#kendama given

[leggerefiore]

Fuck I'm sad now... let the kids have their tuoys (┬┬﹏┬┬)

Erin teared up again when Ingo returned home late. He carried a bag into with him as he shut the door quietly. The boy had been unable to sleep, too upset by the days events. Nothing could comfort him. Ingo seemed shocked to see his son still wide awake, sitting in the living room. His other parent had tapped out, laying unconscious on the couch. A sigh left him when the boy wandered over. Handing the back to Erin, Ingo moved to slip off his shoes and take off his coat. The boy eagerly opened the bag and gasped. Tiny hands brought out the Litwick plush. His eyes went big as he clutched the stuffed toy to his chest. Ingo patted his head. Finally, Erin would go to bed.

Emmet sighed as he bought the two dolls. His girls stood behind him. Inka's hands were crossed over her chest while she was glaring up at him. Emma stood with a foot stomped down and pouting. The entire situation had been resolved within two hours, but that did not mean it was completely over. He handed the two their picks, and both seemed finally to be relieved. Emma had a rare smile as she held the Gothitelle doll, and Inka nearly jumped around about finally getting the Brycen-Man figure. He felt a breath leave him finally. The two girls happily showed the other their new toy.

Cyrus entered the home confidently. After bringing Cyllene back home, he quickly amended the situation at work. The poor employees who interrupted his family time now knew what it felt like when the void stared back at them by the time he rushed back to the store to purchase the little toy that his beloved daughter had wanted earlier. Her gift… Her gift for doing well on her exams. The cashier felt intimidated as the Galactic Boss purchased the toy. It was instantly given to Cyllene when approached him wordlessly. Her eyes went big when she pulled the virtual pet toy out of the bag. She gasped. Cyrus felt calm as her little arms wrapped around his waist and thanked him. Finally, he could relax.

Nanu grumbled as he picked up the two items from the store. Grimsley... If Nanu was not so confident that he was good friend of his, he would have shut the door when he showed up and asked him for twenty dollars. Why? Well, he went broke and promised to get his kids some toys. Nanu handed the requested items to Grimsley who then turned to give them to his twins. Morrigan's lips curled up into a smirk resembling her father's own at the sight of the UNO deck while Nero grasped his Pangoro figure with an uncertain expression. Both said their thanks to Nanu, who only nodded. He was glad to have made the kids happy at least. (Distress was added on when Nero asked if Grimsley forced him to buy the toys.)

Volo showed the completed kendama to Astrea. For an entire two days, she had completely pretended like he did not exist, yet now, he presented the item she so desired. A loud gasp came as she took the toy from his hands and began to try to balance the ball. He sighed. Her big grey eyes stared up at him after she finished. An eager and happy thank you was called out. Volo's ego felt inflated.

[crim50n-r8er]

Hmm…I guess with myself talking about Sonic from my Fursona. I think I should let you all know about an AU I made for it while I was gone.

The AU is called “Blockbuster,” and no, it has nothing to deal with the Sonic movie, given that term is normally used for such things. No, Blockbuster is a roleswap AU. I’ll write down the premise of it in a new paragraph.

Blockbuster is a roleswap for all the Echidnas being swapped with the Hedgehogs (Sonic and Knuckles, Amy and Tikal, Silver with Shade, and Shadow with Imperator Ix) along with other swaps and some symbolism and inspiration over cults, religions, and mythologies

If you wish to know what I swapped with what. I shall post them under the cut.

Sonic 🔁 Knuckles

Everything’s the same for Knuckles, but he doesn’t have the aspects of his personality that were due to being reclusive all his life, that being a bit shy and socially awkward…at least I think that’s something that would be caused by being a recluse.

Sonic is the same, but due to being the ME Guardian, he can’t leave the island for adventure. So he explores every nook and cranny on Angel island until Towers arrives, meaning anything from the future games such as the Ancients with their cyberspace portals, he has knowledge of that from the get-go.

Eggman role = G.U.N. Commander Towers

G.U.N. Commander Towers Role = Maria Robotnik

Maria Robotnik Role: Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik

Commsnder Abraham Towers goes by Commander Noah and wants to be dictator of the world as he sees it as too corrupt and sinful.

Maria in this AU no longer has NIDS and is able to live to the age of 62 (yes, going by Sonic X ages, sue me). Maria is very caring for her troops, even with a militaristic discipline, and she would be smart enough not to blame Knuckles in the events of my SA2 adaption.

You see that correctly. Eggman is now the one with NIDS and is the one to hang aboard the ARK with his grandfather to find a cure through “The Chaos Cure Project” (I would acronym this, but I don’t think that would be wise as it could get confused with a…party of sorts.) He would also meet the same fate as Maria in canon, that being shot down by G.U.N. Agents while saving Ix, all at the age of 9 years old.

Tails 🔁 Ray

Ray: Ray is the sidekick to Knuckles, but he’s not a mechanic, so the two would meet by Ray finding Knuckles gliding across West-side Island and admiring his gliding skills.

Tails: Due to Ray going silent after SegaSonic and Knuckles Chaotix, I had to improvise with Tails, so I decided on him being a nurtured and/or brainwashed personal scientist and researcher for Commander Noah, giving him all his mechs, robots, and studies into ancient history.

Vector 🔁 Vanilla

I only swapped the two to have Vanilla simp for Vector like how the latter does to the former in Sonic X lol

Vanilla is a member of the “Chaotix Adventure Group” (the CAG for short) along with her daughter, Cream, and their leader, Mighty.

Vector is just a calm, cottagecore man living out in the wilderness with his found family younger daughter, Marine the Raccoon.

Espio 🔁 Mighty

Mighty: Due to not being trained in stealth like Espio, The Chaotix would now be the an exploration group instead of a detective agency. He would behave like normal as he adopts Knuckles’s hat from the OVA and uses a reusable warp ring that can duplicate itself for great blitzing in his ball form.

Espio: He will just be a normal dude on the sidelines until the events of Heroes where he gets killed by Neo Mecha Knuckles for his camouflage bio-data.

Amy Rose 🔁 Tikal

Tikal: A more mellow fan of Knuckles and his accomplishments as a hero, but still finds her way to Little Planet to be kidnapped by Mecha Knuckles. She has a crush on him as well but is a bit more mellow about it. She also wields a giant Kendama instead of Amy’s Piko-Piko Hammer

Amy is now the daughter of Pachacamac (yes he still exists. I just changed him from an echidna to a hedgehog) and is the one who guides Knuckles and friends through the events of my SA1 adaptation. She still keeps her personality, so things might get a bit hectic between her and her father, probably a fight, even.

Metal Sonic 🔁 Mecha Knuckles

I don’t think I need to explain this 😅

.

I’m not sure if I want to put ALLL of my swaps into one post, so I’ll split it into parts to make it more…digestible, I guess. So I’ll be back in a bit with a few more. I won’t say that it’ll be the rest of them, but it will be a significant portion.

Anyway. Have a good morning everyone!

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]

[isolaradiale]

i'm bringing back my boy, genis sage from tales of symphonia! it's a re-app, but I'd like to reset his stats and memories. application is at /app or "03."

Welcome back!

You'll be staying in TOWNHOUSE 205!

You'll be able to cast FIREBALL but the balls of fire are reduced in size!

You'll be given a REALLY CHEAP KENDAMA!

Enjoy your stay!

--Mod Lyra

[bunnyunderthebed]

mental exercises; the process through which i slowly remodel my mind. i enjoy the training, the effort expent to knock down walls and understand emotions, the sparring feels good on my knuckles. as a boy i was labeled argumentative, oppositional, contrarian, but as a man i am called upon to challenge the norms established in my head. reorient, redesign, resurface.

a little wooden toy can be such a stark reminder of how little gestures, often unconsidered, can lead to unwanted results. i can get so absorbed in my own narrative while boxing that i forget there is someone across the ring from me, feeling the impact of every strike. sure, after enough hands thrown, a wall might come down, but what good is that if the bricks fall onto someone who wasn't wearing a hardhat?

"Normally I'd find you pacing after a conversation like that."

i look away from my kendama, meeting your gaze from across my office. your shadow pours in from the doorframe, reminding me of how much more you've become since i met you.

pacing is a stress response. i'm not stressed.

"You're upset."

i'm a bit disappointed in myself. upset is sort of a stretch.

"Her reactions are not your responsibility."

that doesn't mean i don't feel bad about it. i didn't want to hurt her, to make her feel like she needed to hurt herself.

"You can't force someone to see the value in themselves, and you can't expect to undo the pain she's already suffering."

but i can do better about not adding to it.

"Only as far as remembering you're in a minefield, but amount of this will dig up the mines."

easy for you to say, you're not stepping on them.

"Well, not in a strict sense, but that's sort of a given nowadays."

need you remind me constantly that i gave up the game?

"No, you do it yourself. You've sort of been doing it the whole time, remember?"

i suppose. how then am i meant to sharpen iron if not with more iron?

"She's not iron, Bunny. Not everyone is."

she can be, when she wants to.

"When her environment allows, more like."

i fell silent. i didn't have a response, mostly because i knew you were right. her crucible had been much harsher than mine, and her blacksmith more careless.

you understand why i care, right? nobody else wants to play fair with her, they write her off as a basket case, as some sort of lost cause.

"They don't see what you see. You should show them sometime."

i nodded softly, looking down at my kendama again.

"Among a million examples, why did you pick that one? You could've asked for a brand name, for a special edition, for a prettier color even."

it's a beautiful color, when held in the right light.

i looked back up. you were gone, and i was enlightened.

[ss-hikaru]

Squid Fashion Exhibit #1

My favourite main weapon ❤️

Fashion Theme: The shirt says it all. I thought the kendama-ish special weapon felt circus-y and the fact that the glasses colour changes with ink colour multiplied the 'riot of colours' look.

Gear Intent: sub weapon is lacklustre and not worth sinking abilities into. Honestly neither is the special weapon but at least it is a free ink tank refill with potential bonus of marking and/or annoying the opponents. Given I play this as an anchor, this set up gives me the ability to hold my own and stall-out until my comrades can rejoin the fray.

Overall Thoughts: So, as much as I love the main weapon, the kit is ineffective enough that I barely play this anymore. Plus, the addition of more weapons/special weapons and the kamikaze style of play I often see from my teammates in Anarchy means it's gotten harder and harder to survive until back-up arrives. The main killer though is it's very hard to take on a charger (or other backlines) with this weapon. I know it's probably not this weapon's role, but the map design of this game often means you really have to remove the enemy backline in order to push objective and I can't do that with this weapon ☹️ I occasionally take it into turf just to remember how good the main weapon feels, but otherwise this is kinda a relic from the first couple of seasons of Splatoon 3.

At least I have the memory of winning a legit 3 v 4 in Anarchy Open. It was like concrete proof that the weapon can fulfill that anchor role given the right teammates ❤️

[fumikavickynodrawings]

Lol I liked this week. Days 6-12

Day 6: Yo, Ash! - よアシュ！ I just noticed I've been drawing Furukawa Makoto's characters and today I decided to open this wound...I miss Shorter

Day 7:  Senpai! - 先輩ー！ I broke the curse! No Furukawa Makoto character today! But I do love Issei-senpai, he's my other favorite DREAM!ing character, and I want to try some face angles, yes or nah?

Day 8: Married - 夫婦 WAIT! I have some questions and points: 1. Does this count as a Furukawa Makoto character? Or no?? 2. I got nervous and did everything as fast as I could bc the day is almost over, sorry 3. I promise I'll do it better later, add details, color, etc. It's just that I got nervous and I know it's ugly 4. Sorry, world :(

Day 9: Cute~ - かわいい~ Geesus, I loved today's draw! I have an idea for tomorrow, it's linked to today's and yesterday's draw, but I still don't know what to draw lol. OTP is life, guys, life. I'm definitely adding color to this one later

Day 10: Together - 二人で I had a simple idea: Draw an hetero, yaoi and yuri pieces. And, well, you can see the results. They are simple but made with love because I choose pairings that I love

Day 11: Snow - 雪 It's the first time I do the daily theme lol but, don't you love Tama? Isn't he cute?

Day 12: Dragon - ドラゴン (辰) I don't think today I can invest time in drawing :( and that's why I had to do something simple, something really simple. Also I rewatched Juuni Taisen and it still hurts the death of my favorite characters...I miss my trashy twins :'( I hope I can do the first idea I had for today

[intheorangebedroom]

Pleased to meet you

The random HC edition!

Happy Frankie Friday, everyone!

I am very sorry this next chapter is taking so long. You can blame the fucking holidays that played with my mental health like it was a Kendama. It may not look like it, considering the length of this silly post, but I'm actively working on it.

As I've stated before, I have way too many HC about this story. Here are some, completely random, no one will care about. Enjoy!

[series masterlist]

(and please, why is his fucking belt UNBUCKLED)

Frankie

If you really want to know my Frankie, you can read this near extensive love letter, which was originally closer to a 10k ramble. Here's a few extra details (there are many more stored up in my sick brain).

Frankie will tell you that his favourite book is not The Master and Margarita. Don't believe him. That's a lie. Instead, he'll argue that it's In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote, All Quiet On The Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque, a close second (which is a nod to myself about my next story). He also loves Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He used to read a lot more when he was in the Army, nowadays not so much, somehow.

His favourite movie genre is science-fiction, and his favourite movie of all time is Close Encounters of the Third Kind (can you guess why?) He also has a particular fondness for Solyaris, Sunshine and Monsters. And in a couple of years (PTMY is set in 2014-205) he will love Prospect (do I need to link that?). He also loves documentaries, especially the science ones.

His favourite bands are Jefferson Airplane (Grace Slick's voice does things to him) and, well, Fleetwood Mac, which is a sort of fandom consensus for P boys that they all like FM, right? His favourite song is Dusty Springfield's Windmills Of Your Mind, which he never told the boys because they would give him hell. It reminds him of his mother.

Izzy would like him to be more in touch, culturally speaking, with his Argentinian roots. But it's a very complicated topic for him. Argentinian cuisine is, however, by far his favourite (he loves good meat).

Frankie has a thorough, obsessive mind. When he gets into something, anything, he wants to know everything about it, understand how it works, break it down and rebuild it entirely, and he will spend months, sometimes years, fixated on the same book/movie/object/painting... woman.

Benny

Benny has never been much of a reader. But he's a music connoisseur with eclectic tastes. He's always looking to discover new music, and his favourite app is Radiooooo. Please don't talk to him about CDs, he will hurt you, vinyls are the only way to listen to music if it's not live. He has far too many favourite bands to list (and even I don't know most of them, they're too obscure).

His favourite movie genre is HORROR (capitalised because when he tells someone, it is always excitedly, and in a very loud voice) and his favourite movie is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (close second: An American Werewolf in London). I have it down to his favourite scene, in case you're wondering just how crazy I am.

Don't let the golden retriever demeanour fool you, he's a very sharp, insightful movie watcher, he can break down any given scene for you and he has a passion for makeshift special effects.

He'll eat quite literally anything, especially if it has eggs or cheese in it (he's actually a very good cook, but you don't want to clean after him), but his favourite dish is his mother's mac & cheese, because he's cute like that.

Will

A word on my Will. He's a very refined, educated, sensitive man. A man of cold logic and rich inner world, complex thoughts and curated emotions. Will is an iceberg. We only see 10% of him. There is this original wound in his childhood only Ben knows about (it's a family thing), but one day in the near future he will tell Reader. He's a dreamer, and a romantic, as well as a very practical man, which in his unique case is not mutually exclusive. He and Reader are very alike and insanely close, I cannot stress that enough.

He enrolled after 9/11 because he thought it was his duty and he sincerely believed he was going to make a difference. He crashed so hard when he realised what was what. Still, he soldiered on, pun intended, because he had committed himself to the job. He is, as he himself puts it, a warrior, but he would have made a damn fine architect or artist.

When Jean left him, she broke his heart. It didn't make him bitter, however, on the contrary, he developed more empathy (which might come in handy... 👀). He is the only one who acknowledges the traumas they all went through and sought treatment for it.

He's not too big on movies, but his favourite is Citizen Kane (which Reader ADORES. I have so many HC about her, because I suck at reader's insert and she's a complete OFC without a name and a writer with the courage to formally declare her such). He likes classic rock and Debussy and trusts his little brother to make him discover new sounds.

ETA: His favourite novel is Anna Karenina.

Seriously? I've never loved a man so much while being not remotely attracted to them.

Santi

I'll be honest here, Santi is a bit of a mystery to me, and I spend just as much time trying to decipher him as I spend imagining Frankie's or the Millers' childhood (don't worry, I will spare you. For now).

We know what kind of music he listens to. Music for motivation, if you ask me. It's less about the tune itself than setting the mood in which he needs to be.

I believe he likes food. Good food. He will not, unlike Benny, eat anything, very far from it. His job is his life. But he does like to travel for leisure. Also, total lack of imagination on my behalf, here, but he's from Guatemala.

He and Frankie met first, at the very beginning of their military careers, but Frankie became very close with Will and even more so with Benny when they met later on. Santi and Frankie have a deeply rooted yet looser bond. They can go for months without talking to each other, but will very naturally pick up where they left off. Benny is Frankie's best friend. For now, at least.

Tom

Name one person who cares. Not me.

***

Now ok, I hear you, you're screaming at your screen "did I just read a shittone of useless stuff I never asked for in the first place???" And please, mind you, I'm sparing you the HC on Izzy, Rosie and Yovanna. I'd just like you to know that Izzy's bi.

So to atone for that, I will tell you how the PTMY boys fuck.

Frankie

Frankie fucks with a vengeance. It's an outlet. A necessity.

However, nothing will happen until he's got his partner's explicit consent. Another consensus about Frankie, he is very respectful of women. It's in his nature, and Izzy did a very good job educating her little brother as a feminist.

His first kiss was Brionna (you better believe he got the girl he wanted. And she never regretted having him as her first kiss either) and his first time was with one of his sister's friends, Selena. He was a scrawny 15-year-old, however already very... charming, and... motivated. She was 19 and slightly condescending at first, like “ok, you cute, I'll take your virginity.” Let me tell you, she was in for quite a surprise. She certainly didn't expect him to make her come. This hard. Twice.

Like I said, obsessive and thorough... When he started being into girls, he downright studied the subject so he could master it and be the best. Not competitively, though. He's too selfless. He's a very tactile, sensory person. He needs to taste, inhale, touch. When he cares, his hands are on his partner, always.

Oh and Izzy got super pissed at him for fucking her friend.

Yes, his favorite meal is 🐱 and yes, he will make his partner come multiple times before he does anything else, but when he's done with that, he will turn them over and fuck into them at a punishing pace. That's why, in the darkest period of his life, he favoured intercourses with professionals. Who he also treats with the utmost respect. Over the years, 🐱 eating has become a quest. He's always and forever looking for your taste. And as he does, he'd rather not see his partner's face, so he can forget he most likely will never taste you again...

But it wasn't always like that. In college, he was literally drowning in 🐱, as word quickly got out of his prowess. And he was exceptionally soft on Pilar, the Mexican girl, the only woman he really ever had a relationship with, and boy, did he break her heart when he left. He had no intention of hurting her, and he tried his best to be gentle, but he felt like staying with her was being dishonest.

And of course, there's you.

Ok, one more for the road, because it makes me sweat.

Benny

Benny's quick (compared to the other ones) but deadly efficient. He's got stamina. He's playful. Sex with him is simple, and fun, and good. Very good. He will make his partner feel soooo good about themselves and their body. He's talkative (likes to let them know what's on the menu before he starts), and he'll be into whatever they're into. He. Is. Game. Toys? Alright! You wanna be tied up? Why not! You want him tied up? Let's go!

Oh and he's a tits man. And he likes ALL of them. Any shape any size any colour.

Will

Ah. Will. Will would rather be in love. But, you know. You can't always be. This said, no matter the circumstances, he will be entirely cued in to his partner, careful to please and to pleasure. Completely selfless as well. Also great stamina. Guess it runs in the family. But when he's in love? Phewwwww... When he's in love, his moves belong in a museum. It is ✨art✨

Santi

Santi is in for the performance. He's a showman. Which at times gets in the way of the result, despite him being a very good partner. Yovanna exposed him, on this one, though. Saw right through the bs and told him as much. And thus made him a much better lover...

I mean. Look at him strut... 🙄😏

Tom

Has a micropenis.

Alright, that's it! Are you still alive? Thank you for reading!

Trying my best to have chapter 13 ready by next Friday.

Taglist (thank you 💕): @elegantduckturtle @mashomasho @lola766 @flowersandpotplantsandsunshine @nicolethered @littleone65 @bands-tv-movies-is-me @the-rambling-nerd @saintbedelia @pedrostories @trickstersp8 @all-the-way-down-here @deadmantis @hbc8 @princessdjarin @harriedandharassed @girlofchaos

[silvermoonartworks]

Hayatama’s Five Original Lord

Hello! long time no see I write about my OC from Amber Pheasant class. Today I’m going to introduce you more about more world building surrounded this fifth class of Officer Academy. Sorry for my English, as always i use this post to practice my writing skills.

We already learn about Hayatama character, location, crest and some culture. Now we’re going to talk about The five original lord who bear the five legendary crest.

From Left Yamato, Masako, Kaguya, Azuchi and Hikaru | And sorry this is the only illustration i have about them :’)

Fujiwara no Yamato

The first human who bear Crest of Izanami as well The Legendary First Emperor of Hayatama Imperial Kingdom. He’s a young man who often smile a lot, a scholar and a talented magician. Izanami impress by the talented young man and give her blood as a gift.

After receiving the blessing from one of the two respectable Nabathean. He establish Hayatama kingdom soon after the war. He choose Phesant as kingdom symbol in honor of his deceased pet who help him during a quest that been given to him.

A very good negotiator, he convince area around Hayatama first capital to join Okami-sama teaching and eventually merge with his kingdom.

Matsudaira no Masako

A fiery young woman who later become The First Shogun of Hayatama. A talented painter and passionate about art of war. She well known in history to challenge Izanagi and defeat him to prove that she can help Izanagi army on their war. Amaze with her skill, he later pick her up as a student and companion. She respectfully call Izanagi as ‘Aniki’ afterwards and become proud aunt to Hirume, Yugetsu and Muto.

She receive her crest after dying at battlefield to save Izanagi from fatal blow. She use her new form power to help people and fighting in war. She later crown by Yamato as first commander of Hayatama army, The Shogun.

Sadly thousand years after her death, her history and bravery story is transfer to her only son. Resulting her son is written as The First Shogun instead of her because some Hayatama’s historian Hoaxes.

Hashiba Azuchi

Originally a lowly rank priest of Okami temple from a country side. His diligent and strong will to protect, clean and serve people who coming to pray to his temple impress Hirume so much that the eldest daughter of Nabathean couple gave her blood to him.

During a war, he well known riding a Wyvern and fight with a spear name Tomoe’s Naginata that eventually pass down to his grand children. Aside a tale that telling he never ever absent praying, there also a tale about him building a temple by one night during the war phrase on Hayatama Island. 

Owari Kaguya

Daughter of a scholar, her beauty and genius tale capture young Yugetsu interest to play a game of Go with him. After she defeating him in all round of their game, he gave his blood as the prized.

She serve as strategist for Hayatama Kingdom during the war. She often praised by her strategist skill that surpassed people expectation around that time. Even thou she’s also a skilled archer with her bow Yoichi’s bow, due her crest limitation when encountering sunlight. She prefer command her army indoors and only fight if its necessary.

Genke Hikaru

A young toy maker who genuinely trying to make young Muto and other children smile by his creation. He trying to console crying Mini Muto by giving him one of his latest creation a Kendama. Muto was so happy receiving his toy that he give his blood to him. Since then they create a unbreakable friendship.

He fight with big Axe named Fuso during the war, a thing that he share to young Muto that time. He also work to build some Hayatama weapon that time with his carpentry skills. His famous animal companion, Tanuki, often seeing around him to help him during the war and entertain children they meet during their journey.

[otherworldly-healer]

Challenge Part 2 [The Sage Family Reunion] [~2770 Words]

The group ventured into the forest, the fog becoming ever more dense as they walked forward. This was the direction that Raine had been told the couple was spotted. Still, it had been a few days since that had been reported around town. They could be anywhere in the Mistwood by now. Their only hope was to shout out into the trees, looking for wanderers. Every now and again they would see a creature made of mist and skeletal remains far off in the distance, watching, almost as if it was waiting for the perfect time to strike. The group had fought off some weaker mist creatures already, about the size of a common raccoon. They were easy enough to scare away with their weapons alone, as well as some of the Monster Warding potions that Raine had brought along. She knew there were more coming though. It was only a matter of time.

After two hours of walking, the group had traveled southbound. Someone finally called out in the distance. The professor and her companions walked in the direction of the voices. Raine knew immediately that it was them. Even after so many years, she remembered the sound clear as day. Once her memories returned to her at the Otherworldly Gate she was sure that she would never forget that sound again. Her father reassuring her everything would be alright as long as they were together. Her mother gently chiding her when she asked for too much, or complained that they could not just find a new, safer place to live. Both of them calling her name to gather her belongings so they could continue walking alone through the wilderness.

When the Sages were finally in their sights, Virginia had been sitting on the ground nursing a bandaged cut on her arm, and Kloitz was kneeling down beside her, tensely looking around to make sure that no monsters were lurking about. He looked tired, as if he had been awake for days. Thinking back on it now, that’s how she ultimately remembered her father in his last months. He was run ragged, always making plans for their next escape, and always on watch for the family’s safety. As much as he tried to hide his worry at that time, a child could always tell when secrets were being kept from them.

Raine frowned, turning back to Lloyd and the others calmly, she asked each of them if they could hang back for a moment so that she might speak to them alone. This was something she had been needing to do for a long time. As fate would have it in her own world she would never get that opportunity…but perhaps here the Stars had actually granted her something of a gift. What Raine had been searching her whole life for—answers.

After two years past meeting with her mother, Raine had already stitched closed some wounds in her heart. She knew where she came from now. Genis told her himself that she was nothing like her mother--a fear that tugged at her ever since her memories had returned. Even through all the hardships they had gone through: homelessness, hunger, the distrust of humans, and finally finding a home of their own, her brother still looked up to Raine. While she still couldn’t forgive her parents for abandoning her and heart felt heavy seeing them together once again, she was not shedding any tears immediately upon seeing them. The night before she had braced herself for this meeting. She hardened her heart once again. Raine remembered that day in Exire, where she couldn’t control her emotions and all she could do was cry and scream, so bitter, angry, and heartbroken at the sight of her mother. But now it was different.

Today, the half elf felt melancholy and pity for her parents. Here were two people that tried so desperately to do the best that they could for their children, doomed in every timeline to a tragic end. They never got to live their happily ever after, growing old together in peace. Instead, they traded everything to make sure that their kids didn’t end up as slaves. Now that she had taken a step back to think about it…their choice was completely selfless. There were still holes missing in the story, and perhaps they could grant her some clarity. After reading her mother’s diary, the woman could no longer feel the fury she once did.

Kloitz rose to his feet as his daughter approached. His eyes studied his daughter a look of shock and denial first crossing his features. He looked between Raine and Virginia, voice caught in his throat, and when he finally spoke, there were tears in his eyes. This was the greatest gift Kloitz would be given in life— the knowledge that his daughter would grow up and the world would not completely break her. There was a light on the other side of the darkness. “Raine…is that you? You’re…you’re all grown up. You look just like your mother.”

Those words still stung to hear. Raine did not want to look in the mirror and see Virginia, but she had to admit that both of the siblings had taken after her appearance much more than their father’s. Raine tried to hold it together, giving Kloitz a shaky smile as he rushed over to wrap his arms around her. As soon as he did, Raine couldn’t help but shed a few tears of her own. Even though she had prepared herself for this moment, it still wasn’t easy to keep herself collected. “Yes, father…It’s me. Genis is here with me too, safe and sound. He’s twelve now. He likes playing with kendamas just like mother always did. He even got accepted into the best school in the country.” Raine pulls out her phone and navigates over to her photos, bringing up a picture of both siblings taken at an ice cream stand here in the city.

Kloitz was overwhelmed, and Virginia rose to place her hand on her daughter’s back to look. Raine winced, attempting to hide a scowl, ultimately feeling guilty for her hesitance towards her mother’s touch. Right. She had spent the last two years—more than that now in Spirale—coming to terms with her anger. If there was anyone she should be angry at, it was the Imperial Research Academy. They were ultimately the cause of this family’s destruction. It would take even more time for Raine to accept that, but for the moment she could at least try to set aside her feelings. They didn’t have much time here. It was dangerous. She would have to get to the point.

“And you? What have you been doing in all this time?” Virginia asked.

“I am...a teacher. Just a teacher in a small village.” The full truth was too fantastical. She really didn’t see herself how the world did, anyway, and so she kept it to herself. But to her parents, Raine didn’t need to be a hero. They knew just how much she loved to learn and explore. The Sages immediately knew that her daughter was on a path that she chose herself, and in a profession she always would have wanted.

“We’ve been granted a little bit of time to talk, but when you last saw me I was only eleven. I bet you both want to get back to Tethe’alla, don’t you? …What was the last thing both of you remember?” Her parents looked at each other cautiously and then back to Raine.

“We were on the boat... It was storming on the sea. You had just gone overboard and we pulled you out. You were so shaken, and the boat was headed for safer waters. We were on our way to—huh, where was it again, honey?” Her father wore a nervous smile. Kloitz was trying his best to be positive, like he always had.

“Altamira.” Virginia piped up. Raine hung her head, still being held between both of her parents. They couldn’t even be honest with her now.

“Heh…right. Except we weren’t.” Raine’s expression soured. “Genis and I never got to see Altamira. You asked the ship captain to make a detour. We ended up at the Otherworldly Gate. Genis and I were sent through alone. Mother told me to hold him, and then sent us to go ‘play’ in the ruins. You knew it would take us to Sylvarant…except we never made it there together.” Kloitz and Virginia looked to the group behind her, as if asking silently whether it was alright to be having this conversation here and now. It’s not like she would ever get the chance again.

“Don’t mind them. They know about all of this… Mostly.” The half elf said sternly. Her mother shrank, seeing how severe her daughter had become over the years. She was no longer acting like the child she knew—mischievous and sneaky, joyful and always reassuring her mother that they would be alright, just like she was mimicking Kloitz. No…the world had changed her. In the end, Kloitz and Virginia could not protect her from hardship and suffering.

“Raine…we wouldn’t have done that if we thought there was any other way.” Virginia began crying, her head helplessly falling in her hands. “We got passage onto that ship in a hurry. It wasn’t even a passenger ship. The Research Academy found us in the forest and we were all so tired of running, even you. We could see it in your eyes, even if you wouldn’t tell us. You kept asking us if we would ever find a safe place and it broke our hearts. We wanted you to know a life where you didn’t have to run anymore. The full moon would line up with right when we got there, so we figured that there wouldn’t have been another opportunity we could find to see you to safety! We were going to go together!” Her mother exclaimed, hiccuping.

“Then…what happened?” Raine looked out into the distant fog, picking through her memories of that night. She remembered Virginia in front of her, just out of reach. But where was Kloitz at that time? Had he even made it onto the island? No… he was back on the ship. The Otherworldly Gate only activated for a moment on the full moon. So, if he hadn’t been with them to catch the portal… Kloitz would have been left alone in Tethe’alla. If Raine had Genis, at least none of the family would be truly alone. So…that’s what happened. Virginia didn’t want Kloitz to be left behind. He was her entire world. Raine gritted her teeth. She knew deep down she needed the answer to this question, as it had been nagging at her ever since she went to Welgaia. “D-do you ever regret having us? If we were never born, you would not have been chased by the Research Academy. You could have found another home. Father wouldn’t have had to—he…”

Raine could not finish the sentence. If the last thing that they remembered was the boat, they wouldn’t know that Kloitz would die. She wouldn’t ruin their last remaining month together by telling them of their fate. They could only be positive for so long without breaking down. When you’re a child most think that your parents are your heroes—infallible and always knowing what is best. What she learned from being something of a parent herself was that nobody really knew what was best. The truth was…Kloitz and Virginia had really thought this was their only choice. They were not all-powerful or omniscient. They were just…people. Afraid and full of uncompromising love. They were victims of fate just like the siblings were, and when Raine finally realized that…maybe she already had forgiven her parents. Raine stared at her boots. Deep down she knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from them. Before she could see the look in her parents’ eyes, Kloitz brought her into a tight hug again. This time Virginia would join them in the embrace and Raine would not be able to to contain herself, shaking before crying into her father’s coat.

“Sweetie, we love you and your brother more than anything. It’s the world that’s wrong to hate you for your being born to us. We wouldn’t do a single thing different in our lives. Having you gave our lives meaning. You completed us by making us a family…and we’re so proud that it seems like you’ve found people that you care for as well, and who care for you in return.” Kloitz smiled widely, looking back at her team. He was sad to think that she would ever consider herself a burden to them, but he also understood that starting from birth, that is all that a half-elf is told from humans and elves. They’re scorned and ostracized and live in danger of being used as tools. Virginia took some tissues she had hoarded in her pocket and passed them around between the three Sages assuring Raine that she felt the same as her father did. “I wish we had more time to catch up, honey. But your mother and I have to make sure that you two make it to Sylvarant on time.”

At his last comment, Raine would only smile at him dismally. She didn’t want to tell her parents how much they struggled to survive on Sylvarant. It wouldn’t change what had happened in the past. Her life so far had already been set in stone, and no amount of wishing would change her life’s path. She heard what she needed to hear. They were loved. They did their best for their kids, even if there were any other options—for better or worse those actions when she was eleven turned her into who she was today. And finally…finally, she could see her mother as she remembered her. She recognized her daughter. She was still her mother, not the mother of some straw doll left behind in the girl’s belongings. After a couple of minutes Raine had been able to compose herself to a point where she could stand tall once again. She clears her throat.

“Now it’s my turn to protect you. With the help of my friends here.” She would introduce them all, being vague on how they each met. It was too much to go over, especially when there were monsters crawling about. “So…I imagine since you’re here in the Mistwood, this is where the Stars directed you to go?”

Kloitz bent down to the ground where they had originally been sitting. He pointed to a line that he had drawn in the dirt, and Raine leaned down to inspect it. This felt just like when she was a kid. They would often make games out of discerning animal tracks or identifying different herbs and plants. Now the stakes felt higher, but…maybe they always had been after all.

“If we walk past this line, these skeleton monsters made of mist will come after us, but behind this point we seem to be safe. It reminds me of Gaoracchia. Those monsters are how your mother got all scratched up there. Well-sort of. Someone fell down when one of them appeared and got scratched up by a rock. Then a hero swooped in to save the day.” Virginia huffed at her husband and placed her hands on her hips, not appreciating the playful critique of her reaction to almost being killed. Raine noted that her father had been wearing some leather armor underneath his jacket, and he had a sword at his hip, though knowing the Stars he had not been granted a very useful one. At least he knew how to protect himself. “We were told to go past the boundary of the forest. If you successfully brought us there, they would allow us to go back to our time.” Virginia clarified.

The half elf turned back towards her companions, feeling somewhat renewed and ready to take on the monsters. They were relying on her now. That’s right—she’d grown strong, reliable, and against all odds, capable of helping to save two entire worlds. Not bad for a girl who only ever dreamed of being a small town teacher! Raine dug her staff into the ground proudly, a grin tugging at her lips.

“Alright everyone. That’s enough of that. Gather round. I’ve got a plan.”

[helpingthelongrain]

     This was a slightly awkward situation to be put in.

It’s not as if he hadn’t looked forward to the day that Raine would bring Genis along with her, but... for whatever reason, the man couldn’t help but find himself feeling anxious. But the day had come, and after some brief introductions and small talk...

... Raine seemed all too happy to go about with this new project of hers that she had in mind. That is to say, converting a phone booth he had managed to find in a dump down within the Fibonacci Ward into something called a ‘community library’— an ordeal that Rinnosuke wasn’t entirely sure of at first, but given that the glass paned monolith had no functionable use outside of good shelter for the rain otherwise, he relented.

Perhaps it would bring him more business, too. Though he was half-expecting the Mistborn (or one of his other various neighbors) to take the books for themselves.

Regardless of his doubts toward’s the professor’s idea, now it was just the young half-elf, the small robotic dog who was ‘sniffing’ at his shoes, and Rinnosuke himself, standing (in his case, sitting) in the hallowed halls of Kourindou, a curiosity-filled store cluttered with assorted treasures and trash, all lit up by both the flames from the wood-burning furnace near the wall, and the natural light flowing in from the large windows in the back, which easily showed off the man’s still yet to bloom cherry blossom trees behind the store.

... Perhaps it was the lack of Raine’s presence that made things feel off. But it wouldn’t do to let things stay like this— and as the adult in the room, he ought to be the one to speak up first. As such... “Er... right. So then. A kendama, was it?”

     Seated at his desk, strewn with all sorts of objects here and there, Rinnosuke picked up a small notebook and lifted up a pen in hand.

“And, just to be sure, this is not solely for entertainment— but for self-defense as well?” With his free hand, he’d push up his glasses, offering Genis a small smile. “I’ve made multi-purpose tools before, but all of that in a kendama will be new for me. Still, go ahead and list me the details. How you want it to look like, the shape and size, colors... the more specific you can be, the more you’ll like the end result.”

     He pauses. And then, with a confident smirk, he adds—

“That said, I can guarantee you’ll be happy with it regardless.”

@mightatlas​ 

[toku-explained]

The Swordsmen Aligned

SSSS.Dynazenon: We see Yomogi's perspective on the change to DynaRex and the battle climax. Chise, running to catch up to Dynazenon, finds an odd item. Dynazenon returns to being 4 small models as she catches them. Gauma is still annoyed at Yume. Introductions are made, and he explains Shalbandes will have been controlled by the Kaiju Eugenecists, Kaiju users like him. He gives each of the pilots one Dynazenon component, insisting they meet next day to train, but wonders to himself if Dynazenon is a Kaiju and why was he given it. Things are a mess at school, Yomogi heads to work, Yume messes with her friend, Koyomi wonders if Dynazenon counts as a job. Gauma is upset Yomogi doesn't show, a sparkling item appears in the river. Gauma invades Yomogi's bath to talk, in her own Yume contemplates apologising, Gauma is invited by Yomogi's mom to stay over. Next day Yume shows Yomogi she can now activate the DynaWing, has him activate DynaSoldier, and has them combine into "DynaWingSoldier", while they fly she makes an apology, and shows him the result of the battle on foot. On the train she mentions Kaho dying by where they met when she was a kid. People gather at a new Kaiju, Greyjom, called by the thing in the river, watched by the Eugenecists, Juuga, Onija, Mujina and Sizumu, Juuga controls it. The heroes grab Yomogi so Dynazenon can fight, but when they're forced to split Yomogi is helpless until Koyomi realises the secret to it warping, and by again forming DynaSoldier Wing Combine they are able to give Gauma his shot. Yomogi asks Yume about her feelings towards Kaho, she's unsure now. The Eugenecists greet Gauma, appearing to the team.

Heroes' Odyssey: The look at Battle in Hyperspace continues.

Saber: Rintaro explains what he learned about Master Logos and his goals, and earnestly apologises, but they all welcome him back with open arms. Zooous is itching to settle his score with Rintaro, but Storious insists the Seiken and joining Wonder World comes first, Zooous has a new Megido in mind. Northern Base discuss their foes, Yuri apparently hasn't encountered Kaiji before. Master Logos' book is part of the original book, passed to each new Master, Yuri, deciding Touma can separate the Megiddo, goes to seek Tassel, Sophia has Ogami find Ren while she will meet Kento. After mentioning the key she gave Mei, a Megiddo is detected. Saber Elemental Primitive Dragon and Blades King Lion Daisenki fight the Megiddo, Touma about to separate when he notices the charms on it's body are living humans, then reveals it's host is Mei, escaping when Zooous attacks Blades. Rintaro is really freaking out about the chance of Mei dying. Since we last saw him, it looks like Ren has been followed by Desast, who suggests he learn from him, Desast vanishes when Ogami appears, Ren lashes out and leaves. Rintaro finds Mei on the roof, Zooous attacks, joined by the Megiddo, despite Rintaro's desire to save her Nagare doesn't glow, Zooous torments him claiming he always gets stronger. Kento nearby says that Mei will be lost and Rintaro killed, Sophia tries to get him to not be so defeatist, Touma arrives to help Rintaro. Rintaro sinks into depression, but holds Zooous so Touma can act, but he has to block the killing blow instead, as Zooous and the Megiddo leave, Rintaro acts as though his own life is worthless.

Zenkaiger: Magine is really messy it turns out. Vroom discovers while out the mess made by Gomi World. The team actually force him to flee, but his trash will keep growing. Boccowaus is actually annoyed at Barashitara for this because he doesn't want to rule a garbage world, Ijirude is still working. The team prepare a clean up, but Vroon makes more progress than the rest combined and decides to take it solo. New character Stacey makes his first appearance, as Kaito starts declaring his resolve everyone is sapped of their will. Magine still has energy, and Vroon powers through and draws Gomi World out. The others get placed as trash, leaving Vroon beaten until Magine finds him. After some Go-Busters power, they defeat Gomi World. Dai Gomi World is defeated despite initial setbacks. Barashitara contemplates another lost World when Stacey approaches, claiming to be his son. With this episode we are now caught up the the All Red Battle and ZenkaiRed special, ready for what comes next episode.

Genms: So somehow despite Kamen Rider Brain happening, I somehow never expected this to be real. Not unhappy with it though. Don't expect Thousers The Presidents to be real as a separate thing though. Super Sentai Villains Next Year? Now obviously, in the original joke the meaning of the title was that it was to focus on Kutoto, Masamune, Amagasaki and Tsukuru, here though the double meaning makes it a reference to both Kuroto and Amatsu being company presidents. My understanding on timeline setting is that for Zero-One this is between the two installments of The 01hers, and for Ex-Aid it's about a year after Another Ending and a couple of years before Mighty Novel X. Kuroto is awakened by the Ark. Amatsu is launching a new company, Thouser-Intellion, and to help him acquired a Secretary-type Humagear, who he names Rin. He explains that ZAIA Enterprise Japan was shut down, and he intends to create a new IT company. He's been under the weather since moving to the office, and suddenly shows Bugster Virus symptoms, as Dan Kuroto emerges. Ark has apparently allowed him to produce a Gamer Driver, Bugvisor and Proto Mighty Action X, and he relates his awareness of the sort of pressure Amatsu must experience as President, as he once did. He infects Rin and takes her as his own secretary. Kuroto, you should only have been gone a year, Humagears were everywhere by the time you "died". As Amatsu struggles to pursue Kuroto, he doesn't notice another figure emerge from himself. Kuroto tries to tempt Rin when Amatsu reaches them, becoming Thouser, black due to infection, and Kuroto becomes Genm Level 2. Genm has the clear advantage, with a Mighty Critical Strike beating Thousand Destruction. Genm's killing blow is foiled when time suddenly freezes, and Dan Masamune appears on the scene.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: We start with an acknowledgement of the events of the first series, and the Dogengers becoming celebrated, a second season announced, and then Scandal! Kitaqman's SNS-ing, El Brave using a step to appear taller, Fukuokaliber not being good at Kendama, Yamashiron not eating Bell Peppers, Ohgaman not sleeping after taking his medicine, and a dating scandal involving Tanaka and Yuki, the team are made to apologise, and a Final Stage is announced at a park. Shaberryman MCs, the audience is just Yuki, Eboshi Musha and El Brave's Yahata Construction colleagues. Fukuokaliber beats some Karamis, then faces Shuraomaru. Aoiron and Daidairon take the stage fighting Nectaris, Redron joins late, then forms Yamashiron, still in Tsuyobi Mode. El Brave takes over, beating first Nectaris then Uzagi. The Marou Kaijin appear, Tanaka appears, changes and swiftly defeats Gulf, the heroes then celebrate but Yabai Kamen ambushes them, but Ohfaman appears via roller coaster. The assembled heroes defeat the Villains and celebrate, disheartened by the small crowd as Yuki is handed adverts for Great Z. After a certain man says something the heroes are knocked off stage by a red energy ball, and the stage is taken by Great Z and his cheerleaders, accompanied by at least 3 floating cameras(?) which can warp him along the stage. The devices come from his back. The audience seem far more interested in him. He knows who they, but he's hear to take their villains for his own show, really beating Yabai Kamen so he can take him hostage. Kitaqman rolls up late in the Kitaq Machine, but Great Z uses a rocket to warp them all to a quarry, explaining his Effect System, announces himself as the new justice, and shoots and destroys the Kitaq Machine, to Kitaqman's Horror.

[theguineapig3]

Goodness and Love Colloyd Week 2020, (Late) Day 6: “Goodness and love will always win.” Words: 1778 Genre: Childhood Fluff

The moment Lloyd first fell in love with Colette was when he realized that she embodied the Dwarven Vows more perfectly than anyone he knew… and she didn’t even have to memorize them.

When Dirk had first insisted that Lloyd go to school, he resisted. Normally Lloyd only went into town only when the two of them needed supplies- he didn’t like being away from Noishe, but at least he had his dad with him. But at ten years old, Dirk decided that Lloyd was old enough to go back and forth to Iselia on his own and insisted that he enroll in the local school. “There’re things in this world ya need to know that I cannae teach ya,” he’d said, and while Lloyd was initially excited to interact with the other kids, that excitement faded quickly.

Lloyd was an outsider, unable to break into the already-established friend groups. He hadn’t had the same schooling they’d had, so he was behind in all of the lessons. And the teacher, an old man with a penchant for slapping hands with his wooden ruler, had no sympathy for those who fell behind. So, when after two long years, the teacher announced his retirement, Lloyd was the first one to wish him well. The young elf woman who replaced him was just as strict, but in Lloyd’s eyes, she was fair with her strictness. She tailored lessons and assignments to her students’ abilities and recognized their potential, and when she was strict with Lloyd, it was because she wanted him to succeed. She made coming to school so much easier.  

It wasn’t the new teacher that improved things the most, however. It was the little elf boy who was now sitting in the first row. Lloyd hadn’t been the only loner, of course- the quiet, clumsy blonde girl who sat near the front was always looked at by her classmates with more reverence than friendship. But she was the Chosen, the one who would one day defeat the Desians and regenerate the world, and if the Iselian students weren’t worthy to speak to her, the Dwarven country boy shouldn’t even consider it. After one lunch period, Lloyd and the loudmouthed pipsqueak that the Professor had brought with her became fast friends. It made Lloyd feel bad for the lonely looking girl who shared her lunch with the local dogs instead of other kids.

Show-and-tell was one of Lloyd’s favorite school activities, where students had a chance to show off items from home. He’d already shown some of his craft projects in previous weeks, things like wood carving and carpentry that he’d learned from his dad. This time, to show off in front of the new teacher, he’d recited the first one-hundred and fifty Dwarven Vows. ...of course, he only got through one-hundred and twelve before Professor Raine cut him off for time, but he was proud of himself nonetheless. Genis, who’d assured Lloyd the day before that his show-and-tell would blow Lloyd’s out of the water, had given a pretty basic display of kendama tricks. Sure, the kendama was difficult to handle, but Lloyd felt certain he’d won.

Lloyd never got the chance to brag, though.

About halfway through the afternoon, one of the students in the middle of the classroom got caught playing with the slide puzzle he’d brought to show off. Raine was quick to confiscate it from him and scold him for not paying attention. He wasn’t going to take it lightly, though, and shot back a rebuttal.

“That’s not fair!” the boy protested, pointing to the front of the class at Genis. “You let him play with the kendama!”

Raine shook her head. “Genis’ kendama helps him focus. You, on the other hand, are being distracted. I’ll give you this back after class if you focus on the rest of the lesson.”

“....mmmhmmm…” 

The boy sunk back into his chair, and Lloyd assumed that was the end of it. But after class, when Lloyd exited the schoolhouse, he saw the boy and a few of his pals standing over Genis. His blood boiled as he watched them push Genis to the ground.

“-think you’re so special just ‘cause you’re the teacher’s brother? Helps you focus, my ass!”

Genis was shielding his head, trembling as he tried to articulate a response. He had spirit for a seven-year-old, but even so, he was still too small to put up a decent fight without resorting to the magical spells his sister had forbidden him to use in the village. “I-it does! I-! I can’t-! I can’t pay attention without-!”

“Shut up!” Another of the boys started kicking. “When our parents hear about this favoritism, it’s over for you and your sister-”

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!”

Lloyd had been puzzling over what to do, and he was ashamed of his hesitation. It came from his dad’s repeated warnings not to get into a fight in the village- Dirk always said there was a reason “let’s all work together for a peaceful world” was the first Dwarven vow. However, another Dwarven vow, way up in the hundreds somewhere that Lloyd hadn’t memorized yet, said that “the first fault lies with he who commits and the second with he who permits.” If Lloyd did nothing, it would be just as bad as if he’d bullied Genis himself. And he could never do that to anyone, least of all his dear friend.

Lloyd grabbed the kicking boy and pulled him backward. The boy struggled against his grip, yelling something along the lines of “let go, you idiot hick Dwarf!” but Lloyd kept his grip firm. He waited for the original bully to come at him, but… he didn’t. Instead, there was a soft voice beside them that drew everyone’s attention.

“You guys… is everything okay?”

The surprise caused Lloyd to let go of the boy he was holding, and it gave Genis a chance to rise to his knees. “Colette!” the original bully gasped, taking a step back from Genis. “It’s not fair that this kid gets to play with toys in the classroom while nobody else does, right? You agree, right?”

Lloyd wasn’t used to hearing Colette’s voice, so he had no idea what he expected her to say. He was still surprised, though, when she completely dodged the question.

“You got new glasses, right? They look good.”

The bully appeared just as surprised, but his cheeks flushed and he smiled. “Yeah. My dad sent them from Palmacosta. They’re special order.”

“Can I see?” Colette held out her hands, and Lloyd fought back the urge to speak up. While she was distracting the others, Genis had taken the opportunity to flee back into the schoolhouse. Lloyd wanted to go comfort him, but he knew Genis’ sister could probably do a better job of both patching him up and comforting him, and his curiosity as to what Colette was trying to do was too strong. 

The bully had handed his glasses over for Colette to examine, and she delightedly put them on, taking a moment to examine her surroundings. Her smile disappeared the longer she looked, however, and she let out a gasp.

“Whoa! These are… they’re not working right! I can’t see anything!” Colette removed the glasses again, looking them over. “Everything was so blurry. I couldn’t see people’s faces or read any of the signs. How can you even do schoolwork with these? I’m worried you could hurt yourself!”

The bully stepped toward her, holding out a hand. “No, see, they don’t work for everyone. They’re a special order for my eyes-”

“You need to get your dad to send them back! Tell him they made a mistake!” Colette held the glasses close to her chest. “I could do it. Maybe they’ll listen to me if I-”

The bully reached over, still vying for the glasses but trying not to touch her. “Everyone’s eyes are different. Glasses that work for my eyes might not work for someone else’s. My glasses are fine, okay?”

Colette’s smile returned in full force, with a look that gave Lloyd an odd, fluttery feeling in his stomach. She handed the glasses back with a nod.

“I get it. Everyone’s body is different. You have special glasses that help your eyes see, and the new kid has a toy that helps his brain focus. Thanks for teaching me about that- I can’t wait to tell the priests at the temple all about it!”

The bully’s face turned pale, as did those of his friends. They sent each other a look and then retreated.

“R-right…” The bully nodded and shot a glare toward Lloyd before running off. “...see ya tomorrow!”

There was a moment of quiet, the sounds of village life filling the space between them. Lloyd could feel his face heating up as he stared at the girl across from him, but she was distracted.

“-where did Genis go? Is he okay? I hope he’s not hurt too bad.”

“...that was really cool,” Lloyd finally spoke, though he processed what she’d said just a moment later. “I mean-! Genis went back into the school building. I’m sure the Professor is probably patching him up.”

“That’s a relief.” Colette sighed. “I still want to check on him, though. He’s so tiny, those guys could’ve really hurt him.”

“I wouldn’t have let that happen,” Lloyd replied, crossing his arms. “Picking on someone who can’t defend themselves is something only cowards do.”

“Is that a Dwarven Vow? You didn’t say it today in class.”

“No, it’s-” Lloyd stopped. “-wait, you were actually listening to those?”

“Of course!” Colette chimed. “They were all such good sayings. I loved all the ones about dogs.” 

“There’s another one I didn’t get to. Dwarven Vow 132, feed a dog for three days and it’ll be grateful for three years.”

“Aw, that’s a good one!” The absolute joy in Colette’s voice made Lloyd briefly forget his concern for Genis, and he had to remind himself of the situation. 

“Why don’t you come back into the school building? I want Genis and Professor Raine to know what you did for him.”

Colette twirled around toward the school. “I didn’t do anything special. It was you who stepped in. I was just thinking about your vows earlier. My favorite was the one toward the beginning… what was it… goodness and love will always win?”

“That one?! But it’s so cheesy-!”

His protest made Colette giggle, and the sound of her laughter sent another pang of emotion through Lloyd’s chest. He didn’t recognize it, but it felt good. No one had taken an interest in the Dwarven vows like that before, not even Genis. And, Colette may not know them all, but from what Lloyd could see, she embodied the heart of them.

He’d never seen anything so beautiful in his life.

[goron-king-darunia]

Annon-Guyg What sort of hobbies do you think the 12 Symphonia Characters like to do?

Emil obviously likes cooking, but as a personal headcanon, I think he’d like woodworking. He obviously puts a lot of care and effort into making his food look cute, so I bet if you gave him some chisels and soft wood he’d be able to make cute little sculptures. He might need practice with harder wood though because you can sculpt fruit, veggies, and soft wood with dexterity, but you do need strength AND control to carve larger pieces of hard wood. I speak from experience. Marta is a little tougher. I’m sure she’d like dancing, but that’s a couple’s hobby and she deserves a hobby she can do when Emil’s not around. Reading’s too much of a cop-out answer and I feel like drawing just plays into stereotypes about certain types of girls and pigeonholes her as “unathletic” even though she obviously needs to be athletic to do all the fighting she does with Emil. I guess she could do solo dancing or go to mixers and just dance with strangers or her dad, but... maybe she likes... designing dresses? But that’s not very athletic either. I dunno. Marta’s tough. Most of her interests in-game revolve around being cute and being with Emil. I guess she could enjoy doing Katz quests. She took the one about delivering soup from wife to husband VERY seriously so maybe she’d love to do a Cupid Delivery Service where she offers speedy delivery exclusively to couples? Richter is also a tough one. I’m pretty sure out-of-game material has said he was interested in meteorology before Sybak (which makes it even sadder that he and Aster went off to see Ratatosk to FIX the weather. Yes, Aster was confirmed to be the one to theorize about and find proof of Ratatosk, but I feel like it was Richter who had the most concern about the weather patterns and noticed it early on.) So maybe Richter’s hobby is making and releasing weather balloons to do meteorological research? Or maybe he moonlights as a weatherman. XD I’m sure he also likes relaxing hobbies like stargazing and watching koi fish in a pond. And... now that I think about it, those headcanons are basically just “He likes Aster (stars) and Aqua (fish)” and I never realized that before. My headcanons are the dumbest things, wow, are they all puns?! XD The one thing we do have confirmation of is that Sybak made him resent reading because “that’s all they ever let him do” implying that at one time he might have enjoyed reading for pleasure. Other hobbies probably include being Aster’s unofficial babysitter because in any universe where Aster is alive, Richter clearly thinks he needs constant surveillance, and not just because Richter worries for Aster’s safety. XD Lloyd very clearly enjoys making things like jewelry and he’s good at it, but he also procrastinates A LOT. Ergo, it’s definitely a hobby and not a profession because he only seems to do it when he gets inspired or REALLY has to like for the key crest for Colette.  Genis obviously has his kendama to help him concentrate, but that’s less a hobby and more of a mage focus. I bet he really likes board games, particularly trivia games and logic puzzles. Colette would probably LOVE to be a dog-walker. But “petting and walking dogs” is kind of an easy one so... I bet she also likes making fruit preserves and jams and she probably likes baking too. I’m sure Raine absolutely loves reading, but I bet she also loves going to museums and historical sites because of her ruin mania. That’s a bit too easy though so... I bet she likes to collect things for scrapbooks. Not sure if photographs exist in Aselia, given the atrocious wanted posters for Lloyd and friends, but they do have holographic technology so presumably photographs exist in areas with sufficient tech. And if not, maybe Rain draws pictures of her friends in the scrapbook? I bet it’s full of pressed herbs and flowers. She also DEFINITELY likes experimenting in the kitchen even though everyone wants her to stop because she makes inedible things. (I can only wonder what Raine and Richter would make in the kitchen together and what a BAD INFLUENCE Raine would be. “It’s totally okay to experiment in the kitchen! That’s how we discover new flavor combinations.” “Ah, I see. Then I’ll try this. Thank you for the advice, Raine.” And then Emil screaming in the background “IT’S NOT OKAY TO EXPERIMENT WITH HOW LONG TO COOK THE CHICKEN GUYS! THAT’S HOW PEOPLE DIE FROM SALMONELLA! PLEASE! GUYS! PLEASE STOP!”) Sheena is hard too. I’m definitely getting ballroom dancing vibes so maybe that’s something she and Marta could do together? I’m sure she’d like video games if they existed in Aselia but I bet she’d always fall into holes in the video games too. Like, even Animal Crossing. She could bury the pitfall seed herself and then immediately accidentally step on it. If coffee exists in Aselia, I bet she just likes going to coffee shops to hang out. She probably also likes small animals and science considering how often she was at Sybak and how she became good friends with Corrine. Zelos very obviously likes flirting with ladies but that’s more a lifestyle thing than a hobby. I bet Zelos really likes traveling and doing things by himself, particularly in Sylvarant where fewer people know his status as the Chosen of Tethe’alla where he can just be free to do what he wants. Presea and Regal obviously run the Pawpad Playmate Society together, but I think Presea’s other hobby is obvious. She likes making charms and knickknacks. I bet she and Emil could do that together. Regal probably has a very stressful time being the president of the Lezareno company. I’m pretty sure the anime showed him swimming at one point in a huge pool, so I bet he likes swimming as a hobby. I also bet he likes chess. Kratos is also difficult. Something sufficiently “dad” like as a hobby would suit him, but I can’t very well say “stamp collecting.” I’m not saying this is his hobby but it would be funny if Kratos ran a museum exclusively dedicated to items he lost 4000 years ago and found in weird places. Like, he 100% knows the thing he has is just the fossilized remains of a toothbrush he had when he was a young man before becoming an angel, but he puts it in the museum as “a handle for a bladed weapon that obviously belonged to a skillful warrior. Probably one of the first examples or a deconstructable blade.” As far as hobbies go, I’m not sure. Kratos is probably very good at whatever his hobby has been over the years since he’s had thousands of years of practice. I get major blacksmithing vibes off him, but that’s kind of encroaching on Dirk’s turf and we know Lloyd went to Dirk for smithing things and not Kratos so I don’t think smithing is his thing. I can see Kratos going to libraries and correcting history textbooks out of spite like “No, I was fucking there, this definitely did not happen like you say it did.” I used evidence where I could but obviously a lot of these are headcanons so anyone can add on and agree or disagree!

[isolaradiale]

hello! i'd like to apply without reserve as genis sage from tales of symphonia! his application is at /app, and i can be contacted on twitter @mithosyggdrasiI!

Welcome to scenic Isola Radiale, Genis!

You will be housed in CONDO 401!

You’ll retain the ability to cast Fireball five times per day, but they are reduced in size and can only inflict minor burns.

You will be given a cheap plastic Kendama.

-          ⋆ Aspidiske

[vinylexams]

Heavy Heavy Low Low - Courtside Seats to the Greatest Fuck of All Time⁠

⁠ @heavyheavylowlow38 #heavyheavylowlow #hhll #deathwish @deathwishinc⁠ ⁠ I’ve been lucky as hell recently to snag insider info on some killer reissues and this one is no exception. You all already know how much I love HHLL, especially Turtle Nipple…, and through serendipity I got connected with Robbie from the band a few months back. I got to hear about how they are coming back to life after some years focusing on other projects, growing up and growing out, and evolving as musicians and artists in the process. They’ve worked with Twelve Gauge Records to put Courtside Seats on vinyl for the very first time and after they announced it on their platforms and immediately sold it out, they’re pressing another batch that you and the HHLL lovers in your life can and should snag before that pressing sells out, too!⁠ ⁠ What’s even more exciting is that I got to pick Robbie’s brain in typical VE fashion and he’s indulged me with all sorts of info about what they’re up to, whether or not we can expect new music, and some feel-good stories about huffing air duster and ripping shit up in an old warehouse on the California coast. Here it is in its unedited glory, but first…head to the website to pre-order your copy and then head to Robbie’s Indiegogo campaign to learn more about his upcoming short firm that’s scored by Nick from Tera Melos! ⁠https://deathwishinc.com/products/heavy-heavy-low-low-courtside-seats https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/morning-deliveries-short-film#/

INTERVIEW

First and foremost, it’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Heavy Heavy Low Low and then out of nowhere you sprang back to life in 2019. What motivated you all to pick up this project again? I’m not sure what motivated it. We had always been trying to jumpstart the whole thing again for some time and I think that it might have been a case of everyone’s lives slowing down and examining that time with a weird reverence. I can only speak for myself. The boys are all in school or doing their own thing.

I imagine you’ve all been working on different projects since HHLL went on hiatus. Do you have anything that you or the rest of the band have worked on that you’d love us to know about? Danny has gotten pretty popular in the Kendama world. Chris is studying various forms of martial arts. Roo is endlessly going to school and currently scoring independent films. Chip is heavily involved in competitive fishing. I’ve been making short films when the situation and my wallet allow it. We’re all crazy excited about finally owning Courtside Seats on vinyl for the first time. Aside from bringing that album onto the vinyl medium, the pre-order page notes that there’s new artwork, too. What can we expect from that? When we made the CD we weren’t expecting to sell any really.. I did the art and Matthew printed them all at his job. Him and I folded every crease, glued the o-cards and vacuum sealed them all. I think it sold out almost completely at the record release show. We made the same amount of records as we did the original cd (500). The artwork for the original CD pressing was done on sketch paper without any comprehension of what could be done with drawn art and a scanner. Matthew was the computer wizard and back then, young and silly, it was all done on the cuff. The new art is a bit more modern and plays with mortality. Court-side Seats to The Greatest Fuck of All Time being a front seat view of a an ordinary, bumpy ride through life. I’m proud of it. What’s it like to bring back an album from the earliest parts of the band’s career? Do you still identify with the music? It is odd. It was a truly surreal time and place. We were out of our fucking minds. We recorded it in Mountain View, Ca in this giant warehouse that tapered into gutted office spaces. It was a weird white collar tomb on the outskirts of Silicon Valley right before the real tech boom. In the big part of the warehouse where we’d enter there were giant mounds of clothes meant to be donated to some third world country. We’d burrow tunnels in them and do huge dramatic flips from pike to pile. There was an aisle of outdated medical equipment waiting to be sent that we’d stalk through in the dark. It was a strangely magic place. Once you got through the warehouse you’d get to these office stations that had been fashioned into recording studios and that’s where we birthed this thing. We were so misguided. The amount of compressed air that we inhaled should have killed us. I contribute a significant drop in IQ to that shit. Smoking copious amounts of weed from gravity bongs. Recording with a hip hop producer, Deegan. Never a disagreement. It still feels like it was some strange purgatory of youth. I don’t miss it, but it was beautiful. Does this mean there’s hope of having Everything’s Watched, Everyone’s Watching on vinyl sometime, too? So, there was a guy who was very adamant about putting that record out on vinyl. We had a dialogue going for the better part of a year and apparently he had been in contact with Rhino Music and Warner, the two companies that hold the licensing to that album. He had received word that it’d cost an impressive amount of money, but he still wanted to shoulder it. Mind you, this dude didn’t have a label, he just wanted to put this thing out and apparently hadnt thought that all out. Time goes by, I’m waiting, not worrying one way or the other. One day I get a link from a friend, a Christian college website detailing that dude had been arrested for kidnapping and assault. Very sad situation. Dude seemed semi normal. Anyway, that was the last effort I’d seen put into that. I’d love to contribute new art to that release if any go-getter wants to try their luck. I’ve loved everything HHLL put out, but Turtle Nipple is in my top 10 list of favorite albums of all time. What was the writing the recording process for it like and how did the band feel about the new creative directions on it? EWEW was half previously recorded material re-recorded and half material written a year prior, kind of forced into a studio with producers we had no previous rapport with. Those producers/engineers were incredible human beings (RIP Tom Pfaffle! See you in the mindfog) but we were very young punk kids thrown into a foreign land where we had our agents visiting and there were platinum records on the wall and it was a total barrage of privilege and excess. It was beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t feel soul in that record. Turtle Nipple is a dense trip through time and the record I’m most proud of in our discography. I don’t remember how long we had to record it, I do remember that it was the only time we’d been given to experiment and layer our sensibilities in an environment that catered to them. Sam (Pura) was a perfect conduit to that vibe and time and space and it really came out just how it should have. I think about that album as a 70s exploitation directors filmography.. it veers violently from genre to genre and while most of the stories are fiction and far from personal testimony, theirs a peek into some shared insanity contained throughout. George Cosmatos wandering through a punk club on an edible. I think that that album is our bands true personality. Sam is a member of our band whether he’s playing with us or engineering for us. He gets us. I love the idea of an alternate reality where we had lasted a bit longer and did an album with Steve Albini. He’d probably hate us, but I love those ‘What If?’ Scenarios. I’ll ask the question EVERYONE has been asking so it’s on the record somewhere: Does this mean we can expect new material or a new album soon? Maybe even a tour? We have a new EP in the works. We have some of it recorded with Sam. We’ve posted a couple clips on Instagram. We’re incredibly busy and spread out in our personal lives. Chip in TX, Dan in FL, Roo in OR, Rob and Chris in CA. Adulthood is a bitter, pulpy drink! We are going to be playing again. We won’t be leaving the West Coast. We had our fill of middle America and the travel involved. We have talked to some of our buds from our early days of touring about playing alongside (opening for) them for a limited run in 2020. I think that qualifies as a tour. Also, if anyone wants to fly us to Europe to play a festival in 2020, we’d like that. It’ll be an interesting year. How does it feel to be welcomed back by so many adoring fans who still love your music and are hoping for more after a long hiatus? It’s incredibly humbling. I have heard from people throughout the years about how we had affected them and it was always just strange to me. I’m pretty self deprecating, so I just don’t understand how some shit I wrote could mean much to anyone. My mind is just a shotgun blast of panic. I guess all of ours are? I love my band mates and their talents, though. So I understand the sorta sirens draw to the greater extent. I think they only got to show themselves slightly, too. Weird existence. Give us a piece of band trivia you’ve never shared in an interview before! Gees. There is a step-in part to most 15 passenger vans. It is a black, hard plastic. It meets with where you close the sliding door. When we had no bottles to pee in, we would just piss in ‘the step’. This thing was a den of germicidal activity. Trash and piss I don’t think we ever truly cleaned that thing. What’s odd is that we so rarely got ill on tour. The Step kept us healthy on a steady diet of trash and piss and general scum. Finally, this isn’t a question but the hidden track on Turtle Nipple is a fucking masterpiece and I wanted you to know. Thank you! I think that may have been my idea to add some weird 70s funk into an old track of ours. I think it turned out cool, but I think it betrays our vibe on that album! I wish it’d have devolved into some weird, primitive Altered States shit.

[pkmnjesus]

P J’s PokéAni Rewind 2018

It is time for my 3rd annual year-end Tumblr tradition! If you haven’t seen last year’s post, check out my 2017 PokéAni Rewind which featured the Sun & Moon series‘ first full year run. 2018 was a pretty busy and stressful year for this blog with the schedule I put out for myself (coming back from a hiatus and even had a break at one point), and I appreciate all of my followers who’ve stuck with me through it whether or not you were interested in the posts I published on a specific date. The Pokémon anime has officially wrapped up for this year with the return of Brock & Misty just a couple of days ago, and it’s time to highlight some of the best episodes (this post will be following the original Japanese release dates) I personally found noteworthy. Without further delay, let’s take a look back at what the Sun & Moon series had to offer in 2018. LET’S GO!

JANUARY - Meanie to Mareanie

One year later after catching a Mareanie to add to the team, James has a crossroads deciding to release her in the wild to be with a Toxapex (before it evolved) she first loved because he believed that she’ll be much happier and be better taken care of. He couldn’t get her the Corsola necklace, and even got unintentionally mad at her after failing to catch a Frillish. But no matter how much James tries to get the two together, Mareanie continues to stay loyal to him. Even after going to the Kukui residence to think about what it overheard, Mareanie cares very deeply about her trainer (as seen in the flashbacks) despite how much tougher the Toxapex seem to be. Heck even after having a “fisticuffs” with the Toxapex at the beach, both respected each other and James even saved it from an attacking Tentacruel! He ended falling in love with him too after that LOL...everyone loves James! We rarely get to see episodes focusing on a specific Team Rocket Pokémon (Meowth excluded), so I’m happy to see some development between these two.

FEBRUARY - Evolution by (Nya)Heat

First revealed in the CoroCoro spoiler for that month, everyone was anticipating Ash’s Litten to evolve very soon. In this episode, we witnessed the debut of “The Masked Royal” and his Incineroar taking part in Battle Royals seen on Alolan television. While Ash & friends were inside the Battle Royal Dome watching a Battle Royal take place, Litten saw how strong Incineroar was and unexpectedly stepped into the ring to battle it. With The Masked Royal opening up his next Battle Royal match against Ash, Kiawe and Sophocles (who was also wearing a mask lol), he and Incineroar were able to wipe them all out. Litten was determined from that defeat and “fired-up” itself to get stronger by doing some special training with Ash along with the rest of his team. The next day, The Masked Royal offers a rematch in which they immediately accepted. In that re-match, we finally saw our little Litten evolve into one tough Torracat in a very fiery evolution sequence that you don’t see every day. Evolving wasn’t enough to beat Incineroar unfortunately, but on the bright side it was able to learn a new move in Flame Charge! Also it seems that Lana’s interest with muscles seem to be a running gag in the series xD As for The Masked Royal, I’m sure this wasn’t gonna be the last we see of him, and it’s really interesting to see a mentor-rival relationship he has with Ash. He does look familiar right? Hm.

MARCH - Team Skull vs. Illima’s Eeveelution Illusion

The pretty boy is here! Ilima makes his anime debut as an honorary graduate guest of the Pokémon school (which is a perfect fit since he did graduate from the Trainers’ school in the games). They do some cool activities with Kukui’s class like diving off a tree to a big pond of water and engage in some serious games of Pokémon Ping-Pong later on. When Ash challenges him to a battle, it got cut short due to some interference by a certain Team Skull gang. Tupp, who is apparently a childhood “rival” of Ilima’s, wants to some payback because of the fangirls he could have gotten if it weren’t for his Eevee and charming looks. He challenges him to a battle with Salandit, but what he got was a powerful dose of Ilima’s Eevium Z! The move Extreme Evoboost to be exact, and every Eeveelution was spiritually there to gave Ilima’s Eevee a big power boost and deliver a Z-move. Not only was he able to defeat Tupp with that move, but also stole the hearts of multiple female Team Skull grunts. I honestly feel bad for Tupp...guess he needs to humble down a bit? Speaking of Team Skull, I do love that these grunts are getting some screen-time in this episode. Now if only their leader or a “big sister” showed up (:

APRIL - Starship Sophocles

The spotlight goes to Sophocles this month for orchestrating a plan to bring an Ultra Beast back into space! In one of the Ultra Guardian missions to prevent the UBs from staying in the real world, Celesteela proved to be a real challenge being stuck to the ground for about 200 years! Before even receiving the mission, Sophocles knew about the UB being stuck there and even asked his classmates for help with attempting to shovel it out there. I just love the fact that everyone joins in without question to help a friend in need. He continued doing more research about Celesteela, but struggled to find a solution that wouldn’t hurt it. “The Celestial Starship” legend Sophocles grew up with meant a lot to him, and wanted to protect the Celesteela just like what that couple in that story did to the bamboo-looking celestial...protect it at all costs until it was able to find its way back to the moon. Thanks to further excavation and a Beast Ball method, anything is possible! Eventually after the Ultra Guardians fought off Team Rocket's dastardly plans, UB-04 was able to rocket its engines safety as it disappears into the atmosphere. Sophocles finally has a peace of mind. I’m glad that we got some Sophocles development out of it because we got to know more about his heart towards Pokémon rather than his already knowledgable brain. I honestly thought that Celesteela would get more of a menacing role, but I guess it just likes to smile every time there is full moon. Hopefully it’s there right now :D

MAY - The Ula'ula Trials with Nanu & Acerola

The whole month of May in general was one of my favorites because it mainly featured the appearances Kahuna Nanu and Acerola (along with her Shiny ghost Mimikyu) in the anime! Acerola with her sweet attitude toward the kids she was caring for and even made friends with a wild Gengar. Then we got the Kendama cat-master Nanu who has ties with Team Rocket’s Giovanni. He is the one responsible of how Team Rocket got their Z-ring in the first place to finally use the Darkium Z they’ve been carrying for a while. Ash (traveling by himself) spent a lot of time in Ula'ula Island just to get that Grand Trial with Nanu and my goodness did he earn it! After a painful first lost against the old man, Acerola (with an assistance form Tapu Bulu too) was able to help Ash out in improving himself for the epic rematch. Pikachu learning Electro Web, Rowlet being able to use Razor Leaf and Lycanroc controlling its berserk behavior when it gets wet PLUS even learning Stone Edge and Counter in the process! After all of what’s happened, the training paid off when Ash defeated Nanu in the Grand Trial rematch earning him a Lycanium Z. This pretty much felt like a really big mini-arc, and all I can just say is that I’m happy to see Nanu do that Darkium Z pose...not as good as it was in the game but it was still a treat. Also the Uncle relationship that Acerola has with Nanu is adorable. Back to Melemele we go!

JUNE - Lillieum Z

It’s Lillie’s time to shine once again getting some solid development with her trainer skills. I am talking about the episode where the entire class gets lost inside an ice cave that is apparently connected to Mount Lanakila. It’s one of those episodes where everyone pretty much gets split-up into groups. I just really love these types of episodes in general because we always get to see sub-groups from the main cast that we don’t really get to see since we usually see them in a full group or a 1-on-1 hangout. We got Ash & Kiawe on one end, while we have Lana, Rotom Dex and Kiawe’s Alolan Marowak on the other. However the main focus was on the trio of Mallow, Sophocles & Lille attempting to find their way to the others. They did starve, but luckily Mallow had some spare cookies to share! They also discover a group of wild Alolan Sandshrew  getting threatened by a Tyranitar while the group was self-training. Lillie had the courage to intervene and challenges Tyranitar to a Double Battle with Snowy and the Sandshrew leader of the group! After fending off the bully, that Sandshrew evolved (via an Ice Stone found by Sophocles’s Charjabug in which Snowy declined to evolve) into an Alolan Sandslash and gave Lillie an Icium Z to show their gratitude for protecting the group. You’d think that it would get stronger if Snowy would have evolved instead, but NOPE. Our little frosty Vulpix had the same attitude similar to Ash’s Pikachu and fought off that Tyranitar with its own power along with Lillie’s bravery. An Alolan Ninetales would be cool though, but I guess cuteness prevails over beauty...and that’s how I like it :3

JULY - Talk to the Legs

It’s time for dance lessons! I was actually on a tumblr break when this episode aired, so I never really got a chance to talk about it. In one of the more fun assignments Kukui has given out to the class, everyone is required (or at least attempt) in teaching their Pokémon how to dance for an upcoming Pokémon Dance recital activity. Mallow wanted a more traditional dance so she is teaching Steenee the Alola Hula with the help of our friendly old lady Anela at the Hau'oli market. On the day of the performances, Team Rocket crashes the party in style as Jessie & James were crossdressing once again! All were trapped in pairs of cages except Steenee, who was the only hope in saving the day. Once it leaped to one of the cages and stomping on it, it ended up learning the move Stomp. And if you’ve played the games and know your Pokémon, you know what happens next...enter Tsareena! With stronger and bigger legs, she immediately gets rid of Team Rocket’s capturing equipment. Bewear steals the show out of nowhere making its obligatory snagging of the Rocket fam after their plans have failed. Even after evolving, Rowlet is still attracted to the sweet scent, but ended up getting a hard kick in the air that’s more powerful than ever. Better luck next time b0rb...I also do want to add that I am pleased that we got to see Kiawe’s Wela dance with Marowak (I believe this was the first time we saw him doing that?). It’s just like how he is portrayed in the games!

AUGUST - Mina Connection

In another episode I missed on covering (during my break) was the beginning of the signs leading to the “Blinding One" (Japanese: Radiant One). One of my favorite and underrated characters from the Sun & Moon games, Mina (with her Ribombee) also makes an appearance as she served an important role to what Poipole was going to do. Our sticky Ultra Beast becomes inspired after seeing Mina’s paintings, and wanted to express the love Poipole has for its “Alolan family” using its ink. Mina also noticed how much it “like, like, loved” her paintings that she got inspired herself to draw a beautiful portrait of Ash, Kukui and Burnet (along with Poipole, Rotom Dex, Pikachu & Munchlax). That is pretty much Poipole’s Alolan family ever since getting caught by Ash. Lusamine and the others were thrilled to see how Poipole was expressing its emotions through the ink in hopes to further research the vague illustrations. Meanwhile, a certain Team Skull trio engaged in an art competition (hosted by Mina) that didn’t go so well after Tupp showed an awful (he tried his best!) drawing of his Salandit. Eventually Poipole had a dark dream of what looks to be other Poipoles and a Naganadel that looked to be very weak. Ever since that dream, Poipole started drawing very familiar shapes that seem to resemble the Blinding One.

SEPTEMBER - The United Islands of Alola

The conclusion to the Poipole/Necrozma arc is probably the biggest highlight for the series in 2018. From Gladion joining the Ultra Guardians, to Team Rocket’s Matori Matrix attempting catch a fused Necrozma, to Nebby returning to assist with the mission, to rescuing and healing a weakened Lunala, to visiting Poipole’s homeworld and hear a Naganadel talk in their minds...I’m at the edge of my seat! The whole time this arc felt like it could be one Pokémon movie. This should probably make-up for why there really isn’t an Alola-region based Pokémon movie for this series specifically. But going back on topic, the entire region of Alola was still in crisis as Necrozma absorbs all the Z-power the Ultra Guardians tried to strike back with, even after separating it from Nebby. So what does everyone do? UNITE! Not just the Ultra Guardians, not just the Aether Foundation, not just the Kahunas participating in the Manalo Festival, but Alola as a whole teamed up in various locations where citizens swarmed together and gave their “light” by doing Tapu Koko’s pose to bring Necrozma back to its normal form! In one last Ultra stand, Nebby (with Ash holding Solganium Z) and Lunala (with Gladion holding Lunalium Z) gave one final blow to Necrozma. After unleashing the combination of Z-moves, Ultra Necrozma rises from the light and uses its power to restore all the damage that has been done to Alola, thus ending the chaos ensuing in the region. In other news, Faba is probably the only person to know that Professor Kukui is indeed The Masked Royal after calling in his Incineroar to ward off the Matori Matrix.

Of course the most depressing thing out of all this is saying goodbye to our little sticky Poipole friend who had to go back to its home world. Before leaving, it painted Ash & Pikachu’s face as a goodbye gesture. The flashback scenes, and the music in the end was absolutely magnificent to top it all off! We’ll miss you old friend…the series isn’t over yet, so maybe we’ll see it again one day :’D

OCTOBER - Pika Pika Sunday Funday...~pika!

In the heels of releasing our Poipole friend back to its home world, the anime has officially made its move Sunday nights in Japan (episodes have always aired on Thursdays since 1997, so this was pretty historic). Our heroes obviously need some rest and good ol’ fun after what they’ve been through with the Necrozma crisis. We find Ash, Kiawe, and his little sister Mimo visit a Pikachu Valley where they meet a Pikarla, a huge Pikachu fangirl enthusiast. Pikarla gives everyone (including Rotom Dex) a set of Pikachu ear headbands and tails during their entire stay at the valley to the point where she gives them all Pika-names! She even gave Team Rocket some Pika-attire when they came in after Mimikyu hazes the valley in anger (you probably know why). As Team Rocket uses their Mimikium Z to capture all the Pikachu, Pikarla steps in and pulls down one of her wrist bracelets revealing a Z-Ring. She and her shiny Pikachu, Bancho, perform the Z-move Catastropika to release all the Pikachu that have been caught by Team Rocket as they blasted off in the distance (don’t worry Bewear catches them lol). Ash was interested with the move...now if only his Pikachu learned, or should I say re-learn, Volt Tackle :| In the end, Pikarla assembles all of the Pikachu in the valley that was rescued for a roll call with descriptive and specific names for each one. Unfortunately for Ash and Kiawe, they stuck around for that full roll call which literally took the entire day!

NOVEMBER - Hau long have we waited for him!?

FINALLY, Hau makes his long overdue appearance in the anime! Even though we haven’t seen his malasada loving personality yet, I’m just satisfied that we have a worthy rival and new friend for Ash. During this timeline, he still has yet to defeat his grandfather’s trial (Kahuna Hala) in which Ash already did. Impressed by his accolades, he challenges Ash to a battle with his Dartrix. Due to Rowlet’s lack of training, Ash is defeated but promises to beat Hau in their next rematch the following day. Determined for Rowlet to get stronger, he goes back to the place where our birb got raised. Thanks to Toucannon and our Trumbeak friends in a very unique training session (I mean with how Ash demonstrated Bullet Seed), Rowlet is now able to use Seed Bomb! During that process however, it did swallow an Everstone which does prevent it from evolving. When Ash gets his rematch with Hau, he is victorious and the seed spitting paid off! Hau is heavily upset by the loss (nearly tearing up), but quickly picks himself up vowing to battle Ash again after clearing Hala’s trial. I’m just so happy of Hau’s friendly but competitive rival attitude towards Ash, and actually seeing him as strong opponent not to be taken likely. As for our little round birb, I’m not surprised if it won’t be evolving anytime soon because of the Everstone it loves swallow, but hey you never know! One day it could get sick of it, and spit it out for good :3 Then it will grow into a healthy and powerful Decidueye! But for now, I guess the world still needs a lovable Rowlet at all times.

DECEMBER - The Eevee of the Sea, Nagisa

Eevee, where are you going? That has been the question for the past two months ever since this shaggy little Pokémon showed up in special shorts at every end of the episode. Well the Eevee finally reached its destination in the Alola region making friends with Pikachu and others. Meanwhile, Lana and her sisters are thrilled when they heard that their dad is finally coming home. While shopping for supplies for the warm welcome, Lana’s Popplio recognizes an Eevee that is getting chased by an Alolan Persian (the same one that bullied Litten before!) and decides to chase after it. After a whacky and adventurous run around the city, they were able to lose site of Pershie but ran into Team Skull grunts by the beach. When Rapp and Tupp have an argument (and a tug of war with Eevee’s body) on who gets to keep Eevee, Ash & friends were there to break it up! The grunts struck back with all their Pokémon ready for battle, but Lana decides to personally take it in her own hands and commands Popplio to use Aqua Jet, only to have it develop into a wonderful Surf attack. With Eevee joining by Popplio’s side, it gave the final attack with a big Double-Edge to send them flying. The highlight of all this is when Lana gets encouraged by her classmates to capture this ocean loving Eevee as her own, and I like the fact that she used Dive Ball to do it! Not just that, she also nicknames it “Nagisa” (from what I understand it means beach). This is what I’ve been wanting for the anime to have consistently in the past, to use different types of Poké balls and give more options for nicknames just like how it always offers us in the games. Not only did Popplio gain a best friend in Nagisa, but is now part of the Lana’s family with a brand new and clean haircut. It even gave her father the most welcoming and loving gesture of all...a tackle attack to the gut <3

Some honorable mentions…

2018 for PokéAni was one heck of an ULTRA year! It mainly revolved around the Ultra Guardians’ missions in bringing back the Ultra Beasts to where they came from. Other than that, we also got to see Lana & Mallow’s childhood past, the Wela Volcano Hikers return, Rotom Dex shenanigans with form changing and even joining the set of Detective Laki. We got 1-hour specials seeing Lana make friends with a Dewpider plus seeing Mallow’s big brother visiting home, and the recent 2-parter with Dia and his Zeraora in the mysterious Ultra Ruin. For Team Rocket, they temporarily get an Alolan Meowth in their base until it got promoted to HQ, but gets a permanent family member with a Stufful later on (Bewear’s child). We were introduced to the notorious Viren (you may know him as Bourgain in Japanese) who wanted to take down a family ranch, the Battle Royal Dome, and even build his own resort tower all for selfish profit! We also had fun ones like Ash dressing up as a female nurse the class helping Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center, a field trip to a hot spring paradise resort, and the class making their own school play. We also had bizarre ones like Faba accidentally shrinking Ash, Lillie & Sophocles, or Acerola’s haunted house turning into a real ghost Pokémon fantasy. I also want to mention one of the more emotional ones such as the Minior episode where we were first introduced to Molayne and his observatory. Such a strong theme of having precious memories with a sad outcome due to the nature of that certain Pokémon :(

Team Skull were featured in quite a couple of episodes this year as well, and I can’t wait to see what they bring in 2019! Could it finally be the year of Guzma? Or maybe it might be the year of The Masked Royal? We saw a lot of him too this past year, and I’m sure Professor Burnet would love to see more of that...she did hold his hand after all :> Overall, I like the fact that the Sun & Moon anime gave us a variety of different stories every week because of how different each theme and storytelling is. Just look at the list of episodes we’ve had this year, and it’s amazing how we still get some character development out of most of them. If you are still thinking on whether or not to continue watching the series (or if you never started yet), please do watch! It can only get better from here, and I’m sure we’ll get news of an Alola League sooner or later.

And there you have it! There are some moments that I didn’t mention here since this post as long as it already is, so I’ll stop here. If you’ve read everything I had to say (I probably got typos don’t I? lol), then thank you for your time! Feel free share your own favorite PokéAni moment 2018 with a reblog or a reply if you choose to do so. Thanks again for an amazing year, and it’s time for us to ENNJOOYYY 2019′s fun moments and maybe even some surprises. We ended the year with Brock & Misty, and we’re starting 2019 with Brock & Misty! Now that is how you end with a bang and kick-off a party. See y’all in 2019 in what possibly could be the last year for this series. Let’s go and make the most of it ;)

Happy New Year to all my followers, and the rest of the Pokémon fandom!