#pangolin movements

[howdoesone]

How does one ask a Pangolin to teach a yoga class with its curling skills?

The pangolin, a unique and fascinating creature, is often referred to as a “scaly anteater” due to its distinct armor-like scales. Native to parts of Africa and Asia, pangolins are known for their solitary, nocturnal lifestyle and their peculiar defensive behavior of curling into a tight ball when threatened. This remarkable ability to curl up might humorously inspire the idea of a pangolin…

[sillygoofyqueer]

PART TWO!!! PART ONE HERE!

When Wei Yi found a dead pangolin at the edges of the crop farm, he wasn't surprised - it was just another monster leaving a marker, a warning for him to relay to his parents - but he was surprised to find the urgent, tiny squeaking nearby. He was ready to run, so ready to sprint back home at the first sign of a monster luring him away, but he found...he found a nest.

Little babies in the nest, clambering over one another to stare at the strange creature looming over them. They had no survival instinct. Wei Yi could look after them. He would have company on the dark nights of fear and danger. Their mama was dead - he had to look after them. The little babies seemed to be uncaring of the change, wriggling around his collar and curling up in his pockets, allowing him to run home, so excited to show his parents that he would finally not be alone, he could be useful!-

The village had been torn to shreds.

A silent beast no doubt, Wei Yi would have noticed otherwise. His parents' corpses laid before him mutilated and bitten into. He can't remember much of what happened next. Crying (quietly, so the monster wouldn't find him). Bleeding (he tripped trying to drag his parents' corpses away from the path so the monster didn't hurt them anymore. Their blood was on his hands as well now). Running (sticking to the light, monsters didn't really like light, not sure where to go or hide but running, running, running). Blaming himself (he should have warned them about the sign, the monster, that was his duty, that was all he had to be useful and helpful and now his parents were dead and it was his fault-). Soothing the babies in his grasp (he was used to being hungry, but why would they be? They had always had food, their mama had given it to them, but he didn't know what they ate, but he had learned, he learned to keep them safe even if he hadn't been able to help his parents). Where was he to go? Nobody would help a boy from the cursed village, the others always told him that he was going to die there, wasting away, scared of everything and he was - he was so scared of every strange sound or random movement in the trees that seemed to surround the path as he ran and ran and ran. Despite how often the other villagers cursed out the cultivators, wishing for nothing but pain and shame upon them for not helping their village in desperate need of assistance, his parents always told him that they didn't know, that they would help him if he asked for it. He didn't know how long he ran, only stopping when the hunger made him too dizzy or the exhaustion made him unable to move, but he found his way to a noisy town, filled with life and laughter and excitement but he was scared, so so scared; surely the monsters would be drawn to their life and joy, this was dangerous, so so dangerous- There was strange noises and strange people and strange everything, how was he supposed to notice the monsters if there was so much going on? He couldn't breathe properly he had to hide and stay safe so he hid. He darted into a small space and hid there. People passed him, and because he was hidden and safe he could listen to their words and learn that children were going to Cang Qiong Mountain. He didn't care about that, he was focused on the peaks in the distance, marking where he had to go and beg for assistance. Why were there children already there? Were they also asking for help? Why was he being ushered up to....DIG HOLES??!?! If. If it would help him get an audience with cultivators...he carefully hid the pangolins in his pockets and in his robes so that the babies would stay safe while he dug, and dug, staring with a single-minded focus. Hunger only spurred him on, reminding him that he had to tell the cultivators about the monster- He was being spoken to, but he didn't really know what was going on, so he let himself be helped up and taken away from his hole - he quite liked his hole, he was going to miss it. It was very deep and circular (attention to detail was important when looking out for monsters) and he wished he could keep digging. A nice man looked down at him, wrapped in elegant orange robes, orange like warm fire, with a warm smile, warm like fire and safety, monsters didn't like fire so he let himself be picked up and held. The man saw the pangolins peeking out from beneath Wei Yi's robes. The man just laughed, a great booming laugh that was warm and bright and safe and oh. This man would keep the monsters away.

[brewed-pangolin]

Pangolin I have a brain worm to share with you after seeing that Soap picking up the person sitting alone in a bar - who’s more likely to approach? Captain MacTavish or Sergeant MacTavish?

Ooohhh, I love this.

As someone who actually appreciates sitting in the quiet corner of a bar, escaping reality with a few hard earned pints. I can tell you quite confidently that both of these men would approach you in their own distinctive manner.

Yet this round goes to Johnny and his natural ease to deploy some charismatic vernacular that would have you begging for more within a matter of minutes. And your mind is nothing more than a virgin vessel lost within the turbulent sea of his bright blue eyes.

He'd eye you across the bar like a cat on the prowl for its next meal. Laser focused, stubbornly confident, and effortlessly begin to move through the crowd until he very blatantly sat himself in the barstool at your side.

You'd acknowledge his presence with a heavy sigh. Rolling your eyes while your lips cradled the rim of the tall beer glass and put up an air of annoyance to the very thought of being spoken to.

"Wha's the matter, lass? Ya allergic ta confidence, er d'ya need somethin a bit more persuasive ta git ya outta tha' hardass shell?"

You were half expecting some corny pick-up line to come rolling over his lips. So the outrageous self assurance oozing out and around him had you conflicted on whether or not to slap him in the face or all together humor him for his outspoken boldness.

You immediately decided to go with the latter.

Feigning an irrated glance, you took him in and were instantly drawn into the deep swirling pools of his eyes. The luminous light of the bar reflecting off their galvanic blue fibers.

Breaking the concrete walls of your solitude with ease. Crushing them into a fine dust and quickly making you want nothing more than to hear that unbridled Scottish assertiveness once more while you attempted to find some semblance of coherent words in the sudden blankness of your mind.

"Persuasion." You replied eventually on a hushed whisper, barely audible amongst the boisterous sounds of the bar.

Yet it's connotation ringing clear on the movements of your lips as a broad smile creased along the length of his mouth.

"Persuasion, eh?" He nodded, only now making you notice his defined and crested scalp.

"Aye. Ah canne think'a nothin' better."

He moved in closer. Invading your space with ease and you made no inclination to pull away as he brought his mouth within inches of the sensitive flesh of your ear.

"How 'bout I persuade ya out this stool, lass? Take a seat on somethin a bit more sturdy an' let ya enjoy a nice long scenic ride to Glasgow."

@deadbranch I'm sorry. I had to use this line. It's just too perfect not to use in this kind of scenario 💛

Drabbles Masterlist

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 19 - Chaos

            Monkey heard the subtle whoosh and jumped back, barely dodging razor-sharp claws. A second swipe caught his side and sent him flying, slamming into the unseen wall. His head spun while his vision remained void.

            The cave was pitch black, not even Monkey’s eyes could pierce through the darkness. All he could do was listen, thunderous footsteps echoing off stone walls as his enemy searched for him. The massive pangolin demon took up most of the cavern, claws scraping and tail swiping at the tight gaps. While Monkey’s dodges had kept him in one piece, his attacks had little to no effect on the yaoguais scaly armor.

            Another jump to the side saved him being crushed. An enraged roar shook the room and rang deafeningly in Monkey’s ears. He leapt over the crashing tail and pressed against the opposite wall, following the movements through sound alone.

            The tiny crackle of a lit flame caught his attention. Across the cave, Jen had found a candle, the dim flicker giving Monkey just enough light to see.

            Shadows danced through the cavern, slowing everything to a dizzying crawl. What had once been a library now laid in ruins; precious scrolls, spilled ink, and shattered lanterns all trampled underfoot. Responsible for the destruction was the pangolin, scales rippling and eyes squinting against the sudden light. He snarled, spotting Jen’s figure crouched behind a broken desk.

            Monkey was already moving when the giant paw swung. He tackled Jen out of the way, claws and splintered wood crashing where she had been seconds before. The offending candle tumbled out of her hand, rolling into a puddle of spilled oil.

            What had once been a tiny flame burst into an inferno. Fire leapt from one broken lantern to another, setting scattered papers and scrolls ablaze in its wake. Soon, the whole cave was burning, smoke and heat washing over Monkey and Jen in suffocating waves.

            The pangolin’s stomping became frantic, red-hot embers rolling underfoot as the whole cave became a giant oven. He bellowed and smashed into the walls and ceiling, desperate to escape the flames. The rock began to crumble and crack as the rampage continued.

            Spotting a side passage, Monkey scooped Jen up and ran for it, giving the enraged yaoguai a wide berth. They had barely made it into the tunnel when the first stones started to fall. He didn’t stop, full on sprinting until daylight stung his eyes and fresh air cleared his lungs. Behind him, the demonic roars were drowned out by the rumble of the collapsing cave, burying the pangolin with his beloved library.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Pangolins are such creature, completely slept on for cool character design. Big thanks to everyone reading! I'm hoping to start working on the bigger story soon, definitely keep this boss fight in it.)

[sorrel-system]

List of my kintypes and theriotypes and such ^>w<^

Warning there are so so incredibly many oh gorsh -Jasper

|| * for especially strong kinship! ||

|| • for spiritual! ||

|| ~ for mental! ||

|| ` for past lives! ||

Red fox •

Red classic tabby and white Turkish angora •`

Sichuan takin ~`*

Long-tailed pangolin •~`

Fossa ~`

Western long tailed brush lizard `

Maned wolf •

Honey badger ~`

Mourning dove •

Blacktip reef shark ~`

Honduran white bat •`

Eastern indigo snake `

Harpy eagle •`*

Black fox mouse `~

Piebald roosevelt elk ~•`

Pumpkin toadlet `~

Striped hyena •

South African coati ~

Eurasian wolf `

Polyphemus moth `•

Western parotia •

Greater lophorina •

Crab-eating raccoon ~

Short nosed bandicoot •`

Lion head rabbit •`

Northwestern salamander ~

Red winged starling `

Serval •~

African wild dog ~•`

Gerenuk •*

Velociraptor `*

Frilled-neck lizard ~

Pachycephelosaurus `•~*

Spotted hyena ~`

Frog fae •`**

Sand cat ~`

Mohave Ground Squirrel ~`

Common Genet •~*

Caracal •`

Black shuck •~`***

Polydactyl black American short hair cat ~`

American pika •

Blackbuck •~

Western Tanager ~`

Barreleye fish~`

Northern flicker (male) •`

Fiddler crab •

Border Collie ~`

Kitsune with cross fox pattern, 7 tails, and 6 ears ~•`

Spider Orchid •

Moon •

Black hole •

Belladonna •

Porcelain clown doll •~******

CTX VL501-1 Ivory 15" CRT Monitor 0.28mm Diagzonal Dot Pitch (0.24mm Horizontal Dot Pitch) Dot Pitch D-Sub with Windows 98•~*********

Extra mystery thing!!

I have yet to find this in fiction and am not sure if it exists in depictions (conceptkin?) but a fossa-like being with long spindly legs and a long body and impossibly fluid movement and powerful, built back legs. It could think as a human and feel reasoning and somewhat shifted it's form as it ran. It had a long thin tail with spikey fur at the end and it jumped like a rabbit and I am positive that it was me but I have no clue how to describe what it's called (I was shifting for one of my other kintypes and accidentally discovered another I guess??)

[raffe156]

Breakaway State part 5

Pairing - Price X Female OC “Tank”

Summary - McKinley still has serious control issues, Kyle and Tank are the cutest in a small bed, Price and Ghost kick off in a small room, Helen has some big news, mission plans, first names and its definitely classed as kissing if you drink from the same cup.

A/N - Thank you for your patience, life got a bit in the way of this one again!

As always, please comment and let me know what you think. It means the world to me when you do x

Warnings -17+ Angst. Language, Age gap Price (39) Tank (25), Violence, abuse, abuse of power, controlling behaviour, injury

Tags:  @shuttlelauncher81 @mildlyhopeless @mentallynot-here​ @deadbranch @soapyghost @fluffysmiko @bangirl134 @mortallyscrumptiousmilkshake @boomtowngirl @fanficandartgal @merakiaes @tapioca-marzipan @boniscute @chb-7 @adicthao @a-littlebirdie @mostannoyingbillioner @brewed-pangolin @littlezarp @dreadbangin @goodsoup03

If I've missed anyone, please let me know ​

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Call of duty characters - Only Tank, Luke, Dredd and Mckinley

Master list link here

The words "dismissal or death" had been circling your head for hours as you lay awake in your cot. Even if you just slept for an hour or two, every time McKinley moved over in the cot above you, your body instantly jerked you awake. Your eyes stung searching the pitch black for any sign of him.

You heard movement from above, you looked at the alarm clock on the small metal dresser 4:00am. McKinley was waking up, you heard him stretch, then watched as his legs dangled off the edge before he jumped down. He flicked the small desk lamp on an stood with his back to you in just his boxers, his back and body littered in scars, the soft glow from the light causing them to shine, some looked like burns some clearly from bullets and shrapnel. He turned just as you shut your eyes, too late to roll over an face the wall.

You felt his eyes on you, you tried to breathe deep acting as if you were asleep, he knew you weren’t. You tried to stay calm when you felt his hand brush a piece of hair from your face. It took everything in you not to flinch, you didn’t dare open your eyes, instead you just waited for him to leave you in peace….if you could call it that.

“You look so serene, almost had me believing you were actually asleep..” you felt him step back but you kept your eyes shut.

He scoffed.

“Fair enough, if that’s how you want to be…I’ll leave you to it.” Mckinley walked away from the beds, he dressed quickly.

You hoped he wouldn’t be much longer and then you felt the bottom of your cot dip he was lacing up his boots.

“You’ll learn to like me kiddo, you know me an you could make a good team…like I said to Price you need some tough love but we’ll get there…” he patted your thigh before he stood up.

His touch made your skin crawl.

“Oh by the way don’t be spending all day in bed, the Doc wants to see you later, physio check in for your shoulder, meet me over at the med bay at 10am…don’t make me come looking for you…” the last part came out as a threat, your heart sunk as he closed the door behind him. Your eyes remained closed for a further 5 minutes just in case he came back.

Dr O’Brian was one of the last people you wanted to see, an a physio check? That daft cow had spent more time grilling you that helping you with your shoulder, what did she care if you could move it or not? She would of been over the moon with an amputation. Either way you had to go, you didn’t fancy being hunted down by McKinley.

You pulled the quilt up over your face closing your tired eyes, Prices face flashed in your mind, it was that drunken look he had given you that first night in his kitchen his eyes lidded, his smile crooked so close, but just as quickly as it appeared it was gone replaced with the gut wrenching look from the night you two had argued…the night he told you it wouldn’t work between you. ENOUGH!

You threw the quilt off and on to the floor, just then a knock came at the door, it wasn’t McKinley he would have just walked in…

“You awake….I’ve just seen mckunty…Tank?” The door creaked open slightly, Kyles hand waving from the gap.

“Yeh I’m awake..come in” you reached down for the quilt pulling it back over yourself. Kyle snuck in shutting the door behind him. He gave you a sympathetic smile. He was still in his joggers, you patted the bed for him to get in, he didn’t need telling twice as he clambered in next to you the warmth from his body, made you almost drowsy. It was a snug fit but you made it work, it was something you two use to do often when at base especially when the heating was nonexistent or when Kyle was homesick. You both lay in silence for a moment, both just happy to be close again. You almost nodded off, but something was bothering him you could tell.

“You ok? I know yesterday was a lot…but Price he means well..hey if I was a Captain I’d of done the same for you…fuck I wanted to smash his face in…” he could feel his jaw tensing.

He meant it, and the thoughts made him smirk. He pictured McKinley alone in a room with them all Ghost, Soap, him and Price. Kyle had witnessed how far Price could go. Before his mind could wander off he felt your eyes on him.

“I’m ok…I know he means well…I just wish he didn’t go that far…” you thought about just telling him, how it was only going to get worse for you now, but when you looked into his eyes you saw the worry and you hated yourself for making him feel like this. So you gave him your best smile and the worry in his eyes seemed to go away if only for a moment. You linked his arm with yours resting your head on his shoulder.

“Anyway let’s just enjoy this while we can eh?” You looked up at him.

He smiled back.

“Yeh…miss this”

“Me too”

You both lay there close, in the safety of your cot like two children hiding from a looming storm.

**********

Price glared at himself in the mirror a slight mark from where his forehead had connected with McKinley’s nose just starting to fade. He gripped the sink with his hands the porcelain threatening to give way. He needed to take a deep breath or else he was going to lose it all over again he didn’t think he could explain two broken bedside tables, but he couldn’t get your face out of his mind, how you had looked at him with disappointed in your eyes. He had done that for you, he would have done more, gone further if Ghost hadn’t stepped in. He needed to take a deep breath. McKinley was definitely going to get him back in some way. Price hoped it didn’t involve you, but he knew better. He knew McKinley. He hated to think of what he was doing to you, it made his blood boil. Why did you go? Why did he let you go? Did he let you go? He hadn’t even known, if he thought for one second that once you got into that transporter you weren’t coming back to him and he wasn’t going to be your captain he would of chased it down, dragged you back an popped your shoulder back in himself like Ghost had so kindly offered. Price let go off the sink the colour returning to his knuckles. He heard a knock at his door. He wanted to shout fuck off but it could only be one of two people at this hour Ghost or you. His hopes dashed when he shouted come in and Ghost’s large frame entered the room, them both being in there made the room almost shrink, the atmosphere suffocating them both pressing down on them. They both knew the reasons behind it, it danced around them. It crackled in the air.

“What?” Price snapped.

“…Sent Gaz to Tanks room to check on her…McKinley is over at the other base watched him leave myself…listen as shit as it is we have to do this the proper way, I hate it too seeing her like that but that yesterday…it’s my fault I let it go too far I shouldn’t of let you get at him.” Ghost sighed he had only just noticed the smashed bedside table.

“I’m sorry what? Let me? You didn’t let me do anything….I’ve done worse for less…believe me lad” Price was seething.

Ghost looked his Captain in the eyes, he was beyond reason.

“What? You think sparking him out…a fellow captain is the answer? I stopped you from committing career suicide! I let you get that first shot in an you fumbled it! You’re just lucky he got cocky” Ghost was starting to lose it a little bit now.

“Haha don’t flatter yourself, you didn’t let me doing anything…an fumbled? I’d put you on your arse any day of the week…remember that” Price was getting closer now, squaring up, in the small room they were nearly chest to chest. The two men stared each other down, neither wanting to back down first, there it was again the unspoken reason they fought, the real reason tensions ran high with them. You.

Ghost had a feeling all this was down to Price and his relationship with the Doc. You obviously had some history with him, how much he didn’t know but it has effected you in someway and to Ghost this was all Prices fault. He deserved to feel like this, helpless and angry. But you didn’t deserve the beatings. It was such a fucking shame you had chosen squad 8. Ghost backed down…Price hated himself more than anyone right now and Ghost didn’t need to add to that they had to work together and figure out how to get you back to the 141. Once that was done then the rest could be figured out…

“…this isn’t gettin us anywhere we need to get her back on side…she needs to file a complaint or a grievance against him…anything, she got transferred over quick enough maybe it can be reversed just as quick…” Ghost leant against the wall his arms folded. Price sighed as he sat on the edge of his bed.

“It’s not that easy….also even if she was to file a complaint..who said she’d want to come back to the 141?” Price ran his hand over his beard the thought made his jaw tense.

“An why wouldn’t she want to come back?” Ghost was probing now, he wanted answers, but from the look on Prices face he didn’t want to give them.

“Price why wouldn’t she want to come back to us?”

Price looked at the ground his eyes fixed. He signed.

“Ever seen a big red button that says do not press? Well I rested my hand on it…didn’t press… but that was enough….” Price shook his head.

Ghost got the jist, but all he could think was how he would of just pushed the button and never took his hand off it.

******************

You waited outside the med bay for O’Brain to call you in…you were 15mins early but no sign of McKinley, you hoped he hadn’t gone looking for you.

“Wanna come in Tank…” O’Brain called you in without even looking at you. You couldn’t help roll your eyes as you got up. As you entered the room your stomach dropped McKinley was sat in the chair next to the bed. Did he really have to be in here, you thought he was just making sure you came to the appointment, not actually being present. You tried to not let your face give you away.

“Good, 15mins early see your learning I would have hated to have to come looking for you…” his smile didn’t meet his eyes. Your face was giving you away.

“Take a seat on the bed please Tank we don’t have all day” O’Brian already sounded like she’d had enough of you. You looked her up and down, who did she think she was talking to? You didn’t even want to be here.

“Hey if you don’t have the time I’m sure we can reschedule..” As you spoke your eyes met McKinley’s, they narrowed in on you, his tongue clicked in disapproval. Shit. Helen looked over her shoulder at you, the small smirk just visible.

“The Doc’s doing you…no she’s doing me a favour Tank in checking you over…an you have the nerve to be arsey?” He tilted his head, his eyes still narrowed.

“Told you, got away with murder this one with John…literally” Helen nodded in your direction. She really was a bitch. You felt your skin starting to prickle with anger.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You stepped closer to her. You didn’t realise you had square yourself up, she was a good foot taller , but you looked her dead in the eyes. She smirked again, oh you were about to wipe it off her face.

“You know exactly what I mean…you need a firm hand Tank, John was too soft on you…but by the looks of you face it seems you have been given a firm hand…good..” She scoffed, nope that was it, but as you lunged, McKinley was already on you.

He had you restrained and pushed face down into the bed within seconds, your bad shoulder twisted round and pressed into your back, it made you cry out in pain, but the more you thrashed around the more of his weight he placed on top of you and the tighter his grip became.

“Do I need to put you on a short leash? Because I will trust me” Mckinley was right next to your face his breath cool on your burning skin.

O’Brian stood back, she was in shock at how fast he had pounced on you, how rough he was…she almost believed him when he mentioned putting you on a short leash. This man meant every word he said, they weren’t threats they were promises.

“DO I NEED TO PUT YOU ON A LEASH TANK?!” His voice boomed in the med bay.

“NO!” You spat through gritted teeth.

“No what?” Mckinley gave your arm a quick jolt upwards, you should know better.

“Ahhh NO CAPTAIN!” Your shoulder was on fire now, the muscles fighting to hold together and not pop.

“Good…” He relaxed his grip, slowly letting you correct it into place yourself. How generous of him. As you sat up you clocked Helen’s face, she looked mortified. You almost let out a laugh.

“Sorry about that Doc…give her the once over an we will be out of your hair” Mckinley spoke as if he hadn’t just wresleted you down on to the bed in front of her. She looked at him her mouth slightly open. She was speechless for once. You almost pitied her.

“It’s been fine, it only aches when its cold or when I over work it” You tried to fill the awkward silence. It worked Helen stuttered back to life.

“Ok…sounds like you need to do the physio exercises more often. I bet you’ve stop doing them…I know John has..I don’t even think he went to one session” She gave you a soft smile and for a moment you saw what Price saw in her. If you stepped back and tilted your head she was rather pretty. You glanced down at her hands, long, elegant, steady…you almost returned the smile but a single perfect solitaire diamond ring caught your eye as it flashed under the florescent lights. You felt as if your core was folding in on itself like a black hole. The bile rising in your chest you looked her in the eyes, she quickly glanced down a the ring, as if forgetting she was wearing it, her eyes darting back up to meet yours. Your face was giving you away again. Her mouth creeped up into a viciously sly smile, she knew that had cut you deep, a slow puncture that would fester. When had that happened?

“He did…he went to two, we had a row over him missing the last three on the drive down back to his for the weekend…” You blinked at her, your face now void of all emotion, blank. You watched as her top lip twitched.

“Did you now…he didn’t mention it…in fact he hasn’t really mentioned you…since you left…” She tilted her head, pretending to think of a an example. Her eyes creasing up like little pins.

You knew she was just trying to cut you, but it didn’t make the idea sting any less. You had left for her…no you had left so he would be happy, so that ring could be on her finger…it was a good choice…tacky and gaudy, just like her…you wanted to hurt her back with your words…but you would only be hurting Price.

Mckinley cleared his throat, you had almost forgotten he was in the room.

“Speaking of old Pricey, you and him got anything planned for when your next on leave?”

O’Brians face lit up, as if she had been hoping the topic of her and Price would be brought up. You glared at the ground willing it to open up to the fiery pits of hell where you would happily sink surrounded by other dammed souls.

“Well nothing crazy, but he’s mentioned he wants to redecorate some of the spare rooms in his house and I’ve only gone an stitched myself up and said ill help!” She rolled her eyes, a horsed laughed echoing off the bed pan. If Price didn’t have tinnitus already he would after listening to that none stop. McKinley rolled his eyes back at her, he shook his head.

“What are you like…hope its not the room Tank stayed in when she was last there?” He faked a frown. You could feel his eyes on you. He was stirring things up.

“Erm…oh I think it, the back room with the en-suite, the one with the view of the lake? Yeh I mentioned it would make a lovely nursery…all that natural light…” She wrinkled her nose. You looked down into your lap, just to double check she hadn’t gutted you open, because that’s how those words had felt. They had sliced at your flesh, worked their way into you into your system. A nursery? The thoughts exploded inside your mind. The tiny hand holding his finger, the little arms and legs being wrapped up in a blanket, soft curls kissed, and chubby cheeks ticked by his moustache…the high chair at the dining table just like you had mentioned…but the tiny hand, little legs and soft curls didn’t belong to your baby…it was a strangers baby…no it was Helens…its strawberry blonde curls and green eyes…nothing resembling John…you felt sick…you should of been happy for him…he was getting what he wanted…just not with you…

“Wow…a nursery? Thats exciting…but hey lets hope Price learns to dish out a bit of tough love…don’t want it turning out like this one do we!” Mckinley laughed, he shot you a look. You focused on the clock behind him.

“Hahaha…oh Bruce haha…Oh actually I meant to ask you Tank…does Luke have a sister? Tall, blonde, absolute stunner?” There was that fake confused look. She knew Luke only had brothers, she really was trying to maim you.

“No…he only has brothers…might of been one of there girlfriends…Ill ask him when I see him next…” You tried your hardest to smile back, it came out as mostly teeth. Mckinley was keeping that bit of information for later.

“Yah know, Price never crossed me as a family man…wonder what changed his mind…he’s got to be close to 45 by now?” Mckinley scoffed.

“39..”

Mckinley raised his eyebrow at you.

“What?”

“He’s 39…40 this year…I’d bought him a new lighter last year…don’t know if he still has it…” you sighed.

Helen knew exactly where that lighter was…close to his chest nestled next to his signature cigars. He was never without it, but she needed to turn the topic back to her and Price.

“Yeh hes the big four - oh this year…going to throw him a big surprise party at his house, invite his close friends and family. Perfect garden for a party, might take him away, hes mentioned he thinking of taking up golf…so maybe a golf resort?” She looked at you as if she was asking you for your option, your input. You kept your mouth shut…Price once said if he ever mentioned taking up golf to shoot him in the back of the knee cap…He thought Golf was for the old and bored and how fishing kept the mind young and focused…O’Brian was still talking.You tried to tune her out, go to your happy place, but your happy place had gone and gotten engaged…

********************

Ghost sat slouched in his seat, his legs spread wide arms folded. He was getting impatient now…the briefing was meant to have started 25 minutes ago. He had Rookies to be tormenting.

“Who we waiting on Price?” He sat up, leaning forward. His fist landing heavy on the table. Price knitted his brow, a headache starting to form.

“Waiting on Squad 8…” Just as he spoke, in piled the Squad led by Mckinley. His face a storm cloud. They had been sent to the wrong conference room…no doubt on purpose.

“Right! get seated you lot, lets get this over with shall we?” Mckinley snapped his fingers as the team fell into place all seated, all except one…Price looked around the room, had you took a seat right at the back in the dark? He couldn’t see with the protector on. Mckinley noticed him looking and knew who he was looking for.

“Dredd where is Tank?…she was right behind me…” His face screwed up. Dredd looked around the room then at Price as if for help.

“I don’t know, Sir…want me to go find her?” Dredd went to stand up, but McKinley stopped her.

“Ill find her…already warned her about wandering off…guess the short leash is needed.” He mumbled the last bit under his breath, but Price caught it. It set his blood to boil. As Mckinley crossed the room, Kyle stood up in front of him, his arm out stoppping Mckinley in his tracks.

“Ill go…don’t worry…” Kyle was already making his way for the door. Rather him find you than Mckinley, but just as he was a foot from the door, you walked in confused why they entire room was looking at you.

“Get sat down Tank…” Mckinley turned to stand at the front of the room. He watched as you found a seat in between Ghost and Kyle. He had a mind to tell you to get sat with your Squad, but the briefing had already run over, not to worry he would remind you later where you were meant to sit. Price smiled at your, hoping you would return it, you did but it didn’t reach your eyes.

***************

The brief was like any other brief - plans, updates, missions, a few HR complaints. Price watched as Kyle whispered something in your ear causing a faint smile to show. He smiled himself, he didn’t however appreciate Ghost resting his hand on your leg, they had just gone over this in the HR complaints, but then at the end just as Price was wrapping up Mckinley raised his hand.

“Sorry John, I completely forgot I have some good news…well good news for some…tomorrow at thirteen hundred hours Sqaud 8 will be shipping out of his shit hole…we will be setting up base in Moldova and then from there a small team of us will be going undercover in Transnistria…its a unrecognised breakaway state currently occupied by the Russian army, we are not there for them instead we will be looking for intel on a small terrorist cell known as the UNP.” Mckinley clapped his hands together he was excited, he wanted to see how far he could push the squad, he wanted results and he had a new toy.

Ghost noticed you shifting in your seat, a small part of you was glad about leaving sooner, you couldn’t bare to listen to any wedding talk or how the nursery was coming along. You wanted to get as much distance between you and this base as possible. You could finally let him be, he was clearly moving on…you would do the same…with Luke? You didn’t know…you looked down at the skeleton gloved hand that rested on your knee, maybe the Dr was right maybe you did belong with a “Monster” like Simon Riley. If he was a monster so were you. You could feel a set of eyes on you, you looked up at Ghost, his eyebrow cocked. A silent what as he shook his head at you. You could just make out the outline of a grin. You thought about how you would pay good money to see his smile for real. Very good money indeed.

The room started to pack up, eyes blurry, backs stretched and legs shook back to life.

“Captain?” You raised your hand. Price turned first. Mckinley arched his eyebrow.

“What’s up Tank?”

Your eyes shot from his to McKinley’s. Price realised you weren’t talking to him, he was still a captain, he just wasn’t yours.

*****************

“Tank can I see you for a moment…” Price caught you just as you were leaving the conference room. You looked around for Mckinley, why? Like you needed permission? Did you need his permission?

“Erm, yeh of course have to make it quick you know me always the last to pack…” the little inside joke stung you both. You both waited in silence for the room to clear.

You couldnt help thinking he was going to tell you about his engagement and the nursery…Helen had probably told him you had seen the ring. Maybe he had wanted to tell you himself first? You didnt want to know. You didnt want to hear it.

“Tank…I want to say sorry…”

Here it comes you thought…it was the drunk argument all over again. You stared at the ground. Eyes locked onto a stain on the carpet.

“Im sorry for yesterday…I went too far and I’m going to be apologising to Mckinley before you guys leave…I know your fuming with me but can we please talk? One on one…Just me and you? Not Captain and Sergeant, not even Tank and Price…just us…John and…Sasha?” He stepped closer, his hands up in surrender. He had savoured how your name, your given name had sounded in his mouth. It had been a very long time since he had used it. The name caused your head to spin. You remembered the first time you two had met he had called you that, Kyle had corrected him, but you had liked how it sounded. Captain John Price was saying your name, you were in complete awe of him. Now stood in front of you he was still the legendary Captain Price, but now he was also just another man that had let you down.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. Im good” You avoided his gaze. So he moved closer.

“Are you really?”

“Yeh”

“Really?”

“YES”

“You sure?”

“YES!!” You snapped up at him. He knew how to push you. You weren’t ok, not even for a second, but you weren’t his problem anymore or at least that what you told yourself. To Price you would always be his problem, his priority, his purpose. The tester of his patience.

“Anyway…Me and Mckinley are the least of your worries…Congratulations by the way!” There was a tinge of sarcasm to your voice. Price looked puzzled? Congratulations?

“What are you on about least of my worries? As long as your with that nutter I’m going to be worried? Why congratulations?” He lowered his hands, he was close you could feel the heat coming off him. You missed that warmth. Focus.

“Really? That not why you have me in here? Wanted to break the news to me? Im sure Kyle is over the moon!” You rolled your eyes, but the look on his face suggested he really was clueless. He shrugged his shoulders to confirm.

“The engagement? I saw the ring on her finger…I’m happy for you…I’m really am. Maybe get the honeymoon over with before you change my…the back room into a nursery though…” You tried to smile but it came out wrong.

Price stood in silence for a moment, he needed to process a few things…engagement? Honey moon and a nursery? Had you hit your head?

“Whose finger? I’m honestly completely lost…an why would I change your room into a nursery?” Price folded his arms and tilted his head as he searched your face for an answer.

“Helen’s finger for Christ sake! The big fucking rock on her finger John! She was waving it in my face, talking about how your thinking of redecorating the back room, turning it into a nursery!” You titled your head back at him. The clueless look on his face turned to shock.

“Helen? I don’t know anything about a ring? An engagement ring? I haven’t asked her to marry me…we aren’t seeing each other anymore…I haven’t a clue what she’s on about and the “redecorating” was when she first came to visit…and said the room would make a nice nursery…I’d only just plastered the walls…well before it became your room kid…” Price put his hand on your shoulder, the heat from it sinking into your skin and deep to the bone. You looked up at him.

“I know we both said things that night…and it’s probably for the best…you have Luke…I have…well I don’t have anyone…but for one minute can we just pretend that none of that happened…please just for a minute…” He stroked your shoulder with his thumb.

“For one minute?”

“For one minute”

“Ok…”

“Ok”

Price pulled you into a hug, it took you by surprise, but you wrapped your arms around him as if by instinct, your hands finding their place on his back. You pushed your face into his chest, his chest hair poking you through his T-shirt. The smell of his aftershave and cigar smoke flooded your lungs, you didnt care you would happily drown and go willingly into the blue fo his eyes.

He gently kissed the top of your head. He wanted the world to stop. He wanted a lot of things.

“Where did we go wrong…” The words were out before he could even register saying them. Instant regret filled him, He knew dam well where it had gone wrong…You shot back, looking up at him , your lip curled up.

“Where did we go wrong? Really? Do you need reminding?”

“No…I meant…”

“Where we went wrong was this right here this was a mistake…I can’t do this…I have Luke…you have what ever you have with Helen…I have Squad 8…I have a new Captain…your not my Captain anymore…Im not your problem anymore…minutes up…” You fought back tears as you untangled yourself from his arms. His face shattered. As your tried to step back you felt a tug at your hip, you looked down expecting Price to have a hold of your belt…but it was your lanyard, it had tangle with his.

“Great…” you tried to untangle them, but you were just making it worse. Fat tears falling from your eyes, dampening your T-shirt.

“Here…stop your making it more tangled…” Price took over, they snapped back in the mechanisms. You were free to go. You turned and made you way for the door. This was stupid. The tears caught in your throat, making it hard to swallow.

“Sasha…”

Price called after you, but you ignored him, your hand on the door.

“SASHA!…please…I don’t want this…”

You opened the door, but just as you stepped out of the room you turned, your eyes welling up again.

“Well we don’t always get what we want do we John…”

As you walked away Price watched as your head dipped down low to avoid any on lookers. He bounded over to the door slamming it shut.

“FUCK!!!!” He threw his fists onto the table. That didnt go as planned…he had fuck up again. He ran his fingers through his hair, He would let you cool off…

He had till tomorrow afternoon to get this set right.

***********************

04:00am

You sat waiting for the transport shuttle to the air base. Mckinley had changed the leave time. Said it was on a need to know basis. You had text Kyle letting him now about the last minute change, he probably wouldn’t even be awake, but you had told him goodbye and you would see each other when you got back. It was better this way, you hated goodbyes.

Dredd nudged you with her elbow, when you looked at her she simply nodded to the right. You followed her eyes. Ghost. Well maybe one goodbye wouldn’t be so bad. You made your way over, Mckinley watched you like a hawk. He didnt mind, he was taking your away for a while.

“Not like you to be up this early kid…Mckinley stealing you away into the night?” He stood closer. You smiled. His mask was up over his nose, you could see his lips and the large scar that ran through them and up his face.

“Something like that…better this way I guess…least your here to wave me off or was you just making yourself a brew” you nodded to the mug, he held it out to you to take a sip, you took it gladly. Your face grimaced, it was straight black, two teabags you looked down at the mug, he definitely hadn’t noticed which one he had picked up.

“Bit too strong for you?” He chuckled.

“Are you?” You smiled.

“What?”

“Useless in bed?” You turned the mug round to face him, a little grin on your face. It had been a secret Santa gift for Kyle.

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” He smiled. You had finally seen it in the flesh. His answer made you blush. You handed him back the mug. You brain fizzed.

“Well we’ve practically kissed now…haha” you could slap yourself. Why? Why had you said that?

“I guess we have…best not tell Price, he’ll have me hanged for treason…” Ghost took a sip from the mug.

“Well I wouldn’t want that…” You folded your arms, Price was a sore subject.

“Would be worth it…” He handed you the mug back, you took another swig, it was far too hot and far too strong but you drank it anyway.

“Looks like your rides here, listen stay safe in Moldova, be careful who you trust sergeant, people you know can hurt you the most” He looked over your head at Mckinley. You placed the mug back in his hand, resting your other on his chest.

“I will LT, thanks for the brew…” you gave him your best smile an he returned it. Ghost felt his heart double in size. When he had clocked you all packing up, he had thought about telling the others you were leaving early but decided to keep it to himself, keep you to himself.

He watched as you walked out to the transporter, loading your gear onto the the back. You wave as you boarded. He gave you a nod. Just as the transporter pulled away, Ghost clocked Kyle running out from the barracks…Price right behind. He threw his hands on his head, he looked gutted. Price looked worse. Kyle looked over at him.

“How long you been there LT?”

“Not long, had just enough time to share a brew with Tank before she shipped out..” He held the mug up to show them.

Price looked livid.

“She text me late last night but my phone was off…aww for fuck sake…” Kyle pulled his hood over his head pulling the strings tight.

Price knew the ins and outs of your new mission, he had spent all night looking over the plans and intel, it was dangerous, risky just how McKinley worked. It was an infiltration mission.

You weren’t coming back anytime soon.

[gaddaboutgriffon]

@puppetmaster13u so you seem to like branching out of the DPxDC and also like dragon-ized characters. Well I have had a fic Idea for a while.

A gem that when put in water makes it turn a glowing purple and anyone submerged in that water turns into one of sixteen breeds/subspecies of dragon based on which one fits them best. (More on each breed later.)

Now for the plot part. There’s a treasure/magic weapon some bad guy is looking for that can only be found by dragon eyes. He decides to essentially take street kids and use the gem to turn them into dragonlings promising to turn them back after he gets what he wants. Tim Drake/Red Robin and Damian/Robin are investigating the disappearance of the kids and find the bad guy pushing a kid into glowing purple water and the transformation into a dragon. Of course there is a fight and it ends up having Tim turned into a dragon but they escape with all the dragon-ified kids, but the bad guy escapes with the gem. Now Damian has to take care of and keep a bunch of juvenile dragons hidden and track down the bad guys with the gem to ever be able to undo this. Oh being turned into a dragon comes with some instincts and pack behaviors that makes Damian’s job harder.

Ok the Pack tends to be divided into eight roles. 1 the Alpha is the leader and protector of the Pack. 2 The Beta is the second in command and helps enforce the orders of the alpha. 3 the Scout is the one that has the best memory for land marks and obstacles to the pack and goes ahead looking for danger. 4 the Hunters does the most hunting, fighting, general tasks to protect and provide for the pack. 5 Tracker is a specialized hunter and is one that will track prey down or find missing pack members. 6 Sentry has the best senses of hearing smell and/or sight and acts as a early warning for the pack. Often works with the Scout. 7 Nanny is the one that takes care of the babies in the pack or injured members or elderly members. 8 Omega/Peacekeeper this one breaks up tensions in the pack by diverting attention of fighting members from each other onto them. Often through annoyance or play.

Now for the different breeds and what each does best. Oh and the Dragons are not really reptiles. They are more like egg laying mammals and the scales are made of fused overcoat hair like the Pangolin has. The digestive system produces gases that combust when combined with oxygen in the atmosphere and use an electric spark like the electric eel and the bombardier beetle. Those gases are lighter then air and with the hallow bones helps make them light enough to fly, but if they use to much for fire in a fight then they can’t fly for a while. There are some breeds with exceptions and those will be explained. Can you tell I am a bit of a biology nerd.

First we have the Pygmydrake. It is the smallest breed like the chihuahua of the dragons, being about the size of a medium sized dog. It has fire and spits acid and a fully prehensile tail. Tends to be more cooperative and live in much larger packs than any other breed. In a pack with mixed breeds will often act as an omega or scout.

Next we have the Shiftscale. It can change the color of its scales at will and can blend into its surroundings it practically goes invisible. Sharp retractable claws for silent movement. It can breathe fire but not as much as other breeds. More likely to ambush prey and if they don’t have the element of surprise is likely to retreat.

Ok now the Firerex. These are the second biggest breed and they have the biggest gas sacks for ton of extra fire. Very much more likely to roast an opponent then the other breeds because they can. And their jaw strength is like a hydraulic press for really strong bites. Just big guys that are affectionate with their pack and will be the first to fight to defend it.

Onto the Spearback. They can breath fire but are more likely to fight with their quilled tail. These prickly guys are not fond of strangers or surprises and are likely to slam their spike tail to impale anything that startles them. They can flick their tail fast enough launch a loose quill like a giant dart. But once trust is earned they will be glued to your side.

Moving onto the IceScale. This breed has a mutation where their body does not produce the right gases for fire but instead they spray a liquid that will freeze when mixed with nitrogen in the atmosphere. Thus they can’t fly either. The body is better adapted for freezing weather and the wings and tail for swimming. They have a great sense of smell and can track down scents from miles away. Eyesight isn’t to good though.

Going to have to finish the rest of the breeds in a reblog.

[ceiling-karasu]

Other Countries in the Squirrel and Hedgehog AUs, Part One, Plus OCs

Chaand Hadia (Moon Gift, Urdu)

For my AUs, I will have Flower Hill (North Korea) be very close to the country of Chaand Hadia (Moon Gift), located the left of the country. I'm ignoring the distance in between them for now, because this is fiction and I have decided it.

Location and Geography: Shares a border with Flower Hill. Plains, plateaus, mountains, rivers, fertile valleys, and ocean make for varied regions.

The Farmhouse Villa for Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket most likely takes place a few hours from the border between Flower Hill and Chaand Hadia.

Government: democratic parliamentary federal republic but local cultural rules specific regions.

Economy: The economy is largely based off of herbs, medicines, and dyes, with large exports of textiles. Essential medical compounds are grown in villages around the country or on mountaintops. Herbalists are seen as an essential job, and doctors that travel between small villages and neighboring countries are commonplace.

Flower Hill provides a lot of silk to Chaand Hadia, and receives essential medicines, dyes, and weapon components (in secret) that they may not have been able to grow or find themselves.

Demographics: hog deer, goats, sheep, boars, mongoose, Indian pangolin, striped hyenas, black and brown bears

Culture: Each province has it’s own rules and specific clothing styles based on the standard. Important families carry a detailed pocket compass to identify themselves, although the meanings can vary, and the presence of one can be a coded message.

Foreign Relations: Balanced and outwardly neutral, although getting more and more friendly with Flower Hill. Very friendly with Chambelli Koh.

Relation to Flower Hill: Alongside regular trade, secretly smuggles extra weapons and medicines into Flower Hill, possibly even up to weapons of mass destruction. After all, if Flower Hill falls the the Weasel Unit, their own coastlines will be next. Will not do anything overtly to support their neighbor, though, unless pushed.

Traditional Clothing Style (Not military attire): Shalwar kameez, hijab, Niqab. Clothing used to be more plain until they began acquiring large amounts of silk from Flower Hill.

OC Character: Soor-Hiran (May appear Briefly)

Rei-Does-Stuff mentioned the idea of a goat that could smuggle weapons and such into Flower Hill, and to Geumsaegi. I made a joke about the deer I had made in Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket, who does kind of do that. They responded with the concept of the Pakistani hog-deer, with absolutely no hesitation. Later, they discussed how Pakistan was such a close ally of North Korea, to the point that they smuggled nuclear weapons into the country. Well, that was also a background plot (not a spoiler), and the deer smuggling weapons and poisons may be a larger plot-line in the current AU. So, we got to talking.

As such, I would like to formally dedicate my Hog-Deer Smuggler, Soor-Hiran, to @Rei-Does-Stuff.

Gender: Ambiguous.

Country: Chaand Hadia (Moon gift, Urdu)

Alliance: Chaand Hadia

Attire: Hijab, loose trousers and shirts (Shalwar kameez), but province styles are blended together.

Skills: Herbs, medicine, espionage, deceit, eavesdropping, eidetic memory of mountain paths and plants, and schematics.

Weapon: Poison needles.

Day job: traveling herbalist, doctor. Is allowed to travel between Chaand Hadia and Flower Hill, and works with the commanders in Cherry Valley, as permitted by their own government. Alongside medicines, they bring materials for weapons, schematics, and messages pertaining to Weasel Unit movements and acquisitions. Their village is next to the border of Flower Hill, so it is easy to travel in between.

Works with: markhor goat group of apprentice herbalists and couriers. But they may be more than they seem to be...

Secret Job and backstory: While they will happily accept requests from Flower Hill, Soor-Hiran's group secretly works as a black market smuggler. Other weapons, foods, stolen items, jewels, and information are sold to those willing to pay the price. So far, the Weasel Unit has been unable to afford their cost, but how desperate will they get until they are willing to pay?

Likes: Silk, moths, flowers

Dislikes: being belittled for their culture

Personal Item: Beloved family antique pocket compass/sundial. This specific heirloom allows them free entry into Flower Hill.

OC Character: Pangulggot

Gender: Male

Country and Alliance: Chaand Hadia

Attire: loose trousers and shirts (Shalwar kameez)

Skills: medicine, ignoring things that don't apply to him.

Weapon: nothing other than his scales and claws. Is far too mild mannered to fight back if attacked for the most part. His scales prevent him from being harmed.

Day Job: traveling herbalist and medicine worker, bringing important medicinal components to Flower Hill

Works with: markhor goat group of apprentice herbalists, guards, and couriers

Likes: his job, Lily of the Valley flowers

Dislikes: People trying to eat Lily of the Valley Flowers. They are poisonous, but yet...

Backstory: They do very much love their name. However:

Pangulggot is aware that authorities act strangely when they say their name, and tries to hide it, since there is something going on that they probably should not know. Possibly a dangerous individual with the same name, or a military code word…?

Whatever it is, they sure notice that it gets them pulled into empty rooms while going through customs and checkpoints as ‘randomly selected,’ for extra questioning that sure sounds like they contain specific phrases for a specific person he is not.

[legofemme]

Why does staff insist on giving breeds anatomy that makes no sense with regards to actual movement. Why are dusthide hindlegs so short in comparison to their arms. Why does the fpose imply that they move on all fours when it wouldn't make sense with that leg length. Has staff ever seen a pangolin or anteater in their lives. Do they know how the anatomy on those front claws dont allow for a flat foot like that on flat ground. What is going on.

[studiovlinderdas]

⚡🧱Kanto Rodent-Evo's Redesigns🧱⚡ Raichu and Sandslash join the line-up, finishing two evolutionary lines~!! Raichu is building further on the electrician motif I added to Pikachu (one of the first redesigns), it has more metal on its body, using this to guide the wild electricity from its tail, which is shaped roughly like a lightning rod. I also gave the design markings shaped like an overal and made its ears more mouse like (with points to hint at the 'Gorochu' legend~!!) Sandslash takes more after a pangolin, hinted at in the Sandshrew redesign, it now sports massive claws, a nod to the 'Slash' part of its name. Its body is more streamlined to improve its movement through sand and dirt, but the shape already gives 'Pangolin' as it is. I'm happy everytime an Evolutionary line gets finished, as it means less things to think about in the overall Pokedex, design-wise. I'm especially happy with how different, yet connected both feel with their prevo's. Also; I'm almost on 2/3's of the Dex~!! But next week it's time for other, non-Kanto related posts (though, maybe still a bit Kanto...) 96/151

[quirkwizard]

Pangolins are my favorite animal so any kind of evolutions or support equipment or training for pangolin?

"Pangolin" doesn't need a lot of equipment. With their large shell, it's going to be hard to really add anything without it getting in the way. They could have DNA Mesh suit so they don't tear through their clothes with their scales. Maybe something to help cover up their greater senses, like adjustable plugs for their ears. They can't even have much of a theme for it either. Maybe a cowboy look, just some fun. Training would involve the user curling up into their ball form, swinging about with their long tongue, and ramming into stuff. This could help them get them a lot more skill with their movement, help improve the durability of their scales, and even train their enhanced senses while they are in the ball. Some time with their claws would be good as well, like using them against hard rocks. Evolutions won't yield a lot of new abilities, just new ways to use the current ones. I could see the user learning to use their scales more, like applying them selectively to the body or flicking them about to roll the user around. Honestly, I could see the user becoming a high mobility wrecking ball, using their spinning, digging, and tongue swinging to smash into people and become a really annoying target.

[sillygoofyqueer]

Oh yeeeaaaah, more yappery about Wei Qingwei. I'm sorry guys, if you hadn't noticed already - he is literally my blorbo (vomit n food insecurities TW)

When Shao Chezhuo first found Wei Yi, curled up in the corner of his room and sobbing with a puddle of vomit next to him, there was no yelling or screaming about the waste of food and space he was. There was a gentle, soothing voice telling him that it was alright even as he apologised and begged for forgiveness, safe warmth surrounding him as he's lifted up and carried out of his room. His first sword ride was to Qian Cao Peak. While his Shifu talked with a stern looking woman - Shibo, according to Shifu - Wei Yi sat in a pale little room on a pale little bed in pale little robes. He didn't like pale things. Or, well, he didn't, until he was greeted by another disciple, one who checked his meridians and smiled and whispered that although Shibo was stern, she could be quite gentle when she wanted to be. This kind disciple called himself Mu Zhang, and had very pretty eyes - a warm yet pale brown that danced with a steady calm - that didn't look away once. Mu Zhang was nice. Nice and quiet. He was almost deliberate in his movements, never doing anything unnecessary or abrupt, just pouring them both tea and sitting with him as they waited for their teachers to finish talking outside the room. He didn't force a conversation, just kept up a constant stream of words, talking about what he was learning and how the other disciples were faring and even showing him a book filled with different kinds of plants. Wei Yi could have sat there for hours, too exhausted to speak, but he eventually wrangled up enough energy to ask a question - Mu Zhang had been positively delighted. It was the most passionate rant Wei Yi had ever heard about plants, and he was the son of farmers. It made up for the brutal conversation he had with Li Cheyu (莉澈雨) about his eating habits; that is, that they weren't healthy. He didn't understand most of it, but Mu Zhang was a constant reassuring presence and he was sure that Shifu knew what was going on, the man keeping a warm hand on his shoulders as he asked questions and almost demanded for written instructions for Wei Yi. After the visit to Qian Cao, the other disciples on Wan Jian treated him with just that little bit extra kindness, offering him trinkets and letting him spend a little bit more time with his pangolins before they tugged him away for studying, didn't try and eat from his plate or make comments about how quickly he ate. Shifu wasn't awkward with him, though, reassuring him that there would always be enough food for him, that it would never disappear, and letting him into the forge whenever he had that biting, itching feeling that something was wrong. Shifu told him that working there would be a good way to soothe it, and he trusted Shifu. Another thing that came from his visit to Qian Cao was a friend. Mu Zhang often showed up to their peak to deal with injuries, and stayed to keep Wei Yi company whenever he wanted it. And, when Wei Yi eventually became a magnet for injuries, he would stay even longer, explaining that it was to make sure that his healing was actually working (secretly though, he would whisper that he just wanted to spend more time together, and that made him laugh). Mu Zhang didn't even mind when he couldn't stop talking about the different sword forms he was learning (the words just fell out, he couldn't help it, but Mu Zhang told him that it was okay). Wei Yi would help Mu Zhang with his fighting skills, and Mu Zhang would help him learn to cultivate so he didn't fall behind the others. In fact, he became quite good at both things (Mu Zhang would laugh and call it scary how easily he picked these things up), and it made it easier to feel safe when he was alone at night with the dreadful sounds and the haunting darkness. When he finally made his first dagger, he offered it to Shifu with a big smile on his face, so proud of himself for finally doing something that felt right. Shifu cried. When he was first taken into town, he bought Mu Zhang a ribbon he thought would look nice in his hair. He hadn't been hugged that tightly since his parents died.

[mightyflamethrower]

he post-Joe McCarthy era and the candidacy of Barry Goldwater once prompted liberal political scientist Richard Hofstadter to chronicle a supposedly long-standing right-wing “paranoid style” of conspiracy-fed extremism.

But far more common, especially in the 21st century, has been a left-wing, hysterical style of inventing scandals and manipulating perceived tensions for political advantage.

Or, in the immortal words of Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.”

The 2008 economic emergency crested on September 7, with the near collapse of the home mortgage industry.

Obama took office on January 20, 2009, more than four months after the meltdown. In that interim, the officials had finally restored financial confidence and plotted a course of economic recovery.

No matter. The Obama administration never stopped hyping the financial meltdown as if it had just occurred. That way, it rammed through Obamacare, massive deficit spending, and the vast expansion of the federal government. All that stymied economic growth and recovery for years.

In 2016, Donald Trump was declared Hitler-like and an existential threat to democracy.

Amid this derangement syndrome, any means necessary to stop him were justified: the Russian collusion hoax, impeachment over a phone call, or the Hunter laptop disinformation farce.

Eventually, the left sought to normalize the once unthinkable: removing the leading presidential candidate from state ballots and indicting him in state and local courts.

Nothing was off limits—not forging a federal court document, calling for a military coup, rioting on Inauguration Day, or radically changing the way Americans voted in presidential elections.

In October 2017, allegations surfaced about serial sexual predation by liberal cinema icon Harvey Weinstein.

The #MeToo furor immediately followed.

At first, accusers properly outed dozens of mostly liberal celebrities, actors, authors, and CEOs for their prior and mostly covered-up sexual harassment and often assault.

But soon, the once legitimate movement had morphed into general hysteria. Thousands of men (and women) were persecuted for alleged offenses, often sexual banter or rude repartee, committed decades prior.

#MeToo jumped the shark with the left-wing effort to take down conservative Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Would-be accusers surfaced from his high school days, 35 years earlier, but without any supporting evidence or witnesses for their wild, lurid charges.

#MeToo hysteria ended when too many liberal grandees were endangered. Most dramatically, former Joe Biden senatorial aide Tara Reade came forward during the 2020 campaign cycle with charges that front-runner Joe Biden had once sexually assaulted her—and was trashed by the liberal media.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States during the winter of 2020 prompted an even greater hysteria.

Without scientific evidence, federal health czars Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins were able to convince the Trump administration to shut down the economy in the country’s first national quarantine.

Suddenly, it became a thought crime to question the wisdom of six-foot social distancing, of mandatory mask wearing, of the Wuhan virology lab’s origin of the COVID virus, or of off-label use of prescription drugs.

Left-wing politicians and celebrities, from Hillary Clinton and Gavin Newsom to Jane Fonda, all blurted out the political advantages that the lockdowns offered—from recalibrating capitalism and health care to ensuring the 2020 defeat of Donald Trump.

The COVID hysteria magically ended when Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Suddenly, the lies about the bat or pangolin origins of the virus faded. The damage from the quarantines could no longer be repressed. And herd immunity gradually mitigated the epidemic.

The lockdown caused untold economic chaos, suicides, and health crises.

One result was the 120 days of looting, arson, death, destruction, and violence spawned by Antifa and Black Lives Matter in the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd while in police custody in May 2020.

Suddenly, a hysterical lie took hold: American police were waging war against black males.

The details around Floyd’s sudden death—he was in the act of committing a felony, resisting arrest, suffering from coronary artery disease and the after-effects of COVID, and being high on dangerous drugs—were off limits.

The riot toll reached $2 billion in property damage, over 35 deaths, and 1,500 injured law enforcement officers. A federal courthouse, a police precinct, and a historic church were torched.

Police forces were defunded. Emboldened left-wing prosecutors nullified existing laws.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion commissars spread throughout American higher education as meritocracy came under assault.

Racial essentialism triumphed. Racially segregated dorms, campus spaces, and graduations were normalized.

Everything from destroying the southern border to dropping SAT requirements for college admission followed.

Sometimes real, sometimes hyped crises lead to these contrived left-wing hysterias—like the January 6 violent “armed insurrection” or the “fascist” “ultra-MAGA” threat.

Otherwise, the progressive movement cannot enact its unpopular agendas. So it must scare the people silly and gin up chaos to destroy its perceived enemies—any crisis it can.

[claudeng80]

05, 07, 18!

5 A document that changed the course of history

It was after the Deimos incident that the AI rights movement really picked up steam. Partisans pushed for a universal statement of personhood and protection of equal rights for sentient AIs. Opponents called for a universal negation of any AI protections and definition of any being generated from hardware and software as no different from any other machine. Neither truly won the argument, and there has never been any universal statement. However, individual jurisdictions have made their own laws and definitions. If there is something resembling a standard, it would be the African Union’s Statement of Universal Rights. It lays out a system of basic rights and expectations for any sentient being, human, AI or otherwise. Naturally, since they did not write it, most governments hate it. But corporations, particularly the large ones operating across economic spaces, found it useful, so it is in general considered the governing document for the AIs that make the solar system’s orbiting stations and interplanetary ships possible.

7 A conflict that involved a changing environment The shifting arable zones of the earth due to climate change was what made the colonization of the solar system worthwhile. Enough people were convinced that the food-production capacity of the Earth was approaching insufficient for the growing population that alternatives were sought. First came the orbital farms, spinning greenhouses growing crops to be picked and dropped to the surface of the earth. But farming is water-intensive, and lifting the water required from the surface of the earth was expensive. That led to the water rush, in which every company and government capable of spaceflight spread out across the solar system searching for water to bring back. Comets were scraped, the poles of Mars mined, but the source with the most promise was Jupiter’s moon Europa. Europa, unfortunately, was forbidden. The first probes found potential for life, or at least its predecessors, and contact with the moon was ruled out beyond careful scientific study. Not only did we run the risk of contaminating what could be the only known non-Earthly source of life, but the water itself, if it were to be contaminated, could contain pathogens beyond our understanding. That said, the solar system is a large place, and there is no police cordon or surveillance covering an entire moon. More than once, water-shipments claiming to be sourced from the deeper comet-scrapers have been deemed to be Europa water instead. Those shipments are disposed of, not without controversy, but the practice continues.

18 A species with protective anatomy Skipping because not relevant to the story. Pangolins still exist, in zoos only.

Summer Camp Prompts

[thewatcher727]

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 11: Who Am I?

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

FanFiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14344080/11/Sonic-X-Gotta-Go-Fast-Again

Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54991219/chapters/144027145

Preview:

As he descended through the thinning clouds, the vast expanse of Rail Canyon unfolded beneath him. The landscape was a harsh tapestry of rugged desert, its rocky outcrops and dusty plains stretching as far as the eye could see. Yet, amidst the barren terrain, one structure stood out: Bullet Station. This central hub was the nerve center of the canyon, a bustling nexus where the myriad transport trains converged and departed. Its sprawling network of tracks and platforms buzzed with activity, the constant movement of cargo trains creating a rhythmic, industrial symphony.

Adjacent to Bullet Station was the town of Velocity Vale, a small but vibrant settlement that had grown around the station. Velocity Vale thrived on the commerce and industry generated by the trains, its streets lined with repair shops, warehouses, and modest homes.

Metal Sonic landed gracefully atop a tall clock tower, its weathered stone structure offering a commanding view of the town below. Perched like a vigilant sentinel, he activated his optics, preparing to scan the bustling streets of Velocity Vale for any signs of the Chaos Emerald's energy signature. However, before his sensors could complete their sweep, his advanced hearing sensors picked up an unsettling disturbance: screams of terror, frantic cries for help.

Metal Sonic's mechanical mind whirred with confusion. Surely, the townspeople hadn't spotted him already. His metallic form was cloaked in the shadows, virtually undetectable to the naked eye.

"Bandits! Bandits are here!"

"Everyone, run!"

"Where's the sheriff?!"

"Get inside, hurry!"

The desperate shouts echoed through the streets, a symphony of panic that shattered the town's usual rhythm. Metal Sonic's optics zoomed in on the source of the commotion, locking onto a group of Chinese pangolin bandits causing havoc in the town square. These bandits moved with a brazen confidence, their revolvers gleaming menacingly in the sunlight as they brandished them at the terrified townsfolk.

One bandit in particular stood out. He wore an oversized cowboy hat that shaded his eyes, giving him an air of authority among the ragtag group. Unlike the others, who wielded a single revolver each, this bandit carried two, one in each hand. He swaggered through the crowd, his weapons twirling effortlessly as he barked orders, his voice dripping with menace and amusement.

"Alright, everyone! Let's do this nice and quickly! Hand over all the goods! You can run if you like, but there's nothing but desert for a hundred miles!" he bellowed.

Metal Sonic couldn't help but chuckle, a cold, mechanical sound devoid of any genuine mirth. Did they really need their hero Sonic to come and save them every time? The sight of the terrified townspeople scurrying like frightened mice only fueled his disdain. He shook his head, a motion more out of habit than necessity, and prepared to leave the town to its fate. These bandits were of no consequence to him.

Yet, as he turned to depart, Metal Sonic found he couldn't move. His internal systems, so precise and reliable, now seemed to betray him. His primary objective to locate and secure the Chaos Emerald was being overridden by another directive, one he couldn't easily dismiss. He attempted to force his processors back on track, to ignore the chaos below, but an influx of memories stopped him in his tracks.

[codenamehazard]

.:(Kill All) Sons of Bitches:.

Chapter 10: (Kill All) Sons of Bitches

Hey guys!

Another chapter, another doozy! Things are really picking up in the Wildlands and in a hurry. This chapter took a while, a lot of rewriting, a lot of head-banging, a lot of staring at a wall while eating copious amounts of fruit snacks, lots of kitty cuddles, but I made it in the end!

Big, big, BIIIIIIIIG shoutout to @rogueshadeaux for her help in making sure everything wasn't a jumbled mess. She deserves all the love in the world and if you're a fan of InFAMOUS, check her out!

And without further ado, here's chapter 10!

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

I stare out the window of the jeep as the humming of the wheels drone on in my ears. Thoughts flitting through my head as I watch the seemingly endless expanse of flat land pass. It feels like life was throwing me curveball after curveball and making my head spin. The ride thus far has been quiet. It was that weird and fucking awkward quiet that just makes everyone uncomfortable. Even with Pangolin trying to ease the tension, the short answers from me or Kestrel made it abundantly clear it wasn’t going to work.

Speaking of the bird, I occasionally glance over at her, she has a window down as is currently airplaning her hand in the wind, making it go up and down. She’s pressing up against the other side of the jeep as far as she can go. Aside from the arm out the window, she looks like a pouting child. Not even looking at me save for brief looks. Fine by me, the important thing is that she’s not running her mouth.

Looking at her causes a question to pop back up into my head. It may not have been obvious at the start, but looking back it was clear. Mako knew that the gunsmith she was talking about was Kestrel, but why didn’t she tell me sooner? At least then I wouldn’t have been blindsided. I’ll have a chat with her later after this little outing.

There was also the issue of this “they” thing that I’ve been hearing about. This enigmatic boogieman that has an entire town of full fledged conduits scared out of their mind, so scared that it’s making Kestrel act stupid. Risking her neck to complete a project for what I can only guess is some sort of super weapon against whatever the hell “they” are. Is it that big of a deal? If it was, why haven’t I encountered these things? I’ve been on my own for a while so surely I would have seen something.

I lurch forward as the jeep comes to a stop, the movement taking me out of my thoughts. Pangolin shuts the jeep off as I get out and stretch my arms and legs. I watch Pango out of the corner of my eye as he gets out the pickaxes from the passenger seat and hands one of the tools to Kestrel.

I look at my Amp and frown. It was in bad shape and I feared that if I used it any more than I already have, it would break apart. I’ve managed to keep it usable thus far, but the only one who could truly fix and restore it is dead. Been dead for a very long time…

I walk over to Pangolin as I take the Amp off of my sling. He looks over and pulls out a pickaxe.

“Here.” He says simply. “You’re gonna need this.” I nod and take the tool before giving him the Amp. Pangolin looks at it before looking at me.

“What’s this?” He asks as he examines it.

“It’s mine.” I snap. “Make sure nothing happens to it while I’m gone.”

“Alright, I’ll keep it in the Jeep.” He states as he slips it into the trunk. I raise an eyebrow.

“You’re not coming with?” I ask, Pangolin shakes his head.

“I’m gonna be staying up here to guard the entrance as well as to make sure nobody tries to jack the jeep.” The brick wall states matter-of-factly. “Now, there is one thing I have to stress to you two. I know you hate each-other's guts, but for the love of God, do not get separated and watch each-other’s backs.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Kestrel huffs, already looking like she’s raring to go. “Buddy system, stay close, don’t wander off.”

“I mean it, Kestrel.” Pangolin chides. “Last thing we need is to have to send the others after the two of you and hope you’re still alive because you got lost.”

“I get it! Jesus!” The bird snaps. I roll my eyes at her childish behavior and I see Pangolin pinch the bridge of his nose. Makes me wonder if this is normal for the two or not. “Get in, get the materials, get out. Short, sweet, to the point.”

“Just don’t kill each-other. I’ll keep watch and if you guys don’t come back up at sun-down, I’ll radio for help and come down to get you.” Pangolin states before pulling out his gun and starts a patrol around the entrance. Kestrel and I take this as our cue to head inside. So with pickaxe in the sling and the bird chomping at the bit, we venture into the dark and the unknown to seek our prizes.

—-

My arms hum and buzz with power as crimson sparks jump off of my arms, bathing the mine in its light. I can tell this place has seen better days, lots of old mining equipment and wires. The old junk, the darkness and the claustrophobic feeling of being enclosed reminds me of being back in the sewer systems of Empire City, looking for sub-stations to power up and gain power in kind. Only difference is I don't have to fear death by water, it smells slightly better and what I seek isn’t a power-station, but this natural Rayacite Kestrel and Pangolin briefed me about.

I lick my lips as I can sense the energy of the natural shards and cores, but with so many energy signatures, it's impossible to pinpoint exactly where they are, even with my enhanced Radar Pulse, and the topography of the cave system doesn’t help any. I look over to the bird to ask if she has any bright ideas, but it seems like she’s way ahead of me on that.

Her hand on the ground, eyes closed and with what looks like small filaments coming from her hand. The mental image of a dog with their nose to the ground trying to pick up a scent comes to mind. I watch her sway slightly and turn her head before opening her eyes and looking down a tunnel, pointing at it.

“This way.” She states, eyes focused on the opening. “I picked up high concentrations of pure RFE coming from that direction, high likelihood of high quality shards and cores.” I blink at her in disbelief before scoffing.

“And how do you know that?" I sneer.

"I told you I have a knack for it, now are you going to come or not?" She snips as she starts to go down the path. “How else did you think I made a bee-line to the shards?” I roll my eyes and follow her down the path.

“Figured you followed me.” I state bluntly, flicking my arms to help combat the pins and needles that sting my nerves. She rolls her eyes. I notice something that I find odd. Very rarely was there a time that the damn bird actually walked like a normal person, preferring to dart and dash around in plumes. Yet here, she wasn’t. She’s actually walking and dare I say… Looking a bit nervous?

“Well, I didn’t. The others sometimes call me their “shard-hound” because of my knack. One of the reasons why I’m the scout of the group.” She snips as she keeps walking. I shake my head in irritation before a devious thought crosses my mind. I know I can’t kill the bird, I need my gun… But there’s nothing stopping me from pissing her off. With an evil grin on my face and while she’s distracted with looking around, I give the girl a small zap, causing her to yelp. I snicker to myself as she turns around and looks at me pissed.

“The hell was that for?!” She hisses out and I just smirk at her, I don’t need to tell her a damn thing and I can see it’s aggravating her. “I’m glad you think that’s funny, you won’t be laughing if you keep it up!” Awww, she’s trying to threaten me. How adorable.

“And what if I do, what are you gonna do about it?” I jeer with a shit-eating grin. She pinches the bridge of her nose.

“It’s not what…” She sputters before looking at me like I’m an idiot. “Look, the Wildlands have few rules, but there is one rule she’s gonna drill into your head just like it’s been drilled into mine and that is if you go looking for raw Rayacite, you do not start flinging your powers around all haphazardly! You use enough to help you navigate and that’s it!” Her voice takes a serious tone, I frown at this.

“What are you going on about, girl?” I scoff as she fumes. “It’s an abandoned mine, we’re the only ones here and even if there are others here. I know I’ll wipe the floor with them.” A puff of smoke expels from Kestrel’s mouth as she face-palms.

“Look, I know you don’t trust me, there’s no dancing around that, but for the love of God will you at least trust me on this?? This isn’t my first time diving into these deathtraps so I know what the fuck I am talking about.” She gripes while looking at me. Deathtraps? Okay, I get that cave-ins are an issue and all, but to be this worked up? Really? I see the bird sigh again.

“Just… Trust me on this and let’s keep moving. The longer we stand around bickering, the more likely we’re gonna be spotted.” She hisses out before continuing on. Again with the vagueness, but she does have a point. We can go back and forth, but it won’t get us any closer to my prize, so we continue on.

The deeper we go into the mine, the stronger the energy signatures become and the more my mouth waters. Whatever the bird was doing, she wasn’t kidding about having that knack. It isn’t just the strength of the signatures that’s growing stronger, there is… Something else about it. The way the energy feels more… Concentrated. Purified? Whatever it is, it feels good.

I watch Kestrel look around, sweeping her head left to right almost like a searchlight. Are her eyes… Glowing purple? It’s one of those things where one moment it’s there but when I blink it’s suddenly gone. I’ll have to ask her later, but for now, we move on deeper.

A wave of raw RFE hits me like a truck when Kestrel and I walk into a large cavern dotted with deposits of crystals and metal that glow with that familiar purple-blue light. I stare wide eyes as I look around, my body hungering for the variable buffet on display. Well I’ll be damned, the bird is as useful as she claims to be.

Speaking of the bird, I look over at her and I see an expression familiar. Hunger. She licks her chops before she does the spot-light headsweep motion. Looks like I ain’t the only one who craves Shards. She better not get any crazy ideas. I intensify the sparks on my arms in warning and she gives me a look that’s a mix of “what the fuck are you doing” and “are you insane.” I grin at the expression, at least she knows she’s on thin ice and is less likely to do anything stupid. I watch as the bird climbs up to a cluster and tap it before nodding and signaling for me to come up. I nod back and join her, the hunger gnawing at my stomach something fierce being so close to just… Pure Rayacite. It’s nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

“Pick a cluster for yours.” Kestrel gestures with her hand as she gets her pickaxe out. “Once you pick, you mine it, I’ll grab it and then I’ll do the same for mine, but once metal hits ‘cite, we need to hust-”

“Woah, woah, woah, lil birdie.” I interrupt her. “Why the rush? You’ve been awfully jumpy ever since we’ve stepped in here and I see no reason why. I haven’t seen not hide nor hair of anything. No animals, no other people. Not even sensed anything. It’s just you and me, so why shouldn’t I take my time? Maybe take some extra for the road?” I can’t help but to snicker as Kestrel looks like she’s about to pull her hair out.

“Just because you can’t see or sense anything don’t mean they aren’t there, you overgrown sparkplug!” She whisper-yells while staring at me like I’m an idiot, I can’t help but to snicker at the bird’s flapping. “Don’t laugh, this is serious! You think the humans and monsters you had to face in the past were a pain, the things that like to call mines like this home are 10 times worse!” I scoff before laughing.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” I sneer before I walk over and hover my hand over the clusters. Kestrel’s probably bullshitting about whatever the hell she’s going on about, probably wanting to keep the rest of the goodies to herself. Like I’m gonna let that happen. Still… That tone in her voice and the look in her eyes, what if she’s right? That’s not the look of someone acting, something isn’t quite right.

Oh well.

I take the pickaxe off of my sling and stretch my arms before swinging the pick. The metal point connects to the glowing cluster I have chosen and with that strike, sparks fly and a wave of RFE hits me. I can feel my body absorb the raw energy like a sponge and goddamn does it feel good. Another strike and another wave, a manic grin starts to form. This pure, raw energy. I want more, more. I strike the cluster harder, more sparks, more energy, but it’s not enough. This is going too slow!

… Why the hell am I using this stupid pickaxe? I have something much better.

My eyes glow red and the heat in my body intensifies. Sparks gather in my hand as I stare at the shard-cluster, grinning with hunger.

“Cole, what are you doing?” I hear Kestrel ask, her voice filled with fear, but I ignore her. I know she warned me about using my powers in here, but I don’t give a shit. To hell with her nonsense. “Are you trying to get us both killed??”

I feel the energy build in my hand as I take aim, I see Kes panicking out of the corner of my eye and it fills my heart with schadenfreude. With a hum and a dark chuckle, I fire.

BOOM!!! 

Crystals and metal fly as an immense amount of RFE bursts out and washes over the both of us. Power flows through my body like a raging current and my grin grows so wide, my cheek starts to hurt, I even begin to laugh. It feels so good! So fucking good!! I start grabbing shards and draining them with a wild eagerness.

Kestrel just stares at me, her face pale with a visceral fear. I see her a hot second to grab 4 pieces of high quality shard and a monster of a blast core. Normally I’d fry her right then and there, but there was plenty so she can have a few, as a treat. I can see hunger in her eyes as she gathers the bits, but fear was overriding it. Heh, bet she’s really realizing that I’m someone who can back up when I say “I will get what I want.”

A cacophony of screeches, screams and roars stop my power crazed thoughts dead in their tracks as I see Kestrel’s head bolt up, if her face could have gone any paler, it would have. Her eyes wide in absolute terror. The noises sound human and inhuman at the same time, the only thing I’ve heard closest to this noise is the screaming of the Reapers, but even they didn’t sound this gnarly.

“We need to go… Now…” Kestrel whispers in a quiet tone, I just give her a questioning look. “You’ve gone and kicked the hornet’s nest, we need to leave before the horde shows up.” Did… Did she not just see what I did to the wall? Did she forget what I am capable of?

“What and miss out on the fun?” I scoff, looking over at her as I pop my knuckles. “Fat chance.” I grab another shard and absorb it before making my way to where I heard the scream-fest.

“Cole, I swear to God if you go in to face those things, I’m leaving your ass! I’ve got what I’ve come for so I have no qualms!” I couldn’t help but to laugh at Kestrel’s little tantrum, showing her cowardly colors again, hm?

“You can go run off and hide under skirts again, fine by me.” I sneer as I wave a hand at her dismissively. “That’s just leaves this aaaaaaaall for me.” The thought of having an entire mine of pure Rayacite to myself causes a shiver to rush up and down my spine. All that power, all mine. Mine to do as I see fit.

“You are. Insufferable!!” The bird screeches before she takes off down the path, leaving me alone to have all the fun. Her loss, no skin off my nose. I’ll juice up, have my fun and then I can gloat when I get bored of target practice and make the girl hold up her end of the deal, after all, fair is fair.

I go back to trekking when I sense the presence of others, it was strange because it was Conduit like, but something wasn’t quite right, not like it matters. They’ll go down all the same. The screaming grows louder and that’s when I see them.

A throng of people, rushing blindly, but these people looked sick. Really sick. Pale as death and emaciated, they made the Reapers look healthy and that’s saying something. They scrambled and shambled as they screamed, looking like something out of a horror film, but the thing that stood out the most to me was their energy, their face, nails, and what dripped from their mouths and eyes.

Their energy felt like RFE was bleeding out of them. Their teeth and nails, more like claws, look to be made out of purple, crystalline Rayacite and the stuff dripping from their faces was the same glowing purple hue that the shards are.

Were these the things that Kestrel was talking about?

I smirk and start blasting, my powers currently charged up with Beast energy and the extra juice, the bolts crash and explode. Making short work of the first wave of the horde, but I quickly notice that A) the concussive forces of the charged bursts were starting to shake the entire mine and B) instead of turning tail and running away, more flocked. All screaming with a feral hunger.

In the beginning, it wasn’t too hard to fight them off and I reveled in the challenge I was given, but over time, they just kept coming. It was like a stampede. It doesn’t matter how weak a target is, if they just keep coming like this, the numbers can be too much.

Blasts and shockwaves fly out of my hands as I move, climbing around and keeping on the move so I’m not a sitting duck. The more I take out, the more husks crawl out of the caverns. Jesus Christ, how many of these things were in here??

They start to get too close, way too close. Their mistake. A small grin starts to form as I pop an ionic charge, red and black energy whirls around me and starts to pull in the energy of the things around me. My grin widens as I expect to feel a rush of power flood my senses, but the smile was short lived when instead of the pleasure, I felt pain. I double over and start to cough and sputter violently, spark popping off of my body. What the hell was that?! I pull out my pickaxe and swing wildly to keep the bastards at bay, but my head is throbbing and I feel sick. It was like getting a faceful of that damned black tar Sasha always spat out, but worse! Raging headache, nausea and my powers wigging out.

I continue to fight, now swinging the pickaxe around to knock heads. I’d be lying if I said that fear isn’t rising inside me as the horde closes in, seeming hellbent on attacking me. It was like I was a light and these bastards were the moths. I scream in rage as I swing and blast. I’m not gonna let these fuckers cut my life short, not here. Not like this!!

CRASH!!!

The sound of a rail-system collapsing and a burst of RFE grabs the attention of the fuckers long enough to me to get my barings straight again and hit the crowds with a couple of Alpha Blasts, my powers weren’t behaving right, trying to do more was making me dizzy, but I at least made myself breathing room. Shaking my head, I go back to swinging. Arcing hits rip into the bodies of the shambling horde and weaken them, but they don’t seem to drop.

I growl to myself when I hear a loud burst and see glowing shrapnel rip into a few of the things, tearing their bodies apart and I see a plume of shimmering smoke dart around and make its way towards me. Well I’ll be damned, the bird came back.

With rapid firing bursts of smoke and slag, she rushes in to join me in the clearing I made and assists in making it bigger with more shotgun shards tearing through the bodies.

"What happened to "leaving my ass?"" I sneer as I fire off a volley of Alpha bolts at the crowd. She turns to me and gives me a hot iron glare.

"Can it, bug-zapper." She snaps. “I hate you and you’re an absolute cockwomble asshole, but we came in here as a team, we’re leaving as one.” She takes her pickaxe and buries it into the head of a lunging husk.

"Awww, well ain’t you a peach." I scoff as we move back to back, surrounded by the horde, but we both see a way out and we both know what we need to do.

"Shut it and aim for the head!!" Kestrel snarls at me. I roll my eyes, but she doesn’t need to tell me twice.

We nod to each-other before slag and sparks start flying and pickaxes start swinging. The bird’s got one hell of a swing, I’ll give her that. She darts and dashes around in the same flighty and dancey patterns that I remember from when I chased her, but there was a shift in her style. She’d put her hand in a monster’s face before unleashing a barrage of slag shards, completely obliterating the head before she leaps off and buries the tip of the tool into the brain case of another. Her eyes glowing hot and her annoyed expression slowly twisting to a grin.

My own pickaxe whistles as I run up the body of one of the things and slam the tip into the head of the fucker, using my strength to fling the stuck husk into a small grouping in the horde, causing them to fall over. A couple of Skull bolts light up the air with crimson sparks as heads explode and those unlucky enough to not get popped get their heads crushed underfoot or under spike. My own face curling into a sadistic smile as I impale one of the fuckers square between the eyes and send volts straight into the brain.

We slowly made our way towards the exit, grace and power fueled by brutality as charred bodies and bloody gore fly. Kestrel watching my back and I watching hers. Making short work of the waves. The fuckers put up a fight, their claws rip into our skin and we got hit a few times more than we’d like, ripping clothes and tearing flesh. The more we fight, the more they come, like piranhas to the scent of blood.

“Got any ideas, birdie?” I shout as I fry a husk. “These bastards just keep coming!”

“Jesus Christ, this is a full blown nest!” Kestrel exclaims as she curbstomps a fucker on the ground. “We’re gonna have to blow up the entrance and cave the place in to keep the fuckers from following us!”

“And how are we gonna do that?” I retort to her and I see her point at a large cluster of shards.

“Shoot that.” She states matter-of-factly before she yelps, getting hit in the side by a husk. She grabs its head and cooks it before throwing it into his buddy that was trying to jump me. “You recovered enough from the botched drain to turn loose one of those missiles?” She asks and I give a quick nod. It will do a number on me, but I can do it.

“Count of three, I shoot, we run?” I ask as I watch Kestrel charge up a strong burst of her own.

“Yeah, Count of three, you shoot, I blast, we run.” She confirms with a nod. Back to back once again, we aim at our respective targets.

3…. 2…. 1…..

I fire off an Alpha Rocket at the shard cluster and the bird unleashes a large volley of shards that rip into anyone poor fucker in the way, making a clearing for us to run.

The mine starts to rumble and shake, causing the horde to scream in rage and panic. We both stumble from the shaking, but we waste no time in making a bee-line to the exit, dodging falling rubble and debris all the while. It isn’t long until we emerge from the darkness and into the fading light of day.

Seeing the jeep and Pangolin was a sight for sore eyes as the two of us scramble into the jeep. Pangolin looks at us questioningly, looks like he was in the middle of making a call.

“Kestrel? Cole?” He questions. “I was about to-”

“DRIVE!” Kestrel barks, interrupting her friend. He looked like he was about to scold her, but when he saw the dust being kicked up by the collapsing tunnels, he held his tongue and floored it. The rapid acceleration jostling the two of us around before we got settled in and buckled up.

Panting, I lay back in my seat and I see Kestrel burying her head into the back of the driver’s seat. We were both wiped out and I know I have so many more questions to ask, but I have a feeling that I may get to ask them soon.

I turn my head to face the horizon and relax at the sight of the sunset colors. There’s a high likelihood that Pangolin might stop to set up camp when we lose all the daylight, but I don’t care. Camp means rest, rest means I can try and sleep off the remainder of this.. I don’t even know what the fuck it is.

There is one thing I can take some solace in, that ordeal is over and now I’m one step closer to getting my new toy. A smirk twitches on my face at the thought as now Kestrel will have no choice but to make me my weapon after going through that hell.

After all, a deal is a deal.