to go to all the time as college students.

you grin when you see sana's expression immediately brighten when you pull up into familiar streets.

"where are we going y/n?"

"somewhere as sweet as you."

"ice-cream?"

"mhm."

she squeals happily, hugging you and you try your best to return it with a laugh while you keep your eyes on the road.

you park and walk into the ice-cream parlour hand in hand.

sana beams when she walks in, excited to taste test all the flavours despite always getting the same thing every time. you let her be childish again to forget all the things jihyo's said to her.

once she's tasted everything you order your usual white crumble pistachio and strawberry yoghurt for sana.

as always, she has to try some of yours and you must try some of hers because she's tried yours so it's only fair. except this time she leans in to kiss you, the flavours mixing on your tongues, a sweet kiss with no cameras or pressure, a moment just for the two of you.

after you're both finished with your cones, she leans into you, placing her head on your shoulder.

"about what jihyo said..."

"it's okay sana. you don't have to explain anything. i shouldn't have been eavesdropping anyway."

she snorts, "well i mean- it's going to be broadcast nationally anyway."

"maybe not. producers said they'll take it into consideration."

"mm. i haven't- i don't-"

you let her think, placing an arm around her shoulder comfortingly, letting her come up with the words in her own time.

"i love you. i told you that already. i don't know for how long- maybe jihyo's right and maybe i've always loved you. that doesn't mean that- it doesn't meant that i haven't put my all into this right?"

"of course not sweetie. i don't know if it was the same for you but i didn't even realise i had romantic feelings for you until during this. in the beginning, i was completely focused on finding the person that would be right for you. and i think you were too. it just so happened that halfway through, we started- well i realised that you were it for me." you turn to face her gently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and caressing her cheek.

she rubs her nose against yours softly with a smile, "you're it for me too. i'll figure out how to get through the rest of the season, but i think jihyo's right in that i have to start being honest with the rest of the contestants. none of them deserve to be led on like this."

"i'm sorry i kinda fucked up this whole show for you."

she pecks you chastely, "silly... we wouldn't be here together or have realised our feelings for each other if this didn't happen right? we just have to be selfish for a little more."

you sigh against her, bringing her into a proper kiss, lips trying to convey just how much you felt for her.

[yellowis4happy]

Help Hashem afford shelter!

This is my friend Hashem @support-heshem (shown here with his son Nabil). Hashem has been trapped in the middle of a brutal genocide for over 400 days. Even more tragically, he was forcibly separated from his beloved family a year ago, when they evacuated and he was made to stay behind. You can read more about his experiences here, as well as on his blog.

Tragically, his tent (pictured below) was recently destroyed in a bombing and he now has no shelter! He and his extended family urgently need to raise enough money for three new tents, which will total about $3,600.

Vetted as #102 on the gazavetters spreadsheet: [x]

In the past day and a half he has raised £185, but he needs £1,015 more to buy even one tent!

Please match my £10 donation so that Hashem can afford shelter!

Tagging for reach, please share (message me if you want off this list):

@mothernatureslonelyson @mettaworldpiece @brount @11thsense @finnstansonly

@diasdelasombra @chicafinal @vvhoregraham @lesbianredhood @pinkmisspiggy

@certifiedsexed @lesbianmaxevans @dlxxv-vetted-donations @beserkerjewel @womenintheirwebs @mistress--kanzaki

@rainy-fog @layla240 @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @opencommunion

@phaon1 @neptunerings @fogpowers @kordeliiius

@finalgirlabigailhobbs @determinate-negation @mangocheesecake @a-shade-of-blue

[hehemechief]

I have been reached out by @support-hashem to write and spread about his campaign. I am also writing this post as I am unable to donate.

Hashem and his family used to live peacefully together, he, his wife and their children. But as the current genocide had started, Hashem, and his family lost everything they own. He then used all his efforts to evacuate his wife and children. They evacuated to Morocco, where Hashem's wife is from. However, Hashem still remains in Gaza. This fundraiser is to help Hashem reunite with his family and evacuate, as well as help his children to overcome from what they experienced in genocide.

It is a vetted campaign, proof below: #102 on @/gazavetters verified fundraiser spreadsheet

Link to gfm:

Donations are very low at the moment!!!! Only £1,592 out of £50,000 total goal. Hashem is also suffering as result of what is happening in the north of Gaza, having lost his uncle, and is also getting harassed on tumblr here. Imagine trying to just survive through these hardships and being treated like this. Share some words of kindness through his blog if you can. Please share, reblog and donate if you are able.

Random tagging below:

@neechees @neptunerings @maoistyuri @sayruq @queerdaydreamz

@90-ghost @girlinafairytale @loserlesbianongsa @artificialcaretaker @kibumkim

@lune-tic @gir-posting @buttercuparry @brokenbackmountain @a-shade-of-blue

@irhabiya @blackgirlsreverything @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @ashwantsafreepalestine @awek-s

@boochanz @bandzboy @scouped

[thinkingangle]

🎶Some Music Theory thoughts on Mizu5’s song “Bake no Hana”🎶:

1. The tempo is 180bpm and the beginning is meant to make you feel like you’re running from something. The music style is very similar to the way movie composers write chase scenes in serious films like Mission Impossible or horror movies.

2. The key for the first verse, I’m 99% sure, is C# Harmonic Minor. Any C# key is harsh to begin with but harmonic minor keys are a bit jarring. They follow a normal minor scale pattern until the 7th note which is lowered a half step. This makes the jump between the last 2 notes much larger and more unsteady.

This is C# Natural Minor, The “normal” one:

This is C# Harmonic Minor, the one used for a majority of the song:

B becoming B# dramatically changes the way the song sounds and works musically.

(Shoutout to basicmusictheory.com for the visuals)

3. Speaking of keys, It changes keys OFTEN which makes you feel uneasy and unbalanced. You can’t predict where the notes are leading because it doesn’t follow a typical scale pattern in the melody or a typical modulation pattern when it changes keys. Chords will usually all follow a pattern when moving to a different key which makes it predictable. That’s completely thrown out the window in this song.

Usually when a modulation happens you go to a complimentary key. For example, if a song is in C Major, a key it will probably modulate to is F Major or A Minor.

In this song, we modulate from C# Harmonic Minor to B Harmonic Minor (I THINK there’s only 3 notes in that part so it’s hard to tell) which is not a key C# Harmonic usually modulates to.

4. The rhythm is very syncopated, which means not on the beat. That also creates a sense of unease. To add to that, the “it’s off” part of the lyrics that is the most syncopated also has an uneasy note combination. The notes are minor 2nds. Think of the Jaws theme, that melody is all minor 2nds. (If you have a piano or piano app play any 2 notes next to each other. Usually it’ll be a black and a white key. If you choose to start on E or B it’s 2 white keys. And there you have it you just played Jaws)

I haven’t gone and done a FULL analysis of the song, this is just from what I’m hearing. I might do a full analysis of this if this gains enough traction.

Anyways hope y’all are doing ok because, at least for me, Mizu5 was more heartbreaking and intense than I thought it was gonna be 🥲

Have a happy Mizuki, I know we all could use it ❤️

[daughterofthemuse]

Thoughts on 'Wrath of the Triple Goddess'

General Thoughts

This book was a lot of fun.

Nope was the cutest ever

Hecate's house is WILD. The knockers? The aesthetic choices? The BATHROOMS? She 1000% committed to the bit

Some ppl have said that the recent Riordanverse books have had themes. (Roughly speaking,) 'The Sun and the Star' was about accepting yourself and moving through trauma, and 'Chalice of the Gods' was about growing up, aging and embracing the changes that come with it (kinda ironic for focusing on a character who is known for turning 17 every year). I thought 'Wrath of the Triple Goddess' could have been about grief and family, but it's actually abt choices and regrets. Bc ofc the book abt Ἑκάτη (Hecate), the goddess of crossroads, would be abt choices.

Fanart I want to see

The Halloween costumes Percy, Grove & Annabeth wore

Human!Grover, Owl-a-beth & Octo-Percy

The Campers' Halloween costumes

Page-by-page notes that I took (with quotes)

I'm always careful not to look at my mom's screen while she's writing, because a) I know it makes her nervous, b) the floating words make me queasy, and c) I can't help wondering if she's writing a character based on me. Maybe that sounds self-centered, but the idea of anybody writing a book about me makes me super paranoid. (pg 16)

Bud, I'm sorry, but it's a decade and a half too late for that

She knew exactly what I was saying, even if Dave and Hana didn't. "She can't do all your homework for you, dude," Hana said. "Yeah, she has to do our homework," Dave said. "Ugh, you two," Annabeth said, but she gave them a smile. "Okay, Jackson, I can spare you a few minutes, Come on." She hauled me up and led me out of the library, Paul and Hana whispering behind our backs, (pg 24)

Oh look, surprise name change! (/j)

Then his eyes drifted up to the gargoyles on the roof. "Oh, wow." "I know, spooky," Annabeth agreed. Grover scratched his goatee. "I was going to say the one on the left looks like my Aunt Helena. But guess that's the same thing." (pg 32)

Grover's Aunt Helena is probably a harpy / nasty wind Spirit

I'd barely been able to master numbers and colors in Spanish, even with my friend Leo Valdez as a tutor. (pg 35)

Rick is making himself plotholes. Percy is being tutored in Spanish by the missing Leo. It's only Chapter 4!

We had some trouble on Third Avenue when Hecuba decided attack a Lil Zeus Greek food cart, but I managed to pull her off before she killed the cook or devoured his meat supply. Dude wasn't too happy. He yelled something in Greek at me--maybe Please control your rhinoceros--but I couldn't be too mad at Hecuba. For one thing, the food smelled good. For another, anything labeled Zeus sent me into attack mode, too. (pg 64)

Lil Zeus Greek food cart? a) Percy should have understood more of the Greek dude's language, unless he did actually think the hellhound was a rhino and b) fair on attacking it

I took out Riptide. With the tip of the blade, I etched a message on the sidewalk: Went to Gramercy. That was another trick I'd only learned in the last month. One day when I was bored, sitting on a sidewalk while my mom shopped for clothes for her first author signing, I discovered that Riptide could sketch glowing lines on asphalt that no regular mortals could see. The markings lasted about three hours before fading away--less if it rained. It made me wonder why I'd never seen Celestial bronze graffiti around from other demigods. (pg 68)

Riptide can write on the pavement?

He couldn’t have been more than six weeks old. "You want another treat?" I asked him. "Nope!" he barked, which apparently meant Yes, please, I'll take the whole bag. I couldn't help but smile. "Is that your name? Nope?" He tilted his head, maybe thinking about it. "Nope!" "Okay, then that's what I'll call you." He crawled right into my lap. He was heavy--like fifty pounds--and floppy, with ridiculously oversize paws that told me he was going to be a rhino-size hellhound someday. I scratched behind his ears and kept feeding him treats, letting him get used to the sound of my voice. (pg 87)

Percy’s getting a Hellhound puppy that can say nope????

The man who was eating a late breakfast at Dr. Sharma's desk was definitely not Dr. Sharma. His dark hair and beard were flecked with gray. He wore a rumpled tweed jacket, tie, and dress shirt, with a flannel blanket over his lap. His old-fashioned wheel-chair had hand-pushed steel wheels and well-worn black leather armrests. He held a half-eaten bagel in one hand and a steaming cup of tea in other. I registered all these details with perfect clarity, but somehow, I still did not recognize him. (pg 99)

WHAT IS CHIRON DOING AT PERCY’S SCHOOL?

"The Adventures of Mom, Chew Toy, and Alley Boy," Annabeth mused. (pg 115)

pffft! And look, an Oxford comma!

My friend Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, also had the ability. He'd used it once to take me Christmas shopping in Florence. (Long story.) (pg 133)

Nico took Percy Christmas shopping in Florence? I need this story.

“Okay,” I said. “Maybe pack isn’t the right word. I don’t know why Hecate turned you into a hellhound. Gods are weird. I have a friend whose dad once turned her into a tree. Maybe Hecate saved you the only way she knew how. It’s not perfect, but it’s still love.” Hecuba gazed at the ocean—a view she’d probably seen thousands of times when she was a mortal. She’d watched the Greek ships anchor off that coast, ready for war. She’d watched her children die in battle on that rocky beach before the walls of her doomed city. (pg 137)

Is this book abt grief & family?

I frowned. "I didn't figure you for a nightclub guy." "Are you kidding? I can hoof-boogie with the best of them! I've still got that wedding-dress outfit from the Sea of Monsters, too." He sighed. "Maybe someday." (pg 142)

Grover still has his wedding dress?

Pracktical forcery and Potionf for Beginnyng Uferf (pg 144)

Oh look, it's that old-timey font where 'S' is really tall and skinny and kinda looks like an 'f'!

Under this collection was a brass plaque engraved with WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN. I lifted the top of the display case. I picked up a pair of blue-framed glasses that were snapped in half at the bridge. They were the same ones I'd seen in my vision of the child pedaling away from the manse in terror. On the right stem, the initials SEJ were monogrammed in gold. I felt like I had shadow-traveled into a block of ice. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. SEJ. I knew those initials. (pg 145)

SEJ, Sally's initials?

I didn't realize that when he'd said ground himself, he'd meant literally cover himself with the ground. He sat down in a flower bed and started to heap leaves and dirt over his legs. (pg 147) ... Two more tunneled through the leaves and skittered up Grover's legs. Within a minute, there were dozens, maybe hundreds. Honestly, I had no idea. I never had to count squirrels in numbers that high before Grover's torso disappeared under a tidal wave of chittering fur and twitching bushy tails. Somewhere in the mix of brown and gray, I spotted one very large black rat, who quickly disappeared in the sea of its squirrely comrades. (pg 148)

This grounding thing is weird... Could it be a Pan thing?

As he nibbled his cake, I said, "Okay. Tell me." He shrugged listlessly. "It's just... grounding myself like that? It's pretty powerful magic. I can only do it because I'm a Cloven Elder." Grover was too modest. He rarely talked about it, but after the Battle of Manhattan, he'd been promoted to the council of the three most important satyrs in the world, which in my mind made him an elite boss. "It's dangerous?" I guessed. "Oh... nothing I'd worry about," he said. "Not a big deal. It's just when I do that, when I connect with nature on that level, there's always a small chance..." "Yes?" He nibbled more cake. "That I might dissolve into nothing." (pg 151)

Yep, it's a Pan thing. And oh, the grounding thing is like Nico at the end of BoO... okay. This is great /s

And Grover seemed to enjoy being called Cloven Elder. My thoughts started rambling, as they do. I wondered if I should call him CE for short. Did that mean before he became a Cloven Elder he was Grover BCE? This is how my mind works. Welcome to the chaos. (pg 156)

Grover BCE, YES!

The name of the place glittered in pearly white over the door: AEAEA. I guess they'd spent all their money on the storefront decorations and hadn't been able to afford any consonants for their sign. "What is it?" Grover asked. "Not sure," I said. "The name of that place mean anything to you?" Grover tried to pronounce it. "It looks like something Hephaestus might scream when he drops a hammer on his foot." (pg 158)

Αἰαία (Aeaea)? Κίρκη (Circe)????

"My name is Filomena," she said, her jaw clenched. "Aeaea was my home island. But you don't even remember, do you?" (pg 161)

Dude doesn't remember the last time someone recognized him and accused him of destroying their home, does he?

A noxious purple fog started to rise around us. I recovered my senses, yelled, "Aeaea!" (because it was on my mind) and blasted the potion fog right back at Filomena. "Ack!" she complained, now speckled head to toe in magical whatever-it-was. "How dare you!" (pg 162)

Poison manipulation again????

"I take it you didn’t recognize the naiads?" "From where?" Grover asked. "You weren't with us," Annabeth told him. "You were stuck in a Cyclops's cave at the time." Grover shivered. "The Sea of Monsters." "Yep. The naiads are from the island of Aeaea." I rubbed my sore neck. "I think I would've remembered a name like Aeaea." Annabeth considered that. "Actually, you're right. I don't thínk anyone called it that when we were there. It's another name for Circe's Island." (pg 184) ... "Circe had four main handmaidens," Annabeth said. "The Aeaean nymphs. They were responsible for preparing her potions. I guess when the pirates burned down C.C.'s Spa--" "The naiads came to Manhattan," Grover finished. "And set up competing perfume shops. As one does." (pg 185)

I knew they were from Αἰαία! And Lore drop!

Whenever Annabeth joined the chat, the odds of us doing something idiotic went way down. The odds were never zero, mind you, because I was still in the mix. (pg 186)

"Annabeth joined the chat..." Bro, why. Why did you use that piece of slang?

With the help of one of the costume people, Annabeth had done her hair and makeup like it had been on Circe's Island. She looked incredible, but you don't have to take my word for it. The costume person's exact reaction was "You look incredible." Then she turned to Grover and me and said "Now, these two are are a challenge." We were dressed as Annabeth's servants/bodyguards/loyal gladiators? I'm not even sure, but we weren't rocking the look very well. Grover wore a gladiator's breastplate and a leather kilt sort of of thing, with a big plastic sword at his side. I got dressed like a retiarius--one of those Colosseum fighters with the weighted nets and the tridents. The trident seemed a little on the nose for me, but it wasn't my biggest complaint. My "armor" was basically an oversize loincloth with a thick leather belt, sandals, and a weird shield-sleeve thing on my left arm that reminded me of a pizza pan. This meant I would basically be walking around Manhattan in late October in my underwear. Annabeth added a big helmet with a faceplate so nobody would recognize me unless they literally got up in my grill. (pg 187)

I need art of these costumes

23. We Find the Lair of Evil Perfume

Annabeth is doing a ton of amazing work this chapter!

Annabeth responded, "WHOOOO!" (pg 206)

Annabeth, daughter of the Owl Goddess, hooted. It only took her 24 books and 5 years

I raised my hands--except I didn't have hands anymore. Where my arms used to be were eight thick purple tentacles lined with pink suction cups. One tentacle was curled around Riptide. I was so shocked I loosened my hold, letting the blade drop. "Oh.." I wanted to throw up. No offense to octopuses. I've had some great conversations with octopuses. But I didn't want to have their tentacles. My new appendages felt wet and slimy. Powerful muscles rippled under the skin. The suckers clasped and unclasped, smelling the air, searching for something to grip. "This is bad." (pg 207)

Well octo-Percy is... interesting

He was staring down at his legs and weeping. Where his furry goat hindquarters had been, there was bare skin, forward-articulating knees, and instead of hooves... feet. Five-toed feet not too different from mine. "Human," he sniffled. "That's the worst kind of beast!" (pg 207 & 208)

Oh, poor Grover. Also... very interesting "humans are the worst kind of beast"

Annabeth turned her head 180 degrees and shrieked at the nymph. "AWK!" (pg 208)

180-degree head turn from Annabeth!

Grover shuffed awkwardly toward Daedra. "How do you walk on these? They're so tender! Ouch. Ouch. Ouch." (pg 209)

We don't normally walk barefoot. And I want art of human!Grover

I saw a young woman in tattered brown robes. She carried a leather pack over one shoulder, loaded with medicinal plants, vials, salves, and scrolls. It was her life's work--all she could salvage when the Colossians chased her out of their city. She struggled up a steep mountain path, occasionally stopping to grip her stomach, crying out in pain. Tears streaked her face, smearing the kohl around her eyes so she appeared to have a black mask. (pg 215)

Gale Lore drop? Poor Gale!

I'd been wrong about Hecate. She hadn't turned Gale into a polecat out of jealousy. The reason was worse. She'd empathized. She'd lacked faith that Gale could survive on her magical talents alone. Hecate of all people knew how the world saw witches. She'd pitied Gale, admired her, and yes, maybe even feared her a little, but she could not imagine a mere human succeeding when she, a goddess, had failed. So Gale had to cease being human. (pg 218)

Poor Hecate too. Dam patriarchy & fear of the unknown

And no way did I want to be around when orange goo started dripping through Hades's palace ceiling. I'd met his plumbers. They tended to solve all his problems with fery whips. (pg 219)

The Kindly Ones aren't plumbers, Percy

I'll say it again: thank the gods for Halloween. I doubt any amount of Mist could have hidden Owl-a-beth and Octo-Percy from the curious eyes of mortals as we fled, especially since my tentacles kept slapping passers by for no particular reason. Because it was Halloween, though, most people would think, Wow, those costumes are incredible, and that third guy is fully human! Amazing! (pg 222)

Yeah, Halloween does a lot for hiding mythical stuff. Cuts both ways tho

Annabeth gagged. Her beak opened wide. Her owl eyes got even larger. Her crown feathers stood on end like blades. She brought her hands to her throat—the universal sign for choking. I panicked. Would the Heimlich maneuver work on a half human, half raptor? I only had octopus tentacles, but I hustled behind her and did my best to find her sternum the way my fourth-grade health teacher had taught us. I thrust upward into her diaphragm. COUGH! An owl pellet the size of a melon shot from her throat and bounced off the opposite wall. She doubled over, breathing heavily. When she straightened again, she was normal Annabeth—human face, human hair with the scent of her usual apple shampoo. (pg 225)

Coughing that up must've been painful. And I'm pretty sure the Heimlich maneuver isn't recommended anymore

Grover seemed to follow my thoughts. “Tomorrow is Halloween. There’s no way three people can fix this mansion before Hecate gets back. (pg 230)

Just ask your friends to help! They're coming for the party, just ask them to arrive early too

I nodded. “I don’t know what happened exactly, but if we’re going to try rebuilding this place with the help of ghosts, then we need to figure it out. Which means I need to talk to SEJ. Sally Estelle Jackson.” (pg 238)

His mum? Or an ancestor? I'm thinking his mum, but the timing makes me think maybe an ancestor

She smiled wistfully, the way she does when she looks at old photographs. “I haven’t since that day. My family made me wear them because I was seeing things…differently.” “Through the Mist.” She’d always been able to do that. Some rare mortals could, but I’d never considered how hard that would’ve been for her as a kid. “They were just trying to help,” she said. “They were worried. When other kids saw a mounted police officer riding down the street, I saw a pegasus. That kind of thing. We used to live near Gramercy Park West. One day, when I was riding my bike down the street, I saw that mansion, shifting and blending into the buildings around it. Those tombstone walls.” (pg 244)

Interesting... what ppl think of clear-sighted ppl

She swallowed. “Hecate ambushed me! She showed up on Olympus and…well, she asked me what I thought of you. I was shocked! She hadn’t spoken to me since 1914! I—I was desperate to impress her. And foolishly… I said you were quite competent.” “Thanks?” “I panicked! And now, if you fail, that means I failed. Oh, she won’t forgive me a second time.” “I still don’t—Wait.” I’m a little slow on the uptake. But when a puzzle finally starts coming together, I can usually finish it without having to bash too many of the pieces into place. “A second time,” I said. “Nineteen fourteen. That’s the last year Hecate ran her magic school. You were part of that?” (pg 247) She shrugged listlessly. “War. It’s always a war. Our students started taking sides, arguing with one another. It escalated from name-calling to violence to potion-flinging.” “Potion-flinging is bad.” (pg 248)

Ofc WW1 made the school close, and poor Εὐδώρη (Eudora)

I took one more look around the shattered great room. I felt like I was forgetting something important. (pg 258)

Locking the door, I'm pretty sure

Grover and I exchanged a panicked look. If Annabeth was admitting she’d made a mistake, we were in serious trouble. All heroes had fatal flaws. Annabeth’s was pride. She always aimed as high as possible, confident she could go even higher. Most of the time, she was right. But calling for help after one block? The situation had to be desperate for her to swallow her pride like that. Then I remembered why fatal flaws were called fatal. We couldn’t let her get worn-out so soon. She was the only one who could direct the ghosts to rebuild the house properly. “Let me take the torches,” I said. (pg 267)

Annabeth’s fatal flaw is pride, yours is loyalty, Percy. You taking them could go just as badly, with you not passing them to anyone else

My last shot was a miss. Black spots danced in my eyes. I crumpled to my knees, and the torch fell out of my hand. (pg 276)

Oh schist

I knew I’d forgotten something important—again. We’d invited our friends to a Halloween party tonight and never canceled it. You see, kids? Absentmindedness can save your life. The side panel door rolled open and costumed demigods poured out. Connor Stoll led the way, wearing a prisoner’s orange jumpsuit with fake manacles on his ankles and wrists. “Dude, your yard decorations are fire!” “They’re real!” I yelled. “Real ghosts!” More demigods emerged from the van—Clovis from the Morpheus cabin, wearing a nightgown, nightcap, and slippers, which was not very different from how he usually lounged at camp; Harley from Hephaestus, the youngest of our campers, encased in a Celestial bronze Iron Man suit he’d probably made himself; Valentina Diaz from Aphrodite, dressed in a black 1940s evening gown with white gloves, a broad-brimmed hat, and twenty different strings of pearls around her neck. Valentina scanned the ghostly horde. “Gross. Can we fight them?” “Yes, please!” Annabeth yelled from the porch. Our friends charged into battle. (pg 292)

I said his friends could help. Except they're helping with ghosts ig

And Rick, Clovis is a son of Ὕπνος (Hypnos), we don't have a Μορφεύς (Morpheus) Cabin

The horse freaked out and whinnied, Why am I flying? (pg 297)

Poor police horse

There should be a rule that goddesses can never come home before 8:00 a.m. Hecate blazed into the mansion at exactly 5:32. (pg 304)

Eugh, what a wake-up time

Sometimes folks at camp asked if I avoided eating seafood because I was the son of Poseidon and could talk to fish or whatever. I always answered that no, I ate fish. Have you ever talked to one? They don’t have a lot to say. Mostly it boils down to Are you food? Am I food? Eating them is the only way to answer the question. (pg 319)

We have an answer to the Percy-seafood question. Tho he'll probably be off calamari for a while

Obviously, I don’t consume the smart species like octopuses, dolphins, sharks, and manta rays. (pg 319)

Oh, so no calamari at all. Good to know

[animemusicbrackets]

Vocaloid Tourney Submissions Results and Preliminaries Info

56 out of 64 spots in the bracket have been filled. List of advancing songs is below the cut.

For the preliminaries, there are 86* songs competing for 8 open spots in the bracket. (again, full list below)

The prelims will be structured as follows:

Part A: *2 songs - a mini pre-preliminary round of sorts between two versions of "Play" by shr - the original Kagamine Rin version vs an UTAU cover featuring Matusdappoiyo, since both versions were submitted. The Winner of this round will participate in part B. (One day long)

Part B: 85 songs - 17 matches of 5 songs, with 1 winner each. I will be releasing 3 or 4 matches every other day to stagger them. Winners of part B will move on to part C. (16 days long)

Part C: 17 songs - 2 matches of 8/9 songs, each with the top 4 songs advancing. Both matches will be released the same day (One week long)

if anyone has any objections to this, or any better ideas, lemme know now, bc that was the best I could come up with. I didnt want the first round of matches to be between too many songs at once, as I felt that would probably be less accurate, and more intimidating so less people would listen to all the songs....... idk

Part A will be up TOMORROW, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4TH, and will only last one day, bc I want to get to the actual prelims. More information on the rest of the prelims will be up during the week.

List of songs advancing to the bracket or preliminaries below the cut:

ADVANCING TO THE FINAL BRACKET:

"Abnormality Dancin' Girl" by Guchiry; feat. flower

"Alice of Human Sacrifice" by Yugami-P; feat. MEIKO, KAITO, Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin & Len

"Alien Alien" by NayutalieN; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Alluring Secret ~Black Vow~" by teamOS; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len (with Hatsune Miku)

"An Alien's "I Love You"" by Utsu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Bacterial Contamination" by Kanimiso-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Corpse Attack!!" by Utsu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Daughter of Evil" by MOTHY; feat. Kagamine Rin

"DAYBREAK FRONTLINE" by Orangestar; feat. IA

"Deep-Sea Girl" by Yuuyu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Donut Hole" by Hachi; feat. GUMI

"drop pop candy" by Giga-P and Reol; feat. Kagamine Rin and Megurine Luka

"ECHO" by Crusher and CircusP; feat. GUMI

"Electrical Forecast" by inabakumori; feat. Hatsune Miku

"First Train and Kafka" by n-buna; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Ghost Girl" by Mikito-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Ghost Rule" by DECO*27; feat. Hatsune Miku

"GOATLIKE" by Somari; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Hana Ichi Monme" by Team Kamiuta; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Hated by Life Itself." by Kanzaki Iori; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Hole-dwelling" by Kikuo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"I thought I was an angel" by Utsu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"I'm glad you're evil too" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Pinnocchio-P)

"Ironina" by Niru Kajitsu; feat. flower

"Kokoro" by Toraboruta-P; feat. Kagamine Rin

"kyakkya" by Yuyoyuppe; feat. Natsuki Karin

"Kyuukurarin" by iyowa; feat. KAFU

"Lag Train" by inabakumori; feat. Kaai Yuki

"Law-evading Rock" by Neru; feat. Kagamine Len (with Ishifuro, Shirakami Mashiro, Jin, MoffuP, Yamaji, Yuumao, Ramune

"Lost One's Weeping" by Neru and tomoboP; feat. Kagamine Rin

"Matroyshka" by Hachi; feat. GUMI and Hatsune Miku

"Melt" by ryo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Meltdown" by iroha(sasaki); feat. Kagamine Rin

"Moth" by Utsu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"My R" by Wada Takeaki; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Non-Breath Oblige" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"ODDS&ENDS" by ryo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Ohedo Julia-Night" by Mitchie M; feat. Hatsune Miku and KAITO

"Outer Science" by Jin; feat. IA

"phony" by Tsumiki; feat. KAFU

"Regret Message" by MOTHY; feat. Kagamine Rin

"Rolling Girl" by wowaka; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Rotten Heresy and Chocolate" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Samsa" by Teniwoha; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Servant of Evil" by MOTHY; feat. Kagamine Len (with Kagamine Rin)

"sick" by Yuyoyuppe; feat. Natsuki Karin

"SLoWMoTIoN" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Yukkuri)

"Synchronicity Second Chapter ~Paradise of Light and Shadow~" by teamOS; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len

"The Fox's Wedding" by masa; feat. Hatsune Miku and GUMI

"The Tailor of Enbizaka" by MOTHY; feat. Megurine Luka

"Tokyo Teddy Bear" by Neru; feat. Kagamine Rin

"Unhappy Refrain" by wowaka; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Villain" by Teniwoha; feat. flower

"WILDFIRE!!" by CIRCRUSH; feat. GUMI

"Yowamushi Mont Blanc" by DECO*27; feat. GUMI

"Zanelli" by Teniwoha; feat. flower

ADVANCING TO PRELIMINARIES:

"*Hello, Planet." by sasakure.UK; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Abstract Nonsense" by Neru; feat. Kagamine Rin

"All I Need are Things I Like" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Alter Ego" by Misumi; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Arifureta Sekai Seifuku" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Blessed Messiah and the Tower of AI" by teamOS; feat. Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, Megurine Luka, Camui Gackpo, GUMI, IA, MAYU, MEIKO, and KAITO

"BRING IT ON" by Giga-P; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len (with MEIKO)

"Can't I Even Dream" by Fumii; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Children Record" by Jin; feat. IA

"Crazy ∞ nighT" by teamOS; feat. Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, GUMI, Camui Gackpo, Megurine Luka, KAITO, and MEIKO

"Datte" by Yuyoyuppe; feat. Natsuki Karin

"DEAD HAND" by Ferry; feat. Yuzuki Yukari

"Doctor=Funk Beat" by nyanyannya; feat. KAITO (with maimie, Shindou Gaku, Amaoto Junca, and Dashio)

"Dreaming Chuchu" by emon(Tes.); feat. Megurine Luka (with Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Rin)

"Drowning in a Wave of Sadness" by Neru; feat. Kagamine Len

"Electric Angel (Giga-P Arrangement)" by Yasuo-P and Giga-P; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len

"Fake Fake Psychotropic" by Kairiki Bear; feat. GUMI

"Gehenna" by wotaku; feat. Hatsune Miku

"hand" by Avogado6; feat. Asane Ema

"Hate it Hate it! Huge Ego!" by Wada Takeaki; feat. Otomachi Una

"Hatsune Miku No Gekishou" by CosMo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Heart Democracy" by Mikito-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Heavenly You" by LonePi; feat. REML

"HITO mania" by Haraguchi Sasuke; feat. Kasane Teto

"Honey I'm Home" by GHOST; feat. DEX

"Hungry Nicole" by Niru Kajitsu; feat. flower

"Hyperventilation Dance" by Nashimoto We; feat. Hatsune Miku

"I’m Gonna Buy! Buy! Buy! " by Signal-E; feat. Luo Tianyi

"iNSaNiTY" by CircusP and Azuralunar; feat. KAITO and SF-A2

"Jailbreak" by Neru; feat. Kagamine Rin

"Jitterbug" by Kuriyama Yuri; feat. Hatsune Miku and MEIKO

"Kaisei" by Orangestar; feat. IA

"Kakome, Kakome" by Zawazawa-P; feat. Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka

"Karakuri Pierrot " by 40mP; feat. Hatsune Miku (with GUMI)

"Kimagure Mercy" by Hachioji-P and q*Left; feat. Hatsune Miku

"LIAR DANCE" by DECO*27; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Love Me, Love Me, Love Me" by Kikuo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Love! Snow! Really Magic" by Mitchie M; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Machine Gun" by KIRA; feat. GUMI

"Magic Mirror" by teamOS; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len

"makka" by Yuyoyuppe; feat. Natsuki Karin

"Marshall Maximizer" by Hiiragi Magnetite; feat. KAFU

"Mermaid" by Somari; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Meteor" by Jonsann; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Mind Brand" by MARETU; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Mirage" by Harumaki Gohan; feat. Hatsune Miku

"MONSTER" by KIRA; feat. GUMI

"Mozaik Role" by DECO*27; feat. GUMI

"Neo-Neon" by DECO*27 and TeddyLoid; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Shiho)

"Nobody Makes Sense" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"oyasumination" by ippo.tsk; feat. Eleanor Forte

"Parade of Mediocre People" by Wada Takeaki; feat. Otomachi Una

"Play" by shr; feat. Kagamine Rin

"Play" by Itsuki (cover); feat. Matusdappoiyo

"Propose" by HoneyWorks; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Proto Disco" by nulut; feat. flower (with KurageP, Bis, MatuMotoMoti, *Shimi, nulut)

"Reckless Battery Burns" by GHOST and Vane; feat. Kevin

"Reincarnation Apple" by Pinocchio-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Remote Control" by WONDERFUL☆OPPORTUNITY; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len

"ROKI" by Mikito-P; feat. Kagamine Rin and Mikito-P

"RRRRafflesia" by Utsu-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Sand Planet" by Hachi; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Hachi)

"Schadenfreude" by Guchiry; feat. Otomachi Una

"Seraphim on the Ring" by Mitchie M; feat. Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, KAITO (with Kagamine Len)

"Shunran" by john; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Spinning Sky Rabbit" by Orangestar; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Spinning Song" by DATEKEN; feat. Kagamine Rin & Len

"Super Nuko World" by Mafumafu; feat. IA (with Kagamine Rin)

"SUSHI-GO-ROUND" by Utsu-P; feat. ROSE

"Tell Your World" by kz; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Teo" by Omoi; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Kagamine Rin, GUMI, IA)

"Testament" by Hiiragi Magnetite; feat. Hatsune Miku

"The Last Revolver" by MOTHY; feat. GUMI

"The Liar Witch and Gray Rainbow" by Soraru; feat. Hatsune Miku

"The Madness of Duke Venomania" by MOTHY; feat. Camui Gackpo (with KAITO, GUMI, MEIKO, Megurine Luka, and Hatsune Miku)

"Town of Jade" by Mel; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Triple Baka" by LamazeP; feat. Hatsune Miku (with Kasane Teto)

"Unfriendly Hater" by Meddmia; feat. Hatsune Miku and KAFU

"Unicorn" by Teniwoha; feat. flower

"Vampire" by DECO*27; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Vita" by Hiiragi Kirai; feat. flower

"Waltz of Anomalies" by Hoehoe-P; feat. Hatsune Miku

"Weenywalker" by youman; feat. GUMI

"Witch" by Suzuki-P and Ryotai; feat. Megurine Luka (with Camui Gackpo, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, Hatsune Miku)

"World is Mine" by ryo; feat. Hatsune Miku

"You’re Telling Me A SHRIMP Fried This Rice?!" by Jamie Paige; feat. Hatsune Miku

I'll release a list of honorable mentions (songs that i really like but didnt advance u_u) after the prelims with the final bracket.

[noname-nonartist]

(If you're not comfortable with ask games, feel free to ignore)

When you get this, list 5 songs you like to listen to, publish them, and send this ask to the last 10 people in your notifs!

@not-so-empty-sekai (side blog)

your art is so good btw :3

Oh? A song ask-chain game? Sounds fun! :Dc

Hmmm. Okay, how about this!

I’ll list 5 songs that are pjsk songs (since I’ve been listening to them a lotttt), and 5 other songs that aren’t pjsk related, to mix things up a bit! >:3c

Okay? Nice~

Let’s gooooo!!! (List under the cut)

Side Note: Thank you for saying my art is good! It made my day! >///<

PJSK Songs that I listen to~

1. Bake no Hana

Of course this song is gonna make it into the list! Because ever since Mizu5, I’ve just been listening to this every dayyyy :’)

Mizu5 wreaked me emotional for reals, for realssss ;v;

2. Ultra C

I’m so proud of vbs for finally surpassing RAD Weekend! It was such a good event, and an even banger song! The moment where Miku gave one last encouragement to Kohane? So good. Ahhh! Of course the scene afterwards where vbs when to visit Nagi’s grave! Ahhhhh! It punched me in the guts! In a good way tho! TvT

3. Watashi Wa Ame

I know it’s a joke that all of Ena’s events are about her struggles as an artist, and while it’s true. I do think they mix it up enough and show Ena’s character growth throughout it super well. And this event is the prime example of that.

Her getting insight of what her father struggled with as an artist. Ena learning how she was the main inspiration for his father’s possible last painting. How he sees her as a hope of light in his darkest times. How he genuinely loves and wants to protect her (albeit not in the greatest way as we all know). And how she grew so much in both understanding and confidence to understand her father’s intentions.

It’s such a really nice event for me that also got me emotional. Also the song is so gooddddd~ *v*

4. Regulus

Yepppp, a Leo/Need song! It’s such a banger!

While I’m not that well versed on Leo/Need compared to N25 and VBS, I did read Honami’s stories (look, my adhd brain be hopping around the storyline like crazy whenever i gets attached to a character lol)

And i just gotta say, I’m so proud of Honami! She has definitely grown so much since the main story.

Her initially lacking the confidence to make a decision due to her anxiety, fears, and people pleasing tendencies. (that caused her to initially be distant from her closest friends, and caused her to be depressed during that time)

To now. Being confident to speak truthfully about her feelings and standing up for herself and Leo/Need (seen in the Little Braver event). And now she’s an offical leader of Leo/Need! Ahhhh! So proud of her! >v<

5. Watashi Wa, Watashitachi Wa

Bang! A More More Jump song to finish off this list! >:Dc

And once again, I’m not as well versed in the MMJ, but my adhd brain did get attached to Shizuku, hence me reading the her event stories (i still have read Shizu4 yet tho… •3•;)

But anyway! I absolutely love this song and the event that is associated with it. It’s such a good way for Shizuku to face her past and show how much she has grown and is willing to be more proactive to be the best idol she can be, as herself.

It also gave more insight what happened during her time in Cheerful*Days and how the rift between the members began. Fleshing out the members and showing a more complex situation than a simple jealousy situation at first glance.

And like the song is so catchy and hopeful, a perfect song that embodies Shizuku’s determination. :3c

Oh shoot. That took longer than expected uhhhh… Rapid fire non-pjsk song list, go!

Non-PJSK Songs:

1. 雨乙女 (Ameotome)

2. Sing The Moon

3. Yubikiri Genman

4. ThoughtCrime

5. いばら (Ibara)

[hashem-bader]

The rain has started to fall, and the cold front has arrived, while we remain without shelter to protect my displaced family. Thanks to your efforts and support, we have managed to raise 715 pounds so far, but we are still far from reaching our goal.

We desperately need 3 tents to house the family, with each tent costing $1,200 (excluding transfer fees). I know that providing at least one tent to shelter my family is the priority now, but I am confident that hope in your kindness and humanity will help us overcome this ordeal.

Any support, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Please help us protect our children from the cold and rain.

Vetted🇵🇸

@rhubarbspring @ghostblogging @autisticmudkip @a-shade-of-blue @iguanodonwildman @hehemechief @good-old-gossip @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @myceliacrochet @rainy-fog @athena5898 @tryna-sleep @zigcarnivorous @annabelle--cane @cantsayidont @imjustheretotrytohelp @cheshirepirouette @dcggone @lesbianmaxevans @heritageposts @dlxxv-vetted-donations

@femmefitz @ezrazone @dajo42 @determinate-negation @sayruq @nabulsi @girlinafairytale @sar-soor @gunsandfireandshit @guerillas-of-history @doomedmarce @soft-sunbird @frazzledhare @oleanderandwatermelons @mbzw108

@agentfascinateur @vicchillioil @rustyxesha @many-sparrows @silenceismychoir @miryyyyyam @amaraabbz @mistress--kanzaki @lilliputian-thing @yellowis4happy @foamingatthemeowth @sainte666 @thatsonehellofabird @kalbimeyakin @ringneckedpheasant

[choicesficwriterscreations]

The Royal Romance Masterlist 2024

✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA

September 2024

Week Ending September 28, 2024

Law's End: Murder at Vista Heights (Series) ✒️ | Multiple Characters - @angelasscribbles Part 7

Royal Adventures (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam Prologue

Royal Love (Series) ✒️ | Eleanor Rys x M!OC - @eadanga Part 20

The Royal Romance (Series) ✒️ | Multiple Characters - @eadanga Chapter 10 - Part 1

Bridge of Dreams 🎨 | Liam Rys x F!MC - ArtbyAinna (IG) C: @tessa-liam

Marabelle (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 15: Life Goes On - Part 2

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 42: Verades Ocultas Chapter 43: Encuentros y Revelaciones

August 2024

Week Ending August 31, 2024

Diana and Juliana 🎨 | F!MC & F!OC - @erixadraws

Marabelle (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 15: Life Goes On - Part 1

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 36: Entre y secretos Chapter 37: Sorpresas en la fiesta Chapter 38: Verdades y miedos Chapter 39: Cuando el corazon canta Chapter 40: Verdad que duele Chapter 41: Ecos de la opera 🔥Ⓜ

Week Ending August 24, 2024

It’s your love I crave 🎨 | Maxwell Beaumont x F!MC - @erixadraws

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 32: Mas Alla Del Juego Chapter 33: Cumpleaños en Paris Chapter 34: Desafios y Amistad Chapter 35: Amigos y Aventura

The Royal Romance (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @eadanga Chapter 9, Part 3

The Royal Romance Retelling (Series) ✒️ | Multiple Characters - @fadingreveries Chapter 4

Week Ending August 17, 2024

Week Ending August 10, 2024

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Series) ✒️ | Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890 Chapter 7

Ghosted (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @kristinamae093 Chapter 12: Betrayal

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 20: Caminos Cruzados Chapter 21: Sorpresas en Roma Chapter 22: El Último Brillo Chapter 23: Final Agridulce Chapter 24: Secretos y Desfiles

Savage Love (Series) ✒️ | Drake Walker x F!MC, Liam Walker x F!MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 28: Here Comes The Bride?

Week Ending August 3, 2024

July 2024

Week Ending July 27

Week Ending July 20

Mirabelle (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!OC - @tessa-liam Chapter 13: If You Love Her

Mission Cordonia (Series) ✒️Ⓜ | Drake Walker x F!MC - @karahalloway Chapter 3: Slow Burn

Presenting Lady Hellebore Eulalie Travieso of New York 🎨 | F!MC - @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 2: Preparaciones Special: La Voz Del Dolor Chapter 3: El Gran Retorno Chapter 4: ¿Hablamos?

Royal Times 🎨 | Liam Rys x F!MC - @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Week Ending July 13

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Prologo Chapter 1: Regreso a Casa

The Royal Romance Retelling (Series) ✒️ | Multiple Characters - @fadingreveries Chapter 3: Welcome to Cordonia

Week Ending July 6

Princessa Real (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 36: Un ultimo beso Chapter 37: Nota Misteriosa Chapter 38: Dos se vuelven uno 🔥Ⓜ Chapter 39: Larga Vida al rey

The Stabbing: A Bad Romance One Shot ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC x Drake Walker - @angelasscribbles

June 2024

A Royal Misadventure ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam

Dreams: A Bad Romance One Shot ✒️ | Maxwell Beaumont x F!MC - @angelasscribbles

The Royal Romance (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @eadanga Chapter 9, Part 1

Week Ending June 22, 2024

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia (Series) ✒️🏳‍🌈 | Drake Walker x M!MC - @justcallmefox89 Chapter 24

Dark Elf (Series) ✒️🔥 | Multiple Pairings - @angelasscribbles Chapter 8: Unexpected Discoveries

Kiara Theron 🎨 - @sazanes

Mermaid Hana Lee 🎨✒️ | Hana Lee x NB!OC - @masked-alien-lesbian

Return to Sender ✒️ | Drake Walker x F!MC - @prettyboisteveharrington

Turning the Page (Series) ✒ | Liam Rys x F!OC - @tessa-liam Chapter 13: Only You Can Love Me This Way

Week Ending June 8, 2024

Princessa Real (Series) ✒️ | Liam x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 25: Paseo por las ruinas Chapter 26: Juego Justo

Disbelief ✒️ | Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890

Murder at Vista Heights (Series) ✒️ - @angelasscribbles Chapter 6

Size Doesn't Matter: A Bad Romance Drabble ✒️ | Multiple Pairings - @angelasscribbles

The Royal Romance Rewrite (Series) ✒️ - @fadingreveries Chapter 2

[taegularities]

Im doing my CF maths again!

5 years married..

If oc got pregnant during the first year and gave birth second year with Hana.. then Hana would be around 3/4 years old now.

And Hana’s sibling is probably a new born or 1-2 years old. How many kids would they have in the next chapter? I pray its not a new born because post partum is difficult too go through especially with their issue 😐

AHHH the c&f math is spot on, you're good at this haha!!! hana was born in their second year of marriage, so she's a bit older than 3. her sibling(s) is/are (a) baby/ies, yuuup. you'll see how many they have now :P

you're so right, babies would def mean she's either going through ppd or just dealt with it. it sucks, knowing that jk was there for her and is now the cause for her grief </3 makes me sick

[charlietinpants]

notes on recrudescence

In classic fic writer irony, this fic required hours and hours of research that on occasion amounted to one line written on it.

On Magpies

This is how the oriental magpie looks. The japanese kanji for magpie is Kasasagi 鵲 - but I picked a different kanji - 笠鷺 (the direct translation of each individual character would be bamboo hat, heron) that actually is a legitimate name which reads the same as a tongue-in-cheek pun.

I found this little bird perfect, because it looks like a white and blue bird with its head painted black and i found it fitting.

On Jisei

Jisei are death poems which consist of five lines, with a total of 31 syllables (5-7-7-7) and are frequently composed by people on their deathbed. References to sunsets, autumn or falling cherry blossoms which suggest the transitoriness of life are common.

I picked my two favourites:

来時は空手、去時は赤脚。一去一来、単重交折[8]

Raiji wa karate kyoji wa sekkyaku ikkyoichirai tanjuu sekkou

Empty-handed I entered the world Barefoot I leave it. My coming, my going — Two simple happenings That got entangled.

By Kozan

and

願はくは花の下にて春死なむその如月の望月のころ

let me die in spring under the cherry blossoms on that day in the Second Month when the moon is full

negawaku wa | hana no shita nite | haru shinan | sono kisaragi no | mochizuki no koro

By Saigyo

On Substitution Ciphers

Okay, I'm no expert on cryptography and i really really struggled with this because i couldn't find something that already pre-existed in relation to a deck of cards that wouldn't take another deck and years off your life to solve.

Lo and behold - i realized that that from ace to king, there are 13 cards in a suit and I went oh **** it and made one from scratch. It's rudimentary and very basic (2 different cards can mean 1 particular letter) and also a proper cryptographer would make fun of me, but it works in a pinch.

Line break here, if you'd like to spare yourself.

Spade A - 1 - A Spade 2 - 2 - B Spade 3 - 3 - C Spade 4 - 4 - D Spade 5 - 5 - E Spade 6 - 6 - F Spade 7 - 7 - G Spade 8 - 8 - H Spade 9 - 9 - I Spade 10 - 10 - J Spade J - 11 - K Spade Q - 12 - L Spade K - 13 - M

Heart A - 14- N Heart 2 - 15 -O Heart 3 - 16 -P Heart 4 - 17 -Q Heart 5 - 18 - R Heart 6 - 19 - S Heart 7 - 20- T Heart 8 - 21 - U Heart 9 - 22 - V Heart 10 - 23 - W Heart J - 24 - X Heart Q - 25 - Y Heart K - 26 - Z

Diamond A - 1 - A Diamond 2 - 2 - B Diamond 3 - 3 - C Diamond 4 - 4 - D Diamond 5 - 5 - E Diamond 6 - 6 - F Diamond 7 - 7 - G Diamond 8 - 8 - H Diamond 9 - 9 - I Diamond 10 - 10 - J Diamond J - 11 - K Diamond Q - 12 - L Diamond K - 13 - M

Club A - 14- N Club 2 - 15 -O Club 3 - 16 -P Club 4 - 17 -Q Club 5 - 18 - R Club 6 - 19 - S Club 7 - 20- T Club 8 - 21 - U Club 9 - 22 - V Club 10 - 23 - W Club J - 24 - X Club Q - 25 - Y Club K - 26 - Z

G - Diamond 7 U - Club 8 N - Heart Ace

P - Heart 3 S - Club 6 N - Club Ace

[imasallstars]

pSSR 【Picking Out Cherry Blossoms】Haruki Ikuta

availability: 　[LIMITED] The Nobody’s Place That Exists Nowhere Stamp Plus Gacha 　until 2024/04/18 11:59 JST costume name: 　Extended Close

APTITUDE

Song: SS Cute, C Cool, C Positive, S Relax, S Emotional Performance: B High Pace, B Middle Pace, SS Slow Pace Environment: D Bright, A Clear, D Cloudy, SS Rainy

MEMORY APPEAL

To Become [Eternity] 　Memory Appeal/VOCAL 1.3~2.3 Appeal [Vocal Boost] Link Appeal: (w. Luca Ikaruga, Hana Suzuki) 　VOCAL 1.3~2.5 Appeal [Vocal Boost]

LIVE SKILLS

[Picking Out Cherry Blossoms] 　VOCAL 4 Appeal/VOCAL 30% UP (4T)/SKILL RESET (once)/GENERATE (Picking Out Cheery Blossoms++) Plus Appeal: (Turn 1 or BEFORE, Full CoMETIK in Team) 　Duet (CoMETIK) [Picking Out Cherry Blossoms+] ※Uncap4 　VOCAL 5 Appeal/VOCAL 60% UP (4T)/SKILL RESET (once)/GENERATE (Picking Out Cheery Blossoms+++) Plus Appeal: (Turn 1 or BEFORE, Full CoMETIK in Team) 　Duet (CoMETIK)

GENERATED SKILLS

[Picking Out Cherry Blossoms++] ※GENERATED from [Picking Out Cheery Blossoms] 　VOCAL 5 Appeal/VOCAL 120% UP (2T) Change Appeal: (Full CoMETIK in Team) 　VOCAL 150% UP (2T) [Picking Out Cherry Blossoms+++] ※GENERATED from [Picking Out Cheery Blossoms] 　VOCAL 6 Appeal/VOCAL 150% UP (2T) Change Appeal: (Full CoMETIK in Team) 　VOCAL 150% UP (2T)

PASSIVE SKILLS

[VOCAL 60% UP] ※Uncap1 　Turn 2 or BEFORE/35% Chance/Max 1 proc [VOCAL 100% UP/MEMORY GAUAGE 10% UP] ※Uncap2 　Active VOCAL UP buff/20% Chance/Max 2 proc [VOCAL 150% UP] ※Uncap4 　Turn 4 or AFTER, Full CoMETIK in Team/25% Chance/Max 3 procs

UNCAPS

[VOCAL +50], [VOCAL +50] [VOCAL +50] ※Uncap2 [VOCAL +150] ※Uncap3 [VOCAL +100] ※Uncap4

[chyrstis]

Lighting the Fuse 4/?

This definitely has been long overdue and then some. To the point that I've been thinking off and on about it for the two-ish years in the interim, and made it my mission once May hit this year to actually try and update it. ...And setting that goal actually seemed to work.

This seems a bit rough in places still, but I hope you all enjoy, and goal #2 now is updating again before the year ends! *crosses fingers*

Pairing: F!Dep x Sharky Boshaw, F!Dep x John Seed (be forwarned, the slow burn is in full effect here for all parties involved, and isn’t stopping anytime soon) Rating: T Warnings: Canon-typical violence (and Hana running around like the 80's action hero she likes to be pretend to be) Word Count: 6K 

Link to AO3!

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / ???

___

When events are put into motion giving her a shot at an impossible task - capturing John Seed - the deputy jumps at the chance.

There’s only one problem.

She’s not the only one dying to get him, and keeping him alive when even his own people seem to want him dead isn’t looking to be an easy feat either.

______________

The fire hadn’t stopped. It’d spread, and a hell of a lot faster than Hana had hoped as she and Sharky kept running from building to building through the trailer park.

They hadn’t found Jerome yet, or any of the others. Sharky had passed off his radio to her as a means of getting in touch, but she’d caught two words from Jerome before it’d gone straight to static, and she’d upped her speed afterwards, looping around the lot that was at once too big and too small, curling in on itself as they ran in circles over and over.

They’d also gone through a few rounds of one-sided Marco Polo, mostly with Sharky yelling out Jerome’s name between shotgun blasts with no one other than the pissed off Peggies coming to retaliate, and on the fourth non-response she’d started yelling too.

“Jerome!” She cupped a hand to her face as they moved, and called out for him again, her voice straining, “Jerome!”

A hint of black in the distance caught her eye. That, and the bright flash that came from the muzzle of a shotgun, one that Jerome loaded and promptly unloaded into the nearest obstacle’s face.

It didn’t matter that there was a group of Peggies currently trying to tango with the man. She’d taken all but three steps towards him only to watch as he took the rest out one by one.

“Man,” Sharky murmured to her left before letting a whistle out. “I mean, I knew the dude was a total badass, but that? That’s fucking badass.”

Hana really couldn’t dispute it. Not when she still hadn’t moved past the first thought that struck while watching Jerome clean house in the distance: Damn.

But the stray shot that had her grabbing Sharky’s hoodie again to yank him out of the way snapped her out of it fast.

“Hon, focus. We’ve got to keep our eye on the prize, remember?”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, that’s right.” He scrunched his face up, zeroing in on the man in question in the distance, and nodded. “Got that shit locked down tighter than tight, Dep.”

The trick was getting to him, though, as they cut through cover she tried to pick off a few of the others closing in on Jerome. No real easy feat as they had to keep mobile and fought to keep up, but even she was impressed with the distance they were able to cover as their party of two closed in on the Peggies attempting to flush Jerome out.

Focused on Jerome - who’d taken cover with another resistance member behind an abandoned car to dodge a lobbed molotov - they couldn’t hear her boots thudding against the dirt, or her quickened breaths. Not a single sound of it as she raised her gun up and brought the butt of it down as hard as she could muster.

The blow sent him straight to the ground, sprawling out as the other two Peggies scattered away, but quick as she got her gun back in front of her, she didn’t need it. The two hit the dirt in no time flat, and she whirled her head towards Sharky with an appreciative whistle.

With the path now clear, she skirted the nearby flames and skidded to place next to one thankfully unsinged Pastor.

- And the barrel of his shotgun.

“Whoa, wait, wait, wait-!” she yelled as she threw her hands up.

He started, but quickly lowered his gun. “Deputy. You might want to change your approach.”

“No shit. I’m-uh, definitely rethinking things. Either way, it’s good to see you. Is Grace here too?”

Jerome glanced over the cover, but didn’t move to stand up. If anything, he caught sight of Sharky continuing to blast away nearby, and stayed put. “She’s nearby. She spotted you before we were able to get any closer, and kept you in her sight for as long as possible.”

The green sight cutting through the air flashed through her mind. “Jesus. I was wondering why that sniper didn’t pop my head like a melon. Glad to know she's close, though.”

“Any word from the others?”

“I was about to ask you the same,” she said, teeth starting to worry at her lip. “Gave up my walkie to them, and told them all to hide and wait for word on our channel, but…”

“Pastor. Got movement on a group of Peggies heading south.“

Hana's eyes shot to the walkie at Jerome’s side, and he held it up. “Is it a large group? Any wounded with them?”

“Some. They’re off from the others, a few helping them get further into the woods.”

Hana glanced out towards the brush, looking back to Jerome. “Away from the river?”

“Deputy, wait-“

Jerome’s voice faded out behind her as she sprinted, eyes forward right on the trees as she dove right in.

Every inch of the forest loomed ahead, the path growing dark. The gunfire had died down in the time it took for her to disappear into the brush, but it didn’t take long for voices to call out in the distance again. 

If they were cut off, they were screwed. If they lead the Peggies straight to the others they were screwed. Hell, every which way they were looking to be screwed, and she sped up as she grabbed for the radio Sharky had given her.

“Jerome,” she yelled, “don’t wait on me! Get everyone out before we’re pinned, because they’re coming in fast! I’ll get the others and once we’re clear we can double on back to-“

A figure in a long, dark coat stepped out ahead and she nearly wiped out as her boots skidded to a halt on the dirt. Hana scanned him over quickly, and a grin spread across her face before she could stop it. “…Ben? You son of a-“

That’s when she saw the weapon, raised and fixed on her. And the figure holding it wasn’t a match for Ben at all.

“…bitch,” she finished.

Two others emerged from the bushes, Peggies from the look of them, and both also armed. As she looked them over, she couldn’t pull any familiar details from them, none that matched any of the people they’d helped out earlier.

But the fourth? That, was Ben.

The brand-like cross on his face was unmistakable as he slowly approached from the treeline, the rifle she’d given him earlier in hand and the white cloth still wrapped around his arm.

Her hand went to the handle of her gun, jumping to it as soon as her mistake had sunk in, but hadn’t drawn it. Not yet.

“Ben, buddy,” she began, scowling, “I don’t know what you’re fucking playing at here, but I’d really appreciate it if you could level with me and fast.“

“Weapons on the ground,” The woman to Ben’s right snapped, her own cross tattoo carved onto her face.

“Easy,” Hana replied, but didn’t take her hand away. “Thought I was responding to a call for help. But if I’d known this was fucking Joe playing some sort of long game-“

“He’s not.”

That had her eyebrows rising. “No? So, you’re telling me these aren’t Peggies?”

They looked like Peggies. Were just as much them as Ben was and appeared to be, with nothing standing out to separate them from him. Only his word, as he slowly nodded.

Hana felt a bead of a sweat slide down the side of her forehead as her eyes skipped from person to person. “Well, you want to tell me why we aren’t getting the hell out of dodge then?”

“We are, but first -“ he held out his hand, “your weapon, deputy.”

“Ben, you don’t want to do this-”

“Your weapon.”

The cocking of a gun somewhere in the brush nearby was the final push. She pulled her red revolver out only to quickly toss it down by his feet. Her hands went up after.

Keeping his eyes on her, Ben crouched down to take the gun and aim it at her. One shot, one pull of the trigger, and she’d be gone.

Every muscle tensed, damn near quaking as she kept her hands up and her eyes on him. Could she get away? Move left, right, forward, back - fuck, anywhere? Just to move. To get out of the way, to do something.

But that debate stopped the minute Ben glanced back to those at his sides. Silent even now, whatever message he'd intended to send came through on their wavelength, one of the others beginning to step back and away from them. The woman followed, her weapon never wavering for a second, but eventually the trees grew too thick to see them through, and they faded from sight completely.

Soon only Ben was left. The gun was still locked onto her, the red metal glinting in what little light caught off of it and she didn’t dare take her eyes off of it.

At least she didn’t until he lowered it.

Hands up by her head still, she kept them there as she stared, knowing she’d have better luck reading a solid marble block than him, but as the silence stretched on she let them slowly drop. Let both rest by her sides, and kept them there even as her fingers twitched.

She hadn’t been able to read him well before. Even now she was fumbling to put a name to what exactly was crossing his face at this very moment, but when he bowed his head, it finally seemed to click.

“Thank you.”

The trees parted for him soon after, swallowing him up.

---

They were gone. All had vanished without a trace back into the woods where they had come from. 

With Peggies soon to be swarming the area, they didn’t have time to weed them out or track them as they rushed to get out themselves, using the trees as cover. Hell, she’d barely touched down in the back of one of the trucks before ducking to avoid any stray bullets. 

But the entire ride back she kicked herself. Over and over as her head swam and the faces of the group came back to her. Those with fear in their eyes, desperate, and those with weapons held high and aimed on her, with Ben right at the forefront. 

So when they finally got back to town, she didn’t waste any time. Her feet hit the ground, taking her towards the Spread Eagle, her stomach churning with every step. 

It’d taken some doing, but Hana maneuvered her way through the group out front to the back, and the minute she reached one of the empty stools, she all but threw herself onto it. Normally a bar stool was nowhere near comfortable, but here she was - stone cold sober and not even wanting to leave it for a second. 

“That’s for you."

A bottle of Everclear hit the counter with a solid thud as Mary May placed it in front of her, and Hana couldn’t help but let out a sigh of contentment at seeing it.

“Hell, watching you walk through that door in one piece’s earned you half of the entire fucking thing if you want it.”

A glass hit Hana’s hand and she cracked the bottle open in record time. “God, yes.”

“Good. Now could someone catch me up on what the fuck is going on?”

Mary May’s eyes jumped between the two, lingering first on her then Jerome, but quickly focused on her again.

Hana smacked her lips before she started filling the shot glass to the brim. “ You, uh, want the long or the short version?”

“The version that’ll explain wherever the hell you went for now, because after the disappearing act they pulled none of us thought we’d ever see you again.”

“I pissed John off again, no surprise,” Hana replied, her response half muffled by her drink. The shot burned, and after trying not to wheeze her way through it, she poured another. “Had who knows how many white vans carrying extra Peggies on the road waiting for me, and when I tried to stop one I thought had hostages in it, I uh-didn’t exactly win that fight.”

“…A set up.” Mary May swore under her breath. “He’s turned them all into a fucking setup.”

“It’s looking that way. But there was a Peggie. Ex-Peggie,” Hana said as Mary May’s eyebrows flew up. “He told me he wanted to help and-“

“And you actually believed him?”

“No. Not at first, but he-his word turned out to be solid. Seemed he wanted out, and didn’t seem interested in handing me over or hurting me all that much either.”

Hana paused. Pressed the cold glass against her neck, then the side of her head. Her eyes slipped closed as she focused in on it, and wished she’d had a bathtub full of ice instead.

“…So when he said that there were a hell of a lot of other Peggies wanting the same thing, we got them out. Went straight for Silver Lake’s Trailer Park, and the Pastor did the rest.”

“Fuck.” Mary May sighed and looked at Jerome. “Ex-Peggies?”

He nodded. “It hasn’t been the first time, and it won’t be the last. They’re scared. They were at the beginning, and many still are now. Not everyone joined Eden’s Gate willingly, and some are starting to find their own ways to leave.”

“Scared? Is that right?” Mary replied, her voice rising, “But they still made their own damn choice instead of pushing back. Helped them to bury the fucking knife in our backs and hand the county over to them!”

“I understand, but-“

“But nothing! Look, we’re having enough trouble keeping our own people safe without having to worry about them being grabbed out of their homes, and off of the goddamn roads. John’s got more vehicles out than ever, each of those goddamn vans working to capture us - and nevermind he damn near got her!”

Hana nearly choked on her drink when Mary May jabbed a finger at her.

“He had her in that van on the way to his fucking bunker, and where would we be then, huh? Where would she be?”

Jerome let his eyes slide closed. “I remember being led out into the street. From the church, down those steps, only to be placed on my knees as one of the People of Eden’s Gate held out Joseph’s Word. Spoke it to me.”

“Jerome-“

“And I remember clearly when further down the street in our home, she came. Sweeping through them with holy fire.” Slowly turning towards Hana, the gaze he leveled at her left her frozen in place. “I did not know her. Neither of us did, but once we saw her, we knew what she could be. And what she could be capable of. Without her, we would be worse off by far, and they know this. Both John and Joseph. If any of those people were still loyal to the Project, why would they willingly bring her back?”

Mary May frowned. “They clearly got something out of it.”

“Their own people, yes, but where is the deputy now?”

Glancing between the two, Hana didn’t move a muscle. Just watched, waiting.

“Right here. Here with us,” Jerome said, turning back towards Mary May. “There are defectors within Eden’s Gate. They did this, they brought her back.”

The look in Mary May’s eyes hardened. Held fast for a good long minute as she crossed her arms. “And?”

“And all they wanted in return was a way out. No more, no less."

Her lips settled into a thin line, pressed hard into each other as she kept her eyes on him. Holding the other's stare, they held their ground - so still, that after a few minutes, Hana decided that nothing short of the roof falling in would break the stalemate. But after what seemed like an eternity, Mary May sighed, the breath coming out in a huff as she reached for the stack of glasses sitting next to her. “…Fine. I’ll give you that, but I ain’t giving them anything else.”

That’s when Mary May finally looked her way again, and her expression softened as she reached out to rest a hand on Hana’s arm. “And as for you, you take as long as you need back here, got it?”

She nodded, and before she could get a single word out, Mary May was gone.

Trading a look with Jerome, Hana held the bottle out to him, and he took it. Filling up another glass, he topped hers off with a heavy pour, and she mentally added that to tally of things he’d never stop surprising her with.

“She’s right,” he eventually said, halfway through his drink. “You should rest while you can.”

This time the shot didn’t burn as much, but the cough she couldn’t quite muffle. “Pastor, I mean this with kindness, but fuck that.”

“Or slow down. Try it. We need you, but you’re human. Flesh and blood like the rest of us, and difficult as it is to believe, we all need a moment to rest. Take it.”

Hana opened her mouth again, but paused. Let it close for a beat before putting what was left of the Everclear into it. “One night. One.”

At the sight of her raised index finger, Jerome chuckled. “If that’s all you can spare, it’ll have to do.”

The two made their way out towards the front of the bar after that, mingling with the others. The mood now was nowhere near the kind she remembered on the night they brought the tankers in - tension and worry hanging in the air as she traded words with more than a few getting ready to head onto the next round of watch.

Someone passed her a beer, her thanks fading into the background noise of the bar, and she rubbed at the side of her face, and kept walking. Moved in a straight line towards the doors as the other voices faded out and she pushed forward.

The cold air hit her skin the minute she shoved the door open. She’d been warm before, her body temperature peaking due to the shots in the back, but no longer had it to cling to out here. Breathing in deep, her skin prickled as she held it, goosebumps rising fast before letting it all out in a long exhale.

That's when it kicked in again. The urge to move, her feet taking her along that path just past the Eagle down as far as she could reach. Past the house, down towards the fields, maybe. Out and far, far as her feet could carry her.

- At least that was her original plan, until she was swept off the ground, sputtering as the bottle flew out of her hand and the world whirled around her.

“Whoo-hoo, Deputy!” Hurk laughed, giving her a bear hug tight enough to cut her air supply off. “We were hoping and wishing and betting you’d be fine, and you’re looking finer than fine! You’re-“

“Suffocating! “ Hana patted his back, wheezing, “Hurk can you just - can you loosen that up hon?”

The spinning stopped even as her vision kept on dancing, and Sharky popped up in the edges of it, running up close to them as she felt Hurk move - whether to give him a fist bump or a high-five she couldn’t tell.

“Dude, you’ve got a choke hold on her that’d put any amigo out after a round! You might wanna loosen that up.”

“Oh! Oh shit, lemme fix that!“

Hurk set her down and the vice lifted, air whooshing back into her lungs quick enough to leave her a little lightheaded even without the alcohol’s help. She nearly stumbled over her own two feet, but once she was righted with Hurk’s help, he settled for giving her arm a friendly bump instead.

“It’s just real good to see you after losing you like that the other day, and I didn’t mean to choke you like that, Dep. Especially since it looks someone might’ve got in a head start on that too.”

“What do you…?” Aiming a strange look at him, his words didn’t click at first, but the memory of hands clamping down on her windpipe hit like a truck right after. “Jesus, uh- okay, so maybe someone tried to put the squeeze in on me earlier, but it’s - it was nothing.”

“Yeah, no, you see that right there?” Hurk tapped Sharky’s shoulder as both peered over at her. “That is a solid two-hander.”

Hana shook her head at him before turning towards Sharky, but he wasn’t grinning at her anymore. No, he was looking at her closely now, eyes tracing along that point below her chin, and her throat grew tight.

“Damn, H.” He whistled under his breath. “That’s no fucking joke.”

He was leaning solidly into her space now. Leaning far enough in for her to have to rock back to keep any distance between them, with the inches dwindling by the second.

“Shark, buddy. Seriously, I’m fine-ow!”

Something touched her neck, falling between a poke and a jab, and at her yelp, Sharky jumped back and held his hands up. “Aw geez, Dep! Sorry! Sorry, I was just-I mean it looked real sore, and I might’ve been gauging it to see if it needs patching or something, and-uh, wanted to see if it-“

“If it hurts?” she asked, holding a hand to the dully throbbing spot. “Well good news, hon! It hurts!”

She gave him a solid poke in the side. “Ow!”

Watching him rub furiously at the spot, she waited, then poked him again, and again. On the next Sharky caught her hands, his grip pretty dawn tight even as he kept on trying to dodge her.

“Ow, Dep! I get it! I get it!”

When she slowed down, he gave a quick huff of relief, and Hana shook her head. Lost all and any track of where she’d mentally been not even five minutes ago, and had to take a second to get it all back.

But when it sank its claws back in, she knew it. Felt that weight bring her right back down to earth, and lightly tugged her hands away from Sharky.

“Anyway, don’t think I’m not happy to see you guys. That’s not even close to true, not one bit, but -“ She paused, taking a moment to fish the discarded beer bottle off of the ground, studying the label. “I think I’m fucking toast, man. I might have to call a raincheck on any and all parties and afterparties going on right now.”

“Well shit, I uh...“ Hana glanced up as Sharky faltered, disappointment setting in, but a smile slipped in soon after. “Sure thing, shorty. You wanna sit down, kick back and take five or twenty, we got you. ‘Sides, we always pregame shit like this, so if you wanna get in on it later we’ll get you caught up.”

She’d started chewing on her lip again, and let it go. “Promise?”

“Hell yeah! Won’t even touch the high-proof, top shelf-type shit ‘til then.” He moved to slap her shoulder, but jerked to a stop and slapped Hurk’s instead. “Right, Hurky?”

“Ow!” Rubbing at the spot, Hurk glowered at him for a beat, but recovered fast. “That’s a tall order, cuz, but if we wanna wait, I guess we can work on a few party favors for the Peggies instead. Always wanted to try rigging one of those edible arrangements-type baskets, but we’d have to crash my mama’s house first for a decent melon baller.“

“Dude, just stuff ‘em full of cherry bombs, what do you wanna waste any of that for?”

“’Cause a fruit basket’s gotta have some fruit, and you can’t get any of those nice little round shapes without one,” Hurk replied, scratching his chin as he thought it over. “I know she’s got one in near-mint condition over yonder, just gotta get up there and see if we can score a couple of cantaloupes on the way too-“

Listening to the two, watching as Sharky stepped up to mime the arc of something being launched, Hana paused for a moment - watching his hands move as he mimed the arc of something being launched - before slipping away.

Sneaking off after being reunited again so soon was borderline shitty at best, but if she stuck around now she’d never be able to talk herself into leaving. The longer she stuck around the worse her company was bound to get, and as her thoughts started to fuzz around the edges, nothing would be better for it and the others than to just get somewhere as wide open and quiet as possible.

She’d been moving down the way and out before, but one glance upward towards the stars made up her mind for her.

Taking the path behind the autoshop, she found the one ladder sure enough, and took to climbing. Hoisting herself up one rung at a time, she just wanted to see the sky. To get a moment to look up past the clouds and see -

She froze at the top. Directly across from her posted right by the heavy machine gun was a familiar face. One she’d missed, but had seen flashes of throughout the day.

Grace’s eyes widened a hair as she focused on her, rifle slung on her back, and Hana immediately backpedaled. “Shit. Grace, I’m sorry. I didn’t I’d - let me get out of your way.”

“You bring two?”

Hana stopped with one foot already on the lower rung of the ladder, and swayed as she nearly dropped the lone beer clutched in her grip.

Tilting her head, Grace gestured towards the spot next to her. "Could also use more eyes up here."

"...You sure? Might just end up picking up my slack more than anything else."

"Better up here than down there."

Hana turned towards the houses again. Towards the path she'd wandered out once before, bottle in hand and memories fuzzy, and shrugged off the feeling settling in the pit of her stomach.

“Think you’re right about that. Just one problem, though.” She held up the beer up before extending it towards Grace. “Only came up here with one, and I owe you at least two for what you did earlier.”

It was nearly pitch black out, but she still caught it. The small smile that crossed Grace’s face and didn’t leave it. “It’ll do.”

---

The next day they all set out to regroup - to get back at some of the vans while also gathering supplies, and the first thing Hana does once she’s able to drag herself down from her perch with Grace is get an idea of where they’d been striking.

Reports mentioned Peggies picking off their people both to the east and the south - the van over by Sunrise a lucky shot in the dark for John’s people - while others had struck on the outskirts of the valley. Fall’s End was still the largest fortified free zone for their people to be in, but the roads weren’t theirs. Not yet.

So she had to work fast, at least now before they had a chance to throw them off further. She was still a target. Had lucked out somehow even after getting fucked over before, but didn’t even think about laying low now. It was her fault it’d gotten worse to begin with, and her mess to deal with.

With the guys on interference, gift baskets and all, it took some of the heat off, and as soon as a new report came in - another white van proving to be an ambush - she was back on the road rushing off to intercept it.

Burning rubber, she ran them down, making sure no one hit them alone, and held her breath with every screech of the tires and every thrown open door on the back of their vans. Every stop was a roll of the dice, and after a day of playing touch and go, she and a few others jerry-rigged their own van, piling in to tail the Peggies back to one of their drop off points.

The path wound north through the hills, taking them in a direction that this time she was able to follow. Peering over the driver’s seat from her spot in the back, she watched the construction yard come into view. Paths almost haphazardly circled the place, running rings around the building square in its center, as the dirt paths merged into the road leading onto the grounds.

An ATV roared past them, nearly clipping them on the way in, and judging from the trucks parked outside it was active as ever. Whatever they had been moving out before - supplies, people, weapons - they’d have a shot at now, and a quick radio call on their end helped make it clear that they wouldn’t have to deal with it alone for long.

Ducking back down, Hana passed some extra shells to Kat, and traded a quick look with Grace as she fiddled with her gear to get her rifle into place.

Grace had already been looking her way, skeptical for damn good reason, and seconds away from telling her to stay put. It would’ve been a rough order to follow if she had, one Hana would’ve been doomed to break, but Grace remained silent as the wheels slowed to a stop, her mouth set in a hard line.

There wasn’t much she could say in this moment to ease the pressure, but as the countdown in her head wound down to zero, Hana flashed her a wink. Then jumped to join the others in busting out of the back of the van.

Chaos erupted, the Peggies by the doors falling back only to go for their weapons as their group got into position. Hana threw herself behind a nearby pile of logs, and stayed down as a spray of bullets sent pieces of wood and bark flying. She’d lost sight of the others fast. Kat she’d figured would want to get in close and personal, her shotgun doing most of the talking for her, while Grace was nothing short of a ghost.

One blink and Hana lost sight of the red heart on the back of Grace’s uniform, but not even a moment later she spotted that light again. Faint and familiar, Grace's laser sight glinted briefly on the back of one of the Peggies before they fell, her shots almost too quick for Hana to keep up with.

More wood pelted her as she adjusted her position, and as a Peggie came up from the other side, she fired. Tried to aim best as she could, while holding her position. 

"Five minutes out, we’ll be there in five!” the walkie by her side crackled, as words come through.

Five. Fuck.

“Deputy!”

Hana whipped her head towards the voice, trying to pick out the person speaking to her, and caught the Resistance member waving at her - Bryan, or was it Ryan? They hadn’t had a lot of time for intros in the van, but his ‘drop the bass’ shirt was tough to forget.

“We’ll cover you!” His cover wasn’t much better than hers, and he pointed towards the only main building in the yard. 

He started firing, and the rain of wood chips above her slowed, then stopped. Chancing a quick peek out between what was left of the pile, Hana broke into a run before she could second-guess it.

And though there wasn’t much point, she started counting again. Ran straight through those numbers and across the dirt road as one became five, became fifteen, became thirty. Eventually the numbers blended right into the noise erupting around them, and as she reached the building in the center of the yard, she fought to get to that room tucked away inside of it. That small place that she’d make damn sure no one else was ever trapped in again.

Throwing herself into cover just past the entrance, Hana stopped to catch her breath as movement close by drew her attention to the floor. Right to the grenade rolling to a stop right by her feet.

Every hair on her shot straight up. Scrambling to move, she damn near slipped and fell as she fought to get away, and dove right back out. 

Profanity zipping through her head on overdrive, it all skidded to a halt as the force hit. Flowing out, it was a wave of heat that set her nerves alight as she collided with a nearby crate. Vision swimming, she blinked and coughed, praying it’d settle only to get dragged up.

An arm looped around her neck, and she clamped down on it with her fingers as the pressure ramped up to cut off her air flow. She slammed herself back against the person holding her. Once, then twice, as a snarl slipped out, and the grip loosened, giving her just enough leeway to get away and - crack.

That close she couldn’t help but flinch as the shot took the Peggie down; her ears ringing slightly as she righted herself. But when she flashed a thumbs up in appreciation, across the way from her wasn’t Grace. Hell, it wasn’t even one of their people. It was -

A Peggie. The woman lowered her gun, and when Hana didn’t budge, she broke into a run, clearing out fast. Another Peggie stayed with her, keeping close behind as they disappeared into the trees.

Was that - were there more of them? One of Ben's?

A solid slap to her arm shook her out of it a moment later, one of the other Resistance members pulling her back to the present, but the questions lingered. Stayed in the back of her mind even as they cleared out the last few holdouts and finally broke into that back room. 

Three people were huddled together on the other side of the door, all blindfolded, but unharmed. Relieved, she threw out as quick a greeting as she could manage before removing them and cut the zipties around their wrists after. 

On Grace’s final all-clear of the area, they didn’t linger. They got the hell out fast, leaving Kat and the others to break down the rest of the yard and the gear the Peggies had been stashing there. But back at Fall’s End, she was back at square one again. Idle enough for the itch to move to set in, and for her mind to wander back to the questions running through it on repeat.

How many defectors were there? How many had there always been?

They had no real clue at this point, just word on the few that Jerome knew had reached out for help. But sometimes that was all you needed. A few people on the same wavelength, with a serious desire to raise hell.

And judging from what she’d seen over the last day or so, the few were starting to look like so much more than that.

The cigarette burned down between her lips as Hana stared down the street, and felt her heel start tapping against the floor. Posted at one of the rooftop watch stations, her eyes followed the few people that passed on by, and by the time she’d picked up on the voice coming through her radio, she’d graduated to the kind of tapping that would’ve had her mother placing a hand on her knee to still it.

“-ty? Deputy, are you there?”

Jerome. Her leg came to a quick stop. “Hey, Pastor. Everything okay?”

“Where are you right now, still nearby?”

“Yeah, I’m practically a stone’s throw from you, if you’re wondering. Why?”

“Do you remember what we spoke about earlier? About you, and those that brought you back?

She took one last draw on the cigarette, her grip tight on it. “Yeah, I remember.”

“Come on down to the church. They want to meet.”

[fabiansociety]

yakuza tier list

S Rank - Games Firing On All Cylinders

Yakuza 5: melacholic, sprawling, hopeful, grounded. the best these games get. i could write an essay on the valorization of service workers in this

Lost Judgement: a compelling plot, great characters, and a full use of the larger playground offered by Ijincho

A Rank - Every Virtue Save One

Judgement: the best story RGG ever told, and the most punchable villain. every aspect is diagetically justified. just not quite as fun as LJ

Yakuza 0: majima's story is fantastic. kiryu's story is fine. yumi should have been in this

B Rank - Good But Not Great

Yakuza 3: Kiryu actually has a life for a change; the americans are the villains. ps3 jank galore, and the fishing minigame is solid bullshit

Yakuza 4: a much needed break from Kiryu Kazuma, the Dragon of Dojima. akiyama and hana are great, tanimura is an essential humanization of the non-japanese residents of little asia

Yakuza: Like A Dragon: so many ideas! such incredible cutscenes! such interminable battles! i could fix it. i want to fix it

LAD Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name: Kiryu's swan song. has the courage to really sit with what a terrible decision he made at the end of Y6. plays the hits. akame rules

C - I See What You Were Going For

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: None of YLAD's weaknesses but few of its strengths, either

Yakuza Kiwami: the plot's a mess, but the Majima Everywhere System is the best leveling idea in the series

D: Your Ideas Are Bad And You Should Feel Bad

Yakuza 6: daigo is kiryu's son? daigo? onomichi is a fantastic location, but every decision kiryu makes is aggressively bad. back to the stale racism of earlier games, particularly—

F: Oh RGG No

Yakuza Kiwami 2: persistently racist. the castle bit at the end is the most looney tunes thing in the series. the romance with sayama and the return of the hostess minigame aren't enough to redeem things