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letsgofoletsgo · 4 years ago

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You’re Hurting, But I’m Here

As night fell upon Silica City, the atmosphere shifted into the bustle of nightlife. The energy buzzed beneath the lit neon signs that illuminated the city. The late night gaming scene sprung to life, as bars and online hangouts would welcome the nocturnal crowd, a rowdy bunch who lived for the blaring lights of the gaming screens and overcoming the competition; through whatever means necessary.

Though not obvious by looking at her, Belle was quite accustomed to this lifestyle. Before she became a Meta Runner, she frequented underground gaming tournaments, using her quick wit and reflexes to rise among the ranks. Her exceptional skill (and sharp tongue) helped her to make a name for herself within the shiftier gaming community. Through a fortunate series of events, this talent was recognized by none other than the CEO of TAScorp, and she found herself with an offer for a position as a Meta Runner. It was a dream come true for most of the competitive gamers of this city.

But from them on, Belle just wanted to forget.

Sounds of combat rang through the tv’s speakers as Belle played. She was playing an action adventure game, skilfully eliminating the hordes of enemies she came across. She knew their exact strengths and weaknesses, the precise techniques to get through all of them with minimal damage. These were strategies she’d since perfected, as she beat the game multiple times already. As her avatar proceeded through the area, her mind sat in a daze, not truly paying attention to the screen in front of her.

She began hazily wading through her memory, replaying scene of her time at TAScorp. The long nights she stayed up trying to get her technique just right. The stage lights shining above her as she played in front of thousands. The cheers of the crowd as she claimed victory, a sea of people cheering her name as she proved TAScorp’s excellence. Difficult as it was working for such a influential company, Belle thought she had it all. The sacrifices she made changed her forever, but rewarded her with everything she ever hoped for.

But if one were to see her here, they’d assume that it was tragically taken from her. And partially, they’d be right. When Lucinia went missing, everything seemed to crumble. When she found the files of Project Blue, and learned of what Lucks allowed to happen… She couldn’t bear to stay another second. The anger and pain that seethed in her when she thought about it, she-

“Hey hun.”

Belle’s train of though was interrupted by a voice in the doorway. She briefly turned her shoulder to see Morgan standing in the doorway holding a glass of orange juice (that she might have spiked with a bit of vodka).

She replied with a small “Hey” in return before refocusing on her game.

Morgan walked closer to the couch she was sitting on, and looked at the screen.

“Ooo, Horizon’s Edge. I remember all the hype for the game when it first came out. Those were the days.”

“Yeah.”

Morgan noticed Belle’s subtle change in behavior. While she knew Belle wasn’t the most open type, she’d been with her to know when there was something bugging her. Despite Morgan’s want to know if something was wrong, she knew that she would never admit it out loud in this state. So, she opted for a different approach as she placed her drink on the small coffee table before them and picked up a second controller.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Huh? Er- sure.”

She smiled as she plunked herself next to her girlfriend, and clicked through the game’s pause menu to add herself in. After a few short moments, her avatar appeared next to Belle’s. The two characters proceeded through a large, whimsical forest, Belle going straight forward as Morgan collected random items scattered about.

“You taking the silver route this time?” Morgan asked.

“Mhm.”

“I’ll admit, this route’s grown on me. When I first played this, I thought I was going on the copper route because of how I killed the boss in the Topaz Desert, but it turned out I needed to do that with the other boss you could’ve chosen. I didn’t even know I was on the silver route until I faced the Enigma Dragon; I bet you could imagine my surprise when he was donning the brass armor instead of the platinum.”

“Indeed.”

They sat in silence for awhile, focusing on getting through the area. Belle pressed onward as she obliterated the few packs on enemies that got in their way, and Morgan stayed behind and healed her as she went.

“You know, I have a funny story about this area. Have I ever told you it?” Morgan turned to face her.

“Don’t think so.”

“Well, around a year ago I was playing this with Lamar on a livestream. We had just gotten to this area, and we decided to EXP grind before moving on. For about half an hour we just mindlessly killed enemies while talking about whatever was on our minds. Then at one point, I think Lamar was going on about some drama regarding this anime producer, when he just randomly starts screaming bloody murder. I go over to where he was only to find this level 80 Spore Boar on steroids going to town on him. Apparently he somehow activated a boss you’re not supposed to get to until the post story; so there we are, Lamar’s freaking out, I’m freaking out while trying to heal him, the chat was going crazy, and it was just a chaotic spectacle. At some point during all this, I’ll never forget it, he shouted;

‘God damn it game, I am not in the mood to deal with this pig that came directly from Satan’s asshole!’

“At that point, it was kind of a miracle we even got out of that alive, because I was laughing so hard that I could barley see the screen!”

Morgan eventually was overwhelmed by a fit of laughter at the memory alone. Even Belle chuckled at the absurdity of it, but was secretly glad to have a reason to smile in the moment.

“So we eventually escaped the boar and got back to safety and all, and played for a bit more before ending the stream. But, you know… I think back to memories like that, and even though a lot if them are silly like that- it makes me think about how lucky I am to have them in my life. Whether we’re just goofing off or whatever, through all time I’ve spent with MD-5… They’ve always been there for me.”

Morgan paused for a moment, and looked up at her girlfriend with a sincere expression. “And Belle... I know you’ve been hurting really bad this past year, and I know that I can only do so much to help- and believe me, if I could take this pain away from you, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But…. I’m here, Belle. I’m right here, and I always will be.”

Belle just stared at her for a bit, words failing to come to her. The next thing Morgan knew, she wrapped her arms around her tightly and pulled her close, displaying the kind of affection she only ever did when they were alone. Morgan smiled contently as she returned the embrace, feeling Belle sink into her shoulder. After a few minutes, Belle withdrew slightly, her arms still around Morgan’s waist.

“... Thank you, Mor. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” “Hey, it’s what ladyfriends are for, right?”

“Heheh… Every so often, you’re actually somewhat humorous.”

“‘Tis my calling, my love.”

Belle rolled her eyes sarcastically, before giving her a peck on the cheek.

“So, you feeling like sleeping on the couch tonight?” Morgan offered.

“Well, I guess I don’t feel like walking the four steps to my bed, so you drive a hard enough bargain.” Belle joked.

Morgan giggled as she laid down with her girlfriend, snuggling into her as she drew a blanket over them.

“G’night Morgan.” She whispered.

“Night Bella.”

They began to drift off feeling safe and happy in each other’s embrace.

“Morgan did you forget to save the game.”

“... Maybe.”

“You freaking dumbass.” “C’mon, you know you love me.”

“Regrettably, perhaps.”

“Hehehe, you dork.”

#ready player two 💞#also this takes place in my au so feel free to ask about it if you’re confused ^^#self ship #self shipping #self shipper #self insert #f/o #romantic f/o #belle #Belle Fontiere #meta runner #md squad #s/I #Scorched Feathers #Scorched Feathers AU

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mdwatchestv · 7 years ago

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Dirk Gently 2x02: Everything is Connected Blah, Blah, Blah

Episode two, we are here, we are doing it, it is happening. I feel like we have experienced a veritable season's worth of content this past episode and frankly my dear, I am exhausted. Both figuratively in the sense that my mind and spirit have absorbed so much exposition they are wearied, and physically in the sense that I feel like my body is going to turn to dust any moment. And yes there were still many bright spots, I smiled, I lolled, I felt holistic universal joy. But I also feel adrift in a plot ocean, gasping for breath in an endless sea of names and relationships. Okay that's enough couching and complaining, let's submerge fully together and try to shed some light into the murky depths.

Once again this episode begins in the whimsical land of Wendimoor, where the moon becomes increasingly terrifying to me the longer I stare at it. Like is this just a waned Majora's Mask moon? Does the season end with it killing everyone? Help. In this first scene Silas, boyfriend of Pink Hair, and that big guy he was with, return to their castle where they have some 'splainin to do to their queen (right?). Queen lady lays out the reason for their kingdoms feud with Pink Hair’s family, although to be frank with you all I got up during this scene to get a ginger ale because I was super hungover so my understanding of what was said is limited. But I think the gist is that the Queen's family stole the land/is mining the land/built that weird castle on the land, that rightfully belongs to Pink Hair’s family. Queen believes Pink Hair to be a rogue and wants him killt. In this world/dimension/dream-space Dirk Gently is a legend/fairytale that Silas believes in, to the chagrin of the queen. That's right, right? If there was more going on in this scene, I honestly don't want to know about it.

Back in the real world, there is even more happening. Amanda Walsh (Suzie) discovers her witch-powers in an enjoyable montage that, as a fellow witch, really spoke to my heart. Suzie goes for the classic witchy glam-makeover, lookin' good, feelin' good. But despite these gains, Suzie still has her miserable family of sucky dudes to deal with. Her super-mean husband delivers a surprisingly articulate and character-illuminating speech though before Suzie turns him into her zombie slave. Apparently Suzie suffered some sort of earlier accident (perhaps the origin of her limp and cane) and hasn't been able to move past it. What could it be! I know we are supposed to see Suzie as a potential bad guy because she *literally* kicks the dog, but any lady who uses questionable witchcraft for personal gain is a-okay in my book.

Meanwhile back at the Blackwing center, Friedkin is spinning out over Dirk's escape. Is he invisible, can he teleport? Friedkin doesn't know, because honestly he doesn't know a whole lot. We the audience, who know quite a bit more, know that Mona transported him with a glass of water. Ya duh. Freidkin decides to poll the audience and asks Ken (still trapped in the taxi with Rapunzel) and the captured members of the Rowdy 3 (on ice and more vampirey than ever) if they have any Dirk intel. They do not. Skipping right past 50/50, Friedkin phones a friend to come in and clean up his mess - and it's Alan Tudyk as the likely meaningfully named Mr. Priest! Thankfully Mr. Priest seems to be the real baddest bad, because I am still not feeling Freidkin. Also I just LOVE bad guy Alan Tudyk, and he is going wild and out with an accent, and weird chuckling. I'm here for it. Chew it up baby, chew it up.

Speaking of the Rowdy 3, Vogle and Amanda are still on the run trying to triangulate their missing compatriots via Amanda's visions. I am so digging Amanda's look this season, I am also digging her disregard for personal safety. This show likes to stick in little clues and clever foreshadowing (which I love), so let's take a little looksy at Amanda's vision and see what we can pull out- There’s the abandoned mansion, what looks to be Suzie’s zombie husband as well as the motor park where he works, Sherlock getting shot, Montana and Alan Tudyk as well as a child (the boy?) drawing what could be either Pink Hair or Dirk on a wall. She also sees things we know to identify with Wendimoor such as the scary moon and scissors. In all the visions we’ve seen so far this season there has also been a recurring menacing face with super scary eyes. Who dat?

Finally back to that car in a tree and our main story heroes. Surprise Dirk is in the trunk! I thought surprise Dirk in the trunk was a little easy, but I'm not mad about expediting his reunion with Todd. Their friendship is the beating heart of the show and their repartee was sorely missed in the first episode. After our heroes reunion, our trio is arrested by Sheriff Sherlock (in his first ever arrest). While Sherlock is a little rusty on police protocol it turns out he is SUPER DOWN with holistic detectiving and may be Dirk's spiritual soulmate. That development was unexpected, but welcome and I am hoping for some jealousy on Todd's part about no longer being Dirk's go-to-guy (he was recently downgraded to assistant after all). Sherlock seems to get what's going down and takes his new prisoners out on the road to investigate the old mansion and wet circle wall. We have now arrived at our second exposition dump.

I stayed on the couch raptly watching this part, ginger ale in hand. So here we go. The car that fell out of the tree was 50 years old, although brand new (with only 42 miles...wink) and also contained the body of Marina Cardenas who has been missing for the same amount of time. The disappearance of Marina and her husband Hector are a local mystery. Bergsberg has many a local mystery including an electrical burnout that fried the town's power and caused a mass exodus of residents, and the random boat in the field that we saw last episode. Although Sherlock assures Farrah these things are not connected, I can't help feeling like they probably are. A wild guess, I know.

But wait there's more! Farrah and Sherlock follow muddy footprints (left by John Hannah at the end of last episode) into the abandoned house (previously lived in by the missing Marina and Hector). Inside they find more mystery footprints, a single red phone (Chekov's phone), height markers, and a disconcertingly ghost-like John Hannah himself. Clues people. Clues. Out in the back they make an even more startling discovery- Hector Cardenas entombed in a tree. A tree that they find because Todd and Deputy Tattoo Face are practicing a sonic gun out on it. Exhausting, truly. Anyway, we have found the missing couple! Although their corpses are definitely suspish. Both tree-related, and both suggesting time-travel tomfoolery. I'm sure there will be more on this. But there is even MORE Cardenas mystery to be had! As Farrah astutely wonders "Where's the kid?" As she has deduced from the height markings in the house they must have had a child. Perhaps a boy! Oh wait where have we heard this before? Dirk assumes this is the boy, THE boy, the FIND the boy, boy. There is a LOT going on, but connections are starting to be made. This is positive.

Finally Pink Hair pops out in the middle of a road, he's not in Wendimoor anymore. How did he get to our world? What is the means of that transport? Did Bart swap places with him? More questions, always more questions. Honestly this episode made ME feel like I was hit with a car. While there was a welcome return to the team dynamics that worked in season 1, and continue to shine (team Farrah/Dirk/Todd) as well as some intriguing new characters (Amanda Walsh/Alan Tudyk), this episode was over-laden with plot. It's not that I need anything watered-down, in fact one of the aspects of the writing I enjoy is the fact that it assumes the audience can keep up with its clever tricks and clues. Season one was a rare season of television storytelling that had both organic twists and surprises and a commendably tight plot that contained time-travel and body-swapping. Season two seems to be attempting to top the first seasons tale with an even more outrageous case and an even wider reaching world. This is fine and expected but if the first season was a perfect clear chime, this season is more of a...thump. Not unpleasant, thumps can be satisfying too, and there is still much about these episodes that has been genuinely delightful. I am still a believer, and maybe like last season this is the info dump that will then provide a foundation for the rest of the season to be picked through and expanded. What I fear is additional piling on without the reprieve of investigation and character development. Time will tell.

CORGI WATCH:

NO CHANGE.

XO MD

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