#i also had to check like 12 times and make sure that their similar last names werent a copypaste error lmao

[millenari]

Seven Cat Calls Event

Celebrating my favorite (looking) Cats performers

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‣Week twelve: Old Deuteronomy

[kyri45]

✨ShadowPeach Bio Parents Bio AU Q&A! 07/12✨

Welcome to the Q&A! A space where I can answer related or similar question about the Shadowpeach Bio Parents AU! If you submitted your ask anonimously, then you’ll have to check the whole post if it’s answered here, if it’s not, worry not! Your asks might have been used for a future comic or just in the queue~

Anonimo ha chiesto: Ok hear me out, what if Mac and Wukong talk about how afraid of dying Wukong is and how that fear now also applies to MK and maybe even Mac too

aaaaahh how about the fact that now Wukong is MROE afraid of MK dying than himself (since that's basically what happened in S5)

Anonimo ha chiesto: I am just imagining how will shadowpeach relationship improve that they will start courting each other and mk is like.. :0 DAMN U SURE UR THE SAME MONKEYS AS WHEN YOU WERE TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER!!!

BOY SURE THEY ARE!!!

@kristea9ay ha chiesto: Love your last post! I need more Spicynoodles content ISTG 😭 but the last post got me thinking, has anyone told Red what MK attempted to do? Or did MK just randomly mention it during a conversation. MK: oh yeah, I found out I could teleported right before I was about to sacrifice myself- Red: YOU-WHAT?! MK: right?? I didn't even know I could do that! Do you know how much easier delivering noodles would have been? Red: no- you- NOODLE BOY-!

LMAO POOR RED SON EVERY DAY MK PULLS OUT A NEW SHENANIGAN

Anonimo ha chiesto: Please show us Macaque courtnapping wukong in the past 🙏🙏🙏 Anonimo ha chiesto: Can, can we see what Macaque actually DID to courtnap Wukong? Please? Please and thank you? With a cherry on top? AND with an ice cream sundae!!!

I wasn't lying when I said it really was the tickle war. A very jealous tickle war.

@beanspassin ha chiesto: OMG I just had a thought!!! What if when MK finally gets the hang of his shadow powers, shadow portals to be specific- ITS WHEN HES COURTNAPPING REDSON!!!! >:3c

AAAWW THAT COULD BE ADORABLEE!! Unfortunately MK is not able to make shadow powers at all, there are certain powers that just he didn't inherit

Anonimo ha chiesto: What will we see first Shadowpeach marriage OR spicynodlles marriage??

Oh man I don't know, I want to say Shadowpeach since Spicynoodle is still a pretty new couple. They are both young (I mean, MK is) and still need some times to know each other.

Anonimo ha chiesto: I need more of wukong and Mk picking up there boyfriends like there bags of grapes. love me some stronk boyfriends

THEY ARE STRONKKKK I would see Wukong just lifting the whole fam

Anonimo ha chiesto: 1st- I LOVE YOUR COMIC! Is so good! Your stories make me want to draw and create and I really want to thank you because they do inspire me. I love your linework and your use of shape and YOUR EXPRESSIONS!?? Ugh! they are lovely 💕 With that said. And I am sorry if this is a weird question but with MK and Swk being trans and Mac seemingly not, I was wondering if you had any hcs with Mac’s gender? I’ve seen a bunch of the fandom hc mac as either nb, genderfluid or a trans woman. And I found it funny that he is now the cis monkey 😂. So I though I’ll ask. Also totally fine if you hc him as cis! Is just that at least with the fandom I interact with the one that tends to be the trans one is Macaque so It was honestly nice se SWK for a change! But I still wonder, you know? Anyways! Have a good day!

mmmm nope I don't. I don't have any preferences either so any of you can feel free on giving them any kind of headcanon. Anonimo ha chiesto:

*Jumps through window* OW OH HI JUST WANTED TO POP IN AND SAY I LOVE YOUR SHADOWPEACH SERIES OKAY BYE *runs through a wall* @honktraband01 ha chiesto: OUGHHHHHH YOUR ART AND STORYTELLING IS PHENOMENAL!!!! I CAN’T GET ENOUGH!!! (Especially the ShadowPeach AU omg) and I’m so excited for whenever the next part comes out I practically screamed when Mac dropped part of his glamour omg. I may or may not have decided to finally start binging LMK because of this au… and may also be working on various bits of fan art…. So THANK YOU!!! I’ve been in-between hyperfixations and this fixed it :33 @mistress-of-nightmares ha chiesto: So I discovered your Shadowpeach bio parents AU two weeks ago on a sunday evening and my weekly phone screentime thingamabob came this Monday and. My tumblr activity has tripled in a single week. Bc I re-read your comic like four times. Jsyk 👌 Anonimo ha chiesto: I just wanted to let you know that your art is amazing, and your shadowpeach AU is the reason I binged the entire LMK series in 2 weeks. Anonimo ha chiesto: This is not a question. I just want to say I love your shadowpeach bio dad au, and I hope you have a good life and be happy and never give up what makes you happy and I know I like it because when something makes me feel less tired and more happy I know it is a great thing to have so keep it going 💜💜💜

majoraofmask ha chiesto: I LOVE YOUR ART AO MUCH! Both of your comic series have my brain in a chokehold and I do not want to let go! Your art and character writing is so tasty! Gradients my beloved ♥️♥️ zazzalonies ha chiesto: Your comic brings me life, I was drifting out of the fandom until I found this and it’s the best thing I’ve found on tumbler, that you for your work 🥰🥰 m4delin ha chiesto: I have never seen the lego monkey kid series, but I'm super hooked onto the bio dad au. it's amazing

AJCCBOADCB THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE GUYS!!!

@dragonaboni-blog ha chiesto: Hi! I'm thinking of doing a redraw of a scene from Shadowpeach AU (I won't say which one, it's a secret ;3) But I'd like to know if you have a color reference of Redson, pretty please~ OwO

If you wait just a little more I might draw him with colors, but until then very sorry but not at the moment.

Anonimo ha chiesto: So Umm since we got macaque being under moonlight shall we get wukong with sunshine??

Well he is most of the time under the sunshine but maybe we will see him absolutely shining.

Anonimo ha chiesto: does Mac experience anything else during esclipes? Mood swings? Angst? 👀 Hormones? 👀👀👀👀👀 I suspect SWK would be right there for him. It would be so cute to see him help Macque. 🥰

I guess he does have mood swings and also tirediness. He's more sleepy but at same time can't sleep. It doesn't hurt him but he feels the fact that he is weaker.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Ok but in ch.14 of vol.1 of JTTW, Wukong pilfers one of Tripitaka's old shirts and Tripitaka sees him wearing it and says he can keep it. Canon Wukong steals clothes from the people around him!!

AWWW HE GOT A COLLECTION OF LOVED ONES CLOTHES!

[simplybakugou]

Mystic Academia: Sero Hanta’s Route

MYSTIC ACADEMIA SERIES MASTERLIST

START HERE: COMMON ROUTE

OPTIONAL: Ashido Mina’s Route; Kirishima Eijirou’s Route; Kaminari Denki’s Route

PAIRING: hacker!sero x fem!reader

TAGS/WARNINGS: fluff; slight angst; hacker organization; reader put in endangered situations

STATUS: ongoing

UPDATES: irregular; whenever i'm done editing each part; most likely once a week (im in law school please be patient hehe)

LAST UPDATED: february 7

A/N: sero’s based off seven’s character but they are not similar at all except that they’re both hackers. i swear there isn’t even close to any amount of angst as seven’s route had. this route will also follow some of the events mentioned in seven's route but will not reveal what's really going on plot wise unlike seven's route. as always i hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!

credits to @eraserhead-transparents​ for the sero cap!

NOTE: please make sure you read the COMMON ROUTE before reading this route! feel free to check out MINA’S ROUTE, KIRISHIMA’S ROUTE, and KAMINARI’S ROUTE that are all completed and linked above!

© simplybakugou — all rights reserved. DO NOT REPOST/REUPLOAD, TRANSLATE, OR EDIT ANY OF MY CONTENT ON HERE OR ANY PLATFORM

JOIN THE TAGLIST

DAY 1:

💻STORY MODE ↠ sero hanta 💻01:31 ↠ i need to be serious for a second 💻07:55 ↠ listen up fucker 💻17:59 ↠ take your time 💻STORY MODE ↠ y/n

DAY 2:

💻02:44 ↠ strong and capable like me 💻06:01 ↠ this weird flyer 💻STORY MODE ↠ sero hanta 💻20:43 ↠ don't need my mom to be called 💻STORY MODE ↠ unknown

DAY 3:

💻00:23 ↠ i wouldn't date you 💻STORY MODE ↠ sero hanta 💻12:30 ↠ don't leave the office 💻18:01 ↠ security system has been compromised 💻STORY MODE ↠ y/n (written) 💻STORY MODE ↠

DAY 4:

💻02:55 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻16:09 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻21:21 ↠

DAY 5:

💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻12:12 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻17:16 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻20:11 ↠ 💻23:59 ↠

DAY 6:

💻02:02 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻16:57 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻22:22 ↠ 💻STORY MODE ↠ 💻23:17 ↠

DAY 7:

💻M.F.A. PARTY ↠

[lxrd-ren]

Things I Wanna See In Rats SMP 2:

- Ofc the majority of the main cast returning, and I hope that those who were mainly asleep during the 1st season get a chance to be more active this time around, like Lizzie who was too busy at the time. Jimmy has already said that he will not be returning for Season 2, but we've yet to have confirmation on anyone else except for Oli, Owen and Apo

- Return of the SQUIIIIIIID

- More Martyn lore; especially because the last we saw of him he jumped into a portal

- Continuation of unfinished storylines, like Rusty and the weeping angels

- A mix of new characters and characters from the first season. Owen and Apo have both said how they're going to be playing new characters, and Oli said Trash Rat will probably be making a return, but we are still not sure on everyone else. This will likely be influenced by if the cc wants to continue their characters story or wants to play as a different character this time around

- For the returning characters, I'd love to see outfit changes / alterations, presumably either to hint at what happened to them in the time between the two seasons and / or influenced by French fashion considering where the 2nd season is taking place

- It's been hinted at that there will be new additions to the cast, and while I'd be happy with basicly anyone, I think it'll be more likely to be those who have participated in the previous season. Whether its people like Geminitay and Joel who voice acted NPC's or people like Tommy and Watermunch who played guest characters but might take on a different character, likely a rat, this time around. There is also a possibility of playtesters and those who controlled the npcs, like the cats, being added; such as MPR

- The 1st season lasted for around 12 weeks, starting in October and ending in January. It has been confirmed that Season 2 will be longer than this but we were not told exactly how long it'll go on for this time. Hopefully it's long enough to last until February; mainly because Valentine's day is in February and I wanna see what the cast do to celebrate, especially in regards to the couples

- Character arcs; continued ones from the 1st season, new ones from the time between the seasons and ones that we'll see in real time in the 2nd season

- Since people are speculating the new season will be in a hotel, it would be interesting to see npcs rotating with new ones checking in and the old ones checking out after a couple days

- Only Owen had a planned canon death in regards to the infested boiler room, so I think it would be cool if others did something similar if they wanted

- I'm guessing the life system will be replenished with the returning characters starting back on 3 but it would be interesting if they will be an explanation in-canon as to why they now have 3 lives again. Or, they could switch it up and give them more or less lives. Perhaps they'll give the returning ones 2 lives so those who were on their last one will be back up to 3, and those who died less will be rewarded in a way with having more than 3 lives to spare with this system

- Cameos; I've already mentioned how I think it would be fun to have the return of the squiiid, but it would also be cool to have other characters have a cameo or even just a painting that references them

[dumbbitchenergy17]

Clan of Three - Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve: The Jedi

Plot: A Mandalorian, an infant with a history of the jedi, and a teenager with similar powers with an undiscovered lineage. An unlikely group to travel the galaxy together.

Word Count: 7.9K

Pairing: Father Figure!Din Djarin x Platonic!Teen!Reader

Warnings: fighting/violence, injuries, blood, semi-angst, PTSD, some wholesome moments

------

The Crest appears above the planet Corvus, half of the planet green and full of forestry the other half darkened with deep red scars in the earth, “Corvus, this is the place. I’ve detected a beacon.” Din says prepping the ship to begin landing before looking back at the child moving in his seat, “I’m gonna start the landing cycle. You better get back in your seat.” The Mandalorian faces forward as the child begins to move once again reaching for the small ball attached to the joystick, “Hey, what did I tell you? Back in your seat.” The child reluctantly sits back as Din continues his approach but its tiny hands raise up and the ball unscrews summoned to his hands.

The Crest flies over the town where the beacon was coming from landing in the woods outside of the city, Din turns to see the child fidgeting with the small ball, “What did I say about that? This needs to stay on the ship.” He takes the ball from whining the green baby slipping it into his belt.

The sound of a groan has Din alert as he quickly climbs down the ladder entering the main hull. The child following quickly by his pram spots his guardian hovering over a cot resting a girl. Din pushes back the strands of hair that are flush to your face and neck seeing the sweat glistening on your temples and neck. From the thermal scanner, Din curses seeing the high temperature coming off you. Grabbing the medpack that was kept by you for quick access taking in the dwindling supplies, just the small remains of bacta spray left and not enough bandages. Throughout their week-long travels to Corvus Din had been attentive in checking your wound making sure you had water and taking the time to clean and change you into some clothes Din had been sure not to see anything. Your clothes are already cleaned but have kept you in more comfortable clothes. But you still remained unconscious and with only getting the water it made sense you were to get sick while also fighting to heal.

Din peels up his shirt from your body to view your injury, unwrapping the stained bandage and wincing seeing the crudely burned flesh it wasn’t going to be a pretty scar when healed. What concerned him though was the redness and fluid coming from the wound, he knew Cara had been rushing and it was truly life or death so the chances things weren’t properly sanitized or your injury wasn’t is likely. This explains the fever from the infection but bacta spray wasn’t going to cut it, he needed stronger medicine. Din would have taken you to a hospital if he could but the chances that he would be taken by the New Republic or the empire spotting you and the child in such a vulnerable state. He couldn’t risk it.

The child emits a sad noise seeing the crease between your brows placing his small hand against your cheek, trying to pour some of his power into helping you. Din watches thinking your injury will heal and you would wake up but the child pulls away looking at him confused why it didn’t work. Was it something he was doing wrong…or were you stopping him he didn’t understand this jedi thing.

“I’m gonna get you something ya hear me kid,” Din says quickly grabbing a cloth and wetting it in the fresher returning and placing it on your forehead. He feels slightly relieved seeing the pained look on your face disappear slightly with the cold cloth. Rewrapping your wound and covering you with the blanket taking one last look he stands moving towards the ramp. A whine comes from the child as he tries to follow Din. “Not much to see out here,” The green infant coos and Din looks down at him as the ramp continues to lower, “Never had dealings with a Jedi before.”

Sighing he picks up the child placing him in his side satchel, “Let’s head into town. See if we can pick up a lead.” Leaving the Crest he places the ship in ground security protocols not letting anyone get in while he leaves you in a weakened state.

Reaching the city gate the fog settled around him making the whole town more desolate, spotting the guard on the wall above the gate he stares at the man and he stares back, “State your business.” The man on top of the wall calls out.

“Been tracking for a few days. Looking for a layover.” Din calls out and the man in the armor looks over internally comparing his own to the pristine beskar, “Nice armor. You a hunter, then?”

“That’s right.” Din nods, “Guild?” The man questions and he nods once again, “Last I checked.” The man turns to speak to someone else he couldn’t see in a language he didn’t recognize before he calls out in Basic, “Open the gate.”

The large gates creak open allowing the Mandalorian inside and he was surprised by the empty streets and the lifelessness of the town. He quickly notices the citizens picking at scraps and looking dejected, he walks up to a droid to speak but it walks past him. “Pardon me, vendor, have you heard of anyone…”

Seeing a man standing by a table more pushed into an alley, beside him are two children a boy and a girl as they break apart a small loaf of bread. “You there. I need some information. I’m looking for medicine and someone,” The man looks shocked being addressed he whispers something to the children and they go rushing off further into the alley.

“Please, do not speak to them, or to any of us.” The man speaks shaking his hands and looking around to see if anyone is watching this interaction, Look, I just need to know…”

“The Magistrate wants to see you.” A man behind Din speaks up and he turns to see two armored mercenaries standing almost waiting for him, he nods briefly glancing back at the man who avoids all eye contact. Being escorted through the main street they reach a section where people stand in cages their screams filling the air as electricity harms them. The chill that runs through his body when their screams are replaced with yours and his hands turn into fists as he looks forward as they cry out to him, “Help us…She’ll kill us all.”

A guard opens a second gate of the city with enters a villa a clear difference from the town, the freshwater from the moat, and the greenery and flora. He could understand where the money is going. Walking across the bridge he spots a woman looking over the waters of the moat dressed in much better clothes than the townspeople, “Come forward. You are a Mandalorian?” The Magistrate calls out and Din moves forward, “Yes.”

She nods, “I have a proposition that may interest you.” Din quickly responds to her statement, “My price is high.” He was only here to find the jedi and to get you medicine he didn’t have time for bounties,

“This target is priceless. A Jedi plagues me. I want you to kill her.” The magistrate explains and Din could only assume it’s the same one he is looking for, “That’s a difficult task.” He says and the Magistrate nods knowing her offer was not one for the faint of heart,

“One that you are well-suited for. The Jedi are the ancient enemy of Mandalore.” She says hoping his creed’s dislike for the jedi would make the offer more appealing but Din is standing firm, “As I said, my price is high.”

The Magistrate holds her hand out and a droid servant comes over with a large spear which she takes before passing it to Din, “What do you make of this?”

Din accepts the weapon with two hands examining the weapon and its craftsmanship. Ringing the staff against his armor and a crisp ring fills the air confirming his suspicions….pure beskar.

“Beskar.” He comments and she nods taking the weapon back and holding it with one hand, “Pure beskar… like your armor. Kill the Jedi and it’s yours.” She offers and Din thinks of his options,

“Where do I find this Jedi?” He asks and the Magistrate calls over another droid servant who gives him coordinates to where they had last seen this jedi, “I ask only one thing,” Din speaks up and the Magistrate nods letting him continue, “I am in need of medicine, bandages, and an E-Bacta Shot.” The woman looks surprised at his comment.

“E-Bacta shots are very hard to come upon, but very well you kill the jedi you will receive it as well as the staff-” “I require the medicine now.” The Magistrate stares at Din almost piercing through his helmet and her face changes with realization. He needed it not for him, but someone else…someone he had to care enough about who was injured enough that they would need an experimental drug to help them. “Very well, fetch an E-Bacta shot and some bandages for the Mandalorian,” She orders a droid they head off the fetch the objects. It didn’t take long before the droid returned with a small pouch given to the man who looked inside seeing the shot and wrappings. With one final look, he departed to find his bounty.

The man called Lang leads Din and the child out of the city gate, looking down he notices the child in the pouch staring back at him behind shrinking back, “What is that thing?” Din looks at the child and then at Lang, “I keep it around for luck.” Lang nods looking at the bounty hunter,

“You’re gonna need it where you’re headed.” He quips before heading back into the city gates leaving the two. Returning to the Crest punching in the security code to disable lockdown Din and the Child enter, the kid quickly enters his pram as he moves towards the girl still asleep. Your fever only rose higher to temperatures that were concerning him as chills began, taking the cloth that was mainly dry now to wipe some sweat from the back of your neck. Pulling back the blanket to see your wound he completely removed the bandage going to the fresher to get a new damp cloth to clean the irritated and oozing wound.

Apologizes whispered into the air watching you wince in your sleep, “You’re alright kid, got you some medicine. You’re gonna feel better.” Din promises, removing the cloth he opens up the small pouch taking out the E-Bacta shot and the new bandages. Opening the cover for the syringe he was lucky you were unconscious so you couldn’t see the very long and thick needle that was to enter your body. The child hides back in his pram unable to watch the needle enter you. Normally it would have been a smaller dose but he needed this to work beside you were going to be asleep during this. The vibrant liquid quickly enters your body as he injects it right beside where your wound before wrapping it once more with bandages. Din pulls up your blanket as a large shiver takes over your body.

“We have to go…but you’re going to be alright. You fight kid. Gar're morut'yc ner cyar'ika” (you’re safe my darling) Din whispers his gloved hand tracing your face and pushing the small strands of hair back. He could only hope that this worked having only heard of the effects it has though affecting an individual's senses it did accelerate their healing and that’s what matters. He wanted you awake and okay--no needed you to be. Once again making sure you were alright before he and the child leave the Crest to set off once again to search for this jedi.

Whisper of voices, the brief brushes of something or someone touching you as your eyes open seeing stone above and the ground rough beneath you. Pushing yourself to your elbows find yourself in almost a cave with lanterns that light the area. Looking around confused you were on Nervarro then…you couldn’t remember…whisper of voices float through the air as a breeze appears blowing your hair and ruffling your clothes. Looking forward, the lanterns glow a brilliant blue and yellow pulse almost alive as you rise to stand.

“te oya'la pirun” The earth breathes out the words as you are guided by the lights almost an invisible string wrapped around you pulling you further into the caves, the lights growing and dimming with each breath you take drawing closer. The pounding of a drum shakes the ground around you and the tunnel opens up revealing an open cave filled with people some holding candles, and large torches decorating the path leading you to dark waters. Pillars stand tall inscriptions carved into the stone as a voice speaks out, “Bat ner gai bal te gai be ruyot. Ibac Ni Kelir kemir te ara be te Mand'alor. Bal te miit be te Resol'nare Kelir cuyir darasuum o'r ner kar'ta. Ibic cuyir te ara.” You couldn’t recognize the words being spoken and you freeze seeing those standing by the waters on steps leading down to the black waters.

“Mama…papa…” You whisper your voice an echo as you look at your parents confused by their appearance. Your mother wears these white tubed flowers in her hair with a large headpiece, her clothes regal in shades of blues, teals, and purples nothing you’ve ever seen her wear before. Your father wears shades of tan loose clothes and a deep brown robe that appear natural but seem to have more significance. It wasn’t something you were used to seeing on either of them, especially in this location.

“te oya'la pirun”

Those words repeat again as your parents hold out their hands but for a moment it’s not your parents, it's a woman with fair skin, bright blonde hair, and soft blue eyes with a man with auburn hair and a beard with strong grey eyes. You stare at the woman and man as they look back at you the woman has a gentle smile and the man has a very neutral expression but you could see the pride in his eyes. The string seems to pull you forward as you move past the two taking a step down into the water. It licks at your feet as you continue to step further into the water words you weren’t even sure you could speak but it comes from your mouth,

“Bat ner gai bal te gai be ruyot,”

Each step further into the water it reaching your knee as the string around you pulls you deeper,

“Ibac Ni Kelir kemir te ara be te Mand'alor,”

The water soaks you now at your waist your hands spread as the liquid slips past your fingers. A pang of fear comes over you being this deep in the water but it quickly leaves with a peaceful feeling,

“Bal te miit be te Resol'nare Kelir cuyir darasuum o'r ner kar'ta.”

The glimpses of your parents and the other two fill your vision as you take the final step the water at your chest. This feeling of something in the water doesn’t fear you but invites you in almost calling to you as you speak the final words.

“Ibic cuyir te ara.”

And you sink into the water darkness taking over.

The sounds of nature surround Din and the child as they travel deeper into the woods following the coordinates provided by the Magistrate. “Well, these are the coordinates. Keep your eyes open. We must be close.” Din speaks to the small child through his visor he examines the trails and looks for signatures of footprints or markings that someone was there. A crack fills the air making the hunter pause, “You hear that? Don’t worry. Sit right here. Let me see what’s out there.” Pulling the child out of the bag and placing him on a rock while slowly pulling his rifle off his back. Looking through the scope toward where the noise was coming from only to spot some native animals far off in the distance eating the vegetation.

“False alarm,” Din says turning around right out the moment two lightsabers came down on him. Quickly blocking with his vambraces the beskar deflects the energy of the weapon. Releasing a wave of flames from his flamethrowers sends his enemy back and burns her cloak making her take it off. Shooting his arm out and a cord wraps around her arms restricting her movements, but she jumps into the air over a branch flinging Din midair as a pulley. Din detaches the wire landing on the ground and she is free as well both blaster and lightsabers ready to duel but he quickly speaks up, “Ahsoka Tano! Bo-Katan sent me. We need to talk.”

The jedi Ahsoka lowers her weapons but not looking at the Mandalorian but past him at the child sitting on the rock watching the fight, “I hope it’s about him.”

The evening has taken over the planet as the clearing is only lit by a single lantern. Din watches the two just sitting in silence looking at each other, “Is he speaking? Do you understand him?” Ahsoka nods standing picking up the child and bringing them to a new clearing Din follows holding the lantern, “In a way. Grogu and I can feel each other’s thoughts.” She explains to the child sitting on a rock and it perks up hearing his name.

“Grogu?” Din says and the child Grogu makes another noise hearing his name and now looking at Din.

“Yes. That’s his name.” Ahsoka explains as Din watches the child well Grogu stares at a large butterfly moving through the air, “Grogu.” Din calls out and Grogu quickly looks over at Din making a gurgling noise.

“He was raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Many Masters trained him over the years. At the end of the Clone Wars when the Empire rose to power, he was hidden. Someone took him from the Temple. Then his memory becomes… dark. He seemed lost. Alone. I’ve only known one other being like this. A wise Jedi Master named Yoda.” Ahsoka speaks looking at Grogu and then off into the distance thinking of memories of the past.

“Can he still wield the Force?” Ahsoka asks turning to Din. “You mean his powers?”

“The Force is what gives him his powers. It is an energy field created by all living things. To wield it takes a great deal of training and discipline.” Ahsoka explains motioning to all that surrounds them, from the rocks to the lush trees.

“I’ve seen him do things I can’t explain. My task was to bring him to a Jedi,” Din explains thinking of all the things he’s seen Grogu do as well as you, “There’s another the same as him, she has one of your weapons.” Din points at one of her lightsabers resting on her hips.

“You found another Jedi but the Jedi Order fell a long time ago…is she from the temple?” Ahsoka asks but Din shakes his head, “She’s a child from Tatooine…an orphan seemingly trained by herself.”

“Where is she then?” She questions and Din grows silent Ahsoka could sense the fear that shackles him as well as guilt, “She will be alright.” She rests her hand on his shoulder as he moves his gaze to watch the small infant,

“The Empire is gone, yet it still hunts them. They need your help.” He says and Ahsoka stands looking at the two before heading off to a part of the clearing,

“Let him sleep. I’ll test him in the morning.” 

The screams filled the great hall, and blaster fire fills the air as the fight for your life pushes you forward. Your blade cuts down the troopers as they keep appearing to overwhelm you. Swinging your blade but it comes in contact with another, the once orange saber now blue clashing against another blue saber. The roar of the wind as an eruption of fiery liquid and a rock flies into the air. A man with wild hair and eyes that only showed rage presses his saber harsher against yours.

"I have failed you, Anakin. I have failed you." You speak but your voice comes in and out with another the voice of a man. Guilt and sadness fill your chest seeing the man in front of you as you stand on opposite sides.

"I should have known the Jedi were plotting to take over!" He shouts out his eyes once blue a sickly shade of yellow, the darkness in his heart taken over.

"Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil!" You yell out to the man you’ve never met before feeling tears fill your eyes. This sadness is like a weight in your chest trying to pull you down, the hot air blowing your hair and clothes the same as his.

"From my point of view, the Jedi are evil!" He shouts raising his weapon and you raise yours too feeling a piece of you leave dying alongside the light in him.

"Well, then, you are lost!" You cry out before you both rush forward grabbing each other and holding you back as the lava erupts showering over you as you’re shoved backward finding yourself on the shores of the river the heat from the lava burning as you stare down at the man his arm and legs cut off as he tries dragging himself up the blackened ash.

A sorrow, unlike anything, fills you as you cry out to him, and the man’s voice splits with yours, "You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness!"

His cries fill the air as he slides closer to the flames the hatred in his eyes, "I hate you!" He spits and you climb further up the sands your hand reaching down to grab his weapon the weight of its sins heavy. You look back at the man tears filling your eyes.

"You were my brother, Anakin; I loved you.” You turn to leave his screams as the flames burn his body leaving you with haunted memories. You move to leave this moment when a voice calls out behind you

“You have something I want.”

Dawn covers Corvus as the Mandalorian with Grogu follows the jedi into a green clearing the forest and nature vibrant compared to what he’s seen in the town. “Let’s see what knowledge is lurking inside that little mind,” Ahsoka says as Din places Grogu on a large rock and steps back the jedi grabs a small rock holding it in her hand before turning her palm and the rock floats in mid-air. Pushing her hand out the rock floats over to the smaller jedi as he holds his hands out taking the rock from the air giggling and having the stone, “Now, return the stone to me, Grogu.” She says holding her hand out, the child looks down at the rock before holding it closer to his chest,

“He doesn’t understand.” Din says but Ahsoka shakes her head still holding her hand out, “He does.” Grogu whines not wanting to give it but put Ahsoka pushes, “It’s okay. The stone, Grogu.” Grogu looks at her before willfully dropping the stone to the ground.

Ahsoka moves to kneel in front of the child holding his hand, “I sense much fear in you. He’s hidden his abilities to survive over the years. Let’s try something else. Come over here.” She says before moving back and motioning for Din to come over.

“He’s stubborn.” The bounty hunter comments and Ahsoka disagrees, “Not him. You. I want to see if he’ll listen to you.”

Din scoffs hearing the request, “That would be a first.”

“I like firsts,” She smirks as she hands Din the stone, “Good or bad, they’re always memorable. Now, hold the stone out in the palm of your hand. Tell him to lift it up.” She steps back watching Din look at her before sighing and turning towards the child,

“All right, kid. Lift the stone.” He holds the stone out, “Grogu.” Ahsoka cuts in and Din looks over at her.

“Grogu…” This peaks his attention as he looks at the Mandalorian, “Come on, take the stone.” He tries enticing him but he just coos not listening, “You see? I told you, he’s stubborn.” Din drops his hand and the stone.

Ahsoka gives him a look, watching the two of them, “Try to connect with him.”

Din takes a deep breath before grabbing something from his belt, “Grogu…” He calls the child’s attention as he reveals the ball and he is intrigued, “Do you want this? Well, go ahead. That’s right, take it. Come on. You can have it. Come on.” Din holds out the ball and Grogu slowly lifts his hands concentrating and the ball rips from Din’s hand into his, “Good job! Good job, kid. You see that? That’s right.”

Din praises the child kneeling down and giving an affectionate rub against his ears making Grogu giggle, “I knew you could do it. Very good.” Ahsoka watches this interaction and her decision is made,

“He’s formed a strong attachment to you,” She comments and Din looks over seeing the hesitant look on her face, “I cannot train him or the girl.”

“What? Why not? You’ve seen what he can do. You haven’t even met the kid.”

“His attachment to you makes him vulnerable to his fears. His anger.” Ahsoka says and Din stands up trying to get her to reconsider, “All the more reason to train him.”

“No. I’ve seen what such feelings can do to a fully-trained Jedi Knight. To the best of us. I will not start this child down that path. Better to let his abilities fade. I’ve delayed too long. I must get back to the village.” She says a pained expression on her face at the mention of the Jedi before she turns and heads off,

“The Magistrate sent me to kill you. I didn’t agree to anything. And I’ll help you with your problem if you see to it that Grogu and the girl are properly trained.” Din says and Ahsoka pauses hearing this news, “She has a small army of guards armed with A350 blaster rifles, two HK-87 assassin droids, and a hired gunfighter. He reads ex-military to me. Combined, not even your laser swords would be able to protect you from all that firepower.”

“True. But don’t underestimate the Magistrate either.” Ahsoka agrees,

“Who is she? She offered me a staff of pure beskar to kill you.” Din explains and Ahsoka looks over at him, “Morgan Elsbeth. During the Clone Wars, her people were massacred. She survived and let her anger fuel an industry which helped build the Imperial Starfleet. She plundered worlds, destroying them in the process.” Din nods remembering the look of the town, “Yeah, it looks like she’s still in business.”

Ahsoka nods before asking him, ”When you were in the city did you see any prisoners?” Din nods remembering the prisoners being tortured, “I saw three villagers strung up just outside the inner gate.”

“We must find a way to free them.” She says and Din agrees, “A Mandalorian and a Jedi? They’ll never see it coming.”

“You have something I want.”

The explosion of the e-web rings in your ears gasping for air you push yourself up looking around finding yourself back on Nevarro. The square in flames parts of buildings destroyed screams of people and children as you come to stand letting out a sharp inhale pressing your hand to your side and seeing red. The city was desolate around you but you could hear blaster fire in the distance the sounds of battle raging on. The sky is dark and the sounds of fighting in the sky and explosions light the sky. Fires raged everywhere covering your mouth to avoid inhaling the smoke as the earth shook and loud explosions made you cover your ears. Your reactions were delayed that you didn’t sense the attack coming at you.

A foot slams against your back pushing you to the ground and when you try to push back up and a foot kicks you in the ribs crying out when it digs into your wound. Falling onto your back, the broken rubble and shards of glass dig into your body as you look up. Chills run down your spine seeing the man hover over you it being him…Moff Gideon.

“You can’t run from destiny,” He says and you try to stand when he kicks you to your hands and knees. Gideon grabs your collar, “Din Djarin…his creed…Mandalore will fall because of you,” His fist slams across your face your head whipping to the side another fist flies blood spewing from your mouth. With each punch your vision flash with memories, Arvala-7, meeting Din, protecting the child, your journeys, the lightsaber, but memories not your own appear, the man with hatred in his eyes, the battle in that great hall, the cave with water, your parents, the couple you saw.

"Well, then, you are lost!"

Dots flood your vision with each strike from Gideon, your screams in the Crest as Din whispered comforting words, his bare hands wiping the tears from your eyes.

"You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them!

"I hate you!"

The fires scorch your skin and your heart as a man screams to his brother the pain ripping you apart.

“You are far more important to me than anything in the galaxy.”

The ringing of the e-web your hands grasping Din’s armor, the blood staining your hands. No this wasn’t supposed to happen. You didn’t feel him breathing as the battle raged as you clutch his body nothing came out of your mouth as you scream.

“Tatooine may be where you were born but your blood, that is not. Features old but familiar…qualities of those from Mandalore.”

Standing in front of the Armorer, her helmet piercing through your body as she holds your chin. The questions…the confusion at her comment. Tatooine or Mandalore…what was your past.

“Te oya'la pirun”

The water circled your body the water and blood filling the cave no one was there anymore. You drown in the water it’s cooling nature as red mixes in.

"You were my brother, Anakin; I loved you.”

The great hall was filled with the aftermath of the massacre. The great sorrow that fills you, the force almost suffocates you. Cries and blaster fire blind your senses as Gideon grabs you again dragging you along the ground, metal, and glass cutting and tearing into your flesh.

“You have a much more important role in this than you think you do…That can alter your dear Mandalorian’s Creed.

The burning buildings of Nervarro are different, a city unlike anything you’ve seen before surrounds you, the screams of people filling the air. Like falling stars reaching the surface that shake the planet’s core, glass digs into your palms your vision going black as blood pours like a river from your face.

“Bat ner gai bal te gai be ruyot, Ibac Ni Kelir kemir te ara be te Mand'alor,”

Sinking deep into the water, your hands trying to break through the surface as you’re pulled deeper. The peaceful feeling you felt is quickly filled with fear as your screams are silenced by water entering your lungs.

“Bal te miit be te Resol'nare Kelir cuyir darasuum o'r ner kar'ta.”

Your parents lay before you the blood surrounding them, your home in Tatooine ruined. Still hidden under the bed hearing them being killed over and over again. Soon their screams are replaced with a man crying out as the auburn man holds the blonde woman in his arms. It was pain…it was fear…it was a sign.

“Ibic cuyir te ara.”

Gideon pulls away his hand grasping at his belt pulling out a weapon raising it up and swinging it down.

“It ends here Mand’alor.” 

Your eyes snap open pushing yourself off the bed when your legs and arms grow numb and your vision tilts as you crash into the floor. Blinking your vision back a disoriented feeling as your face presses against the metal floor of the Crest. Pins and needles cover your limbs as you force your arm to roll you over onto your back so you face the ceiling. You weren’t sure how long until the numb feeling left and you slowly pushed yourself to sit up against the edge of your cot.

You remember your fight with Din, traveling to Nervarro, discovering the base, and learning about Moff Gideon...

Moff Gideon was alive! With your strength quickly returning you come to stand but your balance tilts and you slam into a wall, your hands pressing into the grids of the metal trying to focus on your breathing your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

“Din!” Your voice hoarse slurs as you shout out as you try to move towards the cockpit but your world seemed to put on a permanent axis making you run into objects and fall into the walls. Reaching the ladder you stare up at it feeling a wave of nausea seeing the distance of the ladder stretch before your eyes.

“d-Din! Din…kriff where are you?!” You shout almost falling back as you turn to find your bag resting on the side falling at grabbing it twice before you use your whole arms to scoop it up and dump everything on the ground. Books fall out and a saber falls rolling onto the ground. A sense of dread fills you suddenly and your head whips toward the direction as you tip over at the same time. Laying on your back you try to continue calming your heart but it only seems to get louder with each inhale. What was wrong with you…everything was going tilted and nothing seemed right. Spotting your saber your hand reaches out to grab it. You needed to find the child..you had to find Din.

After stumbling to the hull after spending 10 minutes trying to just get dressed in your clothes but you just sat on the floor and had thought you already gotten dressed. Strapping your blaster into your hostler missing it a few times before getting right, you decide to hold your saber to make things easier. Your hands rest on the wall trying to calm your breathing as you feel the coldness of the metal. Everything felt dilated to eleven but at the same time, your actions were a second behind your brain, resulting in you wandering through the forest for a bit.

“Holy shit maker this is kriffing crazy…” You huff out resting against a tree having run into it. Pushing forward and head in a general direction praying you to find something. You weren’t sure how long you wandered through the forest everything looked the same until you heard the sound of blaster fire, a thick layer of fog surrounds you and you didn’t see the gate until you run right into it. A loud smack fills the air as you hit the metal and fall to your back the world spinning around you. Your limbs feel like lead as you turn yourself onto your hands and knees looking for a way inside you grab the saber with two trembling hands. A howl emits from the blade making your ears ring as you bring it to the metal it slides through. You practically put your whole weight into a crudely carved hole. You stare at the bright orange blade...I wonder what it feels-no not those thoughts focus, find Din.

A hole from the metal falls through with a large clang and you climb through more like tripped through as your legs became deadweights again. It seemed whatever was happening to you every once in a while your motor function would just fully fail a numbing sensation that felt weightless. This was experienced mainly in the forest, smacking into trees, tripping over branches or just falling over the air and being stuck to the ground for a few minutes before you pushed yourself up and continue on.

You look up seeing you drop your saber the weapon is turned off as you grab it again and use the wall to help you pull yourself up to your feet. The sound of gunfire seemed to be coming from further down the street as you fail to walk straight toward the sounds. Maybe you could ask around if they’ve seen him.

You must have taken a wrong turn finding yourself walking through alleys before you hear someone speaking, “Who do you think’s gonna win? Could be your side… could be my side.” He calls out and who he was speaking doesn’t respond, “I got no quarrel with you, Mandalorian.” Hey, you knew a Mandalorian! Maybe he could tell you where Din was.

“That’s far enough.” A familiar voice speaks as you stumble closer to the opening of the alley trying to focus intently on your footsteps not watching the man.

“You and I, we’re a lot alike. Willing to lay our lives down for the right cause. Which this is not.” You didn’t see the dead body in front of you right at the opening of the alley. You completely trip over them stumbling into the street and crashing into the floor right between the two men who looked surprised. You groan rolling to your side and you look at the boots of this man trailing your gaze up seeing a familiar metal man.

“Heyyyyy Din.” You slur and you didn’t recognize the rigidness in his body. Din felt all the air leave his body, he was about to put a bullet in the person that stumbled into the street. You weren’t supposed to be here? Why..how did you get here!? This weight on his chest lifted seeing you looking at him, breathing, awake. His enemy, however, noticed the girl stumbling out hitting the ground and an instrument used by his enemy beside her. A jedi.

The man pulls out his blaster and aims at the girl but a bullet hits him before he could react, he falls back as Din lowers his blaster. He sighs and moves forward when someone yells, “Behind you!” He quickly turns to fire at the surviving assassin droid as it appears on the roof.

Your gaze is focused on the sky, how far you could measure from one side of the galaxy to the other. Someone quickly appears beside you and you give a goofy grin at the man, “Din…”

“Maker kid, what the hell are you doing here.” He says pulling you to sit up but holding you to make sure you don’t get dizzy. “Looking for you metal head,” You say leaning your head back as you giggle, “woooah did you know you could see yourself through your armor.” Your giggles interrupt your rambles as your focus is put on the reflection of his armor. Din watches you wave to yourself in the reflection of the armor a faint smile hidden behind the beskar helmet. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw you smile. Their time on Sorgan, reunited with Cobb, seeing water for the first time, the small moments you had with the child. He was certain he’s never heard you laugh, a melodic sound that warms his heart. Even in a state where you weren’t fully there the walls you built up for this life had been broken.

“Yeah, kid…tell me more.” He says looking down at you as your laughter fills the air. With the success of defeating the Magistrate’s army the people of Calodan quickly threw together a celebration for their liberation. Din was able to find you food and water to fill you up and the side effects of the bacta shot quickly fade.

Standing outside the gates your mind is now clear and functional as you give a sheepish smile to Din as he stares at the hole in the gate, “You’ve carved a hole..” He says with a  look and you throw your hands up in defense, “Hey I was high off the medicine you gave me so you can’t blame me.” You say and Din shakes his head when appears a woman with orange skin with white markings, her head tails white with blue striping. Her clothes are nothing you’ve ever seen before but your eyes widen seeing the weapons strapped to the waist just like yours.

“I believe this was your payment.” She says holding out a spear and Din shakes his head, “No. I can’t accept it. I didn’t finish the job.” Din says but she holds out the weapon insisting. “No. But this belongs to a Mandalorian. Where is your little friend?” She asks not seeing the child.

“Back at the ship where this one should be as well,” Din says before gesturing over at you and you could feel the slight scolding in his tone. The woman turns to look at you and her neutral face cracks slightly almost as if she’s seen a ghost.

“Bo-Katan said you could train the child and me,” You say and she still seems to be looking over and a slight probe at part of your mind makes you hesitate before you let her in. It was a weird sensation feeling someone push into your mind but for a fraction of a second her own shield falls and you get a glimpse of her more forefront thoughts.

“Who’s Obi-Wan…?” You say and Ahsoka pulls out of your head hearing your question. It was the innocent look on your face that wouldn’t make anyone fearful but it was what she saw inside your mind that had her worried, the fear and rage towards one man. Like relieving a memory of seeing the fear and anger take over someone she had cared deeply about happening before you through only the first stages. She should have sensed you as well even if you weren’t with the Mandalorian but the force was strong in you…strong that it concerned her more than her concern about the Mandalorian and Grogu’s relationship.

“Ahsoka?” You call out to her and for the briefest of moments, she sees two people in you that she lost. The only memories left are those in her mind. “We need to go get the kid, you stay here,” Din says to Ahsoka and she nods as Din starts forward his hand resting on your shoulder leading. You glance back at her seeing the far-off look in her eyes as she watches you two depart.

Reaching the Crest you were given a warm welcome by the child who you quickly took into your arms as he coos at you while you rub his ears tenderly. “Hey, little guy.” You smile at the green creature as it happily giggles seeing you.

“Grogu,” Din says and you look over at him, “Turns out he had a name all this time.” You nod turning back to Grogu the smile still on your face.

“Well, Grogu it’s finally nice to know.” He coos even more hearing you call him by his name, “Come on we have to go.” Din calls out and you follow back to the ramp you didn’t see the way he watched you the sadness in him growing with these final moments.

“Kid..” Din calls out and you turn before the ramp looking at the Mandalorian who holds out your bag for you, “You stay safe alright.” He says and you realize this is a goodbye. You hadn’t imagined it would come so soon after all your adventures, the planets, and the people you’ve met. It felt incomplete in a way like a journey was missing something.

“I will…” You say taking the bag. Your life was shoved into the small bag but now this whole ship had become your home, the memories etched into the metal of the Crest. You sling your bag over your shoulder and Grogu in your arms gives a sad coo feeling your emotions through the force. Din’s hand touches your cheek wiping away a tear you didn’t know had fallen. You throw your free hand around his shoulder burying your face in his shoulder, hesitant his hands move to wrap around you one hand holding your back and the other holding your head.

“You’re going to be fine cyar'ika,” Din whispers as you say goodbye to really the only person who has looked after you, someone who has been a father to you.

“You’re like a father to them.” Ahsoka’s voice comes from behind you both of you pulling away quickly wiping the stray tears as you stand close to Din. She looks at both you and Grogu before shaking her head, “I cannot train them.”

“You made me a promise, and I held up my end.” Din says stepping forward and Ahsoka thinks, “There is one possibility. Go to the planet Tython. There you will find the ancient ruins of a temple that has a strong connection to the Force. Bring them to the seeing stone at the top of the mountain.” She explains.

“Then what?” You ask and she looks over at you, “Then you and Grogu may choose your paths. If you reach out through the Force, there’s a chance a Jedi may sense your presence and come searching for you both.” She says to the two force-sensitive children, “Then again, there aren’t many Jedi left.” She warns and Din nods looking down at you as if you have no choice but to agree.

“Thank you.” He says and you give your own thanks,

“May the Force be with you.” She says as Din takes the child from your arms heading to start up the Crest. You stay on the ramp looking over at Ahsoka who watches you deeply as well.

“Thank you, Ahsoka…” You say and she nods crossing her arms the poncho flows with her movements. It felt instinctively to let the barrier around your mind down being in the presence of another force user. That same probing sensation washes over you before it quickly retreats.

“You can’t run from destiny…you can only embrace what is given.” She says and you freeze her words similar to those said in your dream or was it a vision?

“You can’t run from destiny. Din Djarin…his creed…Mandalore will fall because of you,”

You wanted to ask more questions but the rumble of the Crest and Din’s voice calling out to you make you turn towards the sound but when you turned back the jedi was gone. Only a brush of the wind and her presence in the force let you know she was once here.

The ramp to the ship closes as it rises in the atmosphere its new and final destination decided. Off in the distance, the lone Jedi watches the ship leave with the two force-sensitive beings. One with some former training but the other…she could only be fearful of what it could lead to. She could only hope whatever remaining jedi out there are able to tame this unease that she sensed or is it already too late?

[1-mini-1]

mini's Concert Wrapped 2024

It’s been almost exactly 3 years since I’ve moved to Japan and I feel like I barely ever talk about it lol. Occasionally I tweet that I went to a concert or something, but for the most part, I only do that if it’s AtR related? The truth is, I go to a disgusting amount of concerts. Here are the stats to prove it.

mini’s Concert Wrapped 2024:

Number of concerts I've attended in the last 12 months: 21

Bands/acts I’ve seen since moving to Japan: 43 (Only 3 were NOT Vocaloid/Utaite related HAHA.)

Number of cities I’ve seen concerts in: 5

Furthest I’ve traveled for a concert: 500 kilometers

Longest concert streak: 3 days

Utaite I’ve seen the most: Soraru

Concerts that never let me win the lottery: Magical Mirai, USSS

Most cursed concert: Yonezu Kenshi (I sprained my ankle at his concert. Got front row seats though!)

Concerts I enjoyed way more than I expected: Kairikibear, Meychan

Concert I cried the most at: Nanou

And that doesn’t include any orchestra concerts or events I’ve performed in!!! Anyway, yeah I’m trying to live my best life over here for all the international utaite fans out there haha. I could list random stats all day, so if anyone has any specific questions, feel free to drop me an ask!

You know how people write concert reports? Tbh I’ve never posted one because I don’t like writing them LOL. Sorry!!! But we already know how cute everyone’s oshis are, so why don’t we talk about how cute everyone’s fans are? (AKA, I have three wholesome stories for you. ‘Tis the season.)

A Very Mafu Christmas Party:

About a year after I moved here, I got roped into helping out with the local girl scouts and camped with them one weekend. On the last night of the camping trip, I met two high schoolers who were Mafumafu fans. Apparently, they’ve never met another Mafumafu fan in the wild and were even more shocked that I was a foreigner, so they invited me to their house for a Christmas party (keep in mind that this was after talking with them for only 30 minutes haha). Since I’m dumb, I agreed. It’s Japan, I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? 

I rode the train to the middle of nowhere for an hour, wondering the whole time if I was going to be murdered. But when I got to the girls’ house, they had a full-on Christmas party with food and decorations and everything!! The mom said she didn’t want me to feel lonely while I was abroad in Japan and was really happy her daughter found someone with similar interests (apparently none of her friends at school were into utaite). They even bought me Christmas presents ;w; Idk, I could just never see that kind of thing happening in the US.

Yukimi has cute fans: 

I think this was also about a year after I moved to Japan, but I decided last-minute to go to a Yukimi concert. I knew I would probably stick out since it was such a small venue and I didn’t have a penlight like everyone else, but I figured it’d be fine if I just hung around the back of the venue and let the “real” fans stand closer to the front. 

While I was waiting for the show to start, a girl absolutely decked out in merch moved to stand next to me. I thought this was strange because, like I said, all of the hardcore fans had plenty of room to move closer to the stage. But she started talking to me and asked if this was my first time at a Yukimi concert. I explained that, yeah, I was just checking out the show since I’m an utaite fan and I haven’t been to a smaller utaite concert yet. She said she was going to all of his shows that tour and the reason she moved next to me was to ask if I wanted to use two of her penlights during the concert!! She explained that since she loves Yukimi, she wanted other people to enjoy his concert as much as possible too AND THAT’S SO SWEET??? So now I also bring multiple penlights to shows to make sure that everyone around me is taken care of <3 I really feel like you can tell how much someone loves their oshi by how much kindness and love they show to their fellow fans.

Soraru also has cute fans:

Ok, last story, best for last. This happened at the most recent concert I went to, Soraru’s birthday live at Makuhari Messe. 

This concert had a lottery where for 700 yen, you could attempt to win his autograph, clothes, and other prizes. The most basic prizes were photocards and can badges, but the prize I reaalllly wanted was the Soramatsuri prize, a haori jacket which would retail for 15,000 yen if they sold it as normal merch. I usually have really good luck, though, so I wasn’t too worried. I won it on like my 3rd try teehee. 

However, my friend that I went with also really wanted it, and she was having terrible luck. I will refrain from saying how much she spent lol. While she was standing in line to buy more lottery tickets, one girl sat down next to me and she had FOUR haori jackets. 

FOUR. 

60,000 YEN WORTH OF MERCH.

If I was still fresh meat in Japan, there’s no way I would have tried to barter with her, but since I’m used to living here now, I figured, what the heck, let’s just ask to see if she’d trade me a haori for like 20 of my friend’s photocards lol. After I asked her, she looked so confused. At first, I thought it was because my Japanese is garbage (LOL), but then she said:

“I paid 700 yen for this haori, so it’s worth 700 yen. Why would I trade it to you for 7000 yen worth of can badges? I’ll just give it to you if you give me a different prize.” 

ME AND MY FRIEND LOST OUR MINDS. (We ended up trading her a rubber bracelet for the haori, which was the C prize.)

Later on, another international fan met up with us and also wanted a haori. When the Japanese girl noticed, SHE JUST GAVE US ANOTHER HAORI. FOR FREE. She said that since we were all friends, it would be cute if we all matched and wanted to take a picture of us 😭😭😭 She was such a sweet fan; she was so happy when I told her about the birthday letter project I did and that so many people love Soraru. I also think she won the competition where if you guessed the first song of that concert right, you won a signed poster. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? SHE DESERVES IT. She is the best Soraru fan nothing can convince me otherwise.

Maybe in the future I’ll write another blog about things fans have said/done at concerts that have made me go HUH, but for now, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I wonder which concerts I’ll get to go to next year~

-mini

[justicegundam82]

PF1: GRAVE HAG

Hello! Here's another of my attempts at retro-converting a 2E critter to 1E stats. After the Rust Hag, I surely couldn't pass up the Grave Hag, especially since I think Hags are kinda underrated and can be just as terrifying and versatile as vampires and liches when it comes to being evil masterminds.

Again I've tried to be as close as possible to the original version, though I had to drop a few special abilities in the process, since I was afraid they would have made the conversion overpowered. I'm still wondering if my conversion here might be a bit much... but I'll let you guys be the judges of that.

Hope you enjoy it!

GRAVE HAG

Image © Paizo Publishing. Accessed at Archives of Nethys here

This woman has a cadaverous appearence, with greying flesh, filthy black hair and bloody sores all over her body. Her nails are long, ragged claws, and her clothes are soiled with grave dirt.

GRAVE HAG CR 9

XP 6’400

CE Medium Monstrous Humanoid

Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 23 (+3 Dex, +1 dodge, +9 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 19

hp 104 (11d10+44)

Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +11; +4 vs. disease, fear and paralysis

Defensive Abilities negative healing

Damage Reduction 5 / cold iron; Immune energy drain, poison; Spell Resistance 20

ATTACK

Speed 30 ft.

Melee improvised weapon +16 / +11 / +6 (1d8+7) or 2 claws +16 (1d6+5 plus grab)

Ranged grave ray +14 touch (4d6)

Special Attacks curse of the grave, grave ray

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 11th, concentration +14)

1/day – cloudkill (DC 18)

3/day – animate dead, contagion (DC 18), enervation (DC 18), vampiric touch

At will – bleed (DC 14), cause fear (DC 15), command undead (DC 16), death knell (DC 15), speak with dead (DC 17)

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 19, Wis 18, Cha 17

Base Atk +11; CMB +16 (+20 grapple); CMD 29

Feats Catch Off-Guard (B), Dodge, Great Fortitude, Power Attack, Spell Focus (necromancy), Toughness, Undead Master

Skills Bluff +14, Climb +10, Craft (any one) +10, Heal +11, Intimidate +15, Knowledge (arcana) +14, Knowledge (religion) +16, Perception +18, Sense Motive +12, Spellcraft +12, Stealth +14, Survival +10

Languages Aklo, Common, Giant, Necril

Special Qualities undead mien

ECOLOGY

Environment any

Organization solitary or coven (3 hags of any type)

Treasure standard

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Curse of the Grave (Sup): Three times per day, a grave hag can put a curse on a creature, rendering it more enticing to the ravenous undead. A target can avoid this effect by making a successful Will save (DC 18). If the save is failed, the target starts drawing the undead’s attention, granting them a +4 bonus on Perception checks to notice the affected creature and on saving throws to resist spells that hide or disguise the affected creature from undead (such as hide from undead). Once an undead notices the affected creature, it feels compelled to kill and devour the affected creature, and gains a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls made against the affected creature and a +2 profane bonus on saving throws against the affected creature’s spells and special abilities. The undead also ignores any concealment less than total concealment that an affected creature has. A curse of the grave lasts for 24 hours or until removed with a successful remove curse, dispel magic, break enchantment or similar magic (against a casting level of 12). The save DC is Charisma-based.

Grave Ray (Sup): Once every 1d4+1 rounds, a grave hag can fire a black beam of bone-chilling negative energy to a maximum range of 60 feet. If the grave hag succeeds at a ranged touch attack, the beam inflicts 4d6 point of negative energy damage, which can be halved on a successful Fortitude save (DC 18). A grave ray can be used to heal undead creatures, or the grave hag herself, in this way. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Negative Healing (Sup): A grave hag is healed by negative energy and harmed by positive energy as if she were an undead creature.

Undead Mien (Ex): A grave hag counts as an undead creature for the purpose of spells, spell-like abilities or special abilities that detect undead. She also gains a +4 racial bonus on saving throws vs. disease, fear and paralysis effects.

Grave hags are a particularly powerful breed of hags with an affinity for undead and negative energy, who make their liars in cemetaries, mausoleums or other burial sites, where they surround themselves with undead servitors and form a kind of twisted mockery of a court. Unlike most hags, grave hags do not have the ability to alter their appearence into a more reassuring shape, and are forced to hide where few people would want to seek them out. However, grave hags are grieviously arrogant and self-centered, and believe that this kind of life is beneath them, so they spend most of their time concocting plans to expand their territory and set themselves up as petty rulers of undead-infested regions.

Even for the standards of hags, grave hags are extremely smug and self-important, seeing themselves as the most powerful, cunning and strongest of all hags, and demanding respect and unconditional obedience from any “lesser” kind of hag. They tend to mock other hags’ abilities that they don’t possess (such as the ability to alter self) as pointless parlor tricks who have no inherent use to them. The exception to this are night hags, whom are seen by grave hags as role models, and to whom a grave hag will gladly submit.

In combat, grave hags tend to hold back and harass opponents with spells and withering blasts of negative energy while their undead minions tear their victims apart. They often open up combat by casting cloudkill and then letting their minions, unaffected by the poison, have their way with the opposition. Grave hags can put a curse on their victims, making them more enticing for the undead to attack. However, if forced to hand-to-hand combat, a grave hag can give as good as she gets, often using digging tools like shovels or mattocks as improvised weapons with surprising skill.

A grave hag usually stands between 5 and 6 feet tall and weighs between 120 and 180 pounds. The bloody sores she naturally sports on her body can make her look crippled and weak, but are merely cosmetical and do not hinder the grave hag in any way other than giving her an unsightly appearence. When a grave hag joins a coven, the coven adds harm to its spell-like abilities and shares the grave hag’s negative healing ability, but a grave hag will rarely join a coven that doesn’t have either herself or a night hag as leader.

[manicplank]

have reactions do cannabis been done yet? What would happen if someone accidentally ate an edible

ONE LAST ONE I SWEAR THIS TIME

Weed reactions (obvious drug tw)

Peppino: He would freak out the first time, ESPECIALLY if it was on accident. He'd have a panic attack, hyperventilate, and maybe even throw up. The second time around, because his crazy ass wanted to try it again, he'd be a bit more mellow. He would think he didn't feel anything, but something sets him off and throws him into a laughing fit... for like, an hour. Absolutely gets the munchies. He wouldn't do it regularly, but it was an interesting experience.

Gustavo: If accidentally consumed, he'd be a little freaked out. He'd be wide-eyed and sweaty. His grip on reality is kind of loose, and he doesn't like it. However, he was curious as to try it again on purpose and had a much better experience. He'd be enlightened. Suddenly, the world is more colorful and beautiful. He has a goofy smile on his face the entire time. The smallest things make him giggle. He ends up taking the best nap of his life. Fun experience, but he wouldn't do it regularly.

BONUS Brick: Gustavo once accidentally left a weed brownie in the wrong place... Well, Brick found it and ate it despite it smelling a little weird. Gustavo came home to find Brick belly up with his mouth open. He initially panicked, thinking that Brick had passed away... Then he saw the chewed up wrapper for the edible. Oh, goodness. Poor Brick was high as a kite! He slept for HOURS. Gustavo kept checking his pulse to make sure he was still alive.

Mr. Stick: Never accidentally consumed it, but definitely greened out the first time he used it. It was scary, and he ended up vomiting. He was mostly afraid because he felt that he did a REALLY bad thing. He tried it again after realizing it wasn't so bad. He loved it. It eased his back pain and heightened his appetite. He liked it. He smokes every now and then for his pain or if he's SUPER stressed. He can't roll a joint to save his life, so don't let him roll.

Pepperman: His first time trying pot, he didn't really get high. He wasn't enthused. He thought it would be great for his creative outlet, but nothing happened. However, when he tried it again, he was FRIED. He started talking about stupid hypotheticals that would never happened "but what if they DID??" He tries to create art, but he ends up getting tired halfway through. He takes a nap and gets all the sleep he was missing.

The Vigilante: His first experience was similar to Stick's. He had a panic attack as he thought he was doing a bad thing. Be was in the mindset that marijuana is illegal and deadly. He didn't know what possessed him to try it. After trying it again, he wasn't so timid. However, it wasn't his cup of tea. He did laugh his ass off at the smallest things, though.

The Noise: Veteran user. Has been smoking on and off since he was a teenager. He also enjoys edibles. Used to smoke daily, but cut back a LOT when he met Noisette. He gets the BEST weed in the tower. When he's high, he's calm but still super goofy. He'll laugh his ass off for hours over the dumbest things. He then gets the munchies and eats everything he can get his hands on. Once his stomach is full, he gets sleepy and zonks out for 10-12 hours. He still smokes at parties or every once in a while when he's super stressed. He kept it a secret from Noisette, until one day, she found his stash. She FLIPPED. However...

Noisette: After she found out that The Noise was doing drugs, she was furious! Anytime he tried to explain, she'd go on that "drugs are bad" rant. Then she saw how relaxed and focused The Noise got when he was high, and she got curious. She tried it for herself but got WAY too high and greened out. She ended up having a panic attack and throwing up. She tried again. This time, The Noise made sure she only took a little hit. She got a tiny high, and the two were joking around and giggling for HOURS. She got to experience the munchies and the classic weed nap. She wouldn't do it herself, but now she understands why people enjoy it.

Fake Peppino: He once ate one of Pizzahead's weed brownies. Pizzahead FREAKED and set the tower on lockdown, thinking that Fakey would go apeshit. Quite the contrary, he was incredibly calm and well-behaved. He was sleepy and snuggly. He was hungry for actual food instead of people. It was amazing. He slept perfectly sound for an ENTIRE DAY. While it benefited him well, Pizzahead thought it would be a little immoral to regularly drug Fakey just so he'd behave.

Pizzahead: Another veteran user. He's been smoking for... Gosh, it's been so long, he doesn't even remember! You never know what he has in that pipe of his. Most times, it's tobacco, but sometimes, it's cannabis. He also is a fan of edibles as they give a totally different high. He can handle his buzz pretty well. Except for the one time he tried to out-smoke The Noise. Yeah, that ended badly. Turns out bongs hit harder than his pipe (FUCKING DUMBASS). He got too high and lost his grip on reality. He handled it well, though, as he wrapped himself up in a blanket and watched his favorite movie.

Pillar John: Hey, guess what? The stone used to be a stoner. Shitty joke, I know. Anyways, John used to get high a lot as a young adult. His usual goofy self was amplified by it. He loved the munchies that came with it. Food tasted sooo much better. He'd try to watch a movie, but he always ended up falling asleep halfway through it. He cut back on smoking a lot and only does it on certain occasions. He was slightly addicted, but he's very proud of himself for quitting (and so is Gerome).

Gerome: He tried weed a few times with John. He saw how much fun John had and got curious. He got high and got giggly. The two goofed around, telling each other stupid jokes. He only smoked a few times, though. It wasn't his favorite thing in the world. He was concerned for John as it began to consume him, but John realized he was losing it and cleaned up his act. Gerome was, and still is, very proud.

-

Ok so for the minors reading this DON'T FUCKING DO DRUGS UNTIL YOU'RE AN ADULT OK??

I write these from experience lmao

(Greening out isn't super common but everybody does it once, even veteran stoners.)

[may-bee-its-just-me]

I love my bf <3

i was thinking about starting a series of taking things my bf says out of context but while looking for sus phrases to take out of context i was scrolling thru our texts and he's so damn sweet??

most of the jokes and out of pocketness happens irl, and upon second thought - Even though context would have been provided at the end, I'd much rather openly admire my doofball.

Like how he brings veggies to munch on with his crew meal at work, and he usually has offered me a few pieces of veggies - Recently I've started actually accepting the offer more consistently and I low-key noticed him bringing more with him, and then he would leave whatever he didn't eat with my stuff. He even offered one morning to bring me my own bag of veggies. Not only that, but while he loves to eat the leafy part of celery, he remembered that when I tried it I didn't like it, and purposefully left those parts out of my bag. ^^

He frequently gives me lil massages on the neck/shoulders when we're hanging out, or as a grounding/comfort method at work when my issues are flaring up. Its a major way he shows affection, and he knows that my shoulders/neck in particular need some help relaxing. Speaking of my issues, despite dealing with his own pains and physical limitations; He always keeps an eye out for mine and tries to help me through it when he can, and comfort me when he can't.

He's very mindful of even my smaller triggers, and makes a point to reassure me even when i might not really need it. Example; He doesnt reply to a text for a little bit, for whatever reason, and he'll reply apologizing and explaining why it took so long. (I have told him that he doesnt need to worry about it, but he still provides that reassurance anyway ^^) Another example; We're working in kitchen, chatting it up with some other coworkers when one makes a teasing joke to me and, feeling mildly triggered, I go quiet (both to not respond overly defensive/emotionally, and out of now feeling othered from the group because the joke didn't immediately register as a joke). It doesnt take long before he gives me concerned looks, and then at the soonest opportunity, he'll come over and check on me quietly. 😩makes me mElt

He's recently asked me to log my food cravings and/or what I eat through the month, specifically so that he can better figure out food date stuff and how that may or may not correlate with my cycle. I have a hard time remembering these kinds of details, and if the log is detailed enough, not only will it help him help his indecisive gf - But it may actually help me better track my PMS and have common cravings ready. Either that or it will just show how horribly I can hyperfixate on foods lol He also just generally likes the idea of logging my mood and symptoms through the month for similar "i want to know how your support needs from me might change depending on your hormones" reasons. (nerd <3)

He bought me chapstick a few days after I had offhandedly told him i lost mine, and also that I liked the one he uses after needing to borrow it. Bro was paying attention :'}

Also, last thing bc this is getting long: Every night, he reminds me not to go to bed horribly late. Does this always help? No (its 12:20am at time of posting oops), but it does help sometimes and there's a noticeable difference in me remembering not to stay up till 3am when he does not remind me... There have also been nights where he stayed up to make sure I actually stopped doomscrolling on Insta before he went to bed himself... Instagram keeps ratting me/us out with the little green circle status. He will also guilt trip me (/j) when Instagram says I was online insanely late, tho sometimes it isnt 100% accurate (like...he wakes up at 7-8AM and it tells him "last online 4 hrs ago" but i could have sworn I didnt pick instagram up past 12am)

I love him so much and he takes care of me and makes me feel very mushy on the inside. The end, thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

[celestialiron]

Echoes of Courage: Chapter 1

After much consideration (asking from you guys here!) & my best friends also telling me to "stop being a little bitch & post it!" (with all of their love lol) I'm going to be updating my story here too! I posted the link to the prologue since it ties in with the story too! I'll still be posting chapters to my AO3 for my story too, it'll be paused until I catch up to both here & AO3! Finally, it's my OCs time to shine!

But without further adieu, here's chapter 1 of my story!

WARNING: Everyone in the story are all adults (unless there's a flashback then I will mention it)! As well as a lot of harsh language, suggestive themes, violent scenes, and other triggering moments that will progress throughout the story (which will also be warned beforehand). So minors & TCEST shippers, DNI. Please be respectful of not only myself & my story, but also of each other. Be kind to one another.

Summary: This is a story of love, lost, family, friends and trying to get a hold of everything being thrown at them. This will be a tale for the people involved, but with the help of loved ones and getting to trust one another, they're hoping that everything will be put to an end once and for all...

The day started like any other Friday for a senior college student: stressed and tired. Izra Montague sure knew how to handle it, especially with all the classes as a senior music student who took so many credits to graduate on time with her college friends and start up her career. ‘Oh lord, it’ll be from today, 2 weeks until graduation and I don’t even know what to do for it,’ thought Izra, arm over her eyes as she lay in her bed, mind still blown as she found out she’s able to walk and graduate on time and hadn’t even thought of anything to do for herself. The amount of graduation parties from her close college friends were able to help her decide if she even wanted one or not, but still going to theirs. Deciding to do something more productive, Izra sat up from her bed, checked the time to see if she had enough time to make something to eat before her class. The clock read 12:00pm , to which she proceeded to get something quick to eat before her class. While getting dressed, deciding to wear dark blue jeans with regular van shoes with a plain black strapped shirt, wearing a flannel over it, Izra checked her phone for any messages from school, friends, whichever she can see first. The first thing she read was from the group chat with her friends April O’Neil and the Hamato brothers. Smiling while reading the text messages, Izra groaned as the group continued to ask whether she was going to have a graduation party or not. 

LoserLeo: can you please make up your mind for once, Izz-Bizz? This will only happen once in a lifetime if we don’t celebrate your day! :( 

Don-Bot: I mean if we really want to be technical-

Razz_Mikey: yeah, what Leo said! WE’LL PLAN EVERYTHING LIKE WE DID FOR APRIL’S GRAD PARTY

April’sNews: Well, let’s double think about that now, ESPECIALLY from that grad party :o

BigBearRaphie: I agree, we don’t want a repeat of certain people getting so drunk they don’t even remember they were calling their boyfriend, RIGHT LEO?

LoserLeo: HEY, WE AGREED TO NEVER SPEAK OF THAT OR MY EX!

Laughing at the last message that was sent in the chat, Izra started typing out her response, hoping it’ll calm the fire that will be set to burn someone soon. With the last message sent, Izra left her place and went off to class.

MysteryIzzie: thank you for bringing it up, I thought I was going to be the one to do the job, but thanks Raph! xD

MysteryIzzie: BUUUUUUT I will let you guys know AT LEAST an idea soon, I promise you all that! :) I’ll talk to you guys later, gonna head to class!

Meanwhile, the four Hamato brothers were up at the lair, all sitting in the projection room trying to plan what to do for their friend. “I mean, how bad would it be if we planned something soooort of similar to what we did for April’s party?” Leo suggested, trying to at least get the ball rolling if Izra was going to be indecisive. All three brothers glared at Leo, Donnie speaking up, “out of the question! We’re not going to be dealing with any repercussions to your dum-dum exes or booty calls if you get too drunk again and start making calls!” Glaring at him, Leo tried to say something (most likely the lines of ‘ it won’t and you guys need to stop bringing it up!’ ) Mikey exclaimed, very excitedly, “WE CAN DO A HUGE GROUP PARTY!” looking over at Mikey, who suddenly brought in a white board (most likely taken from Donnie’s lab, to which he was not too happy about), and started planning out ideas. “We don’t necessarily need to do single parties for everyone, when we can just combine it for everyone to enjoy! And this will be good for Izzie to meet more people than just her college friends, April, and us!” Once finishing up what he was writing, he showed a very large timeline of various names and in the middle read * PARTY* in huge letters and circled multiple times following it. Looking at the board, Raph was the one to speak first, “well, while this is nice and all Mikey, don't you think they should all at least, I don't know, meet each other first? Like what April did before? Also, Alexis can’t come that Saturday, she starts her new job soon and always has Saturdays to work.” A little saddened by the news, Raph gave Mikey a reassuring pat on the shoulders, smiling while staying positive for him, “you know she’ll want us to have it anyways bud, besides what you got going looks great!” With a nod, they all continued on, deciding who could come and who couldn’t come.

While figuring it out, with now the help from April who came over about an hour after they were still planning it out. It seemed perfect, however a couple of them were still a bit on the defensive side on whether Izra should meet with these other people earlier or not. “I’m just saying, we all know how Val is, I think it should be a first meeting at least with her of all people!” Leo exclaimed, already knowing how one of his other best friends was going to react to meeting new people, especially those she really didn’t know. Groaning in agreement, April dejected, “hey, maybe this will be a good exercise for her too! She’s got to be better at meeting new people! ALSO CONTROL ONE OF YOUR SUPPOSED “BESTIE” THEN LEO!” “Awe Apes, no one could replace youuuu!” Leo said, trying to get April to hug him, knowing she was joking about the last bit. Rolling his eyes, Donnie brought up a good point to them all, “well, as you should know too, Kira, Ruka and Valeria are long time friends so if anyone should also be able to “handle” her, it’s the both of them too. Especially since Ruka was nice enough to agree to this idea in the first place.” Nodding their heads in agreement, Leo smirked, deciding to mess with his twin, “awe see, they’re not even together and he still chooses Kira over us,” was said while chuckling, Raph and Mikey joining him about Donnie’s very much obvious crush on Kira while April sighed, patting Donnie’s battle-shell before letting him decide if he should kill his brothers or not. “You better sleep with one eye open Nardo, I know just how to mix specific herbal flowers with tea. You can thank Kira for that too,” Donnie growled, going on the defense about Kira (absolutely trying to block out his feelings at the moment). Making Leo swallow his saliva quietly before returning to the board, “ any-who , so it looks like we got ourselves the final people who could actually make it! Now the next step: asking them if they could or not,” with that in mind, all 5 were on the mission to get everyone ready to meet each other for the first time in such a huge setting.

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

Later that day, Izra was heading out to a coffee shop before meeting up with April and the guys, needing some caffeine after the day of classes, glad it was the weekend to spend a break with friends. ‘Man, I can’t wait to hear what the guys had planned, almost had to turn off my phone so I wouldn’t get distracted in class.” Thought Izra, while waiting on her mocha frappe from the cafe she loved coming to since she started school. Thanking the cashier for the drink, she started to head out, deciding to sit at one of the tables that just sits closely by the cafe to catch up on missed messages and any assignments to work on. While mindlessly scrolling through her phone, Izra wasn’t made aware of someone looking at her, almost as if they were having whiplash at who she was. Before long, Izra heard someone call her name.

“Izra? Izra Montague?”

Stopping dead in her tracks from what she was doing on her phone, Izra froze, ‘Oh my god, is that…?’ she thought as she turned around to face who was calling to her. There stood a woman her age, about a height taller than Izra, a light caramel tan to her skin, her long brown curled hair up in a bun, wearing black leggings with gray flats and a plain grayish white shirt with a loose black cardigan to go with the outfit. Apparently, she had also ordered coffee from the same cafe, to Izra’s surprise that she didn’t even notice her there.

“Ruka? Is that really you?” Izra asked, wanting to pinch herself believing it was all a dream and she would wake up from it eventually. “Yeah, it’s really me…” Ruka answered, also seeming a bit hesitant on asking her the same question. “Am I dreaming or am I actually seeing you, Izzie?” She ended up asking, also wanting to believe that Izra was here and not stuck somewhere else and far from home. Tearfully, Izra got up from her chair, fully facing Ruka, smiling as bright as one can, “yes, I’m here… I’m the real thing, unfortunately,“ she laughed as Ruka covered her mouth from shock, tears slowly rolling down her cheeks as she smiled, running up to her long-time friend for a tight hug, as Izra gave her an equal amount of hugging too. They both stood there hugging for about 10 minutes, not wanting to let go as if either one would disappear from each other, letting people walk past them without a care in the world. Slowly they let go, very happy to have found each other again, Izra was the first to speak, “I would’ve never guessed for you to be living here ma’am! How long have you been here?! Who else is here?! Did you come here alone?! What happened-” before she could continue her questioning, Ruka stopped her before anymore was said, “I didn’t think so either, but if you have some time, we can catch up here, if you want to…” she asked hesitantly, thinking back to the old days and remembering what had happened back home. Noticing her hesitation, Izra paused, feeling a bit guilty about the things that happened back then, but she isn’t who she was back when she left home, not anymore. 

“Of course I have time! I understand why you would ask though. Natalie almost couldn’t believe it either…” she started, staying a bit quiet before continuing, “listen, I’m sorry for what I said, what I did back home. I never intended to make ANY of you feel that way or the words that were spoken that day too, I was angry at the world, mainly myself really…” Izra looked to the side, not feeling confident about looking at her best friend at the moment. “I know it doesn’t excuse what I did, but I want you to know how guilty I’ve felt ever since and I worked hard to find myself again and then-” before she can continue on with her apologies, Ruka hugged her again, squeezing tightly, giving Izra reassurance, “I know you are. I know you felt guilty about it, we wouldn’t be best friends if I didn’t know you like the back of my hand.” She said, letting go for a bit to look at Izra, already knowing her best friend has well improved since her days away from home. “I already forgave you. We ALL have.” Ruka squeezed her shoulders, once again reassuring Izra everything is okay, “let’s continue this conversation sitting, as much as standing around is nice, I’ve been walking around all day and I need a break,” she said, both woman giggling while sitting back down to where Izra had just been, finally getting a chance to talk about everything .

Once the time hit 5 in the afternoon time, both Izra and Ruka were still on the table chatting away, happy to catch up on times they’ve both missed out on. In the midst of their conversation, Izra got a text from April, giving her details about the now planned graduation party they got going for her, except now it turned into a huge one since her other friends/co-workers are also invited, apparently also graduating from school too. With a sigh, Izra put the dates on her phone, seeing multiple events coming up after graduation. “Whoa, that sigh usually means you’re nervous and stressed. What’s the problem?” Ruka asked, already sensing her friend’s stress from across the tables. Sighing again, groaning in the process, Izra explained, “so, remember how I told you I’m graduating? One of my friends and her brothers are planning this huge graduation party but it’s the same day you asked me to come over for Kira’s and Val’s graduation/ceremony party too, which even after that is when I’ll actually catch a break from everything, LITERALLY.” With that said, Izra laid her head on the table, coffee long gone and now stressing about what to do for the issues she had going on. Laughing softly, Ruka patted her head, hoping to help her friend out in any way possible, “so how about this, you asked them what time it starts and whatever time they pick, you can meet us earlier. Think that’ll be fine with them?” Sitting up, Izra looked to Ruka as if she had just grown wings and was an angel sent above, “oh my god, yes that’s genius! I’ll ask when I see them later tonight!” Getting out of the chair, she ran towards Ruka, hugging her while tearfully thanking her, “I missed you so much, no one would’ve gotten it except you. Should’ve tried to find me sooner bitch!” Ruka laughing while hugging her back. Also getting up and throwing away their empty cups, they both stood still, not wanting either one to leave back to their places. 

“So, wanna walk together until we actually have to go back to our places?” Izra shyly asked, not wanting the great time the two just shared together. Smiling softly, Ruka agreed, both continuing the conversation they had on their way back. Once reaching the subway station, Ruka finally asked what had been on her mind, almost hesitating on asking in general “so since you’ve seen Natalie, have you seen Alexis yet?” Hearing the question, it took Izra about a couple of minutes to respond, smiling softly, which surprised Ruka, “yeah, I saw her too. It was Natalie’s idea for us to meet again and oh boy did I get an earful.” Closing her eyes, remembering seeing Alexis for the first time in what felt like forever, but it had only been about two and a half years since seeing each other from home. Opening her eyes, they both went inside the subway cart, as she continued on, “it was brutal, which I understood from her point too. I let her have the moment she deserved, it wasn’t fair what I did to her too,” looking out to where each station was then down to her hands, “but in the end, she did the same thing like what you did. Forgave me.” She sighed, nervously twiddling her fingers, “forgiving me for leaving and not even letting anyone know I was okay. Though it was hard, in the end, the three of us hugged it out, while Fred was waiting for us too, giving me the biggest hug while calling me a loser in the process.” Both chuckled, Izra remembering fondly how her brother-in-law had taken upon himself, while using their cat Aria, to bicker like they used to back home.

Realizing she was almost close to her place, Ruka stood up to get ready to leave, taking Izra’s phone in the process. Confused, Izra waited until Ruka was done, realizing that she was putting her phone number in her phone. “Here, since you apparently upgraded your phone, I added mine again since I also got a new phone just recently.” Happy with the number, Izra exclaimed to Ruka, “I feel so honored. Before you forget, send me your address so I know where to go for whenever you’re not too busy with anything!” Once more, they both shared a hug, letting Ruka leave the cart to head to her house while Izra waits for the next stop to see April and the guys. Getting up, ready to leave from the next stop, she heard her phone ring, signaling a text message was sent to her. Once the subway stopped, Izra stepped off, walking towards the direction of the brother’s home, checking her phone for whoever sent her a text message. Smiling even more, realizing it was from Ruka, all the message read was:

Ruka: I’m really glad I saw you today. Something in me felt like I was going to run into someone & it turned out to be you :) I know it sounds cheesy, but I guess the spirits knew what they were doing apparently lol

Ruka: Also, I didn’t get the chance to say it when we were talking, but I’m proud of you. You look like yourself again & that’s what's most important. I know it must’ve been hard to learn to forgive yourself on your own, but as always, what happened wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t any of our faults. Everyone is going to be happy and proud of you when they see you again too sweetie! I just know it! <3

Having to stop to finish reading what she sent, Izra almost started crying right there on the spot. Wiping away the pre-tears that threaten to come out, she didn’t realize that Leo and April were on their way to get her, but stopped once they saw Izra fully stopped from walking, almost on the verge of tears. Looking at each other concerningly, having not seen her that way in a long while, walking slowly, with April speaking softly, not wanting to make matters worse, “hey, you okay? Do we have to go beat up someone? Or make a professor cry?” After that was said, Leo spoke up, “making a professor cry? I’ll go get Donnie,” turning around to make his move, before getting stopped by Izra, shaking her head smiling. “Guys, I promise you I’m okay. These are happy almost tears,” Izra said, looking at the two, happy that they were concerned about her wellbeing. 

Making the quick decision to move on before much else was said, the three started making their way over to the projection room where everyone else was. Izra spoke before the two could question her, “do you guys remembered how I mentioned my friends from home? How I thought they couldn’t ever forgive me for leaving?” Confused, but the two nodded in agreement, remembering about a year and a half ago where they had comforted her that day from her guilt and depression. Smiling, she continued, “well, after so long, I ran into one of them from the café I go to before coming over. That’s why I was running a bit late tonight,” she finished, looking down to the ground while continuing their walk over. Surprised by what she just said, Leo was surprisingly the first one to ask, “what happened? I’m going to assume you both reconnected your friendship again seeing from your reaction not 10 minutes ago,” chuckling, Izra nodded her head, looking over at the two, making them stop walking to listen to what she had to say.

“It was…… Amazing. I knew you guys were right from the start that they were going to forgive me, but hearing it today from her felt….. Wonderful. We caught up on so much, we lost track of time, which also leads me to what I need help from you both too,” Squinting his eyes and before he could get a word in, April interrupted, “oh boy, what do you need help with?” She questioned, having the feeling that Izra was going to request anything from them. Hesitantly, Izra started, “well you see, she invited me to her home the day that it’s done being renovated, just a couple of more things to be done to the house and it’ll be complete!” It then turned into rambling, “the only problem is that the day it’ll be done is the day we have my graduation party with your coworkers too and it’s going to be my old friends from home, so we were going to meet up earlier before the party time start and they’re also busy with something else too, but if there was anything else that needed to be done earlier than I’ll gladly help if you guys need me and-” before the rambling could get any worse than it already was, April stopped her, putting both her hands on both shoulders, saving the three of them time and energy from it all. 

“Girl, relax! I’m just happy you’re reuniting with your friends from home! I’m sure the rest of them will understand, well at least Donnie and Raph yes, Mikey however…” April hesitated, thinking about it clearly until Leo joined in, easing both their worries, “don’t worry about Angelo, mis amigas ,” Izra rolled her eyes at that, “I’ll sweeten the deal if it goes awol, but I’m pretty sure he’ll understand for the most part too. Just as long as you could help me with any of them too, guy or gal, y’know how I roll” Leo finished, a quick wink with a smile on his face too, evident that he too was happy for his close friend, going to be seeing her childhood friends again soon. Smiling brightly, happy for the help and support from her close friends, Izra hugged them both. Letting go afterwards, she gave Leo a good smack upside the head, exclaiming how she “was not going to set him up with any of them, no matter what he says!” 

Laughing on the way to where the rest of the Hamato family was, Izra finally felt like she could take on anything now. Especially with the return of her old friends, being with new friends, and hoping both worlds would get along just fine, maybe even be much more closer like she was with April and the brothers. ‘Oh yeah, I think it’s going to be great. I have a good feeling about this,’ thought Izra, before reaching the room to explain her situation, excited to get everyone on board.

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

(Prologue: Current: Ch.2)

[timetraveltasting]

POTATO CHIPS (1817)

This weekend, my husband and I were feeling snacky, so I decided to make a Tasting History recipe that would scratch that itch: Potato Chips from 1817, a recipe published in The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Dr. William Kitchiner. This book was a bestseller in England and the United States when it came out. Kitchiner was an English optician, inventor of telescopes, amateur musician, and an experienced cook; he was a household name during the 19th century. Despite many crediting the origin of the potato chip to George Speck in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1853, the earliest known recipe of the potato chip can in fact be traced earlier to Kitchiner's recipe from 1817. While the Saratoga Springs origin story of the potato chip oft repeated in the United States can easily be disproven, it was very likely in Saratoga Springs that the potato chip grew massively in popularity. George Crum founded the company Saratoga Chips in 1853 and began selling the chips on the streets of New York, and the snack's popularity only grew from there. Now, the chips come in a long list of flavours and are enjoyed worldwide. Today, I decided to make three varieties of chips, varying in thickness and seasoning. See Max’s video on how to make this dish here or see the ingredients and process at the end of this post, sourced from his website.

My experience making it:

I adjusted the recipe only slightly. I used sunflower oil instead of lard, as it was what I had on hand, and I used six small russet potatoes. In terms of method, I decided to make three batches of potato chips varying in thickness: the first was the original recipe's suggestion of 1/4 inch, the second was Max's variation of 1/8 inch, and the third was the super-thin potato chip that is popular today, which I created by using a potato peeler (I don't have a mandolin). To finish, I used two different types of seasoning: the classic salt and Kernels cheesy dill popcorn powder seasoning (one of my favourites!).

First, I peeled the potatoes, cut some into 1/4 inch slices, some into 1/8 slices, and used the potato peeler to peel very thin slices for the rest. I then put a large layer of paper towel down and placed the slices one by one onto it without any overlapping. I placed another layer of paper towel on top and pressed down on the slices so as to absorb as much moisture from the potato slices as possible. Next, I sorted the slices back into their batches based on thickness, and began to heat up the oil. I used a meat thermometer to make sure the oil reached 365 degrees Fahrenheit, then added the first cooking batch (about 15 slices at a time). I checked with the meat thermometer and made sure the temperature came down to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit. I tended to keep the temperature around here overall, as I found the slices cooked too fast when I had the temperature above 300. The 1/4 inch batch indeed took about 10 to 12 minutes to cook, like Max described, but I also noticed that they really puffed up and filled with oil inside due to their thickness. They deflated a little after removing from the oil, but they nevertheless didn't have that 'classic' potato chip look to them. After removing the chips from the oil, I placed them into a sieve sitting over an empty pot to sit for a minute, then would move them to a plate with a paper tower on it to absorb the excess oil. After throwing in the next batch of chips into the oil, I would then add the previous batch of dried chips to a bowl, season them, then mix them around. Working in batches this way worked great. It only got a little more difficult time-wise when I was deep-frying the last batch, the paper-thin slices, since they turned brown in only a couple minutes! I was quite happy with how lovely and golden-brown the chips looked, and I especially thought the last batch looked super similar to potato chips straight from a supermarket bag from today. I served each batch in separate bowls in order to compare, with the medium-thickness batch seasoned with cheesy dill instead of salt. Such a good snack, and I was excited to serve these potato chips up in the new-to-me enamel bowls from the Norwegian polar exploration ship, Fram, that I got in Oslo - not too far off in origin time-wise from this recipe's publication.

My experience tasting it:

I'll be honest, this might be the first recipe that I literally couldn't help myself from eating as I was cooking. I just had to try a chip or two when they were still hot! They were definitely best like this, but I had to be careful not to burn my tongue. The thicker ones, true to the 1817 recipe at 1/4 inch thick, were only crispy on the edges despite their light golden brown colour, and while there was a hard outer texture, the inside was almost like mashed potatoes soaked in butter - very decadent, warm, and lovely, but ultimately not as crispy as today's potato chips. Their flavour reminded me of the Japanese snack, Calbee potato sticks, which have a strong butter and potato flavour. Perhaps I needed to fry them longer in order to get more crisp. However, the 1/8 inch and paper-thin batches I made had a perfect crisp on them, and were absolutely great with a hint of salt and also with the cheesy dill seasoning. Overall, my favourite combo was the paper-thin potato chips with the cheesy dill (I only made a couple of these)... which may just mean I prefer the trappings of the modern potato chip! My husband and I scarfed these down like the snack-gremlins we are. Every single chip tasted wonderful, and I would happily make this recipe again, perhaps keeping the thickness under 1/8 of an inch. Next time, I would try experimenting with different, unusual seasonings, and I could see myself making this for a house party or small get-together with friends. Of course, because deep-frying is such a chore and not very healthy, I can't see myself making this very often - just as a special treat. One thing's for certain - potatoes are delicious in almost every form! If you end up making this dish, if you liked it, or if you changed anything from the original recipe, do let me know!

Potato Chips original recipe (1817)

Sourced from The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Dr. William Kitchiner (1817).

Potatoes fried in Slices or Shavings Peel large Potatoes, slice them about a quarter of an inch thick, or cut them in shavings round and round, as you would peel a lemon; dry them well in a clean cloth, and fry them in lard or dripping. Take care that your fat and frying-pan are quite clean; put it on a quick fire, watch it, and as soon as the lard boils, and is still, put in the slices of potatoe, and keep moving them till they are crisp; take them up, and lay them to drain on a sieve; send them up with very little salt sprinkled over them.

Modern Recipe

Based on the recipe from The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Dr. William Kitchiner (1817) and Max Miller’s version in his Tasting History video.

Ingredients:

A few russet potatoes or other high-starch potato, about 1 lb (450 g)

2 quarts (2 L) lard or other oil

Salt

Method:

Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds, or thinner if you prefer. A mandolin is handy for this if you have one because you want very even slices, and they would have had mandolins in 1853, so it’s even period-accurate!

Dry the potato slices well.

In a pot, heat the fat to 365°F (185°C).

Carefully add the potato slices. The temperature of the oil will drop and you actually want it to get to between 240°F and 250°F (115°C and 120°C). This temperature range is where you want to keep it for most of the frying. How long they need to cook will depend on how thick the slices are: 1/8-inch slices took about 5 to 7 minutes, and 1/4-inch slices took about 15 minutes.

Move the chips around occasionally in the pot so that they don’t stick and will fry more evenly. When a lot of the bubbles stop bubbling and they start to brown, raise the temperature close to 300°F (150°C), but don’t go over 300°F. Cook the chips at this temperature for about 5 minutes to get them to really crisp up and darken.

When the chips feel firm when you stir them and are a nice brown, take them out and set them either in a large sieve or on some paper towel laid over a cooling rack to drain.

Let them cool for about a minute, then sprinkle them with some salt and toss them.

Cool to room temperature, and serve them forth.

[invisibletoothpasteman]

Batman Day Comic Recommendation List

In honour of this day, I've compiled a list of 9 batman, or batman adjacent comics that I think everyone should check out (specifically fans who aren't super familiar with the comics yet). They're my "Batman Necessities" so to speak:

Batman by Grant Morrison: While there are certain some interesting things in this book that aren't really my favourite (a consequence of Morrison writing it), overall it captures such, for lack of a better word, camp. It's has the kind of creativity that makes silver age comics so fun while still remaining modern and serious. There are some great stories, it introduces Damian, and overall is just such a compelling run. In the same vein we get to...

Batman and Robin by Grant Morrison: Ok yeah this pretty similar to the above but I had to include both. I actual prefer this short series to Morrison's run on the main Batman book. It features Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin and is a great role reversal of the traditional Batman and Robin. The two of them have such a great dynamic and it takes place during such an interesting time in the Batman mythos with Bruces "death" (which I'll admit I wished lasted for longer. Honestly, any book from this era is a blast because of the brief change in the status quo.

Batman Vol. 1 #408-416, #421-425: If you're new to comics don't be intimidated by all the numbers! Batman 408 introduces Jason Todd's Post Crisis backstory and then the issues roll right up to his death. It's a pretty self contained story, and super easy to fly through. I think these are some of the most painfully underrated batman issues. Speaking of Jason's death, my next recommendation is...

Death in the Family + A Lonely Place of Dying: I won't say much because these are just classics and probably the most impactful comics for the Batman mythos ever. Read them.

Batman: Year One: If you want a good ol' Bruce Wayne Batman comic, this is the one. Beautiful art, timeless story, what's not to enjoy? It's also very influential for other Batman media(like The Batman movie) so if you liked that and want a good entrance into comics, this is a great place to start. It's a contained story too, which is really nice if you don't want to have to piece together stuff you missed from other comics. Definitly my favourite Frank Miller Batman story.

Nightwing Vol. 4 #78-: Sure, it's not Batman, but like it or not, Dick Grayson will always be an essential Batman character. Tom Taylor's and Bruno Redondo's run is a big hit for a reason. It's simultaneously fun, heartfelt, and impactful and the writing and art work so well together. It's such a treat to read every month and while it starts great, I feel like as it goes along it starts ironing out and issues I had with it. Great if you want to get into something ongoing (or even if you don't, read it anyways)!

Scott Snyder's Batman (specifically Batman vol 2. #1-12): New 52 was a tumultuous time in DC comics. On the bright side we got the court of owls out of it! Another really good Bruce Wayne Batman story that doesn't need any outside knowledge. I'm in love with Greg Capullo's art, it suits the series so well. The court of owls is such an interesting addition to batman, and honestly it feels like it's a much older part of the batman mythos it was added so seamlessly. If you want a taste of just a solid, simply batman story, this is it.

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi: This is some of the best New 52 has to offer. I love how Tomasi writes Damian, and I'm a sucker for his dynamic with Bruce. It's a just gives off the best, action packed comic fun vibes. When it's written well it's written WELL and even when it's not quite as perfect it's still solid. Lots of sweet moments too, which I am such a sucker for. And finally we get to the last rec on my list...

Robin: Son of Batman by Gleason (especially issues 1-6): Ok, yes yes I know it's not really a batman book. But just like Nightwing, Robin is an essential part of Batman and how could I leave out my favourite comic ever. Seriously, this book fundamentally changed me when I first read it. Gleason writing, Gray's art, and Kalisz's colouring all combine and complement each other so well. Honestly it's such a joy to look at, and get's even better when you read it. They get Damian, and he shines in this book. The story is tight and impactful and after only 6 issues you'll have such a deep appreciation for the character (and feel like you've been punched in the gut). I recommend everyone take a little bit of time to sit down and give this a read.

And so concludes my great batman recommendation post! Honestly, there's so many more that could be on here that aren't that the best piece of advice I have is pick up any Batman comic that looks interesting to you and give it a go. In all his years, Batman has had such range in his books that there really is something for everyone. Please feel free to add any necessities of your own!

[unseenacademic]

20 questions for fic writers

I was tagged by my dear, talented friend @mihrsuri Thanks, friend! 💜💜💜💜 1. How many works do you have on Ao3? 13 at the moment 😅

2. What's your total Ao3 word count? 28,823

3. What fandoms do you write for? The West Wing.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos? The First Lady - my ongoing fic where I answer the most important question in the world: what was Abbey Bartlet doing during the episodes she didn't appear in?

Josh and the Jackass - what happened right before Governor Bartlet decided to follow Josh to the airport in In the Shadow of Two Gunmen.

Breathe - a post-ep for Dead Irish Writers. Her birthday party is over, and Abbey Bartlet must face the New Hampshire Medical Board.

A Bit Desperate - part three of a series of three-sentence fics about Abbey and Jed in the aftermath of Zoey's kidnapping.

Anything Else I Need to Know - Five times the staff of Bartlet for America interrupted a barbecuing session and one time CJ interrupted a different kind of session. Takes place during the First Bartlet Campaign.

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes, I do. I do my best to respond to every comment I get, as fast as I can. It's a two-way street, we, as fic authors, often complain (and rightly so) about the lack of feedback, the lack of comments and kudos, but we don't respond to comments. As a reader, I am more likely to comment on a fic from an author who's replied to my comments earlier. But I guess I get so few comments that I can easily respond to all of them 🤷‍♀️ and since there are like 7 people who care about what I write, the least I can do is respond to their very kind comments 💜💜

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I guess it's Anything Else I Need to Know. The ending isn't too angsty by itself, but if you put it into context and you know the overarching plot of first few seasons of TWW, it's definitely angsty. Honorable mentions: With Pomp and Parade & And the Silence Haunts our Bedchamber - they both deal with the aftermath of Zoey's kidnapping.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? White Christmas. And Something for Us to Remember too also qualifies. You have to read them to know why 😊😉

8. Do you get hate on fics? Luckily, I'm not popular or interesting enough for that 😅

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yes! Oh, all kinds! The worst thing I've ever written came before I started my fanfic writing career (I used to be involved in forum RP, I'm less active there now) and... nope, I'm not going to write about it here. Too cursed. 🙈🙈 If you want to see some sane smut I've written, check out Game On, Boyfriend! I hope I'll write another barbecuing fic soon, so stay tuned.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written? I don't. But I'd love to see a TWW/NCIS crossover.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? I hope not.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? No, but if anyone's interested, go ahead.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, I haven't. The closest thing to co-writing fics was RP-ing which is sort of similar, but not really lol. It might be fun, so if anyone's interested in writing with me, let me know.

14. What's your all time favorite ship? Abbey/Jed! There are many ships I love, but I have to go with my horny nerds.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? There was a WIP I started last year, the first fic I posted, but I ended up deleting it, so it's not very likely that I'll ever finish it.

16. What are your writing strengths? I'm really, really good at research lol! If I'm writing a fic set in the 1960s, I'll make sure that they're eating food, wearing clothes, listening to music etc. that was popular in that period. You won't catch any of my characters wearing historically inaccurate shoes. I'm also really good at digging up random canon details and writing thousands of words around them.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Plot lmao. I write fics about nothing, it's just banter and nerdiness, with the characters and/or the author showing off 🤣🤣

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? Hmmm... I don't know, don't think I've ever needed to do it, but I guess it depends on what I want to achieve, I might write it in English and add a dialogue tag like "she said in French" or something.

19. First fandom you wrote for? The first fandom I published a fic for was The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, but the first fandom I wrote for was Harry Potter.

20. Favorite fic you've written? Can't choose only one, so have a few of them:

Breathe: Once again, Abbey is reminded how cruel the world can be towards women. 

No one asked Jed what he was wearing when he took the censure. 

Anything Else I Need to Know: Josh finally opens the door to his room and slumps on his unmade bed.

Next time, he’s going to pay attention. He’s going to pay attention to Mrs. Landingham’s notes on the Governor's schedule. And he’s going to pay attention to Mrs. Landingham’s instructions, so he’ll know what her notes on the Governor’s schedule actually mean. Next time, he’s going to pay attention.

Had Josh been paying attention, he would’ve noticed when the Governor dashed across the hall and up the stairs right after lunch. Had he been paying attention, he would’ve noticed Leo’s smirk that followed the Governor’s departure. Had he been paying attention, perhaps he would’ve noticed the soft, rhythmic squeaking of the bed and muffled gasps and groans coming from the Bartlets’ suite right before he opened the door.

Well, too bad that Josh wasn’t paying attention.

And Something for Us to Remember too: “I take it your conversation with Doug didn’t go well?”

“I spoke slowly and I didn’t use big words, but I couldn’t talk him out of marrying Liz. Maybe I should’ve taken him on a hike. A six-hour hike through Vermont wilderness in the dead of winter would’ve changed his mind.”

“It wasn’t a six-hour anything! I was there, Jed, you were only gone for two hours.”

“You weren’t there, Abigail, you were baking with your mother, while I was fighting for dear life, braving the cold and wolves and bears.” He sighs and adds, “Guess it’s too late to take Doug hiking now and leave him for the bears.”

White Christmas: “’She – New Hampshire – is one of the two best states in the Union. Vermont’s the other’, said Robert Frost, your favorite poet, who also happened to be the poet laureate of Vermont.” Abbey made a dramatic pause and gave Jed a pointed look.

“She’s one of the two best states in the Union. Vermont’s the other.” She continued her performance. “And the two… the two lie like wedges, thick end to thin end and thin end to thick end.”

Jed chuckled.

“Sweet Knees, we’ll lie like wedges, thick end to thin end and thin end to thick end any time you want,” he leered at her, “on our bed, in front of the fireplace, on the kitchen table…” his smirk grew when Abbey’s lips curved into a little smile and her cheeks flushed, “but Robert Frost named his poetry collection New Hampshire, not Vermont.”

“Well, I’m going to write the words ‘Freedom and Unity’ on the pie and you’re going to eat them!”

The First Lady: “Mrs. Landingham withholds food from me,” he complained.

“Because I asked her to.”

“Yeah, cause you don’t want me eating real food like steaks or hamburgers. She won’t let me have a banana.”

“I’m sure you did something to piss her off.” Abbey shrugged.

“Do you two enjoy torturing me?”

“Yes,” she said innocently.

Tagging (no pressure!): @claudiajcregg @onekisstotakewithme @hondagirll @miabicicletta @librarianmouse @holy-ships-x-red-lips

💜💜💜💜💜💜

[blogger-yura]

Entry #50 Aug 25th '23

#YurasLife #FoodFriday #Food #Cooking #Recipes

𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐬 (lava cake)

*contact Yura for removal of any food related posts taglist

Hello, hello, my sweet darlings! Happy Friday to all of you! How has the week treated y'all? Are we excited for the weekend? Any fun plans ahead? If not, then I have the perfect recipe for you to try~. (・ω・)

It's been a while since I've last shared a recipe, hasn't it? I just haven't had time to actually be in the kitchen and try new stuff. But! I made myself time. I missed baking, making treats for my friends and myself, too! And so I dug on the internet until I found the perfect dessert.

Don't you hate it when you go to your favorite restaurant, that hasn't changed their menu in forever, and suddenly, your favorite choco treat isn't there anymore?

This recipe, while not entirely mine, is a mix of a few different ones I found and liked. Each had their own characteristic little thing, and so I mixed it all up to put together the Ultimate Lava Cake ! ＼(^_^)／

Mind you, the recipe is not exact as it is a mix of many– just make sure to use cups the same size for measurements, and you'll be fine!

If you like cooking, and chocolate, and are a lava cake enthusiast– believe me, you'll love this.

Prep: 15min - Cook: 12-15, check your oven! - Level: Medium, but very simple! - Makes: 4 servings!

Ingredients-

▪︎170gr semi-sweet chocolate ▪︎1/2 cup unsalted butter

▪︎2 full eggs + 2 egg yolks ▪︎Tea spoon of vanilla extract

▪︎1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (can also use granulated sugar- but confectioners gives it a special touch)

▪︎3 table spoon all-purpose flour ▪︎Pinch of salt ▪︎Cocoa powder

Optional-

▪︎For toppings, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, or both!

Steps-

1- As always, we'll start preparing our ramekins and preheating the oven. Set your oven to 425F or medium heat, let it heat up steadily. Grease four 6-oz (or, 9cm diameter) ramekins with non-stick cooking spray and dust with cocoa powder! Tap out the excess so the cake bakes properly. This will help the lava cakes come out easily when inverted and prevent them from breaking!

2- Next up, melt the chocolate with the butter, chop and slice for faster melting! Can do it at the stove, medium heat on boiling water, or microwave it carefully, stopping every 15 to 20 seconds to prevent the chocolate from burning. Set aside to allow it to slightly cool.

3- We will then combine all the ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks first, add then the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Pour in the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, along with the flour– sieve if posible! Then, with a rubber spatula, fold it in until fully combined. Important, DO NOT whisk or mix on this step! The batter will be thick but should NOT be lumpy, that is because we are not using any liquid ingredients. It will be similar to brownie batter!

4- Finally, we'll bake it. Place the prepared ramekins on a baking pan and divide the batter between them. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges look solid and firm. The tops will STILL be soft with a slight jiggle in the center.

Tip: When in doubt, it's always best to UNDER-BAKE. Worst case scenario, the lava cake will break when you take it out. Over-baking will just leave you with a solid choco cake.

5- Lasty, serve. You need to allow the lava cakes to cool in the ramekins for about 1 minute, then cover each with an inverted plate and use an oven mitt to flip them over and release the cakes onto the plate. If you try and flip them too hot, they WILL break. Add toppings and serve!

It's important to notice that lava cakes are really delicate and time sensitive. Test your oven heat and your patience with the first batch! Once you've gotten ahold of it, you'll see it's the easiest dessert ever~.

Now now, do you think you're up for the challenge? (⌒‐⌒) I'd love to see you all try and share your experience! Also, if there's any different way you do it and works, let me know!

I'll go now, need to prepare batter for tonight! I'll see you all around~.

Keep healthy and hydrated! All the love, my dears! -Yura ♡

💗: @clubwnderland [💙] @jinju-oc @moonlightchn @kimheebby @nana-n-nono @coffeexdreamcb @silcntxnight @livealittleoc-cb @minsour-r @multi-esme @urtwice @san-cb @reve-rv @domrachaa @oppositesattraxt @lunaaofthemoon @badbf-cb @thepatchedpaw @domxbot @the-hellhounds @monsterhigh-cb @theinvitation-bot @hwangroyaltycb @welcometosector1 @multi-joong @vanilladaises-rp @redlight-cb @theonesxcb @hybridsheltercb @beaconhillsxbot @yandereyeri @fallenangels-cb @shin-haneul

[katherineelainesmith]

Introduction

Hello!

My name is Katherine, or Kat, and I'm going to be 27 this year, and I'm an aspiring author. I'm new to Tumblr, so I'm not really sure how this works, but I'm going to do my best.

A little about me:

I have a learning disability, dyslexia and ADHD. But this has not diminished my love for reading or writing. I've been serious about becoming an author since middle school.

The first book series to really get me into reading was the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer. My mother owned the books and I had taken the first book (Twilight) with me to my grandparents. I was struggling really hard to understand (keep in mind this was the summer before 6th grade, so I was 11 and in my small town I was just kind of passed through without really being taught how to properly understand the words I was reading. I know what the words meant, just didn't understand what kind of story they were telling, if that makes sense?) and my grandmother noticed and decided to take me to the public library and we rented the first book on CD. It was about 12 hours long, give or take. I stayed up all night listening and following along in my mothers copy of the book. For the first time I was understanding what I was reading. I just needed a little help putting it all together. Ove the next few days my grandmother and I would go to the library check out the next audio book and the physical book and by the end of the next week I had finished the series.

The next book series I got into was The Secret Circle by L. J. Smith. I read those on my own without listening to them on audio.

Admittedly after that I didn't read too much, only the few things that were assigned in school. Until I found John Green's Paper Towns my junior year. I read like a few books I checked out from the library at school but apart from that it hasn't been until last year that I've really picked books back up. I've recently read ACOTAR by SJM. I'm on the last book, and they are on audible.

What I envision for this blog

I'm looking to share my WIP because I am starting from scratch, I'm going to post some scribbles and things I've written based off of prompts.

I'm also looking to connect with people who also like to write and have similar interests.

[livlepretre]

So I’m not rushing you I promise this just popped into my head because I’m up late at night checking my emails making sure I haven’t missed any update ya know . I haven’t I’m all caught up ,and I legit started thinking about all of the other stories that I’ve bin reading in between yours and recently I’ll say within the last 1-2 years there’s bin more Klena fics posted that have actually peeked my interest very similar to your style of writing dark ,vivid,emotional,descriptive,mentally depressing , just pure captivating form and a lot of them have finished they weren’t that long just a couple chapters.

But then others were actually on a really good track pulled me in had a great build up and then authors note : will taking a small break because of writers block or exams or something and thennn that’s it no more updates and that unlocked a deep seeded fear that I didn’t even know I had because I started thinking like they might even come back to finish the stories it’s bin months some of the others from way before are done for sure bin years lol but then I thought WHAT IF I NEVER FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENDS AT THE END OF FAIRYTALE ENDING?

I’m not saying you won’t finish it, but what if you don’t .It sounds so selfish but omg I’ve spent like 10 years of my life waiting for this story to end just so I know what happens and what if I never find out and that scared the hell outta me again not trying to push you or anything but it popped into my head and is kind of a compliment if you really think about it lol

well, I really, really, really don't think you have to worry about that

you don't understand how much I have prioritized this fic to the exclusion of all of my other hobbies or how emotionally invested I am in finishing this

but-- the fact that I have so little time is why I keep reiterating that finishing FE is the only thing I can confidently promise about my fandom future. I would like to finish my posted WIPs, I would like to finish and post the fics I've posted teasers for on this blog, I would like to continue-- but I also don't want to over-extend myself, so I am keeping my focus narrowed down to just FE, and then we will see where we go from there. Who knows? I took a hiatus for a year after I finished ATF,BBTF and ended up coming back with FE and SWBS and tons of other stuff. Maybe I finish FE, take hiatus, and come back again. (and--despite my slow posting schedule-- I would not consider the past 2 years of slow FE updates to be hiatus-- I've been working too much on it from my end, doing the invisible behind the scenes work, to count it as that)

now, if I were to ever decide to quit FE-- which, I can't, you don't understand, you say it's been 10 years for you, but it's actually been nearly 8, whereas I started working on this 12 years ago and it's been over a third of my life now, wtf-- I would announce it clearly, and then I would make a post of how the ending would occur.

and if I weren't able to do that myself, there are those who know where to find the ending and would post it for me.

I'm not kidding when I say I consider this my magnus opus and I must finish it.