#lucas tower defense

[roboman1k]

Random shit drawing of the day

[atheone]

Drew my favorite facial expressions of them aka

1. Alberu's "I'm about to scam someone" face

2. Sung Hyunjae's smug face

3. Choi Yuseong's "I'm so handsome" face

4. Lucas' "Don't go anywhere without me" face

[eyeswaitingfortuesdaynight]

finished reading 'tyrant of the tower defense game' last night, i am super obsessed but also learning that mc ash and bff lucas are early 20s AT BEST made me lose my mind

og!ash was the only sane one. these mfs shouldn't fighting to the death against a monster invasion, they should be at the club

[apomaro-mellow]

King and Prince 18

Part 17

He’d heard stories from Dustin and the others about the tales Eddie made up for them. But hearsay was different from actually experiencing it. There was a quick review, a recap that Steve could tell was purely for him, someone who hadn’t been present for the previous tellings. And then they were off.

Eddie started off sitting but didn’t stay still for long. He moved like a man possessed as he weaved the next part of the story. His voice and his mannerisms changed depending on who he was speaking for. An old innkeeper had a withery tone and moved like a frail elder. But then he was a seamstress, with a soothing voice and an elegant way about her movements and gestures. The only time he stopped was when he paused to ask the others what their characters would do in the situation they found themselves in. 

“Stop trying to tell Will what to do, he knows what he should do”, Lucas said.

“Obviously he doesn’t if he hasn’t made a move yet”, Mike said, not backing down.

“You guys aren’t considering every angle”, Will said. “If I go on the offensive, we can cut through, but at the risk of all our stamina. If I go on the defensive, we risk running out of time.”

“And we NEED to save Max and El”, Dustin reminded them.

Max scoffed. “Who said we need saving? El’s working on the lock right now and I can zoom us out.”

“Your confidence is admirable, but misguided”, Mike deadpanned, flinching when Max lunged forward for a fake out punch.

She snorted and gave him a five finger love tap anyway. Eddie watched them all with a devilish grin, probably the most mischievous Steve had ever seen him before they finally came to a decision. The story moved on and ended with a cliffhanger of the boys making it to the wizard’s tower just as the girls broke free of their cage.

“And that is where we shall leave things tonight”, Eddie said, his smile only widening at the groans and boos thrown his way.

“We’re literally crashing through his doors! You can’t end it there!”, Dustin exclaimed.

“You always do this”, Lucas agreed. “You get some sort of fun out of leaving us hanging off the edge.”

Eddie stood up and brushed some imaginary dust off his pants. “That’s my creed, always leave them wanting more. Now off to bed with you.”

With more groaning and moaning, the kids trudged off. Rubbing their eyes and biting back yawns despite denials of being sleepy. Steve stood as well, hanging back just a bit until they were alone.

“So this is a bedtime ritual?”, he asked. “Seems counterintuitive to get them so riled up before bed.”

“Started out that way”, Eddie said. “Grew into this. And what’s wrong with filling their heads with visions of adventure and feats of bravery before they go off to dream land?”

“Well, I must say you’re a master storyteller.”

Eddie moved from his chair and around the table. “We could make a character for you as well, little prince.”

Steve thought about how involved the children got with the story and how there seemed to be rules on who they could interact with and how. It all appeared very technical. He was rather certain they were performing equations in their head while doing it too. 

“I think I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want to ruin the flow of your story.”

When Eddie came to stand near him, Steve started towards the door and they easily fell into step next to each other. Standing this close no longer struck fear in his heart. Steve was beginning to understand that regardless of all else, King Edward, Eddie… was just a man. A man who cared about his subjects, about those in his care. Who did things to make them happy. Things like ordering tailored outfits for them.

“You know, I’ve been wanting to learn more about you-your kingdom. And how it all works.”

“How what all works?”, Eddie asked.

“The beasts at your disposal. The conflict between our two lands is mostly because of them. But your people don’t seem to be afraid despite living closer to them.”

“I know just the perfect teacher for you”, Eddie said as they got to Steve’s door.

Steve imagined Eddie taking him out into the woods again, allowing him to see the beasts face to face and learn first hand what made them so unique. He imagined also getting to know Eddie better. Many parts of him were still a mystery.

So he was a little disappointed the next day when a knock came on his door and it was not Eddie.

“You’re not Eddie.”

“No, I’m Scott Clarke. His Majesty has tasked me with your education. You can call me Mr. Clarke, the rest of the kids do.”

Steve had heard that name here and there from the kids, one of the castle tutors, the one they liked the most. Even so, it felt a little juvenile to be sat down in the library and looked over books and diagrams of something he had already seen with his own eyes.

“You might notice, Your Highness, that tensions rise between our lands mostly in the fall and winter. That is no coincidence. Demobeasts go into hibernation once spring begins and the weather starts to warm up. That doesn’t mean you won’t see the odd one out, perhaps to get a little snack in between its long sleep, but for the most part…”

Steve tried his best to pay attention, he really did. But he wasn’t much for book learning. He got by long enough to learn the basics, but he learned better by doing. Hands on sort of experiences. He tried sitting in Clarke’s lessons for a few days before getting sick of it and finally seeking Eddie out himself.

“You know, when I asked to learn more about your kingdom, I expected to learn from the king”, Steve said when he caught Eddie in the hallway.

“Ah, a king’s work is never done. I thought to give you a man whose knowledge rivals my own. If you wanted some special attention from me, all you had to do is say so.”

They were at least three feet apart and yet Steve felt pinned down by that gaze. It had been a while since he and Eddie had been alone. What would a private tutoring session even look like? Would Steve be able to focus on the actual lesson or…

“I wanted to learn about you too”, he admitted quietly before clearing his throat and speaking more confidently. “So you won’t teach me yourself?”

“I think if you really want to learn, you need to open your ears”, Eddie said. 

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

Steve took to asking others about Eddie instead. About his abilities, about his past, about everything. He spoke to Robin first, hoping to get the most straightforward answer.

“What’s there to say? He’s super old, he’s been ruling since forever, he can shapeshift and control beasts. You know the rest, total joker underneath it all.”

“How long have you known him?”, Steve asked.

“A few years. My mom was less than thrilled that I share affections with other women and I had to find a place to stay. Eddie let me in and the rest is history.”

When he asked Dustin it would’ve been easier to list the things Eddie wasn’t capable of. Changing into any creature imaginable, the power of flight, of sight beyond sight, whatever that meant. It got to the point where Steve was sure he was making things up.

“Next you’re going to tell me he’s an incredible dancer and can cook too.”

“Actually, he can’t do any of those things”, Dustin said. “He does this weird jig that makes his legs look broken and everything he makes comes out either under or overcooked.”

Well, that was a couple supposed flaws. But it didn’t really give him a better image of Eddie. He thought to question the other kids and got very similar answers. The boys practically worshiped the ground he walked on. El spoke reverently as well but didn’t really talk about how she and Eddie had met. Max was less impressed by the feats Eddie had accomplished but despite everything, she respected him.

It wasn’t lost on Steve that most of these children rarely mentioned their parents. Dustin’s mother worked in the kitchen and only after asking directly did Lucas reveal he had a family that lived in the town. But the others were still an enigma. Just as he thought to press deeper, Nancy shoved him against the wall.

“Hey what-”

“Why are you interrogating everyone?”

“Interrogating? Does it look like that?”

“You’re asking personal questions. A lot of them people might not want to answer”, Nancy said, glaring at him.

“I’m just trying to understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Everything? Everyone? People have always said I’m an idiot and for once I’m trying to fix that.” 

Nancy glared and crossed her arms. “Sometimes people aren’t so open to sharing. I hope you understand that.”

“I do.”

Her expression softened just a little. “A lot of us have things we want to hide. That’s why we’re here-Eddie-he-he lets us live the way we want. Without fear. That’s the most important thing. At least in my opinion.”

Steve nodded. “I understand.” 

And he did. He just wished to know, to really know, to be…well a part of it all. Sometimes it still felt like he was on the outside looking in. He was sitting by his window, gazing up at the stars, wondering what else was missing. Just about all his needs were being met. He was getting closer with everyone. And yet there was still this itch under his skin. He felt silly the next morning, but it took a hazy dream of hands and lips and then waking up to his own erection to realize what he had been hungry for.

Part 19

Tag Team

@thesuninyaface @only-evanescent  @snakeorsquid  @ignoremyworld  @theclichefortunecookie 

@goodolefashionedloverboi  @just-a-tiny-void  @0body0disphoria0  @cinnamon-mushroomabomination  @samsoble 

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@anne-bennett-cosplayer  @moomkin77  @here4thetrama  @bookworm0690  @autumncrocusandladybug

@lil-gremlin-things @littlebluejane

[bordysbae]

Adam, being protective of you. Maybe something happens at a party and the guys get involved

“pretty lady”

adam fantilli x f!reader

warning: underage drinking, creepy men, cursing

you and adam have been dating since about october, and you’ve grown super close to his teammates over first semester. you all decided to take a visit to the bar on one of the concluding nights of winter break, but that was nothing but a dumb idea. already it was a struggle to get in since the fakes nearly didn’t work, but somehow you all got in safely. adam offered to pay for your drinks, but rutger paid for a round of shots to get everyone started.

“alright, you wanted rum and coke right?” adam asks as he begins to take his arm off of your shoulder. you nod your head and watch as he vanishes into the crowd. as you reach into your pocket for your phone, you sense a manly figure standing next to you. you look up expecting one of the wolverines, but when an unfamiliar face smiles down at you your heart begins to race.

“hey pretty lady, that tool finally left you alone,” he chuckles and gives you a slight smirk. your breath hitches as you realize you’re going to have to reject the tall and built stranger in front of you.

“you mean my boyfriend? he’s getting me a drink,” you scoff and look back down at your phone. suddenly a finger lifts your chin up, and that’s when you realize he has no intentions of leaving you alone. as his eyes trail up and down your body, his eyes widen when they reach your hips and chest. one of his eyebrows raise, and he steps closer to you.

“can you fucking leave me alone?! i told you i have a boyfriend. i’m not interested buddy,” you roll your eyes and scoot farther away from him. unfortunately that fails and he just steps closer. he then lifts your chin up again; forcing you to look straight into his eyes. “watch your fucking hands douchebag!” adam yells, immediately storming towards the man in front of you. adam slightly towers over him by possible two or three inches.

“chill man, it’s not that serious,” the guy shrugs before dropping his hand and taking a step back. as he does he takes one last not so sneaky glance at your body up and down, and that sends adam over the edge. he immediately grabs his collar and pins him against the wall behind you. adam’s teammates appear out of nowhere and pull him off of the man.

adam keeps shouting profanity at the guy meanwhile being taken out of the bar by security. you’re still in shock, but as luca’s hands grip your shoulders you turn around and let out a breath. “the hell happened in there?”

“a perve, that’s what happened,” you sigh, and luca gives you a pitiful look. adam then comes over to you both, and you take a good look at the little bruise forming on his upper arm. you gasp, “adam you’re bruising!”

“if you think that’s bad, you should see the other guy,” he half jokes, and your just roll your eyes.

“you didn’t need to do all that you know, i can protect myself for the most part,” you state.

“yeah i know i’ve seen your self defense practice with your dad, but you clearly needed help in that situation babe. are you complaning that your 6’2 hockey playing boyfriend protects you?” he smirks at the last part, which makes you let out a loud chuckle.

“well when you put it like that…”

“yup exactly, anything for the pretty lady,” he mocks the man from the bar, which makes your already pink cheeks grow even hotter.

[t-lostinworlds]

" it's okay. i promise you, i will be here when you wake up. " with steve harrington please :)

A/N: i'm such a sucker for a love confession moment so it somehow made it's way here lmao. hope u like this @annab-nana !! <3

steve harrington x fem!reader | wc: 1.3k | best friends to lovers, canon typical violence, blood | prompts in bold!

The party was cornered when you found them.

They were trapped against the edge of the cabin, a Demogorgon towering over them. El was unconscious in Max's arms, Dustin was kneeling beside them, trying to reach for any help via his walkie, Lucas, Will and Mike shielding them on all sides.

Steve was at the forefront, knuckles near white as he gripped his infamous bat.

The self-sacrificial lamb, the self-appointed human shield.

And you were tired of it.

You were tired of seeing your best friend getting hurt, of him acting like he was expendable, that it didn't matter how badly beaten he got as long as he could save someone else, careless of his own life as if being at the battlefront was all he was born for, a penance.

So then came an idea—an exceptionally stupid idea. 

But it was good enough.

"Hey, tooth decay!" you shouted, grip tightening on the kitchen knife you'd grabbed out of panic when you caught wind of Dustin's call on the radio. With a sharp breath, you cut across your palm, hissing as blood dripped down your fingertips, thick and crimson. You held it out, grinning when the Demogorgon started to look for the smell. "Heard you have some sort of iron deficiency!"

"What the fuck are you doing!" Steve yelled, and you wanted to flick his ear for trying to ruin your spontaneously dangerous plan.

Though a split second later, you could see it on his face, the realization of exactly what it was you were doing.

You slowly backed away when the monster turned, keeping your hand out to ensure your role: the bait.

"Get them to safety!" you called out when it finally walked to you.

"NO!"

It lunged.

You ran.

Hand stinging and tainted red, heart pumping in your ears, in sync with your fast pace, motivated by the much heavier footfall behind you, claws tearing into the ground, growing nearer and—

You yelped when a branch caught your foot, breath knocked out of you when you landed on your front. With gritted teeth, you crawled towards the knife, whimpering as you turned your body and rested your back against the tree, blade wielded, a poor attempt at defense.

After all, what would one kitchen knife do compared to hundreds of it in the Demogorgon's mouth alone?

The next thing you felt was sharp claws across your stomach, a shrilling scream leaving your lips, muffled by the ringing in your ears.

There was a shout of your name, a series of gunshots, a collection of footsteps, and then, everything went dark.

•••

The light came back in the form of constant beeping.

You groaned, lifting your hand to rub your eyes only to stop when you couldn't move it. Something heavy was on top of it. Blinking away the drowsiness, only then did you notice the rough fingers interlocked with yours.

Slowly looking up, you saw Steve watching you carefully, features momentarily covered in relief before they hardened.

Before you could ask him what was wrong, he let go of your hand.

You ignored the sting in your chest as you watched him stomp toward the door and poked his head out. You heard muffled voices followed by departing footsteps. Steve walked back inside but stood at the corner of the room, arms crossed, jaw clenched, eyes deadset on the tiled floor.

A few seconds later, Dustin came in with a nurse and doctor in tow.

Steve never said a single word.

Not when they checked your vitals, not when the rest of the party stumbled into the room with relieved smiles and grateful laughs, not even when it was later in the night when everyone had gone home, leaving the two of you alone once again.

No, Steve remained in his corner, unmoving, quietly seething. Because if he were a cartoon, you could practically see his hair flowing as steam blew out of his ears.

"What?" you said, voice hoarse, tone teasing. "No, 'thank you for saving our asses' speech?"

That set him off.

Steve growled as he started pacing in front of your bed, wearing down tracks on the tiles. You carefully watched him as he tugged on his roots, harsh palm over his reddened face, chest heaving, fist clenched.

Oh he was pissed.

"Steve—"

"I'm so fucking mad at you right now," he growled, shooting you a glare.

"I can tell," you muttered, fiddling the bandage around your hand.

"I can't fucking believe you've done that! Y-You and your fucking self-sacrificial ass—"

"Well, sorry for taking your self-sacrificial title in the group. Didn't know you're so sensitive about it," you scoffed, eyes rolling.

"That's not funny," he snapped, pointing a warning finger at you. "That's not fucking funny."

"Steve—"

"You almost died!"

You frowned at the slight shake in his voice, your slight annoyance replaced with worry.

"You almost…you could've died and I-I thought—" Steve took a sharp breath, rubbing his face frustratedly as he kept pacing in front of the bed. "I thought I lost my best friend! I thought I lost you b-before I could…before I—"

"Steve…"

"Before I could even say I love you!"

You froze.

"I-I don't care if you hate me for this o-or if I've ruined our friendship or what b-but I just need to—"

"Will you shut up and kiss me?"

Steve blinked. One, two, three before he stalked towards the bed, palms rough yet gentle as he held your face and all but crashed his lips on yours.

The kiss was heavy, sweet, desperate, laced with worry and need, a touch of longing, hints of lust, overflowing with love.

You pulled away when you felt wetness on your cheeks, heart aching when you realized the tears were not yours.

"You s-scared me," he croaked, eyes screwed shut, reflective lines running down his flushed cheeks. "You scared me so fucking much."

"I'm sorry," you whispered, thumbs catching the tears before they could touch his skin. "Hey, I'm okay now. We're okay."

Steve nodded wordlessly, forehead pressed against yours as he tried to even his breathing. Clearing his throat, his voice was still rough as he whispered,

"Promise me you won't ever do that again."

"If it means saving your life and the kids? You know I won't hesitate to do it again," you said truthfully with a small smile. "And I know you'd do the same, too."

"God you're so annoying," he grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched. You were right, after all.

You chuckled, sound dying with a frown when you saw the already prominent, dark circles under his eyes.

You didn't know how long you were unconscious nor how bad it got when that thing attacked you.

But you did know Steve.

How he probably hadn't left your side since then, how his guilt had been eating him alive as he carefully watched over you, ears tuned into the soft beeps, his damning thoughts not giving him a moment of respite in fear that you'd suddenly be taken from him if he did as much as closed his eyes for a few minutes.

It made your heart melt and break in the same breath.

"You should get some sleep."

He shook his head, words of protest already on the tip of his tongue.

"Hey," you cut him off, cupping his face, placing tender sweet kisses on his lips. "It's okay. I promise you, I will be here when you wake up."

"You better be or I'm hunting you down and strapping you to the bed."

You wiggled your brows. "Kinky."

"I hate you," he groaned, face buried in your neck.

"I love you, too."

You felt his smile grow against your skin.

"Now, go to sleep. We all know you need your beauty rest. Your hair is starting to lose volume, Harrington."

"You're unbelievable."

⤷ still accepting asks & requests! come join and frolic with me!

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[quinnick]

Silence is a Killer

Summary: Mike attempts to come out in front of everyone 

Ship: established Byler

Length: 683

Mike didn’t really think he’d get this far. He’d thought he’d chicken out or Will would change his mind. He really hoped this whole thing with Will wasn’t some cruel prank on him because there was no other way to get out of this than admitting it. Laying it all out on the table and see how everyone would react. Which was proving to be way harder than he thought.

The silence rested heavy on his shoulders and he found himself slouched back over to the height of everyone sitting. All their eyes stared at him and tried to take him apart. All trying to figure out his next words. He searched everyone’s faces for a sympathetic soul but only found confused glances in all but Will’s eyes. His deep brown eyes drawing him in and grounded him to the floor beneath him. 

“Mike,” Nancy’s voice broke him out of his soothing trance. “If you don’t actually have something to sa-”

“I do!” Mike shouted and all the anxiety fell back down onto him. He cleared his throat. “I really do.”

He watched them all swap confused glances; Eventually, each glance fell onto Will but Will never took his eyes of Mike. Everyone all followed Will’s gaze back to Mike as he patiently waited. 

Mike fixed his postured, the best it had been in years, and he crossed his arms. 

“Me and Will are dating. We have been for a while. And if any of you have a problem with it, keep it to yourself,” He stated. His brain running a mild a minute as it prepared for any response. He even was willing to start a fight.

He wasn’t prepared for silence. Robin and Steve swapped nervous glances while Joyce flashed Hopper a warning glance. Lucas, Dustin, and Jonathan all looked to Will. 

Mike felt his own stomach drop as he crumbled back in on himself. The way his stomach twisted felt like a gut punch. His eyes now trained on floor as he wished he would sit down and pretend this never happened. Mike Wheeler? In love with a boy? Probably something they all saw coming but maybe they didn’t think he would be so shameless about it. 

“Mike!” Will shouted and he felt an arm wrap around his midsection and attempted to drag him to the safety of the couch. 

He didn’t budge.

“Mike, please,” Will whispered with a wobble in his voice. Like every syllable was hard to get out.

“Oh, honey,” Joyce cooed and he felt a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay. It’s okay. Hey, look at me.”

Mike gingerly looked up at her. His face burned as tears rolled down his cheeks. His heart not even daring to slow down even with tears lining Joyce’s eyes. 

“It’s okay. We all love you,” She smiled as looked to Will. “I am so happy for you.”

Mike looked over to Will who had a goofy grin spread across his face as tears dried on his cheeks. Mike’s heart slowed just for a moment as it stuttered when Will let out a giggle.

“I love you, mom.”

Mike found himself scooped into a tight hug and time finally stopped dragging out. The pain in his chest now light enough to float away as he returned the hug, 

When they pulled apart, Mike looked around at his friends and noticed first Robin and Steve giving him the biggest thumbs up. As if they were rating his coming out, and he did very well. 

“Just as long as you don’t start ditching us to make out with Will all the time,” Dustin said. “Than I fully support this.”

“I doubt they’ll make out at all since Mike can’t shut up when he is around Will,” Lucas stated.

“Hey!”

Mike would have defended himself but any defense was lost in his throat as a shadow cast over him alerted him to the presence of Hopper. He looked up to see the man towering over him with his arms crossed. 

“Two inches?” Mike tried with a forced innocent grin.

“Three. Three inches, Wheeler.”

[boot2004]

Ok so I’ve been reading this series called “Tyrant of the Tower Defense Game” and it’s so good

So basically a guy who was basically the best at this tower defense/almost DnD like video game beats the hardest difficulty with no savescumming (Ironman mode). He’s the first ever person to do this after years of the game coming out. He’s then sucked into the world of the game. Innovative, I know.

So he becomes the third prince Ash in the game, who sucks bad and is supposed to die in the tutorial. So now Ash has to survive the tutorial, defend the castle town of Crossroad from monsters until he’s beaten the game again, and he has to make sure people don’t realize that he isn’t the original Ash.

The characters are also really good. Ash is almost like Kim Dokja from ORV if you’ve read that (self-sacrificing, caring, uses people), Lucas, who is Ash’s bodyguard is basically a golden retriever in human form, and there’s other great characters too who you’ll get to know.

For people who care about genre I’d say it’s a mix between comedy and action (wow a manhwa that has those two? never seen before) but it definitely has its serious moments. Characters you like might die. Your blorbo might die. My blorbo (probably) won’t die because that’s Ash.

Read it read it read it read it

^This is Ash btw

[out-with-the-boys]

The Dance- Chapter 08

Homelander x Supe OC

Notes: 18+ This chapter contains themes of and references to deep, personal losses, which may be distressing to some readers. Please take care while reading.

Each chapter will have individual content warnings as they apply to avoid spoilers. Find this work on AO3. Tumblr master post here.

Previous Chapter.

The Oklahoma sky sagged under the weight of storm clouds, the muted grays like a shroud, as if the world itself mourned with her. The air, thick with humidity and unshed tears, clung to Morgan's skin as rows of cars lined the narrow road leading to the church—a procession of quiet grief.

Her father had planned every detail down to the letter, leaving little for her family to arrange in the three days since his passing. But already, it felt like a lifetime without him.

Outside the church, Morgan lingered, unwilling to step through the doors and face the casket. She greeted family and friends, enduring hugs that squeezed her still-tender ribs, grounding her in the pain. It was all she could feel now—pain, and the dull weight of exhaustion. At the very least, it helped her stay grounded.

Having her siblings close helped too. Sammy had been an absolute angel, taking charge of all the preparations. There wasn’t a single detail missed, and it allowed their mother time to grieve in the ways she needed.

Lucas and his family arrived a day after she had, and they had also been instrumental in pulling things together. Her big brother, an army vet himself, had made sure all the necessary arrangements were made for their father to receive a proper military sendoff. Her sister-in-law Celeste, and her niece Elise even found ways to stay busy.

In contrast, Morgan felt like she had been in the way of everything. She still wasn’t fully recovered from the building collapse in Harlem, and nobody would let her lift a finger. All she was really good for was sitting with her mother and consoling her.

Hell, even Charlie had heard the news and made his way to Pawhuska to help out. At that moment, he was inside the chapel, ushering people into seats. As much as she wanted to be angry at him for choosing now of all times to act like they were family, she just couldn’t bring herself to feel anything more than numb.

Before long, the chapel was just about full. Fewer and fewer people were walking up to greet Morgan, and it was almost time for the service to begin. For just the briefest moment, Morgan considered just walking down the road as far as her legs would carry her. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye for good.

As the thought crossed her mind,the air shifted. She felt it before she saw him. That familiar intensity. 

Morgan’s breath hitched in her chest as Homelander descended from the overcast sky, his silhouette slicing through the gray. His eyes scanned the sparse church lawn, briefly pausing on each cluster of mourners before locking onto hers. She felt the weight of his presence, a familiar intensity that both unsettled and anchored her. 

He looked out of place, garishly wrapped in red, white, and blue amid the sea of black and army dress blues, a living reminder that her life was anything but ordinary. Morgan’s instincts screamed to shield her mind, to fortify against his unspoken scrutiny, but the fatigue dulled her defenses. Even now, at her father’s funeral, she could feel his gaze trying to unearth something hidden, something she wasn’t ready to share.

“What are you doing here?” Morgan’s voice wavered between suspicion and exhaustion, her gaze flickering between him and the open church doors. She braced herself for his reply, the part of him that always had an angle. 

“Well, there’s not much going on back at the tower, and I figured you could use the support.” He shrugged, the casualness of the gesture masking the curiosity bubbling just beneath. 

Morgan clenched her jaw, swallowing a retort. She knew he was here to prod, searching for a way in, as if he could decode her grief like a puzzle. She longed to push him away, to sever the connection before he peeled back yet another layer of her guarded life. But instead, she just nodded, the silence between them filled with all the words she refused to say.

“Thanks…” she murmured, swallowing her frustration. “We should probably head inside then. I think the service is about to begin.” 

Homelander nodded, his gaze lingering on her as a question sat on the tip of his tongue. Morgan didn’t even wait for the thought in his mind to finish forming before heaving a soft sigh. Even at her father’s funeral, everything had to be about putting on a show. 

“We’ll make room on the front pew.” she muttered, gently taking him by the crook of his elbow. She hadn’t expected the casual contact to make him flinch the way he did, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. 

 It was impossible to ignore the shocked looks from family, people who had known her since she was a child, staring in disbelief at the larger-than-life figure by her side. The weight of Homelander’s presence pressed against her as they made their way to the front pew, and Morgan could feel the eyes on them, every whisper like a needle prick on her skin. All she could do was count the steps to the front of the chapel and ignore the murmurs– both mental and verbal.

Her mother barely spared Homelander a glance as they settled in, her grip on Morgan’s hand tightening, a lifeline in the relentless tide of grief. As the pastor’s voice droned on about life, loss, and legacy, Morgan’s mind wandered, pulled back to a summer evening long ago. She could still see her father at the grill, laughing as he flipped burgers, smoke curling into the twilight. 

‘You’re the strongest of us all, you know that?’ he’d said, ruffling her hair in that way she’d pretended to hate. ‘I’m proud of you kiddo.’

Now, those words felt like a cruel joke. Her father, the man who’d seemed invincible, was reduced to a polished casket and a few fleeting memories that felt too fragile to hold onto. It was enough to make her feel like she was going to fall apart. Morgan squeezed her mother’s hand, trying to anchor herself to the present, but every breath felt heavier, weighed down by the impossible finality of goodbye.

The dreary afternoon pressed on as the church service concluded and the congregation moved along to the cemetery. Naturally a few of the other attendees asked for selfies or handshakes between venues, but for the most part, it remained a solemn affair. Somewhat surprised, but absolutely relieved, Morgan couldn’t help but notice that Homelander was on his absolute best behavior– save a pointed glance or two at Charlie on occasion.

Everything moved along as planned, and everyone played their roles perfectly.

It wasn’t until the graveside service ended, and the small crowd began to disperse, that Morgan felt the real pressure again. The dull ache in her ribs had returned, matched only by the pounding behind her eyes. It was time for life to carry on from here.

"We’re still planning on you for dinner, right?" Sammy asked softly, squeezing Morgan’s arm. "Work doesn’t need you right away, do they?"

Morgan opened her mouth to answer, but before she could get out a single word, Homelander’s voice cut through.

"I wouldn’t worry about things over at Vought. They’ve got things covered.” he said with a dismissive wave. “Nobody’s going to miss us for another evening.”

His choice of the word ‘us’ hadn’t slipped past anyone’s notice. 

Before Morgan could stop it, her mother’s southern hospitality came out in full force. 

“If that’s the case, you’ll have to join us for supper.” she said, her voice still full of warmth and welcome, despite how worn she was from grieving. 

“Oh, well, I don’t want to impose.” Homelander said smoothly, with an affectation of deference. 

“Nonsense, there’s always room for friends at our table.” her mother insisted.

She glanced at Homelander, who was playing his part to perfection, nodding graciously with that polished charm. It was strange to watch him here, in this simple, rural setting, amidst people who would never understand the gravity of his presence. But it wasn’t the first time she’d seen him don the mask. Even now, she could sense the undercurrent of his thoughts—discomfort, curiosity, a tinge of superiority—and that slight need for control.

“Well then,” Sammy said, her voice bright despite the somberness of the day. “It’s settled. Momma’s got a roast in the oven, and I’m sure we can whip up a few extra sides.”

Morgan smiled weakly, though her mind was already racing ahead to dinner. The idea of sitting around the table, sharing a meal in the wake of her father’s death, with Homelander of all people, seemed like a waking nightmare. There were bound to be questions—subtle ones from her family, not-so-subtle ones from him.

As they made their way back toward the cars, Morgan noticed Charlie lingering near the entrance of the cemetery. His eyes caught hers for a moment. She thought about the pointed looks Homelander had given him during the service, and a knot tightened in her chest. This dinner had the potential to unravel more than just her nerves.

“You sure about this?” she asked quietly, leaning toward Homelander as they neared her rental car. “Dinner with my family?”

He smirked, tilting his head just slightly as he regarded her. “The ‘Todds?’ I hadn’t realized until now that you kept Charlie’s last name. I wonder if they’ll have any insight into that.”

Inhaling deeply, she held a retort in her chest until she could feel it burn behind her sternum. There it was. His investigation was off to a great start.

Morgan didn’t answer him. Instead, she turned her attention to the rental car, her hand lingering on the door handle as she steeled herself for the evening ahead. The ride to her mother’s house was mercifully short but felt like it stretched on forever. 

He had opted to follow her from the skies, rather than sit in the car with her, which was a welcome decision on her part. She had time to listen quietly to the questions stewing in his head overhead, giving her a chance to prepare responses. Of course, she also had to anticipate her family and their usual candor about things. 

It had been a long time since she had even dared think about compelling anyone she knew with her powers. The idea was awfully tempting.

As she pulled into the long gravel driveway of her childhood home, Morgan's stomach knotted. The old farmhouse sat comfortably on the land, surrounded by fields that stretched out to meet the horizon, an enduring reminder of simpler times. But there was nothing simple about tonight.

She could already see Sammy through the kitchen window, setting the table, and her mother fussing over something on the stove. The warmth and normalcy of it all felt worlds away from the life she’d been living. Yet here she was, dragging Homelander into the heart of it, knowing full well the disruption he was bound to cause.

“Here we are,” she muttered, more to herself than him, as she shut the car door and he landed just beside her.

“Charming,” he said, his voice neutral but the undertone unmistakable.

Inside, the house was a flurry of soft voices and clinking dishes. Her mother, ever the gracious hostess, greeted them at the door, giving Homelander a warm smile despite the grief etched into her features. 

Inside, the house buzzed with soft voices and the familiar clink of dishes, a muted symphony of everyday life carrying on despite the gaping absence. Her mother greeted them at the door, her smile strained but genuine, the lines of grief etched deeply into her face. 

“We’ve just about got everything ready,” she said, the warmth of her hospitality not yet dimmed by sorrow. “Y��all make yourselves at home.” 

Homelander stepped inside, eyes roaming over the framed family photos on the walls—Morgan’s graduation picture, her father in his dress blues, a collage of the life she’d once known. She could feel his judgment seeping into every corner of the room, his disdain masked by polite interest. For a split second, she caught the flicker of something raw beneath his cool exterior, a flash of envy that quickly vanished. Morgan wondered if he saw what she did: a simpler life, untouched by the toxic complexities of power and control. 

“Aunt Morgan, c’mere!” Elise called, waving Morgan over from the dining table, where she sat hunched over her phone. “I need you to settle something between me and Tucker.”

It was a welcome distraction. Morgan knew all too well that Elise had been glued to her phone whenever she wasn’t helping with the funeral preparations, lost in a world of teenage crushes and trivial debates. 

“You tell him I’m not fielding any more questions about ‘who would beat who in a fight,’” Morgan called back, her voice light as she forced a crooked grin.

“No, this is a good one, I swear!” Tucker’s voice crackled through the phone’s speaker. “Starlight versus Stormfront! They both have electricity-based powers, right? So who would win?”

“Starlight, obviously,” Elise snorted, rolling her eyes. “Stormfront is basically a walking powerbank for her abilities.”

Morgan chuckled at their playful argument, but unease simmered beneath the laughter as she approached the table. The debate might have been innocent fun for them, but for Morgan, it was an uncomfortable reminder of the twisted reality she lived in. Her eyes flicked to Homelander, hovering near the kitchen doorway, his expression carefully neutral. She could feel his attention, not on the kids but on her—always watching, always calculating. 

“As I keep saying, The Seven are a united front,” Morgan said, leveling a look at Homelander that dared him to challenge her. “There’s no reason for any of us to fight each other. Our job is to help people, not engage in gladiatorial combat.”

Elise giggled, but Tucker’s disappointed groan buzzed faintly from the phone. Homelander, however, didn’t miss his cue.

“Oh, come on now, that’s not the answer they’re looking for, Psyren,” he chimed in, his tone playful but edged with something sharper. “And that’s not entirely true, either. Your aunt, young lady, is notorious for causing trouble at Seven Tower.”

Elise’s eyes widened with interest, drawn to Homelander’s charisma like a moth to flame. Even Morgan’s sharpest glares couldn’t break the spell he cast over a room. 

“Oh my god, is that who I think it is?” Tucker’s voice crackled with disbelief.

“Yeah,” Elise said, puffing up with pride. “I forgot to tell you—we’re having Homelander over for dinner.” She basked in the moment before adding, “Anyway, Nana’s gonna get on my case if I don’t wash up. I’ll call you later!”

Morgan watched Elise disappear down the hallway, leaving a silence that felt like a drawn breath, waiting to be released. The dining room seemed to shrink around them, every unspoken thought amplifying the tension between Morgan and Homelander. He thrived in moments like these—teetering on the edge of confrontation, prodding at Morgan’s composure just to see how far he could push.

“Now, what’s this I hear about Morgan causing trouble all the way out there in New York?” Her mother’s voice cut through, a mix of curiosity and maternal concern as she shuffled into the room, balancing a roasting pan.

Morgan sprang up, her pulse quickening. “Mom, let me help with that,” she said quickly, desperate to redirect the conversation away from Homelander’s bait.

“Oh, sit back down.” She waved her off with a weary smile, setting the pan down on the table. “I’ve got it.”

Morgan sank back into her chair, feeling the heat of Homelander’s stare, his grin widening as he watched her squirm. She clenched her hands under the table, her nails digging into her palms—a futile attempt to ground herself.

“See? Exactly what I’m talking about, Mrs. Todd—” Homelander started, his tone smug.

“Honey, call me Janelle,” her mother interrupted, with the practiced ease of a southern hostess, despite the grief still etched into her features.

Morgan felt her jaw tighten, resisting the urge to snap back at him. He was enjoying this too much—turning her own family’s warmth into a platform for his petty games.

“Janelle,” Homelander continued smoothly, leaning back with an air of false humility, “your daughter just doesn’t know when to quit. She throws herself into her work like she’s trying to make the rest of us look bad. I mean, really, you should see it.”

Morgan’s cheeks flushed, anger and embarrassment mixing into a familiar, suffocating heat. “Just trying to do my job.”

“Oh, come on now,” he teased, the challenge unmistakable in his voice. “You’re being modest. You’ve always been an overachiever, haven’t you?”

Morgan’s mind flashed back to her father’s words, the constant push to excel, to be more than ordinary. It was a mantra she’d lived by, but here, in Homelander’s mouth, it felt twisted, weaponized against her. She shot him a sharp look, but the intensity of his gaze held her captive. Every word felt like a test, and Morgan could sense the satisfaction he took in keeping her on edge.

“Overachiever doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Lucas’s voice broke the tension, his chuckle warm as he entered with a bowl of mashed potatoes. “You should see her old room upstairs. It’s a shrine to every academic achievement she’s ever made.”

Morgan forced a tight smile, but her heart pounded. The past that Lucas so fondly recalled felt distant and hollow now, overshadowed by the relentless expectations that had followed her into adulthood. And Homelander, seated comfortably in her family’s home, was a constant reminder of the cost of those achievements.

“You know, that just makes me think about how lucky we are to have her in The Seven.” Homelander said, his voice smooth, leaning back as if he had been seated comfortably at this table dozens of times before. “I mean, imagine if you’d stayed locked up in R&D all this time. What a waste that would’ve been, right?”

Morgan tensed, recognizing the calculated glint in his eyes. He was baiting her, nudging the conversation toward uncomfortable truths. 

“It’s not exactly a waste when you’re doing work that matters,” Morgan replied, trying to keep her tone even. “Not everything is about being in the spotlight.”

Homelander’s smile widened, almost predatory in its subtlety. “Oh, I know you were doing important work, but let’s be real. You don’t belong in a lab coat—you belong out there, making a difference where everyone can see it. People need heroes they can look up to, not just scientists behind the scenes.”

Morgan felt the familiar prickle of resentment crawling up her spine. She knew what he was implying, even if her family didn’t. To Homelander, supes were meant to be deified. To him, anybody with powers was in a class above the rest, meant to be put on display. Anybody he considered less-than, was meant to worship them.

“Now you know how I feel about folks behind the scenes, Morgan,” Sammy chimed in, her voice light but carrying that familiar, theatrical lilt. She strode into the dining room with a pitcher of ice water, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “I mean, I love what I do now, but let’s be honest—no one ever remembers the stagehands or directors. They’re the backbone of every production, but it’s the actors who get the standing ovations. It’s the faces in front of the crowd that make the real impact.”

Sammy’s words stung more than Morgan wanted to admit. Her sister’s world was so different, but the parallels were painfully clear. Morgan had spent years in the lab, behind the scenes, crafting the kind of safety nets that supes rarely acknowledged. Yet here was Sammy, echoing Homelander’s sentiment without even realizing it, as if it were the most natural truth in the world.

“It’s not always about the spotlight, Sam,” Morgan said, her voice tight as she tried to keep her irritation in check. “Some of us are just trying to do our part without making it a performance.”

Sammy shrugged, her expression softening. “I’m just saying, you’ve got the kind of talent that deserves to be seen. It’s a shame to hide it away.”

Homelander seized the moment, his gaze flickering toward Morgan. “You know, the thing about your baby sister,” he said, addressing Sammy and the rest of the table, “is that she’s a bit of a rarity. Most of us had to be molded and shaped into what we are. But Morgan? She’s something else entirely.”

Morgan’s heart skipped a beat. She could sense where this was going and braced herself for the inevitable. He was hinting at her origins, teasing the truth that had been unearthed—her powers didn’t seem to stem from Compound V, and that made her different. A liability, an unknown.

“Well, I can definitely say she’s special in my book,” her mother said warmly, giving Morgan’s knee an affectionate pat. “But it’s not just about what she can do. It’s the way she’s always carried herself—with determination and a good heart. I’d say that’s the real superpower that Noah and I were able to help nurture into something truly great.”

Homelander’s expression tightened momentarily, the faintest crack in his polished demeanor. For a brief second, Morgan caught the flicker of something darker—resentment, perhaps, or the sting of a truth he could never fully grasp. He recovered quickly, masking his irritation with a tight-lipped smile.

“Absolutely,” he said, leaning back in his chair as if conceding a minor point. “It’s a rare combination—nature and nurture coming together like that. Makes her one-of-a-kind.” His voice softened, but Morgan didn’t miss the way his words lingered, a quiet acknowledgment of a uniqueness that eluded him.

Morgan forced a smile, nodding along as if the conversation hadn’t just brushed dangerously close to exposing everything she wasn’t ready to face. Her mother’s reassurance was like a lifeline, pulling her back from the precarious edge Homelander had pushed her toward.

“It’s always been about more than just powers,” Morgan added, trying to steer the conversation away from the unsettling territory. “Dad always said it’s what you do with what you’re given that counts.”

Her mother nodded, her gaze softening with pride. “And you’ve done so much, Morgan. You’ve made us proud just by being yourself, whether it’s in a lab, on the front lines, or at the dinner table. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

Homelander, sensing the subtle shift in the room, finally backed off, his expression cooling. “Well, I think we can all agree on that,” he said, raising his glass in a mock toast. “To Morgan—making a difference, no matter where she is.”

The tension in the room eased slightly, though Morgan could still feel the residual sting of his earlier comments. She raised her own glass, more out of habit than celebration, meeting Homelander’s gaze with a silent promise: she wouldn’t let him dictate who she was, no matter how hard he tried.

“To family,” Morgan echoed, her voice steadying as the words settled in the air. She clinked her glass gently against her mother’s and then Homelander’s, anchoring herself in the simple, irrefutable truth of who she was—beyond the powers, the expectations, and the relentless scrutiny. For tonight, at least, that would have to be enough.

Song: Not About Angels by Birdy

Author’s notes:

Hey everyone, thanks for reading this chapter! I really enjoyed writing this scene. Morgan’s family plays a critical role in grounding her and it was important to have a scene where Homelander gets to see that up close and personal. This chapter is a turning point for Morgan as she continues to grapple with her identity and her place in The Seven. 

Thanks so much for reading and for your continued support! Your feedback means the world, and I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of this chapter. Stay tuned! There’s a lot more to come!

Next chapter.

[crystalelemental]

Unit Teambuilding - Battle Tower (Alt) Leon

I hate that it’s alt, but I guess “Battle Tower Leon” is a lot more to write out, so they went with Alt Leon.  Sure.  Thankfully, he got the cool outfit, and the cool Ghost Pokemon, so he’s-Dragon type?  Really?  Come on.

General Overview Leon is a Dragon Tech, who really should’ve been a Striker.  Leon’s main selling point is Dragon Darts, an effectively 200BP move.  This is excellent, and is actually stronger than SS Serena’s Core Enforcer.  With just this and a trainer move that performs the standard +4/+3 self buff, and an excellent speed tier of over 500 with +1 speed on TM, Leon really didn’t need for much more.  But he got it, in Piercing Blows.  Not only is his damage excellent, his gauge control is strong, and his damage cannot be stopped.  Adding a Max Move for burst damage makes this even more threatening.  Impervious, while generally inconsequential, does permit Leon some tools that will likely do well in Gauntlet.

So why do I not feel as impressed with him?  I think it comes down to expectation vs reality.  Leon’s a Tech, and his conditions are...painful.  Burn requirement but no Go Viral until 4/5, and needing as many debuffs as possible but only getting maybe 4 at a time is incredibly damning.  His opening sync is very slow acting and kind of a pain, and legitimately I think it’s less worth it to run his Buddy move if he’s the star of the show.  Just throw out Dragon Darts, it’ll do more.  His sync damage is around the standard for Tech, which means a bit better than Lucas and Drasna but not as good as Anni Raihan or C!Iris.

Leon is still really good.  I love debuffs, so I’m kinda partial to the kit, but he’s also really...odd.  He reminds me a bit of SS Cyrus, in the sense of “pick one thing and only do that.”  If he’s supporting another striker, just spam Buddy move.  If he’s dealing damage, just spam Dragon Darts.  There’s basically no reason to ever burn someone yourself.

EX and Move Level? Because he’s a Tech, EX is generally recommended.  That said, I do stand by the belief that his strength is DPS and having a Max Move.  1/5 is likely serviceable.  His sync multipliers are a rough time anyway, and he’s not getting great boosts to DPS since it’s only Burn Synergy 3, which is hard to set up.  I don’t agree with it.  But, there is a strong case to be made for 4/5, sadly.  Go Viral is legitimately fantastic when you’re running Burn multipliers and...*sigh*...Breaking Swipe: Hit Burned Opp Stat Down 9.  Guys, I know these skills are meant to be descriptive so people know what they do, but can be please just go back to using keywords?  You sound ridiculous.

Team 1: Alt Leon, H!Caitlin, Lucas Did someone say caps crit but needs a bit of attack?!  Hello naughty children, it’s Caitlin time!  Truth be told, she’s likely overkill, you can use something lower tier than that, but favoritism.  Lucas is chosen for the Zone, but admittedly, this is an issue with Leon.  He’s physical, and the Dragon Zone is special.  CS demands reallocation of points as a result.  Which isn’t great, but it’s manageable if desired.

Team 2: Alt Leon, V!Agatha/Bugscyther, H!Morty/V!Kiawe If only Bugscyther were real.  Anyway, the focus of this is on Leon’s sync.  H!Morty is a decent partner here, thanks to Spread Burn.  V!Kiawe can at least set up Power Play, and with Defense Crush lucky skill, actually contributes meaningfully to anything.  Bugscyther tops off attack and gets Leer debuffs, but in absence of him, any defense debuffing support like V!Agatha can work out.

Team 3: Alt Leon, Skyla One of the nice things about Leon is that he has Piercing Blows, and the ability to debuff, making him a pretty solid Gauntlet Duo choice.  Skyla in particular is great.  Defense buffs complement his attack debuffs, and the speed keeps gauge rolling.  Potion for survival, and you’re set to go.

Team 4: Alt Leon, C!Iris, Sonia Alt Leon’s debuffs are basically a buffed Leer that deals respectable damage in addition.  It’s a worthwhile consideration!  It’s especially worthwhile when you’re dealing with a partner who can hit for roughly eleventy billion damage on a single target, provided some debuffs are present.  C!Iris is a great partner to Leon.  Leon’s DPS is super strong, but C!Iris is the sync nuking monster that capitalizes on it all.  I actually ran this exact team this morning, with Leon 1/5, and we actually cleared before Iris could sync.  Leon’s spread damage is very respectable, and Iris’ Dragon Rush is more than enough to kill on-type.

Final Thoughts Here’s a question for you.  It’s the month before anniversary.  All of this is bait, and you might be looking at your gem stash, cautiously considering whether it’s really worth it to get any of these new pairs.  What does Leon offer you that doesn’t already exist?  That you don’t already have?  AoE Atk/Def/Spd debuffing?  SC Steven does that while pumping your damage up to infinity.  Burn?  Not until 4/5 he doesn’t, and SS Lysandre is far more significant for off-type clears given the absurdity of his damage and Buddy move.  Dragon damage?  It’s top of the chart, but I don’t think it’s necessary to pick up.

I think Leon is good; very good, even.  If you’re a paying player looking to pick something up this month, he’s not a bad choice.  But if you’re not?  If you’re saving for anniversary?  Why break for him?  What’s he offering that doesn’t exist elsewhere?  Is this necessary?  And if it is...do you need anything beyond 1/5?

[fadran]

I played through Mother 3 the first time and thought that Lucas would have to Tower Defense the village of Tazmily, once all the pre-timeskip stuff was over.

And then the game timeskipped.

And I was like “??? What do you mean the bad guys won???”

“What do you mean the adorable little forest village has been transformed into a mid-industrial suburb and inundated with military propaganda???”

“No wonder it never released in the US…”

the amount of Mother fans who don't engage with the political themes of the work is crazy. you mean you don't want politics in your game where you have to work a mindless factory job in real time to earn a living and incompetent cops beat you up for no reason and a fascist military force represented by pigs is directly opposed by nonbinary characters based on drag queens? are you reading the text or are you just letting funny nintendo colors slide off your brain like slop

[joshuaorrizonte]

Pink

Force

Force, from The Undying; I'm choosing the last instance of it:

They didn't have a chance to find out if Edge would betray them to the youth or not. "You... can't... leave ... me!" Matthieu snarled, his voice echoing hollow with power. Edge spun in time to see Matthieu barreling towards them, alight with dark magic, a dark crystal circling him like a halo. Edge snapped his swords from their sheathes, easily deflecting the angry, wild attack. His magic-darkened eyes fell on the three interloper, and he hissed at Edge, "Traitor!" "Hey, I just discovered them, too!" Edge replied defensively. As Matthieu flung himself at Edge again, Edge blocked, his arms jarring with the force of Matthieu's magical strike. As Matthieu attacked again, dark blades of magic spiraling out at Edge, he barked, “Little help here, guys?!” As if Edge’s plea triggered something in them, Luca, Cid, and Yang rushed forward, weapons flashing in the synthetic light of the tower. Luca swung her ax hard at the youth, and checked her swing as Edge yelped, “Don’t hurt him!”

And pink, from my original work Infinity's Daylight:

"If what happened wasn't what I think happened, you should have no trouble telling his mother.” Aninala put her hands on her hips, fluttering her red and pink wings. “I'm not getting in the middle of whatever dispute you have,” she said evenly, “but if it involves my son, I need to know.” I sighed heavily. “Demeter… go… check on the kids. And for gods' sakes, leave Gareth alone.”

[ikarosxflight]

"Ugh! ANOTHER spiky brown haired blue eyed loser?! What do I have to do to get rid of you people?! You're all popping up like daisies!!" Please ignore the obvious blush on her cheeks. You see nothing.

Smash Manor, a vibrant nexus bustling with heroes, villains, and extraordinary beings from across the multiverse, has grown remarkably since his last visit. The very structure of the Manor has expanded, showcasing grander halls and spacious arenas that can comfortably accommodate every participant, from fearsome fighters to the loyal trophies who have lent their skills in countless battles.

Inside, the atmosphere is electric, filled with spirited conversations and joyful laughter. Each room is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of this eclectic sanctuary, adorned with relics of past competitions and whispers of untold tales. The Manor continually reinvents itself, introducing new surprises around every corner, ensuring that boredom is an impossibility in this kaleidoscope of camaraderie and competition. Whether it's the thrill of an impending match or the anticipation of fresh alliances, Smash Manor thrives as a dynamic gathering point where excitement and adventure are the order of the day.

Speaking of which...

"Almost-icus, I got this... just one more."

A solitary bead of sweat trickles down Captain Pit's cheek, glistening in the warm light as he meticulously considers the placement of the last card atop the precarious tower they have constructed together. His heart races, his every move deliberate, as he feels the moment's weight. Beside him, Lucas bites his lip, his anxiety palpable as he watches Pit's unsteady hands. He shifts his gaze to Ness, whose eyes shimmer with excitement and anticipation. Ness's unwavering belief in the Captain's skill radiates from him as if he's convinced that victory is within their grasp. With a deep breath, Pit steadies himself and places the card delicately atop the tower. Silence hangs in the air, a moment suspended in time—

"Ugh! ANOTHER spiky brown haired blue eyed loser?! What do I have to do to get rid of you people?! You're all popping up like daisies!!"

A sudden jolt reverberated through the air, causing the tower to tilt precariously before it came crashing down, sending the cards tumbling and fluttering in every direction like a confetti of chaos. The cards weren't the only ones caught off guard; Captain Pit's wings flared out in a defensive display, his posture betraying his shock as he jolted dramatically at Tron's booming voice, echoing like thunder in the tense atmosphere.

"HOLYZEUS!"

Once he's finally settled, a flurry of confusion washes over him as he processes the vivid sight before him—a mysterious girl shouting in his direction, her voice piercing through the air. Oblivious to the deepening blush that colors her cheeks, Captain Pit's strikingly angelic features are now tinged with a vivid hue of embarrassment. Struggling to maintain his composure, he clenches his jaw tightly, his muscles tensing with irritation as he exhales sharply, a huff of frustration escaping his lips. Lucas and Ness were just as confused and surprised, looking back and forth between Tron and Pit.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, ok, first of all, I was here WAY before Sora or Richter, and secondly, you wanna go-icus? Who the heck are you anyway!?"

[eyeswaitingfortuesdaynight]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game | 디펜스 게임의 폭군이 되었다 Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Lucas MacGregor/Ash “Bornhater” Everblack | Mr. Gamer Geek Characters: Ash "Bornhater" Everblack | Mr. Gamer Geek, Lucas MacGregor Additional Tags: i actually like 'tyrant of the tower defense game' but the fandom has already spoken, Morning After, Resolved Sexual Tension, Unresolved Romantic Tension, Frottage, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Friends With Benefits, or more like knight/liege with benefits lol, Dom/sub Undertones, these two idiots are driving me insane, i wrote this in one sitting ahhhhhhhhh, no beta we die like so many god damn characters in this series Summary:

Sober Ash learns to hate pants as much as Blackout Drunk Ash does.

[arsenalstar]

BRF vs. GLL Basketball Match: A Detailed Breakdown of a Thrilling Encounter

In the world of basketball, certain matches transcend beyond the court, becoming iconic clashes that fans talk about for years. One such match is between BRF (Brazilian Republic Fighters) and GLL (Greek League Legends). Known for their competitive spirit, tactical acumen, and superstar athletes, BRF and GLL have built a rivalry that excites fans whenever these two teams meet.

This basketball showdown between BRF and GLL was nothing short of electric, showcasing not only the talent of the players but also the contrasting styles of play between the Brazilian and Greek basketball traditions. The following article will provide a detailed analysis of the match, its key moments, players, strategies, and the significance of this rivalry in the wider basketball landscape.

Introduction

The BRF vs. GLL basketball match has grown to be one of the most anticipated contests in international basketball. The teams hail from two nations that have rich sports histories: Brazil, known for its flair and agility in sports, and Greece, famous for its methodical and disciplined approach.

Brazilian basketball is characterized by fast-paced, high-scoring games with an emphasis on athleticism and individual flair. The Brazilian Republic Fighters (BRF) embody this style perfectly, boasting a roster full of players with outstanding physical ability and an aggressive mindset. On the other hand, the Greek League Legends (GLL) represent Greece’s traditional values of teamwork, defense, and precision. Greek teams tend to focus more on structured plays, tough defense, and calculated offense, often making them difficult to break down.

When these two distinct basketball philosophies meet on the court, the result is always a thrilling encounter that leaves fans on the edge of their seats.

The Build-Up to the Game

The build-up to the BRF vs. GLL match was filled with excitement and tension, as both teams came into the game with a lot at stake. BRF had been in great form, winning several important matches in their league and international tournaments. Led by their charismatic captain, they had developed a reputation for their attacking style and fast-break basketball.

GLL, on the other hand, had also been in solid form, but their approach was more measured. Known for their suffocating defense and strategic plays, they were seen as a team that could frustrate even the most free-flowing offenses. The match promised to be a clash of styles, with BRF’s speed and flair up against GLL’s discipline and defense.

Key Players to Watch

The BRF vs. GLL game featured some of the most talented players in the sport, making it a must-watch event for basketball fans.

For BRF, the star player was Lucas “Lightning” Silva, a dynamic guard with a lightning-fast crossover and an ability to score from anywhere on the court. Known for his agility and scoring ability, Lucas was expected to be the main offensive threat for BRF. Alongside him was Rafael Costa, a towering center known for his shot-blocking and rebounding skills.

For GLL, Dimitrios “The Wall” Karamanis was the player to watch. Standing tall at 6'10", Dimitrios was a defensive powerhouse. His presence in the paint made it difficult for opponents to score inside, and his ability to lead from the back was crucial for GLL. Another key player was Nikos Papadopoulos, a sharpshooting guard with an impressive three-point shot, who could punish BRF if they left him open on the perimeter.

The battle between Lucas and Dimitrios was billed as the highlight of the game, with the speed and agility of BRF facing off against the physicality and defense of GLL.

The Match: A Game of Contrasts

As the game tipped off, it became clear that both teams had come prepared. BRF started the game at a blistering pace, with Lucas Silva leading the charge. His speed and ball-handling allowed him to penetrate the GLL defense multiple times in the first quarter, scoring quick points and creating opportunities for his teammates. Rafael Costa also dominated the boards early, grabbing offensive rebounds and giving BRF multiple second-chance opportunities.

However, GLL did not panic. Their defense, anchored by Dimitrios Karamanis, gradually tightened up. GLL forced BRF into tough, contested shots, and as the game progressed, their methodical offense began to take over. Nikos Papadopoulos hit a series of key three-pointers, and the ball movement of GLL started to wear down the BRF defense.

Key Moments

The second half of the game was where things really started to heat up. After trailing by as many as 10 points, GLL went on a defensive run in the third quarter, limiting BRF to just 15 points in that period. Karamanis blocked multiple shots in the paint, and GLL capitalized on the fast break, with Papadopoulos hitting two crucial threes that brought the game level.

With just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, the game was still tied, and it was clear that it would come down to which team could execute under pressure. Lucas Silva tried to take over the game for BRF, scoring a series of tough layups, but GLL’s defensive discipline kept the game close. In the final minute, with BRF leading by two points, Karamanis made a crucial block on a driving Silva, which led to a fast-break opportunity for GLL. Papadopoulos drained a clutch three-pointer with just 10 seconds left on the clock, giving GLL a one-point lead.

BRF had one last chance to win the game, but their final shot missed the mark, and GLL celebrated a hard-fought victory.

Strategies and Tactics

The game was a perfect example of how two contrasting styles of play can make for a thrilling contest. BRF relied on their speed, athleticism, and individual talent to push the tempo and score points in transition. They often looked to get the ball to Lucas Silva in isolation situations, where he could use his quickness to create scoring opportunities.

GLL, on the other hand, played a more team-oriented game, focusing on ball movement and exploiting mismatches. Their defense was the key to their victory, as they forced BRF into difficult shots and prevented them from getting easy baskets in the paint. Karamanis’s shot-blocking and Papadopoulos’s shooting were pivotal in the game’s outcome.

Reviews

Fans and analysts alike praised the BRF vs. GLL match as one of the most exciting games of the season. The contrasting styles of play, the star power on both sides, and the dramatic finish made it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. Many noted the impressive defensive performance of GLL, particularly Karamanis, who finished the game with 5 blocks and 12 rebounds.

BRF’s Lucas Silva also received praise for his offensive performance, finishing with 28 points, but some critics pointed out that BRF’s reliance on individual talent rather than team play ultimately cost them the game.

Conclusion

The BRF vs. GLL basketball match was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of both teams. BRF’s speed, athleticism, and offensive flair were on full display, but it was GLL’s defense, discipline, and team-oriented approach that won the day. The game highlighted the importance of both individual talent and teamwork in basketball, and it is sure to be remembered as a classic in the BRF-GLL rivalry.

With both teams looking strong this season, fans can expect more epic battles between BRF and GLL in the future. Whether it’s the flashy offense of BRF or the stifling defense of GLL, this rivalry is one that continues to deliver excitement every time the two teams meet on the court.

[gosoccerdawgs]

Dawgs Earn Region Berth Over Admirals

DISTRICT-4 SEMI-FINAL (elimination)

at Bearden 3 Farragut 0

Thursday, May 9, 2024 7pm

Bearden’s swarming defense and relentless offense led the streaking Bulldogs to next week’s Region 2 playoff round as they defeated Farragut 3-0 Thursday. Bearden will now travel to Hardin Valley Friday to play the Hawks in a non-elimination District 4 Championship game to determine seeding.

Towering defender Cole Stopka got things started midway through the first half when he headed a perfect Dillon Sims corner kick into the net. 

Eight minutes later, the left-footed Sims fired a 25-yard direct kick bullet to the upper-90, and Bearden went to the break with a 2-0 lead.

Ten minutes into the second period, defender Shawn Spencer, disrupting the Admiral offense all evening, won the ball deep, attacked midfield and placed a beautiful pass into the box which Lucas Ford alertly head-flicked to an open Aiden Ainsworth for a score and a commanding 3-0 lead.

Coach Ryan Radcliffe praised his back line of Spencer, Stopka, and Captains Shepard McMurray and Nic Prins. “Those guys have played valuable minutes for multiple years now. Nic did a heck of a job on the outside against Franklin,“ referring to dangerous All-State Admiral forward Franklin Von Hagen.

The season’s eighth shutout was in doubt, however, until junior GK Logan Nelson made a brilliant, diving save on a Farragut penalty kick with 24:37 remaining. “Everything starts with Logan, Radcliffe said. He’s a three-year starter for us, that’s why he’s back there. His experience, leadership, and mainly his communication and knowledge of the game....it’s like having another Captain on the field.”

Speaking of Captains--Jack Raulston , while not scoring a goal, led the relentless Bearden onslaught, hawking balls deep, attacking the box and drawing fouls. Hustling Noah Price and steady Jack Tirgrath kept the midfield under control as the defense limited the Admirals to a measly three shots on goal.

Goals: COLE STOPKA (23’ Dillon Sims); DILLON SIMS (31’ Jack Raulston); AIDEN AINSWORTH (50’ Lucas Ford, Shawn Spencer);

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 17/11 FHS 4/3.Corners: BHS 5 FHS 2. Fouls: BHS 9 FHS 6. Offsides: BHS 1 FHS 0. Yellow Card: FHS#23 (31’). Conditions: wet grass, clear, 65 degrees. Attendance: 418. 

Outside the box.........with most colleges now on break, it was Alumni night at the pitch with former Bulldogs Lucas Nordin (ETSU), Ethan Ford (ETSU), Becca Roth (Western Ky.), and BrinleyMurphy (So. Carolina) taking in the action.........Woof!