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worstloki · 4 years ago

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Wait...ATLA AU with Waterbender!Loki, and FireNation!Asgard. Mayhaps the spirits are more relevant in this AU, so people especially blessed by non-main/non-elemental spirits (so anyone other than La, Tui, Agni, uhhh Guain and Shu are the earth kingdom ones I think, and The Autumn Lord or air) can have some manipulation of Qi, but it works differently and is very, very rare, depending on the power level of the spirit, a bending blessing can last 1 generation without renewing it through more bending blood, or like 20 generations but it skips a few. So you can have Non-bender (but actually water bender Loki), or Insert Cannon Spirt that can give him some shape shifting blessed and maybe still Water bender but figures that that out waay later Loki. This ask is a little bit of a mess, but just Water Tribe Loki (who’s stuffed full of ‘water Tribe’s are barbaric’ propaganda) Living in Fire Nation Asgard.

because Loki, like me, simply must be the center of the universe:

- Asgard is the fire nation, obviously, and Odin has 3 kids: the fire-bending lightning-bending prodigy daughter, the spare fire-bender who is good but not as good who will strive to do what his father asks because Father simply must be right (even if he’ll realize later and switch sides), the non-bender who is the dishonorable family disgrace who freaks out and makes a run from home when he realizes he can water bend and neither of his parents can and realizes he was adopted? stolen?? and is maybe the avatar and oh frick Odin’s razing the other nations trying to find the avatar and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

- The “air nation” can be four temples/realms (svartalfheim, alfheim, vanaheim, muspelheim) which were wiped out on by the last Sozin’s comet, so the cycle moved on to the water nation (southern water tribe/jotunheim) (northern water tribe/nifleheim) and there ain’t no way he’s going there those people are barbaric monsters... aren’t they?

- he joins a Midgardian (earth-kingdom) circus road-trip that’s touring across the realms (yes, he juggles) that’s actually just the Avengers and maybe they’re all non-benders? maybe some of them are? None of them are too flashy but Loki’s trying to observe the mix of bending styles and pick up on bending techniques without making it too obvious that he’s not a non-bender

- cue Loki getting in touch with the Earth spirit and getting some neat blessing gifts with bending and now he can Earth bend too and suddenly BAM Thor attacks the circus and Loki water bends to defend his circus friends from his fire and they make eye contact and Loki is so scared/devastated at having to go up against Thor who is angry at Loki for leaving home and has been tasked to retrieve Loki - the water bending throws Thor off and in his confusion Loki freezes him to the ground and apologizes and runs for it.

- now the circus folks are all “um, dude??? the prince of the fire nation just attacked us and you didn’t tell us you could bend?? what’s up with that???” so he tells them he may or may not be Fire Nation Prince Loki and they all feel betrayed because “those colonialist jerks??” but Loki explains how he’s actually a water bender... and may also be an earth bender... and they’re all totally on-board with the avatar returning because it’s about time and the earth kingdom is on thin ice with them (ba sing se is Svartalfheim btw) and yes the reason we’re a mix of benders is because this circus is actually the white lotus the avengers and were touring the realms to low-key try finding the avatar who is supposed to be the saving grace and end of this war please

- now the circus folks are helping Loki meet all the other nation spirits (yes they venture into the terrifying Jotunheim and Nifleheim while searching for the spirit (”what do you mean you don’t know where the spirit is?? how’d you find the last ones??” “I only met one!! and it came to me!!” “well I guess we’re stuck searching everywhere in this frozen wasteland then”) and additionally he only gets to meet the spirit who grants him the bending after he accepts parts of himself and others (for example, the water bending was a result of him finally realizing that he didn’t stand a chance at the throne and it wasn’t until every shred of hope that Odin could one day be proud of him was gone that he was messing with the turtleduck pool and maybe saw the water spirit in the reflection and bent water) (the earth spirit comes to him when he accepts that there are people that will still be proud of him and he can move on with life because the circus folk like him for who he is and were excited when he successfully landed a bunch of throwing knives on targets and decided on that as an act he can do)

- The circus folk are also trying to teach Loki what little they know about bending btw since he’s admitted to copying and mixing their techniques together (he does all the bending in one style and yes it’s as chaotic for the opponent as that sounds because you can never tell what he’s going to bend) but there 100% has to be an episode where he steals the water-scroll

- Thor chases them down and Loki can bend water now?? and he’s just trying to bring Loki back like Odin asked him too and then one time he catches up to them and Loki panics and bends Earth too and Thor realizes and stops fighting and tells Loki to just go. Thor goes back to the Fire Nation and argues with Odin and calls him out because Loki is the avatar?? he’s from the water tribe?? and he feels betrayed and does the Zuko-Ozai-Black-Sun-Speech-Without-The-Black-Sun about how neither Loki nor Thor need to prove themselves and he won’t tear this family apart any further (Frigga is in fact an absent mother here btw) and then Thor goes and chases Loki down over weeks and saves him (blue mask hero?? except... feathered-helmet hero??) from Fire Nation soldiers who got their hands on him and the circus folk are NOT happy to have him around (air bending comes to Loki when he finally forgives Thor for being an arrogant self-righteous meanie to him for years because Hela is attacking them now and this is so much worse and Thor gets his eye burnt by Hela and Bruce isn’t that good but he can water-bend and heal a bit so it’s not too bad and he takes a moment to breathe and goes for a walk and BAM air spirit)

- they get attacked a few more times, loki tries getting over the trauma that is realizing the harm that the fire nation has done to all the other realms (and thor is learning this too by the way so when hela attacks you bet they try mentioning the damage and loss of culture the fire nation is resposible for even if she doesn’t care because she’s the heir she needs to be perfect because her two brothers weren’t and look what happened to them they were exiled and live with a blasphemous blend of peasants (and rich-kid-metal-bending-earth-nation-runaway-royalty tony (”WHAT?! SO THAT’S WHERE YOU GET THE MONEY?? I thought you were scamming people not selling cool metal toys and what are we doing that attracts all these royal snobs to us??”))

- Loki has a dream where the fire spirit tells him to keep searching and then one day Hela goes to burn Thor again and Loki just goes ahead and fire bends right back at her and hoo boy his fire isn’t blue but it sure is a lot and Thor does the “........YES!!!” thing and Hela gets stuck in a ring of fire while everyone else laughs and leaves and she can’t lose so watch as her “close friends” end up not being ty lee and mai but the valkyries (the kyoshi warriors are the Red Room Assassins in this AU and no it’s not a childhood torture house it’s just a mostly-women midgardian protection group (maybe Nat trained there so if the circus ever bumps into them she’ll know them? Jane should get to be one of them too even if she’s more into inventing... she and tony should Talk... maybe she and Pepper can beat him up and give him some Respect Women Juice the same way Sokka got his?))

- epic chase across the realms since Loki can bend all the elements now he just needs to figure out how the Avatar state works but until then the gaang is struggling to stay ahead of the Valkyries and get Loki trained up to take down Odin (Thor teaches Loki fire bending so that’s covered but no one else except Tony who is a metal-bending expert really learnt properly and Loki isn’t even a metal-bender)

- eventually Hela snaps from all the losses and as she becomes more unhinged Brun jumps sides and Hela kills off (or fires, if we’re staying PG) the rest of the Valkyries and now Brun is super guilty but she’s fighting to avenge them now

- blah blah blah Sozin’s comet day and Loki goes up against Odin with the help of the Avengers (maybe Thor can take down Hela with the help of Brun and Nat?) etc. etc.

- so anyways Loki takes Odin’s fire bending and that was the first time he’s entered the Avatar state and when everyone asks how it felt Loki goes “oh i’m not the avatar”

- “you’re WHAT” “not it” “but you JUST went into the avatar state and everything” “yeah and kyoshi gives good head pats but I’m not it” “but-- you mastered ALL THE ELEMENTS?!” “yeah because I was gifted them by the spirits” “but you needed to renew the cycle after it was gone from the world for so long--” “nah I think the spirits just liked me and wanted me to have it” “they... just... like... you...??” “yeah” “so you actually ARE a non-bender Brother??” “oh yeah definitely I was, but not anymore :)” “so you ARE the avatar”

- [twenty minutes later] “I just went into the avatar state and they just told me i’m not it” “...this happened while you were in the avatar state though???” *shrugs* “eh” “don’t SHRUG this off is there an actual avatar out there or no???” “maybe the real avatar was the friends we made along the way” “shouldn’t we go find them???” *cue everyone setting out on another grand quest to find the ~actual~ Avatar*

#ThisPostIsLongerThanMyLifeSpan #TPILTMLS #okay so Avatar!Loki AU but also not #just because #I hope you didn't expect a short response #I may have gone overboard #just a bit #just a small tad teensy weensy bit #now if only someone would write this #I love the idea of Loki being a water bender living in Fire Nation Asgard though #like... the drama #Loki would have a Thor-1-worthy breakdown upon finding out #he'd jump to conclusions and be right #and then when he actually meets another water bender it'll be BRUCE and he's NICE #loki's going to be getting whiplash #the entire show is going to be like Zuko ALone with the learning except Loki isn't alone

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bluepenguinstories · 4 years ago

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Remoras Full Chapter XIX: Sunspots

We were all gathered by a campfire late in the evening, far off from where any landmarks were, let alone the diner. Up above was a blanket of thousands of stars in what illuminated an otherwise blackened sky. If not for the fire, we may not seen one another very well. As a whole, it was a pleasant scene of roasted marshmallows on a stick and friendly laughter. Well, most of us roasted marshmallows. It was a point of contention for one spunky little green-haired scholar.

“No way!” She shook her head. “Those things have gelatin in them! Gelatin’s made from animal bones and junk!” She protested, all while having her arms crossed.

Seated next to Demetria was the reluctant center of attention, Remora, who for some reason had changed up her hair (yet again) to a short, light blue wig. When asked about it, she said something like, “I was feeling nostalgic.”

For the record, that was the most romantic answer she could have given me, as all too often I’m nostalgic about little things like that as well. Like how sometimes when I would see an arctic fox, I would be reminded of the red pandas I saw during my expedition to Nepal a few years back. Or when I would open up my dresser drawer, see a pair of hooped earrings, and remember those drunken nights when Ray and I would dress up in each other’s clothes.

As for those two, I was rather surprised at how close they were to each other. Yes, they were at each end of the log they sat on, with some space in-between for Tigershark to squeeze in, but just the fact that they were near each other at all came as a shock.

Remora reached behind her and pulled out a couple of packages from her bag.

“I figured that would be the case,” she replied to Demetria, with regards to the marshmallow refusal, “so I packed some mochi. You can roast those by the fire, I’m sure it’s like the same thing.”

Demetria’s eyes grew wide, as well as her mouth, and she reached out her hands.

“Gimme! Gimme!” She chanted.

“You know,” Ray informed Remora with a devilish smile on his face, who appeared to be in much higher spirits than he was just a week ago. Then again, it could have been an act, but the effort was appreciated all the same. “You could have gotten marshmallows without the gelatin. They do sell those.”

“Well, then,” Remora crossed her arms. If it weren’t for the smile (even if it was accompanied by her signature shiver, and the smile itself was made with quivering lips) I would have found her response pretty typical. “I learned something new.”

I spied Demetria try to stick a piece of mochi onto her stick. Meanwhile, Tigershark had her marshmallow in for too long and the thing caught fire. She started to wave her arms around, the stick going all over the place, which put Demetria in a panic as well, as she flinched and backed away.

“Aaa –! Aaa –! It’s getting all burnt!” Tigershark wailed. For all her strength and experience, she was still a kid, after all.

Remora kept calm and leaned forward, then blew on the marshmallow. Soon, the fire went out, and Tigershark took a big bite. Oh, and then she spit it right out.

“Ack! Hot!” She stuck her tongue out.

All the rest of us laughed, which did not amuse Tigershark in the slightest. She put her hands on her hips and frowned.

“I was scared, guys! What if I got set on fire? Huh?” She demanded, and I had to bite my lip just to keep from letting out another chuckle.

“You know I wouldn’t let any harm come to you,” Remora’s voice softened, almost a smoothing whisper.

“Aren’t you the one who would let her run from your place all the way to the diner all by herself?” Ray asked.

Remora looked away, as if to avoid any blame. Though rather uncharacteristic of her, since she was usually the one to tout how honest she was.

“Correction: Ray won’t let me let any harm come to you,” she turned to face Tigershark once again and told her. Tigershark ran over to Remora and jumped into her lap, where she curled up and lay.

“Hey! Not fair!” Demetria protested. In response, Remora smiled.

“You can be next, if you want,” she offered. I really felt like speaking out then and there, asking what might have prompted this sudden friendliness between the two. It wasn’t like I was against it, but...I found it odd, OK? However, I decided to let things be and not say anything.

“Wait, really?!” Demetria sounded as surprised as I was.

“Mhm, if you’re tired enough. Though once you’re ready to rest, it would probably be best to go rest in your tent.”

Meanwhile, Ray reached behind him and pulled out some graham crackers and a bar of chocolate.

“Let it be known that I’ve also come prepared,” he tore open the packaging and handed me a cracker. “Hun?”

“Hell yeah!” I pumped my fist, ready to make the sexiest s’mores ever.

When Ray and I would roast marshmallows, we had a delicate touch, and kept it by the fire just long enough for the marshmallow to turn bright orange. Sometimes, however, I would get a little out of control and stack three or more on the same stick and once they were all burnt to a crisp, I’d shove them in my mouth, then take a handful of marshmallows from the bag. That warm, gooey taste, mixed with the soft, pillowy taste...I couldn’t get enough. In all seriousness, marshmallows was one of my favorite tastes. I wasn’t satisfied until I could feel that gooey substance run down my mouth.

On the other end of delicate, Ray had much more restraint. He’d sit, leaned over with the stick right above his knee and turn it each way, in a slow and careful manner. He’d smile and after a few seconds, would lift up the stick and place it between the graham crackers. Every motion he made seemed to be with a purpose, with nary a sound to be heard from him. When I watched him, I got the sense that, like many things, it had to be just right to him, and it was as if he spent many a night mastering the art of marshmallow roasting.

For this particular night, I had indeed stacked four marshmallows onto the stick and roasted them at once, though they all ended up in varying degrees of burnt. I put those stacked marshmallows in between my graham crackers, and broke the chocolate into two halves, one at the bottom, and one at the top. After the completion of such a s’mores tower, I passed it over to Ray, and he passed his to me, and we each took a bite out of each others’ creation.

“Hey!” I snapped my fingers and a fierce grin sprouted across my face. “I’ve got an idea! We’re camping, right? How about we tell each other scary stories?”

Both Remora and Demetria shook their heads. Ray turned to me.

“It doesn’t have to be a scary story, does it? We could talk about anything.”

“Oh, you’re right!” I thought over what I’d like to talk about, then got a brilliant idea. “What if I told you guys how Ray and I met?” I looked around. That didn’t get much of a reaction from anyone.

“Don’t you know the rule, dear? If you tell a joke three times, it stops being funny,” he sounded cautious, even with that smile of his.

“I don’t care about funny! I just wanna give it a try!”

He shrugged, “go right ahead.”

I cleared my throat.

“So picture the scene,” I began. “It was an empty street in the middle of New Orleans, I was just a lone vagabond trying to find my way. Some folks here and there gave me some coin, and like the young fool I was, I took that money and headed into the nearest bar. Now, back in those days, good looks could get you far, and believe it or not, I was quite a looker –”

“Still are!” Someone yelled, but I wasn’t sure who, as I was lost in the tale I was weaving.

“So I sat at the bar, all these guys vying for my attention. Some girls, too. I ignored them all, because all I wanted was to get drunk enough to fall into a daydream. I told the bartender just that, I said, ‘hey bartender! Give me something that’ll knock me into a daydream!’”

“As I sat and wondered what drink I would be served, I glanced over to my right and lo and behold was a guy in a blue suede suit, or maybe it was black satin. I couldn’t really remember, I must’ve drank the whole bar. That bit’s not important, though. Rather, it was the fact that he looked down and tilted his glass with a pensive look in his eyes. Seeing as he was one of the few not to go for one of the regular ‘lemme buy you a drink, sugar’ and ‘I just came back from the dentist and I’m ready to tango’, I decided to strike up a conversation with him.”

“I said, I said something like, ‘what’s a guy like you doing in a place like this?’ And he looked over and said plain as day, ‘just lookin’ for my next hustle.’ I continued to try to chip away at his fortified heart, as I could tell there was more going on. So I said to him, ‘your eyes tell me you’re a tortured soul.’”

Ray, the one next to me in the present, by the fire, stopped me before I could continue.

“Dear, while I’d love to know what happens next, the structure of these ‘how we met’ stories has to adhere to a simple formula: make it just believable enough to be true, but include little fictional bits here and there. It must both be outlandish and down to earth throughout.”

“Hey! I was gonna include some weird bits!” I crossed my arms. “I just wasn’t done yet.”

“I’ve got one!” Tigershark got up and scooted over between Remora and Demetria. “Then while you guys are talking, a dinosaur shows up and destroys the bar, and you two have to fight the dinosaur to save the day! Everyone cheers and you get married!”

I blinked, and I was pretty sure Ray did as well. We both stared at Tigershark who brimmed with excitement until we couldn’t help ourselves and laughed. She grinned and shot her arm in the air once more as if she were a student in a classroom begging to be called on.

“Can I just say that’s how you two met? Yeah?”

I don’t think it would have been very fair to deny her request, so I just smiled and nodded.

“Sure. It’s a lovely thought,” the words that slipped from my mouth were as warm as the fire itself.

Tigershark, seeming satisfied, yawned.

“I think I’m getting sleepy,” she announced through her yawn.

“Get plenty of rest, little one. Remember to stay warm,” Remora bid Tigershark well and the tyke shimmied away just behind and into the confines of the tent, where a thick and layered sleeping bag would welcome her. According to Remora, the tents themselves were well insulated and would keep us all warm, which she told us all that, “warmth is the most important thing.” Maybe she just said that because it was the one thing she was unable to feel.

At times, I wished we could all have a “Freaky Friday” moment so that her and I could swap bodies and I could figure out whether or not cold was the only thing she knew, or whether it would matter whose body she was in.

I turned my attention to Ray, who had one hand on his cheek, his attention turned to Remora.

“I think I know what it is about you that’s changed: you’re more comfortable around us than you used to be. Could it be that you’ve come enjoy our company?” He asked, with the inquisitive look that was so easy to get lost in.

“You know, I’m not really sure. Rather, I think this is how things should have been since the beginning: a relaxed atmosphere, with all of us working off of each others’ strengths and balancing out our weaknesses. It doesn’t have to be us getting along, but I admit in the beginning I was apprehensive, standoffish, even. I must’ve come off real angry much of the time, when in reality, I just wasn’t used to the company.”

“Well, it’s not like you didn’t have a good reason to be in the beginning,” my observational beloved replied. “You were somewhat of a hermit and a hunter, and there I showed up, out of the blue and under false pretenses of you being someone else.”

“Indeed. But it wasn’t as if I didn’t know said person, so you lucked out in a way.”

He raised his arm and looked down on it, then commented, “in other ways, not so much…”

“Whose fault was that? Hm?”

I sensed an argument brewing.

“Gee, I wonder,” he shot back. “Seeing as you’re the one who shot me.”

Demetria gasped. Did she really never know that? Well...she did now.

“It was a warning shot. At the time, you seemed suspicious, and I have a right to defend myself, no? If anything, you’re lucky you survived at all.”

“C’mon, you two, what happened to ‘I’d like for us all to get along?’” I snickered, while I stacked a few more marshmallows onto my stick.

Remora sighed. “Yes, you’re right. Thank you, somehow the party animal is also the voice of reason,” it appeared I too was hit in the crossfire of passive-aggressive jabs. Her attention then turned back to Ray. “Now that you mention it, what were the events that led to us meeting under those pretenses of yours?”

“Ah,” he looked up at the night sky; I couldn’t help but wonder if among all those stars, Astraea was in there somewhere. “Well, you know I’ve had some pretty weird people come through my diner, yes? Folks claiming to be time-travelers each with their own unbelievable stories to tell. I’d hear chatter about this woman named Rhea Flection. How she was this dangerous killer who had an icy cold stare and was this unstoppable, but quiet force. Then rumors started to float that she was around here, even though others commented about how she had died not too long ago. Even though some were relieved, others weren’t convinced. Some were scared, some were hoping the rumors were true, so they could kill her themselves out of revenge for something, or just to say that they could.”

“As for me, I rather enjoyed all the things I heard. I’ve met professional killers before, so I figured I’d have pretty good chances of working out some business deal with her. Of course, I did my research beforehand. I’d like to believe I came prepared, and I suspected there was a chance I’d get shot, though I wasn’t looking to die that day, so I had a chip implanted which would protect me from the special bullet she used. I figured she’d aim for the heart, though the chip must’ve dulled my sense of reason just a tad, because I forgot to bring any protection for the head.”

“And your hand,” Remora added.

“Yes, well, who would’ve thought?” He looked down at his hand. Ever since returning home, there would be occasional moments where he would complain that he could feel a stinging sensation. “Of course, it was probably for the best that it was the hand, as the way her bullets were said to work were that they would split upon contact and function as explosives, instead. So a blow to the shoulder, for instance, may not be such a guaranteed death sentence in other cases, but with one of those bullets, half of your body would have been blown to bits. So what the chip did was keep the bullet from splitting, and that way it could just zip past. However, I still should have gotten my hand treated, but that’s old news at this point.”

“He’d tell me about all the stories he heard about her, too!” I chimed in. “I thought it would be pretty cool to meet someone like that, even if I thought the chances of such a thing working out were slim. Like, hey, I thought, ‘maybe we’d hit it off and we could wrestle or something’, I dunno.”

“Oh sure, you hear rumors about a contract killer and your first thought is, ‘gee, I wanna go at it with her’?” Demetria scoffed. “Dunno ‘bout you, but that sounds ridiculous.” Irony sure could be delicious.

“So yeah,” Ray summed up. “I thought I could work my charisma and convince her, if that person really was her, to fulfill those little requests that Sunny and I would do, so that I could focus on the restaurant. That, and I figured that under my watch, she’d be safer from those trying to kill her.”

Remora had a dull glare on her face, as if she had parsed through everything that was said and was at a loss for words. Which wasn’t unusual for her, but even still, it seemed worth mentioning.

“To sum it up, you approach me expecting to be this other person, and your whole intention was to exploit me for your business? Yeah, I think even if I was that person, I’d have been just a tad bit miffed. Of course, you told me your intentions at the time, so it’s not like much of this is news.”

“Yeah, and I recall you refused the first time,” Ray reminded her. “I just want to let you know that if you decided to be with us because you felt obligated after I helped Tigershark recover, you should dispel such a thought. If at any point you feel like leaving, you are welcome to. You owe Sunny and I nothing.”

Remora hung her head low and smiled as she shook it.

“Whatever the case may be, I’m glad we’re all together in this moment. From here on out, I’d like to be more open, so feel free to ask me anything.”

That was quite a leap to make, a leap I wasn’t sure she was so ready to take. But it was at least admirable to make an attempt. As I released my marshmallows from their fiery prison, I tried to think up questions. There were all sorts of things I could have asked, things that could have meant little to nothing. That’s the problem, isn’t it? Now that there was the freedom to say anything, it was hard to think of anything to say.

Ray must have felt the same, and he looked down, hand on chin, lost in thought. It was Demetria who opened up the dialogue.

“While we’re on the subject, you said you knew Rhea. Well, knew of. I remember you saying you never actually saw her, but how much did you know about her? Besides the merciless killer stuff. Like, did you ever hear what her mannerisms were like? Or how she was outside of killing?” She began drilling Remora as she looked at the calm and shivery tall lady with a serious expression, all the while kicking her feet back and forth against the log and her tone, rather than the way the question was phrased, seemed to suggest that she wasn’t so much interested in Rhea as much as she wanted to paint a clearer picture of her.

Each of those things seemed to stand in contradiction to each other, yet I couldn’t help but be reminded of my talk with her during out trip to the temple. How I tried to get her to want to know more about Remora outside of the narrow image in her head. I wondered if Demetria was fond of that memory as well.

“I was hoping to avoid such questions,” Remora sighed. Well, it wasn’t so much a sigh so much as a profound, stretched out groan. “Gee, how do I answer this…”

“Sorry, you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Demetria backpedaled. I wanted to be like “no, go on. Answer,” but that didn’t seem right.

“No, I will...hmm…” She thought her words over, then continued. “I think the thing is with the job those people had, always being on the move, target after target, cleaning up messes others left behind, it can get really blur together. They’d stay in cheap motels, or find spaces to take shelter in, but never really had what could be considered a ‘home’. Not to say that was the case with everyone, I’m sure some had places they went back to in-between jobs. It wasn’t too wise, because in such a line of work, it was all too easy to make enemies. Of course, there was also the headquarters we’d all meet up on occasion, and there were rooms for each person to rest in, much like the guest rooms at the diner.”

“I see,” Demetria replied. “How does this relate to her specifically?”

“Well, I imagine she didn’t have such a place, nor did she like to hang around the headquarters. Rather, she was the busybody type, never not on a mission. Little time to relax and if she was swift and merciless, it was only because she must have thought ‘let’s get this over with and move onto the next one’. The way people talked about her, I don’t think she was the angry type, just someone who wanted to get the job done. But that kind of life, not having a home, the only interaction being a violent one, it can get lonely.” As a sort of an afterthought, Remora added, “Not to say that I was lonely, though.”

Demetria nodded.

“Right, because you’re a different person.”

“But yeah, that kind of person, defining your life by your work...makes for a boring person, don’t you think?” Remora asked in a rather rhetorical manner.

“Perhaps,” Demetria looked down and sounded kinda wistful. “But if such a person was so boring, why are there people still interested?”

“I ask myself the same thing sometimes,” Remora replied. “I’m sure you were expecting me to tell you about her interests, or how she acted, and really, I’ve got next to nothing. I know people liked to joke about her, and say she talked like a robot, but I don’t really know. I might have heard at one point that she liked the Frozen movies, though I’m sure she only wished the lyrics to ‘Let it Go’ could apply to her.”

“I don’t get it.”

“There’s nothing to get. Not to say that the past should stay dead, but she’s dead and I find it’s easier to focus on who’s still alive.”

It was Ray’s turn now. After all that listening, he voiced his question:

“Do you have words you live by?”

“Sure,” she shrugged. “I believe that life is what you make of it.”

“Is that really what you believe? Or are you just saying that because Tigershark might be awake and you want her to feel good?” He pressed.

“Indeed, it’s just as you say. In truth, life doesn’t work that way at all. Sometimes there’s a shitty situation, something downright awful, that you can neither control nor change. No matter how you try to spin it, it won’t help you. Sometimes you just need to accept you’re in a shitty situation and one shouldn’t be blamed for reacting accordingly. Some pain heals, yes, but if you’re in the moment of receiving such pain, I don’t think you should be expected to grin and bear it. If you need to cry and scream, then do so. It’s not pessimistic to be aware of how bad things are and life isn’t going to care about your attitude toward it.”

“Interesting,” Ray nodded. “Whether I agree or disagree is irrelevant, but I can see why you would have such a point of view.”

“Some holes can’t be dug out of,” Remora added. “And it wouldn’t be fair to expect someone to dig themselves out when they don’t have a shovel.”

“Still, I think the whole ‘what you make of it’ just means that life is open to interpretation,” Ray replied, which I couldn’t have agreed more with. My life has been full of happiness, but also hardships. For what it was worth, it was the present moment I felt best about, but there had to be a series of events that lead to this moment as well. Moments themselves were such a limited setting.

None of us could see far past our current surrounding, yet we all knew too well the dangers that could lurk. Being out in the dark, our only source of light being a flame, carried a risk. Likewise, my thoughts must have carried over into the environment as a sudden and brisk wind pushed past us.

“S-So cold!” Demetria breathed out the words through her teeth as she rubbed her hands together and shivered.

“That’s how it is for me all the time,” Remora looked over. In response, Demetria shot up and pounded her chest.

“Oh yeah? If you can handle it, then so can I!” She announced, so proud, though the gusts almost pushed her off from where she sat.

“You shouldn’t have to handle it if you don’t have to. It’s also not something that I’m used to; only that I have no choice, as I live with it.”

Just as soon as it came, the breeze died down, and although the temperature had not gone up, it was one less thing for us to worry about. There was a great lull between the four of us, as if any topic we could have found to speak of had died out. In its place was a maddening silence where not even the crackle of the fire could be heard.

Remora was the one to break the silence, just as she had done more talking over the course of the night than she did since I met her.

“You’re probably thinking the same thing as me right now, aren’t you?” She glanced Demetria’s way, and in turn, Demetria nodded.

“Indeed, but I don’t think it’s such a good idea with other people watching,” she spoke with such a seriousness for something that was in most likelihood not what Remora was thinking.

“No, not that,” Remora shook her head.

Looks like I was right on the money with that one. Still, what could she be thinking about?

“Oh. Right. The other thing,” Demetria replied, then looked around. “It’s unusually quiet right now.”

I blinked. That’s what it was? A case of “it’s quiet. Too quiet”?

“It is?” I asked, rather dumbfounded. “I mean, we can hear each other talk right now, can’t we? And if there was any danger, I’m sure we’d hear it.”

“That’s the thing – It’s not us we can’t hear. It’s the environment. There should at least be something, right? An animal moving, the trees rustling, anything. Even the fire I can’t really hear. It’s just us, and I don’t know about you, but it’s pretty creepy,” Demetria remarked.

Remora nodded.

“It may not mean anything, but it comes off as a bad omen, nonetheless. We should get some rest soon, but let’s be on our guard.”

Then, the seriousness wore down and Demetria hung her head low.

“Sorry about the other thought,” she apologized.

“Don’t worry about it,” Remora reassured her, then let slip a chuckle. “Mainly it’s impractical.”

“Wait, what were YOU thinking about?!” Demetria balked.

That prompted Remora to break into a hearty laugh, and she concluded by saying. “Never mind it.”

“Okay, seriously,” I couldn’t keep it held in any more. “Did something happen between you two?”

Demetria looked up and tried to do a whistle, but it was clear she never learned to whistle, as it came out as just an exaggerated blowing noise.

“We had a private moment in my room, but I won’t say any more on the matter,” she folded her arms and looked away in defiance.

“Basically we just talked,” Remora then went on to explain. “And yeah, I’d rather not discuss the contents, but when I said I wanted to get along with everyone, I meant everyone.”

I opened my mouth, as I still had questions, but Ray stopped me.

“It’s getting late, and some mysteries are better left unsolved, wouldn’t you say, dear?”

“You’re right,” I relented. Damn it, I was too curious to let it go, but I knew I needed the rest. “Goodnight, you two.”

It was just the day after Ray returned from the hospital that preparations were underway. He had told me the plan that he and Remora discussed while in the hospital, though much like the talk she had with Demetria, I felt it best not to disclose any details. In fact, I suspected that part of the ‘talk’ Remora had pertained to the mission at hand.

In any case, more details were out in the open the very next morning, when Ray looked through the stack of papers with requests and came across one about an abandoned mine. He read it aloud, then muttered, “what’s this?”

Remora then gathered us all together and announced that she had been the one to make the request.

“I’m willing to give you guys all the money I have if you investigate this mine with me,” she stated, and I placed my hand over my mouth as I tried to act surprised.

“Just for that? What for?” I did my best forced gasp I could come up with.

“Simple: I know for a fact that mine wasn’t there before, yet somehow it exists now, and acts as if it had been there this whole time. As if it has a history here. Sound familiar?”

“Don’t remind me,” Demetria growled, something I found atypical for her, but she must have had that mansion incident in mind.

“When I first came across it, it was in disrepair,” Remora elaborated. “I could see little caverns and pathways inside. There’s no telling how it is now, but there’s something not right about it.”

“So we go together, investigate, and if anything comes up, that’s it, we’re done?” I tried to sum it up.

“More or less. But I also suspect that those monsters we saw, no, have been seeing, has something to do with this. If possible, I would like to put an end to this.”

“Well what are we waiting for?!” I raised my fists in the air. “I’m all pumped and rarin’ to go! This is right up my alley!”

She shook her head.

“It’s right up everyone’s alley, and if my suspicion is correct, then no person alone, me included, would be equipped to go. However, it’s a fact that we all have varying degrees of experience and some of us are more fragile than others. With that in mind, I want to make sure we’re all prepared before we set off. I’ll give you all until the end of the week. Does that sound fair?”

We all agreed to it, although I wasn’t really sure a week would have been long enough. That said, I didn’t know how much time would be needed to prepare us all.

Throughout the week, I caught glimpses of Demetria practicing acrobatics: rolling around outside, climbing the sides of the house, jumps from side to side. Little things like that. At one point she had gotten on the roof, and before I could yell at her to come down, she had jumped off, and landed in a slide. Needless to say, she still fell, but the damage was little more than scratches. Owe it to the soft ground, I suppose.

Tigershark and I practiced in the basement, where I set up some punching bags for us. When the weather was nice enough, I’d grab a baseball from the attic and I’d tell her to try to hit it as hard as she could without the hammer, and not to worry if it missed, just to keep trying to hit as hard as she could. I didn’t think she understood the purpose, but I could tell she still had fun.

Also from the attic, I grabbed my old lasso. Yes, was it really such a surprise at this point? The comparisons to Indiana Jones were already overwhelming enough, and that wasn’t even the reason I got into the thing. It was just that when I was a kid, I liked to pretend I was a cowboy and wrangle up anything around the house. Many ceramic and glass vases were broken. Then, when I was about Demetria’s age, I would go around urban exploring. Things kinda escalated from there…Anyway, for the finishing touch, I fitted myself with some elbow pads.

Then there was Ray. I asked him what he had been up to, which he stated that his role was more minimal than the rest of us. He wouldn’t elaborate, and I was fine with that. Some things didn’t need an explanation.

Once the day finally came, we all met in front of the diner. Each of us had some kind of weapon, Ray included. He held an old rifle, and Remora, surprised, asked about it.

“You know, I’m something of a sniper, myself,” he replied with a smirk on his face.

“Oh really?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a soda can, then tossed it into the air. Just as he did that, he aimed the rifle toward the can and squinted, then shot it.

“It’s all about accuracy,” he stated with a shrug, then fastened the rifle on his back. “Anyway, I don’t expect too much from me.”

Before we even made it a few paces past the door, Remora stopped us.

“I should warn you all right now, this will probably be more than a day’s trip. I’ve packed multiple tents and sleeping bags which should keep us all plenty warm, but if any of you aren’t ready to make the trek, I suggest you stay home now.”

Demetria raised her hand.

“Yes? You want to stay home?” Remora inquired.

“Not that. I just want to know, where are these so-called tents?”

Now that was a question I didn’t think to ask, but in hindsight, probably should have.

Remora pulled out a couple of cubes from her pocket.

“Think of these things like pokeballs. Inside one of them are four compressed tents. The other holds five sleeping bags. When I press and release this button, they will spring forth.”

“I don’t understand, but at this point, I can’t say I’m surprised,” Demetria responded. After that, we got a move on. What followed was a long walk which seemed to go nowhere, and we remained undisturbed throughout. Every now and then I noticed some wolves, or foxes, but they didn’t disturb us, and ran off after taking a look at us. Tigershark couldn’t stand walking very far, so after a while, she’d ride on Remora’s shoulders. Then my shoulders. Then Ray’s. I think she was just being passed around like a hot potato.

Once the sun started to set, we set up camp out in a spot that looked way too convenient: two logs right next to each other, and fallen branches all over. Remora and I pushed the logs apart from each other, Tigershark and Ray gathered sticks to throw in a pile, and Demetria lit the fire. After we had a light supper, Remora released the tents and sleeping bags from the cubes, and just as she said, they appeared, fully formed and everything, before us.

Now that the night had come to an end and all of us were in our tents after marshmallow roasting and various conversations, I couldn’t help but feel just a little on edge. Funny, huh? Such a relaxed atmosphere and I really enjoyed us all getting along, but at the same time, it just felt wrong.

I turned to Ray.

“Are you sure we can trust Remora?” I asked in a near whisper.

“It’s not a good idea to trust anyone,” he mumbled, half-asleep. To his credit, he managed to add, “you’re cool, though.”

“Thanks, but I ate the last bagel the other day,” I admitted. Through sheer force of will, I got back on topic. “OK, but why did you agree to this if you aren’t sure of her intentions?”

“Mostly just to see if I could still find any enjoyment out of things like this. What about you?”

“I thought it would be fun. It’s not really you or I that I’m worried about. It just starts to get complicated when there’s more people involved.”

“That it does,” he agreed.

I didn’t know what bothered me exactly. Maybe it had been silence earlier. Or a general sense of uneasiness. But it was the journey, not the destination, after all, and where was the fun in being certain of everything?

However, she seems like the type to abhor uncertainty.

I let that thought simmer before it faded away, as I drifted off to sleep.

In the morning we continued onward. All of our stuff was packed away, we shared a light breakfast, and stretched before making our move.

It must have taken about an hour with little resistance from the weather when we finally approached a cave off the side of a cliff. At the entrance was a door all boarded up with the words written “turn back now – none may enter.”

Really, a simple “private property” would have been enough, not that any of us would have listened.

“Well, you read the sign, let’s go back home,” Demetria’s words rushed out in a fearful flurry, accompanied by swift gestures for us to go the other way.

“If you want to, by all means,” Remora joked.

“Oh no! Nu-uh! No way! I’m not saying I want to, I’m saying we all should go, I mean, the sign even says so!”

Despite her protests, the rest of us pulled the boards apart and Tigershark pounded her hammer at the door until finally, it broke open. From the new opening came a cloud of dust which prompted us all to cover our mouths.

Once the dust faded, we all walked in, though Demetria was reluctant.

“Will you do it for a Scooby Snack?” Remora joked.

“Not funny,” she groaned back.

“Aw, I thought it was funny,” Remora shot back.

At last she followed us in, and I heard her mutter, “you already know what snack I’d do it for.”

Throughout the mine shaft, there was a faint, blue glow that kept us from being in total darkness. We all looked around at every moment and listened for even the faintest of sounds. No signs around me pointed to the place being used as an action mine; no tracks, incomplete or otherwise. No carts. No pickaxes or other left behind equipment. The only sure sign was the boards overhead, with deep enough cracks to signify that the place could collapse at any moment.

Then the growls came. Faint at first, but in varying pitches. Yet so far, there was still no movement other than ourselves. Now Remora was more cautious as well, and her shivering seemed to grow more intense. She turned to Demetria through stilted motions.

“Keep Tigershark safe,” she told her.

“You can count on me,” Demetria nodded and assured.

“I know I can,” were the last words spoken before three beasts, similar to the ones we’ve faced before rushed in from three different directions; one entered from the right, another the left, and the third straight ahead of us. We prepared ourselves right away, with Ray and Remora both backed behind a pillar on each side of the wall, I stood with the lasso, swung it around, then flung it forward as it wrapped itself around the neck of the beast in the middle. I tugged at the lasso and watched as the beast fell and slid against the cave floor.

Both of the beasts on the sides were shot at the same time in the heads, and they too fell. Tigershark was about to rush in to whack the beast that I had lassoed when its head lifted up and opened its mouth wide to bite into Tigershark. Demetria grabbed the hood of Tigershark’s parka and pulled her back.

“See, this is what I was afraid of,” Demetria let loose a heavy sigh.

It pushed itself back up to its feet and reeled its head back to yank away at the lasso. I held on, and tried to tug back at it, but its strength proved to be too much.

“Damn it, and here I thought things were going to be easy,” I winced. Seeing as my weapon was now taken from me, I saw no other option: I cracked my knuckles and gave off a grin. “Looks like it’s time to bring out the ol’ fisticuffs!”

All three of them stood once more and let out an unearthly roar. While the others were blown by the force, I charged through and gave the beast with my lasso around its neck a good uppercut, which knocked the creature back. One of the other ones tried to swipe at me, but I held up my arms and the elbow pads blocked any such damage the creature would have inflicted.

Tigershark and Demetria worked together to fend off the one which had taken my lasso. Likewise, Ray continued to take shots at the creature to the left, which did little more than slow its movements. Meanwhile, Remora rushed into the creature and pulled out a pair of metallic claws and strapped them onto her hands. She rammed her weight into the creature and dug the claws into its side, which made it let out a shriek which sounded like numerous animals (primates, dogs and cats alike, lions and birds) in pain, but not any one animal that beast resembled.

I kept my attention on the beast which continued to swipe away as I saw no opening to fight back. Then, a blast erupted which tore off the creature’s head from the rest of it, and chunks of its body flew out. She stood near me, with her own rifle in hand, and had shot its neck. I was lucky not to have suffered any damages, myself, but the resulting blast knocked me down.

As I got back up, I noticed the shrunken eye of the remaining creature’s skeletal head look Remora’s way, and upon noticing that the others had fallen, it ceased fending off the two little ones, which I never did get to assess the damage they made, and fled.

“No,” Remora growled. “Not this time.”

She chased after the fleeing creature, and the rest of us followed behind.

“There might be more where those came from,” Ray cautioned. “Let’s continue to watch out for each other.”

“Oh, I’m sure at this point, we can take ‘em!” I boasted, rather proud of what little I managed to get in, even if I didn’t land the finishing blow.

But, to our relief or disappointment, the path ahead was linear. No other creature appeared and there seemed to be no pathways on either side of us for any to enter from, which raised the question as to how two of them managed to appear from the sides.

Out of breath, we managed to catch up to Remora, and we all stood in a wide clearing in the cave. No other opening seemed to exist, and all around us were stone columns connected from the floor to the ceiling and stalactites overhead.

“It’s a dead end…” I muttered.

Which means the mystery continues to remain unsolved, with even more questions remaining. We haven’t yet figured it out, and the only answer I saw was “this isn’t it”.

“Come on, let’s go,” I urged Remora. “There’s nothing here.”

Not even a treasure of some sort. At least a clue as to anywhere else to go would’ve been nice, but nope. No such thing.

“No. I refuse to believe that. There’s no way that thing just disappeared. I won’t accept that,” Remora said at last, her voice taken on a dejected tone.

I felt the need to urge her more, something I never thought I’d have to do.

“Look, this trip has been fun and I know you wanted to bring an end to this, but there’s always another trip. We can figure this out together,” I did my best to sound encouraging, but it really seemed like at that point, not a word would budge her.

“This has to end,” her voice raised just a little. She sounded more resolute than before. “Now.”

I was torn. To her the destination must have been the most important thing, but I didn’t know how else to get around the fact that there was nothing left to see. It wasn’t like we could leave her there, either, not when she had the tents, and the trip back would also take more than a day.

We were at a literal standstill, and it wasn’t until she spoke up once more that it seemed like we were finally ready to head back.

“I really am glad you all are gathered here,” her icy and dispassionate voice spoke otherwise.

I nodded. So was I, and with any hope, everyone else was glad to share such a trip together as well, even if the end proved to be fruitless.

#writing #slice of life #camping trip #adventure #relaxing #action #mystery #remoras full #fiction

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adventurous-blob · 5 years ago

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Episode Gladio commentary!! Here i go!!

Imma go easy since its my first time also thATS WHAT SHE SAID

anyways, difficulty and immaturity aside, time to begin.

Kay so Gladio's episode is 'bout self discovery? dudes just pissed Ravus beat him I guess? I mean, fair enough but he leaves noctis and they go do like a dungeon and it's just?? It all seems really chill considering he's the Kings shield.

Eh, non-sensicle rambling aside.

Okay so im guessing its gunna be like Gladio telling the story which i'll be playing- neato.

"Just a scratch, the other guy got off a lot worse." Yeah, uh, suure.

"Worse than looking like some kind of thug?" Damn Noctis, chill your beans bro.

Oooo 'Blade master', can't get a title cooler than that, right?

Oh gorsh,,, I suck at controlling Gladio,, This'll be interesting...

Yep. This'll definitely be interesting. Even with the tutorial.

He's just casually sat surrounded by voretooth corpses, as you do.

"Are you mentally prepared?" Cor, sweetie, Gladio seems to just be a 'suck it up, buttercup' type i think he's subconsciously mentally prepared even when he isn't consciously.

"Unless i get more power." Gladio you sound like Vergil from devil may cry, just don't stab yourself with a big sword and go power mad, yeah?

Cor is so serious,, but like he's sort of soft too,, like you can see he cares by what he says and stuff, y'know?

its like 'You go fight that thing you probably aren't strong enough to fight yet!! but stay safe too! don't want you dyin' on me!!' except, more like Cor would say it.

I feel like i've heard the name Gilgamesh before?

Gosh i love Cor and Gladio so much,, they're stronk boyos.

"Alright i've got this." Yeah!! yeah you do!! Thats the spirit Gladio!!

oh uh i've only just noticed but there are bodies everywhere... hecc...

Okay they're alive but also dead now i killed them. Also,, the soundtrack?? that battle music?? hell yeah, thats some good stuff.

Ooo waterslide!!!!

Eheheh Gladio rode the snek. ooo this is spoopy...

Wait we made it to the blade master already?? wha??

Ah okay i was meant to fail against Gilgamesh, that was a little frustrating at first...

"If you do not fear death" yeah i fear that Gladio lets lEAve

"So the blademaster..."

"He's a master of blades. What-- where you expecting something profound?"

coming from someone who plays mainly rpg games i expected it to be something with flying swords? like bahamut except smaller and weaker y'know?

also are we inside a tree??? the whole of this so far and like chapter uhh 4-5 (the one where they're in the crater, i apologise for poor memory lmao) just reminds me of devil may cry 5.

Awhhh, they're eating Cup Noodles togetherr,,

oh hecc yes SAVE.

Option: tell me more

My brain: tell me More, tell me more, tell me mo-o-ore, but Gladio singing it.

imma throw hands with Gilgamesh how dare they deem cor unworthy he's a stronk bean

"Keep your eyes and ears open."

*open area appears*

Me, immediately: I don't like this.

Bdhshjdndjs tHEY DID THE THING!!! Where Cor jumps on Gladio's back and then brings down a strike on the enemy!! Aaaa teamwork is so great!!!

"do you have the strength to survive these trials?" uh I sure hope he does

*looking at a body stabbed into the wall*

You okay there pal?

Sword stuck in the ground: *has the option to touch it*

I'm sorry but my whole play through of final fantasy I couldn't take most things gladio said serious because I'm immature and kept making dirty jokes but this,, this right here has to be the peak point where I could make a dick joke or say 'i dunno that's pretty gay Gladios.'

"hand holding stops here" no Cor stay please ;~;

Sometimes I hate the combat in this game, not because I think it's bad,, just,, gladio,,, in enclosed spaces,, with lots of foes,, it's not good for camera angles.

Ah yes. Touch the glowy thing. That's ALWAYS a great idea!

The soul keeps calling Gladio "young warrior" and sometimes I forget Gladio is like only 23? Like I dunno, he seems older? But at the same time?? It's like right? I dunno? Maybe it's his looks or personality who knows.

COR!!!! HEYA!! :3

"you wanna know why?" I mean, hell yeah. duh.

Awh he's worried bout Noct but i agree tbh, plus, Noct is fine they're just fighting that big dragon thing with Aranea!! :3

okay i can hear growling and snarling thats never good, but maybe its just a big puppy?? No??? awh okay ;~;;

Gladio with a gaint pupper would be adorable

ANYWAYS i'm getting side tracked again oops

I CAN SWING COLUMNS?? HELL YEAH!!!!

Can i just use columns to defeat the blade master? just like 'You might be the blade master but iM BOB THE BUILDER' and just yeet a column at him??

Every column i see i just want to yeet now. In honour of yeeting columns, i paused and made a poem:

my nam is Gladio

and am strong

i hav sword

i tri do no wrong

when wyvern hit

and i do poor damage

it seems liek

somethin i must manage

so when wyvern

has me beat

i pick up a column

and i yeet

hope you enjoyed.

bACK TO THE GAME!!

tOuuCh the soWoRd

HELL YEA COLUMNS TO YEET!! ALSO WHAT IS THAT IT LOOKS COOL!

bdjdndj i want an enkidu now they're so cooll!!!

toucH the gLowly

yOu Can BREAK THE BOXES??? HELL YEAH!!!

Actually Cor can i go home please??

also pft the soul like "Yeah well i knOw betteR." i can't.

however, i can yeet column at this bandersnatch and i will.

i picked up a column after the fight and i dunno how to put it down so i guess Gladio has a Pet column now. Imma call it stony.

NUH i got rid of stony ;~; see you in the afterlife stony.

The way Cor describes the blademasters eyes makes me think of Kakashi from Naruto with his sharingan.

also Gladio's confidence and positivity give me life.

final chamber- this is it!

a red giant?? really?? damn it.

i have my headphones on full and the soul just said "Come here to die, have you?" and it made me jump

"You looking to die again?" Gladio is not having this souls bs

it's talking about Cor and i am ready to tHROW HANDS,,, Cor is bean.

Cor giving Gladio a final warning but not stopping him makes my heart feel weird,,,

Awh that lil grin, Aaa the "Come back alive, be safe Gladio." has me soft™️

"He'd better be ready for me." Uh, Gladio, thats whAT SHE SAID!

Oh hecc here we go!! Heya Gilgamesh!! Time to defeat you!! :3

Gilgamesh isn't actually thatbhard to fight??

oH SO NOW HE HAS AN ARM geez lemme guess he's stronger and has more health too now?

Oh look i'm right!

Okay yea he's a lot stronger i don't like this but Gladio can do it!!! I believe in him!!!!!

Also after realising a tactic i have defeated Gilgamesh and i was right Gladio could do it!!!! :D

"I may be all muscle no mettle, but i'm gunna keep protecting Noct the only way i know how." YOu GO GLADDY!!!! I'm v v proud!!!!

Awhhh Gilgamesh is actually pretty cool dude i like him. Awhhhh he's giving Gladio his sword!! I'm so happy aaa!!

I really like Gladio and all of this and aaaa im so hAPPY for Him!!!!

AAAAAA COR LOOKS HAPPY AND GLADIO GAVE HIM HIS SWORD BACK BUT COR SAID HE COULD KEEP IT AND JSJDJEJDJDJJD I MIGHT CRY

they're just talking and its really nice and i'm not crying but i'm overwhelmingly happy for them!!

wait Gladio got the scar on his eye from dealing with a bully? damn i need to finish brotherhood, huh.

Prompto said "The more you know" and the gif popped up in my head and i'm lauGhing so damn much why is that so fUnny???

"What can I say? I'm worth the wait." Noctis,, sweetheart,, Foreshadow mucH XD

Awhhh, i'm really happy for Gladio. I'm actually really happy with that whole DLC to be honest. It was fun to play and i feel i kinda got more of a look into Gladio's and Cor's characters and such, y'know? That, plus i got better at playing as Gladio too! And getting better at stuff like that is always good! Practice makes perfect after all!

So yeah, hope you enjoyed my commentary of Episode Gladio!

#Final fantasy xv #gladio amiticia #fun!!#ffxv #Gladio #Episode Gladio #cor leonis #these stronk beans #are too pure

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felixsaussieaccent · 6 years ago

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To All The (Stray) Kids I’ve Loved Before | vi

Member: Minho/Lee Know

i ii iii iv v vii viii ix

“So, what about you?” Jeongin asked as I pouted “I got nothin.” I said. Every school in the area wanted students to choose an after school activity, and sadly, crying was not accepted. Jeongin decided to join a trot singing club, aka a trot version of Glee, Jisung and Changbin already had their rapping “club” and Yeojin was already doing gymnastics. I sighed and tried to think of what to do. I asked Seungmin, if he knew where I should go, but he advised that it would be best if I picked out the activity.

Something about actually enjoying myself in an after school activity and not just doing something because I have to or something...damn his smarts. But I did take his advice and try to think about something I was passionate about or wanted to do. Dancing came to mind and the idea stuck. I mean, there was a dance school next to my high school and everyone praised it. 2/3 being because of the dancing, 1/3 being because the teachers were apparently very attractive.

I decided to sign up at the dance school and I was very anxious for it. Mainly because it was something new and I was scared I wouldn’t get along with anyone or that I wouldn’t be good at it. My anxiety got bigger as the date of the first dance lesson approached. Dance lessons every Monday, Wednesday and Friday meant less spending time with my friends. But that also meant I would get to get away from seeing the guys’ faces, which made me want to punch them, due to my confusing feelings towards them.

The first dance lesson on Monday finally arrived and I wasn’t exactly jumping with joy. I got to the dance room where I saw many people already stretching, so I decided to do the same. “You new here?” A girl with ashy blonde hair next to me asked “Yeah, is it obvious?” I asked “Nah, just haven’t seen you around yet. I’m Minyeon, I’ve been dancing here for 2 and a half years now, I’m basically teacher level, so if you ever need help anything, feel free to ask me.” She answered “Thanks.” I replied.

I was happy there was at least one person who was nice to me here.....she seemed really friendly and I kinda gravitated towards her all through the lesson. After the lesson, she invited me to go get drinks with some of the other dancers. We went to a near by cafe where they talked about the dance school and tried to explain everything I might need to know at the dance school.

“Thanks for explaining and taking the time to talk to me about it. I really appreciate it.” I said “Nonsense. We treat each member of this school with as much respect as possible. And we try to talk to each other as often as possible so we have great teamwork.” Minyeon said “Which reminds me, I hear there’s a new teacher who’s gonna start teaching new week and apparently he was BTS’ backup dancer, so you know he both talented and cute.” She added.

As the conversation went on, so did the day, so eventually we all paid for our drinks and went home. I finally got good WiFi, as the mobile data in the cafe was garbage and the WiFi was nonexistent, which meant getting 25 unread messages from the group chat me, Jeongin, Jisung, Yeojin and Changbin are in, Seungmin and Minyeon.

Minyeon

Hey, Minyeon here! just wanted to text you, so you get my number haha. Anyway, see you Wednesday!

Seungmin

End me 🙃

This activity is horrible😒

I thought babysitting was suppose to be fun, not a living nightmare

I want my tutoring job back🙃

Please tell me your failing a class 😫

Also, how did the dance lessons go?

404! GC NAME NOT FOUND

Dessert Fox🖍❤️

Hey, what’s up, it’s your boy,.....star of trot Glee😏

Yeojin🤪💗

Glad you’re enjoying it. There’s some new people here because of this whole activity thing and they are so annoying

Squirrel Boi🐿🧡

And this ladies and gentlemen, is why you make your own club, in order to do nothing and not have to do some stupid after school activity

....

I replied to all of them before falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The next day, Yeojin was ranting while Jisung and Changbin were gloating. The whole day was just a big pain, as I felt all of the exercise pain from yesterday beginning to start, which made me come to the dance lessons on Wednesday earlier, allowing me more time to stretch and prepare.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t know anyone would be here yet.” I said seeing that there was a man in the dance room. “Oh it’s fine, I was just warming up for my next class.” He said “Are you by any chance in the same class a Minyeon?” He asked as I nodded “Aaa! My new student! Nice to meet you, my name is Minho.” He said “I’m Y/N.” I introduced myself back “I’m quite new at this whole teaching thing, so if I’m a bit weird or awkward, please excuse my behaviour.” He warned “No, it’s fine, I’m new here too actually.” I reassured. “Oh, so we’re in this together then.” He chuckled.The time went by and more of the dancers arrived, but before anyone else arrived, Minho disappeared to the teacher’s room, I’m guessing. Minyeon greeted me before starting to stretch, which was quickly interrupted by Minho walking into the room.

“Hello, I am Minho, your new dance teacher. I’m new to teaching, so I apologize in advance.” He said, making the whole class giggle, resulting in me overhearing some “omg he’s cute”s and “he’s really attractive”s. “Anyway, shall we start? Are you all warmed up?” He asked as we all nodded “Great! So let’s begin our lesson.” He clapped his hands and smiled before putting on the music and showing us the first moves for us to get the vibe of the dance. His body moved as if he had no bones and I had to admit that I did maybe check him out several times, not only during his dance but also the lesson itself.

After the lesson, I felt like I was lacking in some parts of the choreography, so I stayed after everyone left and approached Minho. “Um, one question, would it be possible for you to show some moves again? I can’t really wrap my head around some of them.” I said, with an uncertain tone. “Oh, of course. Which ones?” He asked as the “private” lesson went on. “You’ve got the hang of it! Remember, if you feel like you need any more private lessons, I’m always here, ok?” He asked, smiling again before I nodded and thanked him. “See you on Friday!” I said before leaving the room.

LISTEN

Yeojin🤪💗

Wassup, my homie

First of all, never call me that

Like ever again

Second of all, I GOTTA NEW TEACHER AND HE CUTE

Yeojin🤪💗

OMG SPILL

I explained everything to her before finally going to bed, feeling way too exhausted to stay awake for even a second longer. Friday came around quickly and my anxiety had turned into excitement. The lessons became more fun and more exciting. Minho brought some type of chill atmosphere to the lesson and it became so much fun to attend these lessons and before I knew it, our first performance was near. I was excited but also scared I would mess the choreography up badly, asking Minho for those extra lessons.

“Your hip should be-May I?” He asked, his hand above my hip as he looked into the mirror to which I nodded and gulped. He put his hand on my hip and guided my hips to the rhythm. The move wasn’t very sexual or suggestive, it was a more cute and fun dance so my heart wasn’t beating faster because of the hip movement. It was mainly because I didn’t expect him to be this close. Through out the whole lesson, he was very close, which made my heart beat extremely fast, making me confused and unfocused, causing me to trip over my own legs and falling onto the ground with a lot of force.

I felt a bit of tears start to form in the corners of my eyes and a pain growing in my leg. “Omg, are you ok?” Minho bent down to me before trying to examine my leg. “It doesn’t feel broken, it’s probably just a big bruise...hold on.” He said as he got up to go get a first aid kit as I tried to get the ends of my legging higher so I could see the bruise. “Owww.” I commented at my own leg. It looked very bad, so I tried not to look at it too much. Minho came back and started patching up my leg. Once he was done, he helped me stand up, but with my new injury, I could barely stand properly, so I leaned into him for balance, which made my face turn really red.

I called my parent to pick me up, and Minho helped me to the car. “I hope your leg feels better, but I don’t think you should come to practice, you should rest, ok?” He said “No, I have to come, just to watch, if nothing else.” I said as he sighed and agreed to my idea.

The next time I came to practice, I had alreqdy gotten a crutch for my leg, causing every one of my dance teammates to tell me how I should rest. I tried to calm their worries by saying I’m only gonna watch, as I don’t want my minor injury to effect my dancing. Minho arrived into the room and told me to sit at the teacher’s corner and observe before starting the lesson. As the team went over the dance a few times, Minho came and sat next to me.

“How’s your leg?” He asked “It doesn’t hurt that much, the doctor said I’ll be good enough to dance till next Wednesday.” I said, happily “Do you think that’s gonna be enough time to study the choreography?” He asked as I remembered the performance is the Monday after the week I can start dancing again. “I don’t know, I would hope so, but I doubt it.” I answered, my tone getting sadder with every word. “It’s fine, don’t be sad about it, there’s always next performance!” He said, trying to cheer me up “Yeah, you’re right.” I replied, looking at the ground “Hey, you ok?” He asked, trying to see my reaction “Yeah.” I looked up at his face.

It was like he was examinating my face for any traces of sadness. “I’m not leaving until you smile.” Minho informed “What are you, Gordon Ramsey?” I joked, making him laugh. “It’s good that you haven’t lost your spirit, keep it up, I don’t wanna see a frown today, ok?” He smiled at me, waiting for my answer. I nodded and smiled back at him before he turned around and started teaching again.

He was very sweet the whole class, he kept checking up on me and making sure I don’t feel uncomfortable. At the end of the class, he helped me get to the elevator. “You know, I admire your passion. You didn’t have to come, you could have stayed at home and rested...but you didn’t. I see how much this means to you.” Minho said, waiting for my reaction as we stood in front of the elevator “Thanks.” I blushed and looked at the floor “You’re cute when you do that.” “Do what?” I looked up at him while being confused and probably looking like a tomato. “Look at the ground when you’re nervous or blushing.” He answered, making me blush even more.

Before I could answer, the elevator arrived and he stepped into the small room with me. “You don’t have to, if you don’t want to.” I said before he hit the button for the main floor “Nonsense! You could get lost in this big space!” He joked, making me laugh and look at the ground again “You did it again.” He smiled “sorry I-“ “Don’t apologize, i said it was cute, remember?” He reminded, which resulted in me matching one of the red walls of the elevator. “You have something on you face.” He said as I tried to look at the mirror before he put his hand on my face. “It’s just an eyelash.” He explained as I realized how close we are again, looking down, making him realize as well. “I-“ I tried to say something, but my mind was blank. He stared at my face, waiting for any reaction before I felt his stare and looked at him. Our eyes were focused on each other and that’s when his eyes quickly made their way towards my lips and back to my eyes. Next thing I knew, he was leaning in as his eyes were closing and I panicked. I took a deep breath before mimicking his actions.

*Ding*

Right as our lips were about to touch, the elevator door opened, making us pull apart. “Oh, um, I’ll see you next lesson, then.” I said before quickly making my way out of the elevator “Um, yeah, see you then!” He said before pressing a button to get back up. I made my way to the car as I sighed and closed my eyes. So close.

Throughout the lessons, Minho still checked up on me and my leg, but there was an awkward aura everyone could sense, resulting in the members asking me about it, and me answering that it’s probably just in their minds. I couldn’t stop thinking about it though. His lips were so close to mine and he smelled so good. If my mind was like this after almost kissing him, I wonder what it would be like after actually kissing him. I tried to distract my mind and not think about the almost kiss or Minho, which was hard, as I kept staring at him during the lessons and I’m pretty sure everyone noticed.

Minyeon💃🏻

Omg, your crush on Minho is so obvious😂 calm down the heart eyes lol

For your information, i do not have a crush on him, my eyes just happen to drift towards him and then resemble hearts, ok 😤

Minyeon 💃🏻

Sure 👀

The day of the preformance finally arrived and I decided to come before it actually started, to cheer them on. I didn’t have my crutch anymore, but I couldn’t dance with them, so I felt really bad and guilty about it, even if they kept reassuring me that it was fine. Minho came into the room with a suit, making me “heart eyes” literally form heart eyes. He looked so good in that suit, that I forgot about the conversation I was having with Minyeon and the other dancers. “Heart eyes.” Minyeon teased, making the other dancers chuckle and me playfully slap her arm. It was time for them to preform and I sat next to Minho throughout the whole ceremony and commented about how no team can compare to ours.

“You call that dancing? My cats could do better!” He whispered to me “You have cats?” I said, excitedly “Yeah, wanna see them?” He asked, his tone resembling a proud mom. “Duh.” I said as he took out his phone and showed me a picture “That one is named Soon-ie and this one is named Doong-ie.” He said “Awwweeee, cute.” I awed at the two cats “just like their owner.” I whispered to myself “What was that?” He asked “Nothing” I answered, smiling. “They’re a pain sometimes but when they’re that cute, you don’t mind.” He joked, making me chuckle.

Our team preformed really well and we hyped them up so much during the preformance, some of the people near us told us to be quieter, resulting in some awkward silence fro us. After the preformance, Minho decided to treat the whole team as they all cheered. I congratulated and praised them all before making my way to the door. “Where are you going?” Minho asked “You’re apart of this team too, come on.” He added, making me smile as we went to a near by restaurants, where we toasted to Minho and the team (with Coca Cola).

He kept looking at me during the meal and Minyeon even smirked at me at times, raising her eyebrow and “taking a selfie” which was really just a sly way of taking a photo of me and Minho. She later sent me that photo, almost giving me a heart attack. “So, thank you all for your hard work, it paid off and I hope you all continue to show your passion and talent! You did great!” Minho said as a goodbye before the members all left.

“How are we always left alone?” He asked me “I’m waiting for my parent to pick me up, I don’t know your excuse.” I joked as he chuckled. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, blushing “I don’t know, you’re just real cute.” He answered, still staring. I blushed, looking at the ground before hearing his chuckle “As always.” He commented “Hey, leave me and my shyness alone!” I joked before a stranger bumped into him accidentally, causing Minho and I’s distance to minimize. “Oh, hi.” He chuckled, realizing our faces are centimeters apart “Hi.” I said back before I found myself in the same situation as in the elevator. But this time, there was no *ding*. His lips touched mine and we both just stood there, kissing for about half a minute before pulling away and looking at each other, both of us not knowing what to do or say.

“Oh, I gotta go, that��s my ride.” I said, looking over and seeing a car approach. “Ok, well, um, good night!” He said calmly “Good night!” I said before making my way into the car and driving off.

Dear Minho,

.......

A/N: y’all already know that

1. This is garbage

2. I didn’t proof read this at all

So I hope you enjoyed this, thought I doubt you did, since as I said, this is trash. But yeah I did this super last minute and I didn’t proof read so I apologize for that lmao. I’m also planning a soulmate au one shot but idk which member to write abt so hit my inbox up lmao

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aviidus-archived · 6 years ago

Note

I got guns in my head and they wont go

Spirits in my head and they won't go.

AAA staph it's stuck in my head nooowww

#ask avid #avid talks

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tumblunni · 6 years ago

Text

I had a kinda weird but nice daydream last night. It was more of a daydream cos i was concious enough for it to make a little sense, but also drowsy enough that its a bit more incoherant and Edgy than my usual oc thoughts

I just got the sudden strong imagery of a guy walking through a destroyed town and all the dead people blossoming back to life as he passes

And i kinda thought a backstory for him maybe? He's an alchemist who devoted himself so much to honing his craft that he used himself as a test subject for all the most dangerous and heretical experiments and is now barely human anymore. One detail i could remember is that he had empty eye sockets that glowed, and sometimes spurted out into huge gushing tendrils of blue flame that twined around his head and wiggled like antennae. They'd kinda replaced his entire nervous system so if he wiggled them he could just sense all the facts about an object. Spirit sight or something? And probably some cool singular claw arm in a lopsided frankenstein aesthetic or something. Basically he's nothing more than Pure Poison Itself vaguely wrapped in a human shell. Like an undead look but more like a boneless husk whose skin has turned to cracked porcelain.

The backstory behind him making so many sacrifices for science is that his mum died of the plague when he was a vvery young child and he wants to become the world's best doctor who can save everyone from meeting the same fate. And he actually achieved his goal of defeating death itself, even if all he could do was turn himself into such an abomination that he can never die. Now he's travelling the earth trying to save people even though theyre all scared of him, while also trying to figure out which mixture of the million experiments he did on himself finally achieved this result.

I think maybe he can sorta partially manage to ressurect people? Like they come back as ghosts or skeletons or vampires or something. And he's all weeping with guilt that he's sentenced them to the same monsterous life as him but then a little kid hugs him for bringing her mom back. *sniff*

Also i think maybe he has a kid sidekick that he's sorta adopted as a little sibling? They were one of his earlier attempts to raise the dead, and they got ostracized by their parents for being unholy and stuff. So he adopted them, but he's always trying to find another family that can adopt them cos he feels like he isnt good enough. Also, ghost dog!! He accidentally spilled his magically-charged abomination blood onto his childhood pet's ashes and it came back in a spooply form! I just imagined his sheer unrestrained joy and weeping as the lil guy immediately recognises its owner all grown up and jumps up all happy like YOURE TALL NOW HEY HEY LETS PLAY! This poor dude needs a little relief from his angsty life honestly. I imagine him just running around super 100% hyperactive happy with this little pupper and adoptive sibling who's never seen him not being grumpy and sad is like "oh my god he's been replaced by aliens"

ALSO!! I WAS THINKING!! YES!! THE MUM DOES COME BACK!!

I was thinking that probably using his imperfect ressurection power costs a lot of his energy and he has a problem with being so self sacrificing he always ruins his health for the sake of others. He's like 'well i cant stay dead so i may as well die as many times as possible to help people'. Him coming home riddled with arrows and collapsing into a bloody pile at his sibling's feet and then in the morning when he's still stuck in bed sleeping off the enormous pain he cant understand what his sibling is upset about. Like he has no value in himself because he's so guilty that he hasnt finished the ultimate panacea yet. Disregarding the fact that nobody even asked him to, and he's already done so much to help so many peopke!! TAKE CARE O YOU SELF, BRO!!

Anyway, where was i?

Oh yeah! Well i was thinking maybe he was doing some mass healing in a town somewhere. Cos oh yeah even his regular cures for stuff are still made with his own blood. He's like a walking vessel for every poison ever made in this world or the worlds beyond. ELDRITCH ASPIRIN MAN! oh actually it could be a cool aesthetic to have him all bandaged up like an edgy anime character

WHERE WAS I

Oh yeah! Well he's super mega exhausted from expending all of his magical energy and working until the crack of dawn. So he's stumbling home down the same usual route, but he passes out halfway there. And then he wakes up to see his mother tucking him into bed and bringing chicken soup. Like "I DUNNO IF IT WORKS FOR MAGICAL SICKNESS I AM VERY CONFUSED OKAY" Turns out that just by pure coincidence he'd accidentally found the spot where the mass grave for plague victims was made back in the day. And he's extra super mega sick now cos he subconciously reached out to their souls and ressurected them in his sleep. And he's just weeping so much cos he thought he'd never find her and he's guilty he subjected her to a life of being an undead monster too, and he's like 'dont look at me ive changed so much you must be ashamed' and just MAXIMUM EMOTION OKAY!! And also 'oof ouch my everything' cos flailing around panicness aint good in your condition, dude!

So big happysad reunion and him having the longest most peaceful nap he's had in years, lost in distant memories of her reading him bedtime stories as a child. (Maybe even wakes up as she's reading a bedtime story to little sib, and gets so emotional he wakes them up with his sobbing?) And its not all perfect, there's a bit of a rift in the way of just being perfevt family again cos well its been so long and he's grown up and its basically like meeting a new person and starting over. Yet also with all the pressure of knowing how things used to be and being terrified of messing up. ALSO there are like fifty other zombies walking around outside confused as fuck! I think maybe the mum becomes the new mayor of a weird little shanty town that springs up overnight and the neighbours are all like 'what do we do with suddenly acquiring a new trade route with another city state' and also 'AAA ZOMBIES'. Complex futures await out heroes! But i have faith that this little awkward family will make it work!!!

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sunflowersandink · 6 years ago

Text

Seasons

Part 1

Read on Ao3

Pairing: Peter Parker/Wade Wilson

Summary: In spring, the swallows come. Two days after Peter sees the first swallow of the year, he finds a plastic Easter egg on the ground. Inside is a grenade.

Or: Peter and Wade, and the development of their relationship between one spring and the next.

Words: 2251

In spring, the swallows come.

The swallows, out of all the birds, are his favorites. Peter sees a lot of birds in his line of work, probably more than almost anyone else in the city. Even the bird watchers see them most often when they’re still.

But Peter gets to see them fly, and the swallows fly like they know exactly what a gift it is.

As far as he’s concerned, spring in New York City doesn’t really start until he’s seen one.

Two days after Peter sees the first swallow of the year, he finds an egg on the ground.

This is probably unrelated to the appearance of the swallow, as the hot-pink plastic-ness of the egg seems to indicate that a person, and neither bird nor reptile nor weird experimental mammal placed it there.

He picks it up tentatively, and isn’t it sad that his lifestyle has made him so suspicious of an innocent plastic Easter egg?

He cracks it open to find a grenade.

In the next instant he’s off the civilian-riddled street and on the roof of a nearby building, heart thudding furiously in his chest. He fumbles with the device, hands shaking slightly, and finds, to his great relief and slight confusion, that the grenade doesn’t appear to have been activated in any way. He webs it five times to a structurally unimportant part of the roof just in case.

He swings back down to land on a lightpost next to where he found it. To his dawning horror, he spots pastel colors dotted all down the street, stuck in the windshields of cars, balanced in the windows of businesses, and lying on the ground beneath trees and street lamps.

“Mommy, Mommy, look! The Easter Bunny came early! See? There’s an egg!”

Peter freezes, then twists on his perch, honing in on the voice. There’s a little girl with red pigtails bouncing up and down excitedly beside her mother, a yellow egg clutched in her small hand.

“No!” Peter yelps, flinging himself off the post and towards the girl. “No, no no no no, don’t touch that!” He yanks it out of her hand, backing away quickly. She stares up at him in shock. Tears fill her eyes, and her face scrunches up. “Oh, no no, don’t cry, it’s okay,” he says hastily, cupping his hands between her and the egg. “You just don’t want this egg is all, it’s full of…” he cracks it open, and stares. “...vegetables. It’s full of vegetables.” He does his best to hide the packet of M&M’s within his hand.

Her face lights up. “I like vegetables!” she chirps.

“Of course you do,” Peter mumbles. “I mean.. of course you do! Vegetables are awesome and you should eat them all the time, but, uh, not these ones, okay? They’re all...uh, mushy and gross.”

He spots a blue egg in the window of the salon behind them, and he lunges over to snatch it. This one appears to contain a AAA battery. He looks back up at the girl and her mother, who are watching him in confusion and alarm, respectively. “Just...uh, don’t pick up anymore Easter eggs, okay? Ask your mom to buy you some broccoli or something,” he backs away down the sidewalk, pointing at the mom. “Buy your kid some veggies! Don’t let her touch any strange eggs!”

He fashions himself a web bag, and sets off on an egg hunt.

Within a few minutes, he has a collection of twenty-three plastic Easter eggs of various sizes and colors in the bag. Their contents range from candy, to coins, to what seems to be the entire contents of someone’s junk drawer. Several contain five and ten dollar bills. One has a hundred dollar bill, and he takes careful note of every one that has money in it, just on the off chance that they aren’t somehow rigged to explode or poison him or turn into a robot that will cut his nose off while he sleeps.

The trail stops at the opening of an alley. In the middle of the alley is a black-and-red-clad figure with pink bunny ears, skipping cheerfully away.

“Here comes Pe-ter Cotton-Tail,” he sings brightly, a large basket swinging from his arm.

“Hey!” Peter calls after him.

Without missing a beat, he spins gracefully on his toes, and Peter abruptly has a gun pointed at his forehead. “Shoo-ting you in the fuck-ing skull!” He finishes to the same tune.

Peter yanks the gun out of his hand with a strand of webbing before the last note has even died off. The other man barely seems to notice. He claps gloved hands against his cheeks, staring at him with the comically large white eyes on his mask.

“Oh Em Gee, you’re Spider-Man!” He squeals.

Peter looks at the gun now in his hand, wrinkling his nose in distaste, and then back up at the other red-and-black suited person in the alley, a growing suspicion as to his identity forming. “You wouldn’t happen to be Deadpool by any chance, would you?”

Deadpool makes a sound like a tea kettle with some sort of factory error, and bounces up and down on the balls of his feet. “He knows our name!” he squeaks. He freezes. “Wait. Did you just happen to know it, or do you have psychic powers in this universe? Did you see it in my mind?”

Peter blinks. “No. I saw it in an Avengers briefing.”

Deadpool nods thoughtfully. “That’s not as cool, but still, adorable that they talk about me when I’m not around.”

“They said you’re an unstable menace and I should ‘take extreme caution and not approach unless absolutely necessary’,” he says, mimicking the Captain’s lecture voice.

“Ooh, a menace, huh?” Deadpool repeats in a high-pitched voice. “So what exactly brings you to approach lil ol’ menacing me today?”

Peter raises an eyebrow under his mask. “Seriously?” he holds up a plastic egg. “I’ve got like fifty of these. Easter isn’t even for another two weeks, man.”

“Aw, someone doesn’t have much Easter spirit!”

“You could’ve blown someone up!”

He cocks his head, looking genuinely bemused. “Sounds fun, but that’s really more of a Valentines’ Day sort of celebration, Baby Boy.”

“Then why leave an egg with a grenade in it lying in the street?”

Deadpool does a double take, feeling for his belt. “I did no such - oh.” he pulls a half-melted Hershey’s chocolate belt and two grenades out of a pouch. “Well that’s not right.”

“Okay. I’m confiscating your basket. Hand it over.”

He narrows his eyes, clutching his basket tighter. “You know I can just buy more Easter eggs.”

“And I can just confiscate those too. I’ve got a collection going.”

“Fine!” Deadpool huffs, shoving the basket at him.

Peter takes it gingerly, wary of more explosives. “Appreciate the cooperation.”

“So is Easter Grinch your usual job, or is this just a night job? Because the outfit definitely screams ‘night job’, and that is not an insult, baby boy.”

“First of all, it’s day, as you can tell from the giant ball of fire in the sky. Second, I don’t get paid for this, and third, this is the first time I’ve ever had to steal Easter eggs from anyone, so congrats on being unique,” Peter says, busy checking the eggs in the basket. Deciding that there’s nothing rigged to explode, he attaches a line of web to the roof above them, landing neatly on the edge.

“Hey, you know if you ever need money, I’ve got some ideas for things I could pay you for!” Deadpool shouts up at him.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that!” Peter calls back. “Besides, you couldn’t afford me!”

He’s gone before he hears if there’s a response.

…

The next time he sees Deadpool is in the beginning of May, and this time it’s not even Deadpool’s fault. It’s the guy’s who thought it would be funny to release approximately fifty bajillion weird fuzzy caterpillar things the size of cats around the city.

As far as supervillain schemes goes, it’s really more on the ‘inconvenience’ side of things, rather than the ‘what kind of person does this shit’, so that makes it a pretty good day in Peter’s book. The Avengers are even here! Which probably just means they happened to have nothing better to do, but still.

Peter has three of the squirmy bundles of white fluff in his arms, and is busy trying to fish a fourth out from under a car when a pair of red-and-black booted feet appear in front of him. He looks up from where he’s laying on his stomach to see the merc watching him, head cocked, stroking a large caterpillar that’s curled comfortably in his arms.

“That looks uncomfortable,” he says cheerilly.

“How observant,” Peter snaps. “Want to help me out here?”

“Ooo, Baby Boy, there’s all sorts of things I’d be willing to help you out with,” he wiggles his eyebrows meaningfully.

“Like getting a giant bug out from under this car?” he asks, deciding the best way to deal with the innuendo was just to ignore it.

“Mm. Kinky.” Deadpool kneels down beside him. “Why don’t you just use your webbing to pull it out?”

Peter readjusts his grip on the three he’s holding, tugging one back from where it’s trying to crawl over his shoulder. He shuffles around to the other side of the car. “It sticks to their fur. Hair? I don’t know. Anyway, I don’t have time to cut it free and I don’t want to hurt them by just yanking it off.” With a quick lunge, he finally manages to grab the bug before it can inch away from him. “Nevermind, got it.” He stands, tucking the new addition into his armful of fluff. He nods with his chin towards the one in Deadpool’s arms. “Here, give me that one, I’ll take them to where we’re rounding the others up.”

Deadpool narrows his eyes, hugging it protectively to his chest. “Excuse you, ‘that one’ has a name. Her name is Beatrice, and I’ll have you know she is a purebred!” He says haughtily.

Peter raises an eyebrow. “A purebred what?”

Deadpool looks at Beatrice in silence for a second. “Bug,” he declares, with a confident nod.

Peter firmly resists the urge to be at all amused. “I mean. You’re probably right.”

“Hey, Spidey!” a voice calls behind him. He turns to find Hawkeye, staring warily past him at Deadpool, one hand on his bow. “You okay?”

Peter stares at him, puzzled. “What else would I be? They’re caterpillars, Clint, they don’t even bite.”

Clint’s eyes dart to Peter with that look he always gives him, which means ‘now is not the time for your bullshit, kid’, which is just plain insulting. Seriously, he’s fought with the Avengers before, are they really going to get all fussy about some harmless little bugs? He’s Spider-Man, for God’s sake. They should be his specialty.

He’s just beginning to work himself into serious irritation when Deadpool speaks up cheerfully behind him. “Nah, I don’t think it’s the fuzzy-wuzzy bugs he’s worried about. Or at least, not the miniature ones.”

Peter turns back to ask what he’s talking about, and finally picks up on the edge under his cheerful tone.

Ah. Right. The deadly merc with a mouth. Who he was warned not to interact with. Clint steps forward, hand tightening slightly on his bow, and beckons Peter forward, as though he’s a small child who’s wandered too close to the tiger cage at the zoo. “Come on, SHIELD’s pretty much got this under control.”

Peter looks at Deadpool, who’s standing stiffly, still clutching Beatrice. The moment he notices Peter watching him, he appears to relax. Appears. Peter knows what calculated relaxation looks like.

“Aw man, I would love to come with you guys, but my evening is completely booked right now.” He saunters casually backwards, towards the entrance of a nearby alley. “But you fellas enjoy the after party! I know, I know, it’s not as much fun without me, but you’ll survive.” And with that, he’s gone, without giving either Peter or Clint a chance to respond.

Clint sets off down the street towards the containment cage SHIELD set up, and Peter hurriedly falls into step beside him. “He wasn’t actually doing anything, just being...weird,” he tells Clint, not entirely sure why he’s defending Deadpool to him, for some reason feeling he should.

Clint stops abruptly, and Peter almost stumbles in surprise. He looks Peter in the eye, as best he can through the mask. “Look kid, you’ve got a good heart, it’s what makes you a good hero. But Deadpool? He doesn’t. He’ll kill you the second someone pays him enough to cover the cost of the bullet, and he won’t think twice about it. He might not be a villain you need to fight, but he’s damn well not someone you should be spending time with,” he says firmly.

Peter fidgets, adjusting the caterpillars in his arms. “What are you, my dad?” he mumbles.

Clint grins, the tension broken. “Don’t let Stark hear you say that.”

Peter laughs, and they start off again, their conversation reverting back to its usual casual chatter.

But something keeps niggling at the back of his mind.

For all the warnings people keep giving him, his spidey sense never so much as hummed around the merc, not once.

#fanfiction #spiderman/deadpool #peter parker/wade wilson #spideypool #marvel #the avengers #seasons #my fanfiction #my writing

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babyalliwantiseverything · 4 years ago

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Story time:

My girlfriend text me and told me she just dropped her kid off and was home alone. Asked her how her day was and what did she do... She lets me know she got her nails done and they turned out nice. I, of course, asked to see them... She sends me a picture of her nails across her nipples and inner thigh... I keep my composure and tell my dick to calm down it's just pictures. I tell her that her skin is immaculate and her nails look beautiful too... She says thank you and tells me how she is just laying there thinking about me

*remaining claim*

I tell her I miss her too.

Her: you don't have to miss me anymore, you can come over

Me: Sayless I'm on my way.

It takes me 6 minutes and 14 secs to get my shit and walk out the door. If Jesus was taking me out to club I would have taken 30 mins just doing my hair...

Im driving and the fucking gas light comes on.. at this point I have to make some adult descisions...

Don't keep the beautiful woman waiting and possibly be stuck on the road waiting for AAA

Stop and get gas

.... Leaning more towards eating some ass I want to be able to enjoy licking her juices off my lips on the ride home...

Stops at gas station... All I kept thinking about was how soft her skin was and the sound of her voice when she tells me how sexy I am... Opens gas tank and tries to put the debit card in damn gas tank and punch my code in the gas pump. Took me about 15 secs to realize what I was doing. I get my shit together and pump my gas and back on the way.

Running red lights and racing the Hyundai next to me. I finally make it to her house and park my car.

Me to me: Be calm damn this ain't our first time why are you so anxious..

My dick: Because when y'all together it's like magic. Sparks be flying across the room and shit. You know how she takes control and drains you down to your last drop then lays so peacefully so you can take her too. The moments after then when hug cheek to cheek and thighs intertwined. When you stare into each other's eyes knowing that the moment must end and if you look at your watch soon it may never. Especially when she's in her mode and she won't stop. Something takes over so good that you see her body damn near glow.

I shake off my thoughts and walk up to the door and opens it.

She is in a beautiful dress with no bra or panties. I'm scanning her face and thinking about how soft her lips look.

She invites me when hands me her blunt. We talk a little and get under the cover on the coach. I never thought of our times together as Netflix and chill because I come for more.

I lay down on her, hold her hand in mine and close my eyes.

Here I find peace to just relax my mind and spirit. The room become warm and joy feels my veins. While she watches the movie I stare at her for a few minutes just stunned by how beautiful she is. How her voice pierces my ears when she speak and makes my body vibrate.

She touches me and sucks on my nipples until I throw my head back......

Per usual we made love on her living room floor. I thought about how she taste. I thought about the next time I would be able to see her. Even though it may never be label for us we have everything else.

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sector-z-knd · 7 years ago

Photo

“Explain to me again why we’re here.”

“To chuck rocks, of course! This is the best place to do it, because the water’s clear enough so that you can see all the rocks at the bottom and find the ones that make the biggest splash.”

Lenny and Constance meandered along the banks of the little creek, the slowly winding water trickling past with a merry burbling sound. In all honesty, this isn’t where the girl would have chosen to be on a Saturday afternoon, but even she could agree that a break was needed from David′s overbearing conspiracy theories. And so, when Lenny had offered to take her somewhere quiet, she’d punched David in the chest and run.

This was at least a kajillion times quieter than being around David during his rants. Now that she thought about it, this place was actually kind of peaceful. The slums were way behind them, there wasn’t a soul in sight, just birds chirping away over their heads. Even the water running past them was clear, which was surprising, considering how close to the city they were. In a way, it was like stepping out of the world and into a bubble of solitude. She could understand why Lenny came here so frequently. Constance absently kicked a pebble into the water, where it landed with a ‘plunk!’ and sank to the bottom.

“Nah nah, you gotta find a bigger rock!” explained Lenny, crouching down and systematically picking through several stones, tossing aside the ones that didn’t meet his mental criteria. Without paying heed to her single raised eyebrow, the boy made an ‘aha!’ sound and finally unearthed a rock that was roughly the size of his head, hefting it with some difficulty. “This’ll do!”

Constance brought up her other eyebrow as she leaned forward and inspected the seemingly ordinary stone. “And you just... throw it into the water?”

“There’s more to it than that. You think about whatever’s bothering you, say it to the rock, and then throw it in! Mom says river spirits carry your words downstream and that washes the sad thoughts out of you. Goodbye, bothers!”

“I thought nothing ever bothered you,” came the quietly curious response, the girl tilting sunglasses so she could look up at Lenny over the tops. She watched as his smile faded slightly and the lights dimmed in his eyes.

“Well... I try not to let things bother me, but sometimes they do, and I just gotta let ‘em out, you know?” He was staring at the rock, as if materializing his troubles on its rough surface. “I figure this is a good, safe way that doesn’t actually hurt someone.”

“...hm.” The girl backed away to allow the boy space to lift his rock in the air and test its weight. “Is this what you always do when you get mad?”

Lenny swung the rock experimentally, trying to find just the right swing to get the biggest splash. “Not always. Sometimes I talk to you, or I go to my room and count the stars we pasted to the ceiling, or I find a snuggly totally-not-a-Rainbow-Monkey monkey to hug.” He grinned when he heard her chuckle; they both knew he had two Rainbow Monkeys and those toys were the snuggliest things he owned.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when Lenny suddenly yelled, “I hate it when Numbuh 0.1 stays up until 2 AM and then tries to get me to go on a mission with him!”

The air was suddenly filled with the sound of several spooked birds vacating the immediate area.

“...what. Was that,” Constance hissed once she thought it was safe to speak again, lowering her hands from the fists they’d ended up in. Never in her life had she heard Lenny say anything with quite the amount of force and volume as she’d heard him yell at a dumb rock. The boy tilted his head in confusion before realization dawned on his dark features.

“Oh, yeah, well, this is part of the rock throwing thing. You yell what makes you mad at the rock and then you throw it. Like this!” With a whoop, he swung the stone in a pendulum motion, releasing it at its zenith. The geode sailed through the air as well as a rock could fly before landing with a loud splash in the middle of the creek. With a whistle of satisfaction, Lenny grinned and put his hands on his hips.

“Is that it?” Constance asked, leaning her elbow into his ribs.

The boy nodded, putting his arm on her head. "Yeah, that’s the only thing that’s been bothering me.”

A comfortable silence descended between the two, one that was familiar to her as simple I’m-happy-you’re-here silence. She would never admit it, but knowing Lenny would come out into the middle of nowhere just to chuck rocks into a river was kind of comforting. It meant he was human, and underneath all his joy and sweet understanding, he was still as scared and insecure as she was.

“What about you?”

She blinked a few times as she was abruptly pulled from her thoughts, and she glanced up at the boy. “Hm?”

The corner of his mouth was pulled up in a questioning smile. “Don’t you have any bothers you need to get out?”

Constance’s eyes widened a little as she realized too late that he now expected her to do the same as he had done. She hastily stepped away, folding her arms tightly. “No,” she growled, suddenly wishing she were back at the treehouse and listening to David’s conspiracy theories. Okay, maybe she didn’t want to be that drastic, but she also didn’t want to go yelling her ‘bothers’ at a rock, let alone chuck said ‘bothers’ into a stream to be heard by freaking water spirits.

Lenny didn’t say anything, but she could tell from the sudden static in the silence that he was thinking. After a moment, he crouched down and picked up a small, perfectly smooth stone, holding it out to her. She glanced down at it, then into the boy’s big, brown Bambi eyes.

“One bother?” he asked, face innocent.

She looked flatly at the stone. “This is dumb.”

“It’ll make you feel better.”

She groaned, but finally relented and gingerly took the stone from his hand. “I say things into it and toss it in, right?”

Lenny nodded.

Still grumbling, she glared at the rock, at a loss of what to say. She raked through her short-term memory, trying to find something that had bothered her. “I... hate it when Numbuh 0.3 eats all the dark chocolate before I can get any?” She glanced at Lenny, who gave an approving nod, and she tossed the rock into the water, where it settled to the bottom with an almost dissatisfied plop. As soon as she started to turn away, another rock was held out to her by Lenny.

“I know you have more bothers in you,” he smiled, giving her that gentle, knowing look that she hated because she knew he was right. His tone was warm and soft, like a blanket fresh from the dryer. “You can let it out here. It’s just me and the river.”

She stared at him a long moment, almost long enough for him to start fidgeting, before she snatched the rock from his hand and growled, “I hate when my dad tries to cook three-bean casserole, because it’s my favorite and he always burns it.”

This stone was flung into the river with a little more force than the one before. Another rock was held out to her. She grabbed it without hesitation, her voice getting louder with every word.

“I hate that Numbuh 0.2 leaves his toenails on the bathroom sink.”

Plunk!

“It’s dumb when Mr. Benetiz says I can do more with my homework even though I’m already trying my best.”

Plunk!

“No one ever told me that the science fair was going to be rigged, I mean who actually votes for a baking soda volcano?!”

PLUNK!

“I wish Jerry would just mind his own business instead of trying to copy my 2x4 designs!”

PLUNK!

“AND I WISH-” she yelled as she grabbed the nearest object, “-THAT A NEW EPISODE OF STEPHEN GALAXY WOULD COME OUT ALREADY!”

“Wait, Consta-AAA!”

KA-SPLOOSH!

Water splashed onto her sunglasses and she blinked.

That wasn’t a rock she’d just thrown into the water.

That was Lenny.

Constance stared at Lenny, who was sitting in the creek, dark patches soaking through his yellow shirt. Very slowly, the girl breathed in and out through her teeth, making a hissing sound that was laden with concern, anxiety, and embarrassment. “Um... Sorry?” she shrugged, unsure of whether she should extend her hand to help him up or throw some more rocks on him.

Lenny blinked once, water dripping from his dreadlock hair. Then, slowly but surely, he smiled. A small sound bubbled up from him, then another, until the boy was giggling. His giggles soon turned into genuine laughter, the boy throwing his head back and laughing without abandon.

...what a nerd.

She couldn’t help but share in his laughter, not because she was happy with his situation, but because he had managed to find joy in something as inconvenient as getting thrown into a river.

It took some time for their laughter to die down long enough for Lenny to pull himself out of the water, but she finally stuck out her hand and pulled him up. He flopped on the creek bank, giggle-snorting as he wrung out his hair. Constance plopped next to him, wiping the tears from her eyes with her sleeve.

“Got all your bothers out?” joked Lenny, elbowing her arm with a snicker.

Constance grinned back at him before her expression softened into something that made him pause. Quietly, she picked up a small, smooth stone and held it close to her mouth, whispering something before tossing the rock into the creek.

Lenny watched it settle against the large rock he’d thrown in earlier. “What did you say to that rock?”

“Nothing important,” she lied, and though he knew it was a lie, he made no response besides scooting closer. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing important,” he lied, and though she knew it was a lie, she made no response besides leaning against his arm.

The river carried her words from that rock downstream, where it mingled with other bothers that had been tossed into the water. The river spirits listened to her words over and over, giggling with delight as they bottled it next to the wish of the boy who had come to their waters so many times.

#Numbuh 0.4 #Lenny #Sector Z #KND #S.C.R.I.B.B.L.E.#IntuitionGloves #SkewerBlueprints #Constance #cute #Self-care #fluff #F.I.C.T.I.O.N.

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haiky-u-lously · 7 years ago

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Haikyuu:R/FY/N

This is really long...I have no regrets. Enjoy!

Chapter 12 Chapter 13: Azumane Asahi Chapter 14

After composing yourself, you turned to look over the court below. From this height, you could clearly see all of the boys in the gym.

You watched them practice what you remember was considered serving. You were amazed at Yamaguchi’s because there was practically no spin on the ball. But, you were even more enthralled at Kageyama’s. There was so much power behind it you wondered how it didn’t break the floor as soon as it hit on the other side of the net.

As you looked at each player, you whispered their name, ensuring who you had interviewed.

Finally, your eyes found someone who you couldn’t connect a name with. The man stood off to the side of the court with Daichi, watching the rest of the team practice. You saw their lips move but could not tell what they were discussing.

“Guess he’s the coach.” You said to yourself before thinking you must have gone through the whole team then.

You decided it would be a good addition to the article to interview the coach of the team, and started making your way over to the two males.

“Kageyama’s serve just then was as strong as Oikawa’s. If he can manage to learn to place them, it’ll be a real weapon.” Asahi told his thoughts to his friend while they stood off to the sides watching their kouhais.

Daichi nodded in response, but kept his eyes tailing the blonde that had descended the stairs with a smirk on his face and got straight to practicing his serves. The captain sulked at having the first year find a way to get you alone without leaving a single opening for him to call the boy out on it.

“Daichi-kun,” Asahi called, snapping his friend out of their own thoughts.

Sighing Daichi verbally responded, “Yes, Asahi-kun?”

The tall man rubbed his hand together, turning back to face the players on the court. “Were you nervous before your one-on-one with her?”

The captain smiled at his taller partner’s comment, “Did you want Suga or I to join you? She’d probably not mind, I mean she did say we could do group interviews…”

He was teasing, and Asahi knew this but it still riled him up a bit. “Of course not! I don’t want to give either of you more time with her and take it away from myself!”

Daichi laughed at this and slapped his hand on the shoulder of the team’s ace. “Then get to it!” He took his hand back as he walked towards the center of the court, calling for a halt on the players’ serving. The captain had noticed you standing on the stairs looking to scared to finish your decent for fear of getting hit with one of the flying volleyballs. He saw you bow your head a bit in thanks and sent you a smile in return, before turning his attention to the group encircling him, “Okay team, why don’t we try a little practice game.”

“Doesn’t (F/N)-chan still have to do interviews?” Hisashi asked.

“I was thinking we’d play three on three so that we’d have people who could be referees and score keepers,” Daichi countered. “Then anyone left could observe and critique, or finalize their interview.”

The team nodded their consent. Only two people had really been paying attention to how many interviews were left. One was still off to the side of the court, and the other was orchestrating the rest of practice.

You made your way around the gym to where the man standing on his own was. You put on your best student face, and maybe made your body look a bit straighter. “Excuse me sensei, but would it be alright for me to interview you next for the article?” Looking at him closer, you recalled that he was the shy man who had asked if you just moved to Miyagi. It’s surprising their coach is such a timid guy, I would have figured him to have an intense personality or something.

The man’s eyes blew wide, and he stammered, “W-wh-what’d you call-ll me?”

Tilting your head as a confused expression took over your face, “Should I not call you sensei? I realize I’m not a team member but I would hate to insult the volleyball team’s coach in another manner.”

He dropped his head into his hands and you thought you heard an exasperated cry.

“mm na aaa coc.” He mumbled.

“I’m sorry?”

He sighed and moved his hands across his face, stretching the skin around his eyes before it snapped back in place. “I’m not the coach.” He repeated.

“Oh,” You started, “Then, um..?”

“I’m a third year. Class three.” He supplied.

Now you were the one who had their eyes blown back in surprise. You were still completely shocked but you began to apologize profusely to the person in front of you. “I’m so sorry! I just…I mean obviously…I just thought…because you look so grown up…and I’m terribly sorry…and please forgive me…I’m so rude…how could I do that…I can’t even defend my actions…”

As you kept apologizing, and trying to say something that would get rid of the embarrassed and guilty feeling overtaking your body, you just hoped you hadn’t offended him too much.

While you kept repeating your atonements, the boy was trying to tell you that it was no big deal, that it happened to him all the time, but his sentences fell on deaf ears.

“Oi! You two,” Daichi yelled across the gym. Causing you to shut your mouth and immediately straighten your posture, and the boy in front of you to look nervously at his captain.

You just thinking, And, now I’m causing problems for the team’s practice. I’m so useless right now! You mentally slapped yourself a few times.

“If you’re gunna be that loud, take it outside!”

You nodded to the captain and quickly made your way out of the gymnasium.

The boy you had thought was following paused to give his captain a look. A look of which the captain understood as, ‘You the best, Daichi. Thank you so much.’ But which the boy who sent it had been meaning, ‘I’m going to kill you for putting more pressure on me when you already know how nervous I am.’

Once the two of you were out doors, you turned to start apologizing again, but were met with the large hand of the male. Stopping your words before they finished forming in your throat.

“Now, it’s not a big deal what happened. So, let’s just forget it okay?” His timid voice was clear, and left no room for arguing as you could only nod in return. “Good, good. Um, so, I guess I’ll introduce myself?” He asked.

“That is the first step, but…umm…” You were quite nervous suddenly. Maybe it was because it was completely dark this time around. Maybe because you were along with a male with the sun being completely set. Maybe it was because you were about to have to ask if you could record the conversation with your phone because your hand and shoulder were in pain from writing so much in a day. “Is it okay…if I…uh…If I record our conversation with my phone?”

He glanced at your notebook, then the pencil sticking above your (dominant side) ear, “Uh, sure?”

You smiled, noticing that he was a bit confused. “It’s just my hand is starting to hurt and I’d like to avoid causing problems for school tomorrow.” You explained. Yepp, I’m definitely not nervous because of this boy.

He nodded in understanding before asking, “Is okay to walk and talk in that case?”

Letting your smile grow wider, you excitedly answered, “Yes, please! I’d love to have a senior show me around the campus. It’d also give an insight to what is the most important location on campus for you. And, oh goodness, this will be so great for the article!” You were practically jumping as you ran back in the gym to put your notebook and pencil into your bag, and grab the bottle you intended to throw away.

Asahi just stood nervously as your excited being ran back inside, vaguely understanding you were putting down your unnecessary materials.

“Guess I made a good call,” He told himself despite thinking how stupid he would probably sound in a recording. Wondering if he should try changing the way he spoke so you would look back at the recording in a fond manner. But, he soon let the more intelligent side of his brain shut that thought down, reasoning that if he was good enough for you it wouldn’t matter how he sounded on a stupid recording.

You made it back to the male’s side. Pulled out your phone to show him when you pressed the red button and stuck it in your pocket so that the speaker would face between the two of you. “Okay, just whenever you speak, make sure its loud enough for the speaker to catch. Sound good?”

He nodded before taking a breath to introduce himself. While speaking, he led you towards the main part of campus. “I’m Azumane Asahi, class 3-3. I’m a wing-spiker for the volleyball team, and I’m considered our school’s Ace.”

“And, being an ‘Ace’ means that your team can always depend on you in tough situations and that you have the strongest hits on your team, correct?” You asked, recalling what Tanaka had told you earlier in the evening.

“Mm” Azumane hummed, “But I don’t think I’ve always been too reliable. I almost didn’t come back this year after what happened during the spring prelims my second year.”

Wait another one? No, this sounds different, you thought to yourself. “What happened at that time?”

He seemed to turn away from you, but didn’t stop walking forward or even turn his head, so you couldn’t understand where this feeling came from. Azumane opened his mouth, closed it and shook his head, and then answered, “I faced an iron wall that broke my spirit. I only really regained that spirit because of Nishinoya, Hinata and Kageyama. But don’t tell Daichi or Suga that. It’d probably hurt them to hear. Actually, it hurts me to say it. Please don’t say that. It makes me sound so ungrateful for everything they did for me.” You could tell he was growing nervous and decided you wouldn’t press on this topic. The giant teddy bear should not be made to ramble because of nerves from your questions! You thought.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” You smiled and placed your empty hand against the male’s bicep. “Although, I’m sure what you are grateful for is no secret. And, that it wouldn’t be as big of a deal with your friends as you think it’d be.”

The male stopped walking and looked directly into your eyes. He shyly laughed as he let his eyes pull away from your own, “It’s kind of surprising that you aren’t more afraid of me.” He urgently started waving his hands between the two of you, “Not that I’m complaining! I really appreciate it. It’s just not something I’m used to.”

You gave Azumane a questioning look as you took a few more steps to through away the empty bottle, and then turned your entire body to face his. “Why would I be scared of you?”

Shrugging his shoulders, he started walking again. You noticed you were headed towards the stairs of the main building, but made no comment. “Almost every first year I’ve come across is either scared of me or jealous of my…something. The second years just avoid me. And, while some of the third years somehow believe all the outrageous rumors that go around, most just think that I have too much of a ‘glass heart’ for anything more than the friendly ‘hello’. Even when we go to volleyball matches and I overhear people talking about the team, when my name comes up its accompanied with one of those rumors.” He shrugged again, but you could tell by his facial expression that it got to him.

“Well, I guess I haven’t been here long enough to hear any of these rumors you’re talking about. I also try not to judge people by their looks because it’s what’s on the inside that counts. As cheesy as that line is, I completely believe in it.” You thought for a second before adding, “But as an Ace, I think it’s could be a good thing to have a fearful reputation. I mean part of being an Ace comes from power, and for humans as a species, and historically, power was met with distinct types of fear.” You didn’t know what else to say. Should you mention your own insecurities to make him feel less like he was alone, or would that make it seem like you were belittling his concerns. You decided against it. If he asked, then you would share.

The boy didn’t say anything more, but kept walking.

After a few turns he stopped in front of a classroom door. Looking at it as if he was seeing inside.

“Azumane-senpai?” You asked after a second.

(While writing this next section this song, Alone by Alan Walker, came on and it fit the section so well I thought I’d share so y’all could listen too.)

“I was standing about here when I met Hinata and Kageyama near the beginning of the year.” He started, and you leaned against the opposite wall to listen to his story. “They had recently found out our school’s team had an Ace, and that it was me. They came looking for me because of how I acted when Suga first introduced the three of us.” He stayed facing the door, and you didn’t see but his eyes gained an intense fire. “Hinata being himself and just trying to encourage me to return. Kageyama just told me something I had always known but had somehow forgotten in my guilt and fear.” You noted how his hands clenched into fists. “And then I tried to sneak by and watch a bit, only for my great luck to struck and have the new team coach yell for me to come into the gym. A lot more happened, including me being forced to play a practice match. Everything Nishinoya and Suga kept saying, all the responses the team gave to everyone else’s actions…and then finally being able to see the open court on the other side of a block…” He was staring into an open palm, “I realized that when I hit the ball, I wasn’t alone. I had the power of each of my teammates behind me.” Azumane dropped his head and his hand fell to his side. Then he looked up and turned to face you, “I’m not an Ace because my teammates rely on my power. I’m an Ace because I combine the power and will of everyone on my side of the net to force our way through any obstacle using my hits.”

Your hands flew up to cover your mouth. You had just got the perfect quote and it was recorded word for word. It didn’t help that his monologue had your eyes tearing up. You wiped them away as fast as you could. “Wow.”

It was all you could say. You hadn’t asked him hardly any of the questions you asked the others but his one storyline told you so much. And, the way he spoke had you so focused, it was near impossible to form any words in response.

When you didn’t say anything more after a bit, Azumane scratched the back of his head. Unintentionally pulling out his hair-tie and letting his long hair drop down his large back. He was in the middle of re-tying his loose bun when he stated, “Sorry, guess I went off on a tangent there. But this is one of the most important places on campus to me.”

“Oh, don’t apologize. I really enjoyed listening to you.” You stated, shaking your hands between the two of you. “And, I can certainly tell why it’s an important area, Azumane-senpai.”

He smiled sheepishly at you, “(F/N)-san, would it bother you if I asked for you to call me Asahi?”

“O-of course not. You all have been so accommodating with calling me what I asked you to, it’d be rude if I refused to do the same, Asahi-senpai.” You replied, smiling to show you were comfortable with the change in address.

“Ah, um…” He started, nervously rubbing the back of his neck, “You also don’t have to call me ‘senpai’ just because I’m older.” He seemed to shrink in on himself, continuing, “I don’t really dislike it or anything, but if a couple of my teammates were to over hear you it might rile them up too much.”

You laughed at this, “All the more reason then. If you aren’t against it then I don’t need to change it.”

Although you’d never know it, the smile that spread across your features, combined with your pure laughter made Asahi feel as if he was within the presence of a shining goddess.

Just as he would never know that you forced your smile to cover that much of your face to hide the blush that was warming your checks from ear to ear.

He just nodded, before the two of you headed back towards the gym.

Conversing over a few different topics as your phone kept recording everything from your pocket.

You stopped a few feet away from the doors to the gym, pulling your phone out and ending the recording session. Then you played around with it and stuck it out to the third year who was standing in front of you.

Having stopped a couple steps after you did, Asahi had turned to face you to see what was up.

Watching as his eyes looked from you to your stretched-out arms to the end where your hands held your mobile device.

Seeing the screen of the device opened to create a new contact, he silently took it from your hand and seemed to fill in all the required pieces. When he finished, you assumed he’d just give it back to you. Instead he held it up and took a picture of himself smiling the widest grin you think you’d seen since you moved to Miyagi.

“Thought it might help to have a contact id photo.” He stated shyly, handing your phone back to you but avoiding your gaze.

You immediately took a selfie as well, with your own big smile plastered on your face and sent the picture to the new number. “Then, there’s one for you as well.” You kept your smile as you tucked your phone back into its pocket. “That way if I need to message you for anything, there won’t be a question about who it is.”

I’d never question it, Asahi thought to himself.

When neither of you said anything else, you started the few steps towards the doors once again.

The two of you opened your doors at the same time, and you laughed as Asahi nervously smiled and turned to look away. Stepping inside the gym you thanked him and went to grab your bag. The male closed the doors behind him before walking towards his captain.

Daichi glanced down at the sudden dark spot that entered his vision. From his stance on the referee stand splitting the net, he looked like a demon smiling down on his prey. At least, that’s what Asahi thought in that moment. “So, how was it?” The team captain asked, smirking.

“Shut up,” The wing-spiker stated, irritated. “I want to play.”

Daichi laughed, knowing that his friend was fired up and wanted to hit the ball with all his power.

a/n: So this was the last individual boy chapter. I have another one to post before starting on the ending stuff. I want to wait a couple days to really decide what I want to do with that though. Still taking input for who to end with...because I really don’t know. Thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the story!

#haikyuu!!#haikyū!!#haikyuu #azumane asahi #asahi x reader #reader insert

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scientificdeliriummadness · 7 years ago

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My partners and I are doing our own DnD campaign. Two of us will be playing two characters each while the other DMs. We’ve already played one session and got to know our characters a little better. Meet Snaggletooth, the Half-orc barbarian pirate who takes things way too literally, Pleiades the sarcastic brooding high elf, Saxon the human soldier WHO CAN SMELL WITCHES, and Legretta, the sexy gnome cleric who loves a good innuendo. Here are the backstories. (Long)

(by Belinda, DM) Welcome to Evermore. Our adventure begins in the country of Opas, possibly one of the largest landmasses on Evermore as well as the most diverse. It is ruled by a King and Queen who make their home in the capital, Everrock, in the northeastern corner of the continent. It is a bustling metropolis, well established as the trading capital of the world as ships come and go regularly from the city ports. The kingdom has known peace for many decades following the Great Revolt where the underground-dwelling grey dwarves and dark elves both fought for the domination of the surface world and its many races. After a sound defeat, both races fled into seclusion as their numbers were greatly reduced, and the surface was once again at peace. Evermore breathed a collective sigh of relief after so many years of turmoil. Militaries relaxed, dropping their numbers in favor of expanding trade and commerce. It is from this city that a great call to arms has been issued. The monarchy seeks only the bravest fighters and adventurers to step within their castle walls and answer the call they have set forth. Strange happenings have been reported from within the kingdom, and a great reward is offered to those who would join beneath the banner of Opas and fight to vanquish any darkness which threatens their peaceful existence. by Connie (Pleiades and Legretta)(I’M NOT A WRITER PLEASE DON’T JUDGE ME) The elf's copper blood filled her cheeks as she watched the gnome modeling her crummy, handmade accessory in the reflection of the water. Luckily, as often and easily as it happens, her embarrassment is masked beneath the faint burn permanently imprinted over her otherwise saturated azure skin. Despite spending so much time as a child outdoors in a typically bright, yet cool climate, her skin suffered no other naturally occurring blemishes other than the soft gradient of light to dark along the regularly exposed portions of her body. It still maintained the same pristine quality you would find from the icy terrain of her hometown, Geminight. Until relatively recently, she tended to dabble in a variety of activities her society had to offer. This was in a futile attempt to live up to all the possibile legacies of her seven preceeding sisters could have achieved had they survived a full gestation period in their mother's womb. No one but herself had expected this of her, but encouraged her to partake in something nonetheless. It seemed to give her some pupose and fulfillment. Although she was not particularly good at anything she picked up, she gained a fondness for it all and it helped her feel a closeness to the sisters she had never met. At the very least, she embodied the spirit of their assemblage and when she came of age, chose to engrain this into her identity with her choice in name: Pleiades. Traditionally, her society embraces the permanence of self-idenity with something a little more literal: a self-inked tattoo. Unfortunately, like with many of her interests, Pleiades lacked the finesse to create something other than a few dots around her left eye that had semblace of what was now her most symbolic constellation.Pleiades watched the gnome put the necklace she had given her around over her little head."There's a little bit of craftsman in everyone....manI love homemade things! They have so much character and love and there's always, like, some kind of special meaning behind it. Even if it's subconscious! I feel so special you let me have it even though you've only known me for literally, like two seconds!" The gnome gleefully giggled while stroking the pieces of the pendant now hanging from her neck.Pleiades appreciated the compliment, but uncharacterstically, she hadn't put too much thought into this particular task. Boredom had overtaken her and she swiped a long spiral shell off the beach and in its opening, stuck a thick rounded piece of weathered glass she found lying near the tavern that opened, in her opinion, way too early in the morning. The gnome had curiously approached her just as she was finishing wrapping the pieces together with some abandoned strip of twine. She was so enthralled by the little trinket that Peiades told her that it was hers if she liked it. Perhaps the gnome wasn't too far off; the blue tint of the glass did remind her of home..A pang of sadness stung her heart as it passed with the fleeting thought. She missed home, or what was left of it. Geminight had experienced a major ecological shift. It was no longer an icy haven, glistening in the sun that hung in theclear blue sky. The temperatures began creeping upward, weather fronts came more frequently and more varied. Vines, weeds, and other foliage broke free from the snow, the gems, and the ice; slowly domineering the region. While the changes weren't detrimental to the survival of the city or its people, the new environment felt entirely unsettling. On top of being unexpected and undesired, it felt dark and sentient. Pleiades did not want to stand by and watch her chilhood be tainted with this feeling. She decided to hold on to the nostalgia and venture out to new things. She had exhausted the petty hobbies her society had offered her and wanted toexperience something grander; a single legacy worthy of her and her sisters. When some vague propaganda from the Everrock government started to appear on bulletins near her, she decided it was time to leave. Her parents willingly stayed behind.The gnome watched Pleiades' expressions as they passed over her face one by one. She noticed a lot negativity and she supposes that's what attracted her to Pleiades in the first place. Gnomes were known tricksters, but she herself liked to focus on the lighthearted nature of her heritage and tends to get tunnel vision when she sees someone in distress. When she noticed the elf sitting alone listlessly on a crate of bait, she recited her motto of "When things look grim, find your grin!" and pranced up to her with a mission for fishin! For compliments. To give the elf." Y'know, I'm glad I saw you making this. It's so unique and I really appreciate that about things. I originally come over to you thinking of a mililon compliments to give you based on just your looks but I had no idea what to say since I'm sure you get complimented all the time...Just look at you! but yeah, you're pretty unique looking too now that I've had a good look..But I dunno, I just appreciate me a good trinket, y'know how us gnomes are."Pleides would probably not be considered epitome of the elvish ethereality that made them so intimidating. In fact, for an elf, she appeared quite neutral and approachable. Double takes were not uncommon when passersby took note her androgynous physique. The sun bleached blonde streaks in her dark blue hair gave it a green appearance if looked at in the right light and angle. And men and women alike also thought that her soft almond eyes suggested more than just the politeness of eye contact. And although her hands struggled with its intricacies, her hair always fell into place perfectly after she finished braiding it."I just appreciate you taking the time to go out of your way to say something nice to me. What's your name?The gnome grinned somewhat amused. She extended her furry hand and said proudly proclaimed "Ranandal Legretta Aaa Thawa Teffata Wata Gah! "There was a pause. "But you can call me Leggy! That's what the humans do anyway, but I grudgingly embrace it. The name “Leggy” works when I..." Legretta stopped for a moment and looked over Pleiades shoulder distractedly. Without a beat, she purposefully walked toward a tall, well built half-orc that just exited the tavern across the sidewalk. "EEeeeeeeyyyy! DAMN boooooooi. You're lookin FOOOOINE. I bet that grog gotchu all loosened up. You know what Leggy could do with a body that limber?" She asked as she flung one of her furry copper legs from her patchwork cloak and around his shin."Auuuughgh" The half-orc responded burping through his words, " nah, goway lil one, Yer so lil y'can't even reach. nainterested" He stumbled away until he reached the corner of the alleyway."Well, fine. I’m having more fun over here anyway" she scoffed over the muffled sounds of distant vomiting. Pleiades didn't even acknowledge the bizarre exchange she just witnessed and carried on "Well, I think the name Leggy might be reserved for someone a little more, um, promiscuous than I. So I'll just practice your nicknames and in the meantime, just stick with Legretta. My name is Pleiades Luaer. I couldn't help but notice, Legretta. You have a unique trait as well..." She said as she eyed Legretta's limbs. "They're really well....tamed" She struggled with the compliment. Legretta's eyes lit up as she stuck out a limb at a time, admiring her own handiwork. "Yeah! Y'know! boy gnomes have big thick beards that they can do whatever with! I even saw an old-ass gnome with a beard so long, he was able to shape it into a flying snake dragon! It's not fair! It' was so cool and I can't! Gnomes don't tend to keep their hair well kept and I wanna stick to the traditions of my heritage! I can't grow a beard..only some wispy tendrils... So I found a loophole.."Legretta had bright platinum blonde body hair contrasting her warm copper skin. It was quite thick and she had trimmed hairs on the legs into little hearts and the hairs on the arms into little diamond shapes. Pleiades grinned bittersweetly, "You remind me of my father. Elves can't grow beards either and he's always resented that fact. So he spent much of his life growing out his hair so long that he could be able to tie it under his chin into a ponytail. He was also quite a open about his sexuality with my mom and they’re always going out of their way to put me in the spotlight, so you also remind me of that. They really were quite embarrassing at times, but I suppose it's different coming from you." She lightly blushed and glanced at the poster that had beckoned her here. Legretta cocked her head to view the poster a bit more easily. "Ahh! Yeah! There's been some spooooky things have been happening here lately." she said as she tucked her face behind her wiggling fingers. "I've been kinda grumpy about the call to arms 'cause I think the strangities have kept this places more fun an interesting, but if you're going, I wanna go! I think it'd be fun. Maybe if we find out what it is, we can be part of it...It'll be fun to prank the traveling merchants, right?...I mean, I guess we can stop it, too. But now that I'm really thinking about it, the mystery is killing me. Can I come?!" Pleiades nodded. "YASSS. Be right back. I live under those sand dunes over there. Lemme go tell my mom." Legretta ran off for only a few minutes and returned with a small basket of sandwiches and her cloak's pockets overflowing with trinkets. She offered Pleiades some food, which she promptly accepted. The gnome walked a couple of feet ahead, looked back and up at Pleiades and said. "Castle's that way. Let's party." by Marty (Saxon and Snaggletooth) Saxon Bloodwulf- Human Fighter From the city of Nightmoor, in the kingdom of Ravenholde comes Saxon Bloodwulf. Once a member of the 13th Legion -the battalion that served as the King of Ravenholde's personal guard, this Captain had it all in his life, until the 13th Legion once arrested a witch who plotted to kill the King. The witch was sentenced to life imprisonment in the dungeons of Nightmoor, where she cried to the city that she swore revenge on Captain Bloodwulf as she was locked away. A fortnight later, Saxon Bloodwulf was seen creeping into the King's castle, and attempted to take the King's life. The King managed to avoid the attempted deathblow that came in the form of a knife and raised the alarm. Saxon was seen by the King's guard on duty that night fleeing the castle and retreating into Nightmoor forest.

The following week, Saxon was found in a village some 50 miles away and was arrested by the very 13th Legion that he was in command of. He claimed his innocence, swearing he had simply taken a holiday the day before he was seen attempting to murder the king, but mysteriously, no record was kept of his absence. Saxon was brought back to Nightmoor, where he was sentenced to death. He spent a single night in the dungeons, the night before his execution, where the witch hinted that she had something to do with Saxon's situation. Shacked and imprisoned in another cell, Saxon was unable to do anything other than vow revenge on the witch and others like her.

The following day, Saxon was to be hung in the city square. By chance, a few moments before he was to be hung, a gang of bandits stormed the city square. In the confusion, Saxon managed to free himself from his rope bonds and he fled Nightmoor, making all speed for the coast. It was at a harbour town that he met a group of pirates who were spending the night in the town, and agreed to take Saxon aboard their ship for a fee of 50 gold coins that Saxon had managed to retrieve from his old house before fleeing Nightmoor. This is how he met...

Snaggletooth- Half Orc Barbarian. Snaggletooth, a 32 year old Half Orc had been part of a crew of pirates known as the Jolly Robbers. This gang of pirates made the ship known as the Fearsome Scabbard their home. They sailed from port to port, taking what they could and giving nothing in return. The Jolly Robbers were actually number one on the navy's most wanted list, but the Jolly Robbers were able to escape the navy's clutches each time it seemed that they were able to be arrested for their crimes. One night, they met a member of the royal army, Saxon Bloodwulf. While suspicious of Saxon, they agreed to take him to the neighbouring continent in return for 50 gold pieces.

They set sail the next day, with Saxon aboard. It was during their voyage on this day that they encountered a freak storm. The storm, which hadn't been foreseen, due to the clear skies that day, tore the Fearsome Scabbard to pieces. Most of the crew died during the storm, but only Saxon Bloodwulf and Snaggletooth survived, thanks in no small part to Saxon's actions. The pair survived on a piece of the Fearsome Scabbard, and they drifted for days, until finding themselves washing up on the shore of the land they find themselves on now.

Snaggletooth, while a pirate, is grateful to Saxon for saving his life during that terrible day of the storm, and for now has decided to accompany Saxon, who has tasked himself with the burden of somehow clearing his name and has become a self appointed Witchfinder General as he is determined to ensure no person be victim to a witch or witchcraft ever again.

#Dnd #dnd 5e #dnd 5e character #gnome #gnome cleric #half orc #half-orc #half-orc barbarian #elf #high elf #elf ranger #human fighter

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blueneonlightshow-blog · 8 years ago

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Two for One Combo (Part 1)

Star pointed her wand at the numerous rats charging after her. "cotton burst ice blast!"

A wisp of cold blue light shot at the monsters and froze them to a tree, nearly missing Marco's head. "Hey, careful, Star! Hyah!" he shouted, kicking his attackers away.

"Sorry!" Star looked back and saw more rats approaching her. She took aim, but quickly moved out of the way, avoiding Ludo's green blast of energy.

"It doesn't have to be this way, Star Butterfly! I just need your book and I can be on my way!" he shouted, shooting more green energy at her. "And don't think you can escape from me this time. I've had practice."

Star landed safely from Ludo's barrage of attacks. "Wait, me escape? Aren't you the one that usually runs away from these fights?"

"Wha- no! I do not!"

"Yeah you do. Marco and I kick your butt all the time and then you run away… all the time."

"Silence!"

"I'm just saying."

He angrily shot another green blast at the girl. "Give me that spellbook!"

"Not gonna happen Ludo!" She shot a narwhal blast at the little bird man and the surrounding rats. Smiling at her work, she looked in Marco's direction to see her friend fighting off Ludo's spider and eagle. "I got you, Marco!" She held up her wand. "Taffy Rope Net!"

A web of taffy flew towards the attackers. Marco struggled against the spider but was able to land a punch and throw it into the eagle. He jumped to his feet, taking his fighting stance again. "Ha! You can't pin me down. I'm a master at judo- Ah!" The net enveloped Marco against a tree, leaving his body stuck on its side. "Star!"

"Sorry!" She ran over to Marco and tried to pull the net off.

"Uh… Star?"

The princess looked behind her and saw Ludo standing on top of his spider and bird with his army. "Nowhere to run, Princess Butterfly. Now hand over the book!"

Star smirked. "How about I give you THIS!" Ludo looked up into the sky as Star jumped in the air. "Mega Tune Music Wave!" She fell to the ground and slammed her wand into the earth, creating a pleasant musical note in the air. The shockwave, however, was not so pleasant. The army flew back, the rats and Ludo groaning from the pain.

The little monster held his head, disoriented from the sound. "No, I think I much prefer the book…" he said in a slur of words. He shook his head and regained his focus, growling at the princess. "Fine. You win this time! But don't get used to it!"

"But isn't this like the gajillionth time I've beaten you though?"

"No! And that's not even a real number."

"Sure it is. They had to invent that number because that's how many times I've beaten you."

"Silence!"

"I'm just saying."

Ludo got up and dusted himself off, pulling out his makeshift scissors and tearing a portal in reality. "I'll be back for that book! And when I do, you'll be sorry!" He jumped in with his army of rats, giant spider, and eagle trailing behind him.

Star crossed her arms. "No need to be all dramatic about it..." Her attention shifted focus when she heard Marco struggle from her spell. "Oh! Marco!"

The boy tried to free himself from the net but failed to make any progress. Star ran up to him and tried to pull him off the tree, but it was of little help. "Jeez, this thing is strong."

"Yeah… who knew taffy would be so hard?" She tried to move her hands to get a better grip, but the taffy net didn't seem to budge. "Well… looks like I'm gonna have to use magic to get you out."

Marco widened his eyes. "Uhh… I don't know, Star. Remember the last time you used magic on me?"

"No."

"I stayed invisible for four days! And you had to call your mom for help?"

Star thought for a moment, trying to recollect her memory.

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

"Hey Marco, lemme test this one spell on you!"

Marco sighed. "Why me?"

"Because I need a live test subject- I mean partner! I need a partner to test my invisibility spell!"

"Did you just say-"

"Nope!"

Marco stared at his friend in suspicion, but eventually caved. "Alright fine. Just… don't mess me up too much, okay?"

Star scoffed, waving her hands. "Don't worry, it'll be fine!"

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Star scoffed. "Don't worry, it'll be fine!"

"That usually means it won't be..." the boy said with a deadpan voice.

Star raised her wand and pointed it at Marco. "Well, seeing how you're stuck to the tree and I'm the one with the wand..."

Marco let out a sigh. "Alright, go ahead."

"Yay!" Star cleared her throat and took aim at Marco. "Mystic Ghost Transform!" A grey beam shot at Marco, making his body shake from the affect.

"Woooaaaahhhhhh S-S-S-Staa-a-aaa-a-ar thii-i-i-i-i-is fe-e-ee-e-e-els wee-e-e-e-eii-ird" He felt his body become free from the net and slowly slide down from the tree. The beam lasted for a few more seconds before Marco landed on the ground. "Oof! Huh? Hey, it worked!"

Star's eyes widened. "Uhhh… Marco?"

"That's a cool spell. When did you learn that one?"

"Marco?"

"Yeah?"

She pointed at his body. He looked down at himself and saw that he was now semi-transparent. "What the…"

"You're kind of… see-through."

He held up his hand, able to see the trees through it. "What is this?"

Star examined the transparent Marco, taking note of his condition. "Hmmm…" She looked back and forth between the body and spirit, even sticking a hand through her friend, causing him to 'eep!' "Hmm… that's interesting… Yup! You're a ghost!"

"Okay… so can you change me back?"

"I… don't know how," she said, laughing nervously. "I didn't get that far into the spellbook… But don't worry! I'm sure we can fix this… although it's kind of neat, don't you think?" She tried to nudge him with her elbow only to passed through his body, sending shivers down his… ghost spine.

"D-don't do that. It feels really weird." Star smirked and stuck her arm into Marco's ghost body. "Gah! Star! Quit it!"

She giggled. "So cute~ You know, you could be really spooky and scare people. Haunt people's souls… or at least that's what Janna says ghosts do."

"I'm not gonna scare people!"

"But you could."

"Star!"

"I'm just saying."

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Star pulled out her large spellbook from under her bed, turning the covers over to a random page. "Hey Glossaryck? Are you in here?" she said, flipping through the pages for the little man.

"Yeeeeesssss m'lady?" He stuck his head out from under the bottom cover, looking up at Star and ghost Marco.

"Heyyy, Glossy. I have a bit of a problem here… sooooooo I used that ghost spell on Marco totally by accident and I don't know how to get him back to normal."

"By accident?" Marco repeated, giving Star a deadpan look. Glossaryck crawled out of the book and floated towards Marco. He examined the boy, taking note of his transparency before floating right inside him. "Gah! Stop that! Get out of there!"

The magical being didn't listen and pretended to backstroke in his body. "So… how long was the spell used on you?"

Marco quickly jumped back, shivering at the intrusion. "I dunno… like… a few seconds?"

Glossaryck placed his hands on his hips. "Really, hmmmm... Well, from my years of experience, I can definitely say that my professional conclusion is… I don't know how to fix this."

"What!?"

"Did I stutter?" The little man flew back onto the book and sat comfortably on the pages.

Marco on the other hand was in a complete panic. "You mean to tell me I'm stuck like this forever!?"

"I didn't say that. I just said I don't know how to fix it. Chances are, the spell will wear off in a few days… probably. Look on the bright side, kid. You can be all spooky and scare some people."

Star gasped. "That's what I said!"

"I'm not going to scare people!"

"Well, you might as well enjoy your ghost powers, kiddo. Who knows, maybe it'll be more fun this way. Ahem… Dip doooowwwwn," Glossaryck chanted before diving into the book, disappearing from existence.

Marco sighed. "Well that was useless." The princess approached the ghost and stuck her hand inside his body once more, making the boy squeal. "S-Star! Quit it!"

She giggled even more. "Sorry, sorry! It's just so cute the way you do that."

A blush came across his face. He pulled his hoodie over his head and turned away from the girl. "Yeah, yeah…" he muttered.

"Anyway, I'm sure it's not all that bad. I'll just do what I did with your monster arm and make up a new spell to get you back to normal!"

Marco sighed. "Alright. Why not?"

Star smiled, using levitato on the book. "Great! C'mon, Marco!" she called out as she exited her room.

"Wait, where are we going?"

"Out! I'm starving."

"But what about my body?"

"We can multitask!"

"We have food here, you know."

"Yeah, but you're a ghost. How are you going to make stuff for us if you can't use your hands?"

"I can just teach you how to-"

"Exactly! We can't! But don't worry. I know a great place that sells burgers. Jackie and I went there before."

Marco sighed, rolling his eyes. "Fine. Let's make it quick."

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Star took a bite out of her burger, happily enjoying the meal. "This is so good, Marco. You gotta try it!"

The boy tried to grab at his own burger but failed to make any contact with it. His hands passed through his lunch, making his stomach growl even more. "You know, I didn't think it was possible for ghosts to get hungry…"

"Oh! Here, let me try. Ahem…" She held her wand up and pointed it at the burger. "Mystic Ghost Transform!" a flash of light beamed at the sandwich before transforming the meal into a transparent ghost burger.

Marco reached out, surprised that he could make contact with the burger. He took a bite out of his meal, smiling. "Wow. That is good. Thanks, Star!"

"No problem. Now, let's see…" She looked through the book, reading on transformation spells. Perhaps something there could help turn Marco back into human form. "Okay, let's try this one," she said, pointing at the script.

Marco leaned over her shoulder to see a picture of a figure holding the wand, shooting at another figure with the spell underneath it. "Exo… morphous?"

"It looks like the spell will change you back."

"Are… you sure?" he asked, concerned about the next picture that followed, showing the figure becoming larger. "It doesn't look like the spell is meant for that…"

"Psh, don't worry, I got this. Exo morphous!"

"Wait wait wait!"

Rather than the making contact with him, the spell passed through Marco's body, hitting another customer's burger. The sandwich grew one hundred times its size, crushing the wooden table with its weight. The group of customers cheered as they took a piece from the new burger.

Star looked at her book once more, confused by the lack of information. "Huh… well that didn't work…"

"All the magic in the universe and you're telling me Glossaryck doesn't know a single spell that can turn me back into a human?"

"Well, this could be a test for me. Glossaryck might be pretending he doesn't know so that I can learn for myself!"

"Great. I guess that makes me the guinea pig… again…"

"At least I know how to make food bigger now."

"True…"

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The two walked through the park once again, taking a nice leisure walk on the nice spring day. Star continued to read through her floating spellbook while Marco entertained himself with his ghostly abilities by passing his hands through one another.

"This still freaks me out..." he said as he stared at his hands. "You know, I'm surprised no one cares that I'm a ghost walking around everywhere."

"Well they sure are used to having a magical princess around here, so I guess a ghost isn't anything too new."

"Yeah, that's a good point…"

Star stopped at the park bench, taking a seat with her book. "Okay, let's see… I think I finally got it this time…."

Marco crossed his arms (or tried to. They simply passed through each other). "Alright. Lay it on me," he said, knowing full well he probably won't be able to stop Star from casting the spell anyway.

The princess' face lightened up and presented her wand in front of him. "Aestrus Forma!"

A beam of light shot at the boy. This time, it made contact with his ghost form. He felt a tingle around his body before feeling himself being pulled into the wand. "S-Star?"

The wand then shot a beam of light at Star, causing her to drift towards the wand as well. "Wait- what? What's happening!?"

The two drew closer together, sucked into a singularity by the wand. In a bright flash, the two kids, Star and Marco, no longer existed. Instead, a latino girl with brown hair, blue eyes, and pink hearts on her cheeks remained. She wore a black skirt, a red long sleeve shirt, and a sea foam green vest with the cute purple octopus that was on Star's dress. The girl looked around, confused at what was happening before coming to her senses.

"...Aw, man… what just happened? Why does my head hurt…?" she mumbled in a fairly strong and somewhat deep feminine voice. She saw the wand on the ground and picked up the artifact. "This… looks familiar…" The girl examined the wand, gently shaking it when it shot a violent burst of energy. She screamed, dropping the wand and backing away. "What the heck!?"

She looked around to make sure no one was around. Thankfully, the park was rather empty, so no one was hurt.

"Okay… weird…" she muttered, her heart racing from the sudden surprise. She looked around, finding the spellbook on the ground. The girl approached it, taking a look at the foreign object. "Huh..."

The girl flipped through the pages curious of the strange markings on each page with even stranger pictures to compliment it. "What is all this stuff?"

"It's a spellbook, kid."

"Ohmygod atinyblueman!" the girl shouted, backing away from the book. This day keeps getting weirder...

Glossaryck's head appeared from under the pages, staring at the new girl. He squinted at her, examining her face. "What? You've never seen an all powerful magical being before? Star's been living on Earth for a year now, I'm pretty sure everyone has seen something by now."

The girl tilted her head, unsure whether to approach Glossaryck. "Um… Star…?"

"Yeah, you know. Star Butterfly. Princess of Mewni. She makes a magical mess in almost every episode she's in."

"What do you mean episode-"

"She's got a wand that can do just about anything with the right imagination. You've never heard of her before?"

"...N...No?"

"Huh… that's weird… cuz you kind of have her… her magical force. You know?"

"Magical- what are you- WHY DON'T YOU MAKE SENSE!?"

"Star's got this magical… aura… and when you're as powerful as me, you can sense other people's magic. And it feels like you have Star's inner magic potential."

"WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT EVEN…" The girl rubbed her head, becoming more frustrated by the minute. "You are just all sorts of help, aren't you?" she muttered. "Okay… so… let's start at the beginning. Do you know who I am?"

"Uuummmm…" Glossaryck examined her once again, then looked at the book. "Hmmm…. No."

"Oh, great. That's… just great. Wonderful. So… what the heck are you? Are you even real? ...Am I on drugs?"

"Uh, no, kid. I'm Gllllllllossaryck!" he announced as he waved his hand in the air, leaving floating letters above his name. "An all powerful, magical entity that lives inside that book and serves whomever wields the magic wand."

The girl stared, completely in disbelief. "...Magic… wand- you're telling me magic is real?"

"Did I stutter?"

She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at the little man. "Well gee, well aren't you sassy?"

"Only on Saturdays."

The girl let out a sigh. "Do you know how I got here, at least?"

"Mmmmmmm, no. But I can find out." He flipped through the pages, looking for a possible spell that the princess could have messed with. "Ah hah… Yup… okay, kid. I think I know what happened. Here, take a look."

The book began to levitate in front of the girl, showing her a strange looking page. Trying to ignore her initial excitement and fear for the supernatural abilities, the girl read through the book. "Um… Aestrus Forma?"

"Yeah, it looks like Star used a fusion spell on herself by accident. And by the looks of it, she did it with Marco."

"Uhh…"

"Oh, right. Star is a magical princess from another dimension. The same dimension where I'm from, actually. She was the previous wand user."

"..."

"And Marco is her boyfriend or something."

"..."

"Okay, so maybe not her boyfriend... not yet anyway. Star's shy like that. She just doesn't want to admit it."

"This makes no sense at all…" the girl groaned as she sat on the grass. "So… I'm not even a real person?"

Glossaryck floated over towards the girl, sitting on top of her head. "I mean, you're a real person now."

"So you're telling me I was just born today?"

"...That's one way of looking at it. Happy birthday, kid."

The girl whined, falling onto the grass. "I need therapy…"

"Don't worry. You'll understand what's going on soon. I'm sure Star and Marco's memories will come back to you at some point."

"Star and Marco…" Flashes of memories appeared in her head. She could see the faces of the two idiots laughing and fighting together. "I… think I remember them."

"Ah, see? Already coming back."

More flashes appeared in her mind of the two spending time together. More laughter. More smiling. Playing. Hugging. "Huh… cute." Memories began to form in her mind, revealing more about the two best friends. They were… fighting… fighting together. A green bird monster was attacking with rats. Star won. She turned Marco into a ghost… "Heh… wow… that's stupid."

"That's you you're talking about," Glossaryck chimed in.

"...Shush you..." The girl began to think again. A ghost… more spells… the book. Star used the book. Accidentally fused themselves… and now she was here. "...Okay… I think I remember everything…"

"Now that we have that settled, how about we figure out what to call you, kid?"

The girl thought to herself for a bit. If she's going to be around, she should probably think of a good name to go by. Maybe a mixture of Star and Marco. It's only appropriate, right? She thought of the perfect name. "I think I'll call myself… Marar."

"Marar?"

"Yeah, Marar's good. Just combine the two names and you get Marar."

"You…" Glossaryck blinked, unsure if she was joking. "...Okay… Marar it is…"

The girl nodded, beaming a large smile. She scanned the book once more before picking up the wand. "So… how long 'till I turn back into those lovebirds?"

"Mmmm probably a few days."

"Cool. Guess it's my time to shine! C'mon, Glossy Rick. Let's check this place out." She picked up the book and wand and began walking towards the city.

The blue man rolled his eyes. "It's not Glossy Rick. It's Glossaryck."

Marar giggled. "Whatever you say, Rick."

------------------------- Say hello to Marar everyone! Man, if only there was another name you could make out of Star and Marco... I guess the world will never know... :D

#star butterfly #marco diaz #star vs the forces of evil #svtfoe #fanfic #glossaryck #marar

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jewishsnickets · 7 years ago

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ok i just finished adverbs here’s some thoughts!!

one: this is a heavy book. do not not not read more than three stories at a time, or you will get so much depression. im interested in checking out why we broke up after this but not for a while because i need to recover.

two: anything counts as love???? volcano? love. being really sad? love. The media?

three: this feels like an Adult Book just in like, the complexity of it, and how everything’s just kind of going on and you get to unravel it and chew on it yourself. also cause he says bad words.

ironically, i trust fictional narrator lemony snicket saying “this happened to me” in his books more than i trust when real narrator daniel handler says “this happened to me” in this book (even though some parts do line up??? with something that would make sense if it happened irl???), because the confusingness and ‘it’s all connected aaaa’-ness gives me a feeling of someone who says things that aren’t true for Effect and then makes fun of you for falling for it? that’s the vibe i get from this book. i’ve been burned before, by like, teachers who jokingly say “yeah and im giving you a giant essay for homework” and didnt know what to say when i actually did it, so i’m not opening myself to something that feels so fake again. it’s like love.

four: it’s the kind of book where the author’s writing style gets stuck in your head so all your own thoughts are in their voice for a little while after, but it’s not as stylized as lemony snicket, so im just? gonna sound a bit like a jerk for a day i guess?

five: “yes yes yes, oh baby yes” isnt even a real song and he got it stuck in my head, how. dare. this. book. it’s a FAKE SONG.

six: us map is the new kinsey scale

seven: there were a lot of things in lemony snicket books i thought were just “how he writes” and it turns out they’re not, and lemony has a much more intentionally constructed personality than i realized!! he’s very patient, and detail-conscious, and actually not that extreme in terms of “depressed and lovesick”.

eight: “collectively” is my favorite and i’m, like, upset that joe turned out sad later (i know his name wasn’t even joe, but doesn’t it become that, once every version of every character is so nebulous and easily influenced?)

nine: in the spirit of it all being connected, aaaaaa, i think the unnamed teacher who taught a class on idioms that went over kid’s heads was kit snicket. also i know i made a joke about joe doing “noble work” but i just caught on that connection to his other self and aaa aaa aaaaaa

#adverbily #tldr: IT'S........A LOT

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gregorduddydesigncontexts · 8 years ago

Text

Presentation Script

Originally written and performed on 30/01/17

The Path

Two weeks ago, this class took debate on a persistent argument that has polarised game-related discussion since the inception of its industry. Are video games an artform?

Be it esteemed film critics decrying its simple incomparability to more matured and understood forms of media, to industry veterans coming to its defence in celebration of its continual growth through the half-century of its existence.

The reason this question has stood for so long, is because it’s one that refuses to be answered unequivocally. Sure, an array of titles released over the past few years have turned the heads of sceptics, but none have given that one push towards the irrefutable evidence that the industry yearns for.

The primary question is this; is The Path a game that gives that evidence?

My answer, is....

On the topic of polarising discussion, I read up on the reviews and critiques on The Path prior to downloading it. The 2009 psychological-horror title produced by artists-turned-game developers, Tale of Tales, seems to differ interest in some journalists

One such journalist gave the game a perfect ten, praising its defiance of conventional game design and its courageous efforts to release a game that goes beyond its mechanical traditions during a time where AAA gaming rules all.

Whereas another wrote a hatred-fuelled scathing of the game; amongst the other colourful word choice, described it as the worst game he ever played.

Even in the developer’s lengthy post mortem on The Path, they admitted that the project was subject to “mean-spirited criticism or over-the-top adoration and not much in between”. I’m going to have to defy that presumption, and say I swing solidly in the middle of it all.

Trying to figure out the story is a graft in itself, but here’s what I think's going on.

The game begins in a red apartment hall with six sisters all of whom are at different ages with different personality traits. The player selects one to go on the adventure of delivering errands to their grandmother’s house. Once the game begins, the player is given two tasks.

Go to grandmother's house and stay on the path.

But games are never as simple as that, as the player defies the instructions and ventures out to the forest where they encounter new, enigmatic characters and perhaps even find a wolf.

Of course, this holds much in common with the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. It’s easy to first think ‘Oh great, a darker and more mature take on the fairy tale that echoes the original vision of the Brothers Grimm, sounds good’, But in terms of overall themes, the developers took a different path.

The game’s central theme is “Waldeinsamkeit”, a German word for the emotion of being lost in the woods. It’s a horror game that doesn’t rely on jump scares to give the player little bursts of adrenaline, but rather invokes a constant feeling of unrest and discomfort. You, much like the character, experience vertigo when attempting to navigate the forest. The lack of a real map and the mechanic of the path disappearing behind you when you’re in the forest too long amplifies this emotion. When you venture off into the woods, you’re stuck there.

It’s only when you’re in the woods that any semblance of conventional game takes place. It becomes a sort of collect-a-thon with context-sensitive artefacts that only specific characters can interact with. The reward being an insight into the character's inner-monologue where their individual personality traits are identified.

During gameplay, we realise that disorientation is a game mechanic in more subtle ways than others. The pause menu for example. Notice how there is no uniform to the options, why is ‘continue’ at the bottom instead of the top? Why is ‘quit’ third from the bottom instead of the bottom?

This is taken further in the sprint mechanic of the game. The Path is a very, very slow game, yet this is the only game I have ever seen to discourage sprinting.

As you see here, the longer you sprint, the more aerial your perspective becomes until you can no longer see in front of you. The quickening heartbeat also creates tension before that character runs out of breath and goes back to walking. Perhaps this is a 4th-wall breaking parody of how common the “sprinting” mechanic is, and how the player is always in a rush for their instant gratification rather than taking their time to admire the scenery.

It wouldn’t surprise me, as there are other 4th-wall breaks scattered around the game, including here where the character looks at you whenever you have the camera on her.

So, what’s the point of it all? To collect all the items and make it your grandmother's house for a happy ending? Not quite. As I said once you’re on the path you’re kind of stuck there. It’s only when you encounter “The Wolf” that an endgame comes along.

Now these aren’t wolves in the tradition of the fairy tale, but rather an individual figment that epitomises the characteristics of each of the sisters, who by the way are all named after a shade of red, be it who they are, or what they fear.

Ginger for example is described by developers as “The tomboy” of the siblings. We learn through her inner-monologue that she feels disconnected and frustrated by her sisters because of it. Thus, the wolf she encounters is a young woman, an allegory of her feminine side.

Ruby, described as “The Goth” is at her most excruciating stage of adolescence where she hasn’t exactly found herself and is fascinated with death and decay. Her wolf is an older man who pressures her into smoking. By this, he is a metaphor for Ruby’s grim obsession and rebellious side.

Robin is the youngest who’s wolf is the only one that is an actual wolf, or at least werewolf. As she is young and naive and loves animals she is not afraid of the wolf and sees it as a “big cuddly thing” rather than a dangerous animal so she takes a ride on it.

The only thing that the six wolves have in common is that after the encounter, the screen goes black and the screen flashes with quickly edited frightening imagery paired with distorted, screeching sounds until it goes black again.

When it comes to, your character is lying down on the path. She groggily stands up and very slowly makes her way the gran's house. Sluggish, and wounded. And that’s pretty much where it ends.

What happened?

My only interpretation is this; in the earliest stories of little red riding hood, the wolf asked the girl if she would take the “path of needles or the path of pins” This path the fable referred to is symbolic of a rite of passage, an event that changes somebody to begin their next stage of adulthood.

As such, I believe that The Path’s ending represents growing up. Every one of the sisters endures a traumatic experience and from that point on, their perspective and life have changed. This interpretation is validated when you get inside the grandmother’s house, and it becomes a sort of psychedelic, other-worldly rail shooter game. What was once safe and secure is now foreign to them.

Perhaps Robin was attacked or hurt by the wolf in some way while she played with it, confounding her trusting expectations of animals, and now she realises that the world isn’t as innocent as she thinks and there is real danger out there. Maybe Ruby has realised her desire for rebellion and acceptance has led her to being part of the bad crowd, which has left her prone to peer-pressure and toxic relationships.

The interpretations go on and on, and if there’s one thing that the developers agree on these connotations, is this haunting revelation. That the player could have prevented this from happening, by just going to the grandmother’s house and leaving it at that. Bringing into question our own responsibility as a player in the worlds we toy with.

Here’s the issue with that.

The first time I played the game, I stayed steadfast to the games wishes. Walking on the path at a snail’s pace over a gruelling six-minute timespan. I got to the house, sat beside the grandmother, and the game faded to black to signify a happy ending.

And then, this appeared.

The game gives you a literal report card, failing you for following its instructions and prompting you to try again.

I feel as though this betrays the developer’s intent on pinning all the responsibility and guilt on you for the fate of these girls. At no point when I walked the path was I tempted by some sort of forbidden fruit or curiosity to go the forest. At the risk of sounding cynical, I didn’t venture off the path as a rebellious act of player agency, as some way to get back at the designers for giving me such a definable objective. I did it to get my money’s worth. To see what the game had in store.

The Path is not really a game, nor is it without its faults, and I believe it to be far from exemplary when it comes to game as an artform. However, it is an experience and a work of art in a subjective manner that’s full of potential in its dealings with risky, taboo subjects., and without designers like these taking risks and liberties at every turn, we’d still be stuck in the age of pong and space invaders. The Path is not yet a showpiece to show games as an artform. It is however, a rigid stepping stone.

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