#crafts n hot cocoa!! :3

[ashen-crest]

[ID: the meme of Andy from Parks and Rec looking excitedly at the camera, with the following text overlaid: "That Feeling When The Rival Most Vial Audiobook is out." end ID]

The Rival Most Vial Audiobook is here!!

Like, literally, you can get it right here, on Audible, B&N, Kobo, Chirp, Libro, etc. (I'm working on getting it into the LA public library system as well.)

The fact that this thing exists is bananas to me.

I always assumed that audiobooks were for fancy, popular authors. People with mega newsletters and five-books-a-year release schedules and like, actual headshots. Not me.

But this audiobook was actually the narrator and voice director's idea! Brendan and Zach are a) my good friends and b) dating each other, and they came to me saying "hey, we read this, loved it, and would like to make an audiobook of it."

Which is frankly, fucking insane, because:

1- Brendan is an actor whose studies focused on Shakespeare and he absolutely CRUSHED his role as Hamlet in Hamlet this summer

2- Zach works in video games and has literal years of experience voice directing talent.

3- two gay men who genuinely enjoyed the book and connected with the characters bringing their lived perspective to this work?! while also being able to uniquely communicate with each other because they're partners?? it was such an honor for them to even suggest it, and even more of an honor to be in the recording booth and work with them. I really can't emphasize enough how special it was.

I am so so glad that we were able to make it work this year and deliver what basically amounts to a radio play of A Rival Most Vial.

Like, I don't even want people to buy the audiobook so I can make money. I want people to buy it so they can listen to it and tell me what they think! I want to gush over Brendan's performance with someone! I want to ask them what their favorite parts were, or what they were expecting if they've already read the book! Like, this isn't even my work anymore, I want to fangirl over Brendan and Zach's work with you!!

So, pretty please- if you're looking for a cozy audiobook for holiday travel, or something to drown out the in-laws with, or just something to listen to while you drink hot cocoa or craft or play viddy games- give this a shot and let me know what you think.

[ID: a square image with an audiobook cover over a background of faded party lights. The audiobook is purple with gold accents and reads "A Rival Most Vial: Potioneering for Love and Profit by R.K. Ashwick." The text underneath the audiobook image reads: "Out Now on Audible, Spotify, Libro, Chirp, and more! (link in bio)." end ID]

[pinchofhoney]

Hi!! How are you doing? I wanted to send in a request for your celebration, please!! But first, congratulations for this milestone!! Ot's amazing!! 🥳 I would like to make a fluffy request for Ben Barnes with prompt n°2 in the fluff list (the one with the playlist). I don't have a plot or anything of the kind, but as we know how important music is for Ben, and that he often makes playlists (for his roles for example), I thought it would suit him. I hope you feel inspired by this idea. I hope you have a nice day, and congratulations again!!! 💕

if only my heart had a voice # 200 follower special event

» prompt event » special events masterlist

fluff prompt two: “make me a playlist sometime, will you?”

credits to ben barnes and his 2021 instagram story

ben barnes x reader

word count: 1.5k

warning: none, just another fluff, no use of y/n

summary: Music has the power to tap into our memories and stir up deep-seated emotions. And the beauty of it is that each time we hear a song, it can bring back those same memories and feelings as vividly as the first time we experienced them.

a/n: hello<33 i'm great, thank you! i hope you're doing great too and the upcoming weekend will be the good one!! thank you for your request, i hope you will be satisfied enough with what i have prepared and that the level of sweetness is just right for a fluff queen<3 and if not, i hope the video i found will melt your heart so much that what i wrote will no longer matter

pages that may interest you: masterlist ♡ taglist ♡ who i write for

taglist: @wolfmoonmusic @myladydarkling @alexxavicry

The chilly evening had settled in, with the frosty breath of winter creeping in through every nook and cranny of the cozy house. You sat perched on the soft leather stool at your boyfriend's grand piano, your fingers tentatively hovering over the ivory keys. You were wrapped in a fluffy, knitted blanket that had been lovingly crafted by your mother, with its comforting weight enveloping you with warmth.

The fire in the nearby hearth crackled and sputtered, throwing sparks and shadows onto the walls of the room. The flickering flames illuminated the piano in a warm and inviting glow, casting dancing shadows across the polished wood of the instrument.

The room was filled with a plenty of comforting details. Starting with soft and cozy throw rug, which was spread out in front of the fireplace, inviting you to curl up on it and bask in the warmth of the fire, a nearby shelf stacked with an assortment of books and ending with a collection of photographs from your travels with Ben, adorning the walls with captured cherishing memories and moments frozen in time.

But your attention was focused on the piano, and the notes that Ben had taught you the previous night. With a deep breath, you began to play, trying not to make any mistakes and the sound of the piano filled the room and bring a sense of comfort and peace.

The keys felt cool and smooth beneath your fingertips, the weight of each note echoing through the room. Unfortunately, you weren't as skilled at playing the piano as you had hoped to be. Every now and then, your fingers would stumble over the keys, causing you to furrow your brow in frustration. Your perfectionist nature demanded immediate success, but the intricacies of the music proved to be a challenge, especially for a person like you who had never really been in touch with the piano.

You let out a defeated sigh, feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. But just as you were about to give up, you heard the sound of Ben's footsteps approaching. He entered the living room, carrying two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, the rich aroma of cocoa and marshmallows filling the air.

“Hey there,” he said with a warm smile, placing the mugs on a small table nearby. He sat down next to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pulling you close. “How's the practicing going?”

You couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, shaking your head in mild embarrassment. “Don't act as if you haven't heard that sound of failure,” you said, feeling a sense of comfort as you leaned into his embrace.

Ben responded with a soft laughter, his arms tightening around you. “Don't be so hard on yourself, love,” he reassured you. “Learning to play an instrument takes time and practice. You're doing great, and you'll get there.”

You let out a deep sigh, feeling a sense of impatience with your progress. “But I want to be there now,” you muttered, poking out your lower lip in frustration.

“Has anyone ever told you before that you're impatient?” he laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You've only been playing for a week, my dear. Give yourself some time.”

You couldn't help but smile at his teasing tone, feeling a sense of warmth spread through your body. Ben always had a way of making you feel better, even when you were feeling frustrated or down.

“Maybe I would have been better at it if my teacher wasn't so distracting,” you teased playfully, poking his side.

“Excuse me?” Ben's eyes widened in mock surprise. “Now it's my fault?” he asked in a playful tone, his lips curling up into a smile.

A sense of warmth enveloped you as you lifted your head to kiss Ben's jawbone, which was easily within reach from the way you were seated. There was something about being with him that made even the simplest of moments feel special. It was as if the world around you melted away, leaving just the two of you in a warm, cozy bubble.

After a peaceful moment of silence, with only the sounds of the fireplace crackling in the background, Ben asked with a smile, “Would you like to hear me play something?”

“Anything you like,” you replied, feeling the tender weight of his kiss on your head before he moved his hand away to make him more comfortable to play.

You scooted back a bit, tucking the blanket more tightly around you as though the room had suddenly grown colder without his closeness.

“Well?” Ben prompted, fingers poised above the keys.

You shrugged, unable to hide the grin on your face. You knew that anything he played would sound beautiful to you, and you savored each and every note that he brought to life on the piano. “Maybe something that reminds you of?”

Ben's eyes crinkled at the corners as he considered your request, his fingers dancing over the keys. Slowly, a familiar melody filled the room, and you couldn't help but close your eyes and let the music wash over you. It was the same song that had been playing on the radio during your first date, and the memories it brought back made you smile.

The notes seemed to transport you to another world, easing your worries and soothing your soul. The warmth of the room, the soft embrace of the blanket, and the gentle light from the flickering hearth cocooned you in a peaceful bubble.

After a moment, you opened your eyes and looked over at Ben. His eyes were closed, and he was completely lost in the music. The way his fingers moved effortlessly over the keys created a beautiful symphony, and you couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration and love for him. You noticed the way the firelight danced across his face, highlighting the features that you loved so much, and you felt grateful to be sharing this moment with him. There was no place you wanted to be more than here. With Ben.

As the melody came to an end, you let out a soft sigh, feeling as if you had just woken up from a beautiful dream. You looked back at Ben and saw that he was looking at you, his eyes filled with love and tenderness. “I love you,” you said what the first thing that popped into your head.

A small smile formed on Ben's lips as he heard your words. He reached out and took your hand in his, squeezing it gently. “I love you too, more than anything in this world,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving yours. You leaned in to give him a soft kiss, feeling more in love with him than ever before. As you snuggled up to him again, you felt a deep sense of joy, knowing that you were the luckiest woman in the world to have him in your life.

As you settled back into the cozy atmosphere, you thought of something that had been on your mind for a while. “Hey, make me a playlist sometime, will you?” you asked, looking up at Ben.

He looked a bit confused, as if he didn't understand why you were asking this all of a sudden. “A playlist?” he repeated.

You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. “Yeah, I don't know why you haven't done it yet. I’d love to have the songs that you associate with me. With us. I think it would be nice to always have them with me.”

A smile spread across Ben's face as he understood your request. “Of course, love,” he said, leaning in to give you a loving kiss on the forehead. “I'll make you the most special playlist you've ever heard.”

You snuggled into him even more, feeling his warmth enveloping you. “You know, there are some songs that always remind me of you,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “Like the one we danced to in my trailer when you visited me on the set,” he chuckled as he recollected the moment. “Or that one we listened to on our picnic date while watching the sunset.”

You smiled at the memories that flooded your mind. “Yes, I remember,” you replied, feeling a sense of nostalgia mixed with happiness.

Ben reached for his phone and began scrolling through his music library. “Let's start with this one,” he said, pressing play on a song that you had never heard before. The music that filled the room stirred up emotions within you, and though you didn't recognize the song, it felt as if it was crafted for you and Ben alone. As you listened, you couldn't help but wonder about the other songs that Ben associated with your relationship, those that held a special place in his heart and reminded him of you every time he heard them.

As the night went on, Ben played song after song, each one more beautiful and meaningful than the last. And as you listened, you knew that this playlist would always hold a special place in your heart, a reminder of the love and happiness that you shared with the most important person in your life.

[hauntedpotat]

I N T R O P O S T

hi 👋

My name is hauntedpotat, you can call me something related to that or Lyss! Im aroace and agender, and my pronouns are xe/they/he, but I'm pretty much good with anything except she/her 👍I'm in US central time! I'm from the cheese state 🧀🧀

I am a minor, no creepy or nsfw stuff please

Shitty people FUCK OFF (you know EXACTLY who you are, and no I will not debate with you on if I should exist or not. Leave me alone. Thanks!)

Asks are cool!! Talk to Me (if you want)

most likely neurodivergent

This blog is mainly OC and story art, art challenges, and general tumblr interactions. I have a fandom sideblog @themostuselesspotato where I post, you guessed it, fandom stuff (not specifying here, there are far to many). Outside of drawing, I also enjoy reading and most crafts.

Rn I am being soooooooooo normal about marching band and drum corps :]]] soooooo totally normal

I am currently in the process of writing/illustrating a webcomic that I plan to start releasing on webtoon this summer! The characters that I draw here will be part of it :)

I also have a pinterest, instagram (which I no longer use), youtube, and twitch (I haven't done anything with the last two yet, but I plan to in the future). You can find all of this at gpdsocials.carrd.co if you're interested

Adding a cut here, important stuff is above, spewing about my life is below (lol)

I am currently going to school for graphic design, so I know how to and frequently use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Primere Pro both in and out of school. My current profile picture was made on Illustrator for an ongoing branding unit in one of my classes. I also learned how to design, cut, and press T-shirts.

On the topic of school, I also participate in band! I did summer marching band last year, and hopefully will continue to do so until I graduate. I am a percussionist, and my favorite instruments to play are bass drum, vibraphone, and this one specific marimba we have in class (no seriously, I could rant about how nice it sounds for HOURS). During marching band, I played second bass drum, and now snare.

I posted a complete Fishuary art challenge here! If you want to see my silly fish drawings, search the tag #fishuary2024

On the topic of tags, I also use #potats friend interactions (for general convo etc) and #potat rambles (for shitposts basically) #potat's band chronicles is for band camp 👍 All of these are tagged below, for easy access.

Random facts about me! Idk

I can kick someone of adult height in the face if I want to (for some reason I can just kick really high)

When I was in 3rd grade I handwrote a two page informational essay about mosquitoes from memory in an hour

I have a cat! Her name is Stormy, she's 3 years old :) lmk if yall want to see pictures of her, I've got so many pictures

The only video game I've played is minecraft on a kindle fire that I won from selling girl scout cookies at the age of ten. This shitty thing can support like one world at a time and STILL crashes

Once I smashed my knee between a boat and dock at 8am bc I was running off of hot cocoa and 5 hours of sleep and thought my knee was a good cushion for the boat that was coming in at the wrong angle. Don't do that!! Hot cocoa induced decision making is bad! And boats are still very heavy even if they're very slow!!

Idk what else to write here. I'm sure I will continue to update this post, so feel free to ask me questions in my asks or in the replies

Bye! 👋

[pretty-house-pretty-garden]

Queerplatonic (media) Partner Appreciation!!

Hehehe I was feelin silly!!

Giggles!!

I loooove love love Krow so so much! So much!

I neeeed to see my husband (krow canonmate) again grrr

But anyways! A few memories and art i wanted to share

One time in B clearing we were all making bracelets and other crafts around the campfire.. we used a few pretty rocks and such for them too, and it aproached me with a shiny smooth-ish rock.. vaguely shaped like a heart. It said it had found it there while looking for other stuff to use.. and thought I should have it :)! I put said rock on a bracelet and wore it all the time <3

We started "dating" in B clearing aswell. Back then we didnt really have the right terms but kinda confessed and explained to eachother how we felt and how it was like weirdly not romantic but also not like friends and everyone just agreed "ah yes secret third thing!" ... it was queerplatonic- lmao. Also we had more of a situationship than a relationship cause how we behaved around eachother really depended on our situation n such..

It wasnt big on PDA. Actually it hated it... and I respected that honestly! But there was the occasional hand holding... sometimes it just defending me verbally was enough. Yes, it was quick to violence which I didn't agree with, but I honestly felt genuinly safe around it. It would always stand up for me and defend my name with tooth and nail. (Pun intended..) Made me feel really appreciated :]! So loyal <3

It was such a good friend, too. Super fun to have around! But specially can always trust it with things, it was super helpful and made all my duties as a leader so much more easier! It was rlly community oriented and I really appreciated it for that. Specially cause I could tell it put the efford into being so nice to others, and it really liked our friends.

I remember in one timeline where admitedly halo boy was way more okay than in other of my canons- I was still mad at him for being rude and an asshole to my sister... He treated Graecie so horrible and she didn't even realize cus he acted all "nice" and stuff afterwards.. grr... ANYWAYS but about Krow.. Yeah so I was mad and taking my anger out on a training dummy Owen had outside his house. Krow found me and offered to go into the maze to kill some monsters and get my rage out for real!! So we did :D! We were okay dw. But erm yeah I hope Owen doesnt see this (we legit went in w/o telling anyone or flipping our levers.. oops..) BUT I HAD SO MUCH FUN!! It was a great way to let out my emotions without harming anyone :]

I remember watching the stars with it.. specially back in our clearing, but even in A we sat down sometimes together and would cuddle with a blanket and hot cocoa outside and just watch the night sky, away from everyone else..

We were one of those more "rom looking" qprs... cus in our more private and affectionate moments we'd hold hands, hug, cuddle and even kiss.. yes on the lips... it was so soft tho<3 hehehe

Owen, even before going crazyyyyyy, didn't rlly like Krow... he didnt want us to hang out too much at times cus of how violent and opinionated Krow was.. oh boy who's gonna tell him... giggles!!

Anyways look! Art i did of us!!

Also have art of Krowella (i call her Ella). Cause i also have a canon where she existed and I met her.. giggles! Oh and also a canon where both existed? Which is rlly funny cus I was a bit sad but kind of accepted Krow didn't care about loosing me as much as I cared about it.... and then Ella showed up and started being all flirty with me and bro was like OH GIRL ITS ON SIGHT. Giggles...

+ last picture is a doodle i did of krow and I for yuri day! And my silly lil bracelets hehe, including the one with the rock krow have me :]

[suhnnyskiess]

tag games!

I was tagged by the lovely @bangchan-fairy for these so i'll do a whole ass thread, I'm tagging: @pinktea99 @soleilsuhh @seokjinsdisciple if you feel up to do ones you haven't done yet or haven't done in a while!! <3

autumn tag game!

pumpkin or apple // cocoa or cider // halloween or thanksgiving // leaf piles or apple picking // hay ride or corn maze // wooly sweater or furry slippers // pumpkin carving or knitting // squash or sweet potato // black cat or bat // skeletons or witches // fake blood or fake spiders // mashed potatoes or stuffing // orange or black // apple pie or maple donuts // marshmallows or candy corn // vampire or werewolf // fireplace or cozy nook // pumpkin spiced latte or craft beer // hot chocolate or tea // big scarf or oversized hoodie

(side note: kinda ironic that i was listening to beautiful christmas by BTR while filling this LOL)

🎶 url song tag 🎶

fill ur username using songs!! (bonus points if you don't repeat artist)

s // sticker-nct127

u // unbreakable-wayv

h // hasta la raíz- natalia lafourcade

n // not gonna love- young k

n // not in the same way- 5sos

y // youniverse- wekimeki

s // silent cry - stray kids

k // kiss me- dpr live

i // i loved you- day6

e // eres tú- carla morrison

s // salty- the boyz

s // say my name- ateez

Pic crew tag! irl you vs online you

using this pic crew

Personality-wise i think I'm pretty much the same thing? im as extroverted as I'm here as i am in irl but currently I'm swimming in assignments so i look not so put together lol

Pic crew tag! Try to make the picrew as you as possible

using this pic crew

I do believe this is the most accurate pic crew I've used! My eyes are wider irl i think but n e ways. doing these pic crews made me realize my hair has grown so much omg

[lovelyparkers]

sickly lovely cuddles

summary: peter visits you in the hospital! writing this for my fellow sick kids out there bc i'm in the hospital a lot and need this. to any of my chronically ill babes out there, i love u, keep fighting! and i love everyone!

warnings: hospitals, mentions of blood and needles, gtubes, ox tubes, overall fluff 1.2k+ words

peter was currently in the elevator headed to your floor in a NYC children's hospital. it was a bit far from his apartment in queens, but he would go miles to see you, especially when you were sicker than normal.

he carried a bouquet of fake flowers he got from a craft shop, because he knew real ones affected your allergies and ability to breathe. he wanted you to be happy and see that beautiful smile of yours, even if it was from fake flowers. and he even stopped in the cafeteria to get you and him cups of hot chocolate, a great replacement for your beloved coffee you oh so missed. (yes, us heart failure patients cannot even have decaf coffee! ever since my several heart disease diagnosis, i have left coffee behind and was given a hot chocolate replacement)

once he got off the elevator, he smiled, saying hi to the nurses at the nurse station and heading to your room. peter was obviously a frequented visitor and many nurses and a few doctors knew him by name.

upon reaching your door, he looked in the window to see you laying in bed watching tv. you had comfy pyjamas on and spider-man socks peter got you a few weeks ago. you had bags under your eyes and bruises on your arms from needle upon needle and IVs. you also had a grey beanie on, one that was peter's that he left here accidentally. it looked great on you.

he tapped the door with his foot to get your attention. you turned your head over slowly, expecting your nurse, but immediately peeled up when you saw peter. you smiled and waved for him to come in. he pushed the door open and set the flowers and hot cocoa on your tray table. (bruh i've run a tray table over my foot ONE TOO MANY TIMES)

"hi y/n/n," he said, calling you your favorite nickname.

"hi peter!" you said, reaching out to hug him.

he embraced you in a long and warm hug before smiling and motioned to your table, "i got you some goodies!"

"ooo what did ya get me?"

he picked up the fake flowers first, handing the neat bouquet to you.

"they are fake of course, because, ya know," he motioned to your nasal cannula, "your allergies make you breathe bad."

you laughed, adjusting the tube behind your ear, "yes, yes they do."

"andddd," he began before picking up the hot cocoa, "hot cocoa!"

"yay! gimme!"

he handed you a cup, brushing your fingers in the process.

"thank you peter," you said before taking a sip, "gosh this hospital hot chocolate hits different."

"of course, anything for you."

you smiled, both sipping your drinks.

"so, i'm gonna ask the dreaded question because that's who i am, how are you feeling today? physically? mentally? emotionally?"

you sighed, "well i had severe hypotension at 2 am and have been awake since, getting filled with meds while almost passing out isn't fun. oh and my iv is being annoying and keeps getting in the way as usual."

you pointed to the sticker and the long tube that was all over your room.

"geez i'm sorry," peter said sincerely.

"but hey," you lifted up your shirt a little bit to show your stomach, "g tube is removed!"

"yay!" peter literally screamed causing you to laugh. he knew how much you hated that darn g tube.

"but mentally and emotionally i'm doing...okay. better now that you're here."

"i'm glad," he smiled.

you took a big gulp of your steaming cocoa then started having a coughing attack because sometimes you forget to breathe when drinking.

peter stood up, rubbing your back, "you okay?"

you finished coughing and cleared your throat, giving him a thumbs up.

"yes now get in bed and cuddle with me," you demanded and adjusted the bed to yours and his liking.

"okay."

peter crawled into bed with you after kicking off his sneakers.

"watch out for my oxygen, don't wanna sit on it and make me stop breathing."

"oh my gosh," peter said shocked, he was always careful, "dont say stuff like that! you're concerning me."

you laughed, "i'm joking i'm joking! it wasn't even near your butt anyways."

you cuddled up into peter's side and watched tv together for awhile. he eventually put his arm around you which caused your heart rate to soar, sending a loud sound from your monitor and in game your nurse.

"oh gosh," you groaned.

"you okay y/n-" your nurse asked before seeing you and peter, "ooo sorry kids, hi peter."

"hi meg."

"your heart rate went up, just checking in."

"i'm fine meg, thanks," you said blushing and gesturing over to peter cuddled up with you.

"ah, i see. call me if you need me."

you waved.

peter spent the rest of the day with you, migrating from your room to the craft area, to the outside lookout. he pushed you around in a wheelchair when you felt too tired or weak. he fixed your sweater when it got caught around a tube or two. he laughed with you. and he hugged you. a lot. it seemed like stuff someone who loved you did, not just a best friend. you wondered if he liked you back. but how could he like a sick kid? you were gonna be in the hospital for awhile. he couldn't get used to that.

but oh, how he could and would. because he loved you. sick kid or not.

time was ticking towards ten pm. the time they usually kicked peter out even though visiting hours ended at eight pm. he rubbed your arm and fixed your beanie before getting out of bed.

you grabbed onto his arm, "stay?"

peter sighed and smiled sadly, "you know i cant. they kick me out at ten."

"lemme just ask meg, she won't mind if-"

"y/n, it's okay. i'll be back first thing in the morning."

"you will?"

"of course i will," he smiled, causing you to grin.

you yawned sleepily. you only stayed up this late when peter was here. usually you'd be out like a light by 7:30 or 8. but you managed when he was around.

you were still holding his hand at this point, his thumb rubbing across yours.

"love you," you whispered.

"i love you too," he whispered back.

he hesitated, then kissed you softly on the cheek.

"see you in the morning y/n/n."

"see you, pete."

he let go of your hand walking to the door before using some hand sanitizer and smiling at you.

"bye."

you smiled at him, blushing, while he left. he closed the door behind him. he peeked thru the little window on the door and blew you a kiss. you caught it and laughed. he laughed too. you waved again, and he walked away.

minutes later, you were out like a light, dreaming about that boy.

meanwhile, peter was on the phone with may, "yeah i'm on my way home...i'll be careful...ha yeah, yeah i do. i really love her."

hi guys hope u enjoyed! even my non sick ones. hope you're all healthy and happy. i love u all. know i'm here for u and don't hesitate to dm me if u need anything <3 love, your fave spoonie, juli

[nerdy-bookworm-1998]

Masterlist

Last updated 23/03/19

Marvel

Gretchen's 200 Follower Writing Challenge Masterlist

Takeout Night - Reader introduces the boys to a new cuisine

A Gift-Wrapped Christmas -(Bucky Barnes x reader) Reader helps Bucky with some wrapping

Big brother - (platonic!Steve Rogers x reader) Steve helps reader after a breakup

Christmas Angel - (Bucky Barnes x reader) Reader takes Bucky Chrismtas shopping

Christmas in the Woods - (Steve Rogers x Bucky Barnes) The boys pick up their Christmas tree

Happy Birthday - The team throw a surprise birthday party for reader

Christmas Fever - (Steve Rogers x Reader x Bucky Barnes) The boys find reader crying in the middle of the night

Snowed In - (Bucky Barnes x Reader) Bucky and the reader get stuck in a snow storm

Christmas Claustrophobia - (Steve Rogers x Reader x Bucky Barnes) Reader has a panic attack when she gets stuck in the attic

The Gryffindor and the Hufflepuff - Reader helps the boys find their Hogwarts Houses

Mistletoe Kisses - (Loki Odinson x Reader) What happens under the mistletoe, stays under the mistletoe 

Belonging - (Bucky Barnes x Reader) Bucky comes home to find reader locked up in her room

Teacher’s Pet - (Student!Steve Rogers x Professor!Reader) Steve Rogers is a teacher’s pet

Lost - After a terrible accident, reader ends up in the Marvel universe

Widow's Bite - Imagine Natasha beating the shit out of your abusive ex

Puppy Eyes - What happens when the boys use their puppy eyes to drag reader into an animal shelter

I’ll always catch you when you fall - (Peter Parker x Stark!reader) Peter’s first mission with the team after the dusting doesn’t go to plan, reader cheers him up

Trust Me - (Bucky Barnes x reader) Bucky takes reader on a ride

Confident - (Stucky x reader) What’s wrong with being confident?

Birthday Surprise - (Stucky x reader) It’s your birthday

Welcome to the jungle - Tony turns the team into animals

A Father’s Fear - (Steve Rogers x Reader) What happens when you tell Steve you’re pregnant

Sickday - (Steve Rogers x Reader) Steve takes care of a sick reader

Concussion - (Stucky x Reader) Reader has a concussion

Thunderstorm - (Skinny!Steve Rogers x Reader) College AU where Steve and the Reader spend time together in the library while it rains outside

Full Throttel - Biker AU! What happens when a bar owner gets caught in a war between two rival MC’s

One Call Away - (Steve Rogers x Reader) Steve is always one call away

Scorpia - What happens when the Barton sister no one knew about shows up at the Avengers Compound littered with injuries?

Jazz Girl - (Stucky x Reader) Reader takes the boys dancing

Heart of the Ocean - (Stucky x Reader) Mer! AU Steve is a selkie who is mated with merman Bucky. What happens when they discover a group of merpeople hunting a human woman?

Sparring Time - (Stucky x Reader) Steve and Bucky decide it’s time for the reader to learn hand to hand combat, but she has a few tricks up her sleave

The Bet - (Stucky x Reader) Tony, Sam, Nat and Wanda take a bet on how fast the reader will show her hand (companion piece to Sparring Time)

Love Machine - (Bucky Barnes x Reader) Reader gets a big surprise when meeting Bucky's furbaby for the first time

The Arranged Marriage - (Prince!Steve Roger x Princess!Reader) Victorian era au where Steve and the reader are betrothed but cannot stand one another, will the sparks fly or will everything go down in flames?

Baby Blues - (Stucky x Reader) The boys come home to find the reader near tears because she can’t calm down  their daughter

Puppy Love - (Bucky Barnes x Reader) Bucky and the reader find a box of puppies for sale and decide to take them home

Beg for Mercy - (Hades!Bucky Barnes x Persephone!Reader) Even the king of hell bows to his queen

The Distraction - (Steve Rogers x Reader) Steve is shocked to learn it’s his turn to play the distraction

Yes, Alpha - (Alpha!Bucky Barnes x Omega!Reader) Reader is being stubborn about staying in bed until her alpha steps in

Home - (Stucky x Reader)  After a rough day at the compound Steve and Bucky find out what home means to them.

The Howling Commando - (Stucky x Reader)  tony organises a Halloween party and fem!reader goes dressed in a howling commandos uniform and Steve and Bucky are just: 'error. Supersoldier.exe has stopped working'

Occupational Hazard - (Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff)  Steve learns the hard way that Natasha always carries a blade wherever she goes.

Super Soldiers and Panic Attacks -  Steve and Bucky help the reader with a panic attack in the happiest place on earth.

Christmas in July - The team wake up to find the compound full of the smell of Christmas

The Necromancer - Necromancer Bucky is encouraged by deceased reader to find Steve

Festive Spirit - The reader loves Christmas and Bucky is a bit of a Grinch

Snowballs and Hot Cocoa - Day 1 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. It’s the first heavy snowfall of winter and the team spends it playing in the snow before snuggling up with some hot cocoa.

The Annual Cookie Baking Bonanza - Day 2 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. The reader wakes up early to bake Christmas cookies, only to be sent back to bed once Bucky, Steve and Sam arrive back from a mission

Operation: Deck the Halls -  Day 3 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. The reader is on a mission; to decorate the Avengers Tower living spaces before the team wakes. Will she succeed or will she fall asleep before the task is complete?

Carols and Cuddles - Day 4 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  Steve, Bucky and the reader are enjoying a quiet evening at home when they get a very, not so very unexpected surprise.

Girls’ Night In - Day 5 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. The girls spend the night relaxing after a long week of missions.

December Date Night - Day 6 of my 25 Days of Chrismtas Celebration Calendar. It’s date night for Steve and Y/N. Steve plans on making it absolutly magical

The Christmas Tree Lighting -  Day 7 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. The town closest to the compound is holding their annual tree lighting ceremony and have invited the Avengers to attend but not everything goes smoothly, luckily Steve and Bucky are there to save the day.

The Annual Stark Christmas Gala - Day 8 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  It’s time for the annual Stark Christmas Gala, but Y/N isn’t really in the mood. Maybe a new friend can turn that around.

Online Shopping - Day 9 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  All Bucky wants to do is go home, curl up with his best and do some online shopping, but she has other plans

Signed, Sealed and Delivered - Day 10 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  Y/N gets Fury an early Christmas present. Fury is not very jolly, or so they think.

The Annual Avengers’ Family Christmas Card - Day 11 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. It’s time for the annual avengers family Christmas card and Steve gets a little more than just a photo out of the deal.

The Mystery of the Secret Santa - Day 12 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  The Secret Santa strikes and Clint knows exactly which lab tech with their own secret and a supersoldier boyfriend is responsible.

Crafts for Christmas - Day 13 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  Peter helps y/n make some Christmas baubles.

Snowstorm -  Day 14 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N is stuck in a snowstorm on her way home, but not everything is as bad as it seems.

Going Home -  Day 15 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N is on her way home for Christmas when Steve drops a bomb on her.   

Turkey Sandwich with a side of Vomit - Day 16 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N gets food poisoning from a turkey sandwich. Luckily Doctor Barnes is there to make it all better.

Snowy Slopes and Broken Bones - Day 17 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N, Steve, and Bucky go on vacation and Steve wants to go snowboarding.

A Disney Christmas -  Day 18 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. When Tony announces a Christmas vacation Y/N is the personification of the energizer bunny, but not everything is as it seems.

Avengers Pajama Party - Day 19 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  It’s time for the avengers family holiday pajama party and y/n has a little surprise for Bucky.

A Snowy Engagement - Day 20 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar.  Bucky and y/n go for a snowy walk in Central Park.

The Winter Wedding - Day 21 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Bucky and y/n get married in a Christmas Eve wedding. Part of my Lost universe.

A MC Christmas -  Day 22 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. It’s Christmas time at the Howling Commandos MC. Part of my Full Throttle universe.

Flannel Shirts and Reindeer Skirts -  Day 23 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N takes Bucky home for a family Christmas at the Barton farm. Part of my Scorpia universe.

The Festive Education of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes - Day 24 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N teaches Steve and Bucky about Christmas.

The Yule Feast -  Day 25 of my 25 Days of Christmas Celebration Calendar. Y/N and Steve have their own private yule feast with their children. Part of my Arranged Marriage universe.

The Ice Queen’s Secret - When Bucky and Y/N get stuck together in a dingy cabin during a snowstorm secrets are revealed

Steven’s Secret -  Y/N has been very busy lately with juggling her job, studies and spending time with Steve Rogers, her boyfriend of two years, causing Steve to distance himself from her. What will happen when she hears him talking to Sharon about telling his girlfriend where he’s been for the last three weeks?

A Pep Talk From The Past -  Bucky gives himself a pep talk before asking y/n a very important question.

Solving the Mystery of the Secret Valentine -  Two months after Bucky finds out y/n is keeping secrets from him it all comes to a head when the compound is attacked, or is it?

The Misunderstanding -  Bucky thinks y/n is cheating on him with Steve, but everything is not as it seems.

A Dinner to Die For -  No one goes after y/n family and gets away with it, no one.

Audiobook of Love -     Steve and Bucky are missing their best girl while on a mission, but she has a special surprise  for them.

Migraines and Movies - Tony drops everything when his daughter needs him.

Scrapes and IHOP Pancakes - Nat and y/n have a post-mission breakfast

Trick or Treat - It is Brooklyn and Sarah’s first time going trick or treating, and their Avengers aunties and uncles love their costumes

Tolkien

The Royal Artist - (Thranduil x elf!reader) Thranduil meets the reader on a beach and is so entranced by her that he invites her to stay at the palace, but she has her own past that she is running from, will it finally catch up with her?

The Bookelf - (Thranduil x Elf!Reader) Thranduil finds a distraught reader in the forest and takes her under his wing

[startegypt49-blog]

Where to See Santa in Chicago

You can catch Santa all over Chicago during the holidays. He might be feeding hay to his reindeer at the Lincoln Park Zoo, sipping hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus at a cozy café, or hanging out in some of Chicago’s beloved museums. So if you’re looking for the perfect family photo for your Christmas card, grab your wish list and head to the city for a visit with Old St. Nick before he heads back up north. 

WHERE: DRIEHAUS MUSEUM, 40 E. ERIE ST. WHEN: SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, DEC. 8-16. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

The holidays are the most wonderful time of year to visit the Driehaus Museum, which explores the art and architecture of the gilded age inside the meticulously restored Nickerson Mansion. During the holidays, the marble palace is done up with classic holiday decor and hosts activities for the entire family. Create a holiday craft, participate in a sing-a-long and snap a photo with Santa Claus before checking out one of the current exhibitions, like Treasures from the White City: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.

WHERE: ANDERSONVILLE, CLARK ST. AND BERWYN AVE.   WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 21. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

The charming north side neighborhood of Andersonville is a holiday delight thanks to sweet boutiques, holidays lights and a fun schedule of events and entertainment. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to spot Father Christmas around the area. Follow along with the Andersonville Santa Tracker and spot him in different shops throughout the season. You can also write letters to Santa December 1-December 14 at Octavio Cantina & Kitchen: They’ll have a mailbox posted at the host stand. If you include a return address, perhaps Santa will write back!

WHERE: MACY'S ON STATE STREET, 5TH FLOOR, 111 N. STATE ST. WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 24. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

Since the late 1800's, the department store on State Street has been stunning spectators with its iconic holiday window displays and dazzling decor. Today, Macy's carries on the tradition with Santaland, a magical holiday wonderland on the fifth floor where Santa sets up shop for the season. While you're there, write a letter to Santa and help make wishes come true: Macy's will donate $1 for each letter to The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

You can also dine with Santa in the beautiful Narcissus Room on the seventh floor. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner amid holiday entertainment, like face painters and balloon artists.

WHERE: LINCOLN PARK ZOO, 2001 N. CLARK ST. WHEN: ZOOLIGHTS RUNS NOW UNTIL JAN. 6, SANTA HEADS OUT OF TOWN ON CHRISTMAS EVE. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

Every year, Santa and his animal friends at the Lincoln Park Zoo welcome the holiday season with millions of festive lights during the annual ZooLights festival. Enjoy live music, holiday crafts and large-scale ice carvings before your visit with Santa Claus, who can usually be found in the Helen Brach Primate House. This year, the zoo will also be hosting a breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 16. 

WHERE: NAVY PIER, 600 E. GRAND AVE. WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 24. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

Santa always makes a pit stop at Navy Pier's family-friendly holiday festival. With 170,000 square feet of carnival rides, giant slides, activities, ice skating, and more, Winter Wonderfest shines as the city's biggest and best indoor winter playground. Visit Santa in his cozy indoor cottage from December 2 until duty calls on Christmas Eve.

WHERE: 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS, 3RD FLOOR, 900 N. MICHIGAN AVE. WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 24. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

No need to wait in line to visit this mall Santa. The 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops offer a virtual line, so guests can shop or grab a bite to eat before they meet with Mr. Claus. Join the queue on level three, then head to the Holiday Lounge on level four for complimentary coat check, charging stations and gift-wrapping services. In the spirit of Christmas, Santa also gifts every kid — whether you pay for a photo or not — with a sweet little gift.

WHERE: WATER TOWER PLACE, LEVEL 7 NEAR HARRY CARAY'S, 835 N. MICHIGAN AVE. WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 24. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE

Each winter, Water Tower Place transforms into a kid-friendly wonderland, thanks to festive decor and popular kids' shops like the American Girl Place and Lego Store. Make a reservation to see Santa so you can skip the lines and save more time for holiday shopping. Be sure to check out the special events throughout the season, including holiday PJ day, pet night and grandparent’s day.

WHERE: CHRISTKINDLMARKET, DALEY PLAZA, 50 W. Washington St. WHEN: NOW UNTIL DEC. 24. GET SANTA'S SCHEDULE.

Inspired by the Christmas markets in Germany, the open-air Christkindlmarket in Chicago melds old-world tradition and local charm. You'll find Santa in his cozy cottage during market hours. Be sure to check out the wide array of vendors, featuring toys for all ages, jewelry, clothes, home décor, and wooden crafts. Plan on dining at the market, too, with authentic German treats like sausages, potato pancakes and apple strudel.

Brunch with Santa at Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago Sunday, December 16; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Sunday December 23; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Santa Claus will visit Summer House Santa Monica to hear requests and hand out special holiday sweets to Summer House’s youngest guests.

Brunch with Santa at Osteria Via Stato Sunday, December 16; 10:30 a.m.  – 2:30 p.m. Come to Osteria Via Stato for a brunch buffet with Santa! Guests can enjoy brunch with bottomless bellinis. $34.95 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included), kids under 12 eat free

Sunday Santa Claus Visits at Booth One Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 23; 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Santa Claus will be visiting Booth One's Library Bar on December 16 and December 23! Guests can participate in the toy drive for children ages 3-18 benefiting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago from December 1 - December 16 from 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Booth One will also have a full holiday dinner spread from 5:00 PM onward.

Lunch with Santa at Lawry's Saturdays in December Kids can take a photo with Santa and drop off their Christmas list, while the whole family will enjoy a three-course lunch with carolers and holiday decor.

Source: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/post/where-to-see-santa-in-chicago/

[angryschnauzer]

La Chocolaterie - Part 1

A/N: This is written as my entry to @lovelynemesis‘s  #samsrockinwritingchallenge where my prompt was ‘Hot Chocolate’ and i chose Bucky as my main character. This fic is heavily influenced by the movie ‘Chocolat’, and although doesn’t follow the same story line, it is the general aesthetic i was going for. Summary: You run a small Chocolate shop in the French Alps and your ‘help wanted’ sign goes ignored for months... until one day a handsome stranger with a troubled past comes into your life. Set in the December following the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Wordcount: 3443 Warnings: None for this part.

Masterlist

La Chocolaterie – Part 1 of 3

Standing on the damp cobble stones outside your little store you smiled at the completed window display, the twinkling lights and the sprigs of pine giving it the perfect look. Your gaze landed on the small sign that still stood propped against the inside of the window; ‘Help Wanted’. With a sigh you wrapped your scarf tighter around yourself before stepping back inside.

When you’d inherited the little Chocolate Shop in the French Alps you had been ecstatic, it had always been your dream to follow in your Aunt and Uncle’s footsteps after their untimely demise, but after a few months it became clear it was harder than it looked. You had the skill of the craft, you could create delicious treats that would entice even the healthiest of person, but it was the more physical work that was the thief of time; servicing the machinery, taking in the large heavy sacks of cocoa beans from which you’d grind your very own cocoa, spending long hours in the bake room preparing the dough for the chocolate dipped cookies. This was the reason for the sign in the window; you needed help.

Setting your scarf over the small chair behind the counter, you tied your apron and got back to work, working on a batch of dough to make the next orders of quaint gingerbread houses you sold. You were deep in thought as the little bell over the door tinkled, and you called out as you were attempting to handle the large metal trays with the yet to be baked dough into the ovens;

“Un minute sil vous plait!”

Your attempt at multitasking however failed, and with two very loud crashes the trays toppled to the floor, tipping the gingerbread onto the floury tiles.

“Meurtre” you cursed under your breath, only then looking up as you saw a pair of heavy work boots stop near to one of the trays. Your gaze followed the boots up a pair of long legs and lean body until you saw the piercing grey-blue eyes that peered out at you from beneath a cap; “Bonsoir Monsieur”

“Oh... hi...” His voice was deep yet soft, and it immediately captured you in just three short words: “Can I help?”

You saw he was holding your sign from the window, a kind smile now spreading over his face. He set a small backpack down on the floor, bending to pick up the metal tray. You started to talk, but then remembering he’d spoken English, you attempted to remember your English lessons from school;

“You are looking for work Monsieur?”

He nodded;

“Yes, and please; call me Bucky”

“Ok Bucky”

You went on to explain that it wasn’t well paid, but you would provide room and board in the apartment above the store where you lived. The work would be early mornings with long days, but none of that seemed to faze him, instead he eagerly accepted.

“So when can you start?” you asked

“Well... I’m here now...”

“Do you want to bring in any more of your things?”

He glanced at the small backpack;

“This is all that I have”

-

Over the next week you settled into a routine and found Bucky a surprisingly considerate housemate. He was in and out of the bathroom before you’d even woken, there was always hot water left for your shower, and by the time you made it to the kitchen the coffeepot was waiting for you on the small wood burning stove in the corner.

That morning he was no-where to be seen, but as you poured yourself a steaming mug of the dark roast brew from the coffeepot you heard the sound of a thud outside the back door to your apartment, glancing up at the old cloudy glass in the door and you saw Bucky standing outside with armfuls of logs. Running to the door you opened it wide so he could step inside, shaking the fresh snow from his long hair as he stomped his boots on the old threadbare rug. You instinctively started to gently brush the snow from his wide shoulders, but stopping when you saw his eyes go wide;

“Je suis désolé” you quickly apologised, stepping back as he cleared his throat.

“Its... ok. I’m just not used to...” clearing his throat again he avoided your gaze; “Where shall I put these?”

“Here, I’ll help you; next to the wood burner to dry out a little”

Kneeling beside him you quickly worked together to stack the logs, but it was as your fingers brushed against his gloves that he always wore did you stop;

“Your gloves are wet; I will be doing some laundry later if you’d like to let them dry?”

He paused as he handed you the last log;

“Umm, I’m fine, thanks...”

“Really, it’s no trouble...” you stood and made ‘gimme’ hand signals to him, watching as he shifted uncomfortably for a moment before letting out a shaky breath. He peeled the first one off and flexed his fingers; you could see that the skin was chapped and sore. He hesitated as he went to pull the second glove off, watching you watching him.

For a moment it took your brain a few moments to catch up with the signals it was getting from your eyes, watching as he flexed his now exposed metal fingers. You don’t think he was expecting you to step forwards and take both of his hands in yours;

“I need to soothe your hand, I have just the thing. Sit down and warm up, I’ll be right back”

Leaving the room you ran down the stairs to the shop and grabbed a jar from the shelves, taking the steps two at a time back to the apartment and bursting back in through the kitchen door. Bucky was still standing dumbstruck in the middle of the room, but as you took his hand and gently pulled him to the small kitchen table he took the hint to take a seat. He watched avidly as you unscrewed the little jar and scooped out a small amount on the thick white cream. Taking a seat next to him you started to work it into his hand, taking care to be gently where the skin was chapped.

“What... what is that?” he choked out with a hoarse voice

“It is cocoa butter. I use it all the time, I even sell it downstairs”

“It smells beautiful” he paused; “It smells like you”

For a moment you stopped, holding his hand gently as your dual body heat made the lotion more pliable. Finally you smiled at him, working your hand over his palm one last time before setting it down to his lap. It was then that you noticed how dirty and worn his clothing was;

“You’ll need to change so I can wash your clothes”

He glanced down and his face reddened a little;

“I... I don’t have anything... else”

“Oh. I see” you thought for a moment before you came upon an idea; “I think there are still some cases of things in the attic that were my Uncles before he passed away, come on, you can help me retrieve them”

Getting up you quickly made your way into the hallway, grabbing the broom on your way so you could prod the attic hatch out of the way. Setting the broom to one side as Bucky appeared in the hallway next to you.

“Can you give me a boost?” you asked, motioning to the now open hatch

“It’s ok, I’ll do it”

Setting your hand on his arm you smiled;

“It’s a err... tres petit space; I’m not sure if you will fit...”

For a moment you looked at each other, and you could have sworn for the briefest of moments that his eyes had grown a little darker than usual, and the corner of his mouth had been tugged into the smallest of smiles;

“I’m a dab hand at getting into tight spaces...”

You stepped back and motioned for him to go ahead, watching as he took a couple of steps back before doing a hop and a skip before launching himself up and grabbing hold of the edge of the hatchway. You watched as he easily pulled himself up, not before you were treated to the sight of his old t-shirt being pulled up to expose a teasing streak of muscled abdomen.

Moments later he disappeared into the darkness of the attic space, only for his head to reappear;

“What am I looking for up here?”

“Un valise... rouge... err, red... A red suitcase”

He disappeared again and you could only just hear his surprisingly light footsteps across the open beams of the attic, things being moved around quietly until he reappeared at the hatch;

“Found it. Here, can you take it?”

Lowering it down to you, he waited until it was safely in your grasp before letting go, then dropping down with a graceful and silent landing. Reaching over you gently pulled a large spider’s web from his hair, your fingers just grazing across his chin as he moved in surprise.

“Sorry... you had something in your hair...” stepping back and handing him the case you smiled at him; “Here, Uncle was about the same size as you, I’m sure you can find something in here”

Bucky thanked you as he took the case, stepping aside to allow you to pass before he disappeared into his room. Returning to the kitchen you tasted your coffee and cursed as you found it cold, busying yourself making a fresh pot for the both of you. As the old pot bubbled away on the stove the telltale creak of the third floorboard as you came into the kitchen made you turn, the sight before you making you inhale sharply; Bucky was stood there looking a little awkward but breathtakingly handsome.

“I think your uncle may have been a size smaller than me...”

Realising you were standing there gawping at him like a goldfish gasping for air you finally came to your senses;

“You... you look amazing Bucky” you motioned to the coffee pot that by then would be ready; “Would you like some coffee and breakfast?”

Thanking you he nodded and sat at the table, watching you move around your little kitchen as you prepared the early morning meal for the both of you. Occasionally he would get up to help you, taking the plates and cutlery, and each time you attempted to sneak a glance at him. Up until that moment he’d hidden himself beneath layers of baggy clothing, but your Uncle had been a slight man and it meant the jeans Bucky now wore fit him like a glove. The pale grey colour accentuating his thick thighs and if you were honest with yourself; made his ass look amazing. He’d found a plain white tee and had paired it with a red plaid over shirt, the dark accents through the checks almost identical in colour to his beard.

When you settled down to eat you did so in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company until you came upon an idea;

“Bucky, do you know anything about old automobiles?”

He stopped chewing mid mouthful and looked up at you, swallowing slowly;

“How old?”

“About thirty years I think, there is an old Citroen 2CV in the storage space beneath the shop, I’d been meaning to get a Mecanician... umm... a Mechanic to have a look at it... it won’t start”

“Sure, I’ll have a look” he said with a smile that warmed more than just your heart.

-

Two hours later you were working hard at the counter, customer’s eager to warm their hands on mugs of your trademark hot chocolate, to tempt themselves with indulgent treats to take home for later. The loud roaring of an old engine made you look up, and you smiled as you saw the pale green Citroen come to a juddering halt outside the front door.

Watching as Bucky got out and grinned at you from the driver’s side, quickly jogging around and into the shop.

“You got it working then” you stated with a smile

“Yeah, all it needed was the spark plugs cleaned a bit and a good blast down the hill. You wanna take it for a spin?” he held the old key up to you with a huge grin on his face.

Glancing around the shop you saw the time on the little clock on the wall;

“We’ll be closing for lunch in twenty minutes, care to join me?”

-

You never did get back to reopen your shop after your lunch break; you were having too much fun with Bucky. By mid afternoon the winter sun had melted the mornings snow, and although it was cold in the little car, it was just what you had needed – a day off with a good friend. With Bucky driving you had directed him around the area; up small valleys and through old towns, exploring as you pointed out the sights. When the sun started to sink low in the sky and the heater finally gave up, you suggested you head back, and as the sun finally dipped below the horizon you were just putting the little car to bed in the makeshift garage before heading back into the warm.

Laughing and chatting as you unlocked the door to the shop Bucky waited until you’d stepped inside, taking your coat as you switched the lights on;

“Would you like some Hot Chocolate Bucky?”

“Sure, can I help?”

Nodding you motioned for him to follow you, handing him an apron so not to dirty his clothing with cocoa. You showed him how to carve off shavings of chocolate from the large block, angling the blade just so, and surprised when you saw how proficient he was with his knife skills. Placing the shavings into a bowl you motioned to the spices that would flavour it;

“What would you like?”

He stood at the large rack of jars looking bewildered;

“I don’t know... what do you like?”

“What I like doesn’t matter, everyone’s tastes are different; everyone’s palettes take to spices in their own unique way”

Looking over the bottles he stood at your side before nervously pointing to one of the jars;

“How about that one?”

“Cardamom?” You pulled the spice from the shelf; “That would work well with.... here; a hint of Peruvian Chilli. Do you like things hot?”

A smile threatened to tug at the corner of Bucky’s lips for a moment before his tongue darted out and wetted them;

“Yes... I do”

Placing the jars on the countertop you measured by skill to add the right sized pinch of the two spices to the chocolate, mixing it together before spooning it into the little green mugs. Bucky stood back and watched as you poured the cream that had been heating on the small hotplate behind the counter into the mugs, stirring until the chocolate had melted completely.

Taking a small piece of the croissants left over from the morning rush, you tore a small piece off and dipped it into the thick dark liquid, holding it up;

“Here, have a taste...”

He tentatively lowered his lips to your hand, taking the morsel between his teeth before chewing thoughtfully;

“Its good... but... it needs something...”

Repeating the process you tasted it for yourself, nodding in agreement before reaching for the small salt mill that sat on the counter, adding just a flake to each of the mugs and stirring again. Tearing another piece of croissant you repeated the dip process, holding it out again for Bucky who this time got closer, his lips touching your fingers and his tongue licking for the briefest of moments against your fingertip. As he chewed in silence a smile spread across his face;

“Perfection”

For some reason praise coming from Bucky made you grin like you were a schoolgirl back at the convent again, the praise itself exciting you more than anything else. Setting the two mugs onto the counter you grabbed the remaining basket of pastries and motioned for Bucky to sit at the small counter where the customers would normally be seated. There, perched on the small faux leather barstools it felt more intimate than were you in your own private kitchen, your knees touching as you both ate and drank in a comfortable silence, the sounds of the little town muffled by the blinds that were pulled down on the windows.

When the drinks where finished and your stomachs full you sat back a little, smiling as you watched Bucky trace the filigree on the hand of the spoon that he’d stirred his drink with, chewing on his lip thoughtfully before he stopped and looked up;

“What?”

“What were you thinking?” you asked

“Not much” he shrugged; “Just...”

“Oui?”

“You seem to have found your place in the world here”

Sitting back you looked around your little shop, smiling as with each item your gaze landed on it reminded you of a memory or feeling;

“I suppose you are right Bucky”

The rest of the evening was spent tidying up the shop ready for the next day’s trade before you started to edge towards the tempering pot, always drawn back to your creative side as the days grew short and the nights were dark. As you worked Bucky sat at the counter, quietly writing in a journal, occasionally looking up and chewing on the end of his pen as he watched you.

When the evening grew late and you were at the bottom of the bowl of chocolate was when you’d finished your creations, Bucky getting up from his seat and standing next to you, watching you work. When you stopped and looked around thoughtfully he finally spoke;

“What will you make with the little bit that is left?”

“I’m not sure...”

He stood in front of the drawers of dried and candied fruits, running his metal fingertips over the handwritten labels before his eyes lit up and he pulled the drawer open, using the little scoop inside to bring a few of the fruits to the work counter. Picking one up he dipped it into the chocolate with his real hand before holding it to your lips, his tongue darting out at his own as you gently took it into your mouth and chewed;

“That is... magnifique... that was the candied plum?”

He nodded before dipping another into the chocolate and tasting it himself, moaning softly as the tastes mingled on his tongue. When he looked back to you he smiled again;

“You have a little...” he pointed to your lips; “On the left...”

“Oh... where...”

You attempted to lick the corners of your mouth, but obviously failed to successfully clear the morsel. Bucky stepped closer, his hand gently resting on your hip as he lowered his head a little;

“Right about... here...”

As his mouth touched yours you tasted the sweetest treat of all, the soft brush of lips contrasting with the rough brush of his beard, and you found yourself pressing forwards into the kiss.

It was over as quick as it happened, Bucky pulling away and you could see him suddenly doubting himself;

“I’m sorry...”

He stepped around you, muttering his apologies again as he quickly made his way to the privacy of his room, and you heard his heavy footfalls on the stairs stop suddenly before he quietly retraced his steps back into the stop.

You were still in the same spot that he’d left you in, your eyes wide, a look of bewilderment on your face as he let his hair fall forwards as he walked to the counter and grabbed his journal. As he muttered his apologies again you quickly stepped to the side and stood in the doorway to your apartment, blocking his way as he stood ramrod still in front of you;

“Bucky...” your voice was soft; “Please... look at me...” He lifted his gaze a little; wincing as you gently reached out and took hold of his hand;

“Please, don’t be sorry”

“I don’t... I don’t want to ruin anything... I like it here...”

“You won’t... and I like having you here...”

“I’m... I’m not ready...”

You let go of his hand, taking a slow deep breath before exhaling to hide the disappointment and rejection that suddenly shot through you;

“I’ll be here when you are ready”

You stepped aside and let him pass, wishing a good night as you knew you wouldn’t seem him until morning.

Part 2 

[darthsuki]

Get to know the Blogger: Daniel

@blackwatchbastet taggin me all up in here so looks like I got no choice

nickname: Suki

gender: trans male

height: 5′3′’

ethnicity: white as a cloud

favorite fictional character:  T o o  M a n y

favorite fruits: strawberries!

favorite season: Winter

favorite book series: Warriors, Zombie Survival Guide (it counts) 

favorite flower: Orchids

favorite scent: Cherry Blossom, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus

favorite animal: Koala

coffee/tea/cocoa: Earl Grey tea

cat or dog person: cats

star sign: Libra

birthday: September 28th

favorite bands/groups: Daft Punk, Maroon 5, Panic at the Disco, Linkin Park, Coco Rosie, Dragon Force, Perfume

favorite solo artists: Lady Gaga, Deadmau5, Rihanna, Owl City

song stuck in my head: Verge by Owl City

last movie I watched: something random on netflix

what do I post: personal stuff, creative content (crafts, writing and art), resources + stuff reblogged from other sources

last thing i googled: hot count lucio action google play music (bc I get apparently free streaming through that and itunes is annoying as hell)

do you have any other blog: I have a list of them all (most of them are writing blogs for several fandoms)

do you get asks: sometimes! a more-than-adequate amount for the commentary and content that I create

why did you choose your url: originated from my deviantart username (darthsuki) which was supposed to be a counterpart to the username of my good friend in highschool (darthmomo). 

following:  353

average hours of sleep: 6-7

lucky number: 5

instruments: voice (I spent almost 7 years in choir through school), totally wanna learn how to play the violin

what am i wearing: 75% military uniform, 25% jeans and a graphic t-shirt

favorite foods: sushi (philly roll), french onion soup, grilled cheese, anything with cream cheese

nationality: American

favorite song: T o o  m a n y

favorite color: Pink, sky blue, yellow and black,

number of blankets: one, but i own like 7

dream trip: A trip across Japan or Ireland

last show i watched: ...does youtube count? I’ve been marathonning Grav3yardgirl for like the last week

when did i create my blog: sometime late 2012

dream job: freelance graphic designer/erotica writer

I have so many people I wanna tag that it would be rather ridiculous, but if you haven’t done something like this for a long while (or at all) then I better see ya doing this u nerds, especially my mutuals

[downtownmooresville]

Can you believe it, here we are in December and the days are flying by!

As Mr. Claus is busy working in his shop; so are many of our locally owned Downtown Mooresville businesses so don't forget to SHOP SMALL this year!

Also, you definitely don't want to miss these amazing events taking place in December 2019:

All of December - Mooresville Arts | Featured artists; Natalia Leigh, Marcia Maki, PK Donson and Give the Gift of Art Holiday sale 103 W. Center Ave., visit Mooresville Arts for more information on additional exhibits and offerings.

All of December visit “Downtown’s Holiday Light Spectacular” | An orchestrated light show that includes over 150,000+ lights set to music. Begins November 29 and runs nightly through late December, show begins at dusk and ends at approximately 9:30pm. On the lawn at Town Hall - 413 N. Main St. Free!

December 6 - Downtown Mooresville “Mistletoe Sip & Shop” | Visit our unique small businesses who will be offering open house activities, light appetizers, store specials & more! In addition, there will be a life size snow globe, a strolling barbershop quartet, carolers & more. Brings your favorite people and enjoy kicking off the holiday season in the heart of Mooresville. 6-8pm along Main & Broad Streets.

December 13 - A Classic Christmas in Mooresville | Santa Visits, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, a Life Size Snow Globe, Victorian Carolers, Ice Skating, Petting Zoo, Unique Shopping & Dining, Hot Cocoa, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, S’mores, Crafts & more! Wagons load & unload at the Mooresville Christian Mission (266 N. Broad St.), a donation of non-perishable food items or cash is suggested. Santa will be in JF Moore Park at the corner of Main St & Center Ave., along with traditionally lighted Christmas Trees. Ice Skating*, Petting Zoo, S’mores, Hot Chocolate & a Craft will be found off of Center Avenue near 132 E. Center Ave. Life Size Snow Globe will be on Moore Ave. near Main St. Popcorn, Cotton Candy, 3D glasses & many other treats will be found along Main & Broad St., Center & Moore Ave.

*All events take place from 6-8pm except for Ice Skating which will take place from 5-9pm Fees: Ice Skating: $5 per person (4 & under free) S’mores Kit: $1 per kit Hot Chocolate $2

December 15 - Children’s Holiday Party | Enjoy a free professional photo with Santa Claus, arts & crafts & complimentary Chic-Fil-A. 12:00pm – 2:30pm. Brought to you by the Charles Mack Citizens Center. Call 704-662-3334 for additional details.

December 20 - A Classic Christmas in Mooresville | Santa Visits, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, a Life Size Snow Globe, Victorian Carolers, Ice Skating, Petting Zoo, Unique Shopping & Dining, Hot Cocoa, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, S’mores, Crafts & more!

Wagons load & unload at the Mooresville Christian Mission (266 N. Broad St.), a donation of non-perishable food items or cash is suggested. Santa will be in JF Moore Park at the corner of Main St & Center Ave., along with traditionally lighted Christmas Trees. Ice Skating*, Petting Zoo, S’mores, Hot Chocolate & a Craft will be found off of Center Avenue near 132 E. Center Ave. Life Size Snow Globe will be on Moore Ave. near Main St. Popcorn, Cotton Candy, 3D glasses & many other treats will be found along Main & Broad St., Center & Moore Ave.

*All events take place from 6-8pm except for Ice Skating which will take place from 5-9pm Fees: Ice Skating: $5 per person (4 & under free) S’mores Kit: $1 per kit Hot Chocolate $2

December 31 - New Year's on Main | Say goodbye to 2019 at “New Year’s on Main”! Join us for a New Year’s Eve Dueling Pianos Party with the Carolina Keys! Enjoy a fabulous dueling pianos show, heavy hors d'oeuvres , complimentary champagne toast, cash bar, midnight balloon drop, photo booth and so much more! Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here.

December 2019 Business Events:

202 NORTH MAIN FINE WINES | 202 N. Main Street | 704-663-5445  December 5 - Bourbon Tasting with Ray Garrett, reservations required, text 704-500-3263, $35/person

December 6 - Live Music with ‘One Paper Crane’. 9pm, $5 cover at the door, bring a friend for free

December 7 - Live Music with “Jimmy Fallon”. 8:30pm, no cover

December 12 - Wine Tasting with Kathy Aught of 17th Street Distributing. 7pm, $15

December 20 - Live Music with ‘Rock Onyx’. 9pm, $5 cover at the door, bring a friend for free

December 21 - Christmas Concert with ‘Musically Yours’. Reservations required, text 704-500-3263, $20/person must be paid in advance

December 22 - Christmas Concert with ‘Musically Yours’. Reservations required, text 704-500-3263, $20/person must be paid in advance

ALEXANDER ZACHARY JEWELERS | 175 N. Main Street | 704-663-3430  December 5 - Annual Ladies Night to benefit the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. Free with wine & appetizers plus receive a $25 gift card when you donate a bag of non-perishable food items. 6-8pm

BB&T | 255 N. Main Street | 704-664-3434  December 12 - Holiday Open House including refreshments, raffles and holiday cheer! 5:30-7pm

BIG TINY'S BBQ | 179 N. Main Street | 704-658-1409  December 7 - Half price beer all day & live music from 5:30-8:30pm

FOUR CORNERS FRAMING GALLERY | 148 N. Main Street | 704-662-7154  December 6 - Live Music with Ashley Heath, Asheville Singer Songwriter! Join us in the Gallery during the Downtown Mistletoe Sip & Shop. Ashley Heath with a voice described as "Velvet Soul" will entertain us with her signature blend of sultry blues and anthemic rock n' roll arrangements. Free, Refreshments, Gifts, Downtown Festivities. 6-10 pm

NAILED IT DIY | 248 N. Main Street | 704-402-4612  December 11 - Holiday Serving Trays at OnTap, 6:30-8:30pm, $55/person. Reservations here

December 31 – Kid Camp featuring a small sled, 10am-1pm, $40/child. Reservations here

ON TAP CRAFTY BREWS | 188 N. Main Street | 704-660-BEER (2337)  Monday’s: Open Mic Night, 8pm

Tuesday’s*: Trivia, 7:30pm (12/3 Die Hard, 12/10 Elf, 12/17 Christmas Vacation & 12/26* Santa Claus)

Wednesday’s: $2 of all drafts, all day long & Run Club at 6:00pm, free

Thursday’s: Yoga Moves and Crafty Brews with Nancy, 6pm, $10 includes class and a draft

December 6 - Holiday Make and Take Doterra Event 7pm, $5 or $8

December 11 - Holiday Serving Tray DIY with Nailed It DIY, 6:30pm,$55 includes project and 2 drafts

December 12 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 7pm, free

December 31 - NYE party 9pm ($25) *details to come

PINKIE’S ON MAIN | 162 N. Main Street | 704-773-5624  December 6 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House, all are invited, 10am!

WAGAMUFFINS DOG BOUTIQUE | 152 N. Main Street | 704-773-5624  December 13 - A Harley Christmas with Elisabeth Davis. Join us for an in-store story time when we welcome author Elisabeth Davis as she shares her self-written and illustrated holiday story, A Harley Christmas! We will be offering free cookies and hot cocoa and signed copies of the book will be available for purchase! 7-8pm

December 14 - Holiday Pet Portraits by Genuine Expressions. Wagamuffins Dog Boutique will be hosting Holiday Pet Portrait sessions by Genuine Expressions! We'll have some fun accessories for the photo sessions but feel free to bring your pet dressed to impress in their best holiday outfits! 11am-3pm

December 21 - Buttercup Holiday Meet & Greet. Did you miss your chance to meet Buttercup on November 9th? No worries! Her meet and greet was such a smashing success, we've decided to do it again December 21st! Join us in-store to meet Buttercup in person! Learn from her family about the care that goes into specially-abled pets and feel free to ask any questions you might have! All friendly pups are allowed to attend! 11am-2pm

WELCOME HOME VETERANS AT RICHARD’S COFFEE SHOP | 165 N. Main St | 704-663-0488  Saturday morning music jam. Free, every Saturday at 9am.

We can't wait to see you in Downtown Mooresville this December!

Kim Atkins

Executive Director

Mooresville Downtown Commission

[cutron]

Journal.docx Abridged: October 2017

October 1: Plastic Surgery and Puke

October 2: Cuphead and Martians and Black Magic Attacks

October 3: Gun Restrictions and False Angels and Cherry Bombs

October 4: Cocoa Sludge, that goop you get at the bottom of the mug of hot chocolate or chocolate milk that's made from chocolate milk mix that didn't dissolve with the rest of the milk. Also, beanstalks, vagabonds, TMs and Flapjack.

October 5: The Dark 128th

October 6: How to solve a substitution cipher.

October 7: Post-puzzlemaking burnout.

October 8: Stormy weather.

October 9: The gloomy optimist and the golfing hippie.

October 10: Electronic Exorcism and Invisible Walls.

October 11: Hairspray, rabbits, quizzes, implied marijuana, and COMMERCIALS! YAAAAAHH!

October 12: Heigh-ho!

October 13: Biblical trigonometry inspired by Star VS.

October 14: MK Ultra, Shame, and more math!

October 15: Day off.

October 16: Cantaloupe.

October 17: FBI Warning, Recycling ideas, Legal tricks and 255-0-0 Peppermint Typo Blood Stoplight YouTube Low Battery Red.

October 18: Chuggaaconroy and Brandon Lee

October 19: Capsules, Pokeballs, Fibonacci and Crafting. Unlike most instances of me listing multiple things in one of these days on Journal.docx abridged, this time they're about the same subject!

October 20: Where does a Washington Morning look like an Asian Midnight? In the Arborous Anywhere. Also, if you haven't seen it, watch The Grand Budapest Hotel. Great movie. Great aesthetics. It's on Netflix.

October 21: A heart-shaped rock.

October 22: Blindsides.

October 23: Gilda's sister.

October 24: Flesh-shattering KABOOM!!!

October 25: A henchperson hiring/reviewing app called "Mwahaha"

October 26: Stop N Swop, 4DS, California's Time Zone, an ironic reason for a reverse-chronological haircut, rhythmic breathing, and "WHO DOES NUMBER TWO WORK FOR?"

October 27: How did Natrite watch every episode of Nightmare Ned despite two episodes being Lost Media? We may never know.

October 28: Why are giants so slow?

October 29: Professional minion, professional saboteur.

October 30: And now for something completely different. An Undertale AU where Asgore is unbeatable in a Genocide Run.

October 31: > PLAY -0:00:03

[peckhampeculiar]

A moreish mousse

PHOTO STEPHEN CONROY

THIS RASPBERRY AND CHOCOLATE MOUSSE MAKES A

DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO CHRISTMAS PUDDING.

It’s from The Beer Lover’s Table by Claire Bullen with Jen Ferguson, who

co-owns local craft beer, hot sauce and records shop Hop Burns & Black

This recipe was inspired by an exceptional

chocolate mousse I had at Petit Pois, a French

bistro in east London. When ordered, it’s

brought to the table in a gigantic ceramic bowl

and the portions are individually scooped out

before your eyes.

It goes well with a raspberry sour cocktail or

for beer-lovers, Jen suggests the following options

from Hop Burns & Black: Kernel Biere de

Saison Raspberry (Bermondsey), Boon Framboise

(Belgium) or 3 Fonteinen Hommage (Belgium).

For non-drinkers, the Mikkeller Limbo

Raspberry alcohol-free beer is a great match.

INGREDIENTS (serves eight)

225g dark chocolate, minimum 70%

cocoa solids

115g unsalted butter

Pinch of fine sea salt

50ml raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord)

6 eggs, separated

65g granulated sugar, plus 1 extra tbsp

150ml double cream

15g freeze-dried raspberries, to serve (optional)

METHOD

PREPARE A DOUBLE-BOILER by filling a large

saucepan with 5cm of just-boiled water and

placing a large, heatproof bowl or second

saucepan on top. This should fit snugly inside

the first saucepan, but the base should not

touch the water.

ROUGHLY CHOP THE CHOCOLATE with a serrated

knife and add to the bowl or saucepan

above the boiling water, stirring frequently

with a spatula until the chocolate melts. Add

the butter and sea salt, and keep stirring until

the butter has completely melted and the mixture

is glossy.

REMOVE THE BOWL of chocolate from the

stovetop. Stir frequently for several minutes

until the chocolate mixture cools slightly.

Slowly add the raspberry liqueur and stir rapidly

to combine, to prevent the mixture splitting.

Add the egg yolks and continue mixing.

At this point, as the proteins bind, the mixture

should begin to look granular and thicken like

tar.

IN A SEPARATE BOWL, begin whisking the egg

whites with a hand mixer while slowly adding

65g of sugar. Whisk the egg whites for four to

five minutes or until you have just-firm, but not

stiff, peaks. Add one-third of the egg whites to

the chocolate mixture and fold in to combine.

Gradually fold in the remainder of the egg whites.

USE A HAND MIXER to beat the final tablespoon

of sugar into the double cream for two

minutes, or until the cream is thick but still just

pourable. Add the sugary cream to the chocolate

mix and fold in with a spatula until fully

combined.

POUR THE MOUSSE into a large ceramic bowl

or individual dishes and let it chill for four to

six hours, or until properly set before serving.

If you are using freeze-dried raspberries,

pulverise in a spice grinder or food processor

until very finely ground. Sprinkle over the

mousse and serve.

The Beer Lover’s Table by Claire Bullen with

Jen Ferguson, published by Dog ’n’ Bone

Books, costs £16.99

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 115

 Yohei: *lying in bed* "..."

chie: *sleeping next to him*

Yohei: "..." *carefully holds onto her*

chie: mmm....

Yohei: *closes his eyes, trying to breathe steadily...*

-elsewhere-

sonia: *brushing her teeth*

miyuri: *doing the same* ^^

Chuuya: *yawns, reclining in a chair* =_=

mito: *sitting on his lap, purring*

Chuuya: *strokes her back* "We'll have to figure out how to bring you on the trip..."

mito: mrph. =w=

Chuuya: *calls up* "Kids? You almost done brushing?"

sonia: just about!

Chuuya: "Okay. Let me know when you're ready."

-elsewhere-

soul: night kiddos.

becky: *yaawn* night dad...

Damon: "Night..." *shifts under sheets*

soul: sleep well, ok?

Damon: *nods* "..."

-morning-

Kid: *trying to climb out of bed*

stocking: *making breakfast wearing kid's shirt* *humming*

Kid: *falls out of bed with a thud, the sheets wrapped around him* *sleepy groan...climbs up, adjusts his pajamas, heads to the kitchen* *yawn* "Morning..."

stocking: oh, i didnt know bedsheets was the newest summer fashion. *chuckle*

Kid: ^^; *yawns* "Just really tired." *smooch*

stocking: hehe~ so how do you want your eggs this morning?

Kid: "Can't go wrong with scrambled." *hugs behind her, helping with the breakfast*

stocking: sounds good. want me to add a little anything?

Kid: "Would you hate me if I said a little hot sauce?"

stocking: *rolls eyes* honestly, i guess i have been trying to expand my palate.

Kid: "Hee hee--just a little teasing." *soft pat on her bottom*

stocking: *laugh*

Kid: *sets out a plate* "I was thinking tonight we could go out?"

stocking: sounds lovely, anywhere in mind?

Kid: "Evening stroll, dinner, dancing?"

stocking: sounds nice. ^^

Kid: *whispers* "I'll wear something nice."

-elsewhere-

Fujimoto: *on the phone* "Yes...Yes, I'll tell her. Goodbye." *hangs up*

momo sakura: who was it, uncle shiro?

Fujimoto: "Someone checking in on your sister--I take it she's still sleeping?"

momo sakura: *nods* she still has a bit of a fever...

Fujimoto: "Hmm...I'll get some medicine for her..." *opens his cabinet* "Darn--missing something..."

momo sakura: maybe i could get it?

Fujimoto: "Hmmm...Can I trust you with something?" *takes out his keys*

momo sakura: *nods* what is it?

Fujimoto: "Shiemi's mom's shop will have the ingredients--she calls it 'ghost elderberry syrup.'"

momo sakura: *writes it down* ok. how do i get there?

Fujimoto: *hands her a key* "Through the closet door should work."

momo sakura:......eh?

Fujimoto: "Trust me."

momo sakura: o-ok then.

Fujimoto: "Just slip the key into the lock and..." *opens the door with her* *daylight shines out*

momo sakura: o_o EHHHHH??!

Fujimoto: "Teleporting keys, bending space and time."

momo sakura:.....huh.

Fujimoto: "Just keep walking to the end of the bridge, and you'll see the garden without a problem."

momo sakura: right....do i need money?

Fujimoto: *hands it to her* "That'll be more than enough."

-elsewhere-

{*a young man is typing away at his cubicle...he has 3 empty soda cans and is finishing a cup of coffee and an energy drink...*}

{???: hey #####, you should probably take it easy there.}

{Young Man: *slight jump* "Oh! Um...The boss was riding me again. I need to get this done--and I still have 5 more databases to code, 2 posters to design, and ### stuck me with their...their..." *taps his head* "Ugh! What's the word..."}

{????: project?}

{Young Man: "No--that's still too...too..." *holds out his arms, indicating 'broad'...his left arm is shaking*}

{???: ??? hey, #####, you dont look too good...}

{Young Man: *small growl* "I'm fine! I-I don't have time for this small talk--I need to get back to...baaaaaaaa..." *his hand reaches for the energy drink--knocking it onto his keyboard* "...aaaaaa--" *THUMP, CRASH*}

{????: !!!!!! OH FUCK!}

{???: someone, call an ambulance!}

{Young Man: *collapsed, spasming with his eyes open...*}

{Boss: *exits the office* "What the hell is going on?! ###, get up!"}

-....ries.....yo, aries-

{Young Man: *choking...*}

???: YO ARIES GET UP!

Aries: *shaking in bed* "Nnnn!" *opens his eyes* "... ... ...Huh?"

capricorn: you were mumblin' in your sleep again. *noms on an apple core*

Aries: "...Yeah--'cause I stuck in one of the weirdos' dreams." ^^; "Probably Leo's, given how violent it was."

capricorn:....hungry?

Aries: "...We got any cocoa flakes?"

-elsewhere-

Sid: "--so take the training camp seriously. Oh, and don't forget your water."

Axel: *holding a case of sodas* "Is soda good enough?"

izumi:....

Asher: "..." *nudge* "Excited?"

izumi: hmm? oh, yeah, and a bit nervous.

Asher: "Hmm. Didn't you go camping before?"

izumi: sorta? mom and i did make a pillow fort before when we first moved here.

Asher: "...Yeah, I don't think that's the same as baking in the desert."

izumi: should i bring flour?

Asher: "..." *stifles a laugh*

izumi: *smile*

Sid: "--and it'll just dry out and stay sticky, so no."

Axel: TnT

zeke: bummer.

Saria: "We'll need to be careful to protect from sunburn. Fortunately, I bought a new cloak!"

lukas: oh?

Saria: *nods* "And...Well..." *holds up a box with Lukas's name on it*

lukas: ?? what's this?

Saria: "W-Well, you can't ruin your eyes out in the desert, so..."

*inside are a pair of sunglasses*

lukas: oh, thank you!

Saria: ^^ "You're welcome!"

Yafeu: "WHO ELSE IS GOING, MR. SID?!"

Sid: "Some veterans and associates of the DWMA. You'll know more when we get there."

hibiki: cool.

Duncan: "Hmph. If you can't tell us, then I'm guessing you're still working up to the last minute trying to secure enough instructors."

Sid: -_-#

lei-lei: *WHACK*

Duncan: "OW!"

Kanin: "..."

amelia: kanin?

Kanin: "Hmm? Yes?"

amelia: are you alright?

Kanin: "Oh--sorry. Just thinking..." ^^;

amelia: hmm...

Kanin: "So, anything you want to do when we're not training?"

-elsewhere-

Shamrock: *knock knock* "Hello? You awake?"

himawari: y-yes...

Shamrock: "I brought tea..."

himawari: thank you.

Shamrock: "..." *sets it down* "Well...I'll go. If you want to talk, I am here..."

himawari:...could you stay a while?

Shamrock: "..." *sits next to her*

himawari:......*hug*

Shamrock: "..." *hug*

-elsewhere-

Jeje: *sitting on the cashier table in snake form*

metsu: *setting up for the day*

Mikuni: "Good mornin'~"

metsu: long night?

Jeje: -_-;

Mikuni: "Quite! But I'm up and ready to go!" *drops into the chair, puts his feet up on the desk--and closes his eyes*

metsu:....*sweatdrop*

Jeje: "Just a bit of surveillance..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: "Hmmm...Leftovers?"

gin: *yaaaaawn*

Akutagawa: "Okay, leftovers it is--" *opens the cabinet* "...Get out of there and put down the cookies."

Q: >n<

-elsewhere-

Tsuyuki: *typing on his laptop...he looks like he hasn't slept* "..."

tinker: mornin shuhei! ^^

Tsuyuki: *grunts*

tinker: i stopped by micky-D's and got you some pancakes. ^^

Tsuyuki: "... ... Um, thank you." *sniff*

tinker: you ok?

Tsuyuki: "...Busy. Working."

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *walks down the hall...and steps into a puddle of glue* "...What the hell?" *looks around* "...Hello?" *looks in one room*

nea: -_-;;;

io: *making something*

Yohei: "So, Io's into arts and crafts now?"

nea: seems so...

Yohei: "And I think I spot...my USB stick in that 'art.'"

io: anko yohay! lookie!

Yohei: "???" *looks*

io: *holds up what she made* issa hat!

Yohei: ^^; "How nice..." *leans down, lowering his head* "Can I try it on?"

io: *puts it on his head, still a bit sticky from glue*

Yohei: "Yay. That's really sweet. Thanks, kiddo."

-elsewhere-

Shiemi's Mother: *watering plants*

momo sakura: *knocks on the shop door* excuse me?

Shiemi's Mother: "Eh? How may I help you?"

momo sakura: im here for some ghost-elderberry syrup? i have money for it.

shiemi: oh, momo-chan, what a surprise!

Shiemi's Mother: " 'Ghost-elderberry syrup'? Right--that's what Shiemi used to call the unripe berries. Fujimoto sent you?"

momo sakura: *nods*

Shiemi's Mother: "Let me get some...Is he sick with the flu?"

momo sakura: actually, my sister has a fever.

Shiemi's Mother: "Oh, dear...But he didn't ask for any ginger? Do you have some at home?"

momo sakura: im not sure, i could call and ask, but-

Shiemi's Mother: *smiles* "Tell you what--I'll toss some in. No charge."

momo sakura: oh, are you sure?

Shiemi's Mother: "No problem--I owed Fujimoto a favor."

-elsewhere-

Giriko: "I hope this little fella will keep you company..." *holds up a tiny toy golem*

anna: *babble*

Tiny Golem: "..." *small click, head tilt*

anna: *laughs*

Giriko: ^^ "See? You two will get along great--"

Neighbor: *outside* "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS THING?!"

Giant Golem: O_______O

arachne: ^^;;;;; oh dear.

Sansa: "...I can't write a ticket for this since it's not technically a vehicle, but it is blocking traffic, so could someone move it?"

Giriko: -_-; "Some people don't appreciate art..." *moves the Giant Golem--*

Giant Golem: *crushes a car*

Giriko: O_O;

Endeavor: "MY CAR?!!!"

boy: MOM! IT'S A GUNDAM!

Mom: "??? I don't think it is? I think it's a Patlabor..."

Giriko: "...If anyone asks, I wasn't here." *grabs his suitcase, kisses Arachne on the cheek* "Bye, sweeties!" *runs like hell*

arachne:.....^^;;;;

-elsewhere-

Jinn: "Thank you for meeting with us." *sips tea*

Yumi: "Happy to see you both well."

zubaidah: likewise.

Sid: "We needed to review strategies for what to teach the students. Seeing as they have some combat experience, I want to focus more on fixing their strained partnerships so they can get to work on chain resonance next...But there were some other problems I'm noticing."

zubaidah: such as?

Sid: *pulls out photos, pointing at each one as he talks* "Child of a Death Scythe who has been bullied and isn't showing much impressive in resonance. Stressed out, exhausted, not sleeping. Werewolf. Unknown history. Criminal record. Asshole."

Jinn: *cringes* "A bit blunt..."

zubaidah: criminal record?

Sid: "More than one. This one carried a razor blade in her mouth to cut her teacher. This one thinks they're a ninja and has been doing a vigilante act."

zubaidah: ... ._.;;

Sid: "I think we're going to need to get them to work a bit more cooperatively to even out these flaws--get the quiet ones to speak up more, get the loud ones to listen a bit more..."

-elsewhere-

Valentine: *walking* *looking around* ("Darn...I still can't find my way around here...")

kenji: hi there. ^^

Valentine: "Oh...Hi?" *looking around*

kenji: are you lost, ma'am?

Valentine: *groans* "Yes--I was trying to find a school..."

kenji: what kind of school?

Valentine: "A high school--the normal school?"

kenji: ah, there's plenty of schools to choose from even if you arent in the DWMA or triad schools.

Valentine: "??? 'Triad'?"

kenji: oh, that's the name of the three major schools; DWMA, True Cross, and UA.

Valentine: "I see...Well, none of those are for me--and I couldn't make out this address..." *shows the paperwork*

kenji: *looks*

Valentine: "I was told it was near the DWMA girls' dormitories--but I'm all turned around. Where is North Street Plaza?"

kenji: oh, it's over this way, want me to show you?

Valentine: "Um, sure? Thank you, Mr..."

kenji: my name's Kenji. Kenji Miyazawa. ^^

Valentine: "Valentine de--...Valentine."

kenji: valentine de valentine? hehe. ^^ that's a nice name. ^^

Valentine: ^^; "Yaaaaay...Are you from Death City?"

kenji: naw, im from a farming town called Ihatov.

Valentine: "Hmm...I was told this was an international city. Even after Paris, this is more than I expected."

kenji: mmhmm ^^ i know lots of people in town. ^^

Valentine: "Really? Where do you go to school?"

kenji: im not really in school, i work at a detective agency. ^^

Valentine: "...Really? You're not what I would imagine--no offense."

-elsewhere-

Konro: "Morning, Fang-Hua."

fang-hua: good morning, commander, your medicine arrived.

Konro: "Oh, good. Haijima gave you no troubles?"

Tsukiyo: *lurking outside with a mallet and a terrifying smile*

fang-hua: ^^; miss fujimi delivered it this time.

Konro: "Oh, she's nice." *looks at the medicine* "How is she?"

Tsukiyo: *muttering* "Not a problem at all..."

fang-hua: she's well, but she seemed a bit sad...

Konro: "...Haijima is a cold place..."

-elsewhere-

Bully 1: "--and after that, that piece of shit never bothered me again. Granted, he couldn't, since I was expelled."

stephanie: wooow so cool!

Bully 2: "You're full of shit--_how_ do you fit that in there without cutting your tongue open?"

Bully 1: "Simple--wrap it in cardboard."

bully 4:....

Bully 2: "I'm still calling bullshit. I bet you couldn't do that now, with all these weapons walking around..."

Bully 1: "Tch. Wait 'til you see what I got in mind for the camp..."

bully 4: like what?

Bully 1: *smirks* "Let's put some fear into those weak little shits."

-elsewhere-

Auntie: *putting up new missions onto the bulletin board*

kim: hmm oh! look at this one!

Jacqueline: "Interested in globe-trotting?"

kim: sounds like fun!

Jacqueline: "I suppose--but we'll need a team since it's a 3-meister mission."

kim: round up the usual suspects?

Jacqueline: *nods* "I'll find Kilik--enjoy talking with Ox."

kim: =3= why must you pick on me?

Jacqueline: *pinches her cheek* "Because you're just too cute."

-elsewhere-

Blair: *tending to a patient* "And for being such a patient patient..." *hands the child a lollipop*

child: thank you!

Blair: ^^ *turns to the parent* "We'll have their blood results back tomorrow."

mother: thank you so much, it's amazing how you've started using VR headsets to help them.

Blair: "We have real smarties in IT~!"

mother: i wish i could have been as lucky as a child. technology really is amazing, isnt it?

Blair: "Hm-mm! I tend to stick to the good old fashioned methods, though..." *floats paperwork up to herself with magic*

-elsewhere-

rowena: so as you can see, merfolk eggs resemble large fish eggs. *points to a picture in a book*

Magaki: "...How long are they in the eggs?"

rowena: it usually takes about 6-7 months generally. though this usually depends on the location and water quality. for example, in warmer waters it could be 4-5 months, while in arctic waters it's 8-9 months.

Magaki: "Hmm...Not related to kappa?"

rowena: while the two races have similarities, they arent directly related. however, they are within the same classification; aquatic humanoids.

Student: "How do you know so much?"

rowena: not to toot my own horn, but i've studied a lot on cryptozoology.

student 2: so they have sharp teeth like a shark?

rowena: why yes, a merperson's diet typically consists of meat, usually from fish or crustaceans.

Kau’i: -_-;

liz: why thank you for your presentation, miss poe.

rowena: *nods and bows* you're welcome mrs evans.

Magaki: *clap clap*

-elsewhere-

lilac: *laying under the weighted blanket*

Sakuya: *sets down tea*

lilac: t-thanks.

naho: *hugs* you're gonna be ok...

Sakuya: *nods* "And we're here."

lilac: *sniffle*

Sakuya: *rubs Lilac's back*

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Izumi, could you take these folders to Mrs. Evans's classroom?" *holds up a stack*

izumi: yes sir. *takes them*

*in the hall, snickering is heard...*

izumi: *picks up the pace*

Monica: "Hey there, weak-sauce."

izumi:....*walking faster*

Bully 2: *picks up one of Izumi's folders--from the middle, scattering them* "Oh, look--this loser in here is going on our field trip, too." *it's a file on Saria* "Tch. 'Whip'? What a limp weapon."

*it sounds like steps running down the hall, but it doesn't seem like the bullies notice...*

izumi: hey! *picking them up* what's your problem?

stephanie: but doesnt indian jones use a whip?

bully 4: it's indiana jones, idiot.

stephanie: OOOOOH. so that's why he's american?

bully 4: *facepalm* how are you alive?

stephanie: my mom gave birth to me. ^^

Bully 2: *side-eye* "When was the last time they made a sequel to that movie, dumbass?" *grabs another file, this one on Lukas* "They didn't even make another after Shia Le--OH SHIT, this guy is a freak! Ha! I'm totally pantsing him after gym--"

*the footsteps are getting louder as someone rounds the corner*

???: "SHIT SHIT SHIT--"

*the bullies aren't noticing...*

izumi: come on, stop it!

Monica: *puts an arm around Izumi* "What's wrong with a little info-sharing? We just want to see what we're up against...After all, you got nothing worth learning ab--"

*??? slams into Monica, knocking her away from Izumi...and knocking up some files into the air*

Monica: *nose bleeding* X____X *falls back, unconscious*

Bully 2: "?!!!!"

bully 4: the fuck?!

izumi: ah! *trying to get the files all back in order*

Giriko: *turns back* D8< "Fuck, watch where you're going you stupid--" *sees Monica* "...I'll explain it to the Reaper when I see him! He can reap your soul later! Out of my way!" *he's dragging a golem behind him as he heads down the hall*

Bully 2: "... ... ...WHO THE FUCK WAS THAT?!!"

Monica: X_____X

-elsewhere-

Matsuri: *looking over a map* "So much to see...I don't know how to fit it all."

suzune: hmm, why dont we check out mizuna district?

Chisato: *nods* "Let's take this path..." *shows her phone*

-elsewhere-

Harvar: *sitting outside a hospital room* "..."

kim: hey.

Harvar: "Yo. What're you doing here?"

kim: is ox around?

Harvar: "...He'll be out in a second." *thumbs at the door* "Have a seat."

kim: ah....you guys interested in a mission?

Harvar: "Depends--where to?"

ox: *exits* !!!! k-kim! hi!

Harvar: "..." >_>;

kim: hey. you up for a mission?

ox: oh, uh, sure. ^^

Harvar: *sighs* "You get Kilik yet?"

kim: jackie's fetching him.

Harvar: "What, lost a bet and had to see us?"

kim: =n= ha, funny.

-elsewhere-

Jacqueline: "Hey, Fire, Thunder!"

fire: jackie!

thunder: *hug*

Jacqueline: "Hee hee--it's good to see you! Is Kilik around?"

fire: he's in the back cleaning some stuff.

Jacqueline: "Okay..." *looks in the back* "Hello, Kilik."

kilik: oh, hey jackie. *organizing boxes*

Jacqueline: "Still unpacking?"

kilik: yeah. so what's up?

Jacqueline: "Kim and I were reviewing a three-meister mission. Interested?"

kilik: sure, why not. cant let the skills get rusty, y'know?

Jacqueline: "Excellent! We'll be crossing the Atlantic... It'll be in Romania."

kilik: ah, i see.

Jacqueline: "Reports of a monster sighting..."

kilik: *nods* sure, we'll be glad to help.

Jacqueline: "Great! It'll be like old times--Kim is visiting Ox."

-elsewhere-

Shotaro: "Chie! I finished my good deed!" *holds up mail* "And something came in the mail for Mana..."

chie: oh. mana!

mana: yeh?

Shotaro: >_>; "H-Here..." *hands her some envelope...the return address is from Hongcun...*

mana: !!!

*inside the envelope are certificates from Toykyo and other cities...Some look to be 4 years old...*

mana: *looks*

*they look to be commendations and awards...there's also a letter in Chinese with familiar writing...*

Letter: <Hey, Sis.>

mana: ........

Yoh's Letter: <These have been sitting around the house--and it's been a pain in the ass finding where you're living now. Death City, huh? You going to write back?>

mana: *wipes her eyes*

Shotaro: "??? Mana? What's wrong? Was it a mean envelope?"

mana: *smiles* just nostalgic is all....

Shotaro: "Oh...Do you need a cough drop for that kind of thing?"

mana: it's fine. ^^

-elsewhere-

*2 people in hoodies walk through a bamboo forest*

???: <Watch your step--don't want to step in panda shit.>

???: ....

*through the bamboo are abandoned ruins...and one masked person standing in front of it*

???: *makes a signal* <We're back to see the boss.>

???: .... <go in>

???: *nods* <Thank you...> *enters the ruins...inside is a projection of the world, with targets over China, the southwestern United States, and more spots*

???: .....

*Reclining with a drink is the Dokeshi Federation Boss*

Boss: <Were you followed?>

???: no sir...

Boss: *pulls up files showing the Fearleader Squad, Aries, Emine, Queenie, and some other notable Dokeshi Federation members* <We have confirmed all locations but the Zodiac--which we'll know soon enough. Queenie was too irresponsible in her methods, but the goal remains essential: Dokeshi supremacy over humans.>

???: understood, sir.

Boss: <My assistant will assign you your next tasks. Keep up the good work--> *coughs, clears his throat* <Ugh. Too humid...>

-elsewhere-

Katai: "Okay, I got everything for dinner--so don't worry about a thing..."

mrs harue: you didnt have to go to all the trouble-

Katai: "It's my pleasure! I just wanted to help out and...even get out of the house for a bit..." *hunting through one bag* "Um...What is this for?" *holds up a spatula*

keek: ._.; oh boy....

Katai: "It's a flat surface-y thing...Why am I blanking on the name--"

*something catches on fire behind him on the stove*

keek: D8

Katai: "HOLY CRAP!" *grabs a bottle of wine, dumps it onto the fire--and it gets bigger* "WAAAAH!"

mrs harue: !!!!

???: "PUM-PUMKIN EXTINGUISHER!"

keek: .___.

nagisa: hi. ^^;

Blair: "Hello, sweeties~!" *holds up another bag* "How about we take care of cooking, and Katai takes care of...smaller tasks?"

Katai: T~T

mrs harue: *checking the damage*

*looks like one pot is charred...*

Blair: "Oh, I know a great cleaning solution for that!"

-elsewhere-

Dr. Sasaki: *standing outside the jail cell* "Hello, Mimeca. I am here to continue the examination."

mimeca:.......

ManBearFix: "Great! Because one of my legs is really sore--"

*A pencil pierces through ManBearFix's head before he collapses on the floor*

Dr. Sasaki: *hands a pencil and paper pad to Mimeca* "How are you feeling?"

mimeca: *writes* [please dont be mean to nofix]

Dr. Sasaki: "??? Was I mean? I thought he recovers from such injuries. Explain."

mimeca: [i dont like to see you hurting him. it upsets me.]

Dr. Sasaki: "...I'm afraid my specialization is in physiology and internal medicine more than head-science. Then again, I cannot retrieve sufficient results if I upset you. Therefore, I will agree to your terms..." *removes a key, unlocking the door* "Come. I will tend to his injury and finish your exam."

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: *holding up a baby toy* "..."

fang-hua: hey commander.

Benimaru: "Good afternoon, Kohana." *sets the toy down* "On patrol?"

fang-hua: yeah. and you?

Benimaru: "I'm researching hypoallergenic toys, non-GMO baby food, and the most absorbent diapers...I don't know the meaning of some of those words."

fang-hua: need advice?

Benimaru: "Yes. You have siblings--what kind of childcare did you have to do?"

fang-hua: diaper changing, feeding, washing, most of the stuff my parents did.

Benimaru: "... ... ...TEACH ME NOW." *grabs a notepad*

Fang-hua: ._.; oh boy…

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "I said BUZZ OFF!"

*an electric discharge launches Charon out of the room*

kagu-tsuchi: !!

Charon: *lands on his head* "...HOW AM I TO GUARD IF I HAVE NO BODY TO GUARD?!"

Inka: *walks by* "Phrasing."

kagu-tsuchi: charon? are you alright?

Charon: "Yeah, yeah..." *falls down onto his face* *muffled* "I've had worse." *gets up* "Haumea is just being difficult."

kagu-tsuchi: any idea what's bothering her?

Charon: "The experiment with Sho has not been very successful, and we're awaiting word on how to acquire the remaining Pillars."

kagu-tsuchi: i see. and lord sho....?

*KA-BOOM*

Charon: "...He's been better."

arrow: he shut himself up in his room.........again.

Charon: "Jeez...Someone needs to talk to him--"

Haumea: "SHO, OPEN UP!"

Charon: "...Someone else."

ritsu: ku-ku-ku~ perhaps i may be of assistance~

Charon: "Well, you are a bodyguard--knock yourself out."

-elsewhere-

Kuro: *lying on the school desk in cat form, munching on snacks from other students*

ryuusei: this is BS. it's summertime, why are we still in class?

Koyuki: "Well, we will have a brief break?"

ryuusei: =~=

Koyuki: ^^; "Well, how about soccer practice?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *adjusting his shirt's collar, looking at himself in the mirror*

stocking: you ready?

Kid: *smiles* "I think so. You look lovely."

stocking: thank you~ ^///^

Kid: *offers his arm* "Our ride awaits..."

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: ...

Kimizuki: "--and then attack on the right. ...Are you listening?"

hyakuya: yeah, im listening, just spacing out.

Kimizuki: "The opposite of listening..." *sets down paperwork* "What's up?"

hyakuya: just thinking....couldnt sleep last night

Kimizuki: "...Nightmares?" *pulls out water bottles*

hyakuya:......i guess.....*sips*

Kimizuki: "...When I get nightmares, I usually try to sit up and read something..."

hyakuya: i guess....apperantly last night i made myself egg toast, according to what shinoa told me.

Kimizuki: " 'According to'? You sleepwalked then sleep-cooked?"

hyakuya: well, it'd explain the odd taste in my mouth this morning then.

Kimizuki: *small laugh* "Is that what you usually eat for comfort?"

hyakuya: hey, at least i didnt burn the building down.

Kimizuki: "Oh, that's a relief--which, knowing our luck, you'll end up burning the building down when cooking while awake?"

hyakuya: >n<#

Yoichi: "Oh, hey, you're both up! I thought you would've taken a nap..."

hyakuya: hey yoichi.

Yoichi: "Hey! What you reading?" *looks at Kimizuki's file*

Kimizuki: "Forms to sign for the upcoming schedule."

-elsewhere-

Black Star: "This is bad...Why is he harassing them?"

tsubaki: ....

Higan: "It sounds like trouble to me--I say avoid it."

Shamrock: *shakes his head* "And keep getting walked over?"

lavender: hmmm, if that guy's trying to start a war with us...

himawari: ........

Black Star: "Hang on--I'm all for kicking some ass, but we actually need a little thing known as a plan! ...Tsubaki, what's the plan?"

tsubaki: im not....im not sure

himawari: if we start trouble....C3 will......*shakes*

Shamrock: "Hey..." *pats her shoulder* "It's going to be okay."

Higan: "Then maybe someone should tell C3 that--they don't interfere to protect vampires anyway."

tsubaki:.......perhaps i should give shirota a call....

Black Star: "Yeah, that'd be a good plan..."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: "Well, look who's come downstairs...Done tending to the garden, ma'am?" *sets down tea*

kirako: a little bit.

Lucy: "That's good...What you feeling like?" *takes out her waiter notepad*

kirako: i think i'll have a sundae with orange slices.

Lucy: "Coming up!" *walks to the counter, while the door opens, revealing...*

Kunikida: *enters*

kirako: oh, kunikida, hello.

Kunikida: *waves* "Hello. I see you had similar ideas for dining..." *sits down* "I missed lunch."

kirako: yeah, pregnancy cravings kicked in again. ^^;

Kunikida: "Just a few more weeks...You're taking good care of yourself."

kirako: yeah...

Kunikida: "I notice someone else has been missing. No sign of Dazai?"

kirako: should i call him?

Kunikida: "I would recommend it."

kirako: *calls him*

*a phone rings...from Kunikida's pocket*

Kunikida: "... ... ..." *reaches in, and instead of pulling out his own phone...he has Dazai's* "... ... ...I will strangle him."

-elsewhere-

Jacqueline: *smiles* "Kilik is in! How was your trip?"

kim: oh, ox and harvar agreed to go too.

Jacqueline: "Then we got our team. I'll email Auntie..." *collapses onto the couch* =w= "After I rest..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "This may be out of order, but I hope you don't mind the dancing before dinner..." *leading Stocking into a club...*

stocking: sounds nice. ^^

Kid: *walks to the bouncer* "2, under the name 'Death.'"

Bouncer: *grunts, opens the door for them*

*inside is a dark setting with neon fluorescent lights and electronica music...*

stocking: oh.

Kid: "So, drinks or dancing first?"

stocking: let's dance, kiddo!

Kid: "Okay!" *joins her on the dance floor...*

*it seems some bystanders recognize them...*

stocking: *dancing with him*

Patron: "Is that the Grim Reaper?" *snaps a picture on their phone*

stocking: ??

Kid: ^^; "I guess our fame precedes us."

stocking: i guess. i just hope they arent from the tabloids.

Kid: *smiles* "I wouldn't worry about that..." *leans in close* "I'll be on my best behavior..."

stocking: hehe~ oh you~

Kid: *dances with her* "And I'm full of surprises..." *spins her*

stocking: oh my~ ^///^

Employee: "Excuse me...We're ready."

Kid: "??? Already? Um...Stocking, could you follow me?"

stocking: of course. lead the way. ^^

Kid: *leads her to the bar...to a door next to it, leading to a stairway* "Careful--it's a little dark..."

stocking: *follows*

*A bouncer at the top of the stairs opens the door, revealing the roof...There's a candlelit dinner set at a table...*

stocking: oh, kid!

Kid: "Surprise..." *holds her hand, guiding her to her chair*

stocking: you spoil me~

Kid: "Hard to spoil perfection..." *uncovers her dish, revealing a beef steak with raspberry red wine sauce* "And I hope you'll love dessert later~"

-elsewhere-

Monica: *her nose is bandaged...throws an empty bottle against an alley wall* "Fuck..."

{Monica: >_< *6 years old* "Big brother! I said I wanted to play!"}

{???: easy kiddo. i'll play with you as soon as im done with this homework.}

{Monica: "I wanna play now! What's so good about dumb homework?"}

{???: if i get good grades, then i'll get into a good collage later on.}

{Monica: "??? But you're already amazing!"}

{???: ...*head pat* thanks, monica.}

{Monica: ^w^ }

Monica: "..." *rubs her nose--then grunts* "Ow...Motherfucker."

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Izumi? It's getting late--maybe finish the reading tomorrow..."

izumi: really? *looks out the window*

*the sun has set...*

izumi: EH?! it's that late already?!

Spirit: ^^; "Got lost in your homework, huh? At least you focused on your reading..." *sets down a plate* "Late dinner?"

izumi:....i guess.

Spirit: "Someone else on your mind?"

izumi:....i guess it's that mean girl and her gang that keep picking on me...

Spirit: "I know--they're assholes. ... !!! Er, I mean, they're jerks!" ^^; "D-Don't tell your mom I said that..."

izumi: *chuckle*

Spirit: ^^; "Sorry...But I am sorry what is happening. You do know you're at a school where these kinds of people are in attendance, right?"

izumi:.......

Spirit: "This field trip is not going to be easy--but if you get through it, you'll get stronger. And I want you to get stronger--not to impress some jerks, but because you want to get stronger for yourself."

izumi:...right.

Spirit: "Then this training camp will help with that--a meister needs to be able to land a punch. Hell, I had to knock Stein down now and then at your age when he...went a little overboard. Huh. Thank goodness he isn't on this training camp... ...He's not, right?"

izumi: im not sure. ^^;

Spirit: "I hope not...In any case, I think I'm going to teach you how to throw a punch tomorrow before you head to the camp."

-elsewhere-

Harvar: *packing* "Ox, why did you accept this mission?"

ox: well, it's been a while since we did one of these things, right? plus, i think a change of scenery would do us some good...

Harvar: "I don't know--staying in sounds good, too. You going to be okay working with Kim?"

ox: y-yeah, it'll be like old times, yeah?

Harvar: "Yeah, old times--with Kim and Jacqueline now kissing."

ox: -___-

Harvar: "Just being honest--don't let your infatuation get in the way of work."

ox: i'll be alright, really.

Harvar: "..." *pat pat* "Good. They'll need your big brain out there."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *slow dancing with Stocking on the rooftop*

stocking: u////u

Kid: "It's not too cold out here, is it?"

stocking: it's lovely.

Kid: *smiles* "I'm glad..." *small twirl*

-later-

Kid: *walks Stocking inside the Manor*

stocking: today was wonderful, kiddo~<3

Kid: *smiles* "Were you surprised?"

stocking: hehe~

Kid: *strokes her hand* "I'm glad." *smooch*

-elsewhere-

takeru: *gulp* a-are you sure about this? it-it's kind of late for training...

Hajiki: "You know what they say--the night owl catches the worm!"

takeru: i-i thought it was the early bird?? if im remembering the saying right....

Hajiki: "...It is? Huh. I thought it was the other way...Ah, I'll figure that out later--let's pick up where we left off..." *holds up a candle* "Fire!"

takeru: YEEP! >~<

Hajiki: "Why is such a big guy like you afraid of a little bitty flame? Look--it's a cute little flame! It just wants to be your friend..." *waves the candle at Takeru*

takeru: waaaah! hajikiiii stop iiiiit! >~<;;;

Hajiki: "..." *blows the candle out* "Hey..." *pats Takeru's shoulder* "Look at me."

takeru: *sniffle*

Hajiki: "You are so freaking powerful, man--maybe the most powerful in the entire 2nd, even more than the Commander!"

takeru: y-you think so?

Hajiki: *nods* "Remember how you blew a hole through the tournament wall? That was epic!"

takeru: i-it was pretty scary...

Hajiki: *nods* "Yeah, fire is scary...That's why people like us have to learn how to deal with it, so you can save others."

takeru:....

Hajiki: "Come on--I know you're a good dude who wouldn't want to see others get hurt. What about that mission you had back home--you fought big-ass fire dogs!"

takeru: y-yeah....i'll have to thank patti and her friend for that sweater...

Hajiki: *nods* "Hey, maybe that's what you need--something lucky to build up your confidence! If you got that sweater on, you'll be safe."

-elsewhere-

-the phone at the 8th rings-

viktor: 8th brigade, licht speaking.

???: "Hello, Licht--Harris here at Haijima. How are you?"

viktor: oh hey there! what's the haps?

Harris: "The higher ups are getting impatient. You know what we want."

viktor: alright, alright, what time's good for you?

Harris: "Tomorrow morning."

viktor: GOLLY! that soon?

Harris: "Unless you want someone to pick you up tonight."

viktor: im sure tomorrow will work! i'll just tell him we're on a little field trip!

Harris: "Report at 8 AM sharp."

-elsewhere-

*Haijima children are asleep in their bunks...most of them...*

girl: =~= im hungry....

Boy: "...I don't think the adults are up. Maybe the kitchen is empty."

girl: ...tatsu's not in bed....

Boy: "?! Again?"

girl: you dont think that the shadow man's being mean to him again, do you?

Boy: "...If it's him, at least it isn't us."

-morning-

Inka: "--then Ritsu said, 'I call it...my wake-up call!'" *giggles*

sasori: .....

Inka: "What, not funny?"

sasori:....hmm? sorry, i was just thinking about stuff...

Inka: -3- "You've been space cadet all the time lately. What are you thinking about?"

sasori: well-

ritsu: lady inka.

Inka: "Ritsu! What's up, girl?!"

ritsu: lady haumea has asked me to tell you to meet in the main hall immediately...

Inka: "Hammer Pants can't get enough of me, huh? Well, let's go!" *walks with Ritsu*

sasori:..........

Inka: "...Oh! Man, I'm dumb--I forgot! Yo, Sasori!"

sasori: ....coming....

Inka: "Great!" *hands her a key* "I left my bag of marshmallows in the kitchen. Could you put them in my room before Jonah gets his mitts on them? Again."

sasori:..........

Inka: "That's my girl!" *pats her arm* ^w^

-elsewhere-

shinra: *still asleep*

Viktor: *standing at the foot of Shinra's bed* "..."

shinra: *snoring*

Viktor: "Shiiiiiiiiiiiinraaaaaaa?"

shinra: *sleep muttering*

Viktor: "???" *walks over, leans his ear next to Shinra's mouth*

shinra: fuckin'...penguins everywhere....*snore*

Viktor: ._.; "I guess I must apply a stimulus..." *nudges his shoulder*

shinra: nnh...

Viktor: "..." *walks back to the foot of the bed, takes Shinra's foot--and starts tickling*

shinra: *foot jerks as he wakes up* wha-.....*SCREEEEEEEEEEEAM* *KICK TO THE FACE*

iktor: *knocked down to the floor* @w@ "Ooooooh, good, you're awake!" *turns his head* "Hello, Albert! What are you doing here..." XwX

shinra: WHAT THE FUCK?!?!

Akitaru: *runs in* "Son?! What happened--" *spots Viktor* "...What the fuck?"

nozomi: what happened? !!! oh goodness!!

-elsewhere-

hanako: nooo i dont wanna go! >~<

gabriella: it's ok, sweetie, the doctor is there to help you feel better.

hanako: but im not sick! >A<

Hibana: "And we want to keep it that way--that's why it's called a 'check up.'"

hanako: 7n7

Hibana: "Aw, come on--Dr. Huang is really good, her nurses are friendly--if having bad fashion sense--...and I think they got a dog now?"

gabriella: and tell you what, after the check up, we can go to IHOP. ok?

hanako: can we?

Hibana: *nods* "Even put some whipped cream on it."

hanako: yay! ^w^

-elsewhere-

komori: *putting ice on viktor's face*

Viktor: "Ugh, I hope this doesn't leave a mark--I got a meeting today..."

shinra: care to explain WHY you were in my room?!

Viktor: "Oh, right! I had some questions about your Third Generation lately."

shinra: couldnt you have waited until i woke up?

Viktor: "It was relevant to my research that it be your initial experiences upon first awakening. I'm thinking of turning it into an article. I already checked on how the other’s fire abilities first function upon waking. Arthur's Excalibur is a bit more powerful first thing in the morning, Tamaki still forms cat whiskers in her sleep, and Lisa--"

Vulcan: "Hold up. You've been going into our rooms while we sleep?"

Viktor: "Please--I go into everyone's room while they sleep!"

karin: ^^# you havent been in nozomi's room. HAVE YOU?

nozomi: O///////////////O;;;;;;;

Viktor: "No, but it was next on my to-do list--"

karin: NO. NOT ON MY WATCH. NOT GONNA HAPPEN NOPE!!

Viktor: "??? Did I do something wrong?"

Takehisa: *aiming his gun--*

tamaki: THAT IS SUCH A VIOLATION OF PRIVACY!!

shinra: says the unlucky one.

tamaki: SHINRA I WILL CUT YOU.

shinra: OxO;;

Petra: *grabs Shinra and Tamaki by the ears*

shinra: YEOW!

tamaki: >A<

Petra: "Settle down! You're too noisy..."

iris: we should probably focus on the matter at hand.

Viktor: ^^; "I'll just be leaving..."

maki: ....

Viktor: *walks over to Petra, starts pulling her fingers off Shinra's ear--*

Petra: *stare* "...What are you doing?"

Viktor: "Apologizing to Shinra with a little field trip..."

shinra:....im fairly concerned about this.

Viktor: "Relax--it'll be fun! We're going to see the latest in Haijima technology..."

shinra: wait, haijima?

Viktor: "Yep! They're doing some new training with their latest patients!" *pulls him to the door--* "Come on! We'll be late!"

shinra: wait-

Vulcan: "You think we're letting you scurry off to Haijima after this crap?! You already know what I think after what they did freezing out my family from resources!"

maki: not to mention what they did to shinra when he was little!

Viktor: "...Well, that's kind of why I need him there."

nozomi: ??!!

Viktor: "You see, Haijima is doing experiments on the children in an attempt to awaken their latent potential...and with all the Adora Burst knowledge we've been gaining . as more and more of them pop up, Haijima wants to see if they can induce a similar awakening in various children, including those that dead guy from the 1st infected."

tamaki: *her eyes widen in horror as her face goes pale*

nozomi: !!!!!

iris: how awful....

lisa: *aims a flame tentacle at viktor* how could you know this?

Viktor: "...I guess I need to come clean. I, Viktor Licht, am a Haijima spy, sent here to infiltrate Company 8."

karin: *PUNCH* you unholy son of a BITCH! I KNEW YOU WERE FISHY!

nozomi: viktor....why?

maki: wait, i thought haijima sent him to the 8th as a researcher?? but maybe he did report back to them so...

Viktor: *collapsed on the floor* "Ow...I'm going to look like I went into boxing with all the punches today..." *sigh* "Well, like I said, Haijima wants to know more about the Burst, and..." *looks at Shinra* "...him."

shinra:.........

Viktor: "They had tested Shinra when he was a kid, trying to get him to show off some super-power abilities. And after they let him go, he gets the Adora Burst. They let him fall through their fingers---and they don't want to repeat that mistake with the kids they got now. If even one of those children shows the Burst, think of all the knowledge they could gain about how it works?"

shinra:....i feel sick...

Akitaru: *shakes his head* "No way--this is not the way to go about this. We're not letting Shinra go in there..."

Viktor: "And if you don't, then Haijima will take more drastic measures..." *looks out the window* "Case in point...My ride's here."

shinra:....alright....i'll go.

Akitaru: "I said no! At least, not alone..."

iris: shinra...

shinra: if i can atone for those kids, then i'll do it.

nozomi: besides, we can use this as a chance to investigate haijima.

Akitaru: *glares at Viktor* "You pull anything--"

Viktor: *holds up his hands* "Hey, if I screw up, Haijima's going to kill me--I don't have many options here!"

shinra: and the sooner we get info, the sooner we can stop the preacher's plans and save sho.

Akitaru: "Okay. Then that means we need everyone on board for this--we're going to need to pull out all the stops. Everyone, suit up."

karin: one thing first; whose side are you really on, viktor?

Viktor: "..." *shrugs* "No one's."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *sitting with Hanako*

hanako: *swinging her legs as she sits in the chair, staring at the floor*

*the door opens--and a puppy runs in*

hanako: !!! hi puppy! *hug*

Goldie: ^w^ *wagging tail*

hanako: hehehe ^^

Asako: "Ah, our newest visitor! Hello, Hanako--I'm Asako."

hanako: h-hi miss asako.

Asako: "Have you been to a doctor's office before?"

hanako: sorta...? i dunno.

Asako: "I mean, aside from your mommy." ^^; "But there's no need to be nervous. Have you ever tried a stethoscope?'

-elsewhere-

Kurono: *wrapping himself*

puppet girl: hiiiiii kurono~ ^w^

Kurono: "Bug off."

-intercom; kurono and nataku son, to testing room B-alpha-

Kurono: *mutters under his breath* "Thank God..." *bumps into her while exiting*

puppet girl: hehehe~<3

tatsu:.......

Kurono: "So. Ready to play with your uncle again?"

tatsu: o-ok...

Harris: *watching from the control room, leans into the microphone* "Line up."

tatsu:.....

Harris: *glances* "Aspen, wipe that goofy smile off your face."

tatsu: c-can i go home soon?

Kurono: *points to his tie clip* "You see this skull on my tie? That's the mark of death. When you have this mark on you, I'll let you go..."

tatsu:.....

Kurono: *unwraps his arm* "We'll continue where we left off...I need you to focus. Or else I'll be sending your corpse home. Now, show me your true power."

tatsu: *trembling*

???: "GET FIRED UP, TATSU!"

tatsu: !!!!! *glances to his side in fear*

Rekka?: "THE BUG CHOSE YOU--SO SHOW ME YOUR FERVOUR! SHOW ME THAT PASSION, BOY!"

tatsu: *SCREAMING AND ATTACKING*

Kurono: *SNAPS his fingers--and flips Tatsu over his shoulder and onto the floor* "Too weak."

tatsu: uuuh....UAAAAAAHRGHH!!!!!

scientist: s-shouldnt we stop them before he gets killed?

Harris: "God has blessed us with these guinea pigs. The previous tests have been inconclusive. Until we see the Adora Burst, we're not stopping."

scientist 2: still, one's a kid, and the other's losing his arm to ash disease...

Kurono: *kicks Tatsu in the gut*

Harris: "But look at him...He's as powerful as Benimaru of the 7th."

-the door slams open-

scientist: !!

kahono: *storms over to the intercom* KURONO. THAT'S ENOUGH!

Kurono: *keeps kicking Tatsu*

Harris: "Get out of here! We're not done--"

kahono: I SAID THAT'S _ENOUGH_!

Kurono: "..." *picks up Tatsu by his collar* "...Heal him. We're not finished..." *walks him over to the gurney*

Harris: *glares at Kahono* "You idiot--don't you know what we're trying to do?"

kahono: there's a fine line between training abilities and straight up child abuse!

Harris: "If you want results, you may have to break some bones in the process..."

kahono: then why not volunteer yourself?

Kurono: *walks up to the control room, taps on the glass* "Hey. Send me another one."

Harris: "..." *gulps*

kahono: well? my offer stands...

Harris: "...He's bleeding. Go bandage him, doctor." *looks over results*

kahono:....

-elsewhere-

shinra:......

Driver: *wearing sunglasses...has a gun holstered on their side*

Viktor: ^^; "So, which facility we going to today? I had hoped to go to the North branch to see how the new fireproof jackets were coming along--"

Driver: "West branch. Child training facility. Say one more word, and I'll shut you up."

shinra: OxO;;;;; *gulp*

Viktor: >_>; "Making the 'evil corporation' conceit a little too obvious..."

*the car passes industrial buildings, pillowing smoke...*

shinra:.......

Viktor: *clears his throat* "Shinra, which Haijima branch did you get your legs worked on? West branch or somewhere else?"

shinra: i dont really remember, but i do remember one lady; Dr Fujimi. she was really nice.

Viktor: "Huh--that's a coincidence. She's working at West now."

shinra: for real?

Viktor: "Yep! She handles clean-up--Er...She tends to the children after their training..."

shinra:......*shudders*

{*down a hallway at Haijima...a boy and a woman walk*}

{shinra: *looks up*}

{*there are windows in the hallway, showing different facilities...some guards are wrestling a man in a straightjacket*}

{-most of the other faces are scribbled out...-}

{????: is that really him? the shadow man?}

{*the guards slam the Shadow Man, face pressed against the glass...The Shadow Man smiles at Shinra*}

{shinra: !!!!}

{-the other children are screaming and crying-}

{Shadow Man: "I want to play...with the children. Let me play!"}

shinra: GAH!!

Viktor: *backs away into the door* "Wow! What?! What?!!"

shinra: hah...hah....s-sorry just......bad memory.....

Viktor: "..." *looks* "We're here..."

shinra:.......

Security Checkpoint: "Step out of the vehicle. ID."

shinra: *exits*

Viktor: "Viktor Licht, Haijima forensics, on loan to the 8th. Harris called me to meet with--"

Security Guard: *looks at Shinra's ID* "State your business."

shinra: *looks at viktor*

Viktor: "Um...We're here to see the children training?"

Security Guard: *hands ID wrist bands* "Wear these at all times while on the premises."

shinra: *nods*

Viktor: "Like old times, huh, Shinra?"

*Guards are watching them*

shinra:......

Viktor: "Well, looks like they aren't letting us out of their sight...or out of here...When you got Kurono here, I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

shinra:.........!!!! DR FUJIMI!

kahono: ?? ... !!! s-shinra!

shinra: *HUG*

Viktor: "???"

kahono: goodness, you've grown since last i saw you. ^^

Viktor: "Um, Doctor? Is Harris around?"

kahono: yes, he's in there...

shinra:......

kahono: worried about the other kids?

shinra: y-yeah. though most of the kids i grew up with are probably elsewhere by now. heck, i dont remember many of them, honestly...

???: "Oh, our guests are here!"

shinra: *looks*

Harris: "Greetings, Mr. Kusakabe. I'm Dr. Harris."

shinra: hello, sir.

Harris: "Licht, let's have a chat...Dr. Fujimi, take Mr. Kusakabe to the play area."

-in the play area, it's surprisingly colorful, and each bed has a name tag; Todd, Mari, Jane, Connie, Rasheed, Oliver, Keisuke, Tatsu, etc-

shinra: wow, this place really expanded last i was here...

kahono: indeed it has. you remember ollie, right?

shinra: i think so, he was a baby when i left for the training school, right?

*children can be heard giggling*

shinra: yeah, this is bringing back some memories...there was Joey, who was kind of a jerk, there was Abigail, who always carried a toy truck with her, and there was Lily, Gabe, Isamu, Shen... wow, cant believe how much i forgot after all this time...

{Lily: "D-Do they hurt, Shinra?"}

{shinra: *looking at his feet*}

{abigail: they make you pretty tall though, so that's pretty cool!}

{gabe: you're lucky they dont make you wear the helmet...}

{Shen: "Ooo! Those shoes are cold!"}

{shinra: woah! *trying not to fall*}

{Joey: "Ha! What, can't stay upright, clumsy?"

kahono:...shinra? are you alright?

shinra: huh? yeah, why?

kahono: you're crying...

shinra: ?! *wipes his eyes* huh....

-i wanna go home!-

shinra: ?!

*the children are still giggling, now clapping at the puppet's antics*

shinra: *looking around.....then counts the children and beds*

*one is missing?*

shinra: is one kid not here?

kahono:......*looking around*

*a scientist walks by...he has on a neck brace*

Aspen: "Ow...Rotten Kurono..."

kahono:....why dont we go visit the cafeteria?

shinra: ??

-please! *hic* i-i want my mom!-

Aspen: *stares at Shinra* "??? Hang on--you're that Adora Burst guy!"

shinra: um...hi?

Aspen: "..." *his mouth curls into a sneer* "Oh-ho-ho! You're perfect! Just who I need!"

shinra: uhhh... ._.;;

kahono: dr aspen!

Aspen: "Not now, Fujimi--with Nataku out of commission, I need someone to kick Kurono around for more data--and who better than someone with the Burst!!!"

shinra: nataku?

Aspen: "Come with me!" *grabs Shinra's wrist*

shinra: ow! that hurts!

kahono: now you just wait a moment!

shinra i-it's fine. i-i'll survive. ^^;;; (i hope...)

Aspen: *drags Shinra to a sparring room with a glass wall...*

shinra:.... (tatsu's here, i can feel it, but where-)

Harris: *behind the glass...with Viktor*

Viktor: "?!!! What the h are you doing with Shinra?!"

shinra: um.... ._.;; (i got a bad feeling about this)

Harris: *talks into the microphone* "Kuskabe. Thank you for agreeing to help us research the Adora Burst. We will commence combat endurance in hand-to-hand battle now."

*the doors shut behind Shinra, locking him in the room and keeping Kahono out*

shinra: *gulp* (ok, keep it calm, shinra, you've been in combat before, you've got this.)

*another set of doors open, as a bandaged man walks out...*

shinra: ._____________.;;;; (hello darkness my old friend)

Kurono: *adjusting his bandages, looks up* "...Well. You going to make this fun for me?"

shinra:......requesting a ten minute bathroom break please?

Kurono: "...Weak bladder. Good start."

shinra: are you making fun of me?

Kurono: *he's not smiling as he unwraps bandages* "I remember you...That child with the metal stumps...So small...When I was scrawny back then, I wanted...to crush you under my feet. Why didn't you let me?"

shinra: (*INTERNALLY SCREAMING*)

Kurono: "You're taller now, so it'll be more difficult for me to step all over you..." *leans over Shinra* "Yet you are still weak. I like that."

shinra: *sweating, making a battle stance*

Harris: *smiles* "Excellent..." *presses the timer button*

*a start alarm goes off*

shinra: *in position*

Kurono: *pulls at his bandage as he swings his arm at Shinra...the arm is completely black

shinra: !!!!! (h-his arm...!)

*the black of the arm...expands into smoke*

shinra: ?!?!?!

*the smoke passes Shinra's face...a small cut appears on his face, as he feels weak in the knees*

shinra: GRK-

Kurono: *his eyes are snakelike, staring at Shinra* "Weakling. This is the Adora Burst? Pathetic."

shinra: you havent seen anything yet! RAPID!

Kurono: "..." *swings his arm in a circle before--*

*Shinra's foot approaches his face...and with a SLAP, Kurono flips Shinra over*

shinra: ?!??! (OK IM CALLING BULLSHIT!)

Viktor: "That's a first--someone managed to undermine Shinra's Rapid?"

Harris: *smiles* "Thanks to your reports, I knew Kurono would be an excellent counter-measure against Kusakabe..."

Viktor: "..."

shinra: SON OF A BITCH!

Aspen: *on intercom* "You're doing great, Kusakabe! Show us what the Adora Burst can do to kick Kurono's ass!"

shinra: yeah yeah, fuck you too. *flips him the bird* as for you, creepy asshole, im gonna kick the fuck out of you, injury be damned. you cant just go beating up kids!

Kurono: "??? But I get to do whatever I want. After all, might makes right."

shinra: FUCK YOU WITH A RUSTY POLE!

Kurono: "..." *smoke explodes behind him*

shinra: ?!?!?!?

Kurono: *puts his hand into the smoke...it whirls into a sharp shape*

shinra: (oh shit)

Kurono: *solidifies the smoke into kunai, tossing them at Shinra*

shinra: WOAH!!

*both kunai are coming at Shinra's forehead and torso*

shinra: *dodges*

*one kunai slices Shinra's cheek--and both explode behind him in black smoke*

*out of the smoke, Kurono emerges, swinging his arm at Shinra*

shinra: !!!!!!!

Kurono: *reaches into the smoke again, forming from it a sword*

Harris: *frowns* "Disappointing so far...Your specimen is rather weak."

Viktor: "He...just is planning his next move?" ^^;

shinra: *KICKS*

Kurono: *coughs loudly, knocked back* ("...How did he do that? He was yards away a moment ago...")

Harris: "?!!"

Viktor: "Aaaaaaaaaaand there's the Rapid attack."

shinra: *jumps up to land a drop kick*

Kurono: *knocked to his knees...* "...I don't like strong people..." *fades into the smoke...which starts to expand in the room*

shinra: *battle stance, looking around*

*the smoke is already around Shinra--when something slashes his chest*

shinra: *yells out in pain*

Harris: "Damn it--I can't see a thing..." *calls into the microphone* "Kurono, your smoke is effecting our cameras--pull it back."

*the smoke expands...the entire room is now in black*

Harris: "?!!!"

kahono: !!!!!

Aspen: "The temperature is 120...130...It's too high!"

Viktor: ._____.; *takes into his jacket collar* "Um, commander? We have a wee bit of a huge problem over here..."

*the ground shakes in the room...*

kahono: !!! oh no...

Kurono: *sing-songy* "Let's keep plaaaaaay-ing..."

*the door to the control room opens*

Scientist 3: "The infirmary! Hurry up! Something's happened to Nataku!"

kahono: !!!!

-meanwhile...-

*sirens are going off near the infirmary...there is a fire inside...*

tatsu: *SCREAMING* OWIE! IT HURTS! MY-MY ARM HURTS!!!

???: *whispering in Tatsu's ear* "Get fired up...Get fired up...Get fired up..."

tatsu: WAAAAH!!! SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!!

nurse: shit! get the other children to the safe room, NOW!

Nurse 2: "R-Right!" *runs*

-outside-

maki: what the hell is going on in there?!                                                  

*the radio inside the Matchbox crackles*

Viktor?: *crackle* "Repeat: the situation has changed. We need help in here--"

maki: !!! *puts on her coat and hat* vulcan, do we have the iron owls?

Vulcan: "Charged and ready!"

-inside-

shinra: *shuddering* (tatsu...)

Viktor: "Hey--you hadn't told me Nataku was this far along. Didn't you say he was elsewhere?"

Harris: "That was none of your business!" *calling into the microphone* "Kurono! I'm opening the doors! Get to Nataku! This experiment is done--"

*PUNCH*

Harris: X_X

Viktor: *rubs his fist* "Owie!" >~< "I still don't know how to throw a punch..."

Aspen: "?!!! You piece of--"

Viktor: *calling into the microphone* "Get up, Shinra! Get to Nataku before Kurono does! He's in danger--his Adora Burst has awoken!"

shinra: *starts running* (hang on tatsu!)

Aspen: *grabs Viktor's neck* "I'll make you pay--"

Viktor: *PUNCH* "!!!" >~< "Ow, again..."

Aspen: X_X *falls on top of Harris*

kahono: come on! let's go!

Security: "?!!! We got two scientists down!" *pulls out an electric baton*

Viktor: "After you!" *follows Kahono*

shinra: *kicks the guard away*

-elsewhere-

ritsu: fufufu. yes, this will do nicely....

*inside Ritsu's infirmary are large tubes containing human-shaped specimens...as Ritsu is posing dead Infernals into various poses*

ritsu: ahhh~ so precious~ like little angels...my little babies~

sasori: we dont have all day, inka found the 6th pillar already...

ritsu: of course. orochi~ be a dear and watch over my babies, will you~?

*a purple smoke passes Sasori...*

sasori: ?!?!?

Orochi: "As you wish, Lady Ritsu..."

-elsewhere-

mikami: *shaking*

ryuuko: mikami? mikami are you alright?!

mikami: c-call princess hibana....g-get to haijima...6-6th pillar...!

Rino: *walks in* "?!! What's going on?!"

mikami: tell hibana to get to haijima!!

Rino: "..." *pulls out her phone, goes to her contacts, taps 'Royal Pain'* "..."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "There--that wasn't bad, was it?"

hanako: miss asako's really nice, but miss huang's a little scary...

Hibana: "Kind of intense, huh?"

-phone rings-

Hibana: *answers* "Rino, you better have finished--"

Rino: "GET YOUR ASS TO HAIJIMA! Mikami is yelling something about a pillar!"

Hibana: "... ... ...Gab, get Hanako home."

gabriella: princess?

hanako: mommy?

Hibana: "Something is happening at Haijima--the 5th is mobilizing."

hanako: but what about ihop?

Hibana: "..." *smiles, pats her head* "I'll meet you there."

-elsewhere-

*outside Haijima, explosions can be seen*

reporter: what the hell?!

Camera operator: "?!" *filming*

ann terveau: i smell a scoop!

*then the Matchbox passes by, crashing through the security gates*

Guard: "..." *looks outside at the Matchbox passing by* "...I quit." *walks away*

-inside-

Vulcan: *foot on the gas* "WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY?!"

Relan: *adjusting the radio signal*

tamaki: SLOW DOWN IM GONNA BE SICK! >~<                                      

Arthur: *arms crossed, somehow balanced as the vehicle tosses back and forth*

Akitaru: *trying to hang on* >_<#

Takehisa: "Vulcan, look out! There's something in the road!"

Puppet: O_O

Vulcan: "Aw, it's a cute little dollie! WATCH ME RUN IT OVER!"

maki: *SCREAMING*

Puppet: *stops the Matchbox*

Vulcan: "?!"

Puppet: *le flip*

tamaki: *SCREAM*

Akitaru: "AAAAAAAH!"

Relan: *hanging from the radio headphones* "EEEEK!"

Arthur: *still arms crossed*

maki: OH SHIIIIIT!!!

*CRASH*

tamaki: ow.....

*the Matchbox grinds to a halt, the spider webs Vulcan launched slowing its descent...*

Arthur: *muffled*

tamaki: O//////////O G-GET OFF! >/////<

Arthur: *gasps* "...It was so comfy--"

tamaki: *SLAP* >/////<#

maki: oh my god i thought i was gonna die!

Akitaru: "Everyone okay?"

Relan: *still hanging from the ceiling* Q_Q "I'm not dead..."

Arthur: X_X

iris: what happened?

Takehisa: *looking out the window* "...I think we have a problem..."

Puppet: *walks up...it has electric wires off its back*

puppet girl: fufufu~ what's this? are you here to bully kurono? that's not very nice~<3

Takehisa: "...Maki, handle this."

Vulcan: "The fuck is a Kurono?!" *gets out of the Matchbox, walks up to the building where Puppet Girl stands atop * "Look what you did to the Matchbox, you crazy asshole!"

puppet: fufufu~ come on dominion, play with your new friends!

Dominion: *crackles with electricity*

Vulcan: "??? So, some kind of generator? That's what the wires are for?"

-inside-

kahono: the recovery room isnt too far now.

Security: *running down another hall* "Calm down, kid! You're out of control--"

shinra: guys, grab my hands!

Viktor: "Okay." *grabs* "But why?"

kahono: *grabs*

shinra: *RUSHES FORWARDS*

Viktor: *face pulled back by speed--*

*as they rush forward...the body of a security guard is flung at them...*

shinra: OOF!!

???: "Did you think some donut-chomping security flunkies would be powerful enough for handling this task?"

kahono: !!!!!

*It's Kurono...choking Nataku*

tatsu: *sobbing and struggling*

shinra: !!! LET HIM GO!

Kurono: "Took you long enough, welp..."

-outside-

puppet girl: TAKE THIS! ROCKET PUNCH!

Dominion: *punches one of the Iron Owls, swinging it back at Maki*

maki: woah!

Dominion: "DOM!"

puppet girl: now, shining finger blast!

Dominion: *aims its hands down, fingers shining--and firing lasers at Vulcan and Maki*

maki: WOAH!

puppet girl: now that's what i call digital! hehe~

Vulcan: "BOO!"

puppet girl: what's wrong, not getting, the point?

Vulcan: "Maki, she has to be the one controlling that thing. Aim the Owls at her legs."

maki: got it!

Dominion: *points one finger at Maki--and fires*

maki: WOAH SHIT! *dodge*

Dominion: *twirls on one foot, then makes a dramatic pose*

maki: IS HE SERIOUSLY MAKING A SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER REFERENCE?!

puppet girl: it's his job to bring smiles to the kiddo's faces~

Vulcan: "I don't know--but I want to smash it to bits and re-build it as an artistic installation in a museum--then blow up the museum with her in it to make sure they both die forever."

puppet girl: wow, so mean! what are the names of your robot friends?

Vulcan: -_-# "They aren't 'friends.' They're robots. And they're the Iron Owls--"

puppet girl: birds, huh? i'd tell dom to give you the bird, but that'd be a bad influence for the children~ hehe~

Vulcan: "... ... ..." *facepalm*

maki: who even are you!?

puppet girl: moi? you want to know my name? well i'd be happy to....NOT tell you~ ^^

Dominion: *sitting on the edge of the rooftop, swinging its feet*

maki: >n<##

Vulcan: *SCREAMS* "GOOD GOD, WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS?!!"

Dominion: *robotic noises sounding like 'La la la...'*

puppet girl: now that i look at them, they remind me a bit of caterpillars~

maki:......

Vulcan: "Don't you _dare_ rename my inventions!"

maki:....*squint* they kinda do look like caterpillars if you look at them differently. ah great i cant unsee it, THANKS A LOT!

Vulcan: "Stop making Maki see things, you bastard!"

Dominion: "Ba ba ba~"

puppet girl: you talk too much.

Vulcan: "YOU'VE BEEN RUNNING YOUR MOUTH NON-STOP! Forget this! We have our friends to save! Come on, Maki--let's blow up Haijima and get Shinra out of here."

puppet girl: oh no you dont~ dom-dom, giga punch!

Dominion: "GIGA!" *leaps down, slamming its fist into the ground in front of Vulcan and Maki*

maki: WOAH!

Vulcan: *knocked back*

puppet girl: good boy, dommy!

Dominion: ^^

Vulcan: "Stop treating your robot like some pet!"

Dominion: *sitting in Puppet Girl's lap* "???"

puppet girl: oh? but robots and humans arent too different from each other, you know. especially the kiddos~

Vulcan: "The hell does that mean?"

puppet girl: if we let them have fun, they have fun, but if we let them get into trouble, they get into trouble, and when they do something we dont want them to, we have to correct them. train them. make sure they follow orders, right~?

Vulcan: "Orders? ...You piece of shit, these are kids--you don't order them! You teach them! Raise them! Is this how you treat kids, attack them with that freak puppet?!"

maki: !!!

Dominion: >n<

puppet girl: oh i am kind to them, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar after all~

maki: still, manipulating them for your own benefit, i wont forgive that!

Vulcan: "Maki, we've got enough info to figure out she's likely Third Generation. That's the only way that stupid puppet is stupid powerful. I don't say this lightly, but do you think you can actually stand up against that thing with your powers?"

maki: do you have a plan?

Vulcan: "Yeah. But you're going to have to take the Owls to their maximum power output."

puppet girl: hmm, dommy, are you ready to unleash your special move~?

Dominion: "DOM!" *salutes*

maki: ready?

Vulcan: *checking his visor* "Ports are opened. Circuits connected...Wavelengths still divergent...Get them into position!"

maki: right!

puppet girl: ready~ aim~....

Vulcan: "100 PERCENT POWER! PREPARE TO LAUNCH!"

maki: FIRE!

puppet girl: BUTT CANNON BLAST!

Vulcan: "...Wait, what--"

Dominion: *POOOOOOOOOOOOT!*

maki: ARE WE SERIOUSLY GOING TO STOOP THAT LOW IN TERMS OF JOKES?!

-FWOOOOOOOM-

Vulcan: "Maki! Spin the Owls!"

maki: ROGER!

-VWRRRRRRRRRRR-

Dominion: *still firing the Butt Cannon*

maki: come on pusupusu and meramera! i believe in you!

Dominion: *crackling...electricity fading out of its eyes*

puppet girl: !!! oh, that doesnt look good.

maki: PUSUMERA BEEEEEAM!!!!

Dominion: Q_Q;

-BWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM-

*Dominion has fallen to pieces*

puppet girl: D8> NOOO! YOU MONSTERS!

Vulcan: "Awesome! Maki, Owls--you did it!!!"

maki: victory! ^w^ *peace sign*

Vulcan: *high five*

Dominion: X_X

maki: *victory dance*

puppet girl: mrgrgr..... it's gonna take all night to fix him, you meanies!

Vulcan: *picks up the Owls* "Now to rescue Shinra and get out of here."

puppet girl:....kukuku....you really think you've won the war?

*the pitter-patter of little robot feet is heard...*

Vulcan: "?!"

maki: oh son of a bitch.

Dominions, Plural: "DOM DOM DOM DOM!"

maki:......permission to run like hell?

Vulcan: "Call it a strategic retreat." *runs*

-elsewhere-

arrow:....

Haumea: "Aw, what's wrong? Getting more conservative in your attire, Arrow?"

arrow: can you not? im not feeling 100%......

Haumea: "Yeah, 'cause you're getting old and gross lookCHARON, BACK OFF ALREADY--I DON'T NEED A BABYSITTER, GODDAMN IT!!!"

Charon: -_-; "I am a bodyguard. I guard the Pillars. That includes you. If I don't protect you, then who?"

Haumea: "GO PESTER INKA!"

Inka: "I'm good--I already got a buttload of bodyguards."

sasori:......

Inka: "Wait, stop here! We're right underneath it..."

sasori: this is the place?

Inka: "That's what I just said, right?" *looks at an electrical circuit breaker labeled 'Haijima'* "Huh. Haijima Labs?"

Charon: "Who's up there? I hear explosions..."

Haumea: *studying the circuit breaker* "Hmm..." *cracks it open, grabs a wire* "Let's cut off any communication..." *ZAP*

-above ground-

*The walkie talkie in a Guard's hands shorts out*

Guard: "OW!"

*The radio the 8th has goes wild*

Relan: "?! The signal is out of whack..."

*And with the reporters outside...*

ann terveau: and as you can see, the area is currently being evacuated-

*KA-BOOM*

Camera Operator: *screams, drops the camera*

ann terveau: ?!?!?

-meanwhile-

Akitaru: "Viktor! Come in! Shit...He had said to go into the infirmary--" *staring at a "You Are Here" map* "BUT WHERE IS THAT?!"

*black smoke explodes out of one building*

tamaki: EEP!!

Takehisa: "I think the building with black smoke may be a good place to start."

*a window smashes, as 3 figures leap out of it...*

shinra: RUN!!

Viktor: *following*

Black Smoke: "SLOPPY...Get back here, underdog..."

Arthur: "?!!! That smoke just talked! Miasma!"

Relan: "Shinra!"

tamaki: *looks* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shinra: they've got tatsu!

Kurono: *punches Shinra in the face*

shinra: GRK-

tatsu: *struggling*

Kurono: *holding Tatsu by the neck*

Akitaru: "You son of a bitch!" *holds up his axe* "Let that child go!"

tamaki:....stop it.....let him go.....

tatsu: *spots her*....you......this is your fault......*shaking*

Rekka?: *to Tatsu* "YOU CAN DO IT!"

Kurono: *spots Tamaki* "...You look useless."

tamaki: no......

*a gunshot goes off, hitting Kurono in the forehead*

Kurono: *down*

tatsu: because i listened to you...this is happening....this is your fault that im hurting. i hate you! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!!

tamaki: *unable to move, tears falling*

Takehisa: *holding his gun level, still aiming where Kurono stood* "..."

Akitaru: "Takehisa...Is he...?"

tatsu: *charging at her* I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!!

Rekka?: "YEAH, BOY! GET ANGRY! KICK HER ASS!"

Takehisa: "..." *approaches, aiming at Kurono's heart--*

Kurono: *eyes shut...there's a black mark on his forehead...then his eyes break open*

Takehisa: "?!" *fires--*

Kurono: *blocks with smoke--then stabs Takehisa in the shoulder with a smoke dagger*

Takehisa: *SCREAMS*

Akitaru: "?!!! Takehisa!" *rushes at Kurono with the axe*

Arthur: *pulls out Excalibur, swings as well*

Kurono: *forms smoke, disappearing--*

Arthur: *stops his blade just in time--barely missing Akitaru's neck*

Akitaru: Q_Q;

iris: *covers her mouth with her habit*

Takehisa: *panting, clutching his shoulder...it's bleeding a lot*

Relan: *pulls out the first-aid* "Iris, help me out on this..."

Kurono: *appears behind Tamaki* "Like I said...You're all weaklings in the 8th."

tamaki: *not moving*

Kurono: *lifts up his arm, covered in smoke--and brings it down behind Tamaki--*

-KICK-

Arthur: *cough cough* "Tam-Tamaki! Grab the kid!"

tamaki:......

tatsu: I HATE YOOOU!!!!

Akitaru: *swings his arms in one massive gesture--dispersing all the smoke*

-a fire tornado appears between tamaki and tatsu-

tatsu: ?!?!?

???: you little brat.......

shinra: *looks* oh you have GOT to be kidding me!!

Inka: "Hello, Kusakabe~"

Haumea: "Hee hee..."

guruna: dont you DARE lay a hand on _MY_ TAMAKINS!!!

Charon: "..."

Kurono: "...What the hell is a Tamakins?"

shinra: *rushes*

Inka: *swings her finger, and--*

-PUNCH-

Inka: *knocked down, her nose bleeding* "?!!! Wh-What..."

shinra: you can predict pyrokinetic attacks right? so i've been practicing my melee attacks so i could land a hit on you for once. in other words; FUCK YOU, YOU LITERAL FUCKING ENEMA!

Inka: "... ... ..." =\\\w\\\= "That felt so good! Hit me again! <3 "

shinra:.....you're literally the worst. ever. of all time.

Charon: "We know. But we need her because she's a Pillar. Speaking of which--we also need you and that boy, so come along quietly, Fire Rat."

Inka: -3- "Don't shame me."

Kurono: "White...cloaks? ...This is too stupid. I'm leaving." *picks up Tatsu*

guruna: oh no you dont! im going to punish that brat for trying to hurt my tamakins when she's vulnerable. fufu~

Charon: *pulls back his hands...*

shinra: aw shit, speaking of OP bullshit...

Charon: "CLAP!"

*KA-BOOM!*

*Kurono and Tatsu are knocked back and separated*

Charon: *glares at Guruna* "Do not hurt the child too badly--we need him."

Inka: "Ruin everyone's fun, why don't you..." *glances back at Ritsu and Sasori...her nose is still bleeding*

shinra: (now im curious who would beat who in a fight.......) *he imagines kurono and charon fighting....and getting a bit close* !!!! DAMMIT MAKI! NOW YOU GOT ME DOING IT! >///n///<;;

Kurono: *looks Charon up and down* "..." *pulls out a smoke knife* "Let's do this."

Charon: *flexes* "I look forward to it..."

shinra: *SCREAMS INTERNALLY*

ritsu: my my, they're energetic ones, arent they, lady inka~?

Charon: *swings punches at Kurono, who dodges*

Inka: *wipes her nose* *sniffle* "No kidding...Too bad I'm supposed to stay out of this fight..." *rubs her nose* =w=

sasori: *sigh* *runs toward tatsu*

Relan: *has finished with Takehisa* "Come on, sir--we need to get you out of here. Iris, you got him on the right?"

iris: right!

Takehisa: "I'm fine to stand. Give me my gun."

Relan: -_-; "Can you even hold it up, sir?"

???: "Hello again."

Relan: O_O;

iris: oh come on!

Assault: "Hearing that Black Smoke Man talk about weaklings..." *sneers* "Reminds me of old times..."

Relan: *shaking*

tamaki: *still unresponsive*

iris: TAMAKI! SNAP OUT OF IT!

Takehisa: "?!!!" *grabs a bullet out of his magazine, flicks it--and it ricochets around Assault, striking him*

guruna: kurururu~ she's so cute like this~ i think this time i'll bring her back with me~

Assault: "Oh, you like bullets?" *forms a giant fire bullet* "SO DO I!" *launches it at Iris, Relan, and Takehisa*

Relan: "!!!" *pushes Iris and Takehisa out of the way--*

*BOOM*

Relan: *knocked into an alley, crashing into the wall with a CRUNCH*

iris: RELAN!!

Takehisa: "!!!"

shinra: REL!!! *glares* YOU SON OF A BIIIITCH!!!!

Assault: "??? If I capture the Pillar here, I can regain my honor. Come with me, you little--"

shinra: I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!

-meanwhile-

puppet girl: kyahahaha~ dance my little dominions, dance!!

Vulcan: *dodging* "This is the third dumbest fight I've been in--OW! Watch it, you Sid and Marty Krofft reject!"

*electricity crackles nearby...snaking up to one Dominion until--*

puppet girl: eh? owo

Dominion 1: Q___Q *small stomach-rumbling like sound before--*

*KA-POOT!*

puppet girl: D8

*The other Dominions start blowing up*

Vulcan: "??? Maki, was that you?"

maki: no?

????: i could have handled that with a long range attack...

maki: ?!?! *glances*

Haumea: *twirling her finger* "Maybe--but you've been kind of useless lately. Hell, even against inferior Haijima tech, you'd probably just hurt yourself~"

Vulcan: "Ah, what the hell?!"

arrow:....shut up. it's you're fault im like this.....

Haumea: "..." *turns her head back* "Excuse me? What did you just say?"

Puppet girl: waaah you meanies! no one invited you here!!

Vulcan: "This is bad." *calls into walkie talkie* "Arthur! We need you back at the Matchbox's location! The plasma woman is back! ...Arthur, report!"

Haumea: "COULD YOU IDIOTS OVER THERE SHUT UP! I'M TALKING TO ARROW!" *glares at Arrow* "Okay, you want to say something? Say it to my face!"

puppet girl: *sniffles* now im really mad! MEGA DOMINION!!

Vulcan: "Mega Dom-what?"

Mega Dominion: "DOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!"

Haumea: "--and you breathe weird, even the sound of you talking is weird, and--" *looks behind her* "...OH, WHAT THE FUCK?!"

maki:.....i dont know about the rest of you, but right now i am SICK, AND TIRED! OF FIGHTING ROBOTS!!

Vulcan: "I build them for a living, and even I'm burned out on this. Screw this--I'm finding Arthur. Maki, are the Iron Owls cooled down yet?"

puppet girl: fufufu~ in the name of the sun, i will punish you~ *wink*

Vulcan: "...I'M LEAVING." *gets on the motorbike* "I'll be back with that idiot soon enough!"

Haumea: "OH, NO YOU DON'T! ARROW, KILL THE ENGINEER!"

Mega Dominion: "DOM!" *slashes at Haumea*

arrow: !!!

Haumea: "?! You little shit!" *fires an electric shot at it* "HA!"

Mega Dominion: *unfased--as it slices Haumea's arm and chest*

Haumea: "FUCK! Is it insulated against electricity?!"

puppet girl: ^w^

arrow: lady haumea, we should fall back for now.

Haumea: "Shut up! You just let me get hurt by that thing! Forget running away--kill the girl operating it!"

maki: *looks around* (come on, while they're distracted!)

Vulcan: *drives away*

Haumea: "?!! And now the engineer got away! Arrow, you twit, do something, anything!"

arrow:....alright. *picks her up and runs*

puppet girl: nyoron~?

Haumea: "?!!! NOT THIS!" *punches Arrow's head*

arrow: GRK-

Haumea: "I am so sick of this!" *punches Arrow's stomach, tugs on her mask* "You are such a useless! Fleshy! Bag of meat!"

arrow: *coughing up blood*

Haumea: "What do you have to say for yourself?! You're a worthless bodyguard!" *knees her*

maki: hey! stop that!

Haumea: "STAY OUT OF THIS, YOU DUMB APE!"

arrow: im meant to be a shield for lord sho, not a punching bag for you. and charon is preoccupied-

Haumea: "Some bodyguard you've been to Sho! You couldn't even stop that four-eyed bastard before Kuskabe got to Sho!"

maki: *grips fist* WHO ARE YOU CALLING A GORILLA CYCLOPS??! *RUNS IN TO PUNCH HER*

Haumea: *crackles electricity along her fist* "I was calling you, that, you chubby, overly muscular--"

-POW-

arrow: *trying to get up*

puppet girl: ooooh, this is interesting~

Haumea: *knocked down* "... ... ...I AM GOING TO MESS YOUR BRAIN UP GOOD!" *grabs Maki's head*

maki: *SPITS IN HER FACE*

Haumea: "..." *sneers, as the electricity crackles along her fingers and starts to go to Maki's temples--*

puppet girl: *WHAM*

Haumea: *knocked down* "GAH!"

Dominion: ^w^ "DOM!"

maki: !!!

puppet girl: those girls were mean to me, and you dont like them so want to join forces?

maki:....huh?

puppet girl: the enemy of my enemy is my friend, yes?

Haumea: "Arrow!" *shakes her* "Get up!"

arrow: im up, im up. *coughing up blood*

Haumea: "Good! Now do something useful!" *electricity covers her entire body as she charges up* "I want them dead!"

arrow: *SCREAMING IN PAIN*

maki: !!!!

Haumea: *fires*

arrow: *she's bleeding from her mouth, nose, and clothes...*

Dominion: "DOM!" *shields Puppet Girl*

puppet girl: EEP!!

Haumea: *keeps the electricity up against Dominion*

Dominion: *holding up just fine* ^^;

Haumea: "Come on--COME ON!" *pulls more power out of Arrow*

arrow: *SCREAMS* *she's crying blood....*

maki: *KICK*

Haumea: *knocked down* *she isn't moving...*

arrow: *collapses, breathing shallow*...why would you...help me?

Dominion: *sets Puppet Girl down*

maki: i dont know what came over me...

arrow:...heh...you 8th brigaders are strange....

Dominion: *nod nod*

puppet girl: so now what~?

*Explosions are heard elsewhere in the Haijima facility*

maki: !!!

-elsewhere-

Friz: "I got the kid!" *holds up Tatsu*

tatsu: LET ME GO LET ME GO!!!

Bee: "It's okay, kid! We're just going to take you into a dark, dank, depressing underground facility where you'll get to meet creepy religious cultists who want to use you in a scheme to turn the Earth into a new Sun, thereby destroying all life on this plane--...Why are we doing this?"

friz:.....because student loans?

Bee: "Ah, dang it, you're right! Well, let's go--" *takes one step forward--and gets sliced across the chest* "..." *collapses*

Kurono: *holding a smoke katana* "..."

friz: D8>

Kurono: *head butts Fitz, grabs Tatsu* "Weak. Just like I like them."

tatsu: LET GO!!

-something slices at kurono-

Kurono: "?!"

sasori: *flame tail on* hand over the kid.

Kurono: "What are you supposed to be? Another cat to put down?"

sasori: *lunges* *SLASH*

Kurono: "!!! Not weak--not weak at all." *throws up a smokescreen, trying to escape back...*

*SLICE*

Kurono: "?!"

Arthur: *glaring* "You demon...I will end you."

Kurono: "..." *backs up to where Sasori was coming at him*

sasori: *lunges and STAB*

Kurono: *inhales, groans in pain* "O-Ow...You're not weak...Not weak at--"

Arthur: *slices Kurono's back*

Kurono: "!!!"

Arthur: "..." *looks at Tatsu, then at Sasori* "..." *reaches for Tatsu*

sasori: sorry, but the kid's coming with me.

Arthur: "You traitors have done enough damage. If you think you're taking this squire, you have another thing coming."

sasori: i dont even want the kid, just following orders.

Arthur: "Then you serve an awful monarch..."

sasori:....i have my reasons.

Arthur: "So do I--honor!" *grabs Tatsu and runs*

sasori: *chases*

-elsewhere-

kahono: *patching relan up as best as she can*

Relan: *groaning* "O-ow..." T~T "It hurts..."

*his shoulder looks dislocated...*

iris: *praying*

Akitaru: *looking around the corner* "Shinra is holding them back...Takehisa, how are you holding up?"

Takehisa: "...Take my gun."

Akitaru: "Stop. You know how I feel about those things..."

iris: commander?

*there are dead Hoods and Guards around the corner...*

Akitaru: "Yes?"

iris: what do we do now?

Akitaru: "...We hold the line and protect our squad."

iris:....*praying* please....send us a miracle...

???: "I don't believe in miracles--more in luck."

*something explodes behind Iris*

iris: !?!?!?

Inka: *her nose bandaged* "Howdy, 8th! Miss me?"

iris: !!!!

ritsu: fufufufu~

Akitaru: "...Okay, child, you need to back down, now. We have injured, and you all don't look to be in good shape either, if your stitched up friend back there is anything to go off of..."

Inka: "Relax, this won't take long. Since two of your members are near dead, I just want to finish the job for Ritsu to have some more fodder..."

Relan: *shaking* "Go...away..."

ritsu: *pointing to bodies* enie, menie, miney....you~ *points to one body*

Corpse: X_X

-flash-

iris: wha-

*The corpse rises...*

iris: !!!!

kahono: what the hell?!

ritsu: wakey waaaakey darlings~

Akitaru: "...Is that...a zombie?"

Zombie 1: *moans*

iris: !!!!! come on! we need to go!

Inka: *blocking the alley exit* "I don't think so--not with your two invalids here."

Relan: *crying* "Just leave me...Get out of here, Iris, everyone!"

Inka: *smirks, twirls her finger...*

*a flower petal falls*

iris: ah-

Inka: "??? Flower? ...Is it made of fire--"

*KA-BOOM*

Inka: *slammed into the alley wall, knocked unconscious*

???: "You low-class Hoods...Bow down before your princess!"

Akitaru: "?!" *looks up to the roof*

Angel 1: "Angels--attack!" *tosses ninja stars at Ritsu*

Hibana: *unfurls her fan* "Did someone pray for a miracle~?"

iris: !!! sister!

kahono: well deus ex machina! if it isnt the 5th!

Akitaru: "Good timing, Hibana!"

Kishiri: *descends on a bubble he blew, lands, chews...and spits a bubble-gum explosion at some zombies* "This ain't so tough..."

Hibana: "Obi, you are on my turf--and you are destroying Haijima Company property!"

Akitaru: "...Seriously?! That's your complaint?!"

Hibana: >_>; "It's not like I was worried about anyone here or anything..."

kahono: well, we can use all the help we can get.

Tokuyama: *calling on walkie talkie* "Looks like the EMP wave is not a constant--but I can't get in contact with Haijima security...Why the hell didn't they call police in..."

Akitaru: "Hibana, get your angels to escort Takehisa and Relan with the Doctor." *picks up the axe* "We're going after the child."

Hibana: "?!! Don't order me around! I said this is my turf!"

kahono:...is he an ex of yours, princess?

Hibana: *lands next to Kahono* "No. I actually have taste."

Akitaru: -_-#

kahono: well, i havent seen you in a while, so i dont know what's all new with you. ^^;

Hibana: "I got married, and we're raising the most perfect child in the world. You?"

kahono: same old, same old.

Hibana: "I see...Is that why a child is now kidnapped here?"

kahono: i've been trying to fix things as best as i can.

Kishiri: "Don't make me look bad out there, angels--my girlfriend's dad runs one of these branches..."

Hibana: "I have no room to judge--but after this? Haijima isn't going to be able to cover this up."

kahono: well, now isnt the time to chat, we've got work to do.

Hibana: "Right. Angels squad 1, 4, and 5--escort the injured and the Doctor. Angels 2 and 3, you're with me. If they're in a white hood, wreck them."

Inka: XwX

-elsewhere-

Charon: *running after Arthur with a teddy bear* "GET BACK HERE!!!"

Arthur: *leaping* "Hang on, kid!"

tatsu: ....

*a giant red bullet passes in front of Arthur*

Arthur: "?!!!"

*KA-BOOM!*

Arthur: "GRK!" *loses his grip and slams onto the street*

Assault: *catches Tatsu* "You are mine."

guruna: kururururu~ and now it's spanking time for you~ *she's carrying tamaki!*

tamaki: *still in a state of shock*

tatsu: uhh...URAAHHHHH!!!!

Arthur: *looks up* "..." *pushes himself up, grabs Excalibur* "..." *rushes at Guruna*

Assault: "?!!! Wh-What?! Stop crying! What's wrong? Do you need your diaper changed? Are you hungry?"

guruna: kururu~?

Charon: "You idiot! Haven't you ever raised a child?!"

Assault: "No, have you?!"

tatsu: HER FAULT! HER FAULT!!

Charon: *tosses the teddy bear at Assault's head* "Yes!"

Assault: -_-# "Stop wiggling, child--"

Arthur: *runs at Guruna, tosses Excalibur--and tackles her*

guruna: OOF!! >3<

Arthur: *punches Guruna in the face* "Hands off her."

guruna: OW! how dare you! tamakins is MINE!

tatsu: HER FAULT! IT'S HER FAULT!

Arthur: "You insane stalker! You touch my princess again, and a thousand knights won't be enough to hold me back from enacting my divine wrath upon you!" *punch*

tamaki:.....rry....

Assault: "OW! He bit me!" *loses his grip*

guruna: unyu~?

tatsu: i'll kill you!

tamaki: im....sorry.....im.....sorry....

Arthur: "??? Tamaki..."

tatsu: ......no.....no YOU'RE LYING! LYING LYING LYING LYING LYING!!!!

Rekka?: "SPILL HER BLOOD! GET FIRED UP! BURN IT ALL DOWN!"

tamaki:.....go ahead.....i deserve it....

Arthur: "?!! Tamaki...Stop this..."

tatsu: uuu.... UAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

guruna: *KICKS ARTHUR IN THE CHEST*

Arthur: "OMPH!" *knocked back*

Charon: "...Is it getting hotter?"

Assault: -_-; "Don't be gross."

guruna: wah! tamakins! *grabs her and runs*

Charon: *dope-slap* "No, idiot! It really feels like the temperature is going up!"

Arthur: "?!!!" *gets back up, grabs Excalibur* "COME BACK HERE!"

Rekka?: "BURN IT ALL, KID!"

sasori: um....what the hell is that?

Charon: *looks up* "...Aw, gee, Ritsu..."

Giant Infernal: *GODZILLA ROAR*

ritsu: ah~ my baby's awake~<3

shinra: !!!! shit!!

Inka: *groans, rubbing her head, looks up* "...Am I dreaming?"

Charon: "No matter how many times I see this...it's still so gross."

Giant Infernal: *ROARS* *reaches down at Tatsu*

tatsu: !!!!

Giant Infernal: *holds Tatsu up by his foot...then opens its mouth and swallows Tatsu* *satisfied grunt*

shinra: !!! TATSU!

Assault: O_O; "...I miss amnesia..."

shinra: wait, this is-....!!!!

{Giant Infernal: *tearing up Death City*}

shinra: so then the giant infernal from before, it was made by her?!

Charon: "Yep--one of Ritsu's many skills...Oh, that reminds me." *bear hugs Shinra* "You're coming with us."

shinra: *CHOMP ON HIS ARM*

Assault: *sadistic grin* "The Preacher will look kindly on us for bringing 2 Pillars..."

Charon: -_-# *squeezes more tightly...*

shinra: *yelling* FUCK YOU GUYS!

Assault: "Then that'll be your last breath. Soon, with these Pillars, we will fulfill the Preacher's divine goal of--"

*SQUISH*

Giant Infernal: *has crushed Assault*

Charon: D8

shinra:....is he dead?

Assault: *small groan*

Giant Infernal: *heating up more and more at its core, as Tatsu's face appears through the charred remains...*

shinra: THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR HURTING MY BOYFRIEND, SHITHEAD. *looks up* oh no....

-elsewhere-

Executive: *looking outside the window* "We can't keep the police away forever...Call Kurono."

-back outside-

Kurono: *looking up at the Giant* "...Too strong."

tatsu: I HATE YOU I HATE ALL OF YOU! I WISH YOU'D ALL JUST GO AWAY!!!

{Kurono: *staring into nothing*}

{Teacher: "He is so weird...I wish he would transfer...What is he in for now?"}

{Principal: "He bit another student."}

{girl: *crying*}

{Kurono: *looking at the teacher* "..."}

{Teacher: *shudders* "So creepy..."}

{Kurono: "Stop crying. Crying is for weaklings."}

{girl: *sniff* you're a meanie! i hate you!}

{Kurono: "...Everyone hates me."}

*RING RING*

Kurono: "..." *answers* "Hello, sir. ...Yes, I see the giant. I--...What did you just call me? 'Idiot'? Sir, I--...No. I understand, but--...I don't like fighting things stronger than me. I--...Understood. I will retrieve Nataku Son. Yes. Goodbye." *hangs up* "...I hate this part of the job."

shinra: ??

Charon: "Come along, Fire Rat. We--"

Kurono: *slashes at both Charon and Shinra*

shinra: DUDE! NOW'S NOT THE TIME FOR-

Kurono: *slams Shinra against the wall, holding him by his neck* "I need you."

shinra:......phrasing?

Kurono: "Stop resisting--we don't have time for that. We need to fight Nataku Son and bring him back, alive, no matter how many weaklings we have to stamp out in our path."

Charon: "The hell are you talking about? We got the child trapped in that Giant Infernal--"

tatsu: EVERYONE ABANDONED ME! MY FRIENDS, MY MOMMY! ALL BECAUSE OF THESE POWERS! NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HOW MUCH I HATE THIS!!

*something has changed in the Giant Infernal...*

Giant Infernal: "MOMMY!"

Charon: "...Oh, that's not goo--"

Giant Infernal: *smashes a building* "I WANT MOMMY!"

*The building collapses onto Charon*

shinra: OH FUCK!!

Kurono: "...I see. Nataku has willed the Giant to follow its psychic and emotional desires...This sucks. I don't like fighting strong things. Nataku! Stop being strong!"

tatsu: SHUT UP I HATE YOU! YOU DONT KNOW HOW I FEEL!

Rekka?: "TATSU! GET STRONGER! I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE FEELING--SO JUST BURN IT ALL DOWN!"

Kurono: "..." *looks at Shinra* "We need to pull him out of that zombie giant."

{kurono's mother: *dousing herself in gasoline* do you see this, brat? you made me do this. you ruined my marriage, my life...everything! i want you to hurt... *flips the lighter*}

{Kurono: *just staring* "...No..."}

shinra: DUDE LOOK OUT!

Kurono: "..." *just looks up, not even moving*

Giant Infernal: *bringing down its fist*

shinra: shit! *RUSHES IN AND GRABS HIM*

Kurono: "UMPH!"

Giant Infernal: *just misses...forms a crater in the street...then holds its head as giant shining orbs form around it...*

tatsu: WAHHHH I DONT WANNA BE ALONE!!

Shinra:….

{shinra: *locked in the pantry, sobbing to himself*}

*the orbs are radiating heat...everything is getting hotter*

shinra: !!! oh fuck!!

Kurono: "Ugh..." *holds his head* "What's so wrong with being alone..."

shinra: HANG ON TATSU! WE'LL GET YOU OUT OF THERE!

Kurono: "Wait...Nataku never acted like this before. He was meek, quiet, and let you beat him up...Something is different here..."

*the hairs on Shinra's arm are up, like from static cling...*

shinra: he's hurting. and all that pent up pain is getting released....

Kurono: "Then just deal with it. Having a temper tantrum like a child isn't helping."

shinra: he _is_ a kid, and it's our responsibility as adults to help them grow!

*someone is watching from a rooftop...electricity is around her hand as she directs the Giant Infernal and plays with Tatsu's mind...*

tatsu: UAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Kurono: " 'Adult'? Look at you, you welp. You're barely able to hold it together in this fight--and you think you can survive this? Some adult. How many people died on your watch because you still are so weak?!"

shinra: i know i've made mistakes, but we have to learn from those mistakes to make things better!

Kurono: *grabs Shinra by his shirt* "The only way to avoid mistakes is to not get into a situation where you can make one! Fighting those stronger than you only sets you up for failure! Pick your opponents--know what you are capable of--and don't go beyond those parameters...then you'll never make another mistake, never fail..."

*the orbs glow...*

shinra: ...things arent always that simple. if you dont challenge yourself, then how will you ever get better?!

Kurono: "I CAN'T!"

Haumea: *her clothes stained with blood...giggles, before she gives Tatsu's brain the last push...*

tatsu: *SCREAMING*

shinra: !!!!

*the orbs fire*

kahono: WE NEED TO EVACUATE, NOW!!

Tokuyama: *on the phone with Haijima executives* "What do you mean 'no'?! Get out of here!"

Akitaru: *his radio is crackling* "???"

???: "--Commander Obi, respond!"

Akitaru: "Vulcan? What is going on?"

Vulcan: "--temper--radioactive! If we don't get non-pyrokinetics out of here, they're all dead!"

kahono: !!!

Akitaru: "...Licht, what is the radiation right now?"

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: *drives over debris* "Damn it...Arthur! Where are you?!"

guruna: kurururu- eh? OwO;;

Vulcan: "?!!" *doesn't hit the brakes fast enough--*

*THUMP THUMP*

Vulcan: ._.;

guruna: OWIE!

tamaki: *knocked away*

Vulcan: D8 "Oh...I'm in trouble..."

???: "DOWN BELOW!"

tamaki: o-ow.....

Vulcan: "???" *looks up--*

*Arthur's crotch slams into Vulcan's face*

Vulcan: *knocked to the street*

Arthur: *sitting* "...Tamaki!" *runs to her*

Vulcan: X____X

tamaki: ar..thur?

Arthur: "..." *picks her up* "Let's get you out of here. Oh, a steed is here!" *walks to Vulcan's motorcycle* "Let's get you in the side-horsie (side-car)."

Vulcan: -_-# *grabs Arthur's ankle* *muffled* "You...asshole..."

tamaki:...this is all my fault. i-if i hadnt listened to rekka, this wouldnt be happening....

Arthur: "Stop that. We got to get out of here first..."

tamaki:.....

Vulcan: *groans, gets up* "Arthur! Where have you been?! I--Nevermind! We need you to attack--"

Arthur: *smacks Vulcan's hand away* "I'm getting Tamaki out of here."

Vulcan: "WE CAN SAVE TATSU!"

tamaki: ??

Arthur: "...???"

-elsewhere-

shinra: (im...not hit?....?!?!?)

Charon: *blocking the attack*

shinra:....WHAT?!

Charon: "You're a Pillar, right? My job is to protect Pillars. And we still need you alive..."

shinra: i never _asked_ for this! why are you even with these assholes?!

Charon: "Because someone had to keep brats in line. Inka was always...eccentric. And Haumea as a child was a handful..."

shinra: .....

Charon: "Even your opponents have their reasons to be concerned for others..."

shinra:.....alright. but one condition; after this, you leave tatsu alone.

Charon: "...You know after this we still need him..."

shinra: and i intend to stop you. but for now, we need to stop this thing.

Charon: "...You got a deal, Kusakabe." *discards his shirt* "Here's the plan: Haumea has played around with that kid's mind. I can't convince her to stop--she's too stubborn. That means our only option is to stop the Giant. Ritsu put multiple humans into that thing, so we have multiple cores to destroy. The three of us should be able to--" *looks around* "...Wait, did the shadow guy die?"

shinra: eh?....oh where the fuck did he go?!

*there's a teddy bear nearby with a note attached: "I quit. Signed, Kurono"*

shinra: SON OF A FUCKING BITCH!

Charon: -_-; "What an awful parent..."

Giant: *smashes next to Charon and Shinra*

shinra: !!! ok, new plan...

-elsewhere-

tamaki: are you sure this will work, vulcan?

Vulcan: "Sure it will! After the previous tussles with that plasma woman, we fitted the Matchbox with an EMP. But to get one powerful enough to disrupt her attack, we needed Excalibur."

Arthur: "...This isn't going to work. The legend is to pull the sword _out_ of the stone, not put it back in. What fool would _return_ the Holy Sword to its resting place?"

tamaki: ...... *excalibur face*

Vulcan: "Yes, but _how_ did the sword get into the stone in the first place?!"

tamaki: arthur, please.....do this in my honor?

Arthur: "...Touche! Okay, I'm ready...'Thenne he drewe his swerd Excalibur, but it was so breyght in his enemyes eyen that it gaf light lyke thirty torchys!'" *slams Excalibur into the Matchbox*

Vulcan: "...Wha--"

*FWOOM*

-elsewhere-

Harris: *holding ice to his face--then the lights go off in the lab* "...Motherfucker."

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "HA HA HA--OW!!!" *clutches her head* "What the hell?!"

maki: !!! they did it!

puppet girl: YIPPIE!

Dominion: *points up to the roof at Haumea*

arrow: ??

Haumea: "Damn it! My control over the brat is weakening! They must've used an EMP..." *sneers* "But the effect is only temporary. I'll just adjust my frequency and--"

*SLASH*

Haumea: "ACK!"

Dominion: >o< "DOM!"

maki: but that EMP means the owls wont work either.....*cracks knuckles* no problem for me ^^ wait...how are the dominions working?

puppet girl: they're fire powered! ^^

maki:...wanna beat this bitch up?

puppet girl: ok!

Haumea: *leaps back, sliding along the wall* "Get back you--"

Dominion: "DOM!" *slash slash slash*

Haumea: "Stop that!" *pulls back her arms--and is hanging by a flagpole from her legs* "What the hell--"

Dominion: *slashes the flagpole--sending Haumea down*

Haumea: "FUUUUUUU--" *CRASH into an open dumpster*

maki: HUAAAAAH!!!!

Haumea: *gets up* -_-; *has a banana peel where her mask used to be* "This isn't over--*

Dominion: *slams the cover of the dumpster down* *looks at Maki*

maki: high five.

Dominion: ^o^ *high five*

puppet girl: YAAAY!

-meanwhile-

Giant Infernal: *panting, holding its head*

tatsu: uuuuu! *crying*

*the heat is getting higher...*

*the shining orbs are still firing at Shinra*

shinra: *dodging* TATSU! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!

tatsu: please....dont expect too much out of me anymore....

shinra: ?? (this is...)

{Tatu's Mother: "This is great--another perfect 100 on your assignment! I'm so impressed, Tatsu! You're going to grow up to be a doctor like your father."}

{-im doing this because you expect me to, if i get a bad grade, you get mad and yell at daddy...i dont like when you yell at us...-}

{Tatsu's Mother: *the next month* "How could you do this?! What will I tell your father..."}

{-im sorry mommy, i'll do better next time. i'll be a great doctor mama! i'll make you proud of me!-}

{-...-}

{Tatsu's Friend: *pulls the toy out of the gacha machine* "Aw, phooey--stupid Red Monkey! I got like 5 of these already." >3< "I wanted the gold one!"}

{tatsu: i heard Nishima got 3 gold ones, maybe we can ask her to trade one?}

{Tatsu's Friend: "!!! Oh, cool! Let's go! Hee hee--" *bumps into someone* "Ow!"}

{tatsu: ??? }

{Tatsu's Friend: "..." *looks up* O\\\O }

{???: oh, hello there.}

{Tatsu's Friend: *gulps* "H-Hi..." *looks down*}

shinra: (tamaki? that's right.....this was when.....)

{-...-}

{Rekka: *slams Tatsu down on the floor*}

{tatsu: *SCREAMS*}

{Rekka: "Sit still!" *shoves Tatsu...the child's face is near the shattered remains of the woman who turned into an Infernal*}

{-...-}

{Tatsu's Mother: *seated with Haijima officials* "...You can help him?"}

{official: we can help him train at our facility to better control his abilities.}

{Tatsu's Mother: "...This is an incredible opportunity. How long would he train with you?"}

{tatsu: but i dont wanna go away! i wanna stay with mommy and daddy!}

{-mommy and daddy yelled at each other all night. i dont remember what all they said, i just wanted them to stop....i didnt mean to make them mad. i-i didnt mean to!-}

shinra:.......

{Harris: "Okay, Nataku, can you do this?"}

{Tatsu's Mother: "Can you do this?"}

{Rekka: "YOU CAN DO THIS!"}

{-stop it, you're pressuring me too much! i dont wanna do this! i want to play with my friends and go to school! i want things to go back to normal!-}

{???: "Stay weak. It's better this way."}

{-leave me alone! im not weak! i'll get strong! i'll get smart! i-i have to! i-i-}

shinra: *hug*

tatsu: ?!?!

shinra: it's ok...

tatsu: ???? who-

shinra: take a deep breath, ok?

tatsu:....*does so*

shinra: .....you've been through a lot, havent you?

tatsu:....it's not fair! im just a kid!

shinra: life isnt very fair, is it?

tatsu: *sniffle* w-what do i do?

shinra: it's great that you want to improve yourself. but just remember that it's ok to take breaks too.

tatsu: r-really? b-but im hurting everyone an-and i-

shinra: *hugs and rubs his back* easy now. it's ok. im not mad at you.

tatsu: b-but mama, a-and mr kurono, and that girl a-and i-im just so mad!!

-a beam is firing up-

shinra: tatsu, please, getting mad and hurting people wont fix anything!

*the beam is seen throughout the Haijima facility...*

tatsu: THEY MADE ME HURT! SO NOW IM GONNA MAKE _THEM_ HURT!!

Inka: "!!! At that size...there's no escaping it. The damage...the carnage..." *licks her lips with a smile* "It's going to be glorious~"

tatsu: i-i wish those meanies would just GO AWAY!!!

shinra: !!!!!!!

*the collapsed building remains...but the debris has shifted, as Charon has dug himself out and is looking up*

Charon: "..."

-VREEEEEEE-

Charon: *holds out his arms* "I...am a bodyguard!"

iris: !!!!!!!!

 ritsu: oh?

Inka: "Huh?"

Haumea: *banging on the dumpster* "LET ME OUT ALREADY!"

Charon: ("Haumea...I didn't do well raising you...")

shinra: tatsu dont!

-FWEEEEEN!-

Charon: *stands in the beam's path--and blocks it!*

shinra: !!!!!!!!!

tatsu: huh?

Charon: "I WILL NOT LOSE ANY PILLARS! I WILL REFLECT THIS BACK!"

shinra: !??!?!?

Charon: *growls...* "UUUUUAH!" *pushes the beam back...*

-DEFLECT-

shinra: WOAH!!!!

*the beam is heading towards Shinra...*

shinra: !!! *grabs tatsu and tries to get out of the way*

*the beam passes them--and keeps going up to the nighttime sky...*

shinra: *falling with tatsu* (he....actually deflected it!)

*the beam keeps going higher into the atmosphere...until a small crash is seen on the Moon*

Moon: "HA HA HA HA..."

-small bits fall off, one crashing in the middle of the desert...-

shinra: *lands on the ground*

???: "...You were too strong. You almost took everything away from me, Nataku."

shinra: tatsu, you ok?

tatsu: *panting and crying* waaaaaah!

shinra:.....*hugs* there there, it's ok....

Kurono: "You idiot."

shinra: what's your problem, huh?!

Kurono: "This brat thought he could destroy everything. 'I want to get stronger, I want to get stronger'! Pheh. Useless. Look at what that ambition got him--it's making him miserable."

tatsu: *sniffle*

shinra: ....hey, look at me.

tatsu: *looks, snot and tears dribbling down his face*

shinra: it's ok to take it easy and go at your own pace, ok?

Kurono: "...That's what I just said."

shinra: well you were being a jerk about it.

tatsu:...hehehe...*wipes his eyes*

Kurono: -_-; "I let my actions speak more than my words..."

???: "Ugh..." *cough...*

shinra: *looks*

Charon: *standing* "...Takes time to get to develop into a decent guardian..."

shinra:....please get nerfed. but thank you for saving the city.

Charon: "Oh, it wasn't for the city--it was for the Pillars..." *smiles* "And what you'll all be doing next..."

shinra: go home dude, just. go home.

Charon: "Just waiting for my ride...We Hoods have impressive powers that allow us to do anything--"

Inka: *bandaged face*

Assault: *flattened on the ground*

Haumea: *covered in trash* -_-#

Charon: "...The hell happened to you?"

shinra:...tatsu, can you cover your eyes for a sec?

tatsu: *does so*

shinra: *flips them the middle finger*

Inka: =w= "Thank you for a wonderful time. These injuries will take forever to heal~"

Charon: -_-; "Real mature."

Assault: X_X

Haumea: "I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING BECAUSE THE TRASH IS IN MY EYES!"

shinra: *cringes* come on tatsu, let's get out of here.

-elsewhere-

sasori: where the hell are they?

???: "Keep searching! Find any survivors, and attack any hoods..." *turns the corner* "?!!”

sasori: ....you.....YOU!!!! *LUNGES*

Hibana: *too stunned--summons petals, but too late--

-SLASH-

Hibana: *screams*

sasori: you BITCH! YOU DID THIS TO ME! you'll PAY FOR THIS!!

Hibana: *growls* *summons more petals* "Stop this!" ("This won't be enough...If she is this powerful, Heat Syncope won't affect her...")

sasori: my own parents cast me out and called me a monster! and now im with the hoods even though i dont want to be!

Hibana: *fans the petals at her, enlarging their flames* "You made that choice to join them! No one forced you!"

sasori: i only went because inka joined them! she was the only person who accepted me like this, even though she's the most aggravating person to be around!

Hibana: "Oh, boo hoo! You think _anyone_ is happy to discover these powers?! What they can do?! The people we lose to fire like this?!"

sasori: YOU AND THAT WITCH FORCED THIS POWER INTO ME!! YOU DESTROYED MY LIFE!

Hibana: "...You're right. I did...I can't make up for that..."

sasori: i want to make you suffer the way i did! you're no better than the hoods! *she’s shaking*

Hibana: "...You're scared."

sasori: s-shut up! dont play mind games with me! *tears falling*

Hibana: "..." *drops her fan, walks up* "Hey..."

sasori: s-stay away from me! i-i'll kill you!

Hibana: "Really? I've been in front of you this long, and I'm still alive. Now answer me something: this Inka...Why would you stay with someone who annoys you?"

sasori: BECAUSE I DONT HAVE ANYWHERE ELSE TO GO!!

???: "I wouldn't say that~"

sasori: ?!?!?!? *looks behind her*

Joker: *smoking* "Hey."

sasori: w-who the hell are you?!

Joker: "A friend, if you want one."

Hibana: "?! Get away from her!"

sasori: !!

Joker: "Let's talk in private--" *grabs Sasori's wrist*

sasori: ow! that hurts!

Hibana: *summons petals* "Give her back!"

sasori: !!! *SLASHES AT HER* like im going to listen to YOU!

Hibana: *cut on her face*

sasori:..come on weird guy, i'll go with you, but dont grab me this time.

Joker: "Hey, you need to hold on, or she'll catch up..." *offers his hand*

sasori: ...alright.....*looks back* as for _you_, stay the fuck out of my life.

Hibana: "You're making a _big_ mistake. This madman--"

sasori: i'd rather go with him than be your guinea pig again!

Hibana: "..." *steps back*

sasori: ....as long as i have a place to call home, i'll be ok.

Joker: "That's the spirit..." *snaps his fingers--and they're gone*

Hibana: "...Damn it."

ryuuko: commander! are you alright?

Hibana: "...Let's get out of here. I'm done."

ryuuko:....

-elsewhere-

kahono: there they are!

shinra: *waves*

tatsu: !! miss fujimi! *hugs her leg*

kahono: *hugs* oh thank god you're alright...

Akitaru: "Son!"

shinra: commander! we saved the day! ^^

mikami: *runs over, waving*

shinra: mikami? what are you doing here?

mikami: i sensed the bur- *ahem* m-my intuition told me to have the 5th come help. ^^;

tatsu: shinra, this girl's like us, isnt she?

shinra: ^^;;;; welllll..... *notices the medical tent* !!! REL! *runs over*

Relan: *passed out*

shinra: relan!

iris: he's alright....his shoulder's dislocated, but he's alive.

Nurse: "Please, stop! He's been put under...Take it outside..."

shinra:........*holding his hand*

Relan: "..."

shinra:....get up soon, ok? *kisses his forehead*

Nurse: "...The doctor will finish the procedure soon. We'll contact you when they're done."

tatsu: ?? who's that, shinra?

shinra: my boyfriend.

iris: our, boyfriend, technically.

tatsu: ?? so you're a boy who likes another boy?

shinra: well, i guess, yeah.

tatsu: i didnt know that boys could like boys too.

shinra: learn something new everyday.

tatsu: im not sure if i like boys or girls or whatever. i'd rather take it easy right now. ^^;;

shinra: *chuckles and rubs his head* you do that, little man.

tatsu: hehe. ^^

Kurono: *looks around*

???: KURONOOOOO~!!! *TACKLE*

Kurono: "?!!"

puppet girl: >w< i missed you! did you miss me?

Kurono: *growls--grabs her wrist* "I am only saying this once..."

Puppet girl: eh?

Kurono: "I like _weak_ people. Those I can _dominate_."

puppet girl:...kurono, are you saying you want to do NAUGHTY things to me? in front of a kid?! kyaaa! im sooo embarrassed~ >///w///<

Kurono: "..." *sighs, facepalm*

shinra: um.....

Dominion: *walks by Shinra*

maki: apperantly they grew up together here.

shinra:...huh.

Vulcan: "Good job stopping nuclear fallout, Shinra."

shinra: well.....um....sure? ^^;;;;; (technically it was the enemy that did that, but, ok.)

Arthur: "..."

tamaki:.....

Arthur: *holds her hand*

tatsu:... *hides behind shinra*

tamaki:....tatsu i-......im sorry.....for all of this....i-if i hadnt listened to rekka, then none of this would have happened.....

tatsu:....

Arthur: "..."

tatsu: did...did the scary man make you do that?

tamaki:......

tatsu: if he's the one who made you do that, then isnt it _his_ fault?

shinra: he's got a point.

tatsu: i guess i got so mad that i wasnt thinking about things, so....im sorry.

tamaki:......

shinra: you're a pretty smart kid.

tatsu: ehehe... ^^;

kahono: what's going to happen now?

Viktor: "The President wants to speak with me and Commander Obi tomorrow morning...about Tatsu."

kahono:...i'll come with and try to put in a good word for you.

Viktor: "I'm going to need it--the President has a hit out for me."

-elsewhere-

Jonah: "Jeez, you all look like Silly Putty. Did any of you get through this without being injured?"

ritsu: ^^;

bee: oooooowwww.......

arrow: *in a cot*

Fris: *shaking* "Bad man will kill me..."

Assault: *censored due to graphic injuries*

dahlia: im surprised that didnt kill you today, arrow...

guruna: =3= i was so close to having tamakins all to myself! that stupid knight! >3<#

Inka: "I saw so many explosions, got punched and pushed around, and almost died in a nuclear holocaust. ...This was the best day of my life."

ritsu:....?? i notice sasori's absent.

Inka: "??? She wasn't with you?"

ritsu: perhaps she was captured. unfortunate.

Inka: "?! What?!!"

????: she went with joker.

ritsu: oh?

-a member of the purple smoke appears-

purple smoke: i was watching in the shadows, she went with joker. i think she's mad at you, inka.

Inka: "What did I do?!"

purple smoke: well, you are really annoying.

Inka: -_-# "I call it _charming_."

purple smoke: -_-;

-elsewhere-

Joker: "We're back!"

nana: yaaaay. -_- *playing a gameboy*

ivy: you didnt bring licht with you?

Joker: "Nah, I think Haijima is going to have a chat with him."

ivy:...welp it was nice knowing him. *sips her drink*

sasori:.....

scarlet:.....joker-

Joker: "Yes~?"

scarlet: *grabs him by the collar* what. did. you do?

sasori: um....

Joker: ^wX; "She was on her own, so I offered for her to stay here."

scarlet: are you seriously going to take in _every_ vagrant you meet? -_-;

Joker: "Present company excluded?"

sasori: uh, is this your girlfriend or something?

ivy: *SPITTAKE* BWAHAHAHAH!!

Joker: "..." *opens his mouth--*

scarlet: *slaps her hand over his mouth* dont you fucking dare.

Joker: "... ... ..." *lick*

scarlet: eugh! *SLAP*

ivy: *cackling*

sasori:....oookay i have no idea what's going on.

nana: join the fucking club.

sasori: well _you_ have an attitude.

nana: and you dont?

Joker: *big slap mark on his face* "Well, we'll need to get you a room. You can bunk with Nana tonight! See? You two already have so much in common!"

sasori:...is it _always_ like this?

nana: pretty much, and im new.

sasori:.....lovely.....this is actually an improvement to my last living situation.

Joker: "Not always--sometimes Licht is here for brunch."

scarlet: wait, her uniform....joker, you brought a HOOD back here?!

Joker: "...I mean, she _was_ a hood?"

scarlet: *siiiigh* do i have to get misora to clean up this mess too? -_-;

Joker: "Couldn't hurt?"

scarlet:......*snatches his cigs* i'll be outside for a moment... -_-#

sasori: so we got the dad, the mom, the sister, the alcoholic aunt, the occasional uncle, and whatever misora is. one big happy fuckin family.

Joker: *smiles* "And how do you think you'll fit in?"

ivy: *hic* im not _that_ much of an alcoholic, but that oversized whore hibana drives me to drink.

sasori: ?!?! hibana?!

ivy: yeah i fucking HATE THAT BITCH AND WISH SHE WOULD DIE!

sasori:.....*hugs her* i love you already.

ivy: OI! DONT GET MUSHY WITH ME, KID!

Joker: *snaps a picture*

sasori: shut up im affection starved.

-elsewhere-

stocking:......well....today certainly happened.

kirika: no fucking shit.

stocking: if anyone needs me, im going to be hibernating off the stress of this month.

*Giriko is holding Gopher up*

kirika: *opens the window* dude, you look awful, what happened to you?

Gopher: "Ei-Eibon passed out!"

kirika: oh shi- DAD!!

lord death: !?!!!!

-elsewhere-

mami: chrona?! are you alright?!

Crona: *stumbles*

mami: *holding them*

Crona: *shudders--before black blood explodes out their back*

mami: !!!!!!

Ragnarok: *screams, clutching his head*

mami: !!! regale! *summons ribbons to bind him*

Ragnarok: *stretching under the ribbons* "I remember...ALL OF IT!" *ripping at the ribbons*

mami: !!!!!!!

-elsewhere-

mikan: you felt that too, didnt you?                  

Asura: *shudders* "Y-Yes."

mikan: i feel....things will be quite interesting soon~

Asura: "...Hmm."

-elsewhere-

neian: *crying*

Medusa: *cradling Neian* "...That was a powerful bit of madness..."

neian: uuuu!

Medusa: "Shh...It's okay...We'll figure this out soon enough."

-elsewhere-

atsushi: holy shit this week has been hectic. i feel i could sleep for a hundred years @-@;;;

Kyoka: "Use this weekend for some rest." *sets out rice*

atsushi: all this crap can _not_ be good for my blood pressure. TT~TT;;

Kyoka: "Perhaps you need a break...Did something happen?"

atsushi: just reading the news.

aya: uugh i hate reading the news, they always seem to only report the bad stuff.

Kyoka: "If there was good stuff to report..."

atsushi: truth. TTwTT

-elsewhere-

clarice: and we had to wait in the gym until our families came to pick us up, it was scary.

sonia: im just glad you're alright.

clarice: same here.

Chuuya: *cooking*

clarice: when mamma picked me up, she gave me a rice crispy treat and it was the yummiest rice crispy treat i ever ate. probably because i really thought i was gonna die.

sonia:.....*hug*

Chuuya: "..."

sonia:.....papa, may miyuri and i spend the night at clarice's house? i'd ask if she could stay here, but im sure she'd probably want to be with her family.

Chuuya: "If her family gives permission..."

clarice: it's ok, you dont have to if you dont want to. ^^;

sonia: im....just worried is all.

clarice: sonia, im fine, really. *smiles*

sonia:....im sorry, i shouldnt be forcing myself into things like this.

clarice: it's alright. you didnt mean anything bad by it. ^^;

Chuuya: "Clarice, it's normal for friends to worry."

clarice: *nods* i guess i'll ask my mom if you can spend the night.

sonia: are you sure?

clarice: yeah. we're friends, right?

sonia:....*smiles* yeah...

-elsewhere-

hanako: ......

Hibana: *comes in the front door*

hanako: mommy!

gabriella: you're ok!

Hibana: *she has a bandage on her face...hugs Hanako* "I'm sorry I missed our brunch..."

gabriella: princess, are you alright?

Hibana: "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Petra: "You all look like a mess."

tamaki: it's been a long, fucking day.

Vulcan: "Not the most nun-like language...Doc, the EMP Stone worked like a charm."

karin: that's awesome!

shinra: *collapses onto the bed, asleep*

Akitaru: *looks over arsenal* *sighs* "Looks like we're going to need another trip to the Baptists sooner than expected...Iris, I'll need you and the nuns to head over there soon."

iris: r-right...

Akitaru: "And with Relan and Takehisa recuperating, we'll need to adjust work schedules..."

lisa: anything i can do to help?

Akitaru: "I think having another pyrokinetic in the field would help--if you're not feeling up to it, no pressure."

lisa: it's alright. i dont mind. i'd feel better putting my abilities to good use.

Vulcan: *smiles*

Akitaru: "Okay--we'll have you on patrol starting at 8 AM."

lisa: *salutes* understood sir!

maki: it'll be great having you on the team, lisa. ^^

Akitaru: "Indeed. Now, everyone get to rest--we got a busy start tomorrow."

-elsewhere-

Kurono: *looking up at the Moon*

kahono: cant sleep?

Kurono: "No."

kahono: same.....*sips coffee* i've reviewed your file.

Kurono: "...That is rude."

kahono: perhaps, but that's why we have them......you, shinra and tatsu arent too different from each other.

Kurono: "Hmph. I would hope not..."

kahono: well, you all lived at this facility at some point, all from broken families, all with abilities they dont understand.

Kurono: "And you think I want to see those weaklings turn out like me?"

kahono: well, shinra seems to be doing well for himself, and tatsu...i feel confident he's going to be alright too....you know, it's never too late to change for the better.

Kurono: "...We'll see about that, won't we?"

kahono:... my offer for therapy sessions still stands.

Kurono: *grunts* "Group therapy?"

kahono: if you want.

Kurono: "...I'll consider it."

-elsewhere-

arrow:......

sho: *enters*........

arrow: lord sho, i-

sho: *hugs, whimpering*

arrow: !!!.........*hug*

*in the hall, yelling can be heard*

Haumea: "Losing a bodyguard?! What happens when she reveals our location?!!"

ritsu: we could always track her and kill her.

Inka: "?! Wait, for real?! You want to do that?"

ritsu: why not? we have to punish traitors, riiiight~?

Yumi: *sets out satellite images* "The Moon's mass has indeed decreased."

lord death: this is indeed troubling.

Yumi: "Based on your experience, given what we've seen from Eibon and Ragnarok, what does it mean?"

lord death: from what i do know, we might be seeing more clown activity. speaking of eibon, how is he recovering?

Yumi: "He's conscious but more lethargic."

lord death: i see. and chrona?

Yumi: "...That situation is more difficult...Ragnarok is exerting greater control, and our sedatives are only affecting Crona, not Ragnarok due to his status as blood..."

lord death: hmm...how is miss tomoe handling the situation?

Yumi: "With her usual aplomb. But the stress is getting to her--we need someone else to manage this situation so she can rest."

lord death: i see. worst case scenario, we may have to do a full transfusion...

Yumi: "What will that do to Ragnarok? Without a host, can he survive?"

lord death: perhaps if there were a back-up body...one without a soul...

Yumi: "Have you done that before?"

lord death: not personally, but i do know someone who can supply us with one...

-elsewhere-

Amaimon: *drinking milk out of the carton*

rui: did you miss breakfast today? ^^;

Amaimon: *nods* "I overslept and had to run to class. Full-on 'toast in mouth' routine."

rui: i see. ^^;; i think the cafeteria's still serving breakfast.

Amaimon: "Sweet--I wanted a fruit cup, too. Shall we?"

rui: sounds good. ^^

-elsewhere-

Fulham: *praying...shifting anxiously*

dia: father fulham, have you seen the commander?

Fulham: *grunts* "Training field. He's training on the field."

dia: thank you. *goes over*

Burns: "Keep it up! Sanchez, that's not a full chin lift!"

dia: um, commander?

Burns: "??? What is it?"

dia: *she hands him a box*

Burns: "??? A wrapped box?"

dia: happy...father's day, sir.

Burns: "...Should I open it now?"

dia: you dont have to if you're busy-

Burns: *already opening it*

-inside is a framed photo of himself and a younger dia-

Burns: "...Thank you. This is a wonderful gift."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "Hey." *sets down their duffle bag* "Bus isn't here yet?"

Axel: *dragging his bag* >n<

izumi: sorry im late, i had to give dad his father's day gift!

Asher: "..."

Axel: "Yeah, we called Dad before we got here."

Saria: "What did you get him?"

zeke: we sent him some golf clubs.

Saria: "Cool! I got mine a new waffle iron and a CD."

zeke: sweet!

hibiki: it kinda slipped my mind for me, so i just sent him a phone call.

Duncan: "Hmph. I made sure to send him a card weeks ago."

Kanin: "??? The one that is poking out of your suitcase?"

Duncan: "?!!!!"

amelia:......

Asher: "Where's the damn bus..."

*a bus is approaching the DWMA...*

lukas: wish granted.

Sid: *drives the bus up, opens the door, as Naigus gets out* "Morning!"

izumi: morning mr barrett!

Sid: "Morning, Izumi! Everyone, line up with your bags. Naigus will hand out wristbands while I drop in your bags..."

*loud shouting is heard as a certain quartet come running up*

Monica: "DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT US!"

izumi: *hurries onto the bus*

audrey: *running up, panting*

Kau'i: "Jeez--freaking newbies." *wearing a badge saying 'Team Leader'* "Dagon! Help me get the water on the bus!"

dagon: got it, sir.

Derek: -_-; "You're real excited."

Kau'i: "Why not..." *grins* "Get to instill passion in the newest generation...by crushing them beneath my feet!"

Axel: *overhearing* "Wow--hardcore senior students."

nisha: zzzzz.....

fuyuka: Q~Q;;

Saria: "Oh, hello!" *waves at Fuyuka, sits across from them*

lei-lei: ^^

fuyuka: *covers her face* d-did you want this seat? s-sorry! >~<

Saria: "No, happy to sit here! Nervous about this training?"

nisha: probably, but that's how she is.

Saria: "Oh..." ^^; "I mean, we all are to some extent..."

Monica: "Damn it--all the seats in the back are taken?!"

Sid: "Yes--so the chaperones can keep an eye on you."

Monica: -_-###

izumi:....

hibiki: you ok?

izumi: y-yeah...

hibiki: dont worry, we'll keep you safe from those girls.

Asher: *glaring at Monica*

Monica: "..." *scratches her chin with her middle finger*

Yafeu: "I NEED TO SIT IN THE AISLE, OR I GET CAR SICK!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: do i need to dress formal for this meeting?

Akitaru: "I think it would help--put on a good face, you know?"

Viktor: *boxing up items*

shinra: will do.

Viktor: *signs a document, staples it, sets it on his...empty desk?*

Vulcan: *hands a bento box to Lisa* "For your first day on patrol!"

lisa: thanks, vul.

nozomi: *watching viktor* .......

Viktor: "Oh, Nozomi...Could you do me a favor?"

nozomi: hm?

Viktor: *hands her a box of books* "Here. I won't be needing these."

nozomi: oh....

*knock on the front door*

Hibana: "Open up!"

shinra: OwO;;

Akitaru: "Oh. Hibana is here. Great." -_-;

Petra: "Sister."

nozomi: um, hello.

Hibana: "Don't call me that...I'm here to pick you up for the visit to Haijima and to file our report."

Viktor: *gulp*

-elsewhere-

[danalberard]

19 Ways to Enjoy Winter in 2019

Ice biking. Tobogganing. Skiing, skating and snowshoeing. And a winter festival nearly every weekend.

Buffalo is one of America’s great winter cities. We’re famous for our lake effect snow, and make the most of it with a full slate of seasonal activities and events. It’s the Buffalo winter The Weather Channel doesn’t show you.

Here are 19 ways to enjoy winter 2019 in Buffalo and beyond.

1. The Ice at Canalside –   This is the epicenter of Buffalo’s winter fun. One of the country’s largest outdoor skating rinks, built on a historic replica of the Erie Canal, became an instant hit when it opened in December of 2014. Attractions like the dynamic nightly illumination of a nearby grain elevator and an indoor winter pavilion add to the fun.

2. The Larkinville Ice Festival – Jan. 26 – Larkinville’s fifth annual winter celebration includes live music, vendors, snowman making, winter craft market, and winter versions of Kan-Jam, pickleball and cornhole. Warm up afterward with a cold beer across the street at Hydraulic Hearth or Flying Bison Brewing Co.

3. The Buffalo Auto Show – Feb. 7-10 –  Winter means the latest and greatest sets of wheels have just hit the market. Shop around for one, or just picture yourself in a new car at this annual winter staple held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

Chestnut Ridge Tobogganing

4. Chestnut Ridge Winter Festival – Jan. 27 – The giant fireplace inside the Chestnut Ridge Park lodge will be roaring. Outside, one of the region’s largest sledding hills with views of downtown Buffalo will be ready for sledding and tobogganing. Marshmallow roasting, arts and crafts and hayrides are all part of the fun too.

5. Snowshoes & Hot Cocoa – Jan 26-27 – Borrow a pair of snowshoes from the Martin House for a trip through Delaware Park and finish the trek at the Martin House for some hot cocoa! Afterwards participants have the option of taking a tour of the beautiful house. FREE for snowshoeing and hot chocolate. Optional Darwin Martin House tour $10 a person.

6. 2019 Labatt Blue Pond Hockey – Feb. 14-17 – One of the largest and most prominent pond hockey tournaments in the country takes place on Buffalo’s waterfront at Buffalo RiverWorks.

Ice Bikes of Buffalo at Canalside

7. Ice Biking – Take a ride on the Buffalo sensation that’s sweeping the nation. The Ice Bikes of Buffalo,  fitted with a stainless steel frame to allow for easy pedaling and steering on the ice, have become an instant classic since debuting at the Ice at Canalside, which also offers skating, curling and other opportunities for winter fun.

8. Niagara Falls in the Winter – Mist from the falls freezes on the surrounding trees, creating an ice covered forest. And during an especially cold winter, portions of the falls even appear to freeze.

9. Lumagination at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens – Wednesdays through Saturdays starting January 25 through February 23. See this Buffalo institution in a whole new light at night, as colorful illumination gives the gardens an entirely different look and feel.

10. Watching a Queen City Roller Girls Match – Since moving to Buffalo RiverWorks’ new roller derby track, the Queen City Roller Girls’ tournaments have become a must-see event on Buffalo’s waterfront.

11. Hot Spots – A coffeehouse boom has taken over Buffalo, with more cozy spots caffeinating the city than ever before.  Head to Tipico Coffee, Daily Planet Coffee Co., public espresso + coffee or more for a liquid warm up.



12. Ice Bumper Cars – The newest way to enjoy the Ice at Canalside, slip, slide and smash your own ice bumper car with your friends and family. Check out the video above to see it in action!

13. Soup, There It Is!  Attend Buffalo Soup-Fest at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on February 17. Buffalo is best to experience by the bowlful!

14.   Catch a hockey game at HarborCenter – The new $200 million complex on Buffalo’s waterfront offers plenty of opportunities for watching great hockey as the home ice for the Canisius College Golden Griffins and the Buffalo Beauts women’s team.

15.  Wander the Albright-Knox Art Gallery – Need an afternoon-long break from winter? See masterworks of art by Pollock, Kahlo, Monet, Picasso and more. Plus, check out the AK’s latest exhibit, We The People: New Art From the Collection, on display now.

The downhill trails at Kissing Bridge.

16.   Rotary Rink Skating – The original outdoor downtown skating rink continues to be an affordable option for families. Admission is free, and skate rentals are only $2 for children and $3 for adults.

17.   Arctic Edge at the Buffalo Zoo – Cold days are perfect for checking out the state-of-the-art polar bear exhibit and saying ‘hi’ to Luna at the Buffalo Zoo.

18.   Skiing at Kissing Bridge – Slalom, schuss and shred powder on the dozen of downhill trails available at Kissing Bridge, less than 40 minutes from downtown Buffalo.

19. Comfort Food – Buffalo winters work up an appetite only satisfied by some of the world’s best comfort foods whether it’s the fried chicken from Toutant, fish fry from Gene McCarthy’s, Mac ‘n cheese & collard greens from Mattie’s or the legendary spaghetti parm from Chef’s.

Looking for more winter inspiration? Check out our Winter Guide here.

The post 19 Ways to Enjoy Winter in 2019 appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara.

from Blog – Visit Buffalo Niagara https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/18-ways-enjoy-winter-buffalo-2018/

[mauriceoverpye]

Idoltober

Here’s hoping i actually wont give up on a 31 day art challenge because i made it interesting to me. Feel free to do these prompts if you want. (You can switch up the characters if you want, i just wrote down the names of my girls so i know what i’m doing) if you do end up doing this @ me uwu

1. Yukata - Hanamura 2. Apple picking - Ayu 3. Scarecrow - Chika 4. Scarf - Kaneko 5. Corn maze - Hanamura 6. Candy/Trick or Treat - Nino 7. Chrysanthemum (Mums) - Kokoro 8. Sweater weather - Kaneko 9. Leaf pile - Nino 10. Pets - Ayu 11. Game night - Kokoro 12. Flannel - Nemuri 13. Witch/Magical girl - Kiku 14. Pajama party - Hina 15. Star gazing - Chika 16. Hot cocoa - Nemuri 17. Plushy/stuffed animal - Kiku 18. Cheerleader - Hina 19. Sunflower - 3rd years 20. Fall crafts - 2nd years 21. Farm - 1st years 22. Baking - Sparkle girls 23. Rainy day - Lovely girls 24. Haunted house - Style girls 25. Reading - Kokoro 26. Caramel apple - Kaneko 27. Marching band - Hanamura 28. Rock 'n' Roll - Ayu 29. Pumpkin carving - Chika 30. Hayride - Nemuri 31. Halloween - All girls