#he’s wearing his player design series hat!

[hughesybear]

Canucks' Elias Pettersson Hosts EP40 Skills Camp In Sweden

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson held a youth hockey camp called the EP40 Skills Camp in his native Sweden to give back to his community. The camp took place from July 5th to 8th.

“Mainly, I want to give back to Ånge; all the money goes to them," Pettersson said in an interview with local media outlet Sundsvalls tidning. "But then I want to offer kids to come here and teach them. Things that we teach here are things that I have practiced every summer.”

"There are many who look good, I think," Pettersson said. "Everyone eats and everyone listens. It's the first time I get to act as a coach if you can call it that. I thought it would be hard, but I think it's been great fun."

[danglovely]

Regrading Taskmaster: S06E08 What kind of pictures?

*Score changes noted in parenthesis.

It has been awhile! Not gonna lie, I'm a little burnt out on the Taskmaster regrades, but that doesn't mean I want to stop doing them. I have been watching Series 17 and I'm a little underwhelmed by it. I absolutely love Nick Mohammed, but haven't connected with the rest of the cast easily. Additionally, the location task setting isn't all that interesting and there hasn't really been super interesting task design. All that said, underwhelming Taskmaster is still Taskmaster. Plus, I'm here to talk Series 6 anyway.

Alex made a brass rubbing of Greg's face and there really isn't any more to say about it.

Prize Task: The Most Interesting Footwear

I'd love to hear you drop the C-bomb. Crikey?

Asim supposedly stole one boot and one trainer from Post Malone (who is currently Billboard #1 collaborating with Taylor Swift right now). Alice brings in a pair of Verrucas Socks which caused me to learn what the purpose of these actually are. While I did learn something, antiviral wart socks don't become anymore interesting with the knowledge.

Tim's big toe bobble hat is adorable. It also raises the question of when it is appropriate to wear it. Liza brings booties for dogs. I will say the idea of a dog walking in them is interesting, but the shoes themselves aren't interesting. Anything you force a pet to wear that they don't want to wear is going to be interesting to see. Russell got a signed cleat from Phillipe Coutinho, current Al-Duhali soccer player (and played for Liverpool at the time).

So, Tim is easy first and Alice is easy last for me. Liza will bring up fourth for also submitting something impersonalized. That leaves Russell and Asim . . . I lean Russell because (1) his is signed and (2) I'm not sure how much I believe Asim's story.

Alice: 1 (0) Asim: 3 (-2) Liza: 2 (-1) Russell: 4 (+2) Tim: 5 (+1)

VT 01: Put something genuinely surprising in this chocolate egg.

You've got to go, otherwise it's rude. I've got to go, otherwise it's rude.

No win condition dictated, so we default to "most genuinely surprising thing wins." There are two easy candidates for five points . . . Alice and Tim. Alice's is much funnier, but it is genuinely impressive that Tim managed to catch a fly and keep it alive in the egg. That impressiveness earns the five in my mind.

Alice stole Alex's financial information through his wife, but Rachel historically has seemed fairly ready to ruin Alex throughout the history of this show. Asim's worm is the same as the fly except many levels down in impressiveness. It has to take one.

The one legitimately impressive thing about Liza's is that she was able to make a recording that triggered when Alex opened the egg. The Jeremy Irons themed message was thematically confusing and honestly, a lot of contestants brought it for this task. Russell put a lot of effort in, but he can only manage three despite going on an actual day trip with Alex and his son.

Alice: 4 (-1) Asim: 1 (-2) Liza: 2 (-1) Russell: 3 (0) Tim: 5 (+1)

VT 02: Find out what you have in common with this person. Most remarkable things in common wins.

Swear on your life. What's the point of that?

So there is both a quality and quantity aspect to this win condition. It kind of asks that you aggregate two medium-remarkable things and compare it to one REALLY remarkable thing. The easiest way to do this is to list the things the contestants had in common with Carol that were actually any sort of remarkable.

Things we learned that brushed against "remarkable" (because honestly, slim pickings):

Tim and Carol are both good at Scrabble.

Tim and Carol both used to play tennis poorly.

Russell and Carol both die their hair.

Russell showed Carol an earwax removal video that she humored (though I somewhat question how much genuine enthusiasm she had for it).

Alice and Carol were born the same week.

Asim and Carol were both school teachers at some point (Asim not for very long, but still).

Liza definitely lied about her favorite color. She's getting the 1-point. Ranking other facts I'd say Birthday > Die/Earwax > Teachers > Tennis > A lie. Thus, easy scoring --

Alice: 5 (+3) Asim: 3 (-2) Liza: 1 (-2) Russell: 4 (0) Tim: 2 (0)

VT 03: Wearing these heels, create the best dot-to-dot picture on this canvas.

That's what Picasso did. He took an image and then made it unrecognizable.

Best picture? Seems to come down to a couple elements: (1) ambition and (2) accuracy. Asim whiffed on accuracy; Alice whiffed on ambition. Russell has to take 1-point because he didn't attach numbers to it. It's rough, but there is an argument for zero as well (but I guess he did make some dots).

Was Tim actually going for the remnants of the Titanic? I can actually sort of see it. Liza did what one would expect from any non-artist with a childish sense of humor asked to draw a picture. It's not a great drawing, but I kind of think it's good enough for second.

Alice: 3 (+1) Asim: 2 (+1) Liza: 4 (0) Russell: 1 (-2) Tim: 5 (0)

Live Task: Stick a plaster to the correct body part. The slowest person to stick a plaster to the correct body part is eliminated.

Thank you Alice. Thank you Alex. Body part. Body part.

I don't see any dispute-worthy claims within this task. The original scoring stands.

Alice: 3 Asim: 2 Liza: 4 Russell: 5 Tim: 1

F I N A L:

Alice: 16 Asim: 11 Liza: 13 Russell: 17 Tim: 18

TIM WINS. NO TIEBREAKER NEEDED.

[rueitae]

Season 2, Episode 5: the Boston Tea Party Caper for @csweekly

BACKSTORY DAY BACKSTORY DAY

And not just for Ivy and Zack! They literally meet Carmen on her first caper and Player is so YOUNG. They’re babies all of them and I love them. Honestly it makes it even more special they met each other on caper 1.

“Player can have his own room” I could literally cry at the sweet sentiment but also my conspiracy mind whirls because so many throwaway lines were foreshadowing WHAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO

“I thought he lived in the cloud” LOL

Zack: maybe it’s a flying race car?

Let your dreams become reality next week, Zack.

LoL Shadowsan did not ask for a flashback but he’s literally getting one. That’s so funny.

These two episodes are so interesting. Zack, up until now, we have only known as a ray of sunshine, a golden retriever. But Trey is about the only person EVER to get under his skin. Even Dash Haber, who actively tried to do so, only succeeded in making him nervous or mildly annoyed and generally clueless in a stressful situation. But as far as I can see, Trey is not insulting Zack. He’s insulting the car, which Ivy built from scratch with her talent and skill. Zack doesn’t get mad over himself. He gets mad over people knocking his family. Only once they do that does Trey get Zack mad by insulting him personally.

Okay counting the cars, Zack comes in fifth, so they DO qualify. They just don’t have a car for the actual money races.

Shark Head Eddie is peak character design.

Urgh the sibling conversation in the car breaks my heart. They are such good kids. They don’t want to do this but they will psych themselves up to do what they have to. Contrast that to when they’re stealing to help Carmen. It’s a mission they can put their hearts into.

Okay this is the best way to tell the backstory. Shadowsan’s even half invested. And Carmens just. Nah I’m not letting you get off the hook for this one. You two started the story I’ll finish. And now we get Carmen’s side!

“A few months” my butt. More like a few months had to be closer to a year to 1. Grow in height 2. Grow the hair

And honestly changing the plan because Zack and Ivy are there and stressing Player out just becomes the norm. Also that’s great Ivy could sneak in specifically because Player cut the security cams. They’re unintentionally helping each other already.

Carmen not used to driving a vehicle. Boats in the middle of the ocean have no traffic.

I DONT EVEN HAVE MY LEARNERS PERMIT.

Please someone write the fic where Zack shows up in Canada to help Player pass his driving exam. PLEASE

I am endeared that Zack and Ivy give the first geography brief. Literally everything about them endeared them to Carmen.

Carmen Sandiego, kidnapped by two siblings from Boston for a history lesson. The comedy That her hat just lingers for a minute in the air.

Reminder for next fic to have Zack attempt to create a baseball rivalry with Player or Carmen over the BlueJays or Padres.

Player literally fact checking them from Canada lol he’s so chill they’re family already.

Also, Player has changed into his regular series outfit. No more white hat. He’s “red hat” with Carmen now. Let me talk about his layers of clothing color theory now, Even if it’s a fashion disaster it has meaning. Blue shorts are for his white hat days, as blue is ACME/the “good guys” so to speak. He wears a red T-shirt to show his loyalty to Carmen, but because he’s a secret he keeps it covered by the grey hoodie. Lastly, the yellow zipper on his hoodie matches the yellow zipper on Carmen’s stealth suit. Usually yellow is for team red Allies. Sonia, comes to mind later. Players outfit is literally inverse of Carmen’s. As she wears black underneath the red, and wears blue gloves.

You can literally see Carmen’s disappointment forming as the sibs start talking about the money.

I FORGOT it was Brunt who called it Beantown lol

I also forget how soft the classmates were on Black Sheep. Le Chevre wants her to get away. He knows how angry the Faculty are and what an egregious move she’s made by running away. He understands what that means. He still cares about her safety right now. It’s such a good scene. Because Carmen might have been fond of them, but she acknowledges they all joined VILE and knew what they were getting into. She’s not holding back and she’s not going to show much emotion over it. She knew this was going to happen one day.

If I had a nickel for every time Le Chevre and El Topo got pushed into the water I’d have like four nickels by now.

The WAY IVY RESPONDS to Carmen needing muscles I’m dying every time.

Ivy and Zack are so chaotic they’re helping Carmen without even realizing it yet. Just solidifies they’re made for each other. Also!!! I love how curious and inquisitive Ivy is!!! They haven’t even joined Carmen but she’s already thinking about making a grappling hook!!!! What a little scientist!! Bellum would love her.

Their team up fits so perfectly. Ivy and Zack need out of town, and Carmen has found out she very much needs some ground assistance. AND FRIENDS MORE FRIENDS. It’s just been her and Player it has to be lonely.

And to round it off, Shadowsan’s pov on the Faculty reaction. That’s so neat that because he’s there we get all of the pov. That was really cool because sometimes we’ll get that insight into the third party reaction for no reason in other shows, but here it’s because Shadowsan remembers and he’s there! So they all participate in reminiscing.

There! Series ending explained. Ivy and Zack love what they do. And they love Carmen. Despite their fear sometimes, they get a huge rise out of being able to thwart the bad guys. They love racing yes, but they still get to do so in a way now. They tried something different and they love it.

I knew this logically, but seeing all four of them get into the car has my mind racing with joy over the many trips to the airport and road trips the four of them have taken.

Also Player is so endeared to them too. He specifically uses the term flying car teasingly. I love. This family.

Next week time for Rue getting massive second hand embarrassment (but still a good episode! Effective!)

[ladychandraofthemoone]

❤️♥️🧡🖤5/5❤️♥️🧡🖤

HAPPY 5/5 DAY YALL(I know it’s like a day late but hey I’m sortave made it in time!! Select your player from:

🌹a splendid darling🌹

🧰a trusty hard maintenance worker ⚙️

🔎 a quiet timid detective🔍 

 RAMBLING UNDER CUT CAUSE IT GETS LONG LOL:

Hands yall the pencil sketch I did of James first, would probably inked it but I’m still proud of it (Shane and Rusty I did on the same page so they’re smushed together and it’s messy ahah)

James gave me the most difficulty cause I knew I wanted to be make him Latino(Filipino/Spaniard to be exact) so I searched up bull fighting clothing and I gave him the gilet-vest underneath his big coat of his cause he’s copying Gordon (to the point of absolutely antagonizing, blaming and arguing with Alfred for everything he has done though to be fair he did traumatize Thomas kidnap his sister figure Nia and almost broke Gordon but like the Rusty scenario that’s another can of worms to get to later) but also cause I’m on the whole him idolizing and copying him around bandwagon so things like similar coat patterns, his keychains, jabot/cravat,epaulettes,beret-like hat etc) and of course I had to make him eye-catching like he wasn’t you attention so lot of gold accents and of course roses (get it cause with his surname) with him having one on his coat and on his cuff pins and rings 🌹 for symbolism 

Rusty was actually the easiest cause I already had a design for them cause I already wanted them to wear a tool belt and hardhat for their job , overalls and the protection knee pads I actually got from glowynviator on Twitter, same goes with having those (forgive I don’t know exactly what to call them) circles that appear to release smoke from their radiator as little silver buttons on their collars and pockets for their jackets and I changed the color scheme to for both the tv and rws versions. They’re pretty much unwillingly involved with the supernatural shenanigans (though then again a lot of folks are here but considering when they first got here, they legit witnessed their coworker get nearly crushed to death, the treatment of Duncan, the Sudrian verison of Bigfoot, a possible immortal fallen king 👑 fogman and of course the Boulder, they can’t seem catch a break)

Shane Dooiney I was completely inspired by gloynviator by Twitter humanizations of the Culdee Fell Railway (seriously y’all go check them out they’re awesome 🤩 and amazing and just incredible 💕💞) but with some minor changes like more detective-esque, think Looker from Pokemon or Inspector Gadget/Zenigata cause I love them so much but also a chunk of their personality is from Crona cause I love the hairstyle . Their personality I based it off of The Trainz Adventures, he’s said to be shy cause of people constantly mock their name which leads to him keeping to himself but ain’t afraid to help others, LeatherBootlace and StarSearch1927 on Deviantart (where he feels out of place for being away for so long, suffers from Middle Child syndrome/the Black Sheep of the Railwa due to being away fro overhauled a majority of the time during important events of the series so they feel out of the loop, the latter being the main inspiration for the ““private investigator” persona they have since he has a eagle eye for everything and thinks of crime solving and a love for mysteries while former used he/they pronouns for Shane and we need more he/thems here ✨) of course the top hat 🎩 is their funnel.

[alicesought]

{{ coming in with another clothing ask >:3 does jervis make wonderland uniforms for his men ? is it the same process of measurement for them, or do they get reused to save the time ?

{{ I love your clothing asks thank u :'] Jervis is definitely a little more lenient about his mind controlled men, most of them only wearing masks of characters and especially simple white rabbit masks. And the white rabbit masks are a special kind of mask designed to cling onto the head-- much harder to take off that way, you can see in game they have multiple straps holding them on-- and they electrocute the wearer if removed by force, which is why batman can't just rip any control devices off mid combat. Those are pretty one size fits all! These guys are called "pawns" for a reason, they're often indistinguishable and disposable, not a lot of effort is made to decorate them usually. He'll reuse the masks if he can, in fact, the mask themselves are mass produced, he doesn't make the latex bunny mask part of it, just the tech he shoves inside and perhaps the strapping. I imagine Jervis can manufacture piles of masks for so many men ( video game logic dictates jervis has 100 enemy guards with him at all times lmao ) is that once he hypnotizes a few men he can just... effectively order those men to create masks like a factory line.

But... usually, people put in full costumes sent to fight or work are Special Players~ in whatever game he's up to, so say, if he kidnaps someone important like the head doctor of Arkham or he's hypnotized one hero to go fight another hero, that's a premeditated plan worthy of his fascination, and he likely thought to give them a suitably ironic character to dress them up as for the story in his head. In that case, he likely made it special for them or modified an existing costume that no one is using anymore if someone has been that character in the past, yeah.

He does basically keep a lot of clothes and sewing supplies around him though! Which is fitting, I feel, for a guy whose theme is being a haberdasher.

Alternatively !! There is also... paid workers? Or non-hypnotized workers. Rarely but on occasion he does have some semblance of a Wonderland Gang with him! And I know this from canon because the Tweedle brothers are apparently canon to the Arkham series, you see their propeller hats in Arkham Asylum. If I know they're lore well enough(?), the Tweedles aren't necessarily Jervis' friends but just paid muscle he gets to do dirty work, so I imagine he gave them the name and outfits and they just kept it because... ( they're a little childish and unusually slow witted, maybe they just don't think to take it off-- ) But perhaps we can assume he also occasionally works with his Carpenter and Walrus? If so, then those "workers" have dedicated uniforms made just for them, if they didn't make them themselves. }}

[demonfox38]

Completed - Ninja Gaiden

And by completed, I mean, don't expect a stellar performance out of me. Especially, not cold. But, I can beat this in an afternoon now. It's just a clumsy, brutal performance.

I'm sure that it will surprise exactly none of you to know that I enjoy watching speedruns. This has been a habit of mine at least since the early days of YouTube. At my first job, I was so afraid of being caught on YouTube that I would smuggle speedruns on my MP4 player and listen to them while coding. I was particularly fond of Speed Demos Archive, but obviously, I've got a few more sources to watch them on now-a-days. Naturally, this includes both the old standby YouTube and the newer streaming service Twitch.

Now, I don't talk too much about my Twitch viewership. I mean, what's to say? I'm not the one doing cool things there. But, I am a frequent viewer—so much so that I pay more for Twitch subscriptions than cable TV and streaming platforms. (Then again, $15.00 > $0.00, so it's not like I’m breaking the bank here.) If you're gonna find me lurking, it's either in a retro, kuso, or survival horror crowd. Not that I'm gonna be saying much. I've got the damn thing on my TV after all, and that's a bitch to chat on.

The accounts I support fiscally are as follows:

Rifftrax—because I don't want commercials interrupting my comedy aunts/uncles.

Brossentia—The host of a number of competition and showcase events, including "Don't Make Us Bored", GDQ's "Grudge Match", and the "Kusogrande", a tournament that pits people into hour long matches playing weird and/or awful video games. Funny and honest.

Arcus—Often called the "Bob Ross of Speedrunning" because of his relaxed nature, Arcus is best known for his contributions and records with the "Ninja Gaiden" series. He participates in marathons both of his own making and others' design, almost exclusively focused on Nintendo Entertainment System titles.

I first came across Arcus while searching for "Ninja Gaiden" speedruns. And man, is there a culture shock one has when watching him for the first time. The dude's about as western as can be, sporting a moustache and consistently wearing both a cowboy hat and bolo tie. Seeing a man like that being an expert "Ninja Gaiden" speedrunner is like…I dunno. Finding a "Red Dead Redemption 2" speedrunner that is constantly wearing a kimono and smoking a kiseru. Definitely wouldn't expect that. And I really can't talk about my experience with "Ninja Gaiden" without mentioning that I've been watching him play this game for years.

Did I pick anything up from him? Did years of viewership make a notoriously hard game easy for me?

Well, there's definitely a difference between a monkey seeing and a monkey doing.

"Ninja Gaiden" is a 1989 Tecmo platformer known both for its aggravating difficulty and its cool presentation. The game stars Ryu Hayabusa, a young ninja whose father has recently gone missing after a fateful moonlit duel (and hell yeah, you get to see that.) On his father's urging, he goes to the United States to investigate the power of a statue left in his care, as well as to find out just what happened to his father. Along the way, shadowy organizations (both magical and governmental) interfere with his progress, placing him in non-stop mortal peril. It's only through his determination that the dark forces at work around him can finally be put to an end.

And, hey. Dude might have only two lives, but he's got infinite continues. The pair of you can totally do this!

If you ever needed to find what might be considered the average NES title, this might be it. Not in terms of it itself being average. Not in the slightest. There are just several elements to it that were recurring across the most memorable NES games. Challenging platforming, cool cutscenes (actually, among the first to use them, if not the first!), banging music, a distinctly Japanese feel—"Ninja Gaiden" definitely came packed.

I mean, what's more NES than this?

Okay, yes. I know. There's several versions of this title. But, seriously. What do you think the average gamer is going to remember?

And damn, do people remember this game. Definitely, own of my coworkers. When I mentioned that I had been pushing my way through the game, all he could say was "How?!"

Six pages of hand-written notes is how. And at least four YouTube videos. (Arcus has two levels of "Ninja Gaiden" training videos available for beginning and advanced players, for one. If you need a couple extra recommendations, "U Can Beat Video Games" and "Displaced Gamers" have a couple interesting videos on the game, too.)

Of course, the most important thing to do is practice, practice, practice…

Ryu Hayabusa is a bit of a quirky dude to control. He's not that far removed from your average platformer protagonist. He's got a single jump, a sword, and access to an array of subweapons. The difficulties with mastering him come down to his unique quirks. For one, he's got the ability to jump between walls to ascend to a new level. If you slam the A button + the direction you want to go to constantly, you're going to tear up your thumbs. What you actually want to do is hold A down, latch onto a wall, then just rock back and forth with the D pad until you ascend.

Additional control management issues include:

The lack of a backwards jump. Ryu can go back a little bit, but he's pretty much locked to the block just one tile past where you are. There is no escaping here. You either go forward or hold your ground. And really, the game wants you to go forward constantly. Forever. Now.

Inconsistent subweapons. See, most of Ryu's subweapons use the "Castlevania" style of Up + B to use them. That is, except for the Spin Slash (a.k.a. Sword Slash) technique. This thing just requires a single B press to use while the player is airborne. Which, great! It's like giving Samus Aran a katana and letting her Screw Attack someone into submission. But, the problem is that it takes over the button press for your standard aerial attack. It also quickly eats through your Ninpo (the fuel for your subweapons), so you can accidentally use it up before you intended to do so, should you not know about a work around for that issue (see below.)

Spotty sword hit detection. About the closest I can compare this to is Marth's Falchion in a typical "Super Smash Bros." game. There, you'll want to land the tip of your blade to maximize the amount of damage that you do. Here, it's like the same, only it involves the game registering whether or not Ryu's sword hit anything. (Maybe he was just using the back of his sword?)

A short invincibility window post-injury. The game isn't cruel enough to constantly stack damage against you. However, his invulnerability window after getting hit feels shorter than the average game. If you're not paying attention, this can result in you looping Ryu into the same source of damage multiple times before you register what's going wrong.

Having said that, there are a couple of techniques that speedrunners have discovered for mitigating some of Ryu's issues:

Sword cancelling is a way to break out of the standard aerial slash and/or Spin Slash. While you are in air, instead of hitting B to attack, you can hit Down + B to get the same attack motion. By doing this, you can avoid accidentally using your Spin Slash ability (if you have it). Additionally, you can use this to spam more hits than intended against targets. This is particularly critical for handling the final boss.

Quick/Wall Jumps is a technique where you ascend a single wall by using the standard wall bounce move rapidly. This can occasionally help you climb out of a pit to escape otherwise certain death.

Even with his odd control behavior, the challenge of "Ninja Gaiden" doesn't come so much from learning how to handle Ryu himself. Weirdly, I don't even think it's due to the platforming or even a majority of the bosses. Really, most of the difficulty I had was with just your average stage dwellers. Like, okay. Level 1's enemies are pretty benign. Levels 2-4 put their enemies in some tricky spots. It's 5-2 onward that gets malicious. There, it becomes pretty much standard to jump off a platform with your sword extended to hit an enemy that hasn't even rendered yet. Carpet-bombing ninjas with jetpacks were also routine recipients of my middle finger. Boomerang tossers and green ass-tracking ninjas can also be a pain, particularly with how fast they can rack up damage.

I think the enemy that would win the most rewards for being an absolute asshole are the goddamn hawks. Like, fuck. It doesn't take much to learn how to work their A.I. to line up a single killing blow, but does the game love throwing them over pits. Or, in pairs. Or, sometimes rising out of the goddamn ground. And man, do they hurt in Level 6. Like, 3 ticks of damage hurt. Geez, man. You'd think with a surname that means Falcon, the birds would cut Mister Hayabusa a break. Apparently, he's in a bird-on-bird war that he doesn't even know exists.

It really is strange how tame most of the bosses are. If you can bring that Spin Slash into a boss' room, you can have them shaved in seconds. The greatest challenges come from Level 3's boss (where no Spin Slash spawns) and the final two bosses. Even the latter are more due to spamming tufts of fire than the boss itself actually doing much. Damned if the game doesn't punish you for not being good at bullet hells, though. Screwing up on the penultimate or final boss will send you all the way back to 6-1, which…fuck. But, at least they stay dead when you kill them.

Allegedly, that might be a programming error? I wouldn't put it past someone to be that malicious, especially in a North American release. But, hey. This game was released on the NES Classics mini console. That's implicit acceptance of save state use by Nintendo and Tecmo for your home use, right? Just don't expect that excuse to fly in competitions. :P

Oh, speaking of which—there is another good reason to use the NES Classics version of this game. The built-in flash suppression is put to good use for this title. Considering every game over comes with quite the color strobe, you'll definitely want some level of protection for that if you have flash sensitivity. Game's hard enough without potentially triggering a seizure or headache.

I had a bit of an epiphany regarding video game difficulty while working on this particular title over the last couple of weeks. See, prior to "Ninja Gaiden," I had worked my way through "Wild ARMs," a turn-based RPG released on the PlayStation. I've probably spent about the same amount of time on both titles as of writing (28 hours for the former; 30 for the latter.) What I think is important to note is how progression is rewarded between the two genres and how that affects player morale. Like, I'm at the point in my life where beating an RPG is not a matter of if, but when. It's just picking away at battles and building up resources. Meanwhile, I still get apprehensive around platformers. Like, I think I've come a long way with them, but I wouldn't consider that a genre that I am effortlessly good at.

There's a different mindset between the two. With RPGs, it feels like constant positive reinforcement. Win a battle, win a battle, win a boss battle, hooray! With platformers, the cycle feels very negative. Die on a platform, die to a boss, die to a random enemy, die, die, die, okay you passed. It's funny. You can put the same amount of time into both games, clear them, and feel so differently because of it. I mean, duh, right? But, it is kind of silly for one to be considered naturally doable and the other meritorious of a Gamer Boy Scout badge when it's basically the same amount of time and effort. It is just all in your head.

Sorry. I may have suffered some manner of…well, I can't say it was ego death. Some kind of ego mutilation in April. It's resulting in some new perspectives.

In terms of non-gameplay elements, "Ninja Gaiden" remains strong across the board. In fact, they were the reasons children would have subjected themselves to this game willingly back in the 1980s. Its use of cutscenes in particular was quite novel. Sure, the story is a bit of a trope fest, but it is arranged in a compelling way. Mysterious cults, missing fathers, government interference, and a love interest whose idea of a meet cute is shooting you with a tranquilizer. No arguments against that. (Well, I guess Irene could have done more than get abducted after that, but she eventually rips assholes open in "Ninja Gaiden III," so I'll let it slide. Also, is it me, or was she modeled on screenshots of Sean Young's Rachel from "Blade Runner"? )

There are a couple of occasional graphical glitches, but otherwise, the game is visually solid. Well, solid past the flash warning, anyway. The music is quite good as well, with a wide amount of emotional energy and drive. It's something a retro gamer would keep on in the background while working, for sure.

About the only roughness here is with the translation. It's not incomprehensible, but it is about as grammatically consistent as the writing of an average kindergartener. There's a lot of basic mistakes here, including simple things like misused your/you're, capitalization issues, and sentence fragments. (Although, who am I to pick on writing chopped up sentences?) Clearly, it passed some measure of review from Nintendo, as it had some dirty words scrubbed out. Or, at the very least, hid from the kids. Apparently, it was all dictionaries and no grammar books at the localizer's office.

I still find the localization for Jaquio's name strange. Definitely makes more sense for it to be Jaki-Oh in modern parlance for Japanese to English translations. (I suppose there's an unfortunate Jackie Onassis joke to be had in there.) Or, hell, literally Demon King would have been fine. Maybe not so much in terms of text compression and ROM space, though.  

You know what this game is? A peacock. Like, you look at all of the elements of a peacock, and you think, "Oh! This is a lovely bird!" And then it pecks at your hands and eyes before flying off. You can get mad at it, sure, but a peacock is a bird. It is destined to act like an asshole. (Please see the previous paragraph about the game's hawks, if you need a refresher.)

If you admire a peacock or wish to have its company, you have to learn how to handle it properly. And, you know what? You're lucky. There's a community of people out there that will help you do that. Same with "Ninja Gaiden."

Really, there's no better time than now to learn this game. The speed runners and video reports are all there for your review. Will they be in the future? With the fragility of Internet services and the egos of their CEOs, who is to say? But, "Ninja Gaiden" is not an unapproachable game. Even if you are alone, armed with nothing more than original hardware and your wits, you can get through this game. Hell, even with all my research, making my own notes helped greatly in remembering what I had to do for each section. If you can make it through 2,500+ words of my writing, you are smart enough to understand this game. It's just about training your own hands to do it right.

Remember—the game gives you infinite continues. I think it might want its players to beat it. It's just a drama queen about it.

[bubblyhoney]

win for me

warnings: lAnGuAgE, alcohol consumption (both reader and all other characters are of age to drink), marijuana use, Making Out™️, a miniscule Flowers from 1970 reference. PSA: WHEN UR INTOXICATED AND/OR AT A PARTY, TELL UR FRIENDS WHO YOU WILL BE WITH AND WHERE YOU WILL BE AT ALL TIMES. DRINK AND PARTY SAFELY!

tags: sapnap x fem!reader

summary: a collection of moments throughout the beginning of your relationship

words: 5000

A/N: even though this isn’t my most organized or perfect fic this was so incredibly fun to write. and it’s a college!au!! one of my favs. hope you guys like!! let's pretend the pandemic doesn't exist for this one too (please wear ur masks btw)

-

Sophomore Year:

Smells like shit in here is your first thought upon entering the laundromat.

It does, in all honesty. What would you expect a place where college students wash three months of dirty clothes and comforters with vomit to smell like? Urine and just a hint of marijuana, incidentally. The door closes noisily behind you and a guy in a black baseball hat turns his head at the noise. Half of his face is hidden underneath the shadow of his scruff and he says nothing, but you still offer an obligatory polite-stranger smile. The place is pretty deserted, what for it being nearly 4 in the morning. And you’re a rare kind of customer; only a few things to wash and you brought your own detergent.

There’s an empty washer next to an old woman in an acid-trip of a parka, and you sweep past the few other patrons with your mesh bag close. The man in the hat nods at you as you pass, looking up from his phone.

Okay. Dark load in one and delicates in the other, you remind yourself. The quarters get pushed through the slot (not without dropping three and having to scramble to pick them up before they disappear between the machines) and you fill the dispensers with a flowery laundry detergent your roommates hates. Oh, and the clothes go in. Done. You relax into a cracked plastic booth around the corner of the machine, pulling a book of crosswords from your bag.

Somebody yelps halfway through filling out a five letter word (“a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep”) and you jump. Baseball Cap rips open the dryer, fumbling around and supplying a pair of gray sweatpants. You can’t help but watch. He digs through both front pockets, pulling out a wad of dollar bills. He sighs, shoves the pants back into the dryer, and starts it with a hard push.

“Gut feeling?” You ask. He looks around for a second and settles his gaze upon you. Nice eyebrows, you think.

“Yeah,” he laughs, slightly nervous. “Yeah. I wore them yesterday and just remembered I put some tip money in my pocket.” Leaning back onto the shelf behind him, he shoves his phone into his pocket and folds his arms tight to his chest.

“I feel you,” you empathize, and set down your pencil. “I washed a parking ticket with my underwear last week.”

He stutters out a laugh, nodding.

“That must’ve sucked,” he adds.

“Yeah.” You shrug. “I wasn’t going to pay it anyways, but would’ve been nice to keep it for memory’s sake.” Rubbing at your knee offhandedly, you just watch him. He’s cute. And easy to make conversation with.

“Hey, um,” he mutters and clears his throat. “Do you by chance know some guy named Karl? Tall, messy brown hair and a horrible laugh?”

You open your mouth, then close it.

“Actually—,” you start but huff out a laugh. “Yeah, he’s uh, he’s dating my roommate. Why’d you ask?”

Reaching a hand to rub at his neck, his face twists into something sheepish.

“I’ve seen you at some parties this semester. I didn’t mean to sound creepy like that— I just—yeah.” His cheeks flush pink and he looks down to the ground.

“No worries,” you say, barely even thinking. “I think I’ve seen you too. You’re in Delta Tau Delta, right?”

“Nah, nah,” he laughs. “Just got some friends in there.”

“Ah.” You nod.

The conversation falls into silence, but not uncomfortable silence. He pulls out his phone again, and you look back to the crossword in front of you. The old woman between you leaves with a humongous load of blankets and a small family leaves with a cart full of bags; now it’s just you two.

When the washer with your delicates ding you nearly jump two feet in the air. Exhaling, you set your work down and open the door.

“Shit,” you curse as two bras fall onto the tile. You reach down to get a hand on a black lace bra and hide it quickly under your elbow. A sneaker squeaks loud in the almost-empty room and you see Baseball Cap’s shoulders.

“Here.” He’s kneeling as he hands you your pink bra and you accept it, biting your lower lip.

“Thanks,” you mumbles, slightly embarrassed, and step back to shove those bras and a couple pairs of your underwear into your bag. He offers you a small smile and backs off to his own machines, humming an off-key version of Unchained Melody to himself. Your other load of laundry gets shoved right on top of your delicates.

It’s when you’re nearly out the door, bell jingling, that you think to look back.

“Hey,” you start, almost stuttering for no reason. “What’s your name?”

He turns, dark eyebrows raised.

“My—uh… My friends call me Sapnap. You can call me that too.” Rosy cheeks once again; you seem to be making him awfully nervous.

“Sapnap.” You try it in your mouth, pursing your lips. “Okay. I’ll see you around Sapnap.”

He nods, affirming your statement.

“See you around Y/N.”

It doesn’t hit you until you’re buckling your seatbelt and starting your car that you realize you didn’t tell him your name.

Perhaps he knew more about you than you thought.

Yeah, you laugh to yourself. Karl’s got a big mouth.

Junior Year:

It takes you a collective twelve minutes to go talk to him.

It’s quiet in the library, students that happen to come here to study or procrastinate few and far between the scattered tables. Your poison today is a 4 page history paper on Normandy that you’d been staring at the instructions for for days. You’d already written a bunch of, frankly, horseshit for the body, but the introduction and conclusion were throwing you for a loop.

The vibes in Ridgeback Hall were also certainly off, today more than any other day; the main help-desk was empty and everybody had to do the tedious task of locating niche textbooks themselves.

Lifting your head from the wood of the table, you squint and focus your vision on the guy in the white tee and denim jacket that had been the focus of your thoughts for minutes. He chews at the end of his pencil, mouth screwed up into a ball, and shoots daggers at the empty notebook in front of him. You’re surprised it hasn’t caught on fire yet just from his gaze.

“Sapnap!” You whisper-shout, stretching your arms across the table as if it would make him any closer. A person with purple hair jumps at your voice but turns back to their laptop. “Sapnap!” you try again, tapping two fingers on the table. His head jerks up, eyebrows furrowed and an angry expression on his face, but softens at the sight of you.

“Y/N,” he counters, equally as loud but with a smile on his face.

“What’re you doing?”

“Calculus.” He sticks his tongue out, making an awfully tortured face. You laugh and wave your fingers at him, gesturing for him to come closer. He just huffs out a sigh, stacks all his papers in one pile, and gets up. The trek over to your table is short but he takes it so slowly you wonder if he always walks like that. Like a varsity basketball player who just got off a horse.

“You’re so slow.”

“Shut up,” he grumbles and settles into a chair across from you. “It’s 2 pm, give me a break. I need a Redbull.”

“Those are bad for you, you know,” you say matter-of-factly and drop your chin onto your hand. He’s even cuter from this angle, you think briefly. He just rolls his eyes.

“Whatever, Miss I’d-like-some-coffee-with-my-sugar-and-cream,” he teases, pointing to your venti iced coffee. It’s about as pale as the color of a band-aid. You just sigh and close your eyes. “You tired?” He flips his pencil in his hand and leans back into the seat, sighing.

“Yeah,” you mumble. “I haven’t slept yet today.”

“Wow, you’re dumb.” He looks scandalized. You just shrug.

“Perhaps. I don’t really know why I did it actually— just for funzies!” You raise an arm but let it drop back down. “I stayed up playing Sims.”

“Feel that. I play Minecraft with my buddies until like 2 am every night too. It’s nice,” he decides and folds his arms across his chest. Your eyes flit over to his strong arms, admiring the way his denim shirt looks around them. Thick.

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

“What?” He says too loudly and it warrants a ‘shush’ from another student. He reddens, but looks back down to you. “I—why do you ask?” You shrug, eyebrows raised.

“Just wondering. You’re too cute to not have one.”

“Right,” he huffs, but his cheeks stay pink. You two fall into easy silence, his eyes trained on the notebook in front of him and yours closed peacefully. “Are you dating anyone?”

They snap open not-so-peacefully.

“Nope. You wanna submit a boyfriend application?” A smile cracks your lips and he grins back.

“Maybe,” he replies and stares at your mouth. “I have to say—,” He stretches into a yawn. “I think I’m qualified.”

“Oh, yeah?” Your eyebrow quirks. “And why are you so qualified?”

“Well, first of all, I work at Ace Hardware. That’s where cool people work.” He presses one finger into his palm. Then two. “And I have a bunch of free time because said job at Ace Hardware only likes scheduling me in the mornings. Plus, I’m hot.” He shrugs.

You nod faux-seriously, considering his list.

“Those are very good qualities, sir. I’ll have to get back to you on that.” You pause. “Okay, I’ll schedule an interview. How’s 7 pm at the Chili’s on Main? Chili’s is the designated interview place.” You wiggle your eyebrows. He just smiles at you, shaking his head in disbelief.

“That was smooth.”

“Yeah, I know.” You carefully study your nails. “I’m pretty impressive.”

“Clearly,” he mutters and chuckles. “But I do like their salsa. And margaritas. We got a deal?” He holds out a large hand. You take it, squeezing tightly.

“Hell yes.”

When you see the man called Sapnap a week later, you are very obviously in a different state of mind.

Same state, same college town, but very different blood alcohol contents.

“Sappy!” You shout, raising your arms above your head with a stupid grin on your face. He turns, that familiar look of surprise evident in his expression.

“Y/N,” he laughs and approaches your group of friends in the kitchen. It’s Greek Wedding night at Delta Tau Delta, and you assume Sapnap came to support Delta’s “groom” Alex. You’d gotten uncharacteristically drunk, trading air for sangria, and you were now in the incredible stage where everyone was both your friend and your favorite person.

Throwing an arm around his shoulders, you mash your face into his bicep and giggle.

“Missed you so much,” you try to manage out of your mouth, but it comes out slurred and stuttered. “So much.” You’d gone to Chili’s two days before and promised another ‘interview’ in the next few days, but it felt like two months away from your beloved. Beloved friend, that is. Only one date.

“Yeah?” He places a hesitant hand on your back and nudges you into a standing position. “How much have you had to drink?”

“Oh, shhhh,” you mumble and close your eyes. “Only— a lot.” Blinking them back open, you zero your gaze in on a bottle of Ciroc half-empty and looking very tempting on the kitchen island across from where you’re leaned up against the kitchen sink. He catches your gaze and steps in front of you, pleasant face filling your vision. You gasp.

“You are so cute.” Sliding your palms up onto his face, you hold his scruffy cheeks in your hands and smile all dopey at him.

“Is that your brain or the alcohol telling you that?”

“Uh,” you swallow. “Both. And my heart.”

He just shakes his head and his chest moves with a heavy laugh.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Are you having fun?” You ask, all concerned and furrowed eyebrows. You look like you’re genuinely interested and worried about if he’s having a good time or not, and it makes his expression melt.

“I’m having lots of fun,” he passes over his shoulder as he flips on the tap and fills a red solo cup with water. “In fact, I’m gonna have a nice, cold glass of water right now.” He shakes it like an owner offering their dog a treat.

You eye the cup in his hand, having half a thought that this might be some sort of backwards psychology move. The other half wins.

“That sounds so good right now— can I drink some?” Your eyebrows pull together and your bottom lip drops into a pout. It makes him blink for a second. He remembers the little game you’re playing and just hands it over, smug. You gulp it down quickly and crush the empty plastic into your palm with an exaggerated exhale. “Hit the spot,” you sigh, and pat your stomach fondly.

“You hungry?” Sapnap asks you as he steadies you with two hands on your shoulders. Something pops into your head at his words: a set of two McChickens and an Oreo milkshake.

“Oh my God,” you gasp, and mirror him by placing your hands on his shoulders. “Can we go to McDonald’s?”

He just shakes his head, grin wide on his lips, and shrugs. Perfect teeth, you think.

“I haven’t drank anything, so I’m good to drive.” He pulls his keys from his pocket. “I know you’re smashed right now so—do you feel safe with me?” The question falls from his mouth and you truly consider it, pulling your lip between your teeth.

“Yeah. I’ll take this just in case,” you say, and take a large dinner fork from the counter next to you. It has some red liquid on it that you brush off onto the fabric of your jeans.

“That’s actually gross.”

“Yeah.” You grip it tighter in your head. “But it’ll do the job if you try any shit. I’ll put this in your eyeball.” Brandishing it, a smile stretches onto your mouth. He just shakes his head and heads for the back door, jerking a hand in your direction to get you to follow him.

The cool night air explodes on your face when you step onto the porch and it makes you blink rapidly. Sapnap is right at your side, offering a forearm as you slowly make your way down the two back porch steps. A tall blonde smoking half of a blunt makes a grunt noise as you two pass and your knight-in-shining armor looks up.

“Gonna go get some food. Want anything?” Sapnap stops on the rocky path to the sidewalk, tilted up to hear the blonde’s response. The other guy shakes his head but nods to you in passing.

“I’ll tell her friends where she went,” says the blonde, and disappears through the sliding glass doors.

Your hand falls from his forearm to his hand and grasps it tightly, swinging back and forth as you stumble to his car. You flash him a grin that he just chuckles at.

“Watch your step,” he warns as you yank on the handle of the passenger door and nearly fall off of the curb.

“I’m fine,” you huff, and scramble to get yourself upright into the seat and buckled. He closes your door and jogs to the driver’s seat, climbing in and starting the engine quicker than your head comprehends.

The small space fills with the sound of Letters to Cleo as he’s maneuvering out of his parking spot and he slaps a hand at the stereo button almost immediately. His cheeks redden as he glances at you once.

“I love Letters to Cleo,” you admit, and switch it back on. Ah, Co-Pilot. A classic. “Be my co-pilot!” You sing, loud and sharp. He shakes his head but huffs out a reluctant laugh.

“My older sister loved them. Bit old for my taste, but—you know. Can’t deny that I love a little bit of 90’s angst.”

“Absolutely,” you nod vigorously and pick at your nail. “Oh!” The fork magically reappears at your side and you grab at it. “For my McChickens.”

“And for me,” he adds.

“Yup. You too.” But you drop it onto the seat and lean forward, fumbling with the volume dial until you feel the lead singer’s voice thumping into your heart. “I love this lady!” You shout and rock your head to the beat.

Shaking his head, his shoulders move in an easy laugh. The drive-thru line is kind of busy for 2 am, he notes, pulling in right behind a navy BMW sedan. But it moves quickly, especially when you’re moving in your seat, scream-singing the lyrics to I Want You To Want Me.

“Yeah,” he says, loud into the mic. “Two.”

“Alright.” The voice reports from the speaker, a background clicking joining their bored tone. “Two McChickens, a double cheeseburger—ketchup and pickle only— , a medium fry, and an Oreo McFlurry. Anything else, sir?”

Sapnap chews on his lip, and glances at you. You just give an encouraging thumbs up.

“That’ll be all,” he reports.

“Second window, and your total is $9.67.”

He barely has time to call a “thank you so much!” before the line ends with a click. Rude.

“Jesus Christ,” you moan the second you sink your teeth into your first sandwich.

“Agreed,” he mumbles and pushes as much cheeseburger he can fit into his mouth.

“This,” you start, swallowing. “is the sexiest thing I’ve encountered in all of my years. I thank all higher powers when I consume McChickens…” Trailing off for dramatic effect, you stare down the sandwich before mimicking a dinosaur war cry and practically shoving it down your throat. He just nods in agreement.

“It’s so nice out tonight,” Sapnap comments, swinging a look out his rolled-down window. He parked right in front of the Campus Quad, large bubbling fountain the show to your dinner. And some geese fighting each other for half a rotting hot dog.

“Mhm.” You crumple up your wrapper trash and toss it into the empty paper bag. “Could totally go for a swim.”

He turns and gives you a look. You look right back.

“Should we?” It’s barely a question.

“Um, hell yes,” is all it takes for you to say before you’re clambering out of the car and starting for the fountain. He follows closely after, jogging to catch up with your borderline track-star sprints.

“Wait up!” He calls as you reach the border of the fountain.

“Ugh,” you sigh, impatient. “Hurry up.”

“Mouthy,” he grumbles before kicking off his shoes and bending to fold his pants up over his knees. You just climb straight in and brave the cold.

Squealing, you hop from one foot to the other, shoulders tight as you get used to the freezing water. He laughs and climbs in right beside you.

“Shit,” he curses, and shivers. “This sucks.”

“You suck,” you quip right back and splash around. He stares, disgusted, at the water soaking up your jeans all the way up to your knees.

“You’re gross for wearing jeans in a fountain. That’s worse than wet socks.” He starts to move around as feeling comes back into his toes.

“What, would you prefer me taking my pants off?” A sassy look paints your face and he rolls his eyes.

“No, but you could’ve folded them up like a normal person.”

“I think you forget,” you start, and splash a palmful of water his way. “I’m quirky.”

He gasps, face twisting as the water hits his thighs.

“You’re dead.”

If campus police were patrolling the Quad right now, they’d see two college juniors wading around in a fountain, water up to their knees, having a competition to see who can inflict the most damage. He won, it seems, because your shirt is drenched all the way up to your ribs.

“Okay!” You shout, hands spread to brace yourself. The water in his palm falls. “I’m cold and I want my other McChicken.”

“Fine,” he sighs, and with some difficulty manages to get out of the fountain and back into his shoes. You just make your way back over to his car barefoot, braving the mulch and poorly-sanded concrete.

You both finish your food quickly, discussing menial things like how fast food restaurants always skimp on the pickles and how it’s truly a disservice to the world that so many people don’t know it’s Biggie singing the song Kat dances on the table to in the 1999 classic 10 Things I Hate About You.

When Sapnap pulls up to your house, he shifts the car into park and lets loose a heavy sigh. You whip around, hand on your buckle, and sport a very confused look on your face.

“I’m tired,” is all he says. Head falling onto the seat, he rolls over to give you a half-lidded look. You nod empathetically and climb very carefully out of his passenger seat. Your drunk muscles haven't caught up to your mainly sober brain, which is impairing your ability to look like a functioning human being.

“Thank you for tonight,” you chirp, smiling in at him with your arms folded on the open window sill. The half-drank Oreo McFlurry is lukewarm in your hand. He stares at your flushed lips.

“Anytime you want a drunk McChicken let me know.” He winks. “I have a gift card.”

“You spoil me,” you coo, and step up onto the sidewalk. “I’ll see you sometime soon, yeah?”

He nods, pursed lips fighting a grin.

Cute, you both think at the same time.

Sometime soon, somehow, means the very next day.

It’s breezy yet uncharacteristically hot out, and certainly way too bright for a hungover Y/N.

You’re sat on the porch swing, nursing a hot decaf coffee with lots of sugar and cream. Sunglasses sit comfortably on your nose, but you still have to squint. The pills you took have yet to kick in, so all you have to do is wait and try not to vomit into your mug. Suddenly, your phone lights up and buzzes to life. You press the green button and lift to your ear.

“What do you want?” Your voice is awfully froggy, you realize, and clear your throat.

“Good morning to you too.” Sapnap’s voice rings clear yet husky into your ear. The corners of your lips twitch up into a smile. God, you’re whipped just for the sound of his voice.

“It is definitely not a good morning,” you grumble and switch him into speaker phone. You drop the phone into your lap and stretch out further on the swing.

“Good morning for me,” he chirps cheerfully. “Take anything for the headache?”

“Yes,” you report, sounding like a pouting child and rubbing two fingers into your temple. “Some idiot fed me ice cream last night so this morning I woke up having to both shit and throw up.”

“Aww,” he sympathizes, sounding way too entertained. “That sounds like a you problem.” You stuck out your tongue, but upon realizing he can’t see it, make a ‘hmph’ noise into the mic. “Anyways. I called to see if you wanted to go get breakfast with me. Waffle House, specifically.” You make a face but lift yourself up off the swing, wincing.

“I saw a rat eat an entire piece of french toast there once. But—sure. I’ll pay.” He starts to whine, but you scoff. “Let me love you, bitch. You pay for my McDonald’s and I pay for your pancakes. Easy trade.”

“Whatever. See you in five.” He hangs up right as you twist the front door open and drop your phone onto the couch.

“Who’re you talking to?” comes from the kitchen and you jump, pressing a hand to your chest. A shirtless Karl enters the living room with a bowl of fruit loops in his hand.

“Jesus Christ,” you breathe, and duck into the hall closet for your pair of dirty tennis shoes. “I was talking to Sapnap.”

“Oh,” he says around his mouthful of cereal with a grin. “You guys dating yet?”

You pass him a weird look, bending to tie your shoes.

“Gimme like two weeks. I’ll have him at my beck and call,” you laugh and collapse back into the couch.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” He quirks an eyebrow and exits stage left into your roommate’s room.

The few minutes it takes for Sapnap to come to your house are short but filled with contemplation. Do you really want to date him? He’s certainly cute enough. Nice enough. And smart enough. He seems to like you too—

A honk interrupts your thoughts. Always having to be obnoxious, huh?

“You’re annoying,” you mumble as you buckle your seatbelt. He just shrugs, tiny smile tugging his lips, and shifts into drive. The short trip to Waffle House proves more quiet than lively. He seems awake, actually, so you attribute the silence to your tumultuous thoughts. The music is nice, though. Bikini Kill is perfect for 10 am.

After you two order (three chocolate chip pancakes for him and two regular waffles with a side of hashbrowns for you), he finally breaks the silence.

“Hey, are we dating?”

You pause with your lip on the rim of your orange juice. Your gaze falls from his lips to his fingers wrapped around the coffee mug. Two silver rings adorn both his middle fingers and they glint underneath the fluorescent lights.

“Do you wanna?” You squint back up at him. The tips of his ears flush pink.

“I-uh… Yeah. Yes,” he says simply. You try to hide a smile, but realize there’s no point.

“Okay.” You take a long drink of your orange juice. “I really like you. A lot. A surprising amount, actually; I haven’t really dated seriously since highschool.”

He nods, shuffling his feet on the tile. What else does he have to be nervous about? you wonder.

“I’ve… kindasortamaybelikedyousincesophmoreyear,” he mumbles and you swallow.

“Huh?” Leaning forward, you set your glass down.

“Um,” he starts but doesn’t finish.

“Did you say you’ve liked me since sophomore year?”

“...Maybe.” His coffee becomes the most interesting thing in the world, apparently. “Do you remember that one time during the Summer Carnival where Karl lost his phone?”

“Uh—yes! Yeah, actually. I do remember that. He found it in the porta-potty. What about it?” The waitress sets down both your plates in front of you and you offer her a smile in thanks before she trundles off to the drink station. You pick up your fork and wait for him to continue.

“I left two hours early because you invited Michael from your computer science class.” You pause around your mouthful of potato and he just stares back, trying not to grin. “Yeah. I thought you were hot and left early because you brought another guy.”

“Michael is gay,” you say slowly.

“Yup.” He nods and shoves a forkful of pancake into his mouth. “Isn’t that so stupid?”

“So stupid,” you tease but your cheeks blush pink.

“Anyways. Now I’m dating you, so. Win for me.”

“Ditto,” you murmur, and manage to fit half of your first waffle into your mouth. “This is the easiest it’s ever been to start dating someone.”

“It’s ‘cause we’re cool, I’m pretty sure,” comes from a mouthful of pancake.

“That’s facts.”

The rest of Pancake House is bustling, a few families with young kids and some other hungover college students scarfing down similar breakfast foods and confections. You two barely give any other customers the time of day, too wrapped up in conversation and each other. The waitress gets a heavy tip after an hour and a half of struggling to swallow dough soaked in syrup and chocolate.

Sapnap walks you to your door after breakfast, hand on your waist and pressed to your side. It feels good. Right.

“I’ll see you Wednesday right?” You ask, turning to him with hopeful eyes. How could he resist?

“Definitely. Wouldn’t miss Game Night for the world— I can’t wait to beat your ass at Uno.”

“You’re insufferable, you know that?” You murmur but you’re already slinging an arm around his shoulder and bringing his mouth down to yours.

You taste like sugar, he thinks. His hands find the small of your back easily, pressing you further forward into him. You hum at that, tracking a hand up the back of his neck and into his hair to grip it between your fingers.

He smells both musky and sweet and cool at the same time: heaven. One of his hands slides up to grip at your neck, thumb rubbing at your jaw, and you make a pleased noise into his mouth. There it is.

“Y/N!” Shrieks from inside your house and you jump, pulling away from Sapnap with a smack.

“What?” You yell back, irritated, and he just laughs as he dips to press a kiss to your cheek.

“Stop tonguing your boyfriend and come help me with my photography project.”

“God damn it,” you sigh and drop your hands. His slide down to just rest on your hips, comfortable. “I have to go.” You're annoyed, that’s for sure, and he prays you aren’t too mean to your roommate.

“Alright.” He dips for a quick kiss one last time. Okay, two more times. Maybe three. But he pulls away, grinning. “I’ll see you Wednesday.”

And then he’s stepping off your porch, walking to his car with his hands in his pockets. You watch his back fondly.

God, boyfriend. He’s your boyfriend. Boynap. Sapfriend. You can’t decide on a name, but all sounds perfect.

Perfectly him.

-

A/N: ask or send me some stuff!! requests, rants, anything. :D comments = welcome!

[theggning]

Codsworth Is So Underrated, You Guys

ALTERNATE TITLE: Codsworth and the Totally Understated Mindbending Evolution of Artificial Consciousness

I find Codsworth is often the most underrated of the 16 companions in Fallout 4. Your faithful robot butler is among the very first you can recruit and an excellent early-game ally, but he has a few disadvantages in gameplay that mean he’s often sent back to Sanctuary before long. Codsworth is a mid-to-close range fighter only, cannot wear armor or be equipped with weapons. He cannot be healed by stimpak, which makes him a liability if you’re playing on Survival mode. He has no companion quest of his own, so unless you particularly enjoy him there’s not a compelling reason to keep him for a long time. He also becomes recruitable exactly 2 minutes after adorable puppy Best Boy Dogmeat, so he is often (understandably) replaced just as soon as he’s made available.

But there is this great, completely understated facet to Codsworth, so understated that the game does not draw attention to it in any way. And yet, it is a wonderful reflection of many of the themes of Fallout 4 and, I believe, a pretty strong indication of its thesis statement.

Now what in the hell am I talking about?

Like many sci-fi/fantasy universes, the Fallout series is home to many highly-advanced robots. Robots were commonplace before the Great War, and many have survived the bombs intact and in working order. Others have been built or modified by wastelanders to serve various tasks (Percy, Ada.) The most important thing to understand about robots, though, is though they may have vivid personalities programmed in, they are widely accepted to be objects. They are thought of the same way as an appliance, a machine built for a specific purpose and programmed to follow a strict set of protocols.

Many jokes revolve around the relatively rigid intelligence of robots. Pre-War, many were deployed in inappropriate jobs or designed haphazardly (Mister Handies acting as nurses in a hospital, “paramedic” Protectrons with massive deadly tasers for hands, military robots constantly going haywire and erupting in friendly fire.) Others continue to man businesses and play out daily tasks as they were programmed to do over 200 years ago. Most robots are incapable of understanding anything beyond their initial programming, and most pre-War robots are completely unaware that the Great War ever happened.

When the Sole Survivor reunites with Codsworth at the ruins of their home, it seems like he, too, doesn’t understand what’s going on. He talks about tending the (dead) garden, references the (ghoulified) neighbors, and generally acts like the chipper robot butler Sole left behind on their way to Vault 111.

But there is something slightly… off in Codsworth’s dialogue here. Though he acts like the war never happened, he also specifically mentions details that suggest it did:

Player Default: Codsworth! You're still... fully operational?          

Codsworth: {Defiant} Well of course, mum. You can thank the fine engineers at General Atomics for that! At least, you could have. Had they not been... vaporized.

A bit over 210 actually, mum. Give or take a little for the Earth's rotation and some minor dings to the ole' chronometer. That means you're two centuries late for dinner! Ha ha ha. Perhaps I can whip you up a snack? You must be famished.

You've no idea the desperation for human contact one develops over 200 years. {Upset, recalling bad memories of encountering raiders and scavengers. / Disgust} And when you do encounter them? Oh the cruelty! You're either... target practice or... spare parts!

Even stranger, Codsworth mentions details that are plainly made-up (or some kind of delusion):

Codsworth: It's been ages since we've had a proper family activity. Checkers. Or perhaps charades. Shaun does so love that game. Is the lad... with you...?   

Player Default: Codsworth... listen to me carefully... have you seen him? Have you seen Shaun?              

Codsworth: Why, sir had him last, remember? Perhaps he's gone to the Parker residence to arrange a play-date?

(Shaun is an infant. He is too young to play charades or to go to the neighbors for a play-date.)

So at once, Codsworth does and does not acknowledge the war. He does and does not seem to understand what’s happened, and he does and does not seem to follow Sole’s urgency regarding their spouse’s death and Shaun’s kidnapping.

And then, after a speech check, Codsworth finally snaps and breaks down sobbing in despair. Not only does he understand that the war happened, he has developed the ability to get depressed about it. Longing for human contact and with nothing else to do, he’s even developed coping mechanisms to help him try to deal with his loneliness and despair—futilely trying to do his chores and deluding himself into pretending everything is completely normal.

Wait a minute. Sobbing? Despair? Depression? Coping mechanisms and delusions? This Is all pretty sophisticated stuff to be programmed into a robot, and if you spend more time with Codsworth, the reality of what’s happened to him becomes apparent:

Codsworth has evolved beyond his programming. In his 210 lonely years of existence, he has developed emotional reactions and self-awareness far beyond that of most other robots, and, indeed, has basically evolved an artificial consciousness.

“Emergent intelligence” is the theoretical ability of an AI to eventually develop something resembling human thought processes, and it seems that our dear Codsworth has undergone this. Traveling with him, he displays many sophisticated thoughts and behaviors far beyond what most robots are shown to be capable of. He has memories of pre-War time and places, and understands how various locations have changed. He is capable of learning new information and forming opinions on it, gaining his own understanding of the people and factions in the Commonwealth. He can feel happiness, sorrow, fear, disgust. He can anticipate things, predict danger and imagine how people might respond to your actions. The mere he fact he has opinions and a moral code that he applies to you shows he has free will, something even other robot companions don’t (Ada has a personality, but absolutely does not care about your actions.)

He’s also smart enough to make many wry observational jokes, and to lay one hell of a sick burn on you:

{Joking - Found an old bowling alley. / Amused} Fancy a game, mum? Something tells me the bumpers are no longer available.

 Codsworth’s intelligence is even more sophisticated than that. He displays stunning self-awareness, frequently referencing the fact he is a robot and what that means. He is very proud of his background as General Atomics’ finest, and seems pleased with his robot nature and his lot in life. (Unlike Curie, I don’t think Codsworth would ever really want to gain a synth body. He seems quite happy as he is.)

Here he is making reference to still feeling the tug of his programming:

{Seeing an office with chairs arranged in a circle. / Neutral} I've the most incredible urge to rearrange those chairs in a more perfect circle.

Understanding when other robots are restricted by theirs:

A pity. It appears Deezer's programming is too severe to allow for normal conversation. Ah well.

And when they’re actually not:

Codsworth: Greetings, sir. Good to see another robot in town. That chef hat becomes you.

Takahashi: Nan-ni shimasho-ka?

Codsworth: Takahashi you say? I'm Codsworth, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Takahashi: Nan-ni shimasho-ka?              

Codsworth: Is that so? Well, we both know RobCo is no General Atomics. It's not surprising it failed, shoddy work and all.  {Friendly - trying to cheer up another robot. / Friendly} Chin up, though. Never know when parts may turn up.

 And here’s Galaxy Brain Codsworth ruminating on his own state of being and contemplating his nature:

{Disappointed that he can't be 100% human sometimes. / Sad} It's unfortunate that I lack the proper design to consume liquids. Something about camaraderie over a few drinks is very inviting.            

I suppose if I had the hardware, I'd have the software as well. I'd hate to see how that'd affect my honesty and manner settings.

{Reconsidering what he thought was a good idea. / Thinking} Indeed. Perhaps I should rethink my initial desire.

Hilariously, Codsworth does not seem fully aware of how remarkable his intelligence is. He occasionally says things like “if I had feelings” and “if I could feel things,” indicating that in some ways he still believes he is only a robot and defines himself by what a robot is and does.

But as we can see, our humble robot butler has essentially evolved to become the smartest, most emotionally intelligent and person-like robot in the Commonwealth*, and potentially in the series.

([SIDE NOTE: Other FO4 robots nearing Codsworth’s level of consciousness and developed personality include Captain Ironsides, KLE-O, Whitechapel Charlie, and perhaps Takahashi. Curie is close, but also receives the unfair advantage of being uploaded into a synth body with a human brain. Jezebel also functions off of a human brain. Nick is not a robot, he’s a synth (though he does jokingly refer to himself as one) and also has the advantage of a human brain encoded on his processor.])

Also hilariously, the game basically does not acknowledge Codsworth’s impressive evolution. At all. There is absolutely no direct mention of it in the script. It is all left to ambient dialogue and the player’s own observations. And because so many people overlook Codsworth as a companion, they may not even realize exactly how unique his expanded consciousness is.

Now, you might call this total lack of mention a mistake, an oversight on Bethesda’s part, or that old chestnut “bad writing.” I don’t think it is. I think it’s a deliciously subtle little detail to include in a story about humanity, machines, artificial intelligence, and what makes a person.

Many of the themes of FO4 revolve around synths—distinctly not robots, but androids, artificially created beings with fully organic human bodies. Most of the storyline factions have strong beliefs about synths and the relative humanity thereof. The Institute believes that synths are objects, tools, machines no different from a robot who are only simulating their personalities through programming. The Brotherhood believes synths are monstrous abominations, a danger to humanity itself, technology run amok which needs to be destroyed. The Railroad believes they are people. Not humans, but people, built instead of born, free-thinking beings that deserve to be treated with respect and given rights.

Through quests, dialogue, notes, worldbuilding and other venues, players explore these questions. What makes someone a person? If your personality and memories can be rewritten or programmed, then who are you, really? Where do we draw the line between humans and machines, and how do we decide who belongs where?

Meanwhile, as the player contemplates the nature of personhood and the definition of intelligence, their robot butler quietly evolves into a fully-conscious person on his own, right beside them.

Codsworth is unquestionably a machine, but also unquestionably beyond the appliance he was built to be. Which to some philosophies and players should really beg a few other questions. If a robot can be considered a person, then what makes synths so different? And how many excuses do we have to make to pretend otherwise?

Ya boy Codsworth may not be flashy, or powerful, or kissable. He may not be the most glamorous companion around. But he is a good friend, a beloved member of the family, and above all else, a loyal butler—content to serve, quietly and humbly doing his job where some may never even notice him-- or the fact that he’s casually become his own person and sent generations of roboticists and philosophers spinning in their graves.

[insomniac-jay]

Redesigning the V3 Boys

Part 1|Part 2|Part 3|Part 4|Part 5|Remastered THH Girls

The last part of the redesigns before I do my remastering of them series! 

Shuichi Saihara

I wanted zem to look even more like a shy emo boy. I gave zem darker skin and curly hair bc I hc zem to be South African-Korean mixed. 

He wears a dark blue, pinstripe fedora with a trans, nb, and omi pride pins, black dress shirt, dark blue vest, black blazer with the symbol of their uncle’s detective agency on it, black pants, and a pair of black Converses.

Kokichi Oma

I decided to give xem a new talent bc the whole Ultimate Supreme Leader thing gives me rancid vibes (and bc K/daka used an actual n*zi hat in Kokichi’s promo art which is a no no for me) and so I made xem the Ultimate Actor. 

I wanted to give xem brighter colors since according to the official V3 artbook, he likes bright colors and I also wanted to keep the clown aesthetic so I gave xem a clown mask and a bit of makeup. Xey wear a dark purple cape that’s ripped a little at the ends, white zip up shirt with rainbow buttons, signature checkered scarf, and a pair of platform boots.

Kaito Momota

I wanted him to look more like an astronaut.

I start by giving him a ponytail bc honestly? I hate his hairstyle. The jacket can stay though. He wears a mostly white jumpsuit with a purple chest area, black harness, red shoulder pads, and boots. Star also has freckles bc I say so.

Korekiyo Shinguuji

This redesign is inspired by my rad af moot @toaster-hair​’s Korekiyo redesign and Kork’s beta design.

He now has silky smooth hair bc guess who says so? Me. The hat has turned into a green sunhat with roses on it and he now wears an eyepatch. Rose wears a brown jacket, frilly white skirt, long dark green pleated skirt, and platform boots. I’ll probably make the design more elegant in my remastering of it.

Gonta Gokuhara

I wanted them to look like an actual entomologist but also retain their gentleman style.

Bug wears a brown sunhat with flowers on it and a veil to guard their face, white dress shirt with bees on it, brown vest with spider web motifs, brown pants, and a pair of brown boots. I gave bug freckles bc bug deserves it.

Rantaro Amami

Nis wears a long, sleeveless brown vest with a faux fur collar, nis canon blue shirt, a black undershirt, brown pants, and boots. Nis also has tattoos and piercings. Nis also carries a backpack with nim.

Ryoma Hoshi

I wanted to make him look like a tennis player and a prisoner at the same time.

He wears a cat ears beanie, blue polo, black hoodie, black and white stripe pants, and a pair of black tennis shoes. He also carries around a tennis racket holder.

K1-B0

I want zhem to look like a human so I gave zhem a more human appearance.

Zhey wear a light blue hoodie with black graphics, black Hatsune Miku t-shirt, a pair of ripped jeans, and some sneakers.

Sorry if these were more low quality than usual. I promise I’ll add more when I remaster their designs. 

Reblogs > Likes

[sunny-cyrus]

If that’s what you meant by the tags on this I’d love to hear about your headcanons and why👀

That IS what I meant yes and this will be a bit long since I have a lot of thoughts and such, so thank you :D

Stan

Okay so my head canons and making smelly teenaged Stan.

He doesn't clean his face, this is me projecting but since his character does have depression there is the lack of motivation on things and he just thinks "why bother getting rid of the zits if they're gonna come back". Stan also sucks at shaving but doesn't wanna look like Randy, not cause he hates him (though Stan isn't fond of him it just isn't hate) he just fears becoming a Randy clone. Stan still plays board games and his main player 2 is Nicole, he's also gotten better at music stuff. Stan's hat is just his old hat that has been stretched out into a beanie look cause he's like emo or something. Speaking of what he's wearing I looked through my Pinterest board for clothing since I couldn't figure out how his jacket would look, no I am not joking. Now on Stan's hair, I just gave him teenager Trey's hair considering Stan is kinda Trey also it looks crappy but in a good way.

Lastly on Stan, he still despises weed and would never take it and he still has sparky! Big Gay Al just co-owns him.

Kyle

Kyle's hat isn't the original his mom didn't want him wearing his old clothes since she didn't want others thinking she doesn't buy her son new clothing, another time of me projecting. But Kyle bought the exact same hat everytime except there being the slight differences of the hat and he never thinks it's the same. I thought about his future design where he's an adult and Kyle has the same green/orange look so Kyle just really likes green and orange. He wears vests and a sweater mainly cause I realized just the vest would be cold. He has one of those purse bags I forgot what they're called but it's from his mom and he gets made fun of by Cartman a lot.

Kyle still enjoys and plays basketball I'm not gonna give details since I have no clue how basketball works. He needs glasses but refuses to go to get them, Stan has to help him read stuff that's far away. Kyle doesn't want them since that's like a Jewish stereotype (from my research it is Im just going off that). Kyle gets into other people's business but that's cause he thinks he could fix things, he doesn't mean to be a jerk. Cartman still gets on his nerves and over the years of being mad about Cartman, a lot of small things that make Kyle mad he overacts to them (projecting sorta again). Kyle just wants to help.

Cartman

Cartman was fun to draw and think about actually! So we've seen the times he's dressed up and such so he ends up having a pretty obnoxious wardrobe when he's older but mostly wears his jacket with flames and he always claims how "it's kewl the flames are sick, you guys!" His shirt is actually cheesy poofs branded, I have a south park shirt that is pretty old and the print on it is very faded so the shirt is similar to that and also shows how long Cartman has been a fan of cheesy poofs. He wears sweatpants. Cartman makes sure to wear the most expensive and popular brand of shoes so he can show off to Kenny.

His hat is actually his old one just with pins, the pins are an emoji and a cat (which is from a series called bee and puppycat) Cartman's favorite animal is cats even if he doesn't know how to care for them. He has hair clips, many many hair clips he also wears eyeliner/paints his nails! He's been shown to crossdress alot so I feel like Cartman would just subtly wear stuff like that more often. I don't think he really brushed his teeth often and with all the bad foods he eats he ends up with braces. Cartman has subtle stubble and acne, all the boys have acne actually but that's cause they're gross teenagers (Stan's is the only one who has the worst acne second to that is Kenny.)

He still has his 'bff' necklace matching with Kenny after that episode where he claims they're 'bffs' with that necklace Cartman actually ends up liking that idea and brings it up to Kenny years later. Lastly Cartman likes to play loud and obnoxious music while they wait for the bus, Kyle is the only one who's actually annoyed, Stan always recommends songs when Cartman runs out and Kenny just laughs.

Kenny

Okay so Kenny, he ends up growing out his hair after liking the long hair while being princess Kenny he even takes off his hood to show it off! But he gets cold easily so wears a scarf to cover his face up thus keeping the muffled voice. Kenny also cross dresses whether that be a gender thing or just a thing he likes he still does it and enjoys doing whatever. He has the matching bff necklace. Kenny like I said before gets cold easily and because he took off his hood his ears get bright red cause of the coldness.

Kenny has a great relationship with his siblings and he likes that with Kevin he doesn't need to take up a parental role! Kenny doesn't fear death which would be obvious and has given up on figuring out how it works though he is very smart and not being a ten year old anymore would mean he could figure it out but Kenny just wants to be with his friends and not think about dying, pretend it's a dream or like nothing happened like how everyone else reacts after it. Kenny does get really sad over it though.

That's pretty much it! This was very long actually, but Im glad you wanted to know about my head canons and stuff for this :D I had fun writing this all down!

[uwua3]

your name (pt.1)

❄️📚 tsukioka tsumugi

part 1 — part 2 — part 3

summary: being an adult is tiring, tsumugi knows that all too well.

warnings: class divide (struggling financially), food

author’s note: this is the first ever series i’m doing! please anticipate the next installment of the “your name” series tomorrow :D i’m so excited to share this since part 01 is my first ever wip for a3 ever 🤍 please enjoy!

word count: 2,932

music: kimi no na wa soundtrack – radwimps

Running with reckless abandon, a boy trips amidst the bustling public traffic in the station, books flying out of his arms from the sheer force of his turn. Passer-bys barely spared a glance at the panicked tutor as he bent down to gather his academic papers, all imprinted by strangers’ shoes. In a moment of lifelong embarrassment, the world continued to spin as nothing rippled the fabric of time.

Murmurs spread across the crowd, daily small talk between people who would never see each other again on the complex train system. Students shared personal gossip too loud for their own good as their prestigious private academy skirts flew past him. Businessmen burdened themselves with client phone calls as they were all weighed down by the same leather briefcase. Employees wore their customer service mask, smiling politely before dropping their act immediately afterwards when they thought no one was looking. As expected, there was no time in the schedule to stop and help a recent university graduate out of his clumsy peril. Everyone was too distracted by their own problems to consider breaking their routine.

Perceptive by nature, Tsukioka Tsumugi didn’t need to glance at his watch to know he was late to his study session. The automated female voice sounded dull over the speakers, announcing his designated train was to depart in five minutes in a monotone attitude. Tokyo was a busy city with no mercy for those who didn’t plan every second of their future. That much was understandable by the aspiring teacher who quickly pulled out his outdated flip phone as he carefully eyed the assignments back in his possession.

A single tone rang before a drawl was heard in poor quality, with a shit–eating grin Tsumugi knew all too well.

“Tsumu, did you finally realize I don’t need your tutoring?” Settsu Banri mocked, the distinct background noises of his new video game obsession making Tsumugi speed walk even faster. With his books held tight against his chest, he sighed and almost pinched the bridge of his nose before realizing none of his hands were free. Placing the phone in between his shoulder and ear, Tsumugi rolled his eyes as he attempted to organize his mess.

“Banri-kun, please refer to me as Tsukioka-san. I am your senior by years, if I may remind you.” Tsumugi reprimanded, noting Banri’s agitated groan and muttered under his breath about the age difference between them. Unlike the other students Tsumugi tutored, Banri was defiant. Over–the–top, lazy, and arrogant—but deadly smart. Ever since Tsumugi carefully took off his shoes in the Settsus’ overpriced apartment, Banri took it upon himself to make his life a living hell by refusing to do the work but getting every question right. The only thing Banri cooperated with was talking about video games, which distracted him from his innate ability to be the best at everything. So on Friday afternoons, Tsumugi would visit to recap the weekly curriculum and try his best to stay patient with Banri’s snappy attitude.

“Why’d you call anyways? You’re late, by the way.” Banri pointed out right before Tsumugi fell through the two closing doors on the train, tumbling into a displeased but silent group as he gripped the overhead. Spectators only stared for a second before turning away as Tsumugi blushed under the attention, stammering back a half–assed apology of how he was going to be twenty minutes late for their session.

“Hold on, am I talking to the right person? Tsukioka Tsumugi, late? Real funny, just tell me you quit or something.” Banri feigned a bothered persona, but it was nice to pretend he was actually worried over the possibility of not seeing Tsumugi. Apologizing quickly to a corporate worker he bumped into, Tsumugi fixed the bag slung too low on his right shoulder as he took the phone back in his hand. At the same time, the zipper on his decade old bag gave out as it took his foot’s entire strength to keep the folders in place. Great, another thing to replace.

Staring outside the window, the school year was coming to a close as the heat of incoming summer air made him grip the phone in case of vicious sweat. “Banri–kun, you know I value our study sessions together.” He didn’t respond, just a resigned hmph before hanging up as Banri started swearing into his gaming headset. Tsumugi closed his eyes, getting his minutes of shut-eye for the first time in days as the sun glowed. Time didn’t stop for anyone, especially not Tsukioka Tsumugi.

After being greeted way too properly by the Settsu chain of servants, Tsumugi could hear the exaggerated game sound effects throughout the rather empty mansion. Walking carefully into Banri’s wide open door, Tsumugi grimaced at the sight of the energy drink cans crushed and thrown haphazardly near the trash can. Junk food wrappers were kicked underneath the expensive furniture as Banri was focused on his two–screen gaming setup. The rainbow LED keyboard was smashed expertly by Banri’s quick fingers all without looking down, getting him a #1 win as he boredly stared at the victory. As expected of NEO-san, a top league player. Or so Tsumugi’s heard by his other student, Taichi, who dramatically cries every time he loses against Banri.

“Banri-kun, please excuse my interruption.” Tsumugi announced, holding up the textbooks he had carried with a strained smile. Banri didn’t even look over as he logged off, saying something about GG to his teammate by the name of “Taruchi” before pushing the cat headset down around his neck. Spinning around in his black gamer chair, Banri raised one eyebrow at Tsumugi’s disheveled appearance panting slightly in the doorway. It was unlike his composed, proper tutor to be... like every young adult out there? Tsumugi didn’t seem like he had all the wisdom and knowledge in the world, he looked more... confused than anything.

“Geez, Tsumu. Didn’t think you’d sleep in, watched the meteor strike last night?” Banri smirked, rolling his chair across the room to his school desk as he put his legs up, stretching his arms beneath his head lazily. How he hadn't changed out of his white t-shirt and sweatpants was beyond Tsumugi as he sat in his normal chair silently, unlike the loud high schooler who glanced at the folder of work with a yawn. Grabbing some trendy bucket hat, Banri shoved the brim over his eyes as he took a break from the flashing neon blue light from his monitor.

“Meteor strike?” Tsumugi questioned innocently, attempting to hold conversation as Banri hummed a game soundtrack absentmindedly. Nodding, Banri pulled up his modern phone that made Tsumugi wince thinking of the price of that thing. Shoving the screen in front of Tsumugi’s wary red eyes, he blinked rapidly to adjust to the bright overpowering pixels. Tsumugi noticed an event marked that raved about the phenomenal light show the day before. Thinking back on the train incident this morning, Tsumugi remembered the excitement buzzing through the students a week prior as they whispered about a new chance to wear their best yukatas to celebrate. It had been so long since he was in school, that he completely forgot about all the childish euphoria that came with change.

“I must’ve slept through it. I didn’t notice at all.” Tsumugi admitted, tilting his head as he tried to remember the news every morning the past week. He couldn’t remember a single story of the astronomical event, although every day felt the same as usual. It was peculiar; Tsumugi was awake all night, too. He couldn’t sleep without his medication... maybe he should have looked up for once.

Taking his phone back to check the game notification popping up on screen, Banri chuckled as he shoved a stick of chocolate pocky in his mouth. “Mhmm, said it was a historical event n’ all. Supposed to be life-changing.” Banri offered bare minimum detail on anything and everything, but it was enough for Tsumugi to have a slight understanding as he set up the workspace. Banri noticed the distant look in Tsumugi’s eyes, the tiredness stifled underneath the graceful mannerisms as it looked like he was going through the motions. Attempting to lighten the mood, Banri’s voice came off meaner than he intended. “Aren’t you like? 25? How come you don’t know this stuff, you’re no boomer.”

Tsumugi frowned, glancing at Banri who looked away immediately with a flustered expression. Leave it to Banri to overthink whether or not he overstepped a boundary but refuse to acknowledge it. Tsumugi kept the meme going, sarcastically deadpanning, “Haha” before tossing a new eraser at Banri’s mushroom hair. Banri caught the gift in one hand easily as he slowly turned it over, turning his body to fully face his tutor. His feet dropped to the floor with a bang, startling Tsumugi to straighten his posture and stare directly into Banri’s curious face that had a glint of... concern?

“What’s all this? A gift to make me like you or something?” Banri jokes, nudging Tsumugi’s foot with his own. Tsumugi couldn’t help but notice the tight death grip Banri had on the small, game controller shaped eraser he had found at his full time work as a florist. Across the street was a one dollar convenience store, where teenage workers stood at the register on their phones as Tsumugi checked out the stationary. Wearing his dirt–stained apron, he remembered coming across miniature, adorable erasers that made him think of his students. Especially the red and blue Nintendo Switch joy con erasers that made Tsumugi think of Banri’s whole rant about the superiority of Fire Emblem: Three Houses’ Black Eagles for the potential wife girls. Sure, it was a hit on his already fragile bank account, but it was worth it to see Banri genuinely happy about something for once.

“You already do, I’m the longest tutor you’ve had.” Tsumugi didn’t need the thanks, because it was clear in the way Banri for once put something down without throwing it. Banri scoffed, mumbling a weak comeback as he flipped open his notebook. He even tossed his hat off his head, revealing the messy long hair tucked behind his ears. Oh, he did his homework for once, Tsumugi mused with satisfaction before trying to flip to the appropriate page in the school’s textbook. It was open to a section on meteors, and glossy colored pictures of the sky made Tsumugi’s eyes focus. The image seemed familiar. Perhaps he stared a moment too long, because Banri took the book himself and thumbed his way to the marked section, warily sparing a careful glance.

“Hey... you good? You don’t look... normal.” Banri roughly phrased, trying his best to emote like a normal human would. Tsumugi nodded, not convincing anyone he was off. Brushing his sweaty palms upon his jeans, Tsumugi pushed his hair back as he started reciting what he knew of the topic and reviewed the homework, failing to catch Banri’s attentive stare at Tsumugi’s cheap, hole-ridden pants and bag bursting at the seams.

Tsumugi went back on the same train. The people were the same, his schedule was the same. Banri was different today though, paid more attention today despite knowing it already. Maybe he just wanted to get it over with, probably some tournament tonight.

In the face of the orange sunset above the skyscrapers, Tsumugi walked home with a slow, natural pace that fit his time slot he allocated for transportation. The mental reminder allowed him to look up for once, seeing the birds fly together around the quieter part of the city as a golden haze reflected off the glass. Community members said their usual predictable greetings as he waved back, respectfully wishing good health to his elders and telling funny jokes to the youth playing sports. Yet, it didn’t bring him the fulfillment he got before when he was young. Being an adult, was tiring.

It was the same everyday, as Tsumugi left the residential area and climbed through the back alley to a slum part of town. Lights flickered as abandoned businesses creaked amidst the silence. He escaped the prying eyes of neighbors and unlocked the door to his dingy, unsafe apartment. Closing the door quietly, Tsumugi stared at the studio as silence overtook his surroundings. Dust floated in the golden hour as everything was where he exactly left it.

“Welcome home.” Tsumugi whispered, his own voice echoing in between his four walls. Alone, again. It was the same everyday.

Heating up the instant ramen expired in his cupboard, the microwave sparked every once in a while as Tsumugi leaned against the counter. Each surface he touched creaked with uncertainty, as if it didn’t know how long it could last. His one–room housing felt cramped despite the lack of furniture around Tsumugi. His run–down appliances, aged decor, and rising rent made the location even better as Tsumugi did the usual routine of eating half the calories he needed and staying up browsing job listings. This time, the ramen wasn’t as satisfying as the pastry Banri stuffed in his hand before he left.

“What’s this?” Tsumugi remembered asking, immediately feeling sick to his stomach once he saw Banri’s serious expression stare back at him. At the moment, it felt like Banri was his teacher. The sweet, strawberry mochi wrapped in plastic felt warm in his palm as Banri stood at the door of his own home, leading Tsumugi out with a gift.

“Mochi. You’re Japanese, dipshit. Just a thanks, I guess.” Banri bullshitted, rolling his eyes as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. Tsumugi noticed they began to fidget a little bit as Banri tapped his foot against the welcome mat. “School punk named Juza bakes or whatever, has a family business so thought you might like it. Or whatever.” Banri elaborated, using one hand to tug at the already loose v–neck collar of his week old t–shirt. Was that a blush Tsumugi saw on his rather indifferent student? No matter, it wasn’t his business to ask about a troublemaker turned pastry chef.

He’d make sure to thank his student next time he tutored him, which would be (Tsumugi checked the wall calendar disappointedly) next week. Banri was a good kid, even if he had his teenage angsty rebellion phase for a while now. Privileged kids liked doing that, pretending the whole world was against them despite having everything, Tsumugi thought bitterly. Even he was slightly surprised and caught off guard by his own pessimism, before the microwave beeped, signaling its task was done.

When Tsumugi tried to pull open the door, the handle snapped off and a quiet sigh escaped Tsumugi’s lips. Guess no dinner for tonight, then. Tsumugi didn’t have enough fight in him to care, so he dropped the handle onto the counter with a clatter. Inside this studio room, there was nothing for Tsumugi here. Not even his own food.

So, Tsumugi sat down on the couch that groaned beneath his weight. Except, it wasn’t his own body that made his sofa creak—it was the stack of papers needing to be graded in his arms. With a red pen tucked behind his ear, Tsumugi began marking his students’ work. A minute passed before Tsumugi quickly turned the television on, letting the sound of the news distract him from the unbearable loneliness.

Sure, it was going to increase his bills but... the money would be worth it to make his thoughts quiet for a moment. Tsumugi had a job to do, and he wouldn’t let his mindset get in the way. Being an adult was something else, indeed.

When had he fallen asleep?

Tsumugi blinked slowly, finding that his cheek was resting against a substantially smaller stack. Another pile that was distinctly red ink was on the other cushion, the pen without its cap rolled across the carpet. Tsumugi subconsciously winced when he realized the T.V. was on, the same channel on in the background.

Lifting his head, Tsumugi tried to comprehend the visual of the screen through his blurry vision. Tsumugi’s glasses must’ve dropped somewhere; he hoped he didn’t step on them. From what he could hear, the duo of news anchors were animatedly discussing some supernatural phenomenon tonight. Tsumugi rubbed his eyes, leaning closer to the small box screen ahead.

There was no way he possibly heard that correctly. Yet, there it was on the T.V.: “Historical Meteor Shower Tonight!” in big bold letters at the bottom. Tsumugi could remember Banri talking about something like this, but it had occurred last night. Was there another one? How common was it for two meteor showers within a span of mere hours? Sitting up, Tsumugi watched the pair talk about the light show.

“This is said to be the first event of its kind in Japan!” The host exclaimed, the screen switching to a picture of the meteors. A sense of familiarity struck Tsumugi once more, the same feeling when he had seen Banri’s textbook earlier that day. “It’s said to be life–changing—” The other one replied, Tsumugi’s wide eyes focused on every single passing word and image. Could deja vu possibly last this long?

As Tsumugi fumbled for his phone, he made his way out onto his balcony. Something inside him was telling him to get some air as Tsumugi dialed Banri’s number. Before Tsumugi could confirm the call, a bright light appeared out of the corner of his eye.

Tsumugi looked up to see two bright meteors splitting from one another. At the sight, Tsumugi’s phone landed upon the balcony floor.

[lunarsap]

so my sister made me the pic crew thing with sokka, yuuji and bakugou ( we needed someone random in my boyfie list) i made a souya one but here is her explanation for them

explanation: me shishter loves sokka. and we recently watched the whole harry potter series. so like.. what else would i have. sokka’s a Gryffindor quidditch player and gave her his scarf :). and grey’s a prefect (i think that’s what that hat means idk) also she’s a hufflepuff (both of us are 🙄) and yeah that’s it

explanation: SAME SOKKA AND GREY!! but royal au!! they’re going on a picnic!! and sokka brought her a bouquet. he has a top hat because he is a magician but also a knight idk we couldn’t choose (but he’s def a magician) grey is a princess :>

explication: GREY AND YUUJI! no au, they’re just on a date. yuuji stole that hat from some man at a park abt 2ish years ago and now it’s his date hat, he wears it to every date. also grey is looking at him like that bcus he’s so endearing

Explanation: did not make this one!! grey did :) it’s her n souya!! i think it’s really cute :(( they’re. on a date :((( look at them

Explanation: BAKUGOU TEXTED GREY AND TOLD HER TO WEAR HER BEST OUTFIT AND HE SHOWED UP IN HIS HALLOWEEN COSTUME. yes his parents are fashion designers, yes he thinks that raggedy outfit is a look, he is bakugo. he looks so smug bcus he just KNOWS he’s killing it rn!!!! (he’s not) and he’s kinda ruffed up bcus ofc he would do hero work before a date. i hate him.

[antihero-writings]

In the Temple of Dust 

Fandom: The Legend of Zelda (Breath of the Wild)

Character Focus: Link

Summary: After Link completes all the shrines, even though he's stronger than he's ever been...he still isn't sure he can be the hero everyone expects him to be. So some old friends try to cheer him up. Or...maybe they're more than just friends.

Notes: I've been playing Breath of the Wild for the first time lately, so when Tale Foundry's prompt this week ended up being "In the City of Dust" that's immediately where my mind went to, haha! I had to get the BotW fic idea out of my system first. I've also wanted to write a BotW fic since starting, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! 

This was also a bit inspired by a couple youtube videos: Zeltik's video on the Forgotten Temple potentially being Skyloft, and the Deathly Loneliness Attacks amv.

Please note that I have a very limited knowledge of the Zelda series as a whole (and I have actually not reached this point in my game yet)...so please forgive me if there were any inaccuracies! I tried my best, and I hope it was cool!

I hope you enjoy it! If you do, please consider reblogging, and/or leaving a comment!!

*

In the Temple of Dust 

The hero took a look behind him at the crumbling columns and moss covered stones, the tree breaking out of the wall, and the now destroyed guardians lying among the ruins like the rest, a great sigh of this place, the last things alive silenced.

This whole place felt like a memory, long buried. What once must have been a grand temple now home to skeletons and monsters…and sometimes creatures that were both

He wished he remembered.

He turned forward and made his way to the foot of the goddess, where three chests sat waiting.

As his steps sounded, he heard the faint notes of music. Something like an ocarina. He looked around for the lone player, but there was nothing, no ghosts nor memory. Just, imagination or hallucination.

Did he know this place somewhere, sometime? Now it was nothing more than forgotten; forgotten by more than him alone, enough that that was a part of its name.

The goddess smiled down upon him from her place on high, the statue here taller than any of the others he’d seen, like the people who once lived here were closer to her than anyone else.

He bowed his head to say an extra thanks for good measure.

As he knelt down before the chests, and reached out to open one, his throat held his heart.

This was it. This was the reward of more than a hundred shrines worth of work. The worth of the weight of the world. Surely this would be far more than an ordinary weapon or arrow. This would be the treasure of ages.

It clicked, and he raised the lid. Sitting in the belly of the treasure chest was a green tunic.

He paused a moment to look at it quizzically, before gently reaching in and pulling it out, observing the craftsmanship, the design…trying not to feel disappointed. He wouldn’t have thought the armor of ages would be so plain. But he shouldn’t judge it for looks alone. Surely it was very valuable.

He lay it across his leg and moved on to the next chest. This was a pair of pants to go with the tunic, and the final, a hat, something like a nightcap.

Before he let disappointment overtake him, he decided to put them on. Surely he’d feel something when he did—stronger maybe? They had to be special, important, powerful. They couldn’t be anything less.

But when he put them on, he didn’t feel any stronger, any braver, any better equipped for life’s trials.

He looked at his reflection in a rusty shield in a last ditch attempt to unearth some sort of memory from his subconscious, but only more memoryless mind remained.

The echo of a hero. That’s what he always saw. Echo of a voice laid to rest a hundred years ago. A simple green tunic, without any special abilities, wouldn’t change that.

His face twisted as he groaned, pulling his sword from his back, and swinging it angrily at the air before shoving it into the ground, the sword that seals the darkness merely a stake in the mud, a monument to a lost cause.

He thought this sword would prove his worth, to others as well as himself. When that didn’t work, he thought completing all the shrines would give him answers, make him feel like the hero they all said he was. And though he was stronger than ever, it seemed the emptiness was deeper than that.

He sat on the edge of the staircase.

“Aren’t heroes supposed to have some special powers or something?” he scoffed to the empty air, leaning back against the staircase. “Or at least a sidekick? A memory to their name?” a pause. “I’m sorry I just...” A whisper: “I don’t know if I can save Hyrule after all.”

“What are you talking about?” He started at the sound of a child’s laugh…though the voice sounded oddly distant.

As he reached for the sword he found the speaker was resting his arms casually on the sword. He was indeed a child, but one that looked…oddly similar to himself. Not to mention, well…half transparent.

“You’ve had many powers over the centuries. ” He almost jumped as he saw another version of himself.

“I could control the wind! ” Another raised his hand, this one a child too, even younger than the first.

“I could walk on walls, and between worlds.” If he wasn’t mistaken, it was the painting on the far wall that spoke—he was sure it hadn’t been there before.

“I could become whatever I wanted to be, through the power of putting on a mask, ” said one leaning against the shrine, hiding his face.

“I could control time, ” said the original speaker.

“But that doesn’t make you a hero.” A wolf with strange markings walked in silently, and spoke seemingly with his thoughts.

“Can’t…Can’t you take me back to her then?” the hero asked the ghost of the first speaker. “Before all this started?”

He’d seen more than one ghost before—they even gave power to him. He knew there were enough strange things about this world to be all too fazed by this sight. Besides, perhaps it was just a dream after all. Best enjoy it while it lasts, rather than waste time being freaked out.

The child smiled. “Time was my game. This... ” he backed up, lifting his hands to gesture around him. “This is yours. ”

“What is?”

“Why this world, of course! ”

“It’s so wide, ” the shadowed one spoke.

“You’re freer than you’ve ever been,” said the wolf

“I guess…”

“What’s wrong? ”

“I mean, sure I’ve defeated monsters, and helped some people, and succeeded at the trials but—! What’s that matter if I don’t remember anything? I just…I don’t feel like the hero they all want me to be.”

“Do you think any of us felt like a hero? All we did was go around defeating monsters. ”

“And go on adventures! ” The wind one said, and they chuckled in reply.

“Did you ever consider that maybe being a hero was about more than that?” the time one spoke. “About something in here?" He touched his heart, (though the hero couldn’t feel his fingers).

“And he doesn’t mean the spirit orbs!” the wind one called, and the others laughed.

“You already have it in you.” He held out the sword to him. “I promise.”

“...Does…” He took the sword, observing his reflection in the metal. “Does it have to be this lonely?

“What are you talking about?”

Another version walked out, one who perhaps looked more like himself than the rest, and for a brief moment this place was a city in the clouds. This one’s eyes flicked briefly to the sword before saying,

“You’ve never been alone.”

Link looked around at all the ghosts, seemingly of his past selves, who all smiled in turn, and finally noticed they were all wearing the green tunic. The same one he got from the chests, now placed on his own.

“Now go kick Ganon’s butt!” The wind one put a fist in the air.

More laughter, even a few cheers, and Link smiled, rubbing the back of his neck as he replied.

“Well…I suppose I can at least try.”

The world breathed, and he shut his eyes against the wind. When he opened them again, they were gone.

The scene was a strange one to be sure, and he’d never profess to understand it. He still wasn’t quite sure he’d ever feel like the hero they all expected him to be. But as Link picked up the Master Sword, and walked back out in the world, the words of ghosts and lost memory ringing real in his head, he felt, at the very least, more like a hero than he did yesterday.

[mythgirlimagines]

I hope that you like this more obscure talentswap! This fast-talking mile-a-minute lass lives for all there is to do with justice, for she is Myth, the Former Ultimate Stenographer!

-——————————————————

BACKSTORY AND TALENT

Being born to two hard-working pervayors of justice (attorneys, in fact), Myth always witnessed her parents getting justice served to the people who deserved it, and always wished to follow in their footsteps, so she would always write what her parents said in the court, so she could use it as future reference. Some of the court officials noticed this, and offered to give this girl a position as the court’s professional stenographer, and you better believe she wears that title like a badge of glory, and performs to the highest of capabilities. Myth’s supreme skill in stenographing earned her a spot on the Hope’s Peak roster as the Ultimate Stenographer, and even in her adult years, she is still working hard every day to record the words uttered by the justice system that she holds ever so dear to her heart. But her best friend forced her to take the next couple of weeks off, and chaperone this years Ultimates and Jr. Ultimates.

——————————————————-

RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Kickboxer

Despite being only two inches taller than their friend, Wyre dominated foes way bigger than them, thanks to their strong and wild kicking, which is enough for them to be considered a champion and caused them to earn their position as the Ultimate Kickboxer, and they are still going strong in their adult years. Despite their rough appearance and her equally rough demeanor and behavior, their criminal record is squeaky clean, and for that reason, Myth and Wyre have been only the best of friends for years and years. Wyre is also the only one who can understand Myth’s fast-talking and shorthand speech, and the only person who can stop Myth from over working herself and stressing herself out over minor details. 

Outfit: An orange and sleeveless hoodie over a bandage-wrapped chest, chains on her neck and wrist, sweatpants that match her hoodie, nothing on her feet.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Puppeteer 

As the mastermind and creative genius behind famous horror web series told exclusively through expertly-crafted marionettes and props, and a creepy voice acting as the narrator, Scar commonly calls herself ”The Narrator”, “The Disembodied Voice”, or, most notably of all, “The Puppetmaster”. Oddly enough, despite puppeteering for specifically in the horror genre, and wearing clothes that would be right at home on a cursed and possessed Victorian-era doll, Scar is actually quite the softie in real-life, often acting like a concerned mother to the other Kibo-Con attendees. Scar’s creepy appearance immediately scared Myth away, much to the dismay of the puppet enthusiast.

Outfit: A red beret on her head, cracks drawn on her face making her resemble a haunted doll, a black and white gothic-Lolita style dress, black and white striped stockings, brown platform heels.

Fusion Anon, Ultimate Waiter

Garnering fame all around his hometown for his ability to hold several plates of food all at once, while roller-skating simultaneously, Fusion is a waiter at the “Squeaky-Clean Spoon”, a 60s style diner run by his parents and grandparents, that is famous for their chili dogs and selection of songs on their personal jukeboxes. With their shared love for punctuality in their respective duties and their shared concern for their conmates, you would think that the two would get along perfectly. However, Myth caught wind of a certain skeleton in Fusion’s closet, and hasn’t forgiven Fusion since. Fusion desperately wishes to reconcile with his senpai, even if he is siding with an acclaimed thief.

Outfit: A white dress shirt, a red, yellow, and blue striped tie, a red and white apron, white gloves, red and white four-wheel roller-skates, glasses and pants from his original design.

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Thief

As a youngster, Fusion II was born and raised on the streets, and had to steal and loot from any house and store that she happened upon, in order to survive in this dog-eat-dog world. Her natural stealth and clever mindset helps her evade her captors and makes her only the perfect thief. However, a couple of months prior, Fusion II was caught stealing from The Squeaky-Clean Spoon by the owners, and was offered a place to stay at the diner, in exchange for working as one of the diner’s chefs. Because Fusion II and Myth are on opposite sides of the law, they both have a massive grudge against each other, making Fusion II the person Myth gets along with the worst.

Outfit: A black-leather jacket over a pink undershirt, blue-ripped jeans with the same apron as Fusion tied over it, tall black boots, sunglasses from the original design.

Just Anon, Ultimate Tutor 

Tired of his constant truancy, in spite of his stunning genius, Janon’s teachers have forced him to tutor his kohais, as compensation for all of the school days he missed and as a way to learn what actual work feels like. Because Janon can memorize entire textbooks worth of information, he uses all of this knowledge in order to tutor the school children of his neighborhood. While he does equally as well of a job with students older than him, Janon is notably harsher on them, compared to children (his one weakness and soft-spot). Janon shows zero respect for any of his senpais, particularly the stick-up-her-butt stenographer. Myth is oddly intrigued by Janon’s quick retaining of info.

Outfit: The same formal wear that he wears underneath his hoodie from his original design, with a long pink scarf wrapped around his neck (which was knitted by one of his kohais), reading glasses.

Sparkle Anon, Former Ultimate Tap Dancer

The famed star of the Spectacular Sparkling Spotlight (or Troupe S3, for short) Dance Troupe, Sparkle and the other girls of her dance-oriented musical theatre troupe are all skilled at all sorts of dance styles, but as her title would suggest, Sparklw (and the rest of her troupe) mainly specializes in tap dancing. A combination of her loud voice, style and grace on the stage, and the sheer amount of knowledge on the world of performing and theatrics, made Sparkle the perfect person to lead her troupe into worldwide stardom. At first, Myth was scared off by Sparkle’s loud and commandeering tone, but eventually (even if she won’t admit it), the skittish stenographer has warmed up to Sparkle.

Outfit; A black and white tuxedo with a matching hat/headband on top of her hair, white gloves, black and pink tap shoes, a sparkly black and white cape, a cane she carries at all times, glasses from her original design.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Graffiti Artist, and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Tailor

Egg and Wet Sock are a pair of twins best known for their differently-applied artistic genius. Egg, the older and more physically-gifted (but not particularly bright or sensible) of the two, specializes in colorful and eye-grabbing graffiti, with or without permission from commissioners. Wet Sock, the more brooding and withdrawn (yet equally as cursed) of the two, specializes in custom-made and fitted clothes, particularly those of the emo subculture. Egg’s jokey nature and morally dubious talent puts them at odds with Myth, meaning that, out of the twins, Myth gets along better with Wet Sock, despite their strange and frightening attachment to knives and regularly pulling them out.

Egg’s Outfit: Green-tinted goggles, a splattered bandana covering their nose and mouth, a black tanktop, green cargo pants, black gloves, spray can holsters and boots.

Wet Sock’s Outfit: A simple black and white tuxedo, accessorized with sewing supplies.

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Soccer Player

The otherwise ragtag soccer team of Star Summit Co-Ed Middle School has a secret ace up their sleeve, and that ace’s name is Curious Anon. Curious‘s sheer leg strength combined with his strategic mindset and game-breaking power made them popular among soccer fanatics everywhere and makes them truly earn the title of Ultimate Soccer Player. Despite their stoic and permanent game face frightening opponents, as any of their teammates would tell you, Curious is surprisingly kind-hearted and is easy to get along with. Curious’s honest and upfront nature seems to help calm Myth’s nerves, when she chooses to interact with the easygoing middle school soccer star. 

Outfit: A green and white soccer uniform with black cleats.

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Skateboarder 

On the other end of the jock scale, we have Anon Nerd, the jerkish and hyper-aggressive Ultimate Skateboarder, and the eldest of the Kibo-Con roster. Because of his less-than-stellar and hyper-violent upbringing, Nerd took it to the skatepark to vent his frustrations with half-pipe tricks. All the time spent at the skatepark made his skateboarding skills escalate and escalate, until he became a pro-skateboarder in his teen years, and eventually the Ultimate Skateboarder. Because of their close-to-opposite personalities, Myth and Nerd don’t get along well in the slightest. Unfortunately, they’ve both developed feelings for each other, that they’ve never experienced before.

Outfit; Hair in a Mohawk with red and black dyed tips, a black tank-top with a bloody skull illustration on the front, black cargo shorts with sheered bottoms, black socks and white sneakers, tattoos on his arms.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Public Speaker

Wanted to wake up the gullible sheep in the world, Eldritch quickly mustered up the confidence (thanks to several online confidence seminar marathons) to go in front of a crowd, and scream at them about all the terrible state the world is currently in, and how they’re all mindless corporate zombies, to let all of those atrocities slide. Despite his reputation as an overzealous Debbie Downer by many of his detractors, he has many fans for his loud and passionate voice and his regular use of peer-reviewed facts, making his speeches far more reliable than they seem. Eldritch’s anti-government attitude puts him at odds with Myth’s heavily pro-government mindset.

Outfit: Neatly combed hair, a black polo shirt with a green pixel design on the bottom, an orange tie, black pants and matching loafers.

Dream Anon, Ultimate Cadet

Despite her sunny and positive attitude clashing heavily against her strict and stoic military family and the rest of her squadron, no one can deny that Dream is a spectacular cadet towards her squadron. She can also play quite the mean bugle. With Dream and Myth opposite temperaments and interactions with others, you‘d be surprised to learn that they have two common point: their shared love of war history and respect for the government. They often like talking about war strategy and re-enacting old wars throughout history, using Dream’s collectible toy soldiers. These activities are one of the few times Myth‘s walls are let down in front of anybody, apart from Wyre.

Outfit: Hair in two small pigtails, a dark green and light green army helmet, black facepaint, a jumpsuit that matches her helmet, black boots with yellow soles.

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Cellist

Ever since she was little, thanks to her musician parents (a guitarist father and a violinist mother), Iris has been exposed to music, and eventually chose to follow in her parent’s footsteps with her favorite instrument: the cello. Unfortunately, because of her dislike of crowded spots, Iris couldn’t join an orchestra like she (and her parents) wanted to, so she opted to simply play her cello from home and upload her music online. Regardless of her fears and anxieties, Iris always tries her best to remain positive. Iris may not understand what the hell Myth is even saying, but she always tries her best to strike conversation with her senpai, in hopes that the stenographer can open up. 

Outfit: Silver music note hairpins, a blue denim jacket with silver music note buttons over a black dress with white string designs in the middle, dark grey leggings, dark blue Mary Janes, glasses from original design.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Class Representative

Purple is a student from one of the most prestigious and high-class schools in all of the country, and despite her timid personality, thanks to her strong work ethic and her kind-hearted nature, she managed to secure a position in the school’s hierarchy as the representative of her class. Because of her overly formal and heavily outdated mode of speech that’s more at home with the other students at her uppercrust school, she usually requires a translator (usually Fusion) to make her speech comprehensible to the middle-class conmates. Myth and Purple quickly bonded in true incomprehensible glory, and regularly have conversations that no one but Wyre and Fusion can understand.

Outfit: A black overcoat over a white dress shirt and a red tie, a purple skirt, dark grey stockings, and red Mary Janes, topped off by a red armband on her right arm.

The series centers around the skittish stenographer learning to give potential criminals the chance for redemption.

——————————————————-

PERSONALITY

Stenographer!Myth is renowned upon the justice system for her efficiency in the court and the stoic face she puts on, upon entering a court environment, able to capture speech right down to the tiniest of breaths. But off of the court, she’s the complete opposite, for her speech is about as speedy, jumbled, and incomprehensible as her writing, often requiring Kickboxer!Wyre to translate for her. Stenographer!Myth is often very jittery, when interacting with others, and almost never relaxes or slows down to take a breather. She has zero time for playing or joking around, for a stenographer’s work is never done, and justice never sleeps. Her moral compass and sense of justice is practically removable, which makes sense, considering the environment she lives in. This puts her at odds with people such as Theif!Two. She’ll never admit it, but Stenographer!Myth really cares about each and every one of the Kibo-Con attendees, but she’ll never admit it, for fear of being made fun of or being taken advantage of by a potential criminal hiding amongst the crowd.

——————————————————-

APPEARANCE

Stenographer!Myth has brown hair that reaches her tailbone and wears the same uniform that she wears to court. The uniform consists of a pink headband with a heart pin given by her mother, a blue jacket over a pink dress shirt and a gold pendant with an amethyst in the center, a skirt that matches her jacket, black leggings and ruby red Mary Janes. She carries a stenography machine with her, at all times.

——————————————————-

Phew! I’ve finished this week’s quota! I hope you like this talentswap! Let me hear your opinions on this AU! 

-Fusion Anon

[lost-in-interwebs]

Unique weapon or outfit for the ask game?

oh god thank you so much my mind is brewing. Outfits are so much easier for me to design than weapons but im gonna really think about it. Just gonna do my fallout nv ocs for now.

Bunny - I think her gift weapon would be a pearl grip throwing knife along with her old collection of throwing knives. She'll even teach you a knife trick to get it to spin and land. As for an outfit, I was thinking she hands you off an old fur shoulder cape she had been saving. It's not her great grandmother's one. That one is too precious. Her grandmother's on the hand...

"You look awful, let me fix you up. I can't be caught dead walking around with someone looking like that."

13 - Now depending on which route you take with her, she can be the gifted weapon or she gives you a ripper that mysteriously finds its way back into your pocket, fully restored after it breaks or if you drop it. Another weapon I thought of was a a pair of spiked knuckles that does ungodly amount of damage. 13 only has a few easy to carry and conceal weapons and the rags on her back so I don't think she has an outfit she can give you.

"Hey... Thanks for everything you've done for me... I want you to have these... to stay safe."

Carmen - I haven't talked about Carmen a lot due to lack of research I have for her background. She is my independent Vegas courier. I think she would give you a really cool hat. A fine black leather with a copper band accented with large turquoise stones. It would give you Charisma with locals, but none with politicians or big players in the Mojave. Thinking if a unique weapon for her is hard because I haven't fleshed out her story enough to really figure out what she would feel more comfortable using. Maybe a cool pistol or rifle.

"Never forget the little guy. I hope this helps you remember that from time to time..."

Monika - Monika's outfit gift would be a pair of ballet slippers and training that would help the Courier with their stealth. I also cannot think of a unique weapon for her as I haven't fleshed her out yet. She's very intelligent but very sheltered so her weapons handling isn't proficient in the beginning. She's much better with getting you into places with her clout or stealth skills.

"1, 2, 3... Bring your knee up higher. You really gotta stretch before these sessions if you want to keep up. 1, 2, 3..."

Camille - She's grown up around weapons and gold all of her life. Her outfit has to be custom grills. A nice pair of gold teeth for dazzling the Mojave. As for the weapon, she gives you this special plasma caster that shoot concentrated bullets that seep into your targets skin and disintegrates them into goo from the inside. Its terrifying. She loves it. Obviously didn't make the formula (she beat up some gun runner geek for it), but the gun is all her, babey!

"They won't see this coming, I can tell you that!"

Cornelia - Legion priestess turned spy turned courier turned spy. I really have not fleshed her out and maybe make a new Legion character all together, but she's wiggled her way into my brain. I think her gifted weapon would be a serrated Machete. I don't think she would have an outfit to give. She has nothing frivolous like that. Maybe she could give you something that was tied way way back to her village before Caesar came, but again she needs research.

"Inspiration from Mars struck me in the night and I was compelled to make this for you. A weapon for Caesar's mighty purpose. Use it well."

Shiloh - I never thought Shiloh would be a companion. They always struck me as an NPC you would talk to so a weapon for them would be hard. Probably a switchblade called Lover Boy. However, Shiloh is a proficient tailor. He can probably sew concealed armor rigging to fancy and casual clothes with upgrades. You just need to bring them the materials like bulletproof vests and other armor pieces. Shoulder pads made of old power armor on this suit? You got it. A fancy rattle snake bullet belt? You got it? Nightstalker cap? You got it. I think if you did a series of quests for him you could get a really high end outfit for yourself to go into Vegas. Maybe they even offer you to wear something nice of theirs the first time you go in to show off their handiwork.

"This looks lovely... Lift your arms a little? I want to see how it bunches. Tch. I know it will be hidden by the armor piece, but what if you take it off? I won't have you go out looking like a mess in one of my originals."

Cantil - Finally!!! A name for the Viper oc! Maybe it will stick, maybe it won't. Absolutely first off the bat is the weapon. She will offer you a choice of a bow and arrows laced with potent poison (Aptly named Elder Killer) or a machete laced with venom. As for the outfit she will give you a leather jacket adorned with bones. You've been more kin to her than her old Viper members.

"The Vipers are dying... You don't always have to use them, but... Keep the tradition alive for me. Teach your children so that they may teach theirs. Never let the Vipers die out in memory."

Poppi - A placeholder name that I actually really like. She was also supposed to just be an NPC that was friends with Monika and Camille from old school days. I really cannot think of anything for her yet as I need to expand her character, but I figured I'd announce her anyways. Maybe she gives you the special suit her and her father wears with the poppy flower?

Damarcus - A placeholder name for Monika's twin brother. It just struck me as I was making this. He is my other NCR courier. So for his outfit I think he would make you a special kind of leather armor that has spike adornments and is more powerful than leather and metal armor, but keeps you quiet. But that's really all I can think of for him

[rose-madder-gaze]

Player 2.

Done in the same style as Dante’s first design pass (x). I sketched this after redesigning him around the start of the campaign, but I didn’t actually render it until near the end. We’ve both come a long, long way.

Image Description: A black, white, and red stylized full-body drawing of my Monster of the Week (a tabletop role-playing game by Evil Hat Productions) riff of Dante from the Devil May Cry series, modified to fit the in-game story. This Dante has bleached white hair with dark roots, and he wears a high-collared leather jacket with red lining over a white T-shirt. His hair is parted to one side and almost reaches his shoulders. He also has snake bite stud piercings, small hoop earrings, and is wearing a red pendant around his neck. He is depicted here as if floating - one leg is stretched straight down, as if he can’t find a floor to touch, and his other knee is bent; his hair and jacket are lifted, as if weightless. His pose is meant to mimic a video game “player select” screen. End ID.