#eo apple town

[apple-eo]

Xenomorph? hmm... Maybe?

[sincerely-sofie]

I just want to know, what do the Pokémon eat besides berries and bag goodies?

(Idk what the bag foods called HELP—)

Pokemon have a much wider variety of things they eat in The Present is a Gift than what we see in the games— though berries, apples, seeds, and gummies are still important foods! As a rule of thumb, I like to say that they can eat most IRL vegetarian dishes. There’s a plethora of things in the PMD world that replace most “animal” products— stuff like special plants, mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables— so they’re not limited strictly to vegan cuisine, but they’re not going to go around eating omelettes or anything like that. And there's no meat going into anyone's dinner because cannibalism is cringe, y'all.

For a fun bit of bonus info: Dusknoir is the best cook out of the crew, and Celebi is the absolute worst. Darkrai is pretty close to Dusknoir in skill once he learns how to cook, but he’s not comfortable without a recipe to follow, while Dusknoir is constantly tinkering with his favorites. Kip and Twig are next— Kip has a handful of basic recipes memorized, and Twig has a single recipe she came up with for spicy vegetable and berry skewers that she whips out whenever needed. Grovyle isn’t a skilled cook by any means, but he doesn’t put compost in dishes like Celebi does, at least, so he’s safe from being at the bottom of the tier list. For now.

Enjoy these two snippets of Celebi being chaotic in the kitchen:

[owl-bones]

Hey, I got a question for ya.Who THA HECK ARE EOS AND HELIOS?! I tried to found their story but I didn’t managed to find it…And since you’re their creator…could you explain ??? 👁️👄👁️

Thanks for your time (if you founded the time to read this) and (in any cases) have a good day ✌︎('ω')✌︎

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backstory/lore/personalities below the cut! it's. longgggg. VERY long. slkdfjlsdk like over 3k words

Backstory (personalities at the bottom)

Nim was a goddess of emotions, tasked with protecting the worlds made by creators throughout the multiverse. Eventually she yearned to create something of her own, but couldn't make something out of nothing-- so she used herself. She made two beings to keep each other company when she was gone, and used what remained of herself to become a tree to give them shelter.

The beings she made were too young and weak to harness her power in its entirety, so she sealed her power away in the fruits of the tree she became so they could grow into her strength slowly.

The beings were Dream and Nightmare, two halves of her whole.

It continues similarly to Dreamtale-- overtime the tree flourishes and the skeletons slowly grow up together. A village is built nearby and, over decades, becomes a busy town. The child guardians are mostly left alone as the people don't understand them and they keep to themselves, but there are many rumors and myths that develop about the tree they guard. One such rumor is that the tree is the reason the town develops so successfully and quickly. Over generations the guardians are a constant, never aging (truthfully just very slowly) and the mythos surrounding them slowly begins to warp.

People get used to their presence and seek them out more often, and as the details about their guardianship and abilities begins to spread more and more rumors develop.

Dream is outgoing and cheery. He's personable and warm and easy to get along with. The townspeople quickly adopt him like a stray cat, and he's given gifts when he visits and treated kindly. He's called things like "little guardian" and "angel" and the like. He soaks up this attention and praise like a plant hungry for the sun's light and, over time, visits more and more often.

Nightmare is more wary and shy, but strikingly intelligent. He's incredibly protective of the tree of emotions, and rarely leaves. It's more than a magic tree; it's their home and history. A hidden library, the sum of all of Nim's knowledge and life experiences, rests within the tree's broad hollow trunk. There's room enough for dozens, if not hundreds of books, and a place for the twins to sleep and hide away. He's dedicated his life to knowing as much as he can about their long-silent mother and their duties as guardians and is very protective of the knowledge. This makes him more enigmatic to the townsfolk, and people are known to be afraid of the unknown. He's quickly dismissed as the ruder sibling, and shunned. Not that he minds.

Dream isn't as concerned with their history-- he's far more interested in the present and future. He's found himself enamored with the town and how it develops; how he's watched children age and have families of their own, how more buildings are built to spread the town further and further. He knows everyone and everyone knows him.

They are young teens at this point. A couple hundred years old but still maturing and growing. As they've aged the tree has lost fruit; the apples drop to the ground and disappear when they're picked up as the twins absorb them to age into their powers.

But prosperity doesn't last forever, and the tree held no real power over the town's success. Soon the town finds itself in trouble-- a drought, an oncoming war, it's not important. What's important is they cling to their superstitions and fears and try to find a scapegoat. Nightmare is that scapegoat, keeping their salvation from them. They haven't been taking proper care of the tree, that's why there's fewer fruit. It's their fault.

If the town can get to the apples the twins protect, maybe they can use them to help themselves. Maybe they can plant more magic trees to increase their prosperity, or their warriors can eat them and gain their strength. They don't know anything about the tree's true nature and don't care to listen to either Dream or Nightmare when they ask for the guardians' boons.

The townspeople aren't dissuaded, and instead turn to manipulation. If Dream and Nightmare won't give them their blessing, they will simply have to take what they need. The guardians are children, anyway. What do they know about the world and politics of adults?

They know they can't get Nightmare away from the tree, but they can at least lure Dream away. He's offered tea and treats by a trusted villager, unaware it contains a sedative. He falls asleep and they go to work-- dozens of villagers go to the tree and start picking the golden apples. They ignore the black apples, not interested in something appearing 'tainted'. Nightmare tries to stop them but things get violent and he's downed with a blow to his skull. He's still young, weak, inexperienced, and hopelessly outnumbered. He's pinned and forced to watch as his mother's body, his home, is defiled.

The townsfolk didn't count on Dream being resistant to the sedative, however. Despite the amount of sleep-inducing herbs he consumed he's awake within a few minutes. He's groggy and aware something is wrong, but he's up.

Concerned and distraught he's been poisoned by someone he trusted, he returns home to find his brother injured and restrained and the tree devoid of golden apples.

The townspeople have decided to cut down the tree without removing the black apples, thinking that will remove the problematic negativity and they can replant the golden ones to only have positive trees. They're already partway through the trunk, and that's what spurs Dream into action.

They haven't noticed him yet and he starts picking up the apples to protect them-- but they disappear as soon as they're in his arms. They're his power by birthright, and absorbing them is what he's meant to do. It's only natural that his power would want to go where it belongs. At first it's warm and he feels stronger and more aware of what's going on, but the more apples he picks up the more his body aches and starts to burn.

His vessel was never meant to contain this much power this quickly, and as he desperately tries to save the apples it starts to break at the seems. His bones crack, the injuries filling with golden light holding him together, but he doesn't stop.

The townsfolk notice him, finally, and stop cutting at the tree to stop him. But it's too late. He's 'consumed' enough now that he's strong enough to keep them back with a magic barrier. He could stop now, talk them down from their frenzy, but... he doesn't want to. Despite the pain of his body breaking and barely keeping itself together, the power he now burns with is... good. His senses feel sharper, he's stronger, and he's brimming with energy. He keeps absorbing the apples.

His power overflows and can't be contained within him anymore, and golden light seeps out of his spine. The people always called him an 'angel', and this moment is where that myth solidifies itself. They aren't wings, not yet, but the amorphous magic light at his back is enough to make the villagers back away. This is the divine salvation they've been waiting for, right? An angel come down to lead them to safety?

But Dream isn't feeling like the happy-go-lucky child they knew him as. He's feeling an all consuming rage like he has never felt before. His emotions are much stronger than they've ever been, burning inside him. And not only that-- the vague impressions of people's emotions he could always feel are clear as day now. He can see exactly what the people are feeling.

Fear. Anxiety. Anger. And... hope.

That hope stands out to him. It doesn't sting like the other feelings steeped around the tree right now. It's warm and comforting and he wants more.

But first he needs to free his brother. Nightmare is falling unconscious and his vision is blurry, but he recognizes Dream. Dream does his best to heal him, a skill he's been practicing as his magic slowly got stronger. Now, though, his magic is much more powerful. It's raw and out of control and the positivity burns Nightmare with its force, scorching his armrs. Dream stops almost immediately, but the damage is done.

Nightmare was already weak, but now he's on the brink of dusting. The faint wisps of Nim left in the tree uses the very last bit of her magic to turn him to stone to help him recover.

Confronted by the loss of his brother, convinced it was his fault and his magic that did it, Dream shuts down. He goes fully into denial. Nightmare is just resting, he's fine, everything's fine. He can fix everything.

He needs to get rid of the townspeople. They're crowding him and his brother and they need to leave immediately. Shockingly, they obey. Dream is left alone with the statue of his brother.

It's not long before he gets a craving for more of that positivity he sensed. When he returns to the town, suspicious and still angry, he finds everything strikingly normal. Everyone is going about their business as if nothing had happened and he's greeted warmly (if a little nervously). There's more hope coming from everyone and it soothes the ache in his chest.

Dream overhears people whispering about him, calling him the angel again, and he starts putting the pieces together. The head of the town meets with him and suddenly he's not treated like a petulant child, but he's given information.

The town's issues are explained to him. The people are putting their hopes and dreams on his shoulders. There's expectations and they want things from him despite what they have done. And Dream finds himself answering the call, drunk on the power and feeling seen for the first time.

The people weren't acting maliciously, he tells himself. They were just misguided. They didn't know what they were doing, just like how they thought he didn't know what he was doing. He's the guardian of positivity. If they want prosperity and joy again, he can help them. He can guide them to what they want. They just have to stay away from the half-felled tree and do as he says.

As it turns out, the people are more than willing to stay far away from the negativity-steeped tree and follow his orders. They very quickly fall into line and worship him. He has no idea how to lead or manage a town, but nobody dares speak a word against him. Not that they need to. Despite the continuing issues they face, no townsperson can say that they're unhappy with Dream in charge. The opposite, in fact.

Since he came to be with them permanently everyone has found themselves filled with nothing but hope and happiness. They work tirelessly without complaint. Under his guidance the town expands even further over the decades until it's a fortified, bustling kingdom.

But Dream grows bored managing the mortals. He still ages slowly, and now an adult and having overseen a kingdom and its silly politics for generations, he wants more. He's grown properly into his powers and the magic at his back is now properly shaped like wings, like the 'angel' he is.

Nightmare used to speak of the other worlds the books within the tree would describe, and Dream for the first time in centuries seeks out his old home. He finds the books, worn but still intact, and learns of the multiverse and the balance.

It's then that he decides, like the expansion of the kingdom and his influence, to bring his light and positivity to other worlds.

It's another century or two after Dream leaves that Nightmare's petrification wears off. The apples have all fallen from the tree over the years, and he's slowly come into his powers himself. And yet he's still so... fatigued. Like something is sapping his strength no matter how much he rests.

The incident feels like it only happened moments ago for him, and yet he's alone. The library of his childhood is decrepit and the books are in poor condition and barely salvageable. His brother is gone, and when he goes looking for him... the town is a massive kingdom. White and gold and successful, flying golden banners and proclaiming Dream as their patron guardian.

But he's not there, either. Nightmare spends time in the kingdom working as a farmhand just trying to understand what exactly has happened and changed in the time he's been away. It's not easy finding information about his brother that's not glorified, and being an 'outsider' makes it even harder. The myth of the guardian of negativity has faded with time, his status as Dream's brother merely a footnote in the story, and for the first time in his life Nightmare is treated rather... normally by those around him.

It's a couple years later that Nightmare finally comes into his own and realizes the extent of Dream's control over both their original home, and the worlds he's visited since. He remembers reading about the careful balance he and Dream were meant to preserve... but he can tell that something isn't right. Somewhere along the way, growing up alone and worshipped and corrupted by the positivity he was meant to guard, Dream has lost himself. He's 'fixing' every AU he can, making them positive and trying to drive the balance as far in his favor as possible.

Nightmare leaves his home, alone and unsure of himself, and quickly finds himself lost in a sea of worlds that hate him. Due to his efforts to right the balance, he is painted a villain. He's used to it, and yet it still hurts. The hope that it was just that village that hated him quickly turns into the realization he is doomed to be hated wherever he goes, no matter how correct his actions.

The first time he runs into Dream, it seems like everything is going to be okay. They're together again, nothing bad can happen to them now that they're both powerful. But Dream's aura is draining to Nightmare, and their goals are too far apart. Dream's joy at the realization his brother isn't dead quickly turns to petulance when Nightmare insists he stops disrupting the balance and returns the AUs he's altered to their proper states.

They argue, and despite how much it hurts they go their separate ways. Nightmare continues to try and fix things, coming into conflict with Dream every so often, but he's outnumbered again. Dream has hundreds of people in his employ, sent out to AUs constantly to help put them on track to be positive. Nightmare is alone and weakened. Despite working tirelessly, there is nothing he can do to fix things. The balance shifts ever further, and Nightmare grows weaker.

It's years into their conflict that Dream hurts his brother again. He's used to them being on relatively even footing. He holds back against his disadvantaged brother, and Nightmare escapes before things get too bad. It's a song and dance they've done countless times at this point. But eventually, the time comes that Nightmare doesn't dodge in time. An arrow pierces his chest.

He's alive, the wound not enough to outright kill him, but he's comatose. Dream takes him back to his home, an opulent palace in an empty AU he's transformed to his liking. Nightmare can't get hurt anymore like this. Dream can protect him, and when he wakes up he'll convince him to see things his way. Everything will be okay. He always fixes things.

(Nightmare does eventually wake up and more things happen, but i'll save the how and why for later ;) )

Dream / Helios

Hundreds of years old, massively powerful, and incredibly influential. Dream has (peacefully) conquered most major AUs and solved their conflicts. Beloved by all and he knows it, he's egotistical and used to getting what he wants. And if he doesn't get what he wants... he finds a way. He's entitled and arrogant but also completely assured in his power. He has no need to gloat, he's quite confident in his status and abilities. But that isn't to say he doesn't like praise; he lives for it.

He's generous and well-intentioned, but also fully capable of justifying the means to get his end. If an AU can't be fixed it's either cordoned off or allowed to be destroyed. He employs many many people from many AUs to do his bidding, including those from AUs that would be considered 'negative'. If there's only one person left in the AU, removing them and giving them a better life is the next best way to fix it.

He doesn't have friends, not really, but his close confidants are Blue and Strike. He collects injured mythological creatures from AUs and rehabilitates them at his palace. He considers himself a patron of the arts, and aside from hiring people to help spread positivity he also hires artisans to live in his palace and fill it with art of all kinds. Tailors, sculptors, painters, writers, singers/musicians, and more.

He has many hobbies he's picked up over the years, but enjoys singing the most. He can fly with his wings, and is strong enough to carry someone along with him. He can change their size and shape depending on need.

He's very self conscious about the golden cracks all over his body, considering it a symbol of his weakness when he was young. He wears full coverings at all times (except his skull), and would only show the cracks to someone he truly trusts and cares for.

He's very skilled with a bow and rapier, but prefers to leave the fighting to his guards. He's very clever with his words and can be a skilled manipulator, but is equally capable of lacing his words with magic and forcing people to follow his will. He's very in-tune with souls and can manipulate even the slightest bit of positivity he senses, and there's a few people around his castle that are effectively his puppets due to their disobedience.

Nightmare / Eos

Cynical and exhausted. He's a workaholic; he doesn't have time to rest, he has to live up to his responsibilities. He rested enough as a statue and he can't afford to stop for even a moment. He wants nothing more than to have everything go back to the way it was and be close with Dream again, but worries the passage of time and what happened when they were young has put an irreparable crack in their relationship. The Dream he fights now is nothing like the Dream he knew when they were young, and he struggles to grasp that disparity.

Dream however can't help but recognize that Nightmare has barely changed. He's still shy and a bookworm. He's vilified and despised by most around him despite his good intentions, and continues to stand up for what he believes in in spite of it. He knows he will never be the hero of the story, but fights anyway.

He's slow to make friends and even slower to fully trust someone. He yearns to be understood and treated like a full person and not as a scapegoat for fears and misunderstandings. He's fighting to right the balance as is his responsibility, but all he really wants is to settle down and rest. He gets easily attached to people that make him feel safe and comforted.

He grew into his magic slowly as a statue, but is still adjusting to the changes even years later. When he's overwhelmed by negativity it can result in him leaking corruption from his sockets and mouth.

He's weakened from the balance being disrupted, but makes up for it with alternative magic he's learned from books. He has a passion for bookbinding and book restoration and has lovingly recreated and repaired what he could from the tree's library. He thinks it's very important to preserve Nim's history and live up to his responsibility as a guardian.

Not as skilled with a bow as his brother, but a decent swordsman with a sickle or scythe. He fights his own battles and eventually gains a team of close friends to support him.

[fujii-draws]

A couple of totally random questions. Since this is an AU of EOS, does that mean Ribbons and Aimilios had to go through the failed perfect apple mission, and thus be punished with going to their sleeping quarters without food? How would Dusknoir react to learning about that event?

I feel like Ribbons and Aimilios would’ve brought it up in passing. Not that they hate Chatot, the Flying-type’s given them loads of chances. But I feel like they don’t feel as comfortable going to him with problems ever since the Apple Woods incident. (Aimilios because of disappointing him, Ribbons because her trust in him dwindled ever since he trusted a smelly skunk over her and her partner. Frustrated with him.)

Dusknoir’s opinion of the Chatter Pokémon would also diminish as a result, since this would also be around the time he’d begun unknowingly getting attached to those two. But the Eevee and Riolu can hardly tell with how his expression never changes/is unreadable. But he’d definitely drop some snide, passive aggressive remarks regarding Chatot’s leadership for the duration he’s in Treasure town. I think I had a drawing idea regarding this

[wildergrimm]

Teehee tagged by @starocide ^_^

Relationship status: Funny

Last thing I listened to: EOS 10 episode 2 ;) But music-wise, "Bottom of a Bender" by Sarah and the Safe Word

Song currently stuck in my head: "When Oskar Fische Comes to Town" also by Sarah and the Safe Word (I'm a little in love with Sarah Rose)

Last thing I googled: "Leg Eater Location" ... A little embarrassing since I have maybe 200 hours in Hollow Knight

Favorite food: I would kill for a nice sliced apple rn

Anything I want right now: Other than the apple...SF6.........

I get embarrassed tagging mutuals so feel free to do this if u want:)

[rebelcourtesan]

My Favorite Podcast Dramas

In the last couple of months, I've discovered Podcast audiodramas. Scripted stories with talented VAs and 3D audio sound effects. Very immersive like you're a silent listener. They are great to listening to while working, cleaning, cooking, working out, or while driving.

After scouring Apple Podcast I've come across some I would recommend to anyone. There are quite a few popular ones I haven't gotten around to listening to yet, but will soon.

You can listen to them for free (with ads) through Apple Podcast or if you have a subscription, through Spotify. Also through their websites or on Patreon.

Ars Paradoxica is for those who love sci-fi, time travel, and stories during the Cold War.

Sally Grissom a brilliant physicist of 20XX performs an experiment that throws her back through time to the year 1943. She gets entangled into science project using her time travel device and the US government creates ODAR, a time travel agency that sees that ensures America's interests both domestic and foreign. However, such power comes with a price, especially when the USSR takes an interest in time travel.

I quite enjoy this series for the twists and turns, not to mention the creative ways Time Travel is used to further someone's agenda. The story goes from during WWII, the Red Scare, and Cold War while examining the extremes ODAR will go to 'put America first'.

Sally is a child out of her time and is forced to adapt to a world without internet, wi-fi, and old technology while maneuvering what it is to be a woman in the 40's through 50's. There are other characters involved and each have their own drives and morals which more than once put them on a collision course with each other.

Completed with three seasons in all its glory.

For fans of mystery and suspense.

Mike takes a job as a fire watcher and is assigned to Tower 4. He expects a peaceful season in the wilderness to work on his book and sort out his feelings after his mother's passing, but strange things are happening in the woods. Strange noises from the trees, his radio plays classical music, and he has the eerie feeling of being watched.

Inspired by the game Firewatch, Tower 4 has the same cues as a having long thoughtful discussions with Amber, a fellow fire watcher in a neighboring tower whom he confides in, but she may have secrets of her own . . .

This is fun to listen to for suspense and mystery. It's still ongoing in its third season.

For fans of sci-fi comedy

Dr. Ryan Dalias is assigned to EOS 10, a space station travel hub. HIs assignment? Help the Chief Medical Officer get his act together and kick his habit of binge drinking and drugs. A ride or die nurse and a deposed alien prince turn dish washer involves themselves in Ryan's job of keeping the station and his patients in one piece. That is, if the Chief Medical Officer doesn't kill him first.

This was a fun ride. Excellent VAs and clever dialogue spins a heartfelt comedy which also touches upon familial relationships, LGBTQ relationships, and addiction.

I believe it's complete at 5 seasons.

For fans of horror and anthologies.

Unhappy teenage Cassie finds solace in a mysterious book called the Dark Tome. With bookstore owner Gussy, who has secrets of his own, she explores the secrets of the mysterious book. In each episode, Cassie and Gussy witness a story unfold (which are real short stories written by various writers).

However, there are forces who are after the book and Cassie founds herself being drawn deeper into the secrets of the Dark Tome.

This series is complete at two seasons, but it does have something of a continuation in Simpson Falls which takes place after the third season.

For fans of horror and bendy story telling.

Part of the Undertwo anthology, Simpson Falls follows the story of reporter Tony Baxter who is still suffering from a childhood tragedy. He returns to his home town to confront old ghosts and report on a strange new hospital being open.

While Simpson Falls could stand on its own as a separate story, I would recommend listening to both seasons of Dark Tome first because the characters do discuss events that occur and a few recognizable characters do make an appearance.

The story is contained within a single season which leads into . . .

For fans of horror and werewolves

Taking place in the neighboring town of Langeley, new comer Frank Perotti, a vet tries to aid his army friend's family; a bullied blind girl and a grandmother suffering from dementia, he finds strange things are happening around town and things become bloody.

It takes place in the same universe as the Dark Tome and Simpson Falls with some mention of a few characters, but this story can stand on its own. However, it does show extreme bullying of a disabled teenager which may be a trigger for some listeners.

And this is the last of the Dark Tome story line, at least for now. Undertow may set a future season in the same universe or at least pick up where the Dark Tome left off.

For fans of paranormal

I'm hesitant about listening to anything from QCODE. While they have great stories, the problem is they usually only do one season and leave the story incomplete or the second season weaker than the first. However, the Left Right Game is a self-contained story within one season which is why I'm recommending it.

A journalist joins a group of paranormal investigators in a ritual called the Left Right Game. Where the driver follows a road and takes the first turn left, then takes the next turn right, and then left again at the following turn. Doing so long enough leads people into alternate world. What begins as a simple investigation and experiment turns into a struggle for survival for the caravan.

This was one of the first Podcasts I listened to and made me fall in love with Podcast dramas. Intense with brilliant writing and voice acting.

For fans of paranormal, comic horror, and HP Lovecraft

Two podcast reporters investigate a mystery of a man in an insane asylum escaping a locked room, but find the mystery runs deeper than they ever imagined. They uncover secrets better left alone and is drawn into a conspiracies and cosmic horror beyond their dreams.

Each season is based off a HP Lovecraft story; Whispering in the Darkness, Shadow over Innsmouth etc. Right now it's at four seasons with a fifth season coming hopefully soon.

Great story writing and voice acting with an immersive sound effects. It does start off a little slow, like a crime podcast, but gets very interesting right after the first episode.

For fans of thrillers and survival

When Los Angeles is destroyed by a powerful earthquake, Cassie's life is changed forever. An island appears off the coast and Cassie goes to find a missing person, but find something more dangerous than the earthquake itself.

Can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but trust me, this fun series has great twists and turns I never saw coming. It's out at two seasons and hopefully a third coming soon.

For fans of murder mystery and thriller and supernatural

Jonathan Spacer has a secret. A secret he can't tell anyone or they'll think he's insane. He can see and speak to ghosts. Which makes his job as a forensic pathologist harder (or easier) depending on who you ask. As a new arrival to Springfield, he's hoping for a peaceful change in his life, however Springfield is far from normal. It's plagued by strange deaths and murders, and a serial killer may be out there preying on the citizens. You would think Spacer can solve the mystery quicki, but unfortunately, even ghosts have their own secrets and reasons to lie.

Creepy and dark, and I will warn you this covers sensitive topics such as violent deaths, suicide, and gore.

For fans of paranormal mysteries

Back in 1980, Jeremy Bradshaw's father disappeared while investigating a cult. For years, the disappearance had been used as a source of local legend for the town of Bridgewater which remains a ceaseless thorn in Jeremy's side as a folklore professor. Until one day, a clue about his father's disappearance draws him back into the mystery of what happened that day and the strange happenings within the forests of Bridgewater

One of the first Podcasts I listened to and fell in love with. Great mystery with third dimensional characters. Sits at 2 seasons, so hopefully we'll get a third someday.

For fans of mystery, cults, and law enforcement procedurals.

Deputy Ruth Vogel doesn't quite fit in with her small town community, what with it's conservative and Christian religious ways. Until a violent murders overturns everything she ever believed about her community and family. She had guided by an FBI Agent Loro who specializes in cult activities and thinks the case could give her the lead she needs to overthrow an untouchable cult leader.

I loved this podcast. Wonderful writing, characters, and great female leads. I cannot wait for a second season.

For fans of paranormal activity and mystery

When Lilian's estranged mother suffers an injury, she moves to her childhood hometown to help her and gets swept up in the town's weirdness and the strange happenings around her mother's boarding house.

Currently listening to this and had to recommend it. So far I've been enjoying it and has five seasons to enjoy.

For fans of D&D and comedy

Not like the ones above, but still strongly recommended. Four fathers are transported to the Forgotten Realms and must find their missing sons. Meet the Party: Daryl Wilson the Barbarian who is a barbecuing and sports loving Dad who enjoys shaking hands. Henry Oak the Druid whose gentle parenting has turned his twin boys into little hellions. Glenn Close the Bard who is a rock and roll dad who'll share a joint with his son. And Ron Stampler the Rogue, who is the step dad who steps up. Together, they make the most unlikeliest party, but also the most daddliest.

It's not scripted. It's a group of players with a DM and their stuff is as hilarious as Dimension 20. The first two seasons are complete with a third season currently airing which features a new party and story.

[eridanusrp]

downtown

Downtown is situated around the Eos Basin and serves as the heart of Vail Haven. It's where you'll find the bustling downtown neighborhood which plays home to apartment-style housing as well as local mom-and-pop grocery stores. Stop by Main Street and grab a drink or do some shopping. Everything from new tattoos to daily necessities can be found here as well as the fire station and the police station. Town Hall is a small historical building nestled in the center though the lights seem to be off more often than not, the building lying mostly dormant aside from a skeleton staff.

pleasant ridge

Pleasant Ridge is a fine neighborhood. It plays host to the research hospital that most residents avoid when they can as well as lower-income housing. There are various forms of housing available here, but businesses are few and far between which is a good thing for children of these residents as they're granted far more open space between houses. The cops patrol more heavily in Pleasant Ridge because of its reputation for the rough and rowdy, but the inhabitants would say they're no worse than anyone else.

hawthorne pines

Hawthorne is the white picket fence dream. It's where apple pies cool on windowsills and children run through sprinklers in yards. It's the middle-class daydream. Houses are piled close together to accommodate demand and the schools aren't far off. There are a few boutique stores that have managed to open here, but it's mostly a residential area.

windsor heights

The stench of new money wafts off of Windsor so heavily that even those in Pleasant Ridge can smell it. With fancy houses, cars, and clothes, the residents of Windsor think they have it all and want you to know it. Subtlety is not a word in the vocabulary of most of these residents. Some of the homes even have docks to boat into the Eos Basin at their leisure, though most just use it for show. Restaurants here easily boast three dollar signs on search engines and the residents like it that way.

belmont estates

Old money doesn't need to flaunt the way new money does and Belmont holds themselves to a much higher standard. The homes are an understated luxury and perfectly manicured lawns with residents who have more money than they know what to do with. Families who have lived in Vail Haven for generations and who have made their fortunes both legally and...not so legally. They fund town get-togethers as well as host an array of charity events throughout the year that the whole town turns out for. The riverwalk spans Belmont and holds multiple shops as well as upscale clubs and bars.

[thewritingace]

Since I don’t have the energy to do full intro posts rn, I’ll give you guys a brief overview over the WIPs I’ve been working on in the background over the last couple months. Let me know what you think. Ask questions. Send asks. Scream in the comments. Whatever you feel like.

🍎 Bad Apples

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Blurb (in progress): Jen, or “Little Miss Psycho” as her friends call her, has always been the life of the party. But her entire world comes crashing down one night, when she comes home to find her mother Shelly murdered. Suddenly, Jen finds herself in caught in the crossfire between the police, prosecutors and the public, all circling her like vultures to find out more about the case. Unsure of who to trust, Jen now has to navigate the hellscape that their small town has descended into, all while desperately trying to figure out who killed her mother, without becoming a target herself.

Themes: exploration of grief, corruption, politicization of tragedies, friendship, betrayal

Characters (subject to change):

JEN, also known as Jen-Jen or Little Miss Psycho [full name: Genevie?] ~ protagonist. 16 years old. White. mid-length blonde. popular girl. seen by most as the leader of the ‘Bad Apples’ friend group.

LEILA, also known as El ~ Jen’s best friend. 17 years old. long-haired brunette with blue streaks. popular girl. member of the ‘Bad Apples’ friend group.

SEB, also known as Snicker [full name: Sebastian] ~ theater kid and self-proclaimed Shakespeare geek. 16 years old. side part. member of the ‘Bad Apples’ friend group.

CLIVE [full name: Clifton] ~ recently started cross country. 17 years old. Black. buzz cut. newer member of the ‘Bad Apples’ friend group.

SHELLY ~ Jen’s mother. 42 years old.

Detective MARRON ~ one of the members of the police assigned to Shelly’s case. skeptical of Jen.

Jen’s father ~ Shelly’s abusive ex-husband .

🌀 Cataegis

Genre: Adult, Sci-Fi, Action

Description (vague): A sci-fi superhero story of sorts. Centered around a the formation of the world’s first alliance of superheroes, ASTAR, and the intricate dynamics of the group (meaning I don’t really have a plot for this, but I have the characters and their arcs).

Characters:

Marcia - founder of ASTAR. well-known superhero. 30 years old. comes from a remote area where a meteor struck, granting people mysterious power. became a hero as she sees is as her responsibility to use her powers to help others. undefeated in battle. tirelessly tries to balance the heroes personal goals with their mission to do good. no nonsense. self-sacrificial to a fault.

Leila Crescent | Mercy - founding member of ASTAR. well-known singer and activist. 24 years old. former lead singer of a band supporting a resistance movement against the corrupt regime of her home country. became a superhero after her band mates were assassinated during their attempt to flee. has a mind of steel. relentlessly hopeful. she was the one to inspire Marcia to found ASTAR and put her trust into the new generation of heroes.

unnamed - founding member of ASTAR. tech freak. 25 years old. installed high-tech self-built prosthetics on himself after losing parts of his body in a car crash. no superpowers. genuinely loves all forms of machinery and tech. not too interested in saving the world, he mostly just wants to help built ASTAR’s high-tech space ship base. snarky to an excessive degree.

Elias Steele | EOS - prominent member of ASTAR. new superhero, but famous for his immense power. 21 years old. supposedly the strongest being on the planet. still inexperienced as a hero, though he loathes to admit it. dreams of ending all strife. greatly admires Alistair. hopeful to the point of naivety.

Alistair Soledad | Solace - leader of ASTAR. well-known superhero. 28 years old. bastard son of Adam Solace, resident multi-millionaire. inherited all of his father’s wealth after Manor Soledad burned down 10 years ago, killing both his father and half-brother. became a hermit afterwards, but secretly took up the mantle of ‘Solace’ to help the citizens of his city in ways that law enforcement and social services couldn’t. was invited to be a founding member by Marcia, but initially declined. intensely cunning.

Colt Hayden - Alistair’s former sidekick. 18 years old. taken off duty by Alistair after trying to commit suicide. current whereabouts unknown. loyal till death.

Note: there are far more ASTAR members. since ASTAR becomes the first (and only) internationally recognized superhero organization, it’s kind of required to join them to become a superhero. Also, don’t ask me who the protagonist is, I have no idea. There will be a lot of pov switches though.

General Tag list: @artbyeloquent | @strosmkai-rum | @yami-kada

[vanishingpod]

It’s Sunday, which means another round of Podcasts We Love at Team Vanishing Act! 

1) Unwell: We may be slightly biased because we’re also Chicago-based and therefore rooting for this show (and their actors) like CRAZY, but that doesn’t mean it is not ALSO one of the most phenomenally written and produced audio dramas we’ve ever heard. It’s a little bit of everything, a surreal modern Gothic, a mother-daughter tale, a small town mystery, a supernatural slow-burn, a haunted house, a dark comedy, and many other things we don’t want to spoil for you. It’s touching, thrilling, immersive, and funny all at once, and that SOUND DESIGN! There’s an episode set in the house during a storm that is just *chef’s kiss.* It’s amazing. Find them @unwellpodcast

2) Brimstone Valley Mall: Look, we love a well-executed joke about Hot Topic so we were bound to love this. Set in 1999 in a suburban mall, with an ensemble of misfit demons from Hell, this is a show that is so specific in the vibe it wants to create and so committed to immersing you in it, you can’t help but be won over from that awesome theme song onward. It has some of our favorite comedic punchlines in any audio comedy (there’s a line about Satan’s favorite dish in episode one that I’ll never get over, I was 100% in love from there on out). Anything less than full commitment from the actors would not have worked and I’m happy to report they are batting 1000 (is that the phrase? whichever one is the great one)--perfect pairing of material to artists in every way. We love. Find them @brimstonevalleymall 

3) Mockery Manor: SPEAKING of music! This is our current binge and holy shit, guys, every song legitimately bops. There is at least one fully-produced musical number per episode and they are each better than the last--where is this soundtrack and how can I buy it? Set at a theme park in Britain in 1989, this is an old-school murder mystery filled with vivid, funny, lived-in characters and paced exquisitely. The worldbuilding of the park is so incredible from second one, I feel like you can picture it immediately. There’s a sequence in episode 3 where a character takes a late-night turn on a ride called Heart of Darkness, and the combo of writing/acting/sound design/music made my jaw drop in how vivid the picture in my head was right off the bat. I’m rationing the episodes I haven’t listened to yet because I want them to last as long as possible. 

4) EOS 10: And now, moving from our new loves, into a recommendation of a favorite that was a gateway into the world of audio drama for us. It’s pretty well known in the community at this point, for VERY good reason, and for many of the reasons we love it (ragtag bunches of misfits is kind of a Thing for us). It’s got everything: doctors--in space!, gay space pirates, an exiled hypochondriac space prince, grumpy characters learning to accept that they have a heart and care about things while fighting it the whole time, a female character that is just absolutely fucking feral (come to think of it, these are all Things for us). Our producer, Lauren, has cried about this podcast a non-zero amount of times (ok fine you got me, a non-1 and non-2 amount of times too, let me live). It’s lovely and made us fall in love with this medium and for that alone, we can’t thank it enough. Find them @eos10podcast 

If you end up listening and love them (or already do), send a review their way on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser--we’ll be doing the same! And if you have any recommendations of podcasts, send them out way, we’d love to listen! 

[scalproie]

God i think the expedition arc in pmd eos is pretty underrated and also might be one of my favorites...

"Having multiple dungeons in a row to indicate a big trip and being away from the main town for a while" is a pokemon mystery dungeon staple, but i think the expedition arc had such an impact on me because compared to say, rescue team, the stakes arent exactly high, it really feels like youre going on a trip with your fellow "classmates".

The excitement when they first tell you about this big thing and how the townfolks tell you the guild shared the treasures from the previous expedition with them..

the whole planification beforehand, Chatot showing you the locations on your map like you actually have to follow it even tho the game is planned that way.

The way the teams are split to travel (which REALLY feels like "we could afford a bus but itll be easier if everyone group up and travel with their own cars" to really hammer that college feel in), and the fact that Bidoof is your first main cast guest, which btw, if you played his special episode JUST before, has even more of an impact...

Mt Horn absolute BOP of a theme.

And then the sprites design of the camp, like the wigglytuff tents, mixed with the mist and the music of the forest... with a little red herring for the mystery of the Hero so far, featuring Cryptid Uxie Legend.

After that, a little focus on Corphish of all pokemon, which is nice, and then the gorgeous reveal of fogbound lake. And you can tell by the sprites that its HUGE.

Team skull ending their arc (for now) by being absolutely destroyed by Wigglytuff. With only IMPLYING what Wigglytuff is actually capable of, and i didnt caught it the first time, but theres even a reference to his special episode as well. Joyous payback for the perfect apples.

The buildup to "Groudon", and hearing the Roar™ for the first time.

Then later, when the rest of the gang catch up and theyre talking as theyre running, the absolutely dramatic way (which is also pretty funny in insight) of chatot saying how Groudon's a legendary pokemon and how it would crazy and suicidal to even think of fighting Groudon, as they're way to powerful, like all legendaries..... all while showing the Hero and Partner about to fight Groudon.

And THEN afterward you have the scene with Uxie and the lake where you see in person your very first time gear and the full time gear theme plays for the reveal, chills guaranteed.

And then you all go back home, which really seals for me the road trip "our lives have been changed but it also was just another weekend" vibes.

[apple-eo]

[keytotheunderworld]

Greek gods/goddesses in the country side

You feel Zeus when the storms roll in as you sit on the porch watching the rain. You see him in split trees and charred wood, the blaring sirens remind you he is here.

You can feel Hera's prescence in the chicken coup, the ladies are protective and nurturing,never batting an eye at a storm for they know them well.

You can feel Apollo when the birds arrive, when you can hear their cries but are never able to distinguish which one is calling for you. You can hear him when the town band plays all bluegrass and country

You can see Artemis in the barn cats, hunting mice and other rodents all to feed her kits. They have no fear for they see best in the dark, the coyotes know better then to mess with them.

You can feel Poseidon faintly in the ponds and rivers, and while the murky foggy water is not their normal domain you must remember he has never stopped at the shore.

You can see Ares in the family's farm dog, protective and fearless. He has gone against coyotes and the unknown, yet their bark is still as strong.

You can see Aphrodite when the bunnies arrive, peaking their heads out of bushes curious and caring. Wild and untamed but still so kind and soft, so loving.

You can see Athena in the dusty bookshelves that inhabit the living room, filled with wonder and knowledge that are waiting to be picked up.

You can tell it is Demeter when your harvest is just a bit more fruitful this year then the last. You can feel Demeter when you forget your gloves and do it all be hand, leaving dirt and small cuts on your palms.

You can see Hades in the moss and rotting oak, giving purpose to death. You see him in the way change is collected in old bottles waiting to be used, just in case.

You can see Persephone in the wild flowers as well as the thorns of the roses. They are the constant all summer and winter, pretty and dangerous.

You can feel Hermes by your side when you ride your horse. The wind in your hair, the slight fear, and the adrenaline running through your veins. You can't think of a better way to spend the day.

You can see Hephaestus in the mechanics who take care of the equipment and retro cars as if they were children. You see him in the oil stained shirts and the workman's hands

You can feel Dionysus in the urgent need to taste the berries and grapes you have just picked. You can see them in bottles of bourbon placed in clusters around the house for safe keeping, of course.

You can see Hestia in the care that is put into the delicous home made dinner. You see her in the spring when the mops and brooms return to clean the house, and you feel tired yet relieved.

You can feel the pull of Erebus when the forest's mysterious noises heightens your curiousity, when you want to explore the dark woods even though you know the creatures lurking.

You can see Thanatos in the moths that swarm the lanterns, that appear out of no where. you see them in the peaceful death of a moth who finally got it's wish. You see him in the bones and vultures.

You can see Hekate in the winding back roads, in the roads long forgotten and dusty. She waits at the cross roads, waiting for your arrival.

You can see Hypnos in the sleeping man who got back from a hard days work. You can feel them in the fullness of your stomach after Thanksgiving, you see him in the clouds.

You can taste Eros when picking apples and taking a bite. You can see them in the butterflies conjugating on one bush with the bees.

You can feel Gaia with your bare feet, leaving them dirty and muddy. You can smell them when the honeysuckles open, when you just want a bite.

You feel Eos when you awake to the sun breaking through your windows, reminding you you need curtains. You feel them when the dew reaches your toes, when the mist is thick and comforting

You see Helios in the sunburns and farmers tans that appear on your skin. You feel him when the humidity rises, surrounding and suffocating everything like a blanket.

You can taste Selene, in the well water blessed by her presence alone, in the moonlight dances, in the campfire games of hide and seek where you go by the moonlight alone.

You can see Nyx, in the stars clearly present in the sky where no other lights disturb their prescence. You feel her when you stargaze in the bed of a truck and you forget the date.

You can see Hebe in the home made playground, the tire swings that hang from branches, the lemonade popsicles hanging out of the mouths of children.

You can feel Khronos in the tree stumps, counting the rings, the trees life span etched into its own skin. you see him in the vines and cobwebs, markers of life non human, markers of silence

-keytotheunderworld

September 2020

[bgn846]

FFXV Vampire AU ft. Batio!!

I saw a piece of art done by Mintfoxmimi for her Batio AU and asked if I could write some short stories for it.  Like this amazing one. So this little project was born.  I hope you all like it and there will be more!!

A big thanks to @mintfoxmimi for letting me use her Vampire Batio AU setting (including extensive creation of the lore and human/vampire relations) for some short stories.  

Please check out Mintfoxmimi's amazing art on their Twitter and Tumblr account!

Summary

Ignis is newly arrived in the small village of Insomnis and secures a job at the local hunters guild.  He thinks things are going well enough until he meets a vampire one night.  Things do not go as planned.   Or a short story of how Ignis and Gladio meet for the first time.

Chapter 1: One Dark Night It All Started

The ancient adage of watching your life flash before your eyes when you were dying was true.  In between the moments of intense panic and running frantically Ignis’ mind was awash with memories.  Strangely, they only consisted of the past two weeks.  Despite this fact he was still certain things were not going to end well.  Being chased by a vampire was usually not a good thing.

Especially when said vampire stood at six foot six and had the muscles to match.  He became dimly aware that he was being herded away from the town center.  Ignis had only arrived in the bustling little town of Insomnis a few weeks earlier.  A job position at the local hunter’s guild had awaited him courtesy of his uncle.  Now though, he wished he’d never come.

Why was fate so cruel? He’d literally been in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Witnessing a meeting between two vampires in the street after an evening stroll just didn’t happen.  They were supposed to be far more secretive than that.  Yet here he was running away after he’d seen one of them banish their fangs in a blink of an eye.   Ignis couldn’t shake the feeling of his blood running cold when the vampire’s eyes had locked with his own.  He watched in morbid fear as they easily returned to a human-like state.

Without thinking Ignis had turned and bolted.  Only one vampire had given chase, and it seemed to know his name.  Hence his current life threatening situation and why he was running like a fool.  He was going to die that night and his poor uncle would most likely think it was his fault.

Ignis was trained as a fighter and could do quite well, but he was alone and this vampire was bigger than him.  A feeling of immediate dread flooded his senses when the street he’d been running along suddenly ended.  Ignis had run straight out of town and into a field of wheat. Astrals this was very bad.

There was no time to dwell on his bad decisions, when a growl from behind him nearly stopped his heart.  Turning slowly Ignis was greeted by a truly terrifying sight.  A giant monster now stood in front of him.  Had the vampire shapeshifted or was this one of his minions?   Staggering backwards Ignis managed to stay upright as he looked up in fear.  Reaching for his daggers out of habit he assumed a defensive position.  Maybe if he yelled like a man possessed, someone might come to his aid.

The looming shadow of muscle and teeth lunged at him the second he started screaming for help.  What happened next was unexpected.  Instead of having his head bit clean off Ignis was flying.  Somehow he managed to hang onto his daggers after the creature had grabbed him.  Two strong limbs held his arms firmly as they rose higher in the sky.  The moon was low and provided enough light for Ignis to see what had attacked him.  It appeared a giant winged bat was now carrying him away.

The illogical part of his mind wanted to try and slash at the claws holding his upper arms.  He quickly dismissed that idea as he’d certainly fall to his death.  Realizing that he was still yelling at the top of his lungs Ignis attempted to stop.  He could barely breathe from the rush of adrenaline and screaming his brains out didn’t help.

What was going to happen to him when they landed?  If they landed?   This bat could merely let go and continue on its way.  Ignis didn’t think he could take much more.   He was already overly tired from working late the past week.  Now he was going to die and that was depressing.  Risking a glance downward it appeared the ground was getting closer.  He’d been trying not to stare.  No human ever reached these heights unless they were being carted off by a huge winged monster.

The decent back to Eos was controlled and slow.  The air rushed past Ignis’ face in giant whooshes as the bat gently dropped him back to solid ground.  The second its claws released Ignis’ arms he attempted to run away.  His knees had other plans, they were like pudding.  Crying out in desperation he collapsed on the grass.

His body felt like molasses as he tried to roll over and raise his daggers.  The opportunity to fight was taken from Ignis a second later when the bat outright pounced on him.  Surprisingly he didn’t get crushed, but his arms were pinned again.  Slashing at the huge bat wasn’t going to work anymore.

Ignis felt light headed as he worked to breathe in enough oxygen to stay conscious. His heart was pounding furiously at the shock of the situation.  The monster tilted its large head to the side and twitched its ears as if listening for something.  Then without warning it leaned forward quickly and licked his forehead.

Momentarily stunned by the action Ignis could only manage a strangled guttural noise.  Was this bat tasting him first before he ate him? The monster hovering over him was squeaking softly and sniffing his hair.   On the third inhale it snorted and leaned back.  Its long snout scrunched up and it sneezed.

Unable to stifle the yell he let loose Ignis tried to scramble away. The bat was now gone and in its place stood a man, no a vampire. He shook his head a few times and looked down at Ignis.  The charismatic grin he flashed did not match the mood. Ignis was still breathing raggedly and trying to figure out if he was going to in fact, die.      

“What are you going to do to me?” Ignis croaked.

“Nothing bad.” the vampire defended.

“Why did you capture me?”

“For a tactician you’re a little dense sometimes.  I didn’t want you waking up the whole damn neighborhood with your yelling.”

“Wha? You attacked me!  What was I supposed to do?” Ignis gaped, forgetting his predicament.

“No, you turned white as a sheet and then --.” The vampire made a point to stop and point at him, “Then you ran away.”

“I didn’t want to die.”

“I wasn’t out to kill you.  Why would I do that?”

“I’m human!” Ignis shouted in frustration, “That’s why!”

“I don’t kill humans unless they deserve it.  You are one of the good ones.”

Suddenly picking up on the fact that this vampire knew his job position Ignis couldn’t help but continue his questioning, “How do you know I’m a tactician?”

“I’ve seen you at work.  I’m a member at the guild too, but we haven’t had a chance to meet until now.”

Shuddering at the idea that a vampire had made its way into the ranks of the guild Ignis groaned out loud.  “Why me?”

“Bad timing I suppose.” The vampire offered, “Its better this way, now you can help me with my research.  I see you slaving over piles of paperwork all day long.  They gave you that job because you’re smart.”

“Why would I help you?” Ignis asked in disbelief.

“I may be a vampire but there are ones that are far more dangerous than me.  That’s why I joined the guild.  I needed to keep track of the bad apples so to speak.”

Ignis’ adrenaline rush was starting to wear off and he could feel his mind growing sluggish, “How far from town are we?”

“Close enough, I can fly us back in a jiffy.”

“NO!  I don’t think I can handle that right now.”

“Well the walk might be a little longer.”

Sighing heavily Ignis attempted to right himself.  This resulted in terrible things happening.  He fell straight into the vampire as he was unable to support his own weight anymore.  Having his body pulled in close to the vampire Ignis wondered if maybe the giant bat wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Something strange was happening to his mind as they hobbled along the dirt path back to town.  Things were getting fuzzy but he was fighting desperately to stay awake, “What are you doing to me?” he asked after a moment.

“I’m not going to hurt you.  Relax it’s alright.  Let go and sleep.”

Ignis figured he should be terrified at being this close to a vampire, but he was oddly calm.  His feet were dragging more and more as they slowly walked.  He remembered his knees buckling and the vampires’ deep voice telling him everything was alright.  Then nothing.

----------------

The second Ignis’ body went slack Gladio picked him up.  Poor human he’d only been at the guild for barely two weeks and was already overworking himself.  Hoping his charmer spell for sleep would last Gladio took his time walking back.

Morphing into a bat once they’d neared town, Gladio was able to get Ignis up to his rooms above the guild headquarters.  Using the front door wasn’t an option as it would have led to questions about what had happened.  He also didn’t think Ignis would appreciate being carried inside like a sack of potatoes.

Ignis’ room was neat despite the appalling amount of paperwork he had lying around.  Why did the guild have so much stinking paperwork anyway?  All they did was hunt and kill.  Shaking his head in wonder Gladio gently placed Ignis on his bed.  Realizing he should probably take Ignis’ boots off started a chain reaction.

First the boots were removed, and then Gladio worried about his vest.  Of course it came off next.  Spectacles were not something one slept in so those had to go.   His belt, that was lumpy with the dagger holsters attached, and not fun to roll around on.  Astrals, Gladio had never thought about how much stuff encompassed an entire outfit.  He was used to changing when his clothes needed it and that was that.

Finally when he was satisfied with Ignis’ comfort level he buried the man in blankets.  Gladio was a pure bred vampire so he’d never known what it was like to be human.  He did know they got cold and that was not something he wanted to have happen to Ignis.

Ignis was an interesting human.  He’d arrived from the village of Tenebra a few short weeks ago without much notice.  Gladio hadn’t been in that part of the Eos for many years but he remembered it being a large community.

Merely by word of mouth Gladio had been aware that Ignis could fight.  The guild preferred him to manage their day to day operations.   This meant he was stuck fixing years of mismanagement instead of out fighting.  Gladio had recognized Ignis’ natural planning skills right away and had tried to convince Drautos to let him go on a few hunts.   The captain had always refused citing Ignis was doing hard work for the guild.  The poor human was so busy Gladio hadn’t even had a chance to introduce himself properly.

Their official introduction was less than stellar, but it did give Gladio a rare opportunity to discover something important.  Ignis was a dulcis.  When he’d shape shifted earlier the man looked like his heart was going to stop out of shock.  Gladio did the only thing he could think of at the time to try and calm Ignis down. Lick him.  Animals that licked people were cute right?

It was at that moment when Gladio had caught a whiff of something unique.  He had sniffed intently to confirm his suspicions.  Sneezing accidentally wasn’t part of the plan.  It had been enough to convince him though, Ignis was a rare dulcis.  Most higher ranking vampires craved humans of this kind.

Lore surrounding dulcis was varied and wildly inaccurate.  Some believed if you drained a dulcis human of all their blood it would grant the drinker increased strength. Gladio knew this was untrue as he’d witnessed the act centuries ago.  Nothing changed except an innocent human life was lost.  It was somewhat comforting to know that Ignis’ dwelling was in the same building as the guild.  There was always a hunter around or at least nearby.

Gladio was thankful he’d been present earlier.   Ignis had unexpectedly come down the alleyway on his way back to his rooms.  The other vampire he’d been talking to was a friend and Gladio wasn’t worried about him hurting Ignis.  However, he didn’t need the new guild advisor running in hollering about Gladio being a vampire.

This thought brought up the issue Gladio had been pondering earlier. How to get Ignis to keep his secret? He wasn’t sure not killing him was enough motivation.  Ignis was a tough character and did things the right way or not at all.  The short time he’d been at the guild operations had improved drastically.

Resigning himself for a wait, Gladio pursued the human’s book collection and selected a volume. He could at least entertain himself until Ignis woke up.  Taking a seat near to the window but not directly in front of it he cracked open the book.  Being of noble descent meant Gladio had certain abilities.  Shapeshifting was his specialty as he’d already demonstrated to Ignis.  His other skills were not as honed but still came in handy.

The charmer spell he placed on Ignis to help him sleep was always useful.  The thing he enjoyed the most was the benefit of being able to withstand sunlight.  Granted he couldn’t handle a full day in the sun, but he could go out in the late afternoon and partake in hunts.  This helped Gladio blend in with the humans and hunt the more viscous of his own kind.

Gladio was the protector of a vampire prince.  His interest in human affairs stemmed from his desire to keep his charge safe.  The more information he knew about both sides the better.  Hoping Ignis would come around to the idea of helping him Gladio settled in for a nice read.

------------------------------

Sighing contentedly Ignis rolled over and kicked his blankets away.   For the first time in weeks he felt truly rested.  Waking up toasty and warm helped, though he was starting to overheat.  Ignis didn’t normally use this many blankets.  After a moment he remembered the terrible dream he’d had.  Six it was so scary, he’d been chased by a vampire.

Stretching slowly he sat up and promptly yelled.  Clapping his hands over his mouth he stared at the vampire sitting in his wing chair with wide eyes.  The sound of stomping feet could be heard pounding up the stairs towards his room.

The door knob wiggled but it was locked.  The guild captain’s voice rang out a moment later, “Ignis are you alright?”

“Yes.” He squeaked.

“What the hell is going on?” He continued not accepting the short answer.

Ignis had his eyes locked with the vampire.  He was still alive and human so it had kept its word and helped him back to town.  Taking a risk Ignis finally replied, “I’m sorry Drautos, I stubbed my toe badly.”      

“Are you feeling okay?  It’s not like you to sleep in so late.” The captain huffed through the door.

“Late night sir, I’m sorry.” Ignis hollered back.

“Take your time kiddo, you’ve been working hard.” With that final comment the conversation ended and Ignis could hear Drautos walking away.

“Don’t forget to limp later when you see him.” The vampire offered quietly from his chair.  “Drautos will notice otherwise.”

“I could yell again and call him back!” Ignis hissed.

The vampire merely chuckled at him.  Apparently his threats were amusing, “What is your name?” Ignis demanded.

“Gladiolus of house Amicitia.”

The vampire before him had a name Ignis recognized.  He’d seen the name Amicitia on many old documents.  This was no ordinary night walker, “What is your end game?”

“Keep my family safe.” Gladiolus announced.

“How do I factor into that?” Ignis queried with narrowed eyes.

“You are smart and have access to records.  With your help I can better track the people that would cause my family harm.”

“Why would I help you exactly?”

“My family has been peacefully co existing with humans for nearly five hundred years.   I see no reason to cease that arrangement.”

“That’s it?  You like hanging out with humans and scaring the life out of them when it pleases you?”

“What?” Gladiolus frowned, “No, the only reason I picked on you last night was because you were running back here to tell everyone about me. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“You should be more careful when you reveal your true self.”

“For your information you don’t smell like a normal human, I didn’t realize you were there.”

Ignis couldn’t think of a comeback. No one had ever told him didn’t smell normal, “Do I smell bad?” he asked instead.

Gladiolus shook his head and smiled that disarming grin of his, “So will you keep my secret?”

“How do I know I can trust you?” Ignis asked since he really didn’t know how to answer the vampires’ question.

“I prove it to you.  I did get you back here safely and still human.”

Humming to himself Ignis slumped back into the bed and stared at the ceiling.  Maybe he could work with Gladiolus.  It wasn’t unheard of for vampires to be friends with humans.  Hoping it wasn’t because he felt alone in a new place and simply wanted friendship.   Ignis decided to stay quiet about the vampire in the guild, “Very well, I won’t tell anyone about you.” He sighed.

A quiet laugh and an even quieter utterance of thank you met his ears.  Looking up to see if Gladiolus had anything more to say revealed he had disappeared.  A small squeak garnered his attention and he spun around to its source.  A small impossibly fluffy bat sat near his partially opened window staring at him.  Ignis could swear it was smiling but that was ludicrous, bats didn’t smile.  It squeaked again and then flew off into the afternoon sun.

Ignis eventually got his thoughts in order and got up to go back to work.  Taking Gladiolus words into account he limped around his little office until most of the guild members had gone home.  Drautos would give him a sympathetic look anytime he passed by.  The memories of his encounter with Gladiolus flooded his senses for the rest of the night.   Wondering when they’d cross paths again Ignis focused on his work. Burying himself in mountains of paperwork seemed to be the only avenue of distraction that worked.

[tarotdeckshuffle]

Hello! First off, I love your writing, your stories are so great!

🥰 thank you so much, Anon! That means so much to me!!

I love this request!! I’m so excited! It should be so cute! 

And I love including everyone! It lets me know that everyone gets a little something, regardless of what tags you’re trolling lol (I’ve been there…)

Noctis

Would simply want to relax after all of the stress of a royal wedding.

Somewhere tropical and soothing.

The two of you spend a lot of time in chairs on the beach taking naps.

And get up late everyday...spending much the rest of the morning in bed.

Just a place to get away from it all.

There would be regular couples’ massages.

Tons of fishing and snorkeling.

Noctis wants to try to spear fish!!!!

And tons of walks on the beach.

Everyday has the most perfect sunset and each morning you relax in your husband’s arms.

Prompto

Whatever theme park has chocobos is where you’d go!

Don’t get me wrong, you’d have a romantic hotel and go to amazing dinners and all that jazz…

But you’re going to have so much fun with the chocobos!!!

Everything is so cute!!

Especially you, Prompto would say!

But, to you, Prompto is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.

You’d spend late mornings in bed with your new husband.

But you’d both be so eager to get to the chocobos each day!

SO.MANY.PHOTOS!!!

The two of you would find trouble, but you’d run away laughing.

Just like the whole relationship, your honeymoon would be fun!

Ignis

Ignis would want to take you somewhere historic and romantic.

Somewhere you can relax but also learn.

This man has a love for Altissa, so he’d take you there (when the city is in its prime, of course).

During the mornings, you’d visit the historic sites of the city.

You spend your days shopping at all of the best stores.

Your evenings are spent tapa hopping and visiting the best restaurants.

Ignis spares no expense for his new spouse!

Anything you want is yours!

He would get a few new threads, as well.

He’d make sure there are plans to relax.

Massages, facials, hair treatments.

Anything you wanted to do.

But his favorite thing are mornings spent staying in late with you.

Then sitting on the balcony watching the sun rise over the harbor while drinking coffee.

Life is perfect with a sip of coffee and you in his arms.

Gladio

Gladio would sweep you away to an alpine escape.

Somewhere high above the world where the evergreens grow.

You two have a cabin all to yourselves.

Where each day you go out to take walks together, hand in hand.

You see nature outside each day, possibly for the first time in your life.

The wind sings through the pine needles, lulling you to sleep.

You’ve never seen Gladio so relaxed!

He’s so attentive here!

Every moment he can, he sweeps you off somewhere alone.

You’d also learn something new.

Possibly skiing, possibly rock climbing.

You have never felt so free in your whole life, as you admire your new husband.

Together, you are on top of the world.

Ravus

If you married Ravus, it would be as low key as he could manage.

For him, a honeymoon is more of a state of mind than a place.

But if there was a place you wanted to go, this man would take you.

Every minute he’d spend with you.

And he’d want you all to himself.

You’d see him more relaxed than you can even imagine.

One of your fondest moments is dancing with him in the middle of the room, both of you in your socks, to an upbeat song. You started it, but the song and your joy were infectious, so he joined in.

From then on, he’ll always smile when you play that song and dance with you if he has the time.

You’re just ordering take out because you’ve found yourselves in bed...again.

You see him smile more than you ever have before.

Maybe you’re halfway across Eos, maybe you’re in Tenebrae, but wherever the two of you are will make it the best place in the world.

Luna

The wedding would be one of the biggest events in Eos.

You’d take an “official honeymoon” to a beautiful palace, but it wouldn’t be special.

After it all died down, you’d go somewhere, just the two of you.

To a cottage outside a small town on the coast.

Listening to a cold ocean break across the rocks below.

Humming songs together.

Waking up to soft mornings.

Becoming rosy cheeked on wine in the evenings.

Your days are filled with laughter and kisses.

Taking walks along the beach.

Bundling each other up against the winds.

Buying flowers and sweets in the village for each other.

Here, she finally relaxes,

And you can breathe.

Time moves just a bit slower.

The world waits beyond the shore,

But for a few days, you’re just two people, deeply in love.

Cor

Two words: road trip.

Cor has an old motorcycle that he hasn’t gotten to use in years.

The two of you would pack a backpack with the simple necessities and just...take off!

You’re going to see Lucis with your love!

You spend some nights in old motels, some at campsites.

But you see the small towns and cities of the country.

You meet the most wonderful people, sharing in new foods, songs, dances, and stories you’ve never heard before.

Spending each night in your husband’s arms.

Sure you don’t always have the most privacy, but that’s part of the thrill.

The complete freedom the road gives you is invigorating.

Cor even lets you drive, sometimes.

You’d get into trouble, but never enough to worry either of you.

Together, you feel unstoppable.

Nyx

Nyx doesn’t get a lot of time away from the Glaives, so he’d try to make his time away as special as he could.

It’s not the most romantic getaway, but he’d take you to Galahd and show you what was left of his home.

He’d show you the river he played in as a child and the bar he and Libertus ran.

You’d visit his sister’s grave and pay your respects.

You’d set up camp on the beach and play in the water with him.

He never realised you hadn’t seen the ocean.

He’s a fish in the water, holding his breath for what seems like ages before popping up to scare you.

What was once a source of heartache for Nyx returns to a place of fondness and laughter in his heart, thanks to you.

One day you’ll return here, together, and start something new.

Ardyn

“Oh, my darling, the whole world is ours. So, where shall we begin?”

You may not yet know the truth to Ardyn’s words, but he does.

He doesn’t like places that are “too hot” (sunny).

“Well that wouldn’t be a problem if you didn’t wear ten layers of clothes.”

“Oh, getting eager to undress me, darling?”

You’d head to the great, dark North.

No one else is here and no one else can reach you.

The base is prepared thanks to Ardyn setting up everything before your arrival.

It’s even...posh.

He’d make sure this outpost feels absolutely luxurious, decorated in lush fabrics and dark reds.

You can bet he’d be a clown around you.

Like when you walked in and found him on the lounge, only wearing his hat strategically placed and a rose in his mouth.

But you’d be treated as royalty the whole time, often carrying you off at his slightest whim.

Delicious food is ready for you and your every need has been seen to.

Every night you watch the Northern Lights dance outside.

One of your greatest gifts is watching Ardyn’s awe at seeing such colors wash through the sky.

Ardyn has prepared the base for a “few extra days” in case your visit should run over.

It does.

You never want to return to the daylit world.

But you know that the comforting darkness will return to you in your husband’s arms.

Aranea

Aranea is actually very romantic after getting married.

She’s still so thrilled that you’re with her that she’s on cloud nine.

A candy apple red Niflheim airship is parked outside a bamboo shack on an island somewhere.

Aranea’s armor is replaced with a swimsuit and skirt.

You’d go swimming in the ocean together, getting into splashing wars.

She can’t cook so she brought lots of ready made meals with her.

But you can so you make campfire grilled fish on the beach late at night.

Watching from each other’s arms as embers drift up to join the stars.

You’d spend loads of time in bed...if you actually made it to the bed.

The snide comments still come, she wouldn’t be your love if they didn’t,

But Aranea laughs more than you’ve ever seen, before.

You share kisses of salt and love in the ocean.

After a blissful time, you must leave.

But when hard times end, Aranea will steer her ship for that little shack, bringing you back to one of your favorite places.

[unofficialkfamtranscripts]

KFAM - Episode 1 - May 1, 2015

View in Google Docs

[podcast intro music]

[Soft jazz music]

Chet Sebastian [Mellow] So then Charlie Parker pulled his gun, but, hey, that’s jazz, right? This has been Chet Sebastian’s Jazz corner. Thanks for listening, and stay cool, cats.

[Rock intro music]

Sammy Good evening, I’m Sammy Stevens and you’re listening to King Falls AM. That’s 660 on the radio dial. This is my first show. Hell, its my first day in King Falls! so let’s talk about it, shall we?

[CENSOR BEEP]

Sammy And I think we just set our first record on the show, ladies and gents. Getting bleeped in the first thirty seconds.

Ben Language. We’re family friendly.

Sammy It’s 2 AM, Ben. *small laugh* I mean, I think we can probably give hell a pass.

[BEEP]

Sammy Okay, new rule: if it’s part of Carlin Seven[1] or derivatives of: bleep away. Other than that, let’s cool the censor jets, Ben. Uh, for all you listening out there, I’d love to introduce you to our producer, Benjamin Arnold.

Ben That’s okay.

Sammy We’re live, Benny.

Ben It’s Ben. And I-I just- I don’t wanna, ruin the, journalistic integrity o—

Sammy Of this show? We’re an AM late night talk show.

Ben As I was saying: I don’t want to ruin the journalistic integrity of myself, Sammy.

Sammy Oh, it’s besmirched. It's solidly besmirched. So, why don't you just, uh, make use of that mic, and pull it up, and have at it?

Ben *sighs* [bleep]

Sammy *laughs* Alright, you’re here with Sammy and Ben. Not Benjamin, not Benny, but Ben. Uh, he’s my producer, our journalist-with-integrity, and uh, professional censorist.

Ben *laughs* Oh, man.

Sammy As I was saying kids, it’s my first day on the job here, my first day in town, and I’d love to open up the phone lines to you, our lovely King Falls listeners, and talk about this beautiful little place.

Ben [proudly] It is nice, isn’t it?

Sammy h- Nice doesn’t even begin to describe it. I mean, the little shops, the scenery. It's literally a mountain Mayberry.[2]

Ben Oh, you have no idea! We’ve been voted best small town in America six years straight by the King Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Sammy … The town voted the town, Best Small- Town in America?

Ben Oh yeah! There was a ribbon presentation, a parade down Main Street. Six years running.

Sammy I’m not sure that’s the way it works, Ben.

Ben Couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world.

Sammy Alright, now, wait a second. You were talking to me right before the show started, and it’s your dream job to be one of the great journalists of all time. “Cronkite. Brokaw. Ben Arnold.”

Ben That’s the dream! That-that’s the goal.

Sammy But you can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Ben [awkwardly] Well! Let’s be fair. There’s-There’s the King Falls Gazette, there’s- King Falls AM, of course. Even those clowns over at Channel 13. If you knew King Falls, you’d know that everything you ever need to talk about, is right here.

Sammy Huh. Well, you know, maybe you’ve got a point. I mean, worst case scenario, you’re gonna have a great perspective on the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Ben [excitedly] Actually, I’ve had a great perspective for the past three years! And last year? I got a seat next to Mayor Grisham. *pleased huff* I could see that velvety blue ribbon being cut.

Sammy Alright, alright. Riveting stuff, Ben. But you know what, before we open up the phone lines tonight, to uh, talk to you folks for the first time, I’d like to take one hot minute and just send a special shout out to a new friend of the show, Deputy Troy, uh, Craiger, Kroger?

Ben [disdainfully] Kreighauser.

Sammy That’s the one! Now, Deputy Troy could’ve dropped an elbow on me with the long arm of the law when he pulled me over this evening.

Ben He pulled you over?! *chuckles* Wow. I thought his car was just decoration. What the heck did you do that he pulled you over?

Sammy Yeah, okay. It was the weirdest thing. So, I’m running late, and I can’t miss the first show, right? So I’m gunning it. Over the mountain, through the woods, no time for grandma, and uh, you know, maybe I’m just not used to the winding roads up here, but I get-I get a little lost and my phone zoinks out and I got no GPS, I got no Apple Maps (not that anybody’s using it) and—

Ben Don’t tell me- Sweetzer Forest?

Sammy That is exactly where! How-How did you know that?

Ben Oh, it gets everybody! The listeners know that. Legend has it, there’s an apparition of an old general that changes the directions on the signs so he doesn’t lead his troops into one of the bloodiest massacres in King Falls history.

Sammy Cool story, bro, but, there wasn’t a sign.

Ben That’s a new one! Thinking on his toes. I like it!

Sammy The ghost?

Ben Whoa! They prefer apparition. Like, when you call a dwarf a midget, and it’s not cool?

Sammy Okay. So you’re telling me that instead of just getting lost up in the hills, a ghost—

Ben Apparition.

Sammy *chuckles* An apparition, was screwing with me?

Ben That's one hundred percent what I’m saying. It gets everybody.

Sammy … Right.

Ben You don’t believe me? They don't have apparitions in the Big City, Sammy?

Sammy Not that I’m aware of, no.

Ben *scoffs* Let’s go to the phones. King Falls, our new pal, Sammy, doesn’t believe in the Sweetzer Forest apparition. 424-279-3858.

Sammy Okay now. I’m not saying I—

Ben [cutting him off] Phone lines are already blowing up! Uh, let’s see, I don't know, oh-uh, line six! Deputy Troy.

Sammy Deputy Troooy!

Deputy Troy [laughing] Y'all should’ve seen it. General Abilene got him good.

Sammy General Abilene? He has a name now?

Ben You never read about Abilene’s last stand? What are they teaching you Big City kids? [making a point] Well, why’d you pull him over, Troy?

Sammy Okay, obviously , I was going a little too fast for my own good—

Deputy Troy I sure didn’t see no speedin’, Benny.

Ben [flatly] It’s Ben.

Deputy Troy Sammy looked like a dog chasin’ its tail for for damn near twenty minutes! Guy was just goin’ in circles. Looked like he was lappin’ the field in the King Falls 500!

Ben Sound familiar, Sammy?

Sammy Circles? No. I mean, I took a left here, and a right there. It couldn’t have been more than a minute or two before Deputy Troy threw up the ol’ red and blues.

Deputy Troy Try twenty minutes. If I hadn’t’a intervened, it’s a fact we’d all be listening to ol’ Chet blow that horn for another couple hours. You gotta watch out for the general! He’s sneakier than a honey badger in a bee hive!

Ben See?

Deputy Troy Ah hell, [low siren in bg] I think I just saw one of the William’s boys just ding-dong-ditch ol’ Ms. Baker. [faint tire squeal] I gotta go boys. [quietly in bg] Ah, son of a b[bleep]! That little mother[bleep]!

Sammy Well, on that note boys and girls, [click] we’re gonna pay some bills and keep the lights on in our little cabin we call a radio station. Ben and I will be right back after a message from our sponsors.

[Car horn, tire squeal, sound of car crashing]

Announcer voice Uh-oh! Have you recently been in an automobile accident!? Are you tender over a fender-bender?

High-pitched voice Owwwiee!

Announcer Don’t let the insurance company fool you into just unscuffin’ and buffin’! Let Rosenburg, Rothchild and Dirk get you the settlement that you deserve!

Caveman voice DIRK GET YOU MONEY

Woman [singing jauntily] ♫Iiif you got your car smashed by some jerk, call Rosenburg Rothchild aaand-♫

Caveman DERRRRRK!

[KFAM music]

Sammy Thank you folks out there for listening to AM 660, home of the King Falls AM. So, you’ve heard our story, now let’s hear yours. Give us a call here at the station. Today’s topic: King Falls. What do you love? What should I know as a new resident? Give me your on-air Yelp reviews. 424-279-3858, or tweet us @kingfallsam.

Ben Line 3.

Sammy You’re on King Falls AM.

Line 3 [Low, gravelly] The producer was right.

Sammy Um, I’m sorry?

Line 3 You shouldn’t make light of the spirits.

Sammy [incredulous] The spirits?

Line 3 Down Sweetzer forest, you jest about the spirits, but you’ll come to regret it. That��s a fact, Big City.

[click, dial tone]

Sammy Oookay, uh, so. *mildly disturbed chuckle* We’re taking your calls, kids. Tell us what you love about the Falls, your likes, your favorite things to do and see—

Ben Orrr, maybe your favorite run in with General Abilene!

Sammy Uh-huh.

Ben We’ve got Finn on Line 7.

Sammy Finn?

Finn [perpetually excited] Oh, yeah! It’s Finn! Thanks for takin’ my call! How ya doing tonight, Sammy!?

Sammy *chuckles* Well, we’re doing alright, thanks for—

Finn See, I’m an over-the-road driver. I drive the big semi-trucks- loggin’ mostly, ya know?! And I have to tell you guys, I absolutely love it every time I drive through King Falls!

Sammy Well, alright! Now, why do you think—

Finn It’s just a beautiful town, isn’t it!? Scenic, and quiet as a cemetery!

Sammy [softly] Is it that quiet?

Finn Don’t you know it! I usually run through about three- four in the mornin’. The town’s just sittin’ there off Route 72 like one of those Thomas Kinkade[3] paintings. You know the Thomas Kinkade!

Sammy Yeah, of course. He’s the uh—

Finn All the twinkle-twinkle lights, pretty-as-a-picture. You know!

Ben We know!

Sammy Do you ever make your way into town, Finn?

Finn I haven’t ever gotten to stop, yet. Other than Rose’s diner, off the exit? But I can rreeally imagine settlin’ down and doin’ all the towny stuff with the family, ya know!?

Sammy *chuckles* Well, you know what? Next time you’re passing through, you swing on by the station and say hi, Finn.

Finn O-can-do, friends! Lookin’ forward to that! Holy SH[bleep]!!

Sammy [alarmed] Finn? Finn, are you alright?

Finn I’m dandy! But I just saw the biggest light-show-hullabaloo I ever seen! Looks like that Captain EO[4] laser light show at the Disney!

Ben [confused] Captain EO?

Finn Lit up the sky like the American Independence Day fire shows!

Ben [still unsure] Fireworks?

Finn Yeah! You know! It’s still going! The night looks- like the day!

Sammy Ben, can you check outside?

Ben On it.

Finn I-I-I’m gonna let you go! Too much goin’ on to be phonin’ into the show! [door closing in bg] Y-y-you fellas take care!

Sammy You too, Finn. Uh, you know, keep it between the lines, buddy.

Finn You know it!

[click]

Sammy [muttering] Uh, okay, how do you d- work this- uh. [normally] Line 2, you’re on King Falls AM.

Line 2 [lisping, kind of] Hey Shammy!

Sammy Heh-howdy! Give King Falls some love.

Line 2 I jush wanted- I jush wanted to call- I’m jusht a really big fan. A Big fan- I mean big.

Sammy The show just started minutes ago.

Line 2 [awkwardly] Yeah, this show’s- alright too… But I’ve been following your days since you were Shotgun Shammy!

Sammy [slightly nostalgic] Oh wow, Shotgun Sammy. *chuckles* Where are you located?

Line 2 Ohhh here and there. It’s a localized global world now! With the internet and technology. I just wanted to say, *awkward laughter* “Hi.” It’s just so- I love the show.

Sammy Well, thanks for listening. [door closing in bg] And we appreciate it! What was your name again?

Line 2 [shouting] Shotgun Sammyyy!

Ben [eagerly] You gotta see this! That truck driver wasn’t kidding! The whole place is lit up like- Christmas! or- something. Uh- Is anyone else out there seeing this? Look, the phone lines are on fire, man.

Sammy Uh, Line 1, you’re on the air.

Line 1 Hey guys, yeah, I’m- I’m, uh- I’m seein’ it the same as you are.

Sammy Well, now, who are we talking to?

Line 1 Oh, sorry, uh, Tim. Tim Jensen. I’m heading home from work out on Route 72? And I’m-I’m looking at the lights.

Ben That looks like the direction they’re coming from.

Tim  Yeah, there’s no doubt about that. They’re-they’re right on top of the old mill down off- Clower Street. It looks like- you’re looking into like, three different suns.

Sammy Three?

Tim  Yeah, these, uh- rainbow- lights? I-I don’t know what you’d call ‘em. They’re coming from these three triangle-shaped thingies.

Ben UFOs?

Tim  Hey- Hey. I did not say the “U” word. I said Triangle. Shaped… Thingies.

Sammy [glibly] You know, a technical term.

Ben W-w-what’re the triangles doing, Tim?

[eerie sci-fi bg music]

Tim  They’re just hovering! I’d say maybe two or- or three stories up off the ground? [getting slightly nervous] They’ve moved on past the mill now.

Sammy Wh-wh- Can you describe—

[deep, ominous, pulsing whir enters music]

Tim  Wai-wait. Hold on a second, they’re- they’re moving closer to the road I think.

Sammy Alright, you are our eyes, Tim. Tell us what you see.

Tim  [absently worried] The hell is that thing doing?

Sammy Be careful out there, Tim.

Tim  It just turned the other direction, and-and- and crossed the road. Couple hundred yards ahead- I-I’m gonna slow down.

[whirring stops]

Sammy Describe, if you can—

Tim  It just stopped! [music stops] Right above the road!

Ben Stopped? W-what’re-

[whir]

Tim  The lights just changed direction again! It’s definitely heading this way!

Sammy Turn around, Tim.

[slow, building whir]

Tim  Oh hell, th- they’re coming fast! Guys!

Ben Get out of there, Tim!

Sammy Ben, call Deputy Troy. [deep whir growing in volume] Stay safe out there Tim!

Tim  Ah sh[bleep] They’re-they’re right above me! I-I can’t see! [whir is louder than voices] The lights! NO! [loud building buzz/zoom, like a racecar accelerating] NO! NOO! *SCREAMING*

[silence]

[dial tone]

Sammy Tim? Hello, Tim? Can- Tim?

Ben [solemnly] Line’s dead, Sammy.

Sammy *heavy sigh* O-okay, uh folks, we’re just gonna take a quick break here. Uh, we’ll be right back to take more of some of your King Falls favorites.

Ben I-I’ve got Troy here.

[quietly in background: Sammy: Troy, hey are you listening to this? Ben, can you try to dial line one back, please?]

[rock outro music]

[CREDITS] King Falls AM is a production of the Make Believe Picture Company. For credits, as well as more information about King Falls AM, you can find us on Twitter @kingfallsam, on Facebook, and at kingfallsam.com. Thanks for listening to 660 on the radio dial.

References:

[1] Carlin Seven - Seven dirty words to never say on air (sh*t, p*ss, f*ck, c*nt, c*cks*cker, motherf*cker, and t*ts)

[2] Mayberry - A fictional small town featured in “The Andy Griffin Show”

[3] Thomas Kinkade - “The Painter of Light”, a popular American artist, known for his paintings of pastoral scenes, cottages, and the like, often with lit windows. (There are a lot of puzzles featuring his work)

[4] Captain EO - a 1986 American 3D science fiction film that was shown at Disney theme parks from 1986 through 1996. The movie stars Michael Jackson, was written by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film was shown as part of an attraction with in-theater effects.

[gabrieldespinoza]

Town of Apple Valley closes animal shelter, reduces services

Town of #AppleValley closes animal shelter, reduces services

Apple Valley, CA – March 17, 2020:  Effective today, the Town’s municipal animal shelter is closed until further notice.

Animal services staff will continue to provide for animals within their care, however adoption services will not be available. Intake of animals will be closed to the public.

Animal Control officers will respond to emergencies only, including for injured or stray…