#shrub jay

[basilthefrogphotographer]

1 - California scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica)

2 & 3 - yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata)

4 & 5 - brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

6 - Genus Larus (sp. Unknown)

7 - western gull (Larus occidentalis)

[triruntu]

May I request a white tailed kite? I love your bird drawings. :)

You may! I haven't done a kite in a long while. It'll be #587, which will end up being late January, but than you! It's always happy to hear that lol

[elkian]

[ID: Screencap from that bird ranking post (lost the link) showing a blue jay. Under the picture, it reads, "Blue Jay, 12/10. If you could learn any human behavior you wanted, it would be how to build a bomb." End ID.]

This is the best post on the bg3 subreddit everyone go home fhdndhd i love when this happens in games and movies omg 😆❤️

[pikaclan]

Moon 284

Shrubmunch dies to old age, found by Glint and Granite + kittypet

LionClan

Sloetumble explores

Mates!

[clockwayswrites]

Ficleting Together Start:

cw: internalized abelism as issues with therapy and mental help, injury

Jason had an imaginary friend. He hadn't always. He wasn't like most children who had one when they were just learning to understand the world around them. He hadn't even had one on the streets when he was so desperately lonely for anyone to offer him kindness. No, Jason hadn't had one until he had become Robin— until he had become magic.

He didn't actually think his friend was so imaginary.

Bruce and Dick did, though. It was actually the first conversation that they had that didn’t end in shouting in months. Jason had listened to the whole thing through a vent on the other side of Bruce’s study. There were concerns of him regressing. Apparently it was something that could happen to traumatized— and fuck he hated that word, traumatized— children when they finally got somewhere safe.

Dick thought Jason would benefit from therapy. Worse, Bruce agreed. It turned out that went Jason took part in the shouting match it could be so much worse.

“I’m not crazy! I don’t need to see a fucking therapist!” Jason screamed.

He wasn’t helping his case, he knew that. But he wasn’t crazy! They couldn’t lock him up. He wasn’t crazy. It already felt like he was locked up. The study felt suddenly small. The lights too bright. The furniture too big. Bruce and Dick were too big.

“Jay-lad, that’s not what we’re saying,” Bruce tried.

“I’m not talking any pills!”

“No one is talking pills, Jay,” Dick said. He stepped forward, reaching a hand out.

It would be comforting. Jason knew that. Dick’s touch was always comforting.

He gave great hugs.

He wasn’t like—

Jason ran.

Jason bolted out of the room and past Alfred and out the door and into the woods that surrounded Wayne Manor. He ran past trees and shrubs and rocks that all looked the same. He ran until his legs were burning and he couldn’t catch his breath and—

The dirt, damp from the fall rainstorms gave under Jason’s feet. For a moment he was standing on nothing. It felt just like when Bruce had said that he had arranged a therapist for Jason. It felt like his world had fallen out from under him. And then Jason was falling, tumbling down the rock face that up the small hillside that Jason had been running along.

He screamed as something in his leg snapped, the noise was cut short as his head bounced against the rock and snapped his jaw closed. Even when he stopped rolling, the world swam around him. Jason closed his eyes and tried to stop himself from hurling. It was close. Jason lost time counting his breaths through the pain.

And then they were there.

Jason knew it, he always knew it.

It’s why he didn’t think they were imaginary.

He couldn’t help the sob that ripped from his throat as he felt their presence settle against his side. “I’m not crazy. You’re real. I know you are.”

Jason didn’t hear their response. It wasn’t like they spoke. But Jason could feel their response: a rumble of reassurance, a bubble of wry humor that Jason didn’t understand, and an undercurrent of worry.

“I’ll be okay,” Jason said. It had started to get dark. When had it started to get dark? “I’ll be okay.”

A cold sensation pressed against his brow.

He could close his eyes for a little longer.

He’d be okay.

“Jason! Oh god, Jason. Bruce! It’s over here! Please be alive.”

Jason whined as hand touched his neck.

Murmured Romani filled Jason’s ears as his world went black.

---

The voted prompts were Danny/Jason, soulmates/bond, Eldritch. This isn't going where I thought it would, but that's the fun of it! I might just tack all the parts onto this thread an not do an update thread since this shouldn't be too long (famous last words) but we'll see. I have at least two scenes that I know I want to do.

[shyjusticewarrior]

Red Hood Incorrect Quotes Pt 50

Art by @shrub-jay

[cryptidclaw]

Cryptidclaw's WC Prefixes List!

Yall said you were interested in seeing it so here it is! 

This is a collection of mostly Flora, Fauna, Rocks, and other such things that can be found in Britain since that’s where the books take place! 

I also have other Prefixes that have to do with pelt colors and patterns as well!

Here’s a link to the doc if you dont want to expand a 650 word list on your Tumblr feed lol! the doc is also in my drive linked in my pined post!

below is the actual list! If there are any names you think I should add plz tell me!

EDIT: I will update the doc with new names as I come up with them or have them suggested to me, but I wont update the list on this post! Plz visit my doc for a more updated version!

Animals

Mammal

Badger

Bat

Bear

Beaver

Bison

Boar

Buck

Calf

Cow

Deer

Elk

Fawn

Ferret

Fox

Goat

Hare

Horse

Lamb

Lynx

Marten

Mole

Mouse

Otter

Rabbit

Rat

Seal

Sheep

Shrew

Squirrel

Stoat

Vole

Weasel

Wolf

Wolverine

Amphibians

Frog

Newt

Toad

Reptiles

Scale

Adder

Lizard

Snake

Turtle

Shell

Birds

Bird

Down

Feather

Albatross

Bittern

Buzzard

Chaffinch

Chick

Chicken

Coot

Cormorant

Corvid

Crane

Crow

Curlew

Dove

Duck

Dunlin

Eagle

Egret

Falcon

Finch

Gannet

Goose

Grouse

Gull

Hawk

Hen

Heron

Ibis

Jackdaw

Jay

Kestrel

Kite

Lark

Magpie

Mallard

Merlin

Mockingbird

Murrelet

Nightingale

Osprey

Owl

Partridge

Pelican

Peregrine

Petrel

Pheasant

Pigeon

Plover

Puffin

Quail

Raven

Robin

Rook

Rooster

Ruff

Shrike

Snipe

Sparrow

Starling

Stork

Swallow

Swan

Swift

Tern

Thrasher

Thrush

Vulture

Warbler

Whimbrel

Wren

Freshwater Fish 

Fish

Bass

Bream 

Carp

Dace

Eel

Lamprey

Loach

Minnow

Perch

Pike

Rudd

Salmon

Sterlet

Tench

Trout

Roach

Saltwater fish and other Sea creatures (would cats be able to find some of these? Probably not, I don't care tho)

Alge

Barnacle

Bass (Saltwater version)

Bream (Saltwater version)

Brill

Clam

Cod

Crab

Dolphin

Eel (Saltwater version)

Flounder

Garfish

Halibut

Kelp

Lobster

Mackerel

Mollusk

Orca

Prawn

Ray

Seal

Shark

Shrimp

Starfish

Sting

Urchin

Whale

Insects and Arachnids

Honey

Insect

Web

Ant

Bee

Beetle

Bug

Butterfly

Caterpillar

Cricket

Damselfly

Dragonfly

Fly

Grasshopper

Grub

Hornet

Maggot

Moth

Spider

Wasp

Worm

Trees

Acorn

Bark

Branch

Forest

Hollow

Log

Root

Stump

Timber

Tree

Twig

Wood

Alder

Apple

Ash

Aspen

Beech

Birch

Cedar

Cherry

Chestnut

Cypress

Elm

Fir

Hawthorn

Hazel

Hemlock

Linden

Maple

Oak

Pear

Poplar

Rowan

Redwood

Spruce

Willow

Yew

Flowers, Shrubs and Other plants

Berry

Blossom

Briar

Field

Flower

Leaf

Meadow

Needle

Petal

Shrub

Stem

Thicket

Thorn

Vine

Anemone 

Apricot

Barley 

Bellflower

Bluebell

Borage

Bracken

Bramble

Briar

Burnet

Buttercup

Campion

Chamomile

Chanterelle

Chicory

Clover

Cornflower

Daffodil

Daisy

Dandelion

Dogwood

Fallow

Fennel

Fern

Flax

Foxglove

Furze

Garlic

Ginger

Gorse

Grass

Hay

Heather

Holly

Honeysuckle

Hop

Hyacinth

Iris

Ivy

Juniper

Lavender

Lichen

Lilac

Lilly

Mallow

Marigold

Mint

Mistletoe

Moss

Moss

Mushroom

Nettle

Nightshade

Oat

Olive

Orchid

Parsley

Periwinkle

Pine

Poppy

Primrose

Privet

Raspberry

Reed

Reedmace

Rose

Rush

Rye

Saffron

Sage

Sedge

Seed

Snowdrop

Spindle

Strawberry

Tangerine

Tansy

Teasel

Thistle

Thrift

Thyme

Violet

Weed

Wheat

Woodruff

Yarrow

Rocks and earth

Agate

Amber

Amethyst

Arch

Basalt

Bounder

Cave

Chalk

Coal

Copper

Dirt

Dust

Flint

Garnet

Gold

Granite

Hill

Iron

Jagged

Jet

Mountain

Mud

Peak

Pebble

Pinnacle

Pit

Quartz

Ridge

Rock

Rubble

Ruby

Rust(y)

Sand

Sapphire

Sediment

Silt

Silver

Slate

Soil

Spire

Stone

Trench

Zircon

Water Formations

Bay

Cove

Creek

Delta

Lake

Marsh

Ocean

Pool

Puddle

River

Sea

Water

Weather and such

Autumn

Avalanche

Balmy

Blaze

Blizzard

Breeze

Burnt

Chill

Cinder

Cloud

Cold

Dew

Drift

Drizzle

Drought

Dry

Ember

Fall

Fire

Flame

Flood

Fog

Freeze

Frost

Frozen

Gale

Gust

Hail

Ice

Icicle

Lightening

Mist

Muggy

Rain 

Scorch

Singe

Sky

Sleet

Sloe

Smoke

Snow

Snowflake

Soot

Sorrel

Spark

Spring

Steam

Storm

Summer

Sun

Thunder

Water

Wave

Wet

Wind

Winter

Celestial??

Comet

Dawn

Dusk

Evening 

Midnight

Moon

Morning

Night

Noon

Twilight

Cat Features, Traits, and Misc. 

Azure

Beige

Big

Black

Blonde

Blotch(ed)

Blue

Bounce

Bright 

Brindle

Broken

Bronze

Brown

Bumble

Burgundy

Call

Carmine

Claw

Cobalt

Cream

Crimson

Cry

Curl(y)

Dapple

Dark

Dot(ted)

Dusky

Ebony

Echo

Fallen

Fleck(ed)

Fluffy

Freckle

Ginger

Golden

Gray

Green

Heavy

Kink

Knot(ted)

Light

Little

Lost

Loud

Marbled

Mew

Milk

Mottle

Mumble

Ochre

Odd

One

Orange

Pale

Patch(ed)

Pounce 

Prickle

Ragged

Red

Ripple

Rough

Rugged

Russet

Scarlet

Shade

Shaggy

Sharp

Shimmer

Shining

Small

Smudge

Soft

Song

Speckle

Spike

Splash

Spot(ted)

Streak

Stripe(d)

Strong

Stump(y)

Sweet

Tall

Talon

Tangle

Tatter(ed)

Tawny

Tiny

Tough

Tumble

Twist

Violet

Whisker

Whisper

White

Wild

Wooly

Yellow

[birdstudies]

February 15, 2024 - Bushy-crested Jay (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) These jays are found in and around forests and scrub in parts of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They eat insects, seeds, and fruit, foraging in trees, shrubs, and on the ground and often hunting insects fleeing army ant swarms. Breeding cooperatively, all flock members assist with parenting duties for one or two nests. Females build the flimsy twig nests lined with plant fibers, rootlets, and thin twigs in bushes and vine tangles. Though two females often incubate the eggs and brood the chicks, only one is thought to lay the eggs.

[hannie-dul-set]

can you pretty please do sunghoon?

[same face, different feelings]. park sunghoon has always thought you were a piece of shit. 

ever since you walked into the frat house with an arrogant stride, an arrogant face, and an unwelcoming demeanor that just pisses him off from the very first inhale of your existence, he knew you’d never get along. he knew you’d eventually do something to piss him off.

and you did. which, in retrospect, was great because the aftermath to the whole…situation was you voluntarily moving out of the house, and that meant sunghoon didn’t have to deal with seeing your face for the next three months. reap what you saw, motherfucker, or however the saying goes. whatever. doesn’t matter because the quality of sunghoon’s life has become exponentially better.

that is until you decided to move back in again.

“i can’t believe you have the guts to come crawling back here after the shit you pulled last summer, you son of a bitch.”

and the words jump out of his throat before he even realizes it.

“hoon, play nice. that’s water under the bridge now,” jake tells him. “hey, dude! it’s glad to have you back!”

it’s one thing how you don’t even look the slightest bit remorseful about what you did. it’s another thing how your response was to look at him as if you didn’t even know what you did wrong.

now that pisses him off tenfold. why the fuck did jungwon even let you back in?

yet park sunghoon’s anger towards you made him fail to notice all the little things that were just the slightest bit off. have you ever been close with sunoo and niki? no, he doesn’t think so, but he never cared enough to give a shit about your relationships. jake and heeseung have been complaining that you don’t game or play soccer with them anymore, but who gives a fuck about that when your tendency of being a fucking whore shows turns a head yet again when he catches you and jang wonyoung stumble out of your bedroom, the latter hazy-eyed and flushed, when this morning he was just texting her to come over.

“they’re saying it’s just a misunderstanding! nothing happened between them, just let it go, man.”

sunghoon feels worse than heartbreak when he sees his best friend defending you, knowing full well you were the cause of his sister’s own heartbreak last summer. what the fuck? jay of all people knows how much he hates you. but turns out, the object of his hatred for the past two months isn’t the same person he’d hated at first glance.

things start making more sense when you gather them all in the living room one day—

“w—wait, what do you mean you’re not him?”

—and drop the big fucking bomb that for the past three months, you’ve been filling in the shoes of your twin brother and receiving the brunt of all his hatred.

all that information was too much for him to handle right now.

so the natural reaction is to run off to wherever his legs took him.

“sunghoon.”

that somewhere just had to be an obvious hiding spot. the rooftop of the shared house, in between the shrubs and the greens now drenched in the night where he’s crouched down and looking up to. but he’s not looking up at the stars in the sky. he’s looking at you—

“why are you wearing a mask?”

—half obscured by a medical cover which makes the guilt and hatred retching in his gut all the more complicated.

“i figured it would be weird for you to look at me when i look like that son of a bitch,” you say lightly. oh, so you also know how trashy that guy is, he thinks, and you crouch down in front of him, as if to tell him. yeah, i do. that’s why i’m in this situation in the first place. “if you can’t get an apology from him, i thought i could at least do it on his behalf.”

how considerate. he should’ve known that you were a different person. but god, every time he saw you, his animosity just jumped the gun before any other feeling could, so now he feels like shit, groaning with his head in his hands. “no, it’s just— i’ve hated your brother for fucking around with my sister, but i’ve been treating you like shit these past few months and that makes me no better than him.”

“no, you are! if i were you, i would’ve kicked my own ass the moment i stepped into the house,” you snap back. “the fact that you can even look at me and listen to me right now tells me that you’re a better person than he could ever be.”

with that, sunghoon lifts his head back up, and is met face to face with the same eyes he’s scorned just up until earlier this evening.

wrongfully so. had he looked a little closer, he would’ve noticed there’s not a single hint of arrogance in the way you’ve ever looked at him in these past three months. god, he’s terrible. the piece of shit is him, not you.

“that mask must be uncomfortable,” he mutters. “you can take it off.” 

albeit hesitantly, you do, and once more sunghoon is slapped in the face with just how alike you and your brother look, and he has to swallow down his body’s automatic reaction of inherent hostility, but it doesn’t come.

it’s the same face. the same face, but he’s feeling differently. maybe now that his vision isn’t blurred and addled by anger, he’s able to see more clearly.

send me a kpop boy (txt/enha/zb1/bnd/dream) to toss into reverse harem hell! [jay]

[lailoken]

In a moment when I was struck with doubt about whether I am strong enough to handle a particularly treachorous magical situation, I was met with a simple but powerful omen. In the very moment that I voiced my concerns aloud, a blue Scrub Jay landed on the ground less a couple feet from me and my husband and simply remained there, for at least a minute, looking calmly in my direction the whole time. After it finally flew off, I ended up expressing that it felt like an omen that I have many "friends in small places" who will help to support and uplift me through this process. Immediately after saying this, the Jay re-emerged from a shrub several hundred feet away and landed on a tree limb directly above our heads, where it sang out and remained long enough for my husband to take this picture.

I choose to view this as a meaningful and comforting sign that I must keep going, with faith in my Spirit Kith and my head held high.

[speedyartist30]

Botw AU: Divine intervention pt5

The princess, the hero, and the dragon set out to Zoras Domain at dawn to seek out their first pilot. The trip felt rather slow to Jay since he’s been spoiled with the gift of speed, but he was also able to sight see from a travelers point of view. When they crossed Thims Bridge he was able to see Death mountain and Zoras Domain at the same time! He also got to here Zelda talk about her special rectangle, which she called,”The Sheikah Slate.” The princess used this little device to take make still images in real life, he saw her make one when they came across a shrine. Zelda wanted to investigate it so Jay and Link let her have her fun with the ancient relic for an hour. When nothing came of her search she begrudgingly went back to her horse with a set jaw and didn’t say anything else for the rest of the ride.

They stopped in Tabahl woods to set up camp for the night. Link and Jay worked together to put together the tent Zelda had brought, but Jay never used a tent before so he didn’t know what to do. Link used a tent but he used the more old fashioned kind while Zelda’s was definitely more on the too expensive side. So after thirty minutes of confusion and silent cursing Jay flat out asked her if she knew how to set the contraption up. She shrugged and flicked through her slate.

Zelda:”It’s rather amusing to see the two of you struggling.”

*I swear to Farosh I’m going to set this tent on fire.*

Giving her the most blank look he could muster,Zelda eventually handed him her slate with instructions created by Impa on how to set the tent. Showing Link the slate the two quickly had the tent standing tall and firm with no signs of collapsing.Zelda stood up and Jay handed back her slate and she went into her tent without a word. Rolling his eyes, Jay slipped his bag off his shoulders and pulled out a couple of planks of wood to start a fire. Link went to check on the horses and Jay created a fire with a quick zap from his hand. Satisfied with the warmth and glow it brought to their resting spot,Jay leaned against the tree and glanced towards the princess tent before asking Link if he brought a tent of his own.

Link:’No I don’t need one. Any ideas for supper?’

“Well I have precooked meals so we can eat those or we can make something off scratch.”

Link:’I can cook up some skewers. I don’t want to use up your meals.’

“It’s ok I don’t mind and it’s probably best to eat something light since we have to go up a mountain tomorrow. But now that I think about it I should probably check around us so we don’t attract any monsters. I’ll be back.”

Leaving his bag with Link so he could have the materials he needed for supper, Jay left camp and began clearing out the monsters nearby. Lizalfos were settled in their makeshift camp, but Jay swiftly killed them before they got the chance to awaken. The Bokoblins weren’t hard to find, they screeched and did some odd looking dance around the fire they made. He shook his head and stealthy crept in the shadows.The pigs had some horses poorly tied so with his claws he cut them free. The horse tore through their camp and with the pigs distracted Jay attacked in a flurry of sparks as they dropped motionless on the ground. Shaking the blood off his finger tips he mumbled…

“I guess these monsters haven’t been corrupted yet, their still stupid.”

Stepping over a Bokoblin arm, Jay crouched down to wash his hands off him the river. He watched a few fish swim pass while a frog frantically swimmed toward him before hopping past.Tilting his head Jay watched the little creature hop into a bush and above his head the birds flew away too. Standing up Jay looked across the river to see nothing but trees and thick shrubs. Then he realized how silent it was. No sound of animals or bugs even the water was cleared of fish.

*Somethings off.*

A crack of a twing sounded across from him and his twitching ears caused his earrings to jingle. His tail whiped behind him as his nails grew and sharpened. With slitted eyes Jay focused ahead but didn’t see anything. Until a full grown buck came barrelling through and splashing him with water. Stepping out of the frighten animals path Jay frowned and rubbed the water off his face.Then someone laughed.

Bringing his arms down,Jay slowly looked across the river to see a lone silhouette with a glowing eye on their temple. The same eye he saw on Kaya,so without thinking Jay threw a bolt and the silhouette evaporated into magenta smoke. Bringing a sleeve to his mouth and nose Jay floated towards the source to see nothing there, but burnt grass from his attack.

Checking his surroundings one more time, Jay headed back for camp. By the time he got back there where cooked fish skewers set near the fire. Link glanced his way as he awkwardly pulled at his shoulder guards, the chest plate was stopping him though. Jay floated to him and they managed to pull off the chest plate, the arm and shoulder guards off. Seemingly relieved to be free of the heavy armor the blonde stretched his back and loud cracks followed.

Link:’Thank you. I was getting stiff.’

‘Your welcome. Did the princess eat yet?’

Link:’Yeah.’

‘Have you?’

Link scratched the back of his head.Jay frowned at him until he finally signed…

Link:’Was waiting to see if you needed help. Didn’t want to eat just in case.’

Jay shook his head and handed Link a skewer, he appreciated the concern,but he didn’t need it. He was a descendant of a dragon, who was he to ask for help? Grabbing a skewer for himself Jay sat down and quietly ate his dinner while his ears remained alert.The candle light from the princesses tent went out and it was clear she was out for the rest of the night.Jay grabbed his bag and pulled out two bedrolls.

“I cleared all the monsters around us,so we should have a peaceful night.”

Link:’ok, I’ll watch for the night’

“By yourself? I don’t think that’s wise since you already been up early to follow the princess. We can split the shifts into two. You can have the first and I’ll take the second. That way you can get some sleep before we head out. Sounds fair?”

Link:’But don’t you want to sleep?’

“Yeah, but it’s best to have you well rested in case something happens and the princess needs protecting. We can’t have you dozing off mid fight Link.”

Jay smirked at Links reaction before he tossed him the other bedroll. The descendant moved his bed roll near a tree and once he got situated Jay watched Link go through his sword routine and dozed off. He didn’t have any dreams and when he felt a hand shake his shoulder,Jay raised his tail off his face to see it was time to switch.

Sitting up with a stretch,Jay noticed the fire about to go out but decided to leave it alone since it wasn’t cold out. Rubbing his face to wake himself up Jay saw Link sign,’Are you sure you want to still watch?’ Yawning Jay brought his hands up to reply,’Yeah I can do it. Go sleep.’ Shooing the hero away, he sat up and leaned his back against the tree behind him. Link slipped the master sword off his back and layed on his own bedroll that was only a few steps away from the princess tent.

Crossing his legs Jay took a deep breath and closed his eyes to meditate. Jay focused his power to steadily keep him busy as time passed.Zelda woke up when the sun was barely in the sky, she was already dressed and ready to go.Taking the hint Jay woke up Link and after a quick breakfast and packing up the trio headed for Ruto mountain.

Jay was in the back of the group since he didn’t have a horse, he curiously looked around as they went and occasionally wandered off to pick up mushrooms and herbs for his bag.But after feeling a faint ache around his side Jay floated above them and warned the two upcoming rain. Zelda pulled a white cloak of her head with the royal family’s insignia on the back,but Link didn’t move.

Link:‘Don’t want to block my view.’

Jay didn’t blame him since that’s the exact same reason he didn’t take his own cloak out. Once the princess was ready they continued up the mountain and the sky opened up on them. Rain pelted down on them as beautifully crafted lanterns led guided them, but it was the yellow spark ahead of that had Jay cursing under his breath. Rushing to the front Jay held up his hands as a shield of lightning formed around them just as a arrow embedded itself into the surface. A group of lizalfos darted towards them.

“We got company!”

The sound of a sword being drawn was what made Jay take off and Link came up beside him. The lizards in the back where armed with shocked arrows while the ones leading the charge had their own jagged blades.

“I’ll cover you! Don’t worry about the arrows!”

Jay jumped and reached into his bag to pull out a katana with practice ease. Lightning coated the blade as Jay alternated between slicing and catching arrows aimed at the hero and princess. Surprisingly him and Link fought well together as if they been doing so for years. They fought back to back like a double edged sword while the lizaflos swarmed them with uncharacteristic formations. Rain and chilly winds rushed through them as blood painted the moutain. Stabbing one Lizard in the chest Link came behind and slice the monster head off with a grunt. Using his tail Jay snatched one out the air before throwing it over the mountains edge.The two teens backed up as the reptiles began cornering them towards Zelda who was trying to keep the horses calm. But thankfully help arrived as Zora guards rushed in with spears raised to kill. Taking the extra numbers to his advantage Jay put away his blade and focused on the shock arrows being fired. He caught them out the air and threw them back like daggers while Link and the zora finished off the remaining enemies. Landing back on the ground Jay went to check on Zelda.

“You okay?”

Zelda:”I’m fine. A bit spooked is all.”

“Yeah…Well atleast your cloak kept you dry. I looked like I just finished swimming.”

Jay gave his head a shake as his bangs wetly

slapped his forhead, he was soaked but atleast he got Zelda to smile. Link ran up to them with his clunky armor, Jay signed that Zelda was ok and to emphasize his point he let his head sparkle and smiled . Then a loud voice yelled behind him. Flinching he turned around and sparked even brighter when he saw the zora pointing spear towards his throat and demanding he get away from the princess.

*crap I didn’t switch back to my hylian form!*

Zelda:”He’s with me! And if any of you even attempt on attacking him I’ll have King Dorephan know of your hostility towards my Allie. Who I may add is sent here by king Rhoam himself to accompany me.”

The Zora relented and drew back his weapons,Jay blinked back the rain dripping down his face and his ears pinned against his head. He suddenly felt anxious at the fact that someone had a weapon so close to his neck.

The zora apologized to him,Jay just nodded and looked at the muddy ground. The guards turned to escort them to the domain and by the time they got there stars littered the sky.

Jay was walking on Zelda’s left and link took up her right, but Jay couldn’t help but shrink at the gaze he got from the zora or the faint whispers he could hear.The plan about keeping his true form a secret went right out the window and he couldn’t do anything about it, but shiver and try to ignore the zora children pointing at him.

The trio went up the staircase and the guards stepped back while they continued foward. Sitting infront of them was King Dorephan,Jay thought he was big as death moutain. But what caught his eye was the short red Zora wearing jewelry and in her hand was a spear he’s never seen before. Behind her legs was a red zora child with similar jewelry and small whistle around his neck and feather on his head.

*That must be princess Mipha, but I didn’t know she had a little brother. Does he have power too?*

Zelda began explaining to the king to what brought them here. She emphasized the importance of having a pilot for the divine beasts Vah Ruta to aid them.When the towering king asked who she had chosen as the pilot she calmly said,”Princess Mipha.” The King almost looked stunned at the fact she said his daughters name. Jay didn’t blame him,Zelda was asking the King to send his daughter to war. But to his suprise, Mipha stepped down from her place near the throne until she was standing right infront of them and with a soft spoken tone she gave a shy smile.

Mipha:”I’ll do it. I’ll pilot Vah Ruta.”

???:”Your Majesty may I speak out of turn?”

Dorephan:”You may, Sergeant Seggin.”

Seggin:”Thank you. Now I am aware of the threat the calamity poses princess Zelda, but I have to disagree with your choice. Princess Mipha is still undergoing training and we have more experienced guards to lend their aid to you. I’ll pilot Vah Ruta in Lady Mipha steed.”

Zelda:”I understand your concern, but only a person who poses a power can pilot a divine beast. A soul that holds power. Just like it’s for the master sword that sir Link has pulled from its pedestal. His soul was the only one capable of the task. We need her aid in this battle.”

Jay didn’t miss the faint distain in Zelda’s voice when she said the blondes name, but it was a perfect example of why Mipha had to be the one to pilot the divine beast. Just when the sergeant was about to protest a green zora with a stingray shaped head stepped foward and bared sharp teeth.

Muzu:”This is ridiculous. What proof do you have of Princess Mipha having the power for this task? Her power is made to heal not to fight in this war! For all we know there could be another with a soul capable to pilot Vah Ruta!”

Jays eyes slitted and while Muzu and Zelda went back and forth he looked at the souls around the room and not one even compared to Miphas. He understood where Muzu and Seggin where coming from, he could tell they cared about Mipha and was just trying to protect her. Sadly they can’t change something already set in stone. Glancing towards Muzu,Jay stepped around him and floated towards the king.

“May I show you why your daughter is the only one capable your majesty?”

Dorephan:”What is your name young man?”

“Jay. I was order by King Rhoam to accompany Princess Zelda and Sir Link to seek out Hyrules champions, who are also the pilots of the divine beast. I have the ability to see if a person soul possesses power. I want to show everyone here that Princess Mipha is the one, but if you still dont believe me after what your about to see then will leave here without protest.”

Muzu:”Your Majesty-“

Dorephan:”You may. But if you show any signs of deceit I won’t hesitate to take action.”

“Understood sir.”

Bowing to the king as a thanks,Jay took a breath and turned to face the crowd behind him. His tail swished behind him anxiously as he walked towards the sergeant, the man had a spear pointed at his throat not long ago so he couldn’t help the uneasiness around him. Pushing back his sleeves he asked the sergeant to stand in the middle of the throne room with him and then told Mipha to stand beside him.

“Sergeant Seggin, I am going to use my power on you to show everyone the strength of your soul. After that I’m going to use my power on princess Mipha and I want everyone in this room to compare what they see. Do not be alarmed when you see my power I wont hurt you.”

Once he got a confirming nod,Jay grabbed Seggins hand as gold sparks wrapped around them. He focused on the warriors soul and he could sense the bond he has with Mipha, but outside nothing happened. Letting go he turned to Mipha and held out his hand and she hesitantly placed hers in his.

The reaction was almost instant.

Blue lightning wrapped around Jay and surged around the room in a blaze of light. Blue filled his eyes and horns as Miphas power was shown in a huge display of sparks. Jay noticed her power felt calm compared to Links, her power felt like a soft touch of water that brushes up a beach. Links power felt strong and sharp like the blade on his back. Looking towards the Zora Princess he gave small smile and let her hand go while blue sparks fell down like fallen snow.

“As you can see there’s a huge difference between a soul with power and a soul without power.The strength princess Mipha has is the only one that can pilot, but also tame Vah Ruta.”

The room was quiet after witnessing the of the Zora Princess power, it looked like Muzu was trying to find something to say while the sergeant looked almost distraught by the news. Yet the princess herself seemed to be filled with determination as she turned towards the king.

Mipha:”Father I want to do this for my people. I want to protect you and Sidon. I have the power to do just that and I want it to be used to aid Li-them against Calamity Ganon.”

The king stared intently at his daughter before telling everyone to clear out the room except Mipha,Zelda, Seggin and Muzu. He saw Link trying to stay by Zelda but she dismissed him with a frown, Mipha came up to him and said a few words and Link turned around with a nod.Jay fell in stride with the hero,who signed to him…

Link:’We are going to be staying in a guest room. I know where it is.’

‘You mean the inn?’

Link:’No, there is another room that is made for people working under the Royal Family. It’s to give them privacy from travelers.’

Jay nodded and rubbed his arms, his clothes where damp and the night air made his nose itch and body shiver. Thankfully the room wasn’t far from the heart of the domain and two Zora women took them to a room with two beds and a bathroom. Link signed that he wanted to check on the horse and that he’ll be back, Jay just gave a thumbs up. When he was alone Jay frowned and looked down at his hand, the same hand that held Miphas. The same hand that rest on Links shoudler when he drew the sword. The same hand that held Zelda’s when he tried to unlock her power.

*I don’t understand…I felt power in Mipha….I felt power in Link….But why don’t I feel anything with….No it’s probably just Hylia blocking me.*

Jay shook his head and let his thoughts fade from his mind. He reached into his bag to take out some sleep wear and went to the bathroom to clean up. Once cleaned he sat on his bed and ate bowl of curry he had packed. Feeling full from his meal Jay got underneath the covers, he waited for Link to return to make sure he and Zelda eaten dinner but the princess was already given a meal from the Zoras top chefs. Jay stayed up a little longer to talk with link, he learned that he knew Mipha since he was four years old and that Zelda told him the King is withholding his descion for the time being.

The next couple days,Jay got to hang out with Mipha himself and it didn’t take long to befriend her. The zora princess was pretty shy but was very kindhearted and sweet. Jay,Mipha and Link where hanging out by the east side entrance when a couple of Zora warriors came rushing through with wounded. Mipha rushed to heal them and the boys followed after her.

Zora:”Princess Mipha, that Lynel is still causing us some trouble. It’s shock arrows are making it difficult to even get in striking distance of the beast.”

“Where is it?”

Zora:”Ploymus Rock. It’s up that moutain.”

Link gave him a look and as if he read his mind the two started for the moutain,Jay wrapped his tail around link and flew to the top to spare them time. But once they landed the sound of footsteps came behind them turning around,Jay tilted his head to see Mipha jogging after them.

Link:”Turn back Mipha.”

Mipha:”I’m coming with you guys.”

Link:”Mipha this is serious we’ll be fine.”

Mipha:”I’m sure you will but I still believe I should accompany you two just incase you get hu-LOOK OUT!”

Turning on his heel Jay held his hands out as a shield of lightning blocked the blow of the Lynels sword,Link drew his sword and swiped towards the monster,but in a flash it was gone before reappearing a few feet ahead of them.

Clicking his tongue Jay reached for his Katana and dropped his bag near the rocks.

“I forgot these d*mn things can teleport. You fought one of these guys before right?”

Link:”Yeah, the red manes ones are the weakest out the bunch. Mipha stay out of sight so it doesn’t come after you.”

The Lynel didn’t make any moves of attack,but Jay couldn’t help but notice the bright magenta markings on its soul or the observant look in its eyes. Then it dawned on him.

“It’s corrupted Link. We got to be extra careful. I’m going right.”

Link:”I got left.”

Jay threw a bolt of lightning against the ground, causing a cloud of dirt.The dragon rushed first towards the towering monster, he felt his blade collide with the sword just as Link came around with an attack of his own. The Lynel blocked with its shield and roared at the two teens as a ball of fire erupted from its maw.Cursing Jay jumped over he flames and threw more lightning,he knew Lynels didn’t take much damage from elemental attacks but he was trying to draw its attention away from Link so he can land a clean hit with the master sword. Roaring the Lynel jumped into the air and with sudden speed Jay felt himself being snatched out the air before get body slammed into the ground. Taking advantage of his predicament Jay stabbed the monster in the gut before rolling out the way of an incoming stab. Link jumped and slashed the Lynel across its back and stabbed its shoulder before being pushed into a tree by its large shield. Standing up Jay the flexed out his fingers as his nails sharpened. In a step he is in front of the Lynels face and mercilessly kicked it across the face and grabbing a hand full of its hair,Jay raised his blade down to finish the monster but the creature stopped him with its hand as Jays blade went through its palm and inches from missing its skull. Picking himself up Link called out…

Link:”Keep it still!!!

Kneeing the Lynel in the face,Jay grunted and jumped over the beast head and pulled its sword arm back as far as he could, the monster roared and tried to buck him off with its overpowering strength, Jay yanked down and felt something give in the monsters arm. Link began moving and a burst of power emitted off him as time slowed down. The Lynel swung its shield, but Link dodged it with ease and leapt into the air. With a glint in his eye and a loud yell he spun his body in one clean swipe and as just like a puppet being cut from its strings the Lynels head slid off as its body dropped with a loud thump. Mipha rushed over to see if they were alright and began healing the bruises and scraps from the fight without any hesitation. When she finished healing them, Mipha turned to Jay and hesitantly asked…

Mipha:”What did you mean when you said the Lynel was corrupted?”

“Well…”

The news about corruption and the calamity’s strength must’ve been the wake up call King Dorephan needed to hear,because it was at that moment he reluctantly gave his blessing for Mipha to become a pilot and Champion. But on one condition, she had to return back home to the domain safe and sound once the fight was over. Jay felt like he should be happy at the fact they got the first champion ready to fight by their side,but he felt sick  knowing they had just asked a parent to send their child to fight against a possible world ending threat. The Zora cheered and praised Mipha for being named and chosen for such a responsibility. If she is successful she can bring pride and honor to the Zora and will go down in history as a legend…But if she doesn’t…

Jay shook his head and watched Mipha smiling at her people. While one hand raised her trident with confidence her other hand held on tightly onto her little brother. Muzu stormed off. Sergeant Seggins smile didn’t reach his eyes. King Dorephan watched her and Jay saw him take a shaky breath.

*One champion down….only three more to go.*

[satureja13]

Maybe their last barbeque at the farm. (The way Jeb looks at Vlad) :3

After dinner they went over to the firepit to burn the remnants of the shrubs they'd cut all day. Jack, who isn't aware of Vlad's plans to cut the bond (and by doing so making it impossible to give the farm back to Martha): Jack: "Ah Martha will be happy here. Even without horses and goats. We did our best and we can move on with a good conscience, right?" Vlad: "Uhm - right."

And then Ji Ho looked at him with a transfigured gaze... As if he couldn't wait to give the Bond whatever it might demand from them to uncover the farm.

Vlad is feeling seasick... Wait - is the Bond playing tricks on him? It must be aware of what he is about to do! Saiwa: "Vlad! No weakness! We need you in your best shape tomorrow!"

Jack managed to light the fire without causing a havoc. That's suspicious. And another hint that something is terribly wrong here.

Aouwww

They were all tired and didn't last long. And when the fire burnt down, the went to the patio and said good night. Ji Ho had a talk with their Lily and Saiwa gave Jack instructions for his first night sharing a room with Kiyoshi. (Saiwa doesn't know they already shared a room at the Temple and at the Burrow. And of course no one knows about their secret relationship...).

Saiwa: "Don't act weird! I haven't forgotten about your obssession with Kiyoshi. Stay away from him - don't even look is his direction. Don't make him feel uncomfortable - or you'll sleep on your blanket here at the patio - I warn you." Jack: "Yeah yeah - understood. Can I go now? I'm tired. "

But of course Jack stared at Kiyoshi when he came out of the shower. His skin still damp and gleaming. How couldn't he? He's a werewolf after all and Kiyoshi is the most beautiful being he'd ever seen!

Saiwa, from the patio: "JACK! I knew I couldn't trust you!" Jack: ? Ö.Ö'

Saiwa: "This is your last warning."

Saiwa: "Stay behind this line and the divider." A torture room for Jack...

And then Kiyoshi made it even worse: "Don't worry, Saiwa. We will be good - and it won't be for long. I will have to leave soon. You know, my obligations for the Resistance." Saiwa: "Right. Thank you for helping us out, Kiyoshi. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Just endure him for a little longer." Kiyoshi: "I will."

'And I'm never gonna leave ya baby Storms will come it'll rain like crazy We'll find our shelter in each other baby. I will never leave you No I'm never gonna leave ya baby We'll beat the odds and then just maybe Find a little hideaway escape yeah. I will never leave you'

Never Leave - Jay Tighe

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest

[globalworship]

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (icon)

“Jesus put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and rest in its branches." -Matthew 13:31-32

Recent icon of this passage by Kelly Latimore:

+++

Commenary by Kelly Latimore:

Jesus' parables are one of the ways Jesus trains his disciples. The parables, like the sermon on the mount, have always been crucial for the church to imagine the kind of community it is called to be. We discover again and again that Jesus' parables significance points to everyday life. The parables are meant to be lived.

The original audience may have been perplexed by this story. They would have known that no-one would intentionally plant a mustard shrub. In fact, the Jewish Mishnah forbade the growing of mustard seeds in the garden because they were 'useless annoying weeds'. In the Hebrew Scriptures the "birds of the air" can be a reference to Gentiles/Non-Jews, the foreigner.

This parable suggests that the kingdom of heaven is available to everyone. Even those who may be considered outsiders or not "Worthy". Jesus is calling us to see the significance in the insignificant. The parables of the kingdom of heaven make clear that the kingdom of heaven is not "up there". Through the parables Jesus is teaching us to "be for the world the material reality of the kingdom of heaven brought down to earth." As Jesus is himself the parable of the father so the church is meant to be the parable of Christ. A people in space and time welcoming the outcast, the foreigner, and the stranger. These kind of communities will look like unwanted weeds to the world, or even to other christians. However, this may be exactly the church Jesus is asking us to embody. Prints, Digital Downloads, and Calendars available All of the birds in this icon are native to the Holy Land. Birds in the icon: Palestine Sunbird, Scrub Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Laughing dove, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow, Fire-Fronted Serin, Red- Rumped Swallow, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Woodchat Shrike, European Greenfinch, Tree Pipit, Nubian Nightjar, Northern Wheatear, Green Bee Eater, Eurasian Golden Oriole, European Roller, Eurasian Jay, Great Tit, Hooded Crow, Eurasian Blackbird, Common Chiffchaff, Rock Bunting, Crested Lark, and White Spectacled Bulbul.  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1006593093924270&set=a.437194030864182 https://www.facebook.com/kellylatimoreicons

[willtheweaver]

Worldbuilding in five

Thanks for the tag @theeccentricraven always wanted to try this one out.

Rules: Post 3-5 pictures that capture a setting in your world and tell us about it!

All photos and artwork are my own. This location is one that is…not one you can find easily, and it’s hard to find anything good that isn’t AI.

Nightoak Deep

Of all the places in the forest that are within fox territory, Nightoak Deep is one that few would go to willingly. It is a place of the dead, where foxes of Fernstan, Clarke’s Point, and Pinecrown Tor go to perform funerals.

A clearing in the darkest part of the forest, no tree or shrub grows there. All around are the platforms built to hold bodies. Most foxes are given an excarnation (sky burial), with the body being laid out until only bones remain. Thás are given special treatment, as their bodies are laid out on a platform at the center of a wooden henge known as Nightoak Ring. After nature has taken its course, any remaining bones are gathered to be buried in a barrow known as the Mound of Night. The only exception are those who died a warrior’s death. Their bodies are burned on a pyre in the middle of the clearing, their ashes are then scattered so that their spirits will forever after protect the forest.

Youngsters sometimes go here on a dare, but otherwise, the foxes only come here when they absolutely must. Being a place of death, it is believed that Le Dauphin Inconnu (‘The Unknown Prince’) haunts this place, and any who sees Al-Gia’s reaper are said to be cursed to die not soon after.

Tagging @poethill @late-to-the-fandom @kaylinalexanderbooks @winterandwords @smudged-red-ink @winglesswriter @gottestod-writes @elizaellwrites @jay-avian @tildeathiwillwrite @fourwingedwriter @splashinkling @agirlandherquill @illarian-rambling @spitefulbull @mk-writes-stuff and open tag for anyone interested.

[only-lonely-stars]

A Shintaran Gala

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

In Shintaro, a gala is hosted every year to celebrate the holiday season. Vania looks forward to it every year, and now that she is the one to host it, she's invited Cole, her dearest friend, to join her. However, both of them know they want something more than friendship, if they could only find the words to tell each other.

Cole Brookstone stood in his room, adjusting his suit in front of the mirror, feeling like something was off. He tied his tie, then retied it, finally getting it tidy, but still felt wrong. He finger-combed his hair into place for the millionth time, getting the sweep away from his face perfect, but it still wasn't good enough. He straightened his jacket, making it hang just right, but it didn't fix the problem. Finally, he groaned and left the room, knocking on Jay's door.

"Jay? Can you help me out for a sec?"

"Come on in!" Jay called. Cole opened the door to see him sitting on the floor, mashing buttons on a controller as enemies went flying in Prime Empire. When he heard Cole come in, he paused the game and looked up. "Woah, what's with the suit? You going to dinner with your dad or something?"

Cole shook his head. "Nope. The Shintaran gala is tonight."

Jay whistled. "I forgot about that. It lasts all night, isn't it?"

"Yep. I'm pretty sure it does, anyway."

"You leaving soon?"

"Yeah, but something's not right. Can you help me or get Nya or something?" Discomfort crawled up Cole's spine.

"Why? You look fine. You sure you're not just nervous?" Jay asked, still sitting on the floor.

"Yeah, I'm nervous, but still. Can you just… make sure I didn't forget anything?"

Jay rolled his eyes and got up. "Fine." He scanned Cole briefly. "Seriously, you look just fine Cole. Your nerves are just getting to you."

Cole sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. It's just weird going back for something so fancy."

"I haven't seen you this nervous in a long time. Just hang out and enjoy getting to catch up. Dance!" Jay grinned. "Maybe you can dance with Vania."

Cole flushed. "If she wants to, maybe."

"As if she wouldn't. Besides, you clearly do."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Oh yeah."

"Ugh, okay." Cole sighed and resisted the urge to mess up his hair. "Just gotta stay cool... I'd better get going."

"Have a good time!" Jay said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Say hi for us."

"Will do. See you tomorrow." Not more than five minutes later, he was on his dragon and flying over to Shintaro.

-----

On the ground in Shintaro, a whirlwind of activity had come to a stunning conclusion. Queen Vania looked over her palace with a satisfied smile, ignoring her exhaustion in favor of enjoying the fruits of her and her staff's labor. The holiday gala had come together with nary a hair out of place, and she could finally relax and enjoy it with possibly her favorite person in the whole world, Cole.

At the thought of him, she smiled even more. Despite her albeit childish hopes, during the Ninja's first visit to Shintaro, nothing had happened between herself and him, so she'd done her best to put away those hopes for the time being and focus on her people's best interests. She hadn't seen him for a long time, anyway. However, that was changing. This gala was a celebration for the people of Shintaro, and it would only make sense for her to invite one of their saviors to celebrate– why not the one who had singlehandedly brought down her father? It was the perfect opportunity to see if there was any potential for something meaningful between them, and more importantly, if he wanted it to. If not, well, it was still good to see him.

As the time of his arrival came nearer and nearer, she eventually went out to the gardens, amongst the beds of flowers and shrubs. In the back of the garden was a particularly large open space, where she had told Cole in a letter that he should land. It was just large enough for Chompy to land when he was large, so she knew it would fit his earth dragon, and it was wonderfully private. In only a few minutes, he would land there before her. Sure enough, while watching the sky and considering that night's upcoming events, she spotted his incoming brown figure, flying in through the beginnings of the sunset.

When Cole landed his dragon on the ground, Vania did her best to slow her heart and breathe deeply, attempting to keep her composure. Nevertheless, she grinned when he dismounted, letting the dragon dissipate into the air. Then he stood before her, wearing a black suit and tie that fit him perfectly, just as tall and strong as she remembered, with not a hair out of place. Not for the first time, she silently thanked whomever had made him the Black Ninja for his or her taste, for it suited him so well. He was smiling as if nothing had ever bothered him in all his life as he came to meet her, and she could barely believe he was even there.

She watched him approach, barely containing her excitement. When he got to her, he waved. "Hey, Vania!"

"Cole! It's so good to see you!" She threw self-control to the wind and put her arms around him in a hug.

"You too!" He laughed and hugged her back. Warmth flooded through her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He stepped back after a few moments. "Happy holidays."

"Happy holidays!" As they parted, she kept hold of his hands, but only for a moment. "You look so handsome in a suit."

"Thank you." He grinned, looking the smallest bit awkward, but spoke softly anyway. "You look beautiful, Vania– not that you don't usually, but… really beautiful."

"Thank you." She smiled, touching the fabric of her skirt nervously, the champagne fabric shimmering in the fading light. Silently, she thanked her stylist for suggesting going for a lower neckline, despite her misgivings.

"You're welcome." He smiled, so sincere and genuine that it almost hurt.

Her heart pounded. "I'm so glad you could come tonight."

"Me too. How have you been?" he asked, taking her hand. "It must have been so much work to put this together."

She laughed. "I'm exhausted! There's always something to do or fix." She looked behind her and through a great doorway into the ballroom, where quiet music was playing and a few stray couples were beginning to dance. "At least it turned out well."

"I'll say. Time for your day off." Cole grinned. "Want to join the party?"

"That sounds great." She laced her fingers through his. "Let me show you around a little bit."

"That sounds great, your Highness."

She smacked his arm lightly. "Okay, Sir Cole. Are you gonna be like that all night?"

"If you'll let me, maybe."

-----

The whole time she showed him around the palace, Cole couldn't help but marvel. Every room was bedecked in the loveliest of of decorations, with lights and garlands hanging from every high point. As the sun set, pink and orange light streamed in the windows. Glass and crystal prisms caught the light and reflected a million rainbows across the room, accenting the sparkling decorations of every color and shade. Chandeliers hung low from the ceilings, even more crystal adding to the grandeur of the moment. Every inch of the palace was gorgeous, a testament to Vania's hard work.

Cole would never admit it to himself, but if he wasn't looking at the palace, he couldn't help but look at her. Instead of her normal whites and golds and blues, she wore a dress the color of champagne that shimmered in the light, reaching all the way down to the floor. The sleeves hung just barely off the shoulders, exposing her pale skin to a greater degree than he'd ever seen, and he struggled not to stare. As they walked and talked, he tried to look anywhere but her, but failed every time, only barely paying attention to their conversation.

"...I told the Upply that we needed to make this place classy, but Korgran just didn't understand! The others got it, though," she was saying as she showed him the main ballroom. She pointed up at the very top of the grand ceiling. "Adam was the only one who could get up there to hang those lights."

Cole smiled. "I bet. I think I see webs he left."

She groaned, crossing her arms and peering up intently. "Really? I told him not to leave any! Adam!"

He laughed. "I'm kidding, it looks fine." He grinned at her. "Everything looks amazing, Vania."

"You think so?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah." He looked around one more time. "I think so."

"Good." She smiled and looked away, glancing at the ballroom floor. On the floor, a number of Shintarans, Geckles, and Munce were dancing together, laughing and cheering to their heart's content. However, the music was changing. Idly, Cole noticed that it was in waltz tempo, but he tried to ignore it, like all the things he'd learned about music. Vania looked wistful.

"What's up?" he asked.

She looked back at him. "What?"

"You looked like you were thinking about something."

"Oh." She smiled. "I just was thinking about the dancing. I used to look forward to the gala every year just for it."

At this, Cole had to smile. "Dancing? I didn't know you danced."

"Of course I do! I'm a queen, Cole. What queen doesn't know how to dance?" She nudged him jokingly.

"Good point." He looked at the dance floor, then back at Vania, and a probably foolish idea came to his mind. "Do you want to?"

She blushed a little, pink settling over her cheeks. "I don't have a partner..."

"Sure you do." Cole grabbed her hand, ignoring his rising heart rate. "What do you say?"

After a moment, she grinned. "I'd love to."

Together, the two walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor. Out of the corner of his eye, Cole spotted a few people watching them, but he ignored them in favor of Vania, who still held his hand. They reached the center of the floor without much ado, and he put his free hand on her waist, while she put hers on his shoulder. As they waited for a fitting time to start dancing, their eyes never left each other.

The music dipped suddenly, the tune starting again, and they were off. One, two, three, the music told them where to go, and they spun and twirled around the floor.

In and out she swung, going to and from his arms seemingly every moment. For a moment, she brushed against his arm, close for milliseconds before she flew out again. A point of emphasis came in the music right as she came back to his arms, and he dipped her, causing her to start laughing. As he righted her, the music suddenly slowed, and the two of them began to box step, laughing in glee and unable to look anywhere except at each other.

"Where did you learn to dance?!" Vania asked. "You're amazing!"

Cole grinned and spun her out once more, slower. "My dad taught me when I was a kid. What about you? You're beautiful!"

She stifled more laughter. "Private tutors. You would not believe how much spinning Chompy endured while I practiced in my room."

"Oh, I believe it." The two of them twirled, her skirt flaring out widely. "My dance partner got so dizzy back in the day."

"Your dance partner?" she asked.

"My next-door neighbor." He grinned. "She's wasn't very nice to talk to."

Vania laughed at that, the bright sound like bells as it drowned out the music for a moment. "I'll take your word for it!"

The music picked up, and the two began to dance again, faster and wider. At one point, Cole put his hands both on her waist and lifted her up into the air, swinging her around nearly a full circle before sitting her down. For a moment, she felt like she was flying, and she told him so. Then, she asked another thing, which struck him to the heart.

"Did you mean to call me beautiful?"

His face heated up and his breath caught in his chest. "You heard that?"

"Yeah, I did." She looked away, smiling bashfully.

"Oh." He almost froze, but managed to spin her again, the music slowly climbing to its highest point. "Yeah, I did. You really are beautiful, Vania."

She blushed prettily. "I guess that means I can call you dashing, then. I've never seen you so dressed up."

"Me neither, but I'll take it." As he said it, the music reached its climax, and he dipped her low, such that she could almost reach the floor. She leaned into him, and as he lifted her back up she put her arms around his neck. Their eyes met, and she smiled.

The tune was over now, and those who weren't dancing were applauding the musicians. There was a quiet rustling as sheet music was flipped, and the two were unable to break the moment for a few seconds. When they did, it was reluctant. Vania lingered in his arms, and Cole wondered whether he was imagining it. What if she really wanted something between them? Could he be that lucky?

"That was the most fun I've had in a while," she eventually said, happiness filling her voice.

"Me too." He smiled, fondness taking over his whole body. "You're a lot better than my old partner."

She snickered. "I would hope so! You're more fun than my old teacher."

"Good to know." The first strains of music struggled to be heard over all the sound of speech in the ballroom, but they picked them up anyway. In a fit of drama, Cole took her hand and kissed the back of it, intent on being chivalrous tonight if he couldn't any other time– if he could pretend that she was his for a night, maybe she'd one day want that for them. Slowly, he bowed his head, then looked up at her. "Another dance?"

Vania smiled bashfully, transfixed on him. "I'd love to."

-----

Vania and Cole danced for hours, whispering as they turned and stepped. At the beginning of every tune, he would step back and kiss her hand, before asking to dance again, ever the picture of gentlemanly charm. She would smile and say yes, and they would step out in time, beginning a new dance for each that only ended when the music did. It was like a dream to them, and Vania thought it had to be some perfect version of a romance.

As the evening passed them by, the sun slowly sunk under the horizon. The rainbows cast by the crystals faded, being replaced by soft lighting afforded by the chandeliers. The golden light diffused throughout, making the place feel otherworldy, as if enchanted by fae to be inescapable, such that no one would ever dream of leaving. The whole scene was too captivating to forget.

Idly, Vania thought that she never would leave that night behind, even if she wanted to. That night, as short as it was, would have to be her eternity, because Cole held her close, whispering words of admiration and adoration in her ear as she spun and they twirled together. More than once, she expected him to do something rash– he would stop their dancing, lift her out of a dip and kiss her softly– but it didn't happen. It was hard for her to feel upset about that, though, when they never stopped spinning.

After a couple of hours of bliss, however, they tired a bit. Laughing, they escaped the ballroom hand in hand and found a quiet terrace outside the ballroom. There, in the trailing flowers that threatened to overgrow their beds, they sat on a bench, still laughing over some odd joke as they caught their breath.

When she could finally speak, Vania found herself almost at a loss for words, so she leaned against Cole and smiled to herself. "I haven't had that much fun at one of these events in so long."

He laughed quietly. "You sure were having a good time. I haven't danced that much in years."

"Why not? You're so good at it."

He turned his head to look at her. "Guess I've never had the opportunity. I don't do many events like this, y'know?"

"That makes a lot of sense. They're pretty rare even for me."

"Makes sense, considering all the planning that went into it."

Vania met his eyes, examining how their dark brown variegation. They betrayed only happiness, except for something she couldn't quite name. All night, she'd been unable to figure out what she had been noticing, but it was even more poignant now, and she saw it in him. As quiet settled in, she felt an incredible urge to break the tension and ask him if he knew what it meant.

After a minute of stillness, she spoke, but not about the mystery of that intangible something. "You have such beautiful eyes," she said instead, transfixed. "I don't know why, but they're just… gorgeous."

Cole raised his eyebrows and blinked, looking at her in surprise. "...What?"

"Your eyes. They're beautiful."

He was quiet for a few moments, and she tried to shrug off the feeling of having done something irreparably stupid, but then he smiled, sweet and true. It was a smile that exuded happiness, and she knew it was sincere within an instant. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She beamed at him.

Cole glanced away, then back at her. "...You're beautiful, Vania. Just... in general. Especially tonight."

Heat came to her face. "You really think so?"

"Yeah." He waved his hand, gesticulating widely. "Everything tonight is gorgeous, and it's all because of you. You worked so hard on this gala." His smile turned bashful. "I really missed seeing you."

"I missed you too." Her heart clenched. "It's been so long since you were here."

"Being back is worth it." He grinned. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world; you're one of my closest friends."

"I am?" She tried to ignore how that phrase both excited and devastated her.

"Yeah. I was really happy to get your invitation."

Her stomach flipped, and she decided to be bold. "You were the only person I really wanted to invite. I'd happily just have a gala for two. It would have been just as fun."

It was Cole's turn to blush, his cheeks turning a moderate red, and she wondered if he might be thinking what she hoped– that they might have a chance. "A gala for two sounds really nice. It'd be a nice day off."

She smiled and scooted closer to him on the bench. "It does, doesn't it? Plus, all the dancing we could want." She turned and pretended to put a picture frame around the ballroom. "Food and drinks, too! It would be perfect."

Cole laughed. "Lots of cake. We wouldn't be able to eat it all!"

"Oh, no. Not at all. That's what makes it sound so good!" She grinned at him, and he only laughed more. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No, not at all," he lied.

"You are!" She smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

"The queen's attacked me! I'd better flee the country!"

"Oh no, you're not leaving yet! The gala's not even half over!" She bumped him with her shoulder. "You're staying, you here me? Royal order."

He crossed his arms. "I'm not sure I want to stay somewhere I'll be unsafe."

"Oh come on. I was kidding!"

"I know. So am I!" He chuckled. "Really though, I'm staying. How long is the gala supposed to go?"

"All night– as long as people can stay awake. I stay up all night every year."

"Do people dance that whole time?" he asked, incredulous.

"Some of them." She laughed. "You don't have to. If you need to go to bed, nobody will stop you."

He took a moment to think, but then grinned and nudged her. "I'll stay up with you. I want to remember tonight."

"Remember it?" she asked. "That can be arranged."

"I'm counting on it." He took her hand again and kissed it, just like he had so many times before as they danced. "Everything with you is memorable."

"Likewise." She beamed, and for a moment, it felt like her hopes weren't unfounded. Now was the perfect time to tell him, if she could only find the words. Would he be surprised, or would he expect it? Could he ever reciprocate? She didn't know, but she almost thought it could work. Just as she was building up her courage, however, he spoke instead and dashed her hopes.

"You know, there's a lot of this palace I never got to see last time. Would you show me around again?"

After a moment of silence for mourning her lost nerve, she smiled. "I would love to."

-----

For hours and hours, the unlikely pair danced, a ninja and a queen creating something beautiful out of nothingness. They stepped and spun, and whenever he could, Cole would dip her lower than the last time, so her hair would brush the floor. She'd laugh every time, and every time the music stopped, they'd start another dance, spinning again with only the music to guide them, as if they'd never have to stop.

Every once in a while, however, they would steal away to some new and hidden place to rest for a time, telling stories and jokes and reminiscing. With each passing moment, it seemed like they would tell their most pressing secrets, but they somehow remained unsaid, though many others were. That intangible feeling only grew, but it was so impossible to address it... Nevertheless, they grew closer and closer, until it was nearly impossible for them to part.

"I can't believe you ran away!" Vania exclaimed at one point while they hid in a little alcove off a hall, pressed almost together in the small space. "Your dad must have been furious!"

Cole laughed awkwardly, sweeping his hair back with one hand, knowing it hadn't looked proper in quite a long time. "He was angrier about the fact that I didn't tell him I was a ninja– he found out when I accidentally told him I was going to steal a trophy to stop the Devourer."

"You were going to steal the Blade Cup?" She stared. "Everyone says that you competed for it!"

"We did! Then he didn't mind."

Vania laughed. "There's always some secret side to the stories people tell about you, you know that? It's so much better hearing them from you." She leaned against him, and his heart took off at high speed. He had known that she wanted to hear their stories, but was that the reason why she cared?

"Some of them aren't very interesting," he muttered. "People like to embellish, too."

"It's hard to embellish anything when you ninja are involved!" She poked him.

He rolled his eyes. "You'd be surprised. Some people absolutely swear that huge chunks of Ninjago were just lifted into the air and made into some new continent where sky pirates lived. So far that hasn't happened."

A look of disbelief overtook Vania. "How does that… how do you even make something like that up?"

"Beats me."

She chuckled. "Well, okay. Even so, there are some things you just can't make up– that one not included."

"You sure? It's pretty easy to just lie." Cole examined her, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

"Yeah! Like… I can't make up how I didn't know Chompy could grow so huge when he gets angry, and you can't make up how you found your mom's temple!" She smiled, and then gestured between them. "We can't pretend about our friendship."

Cole had to smile back at her, unable to decipher all the emotions he was feeling. The opportunity was coming, if he could only get the words out– if he could just tell her! He could tell her, here and now, about how he felt. Was it the right time, or would it ruin everything?

"I guess you're right about that," he eventually said. "I wouldn't want to, anyway– being friends with you would be impossible to fake. Better just to actually know you. You're too unique to fake."

"Are you saying I'm weird?" she asked, squinting.

"Indescribable," he corrected, watching her reaction as she let her jaw drop in shock, mixed emotions filtering through her dark eyes. As she grappled for words, he explained. "Honestly, you're incredible. You're really strong, and smart, and you can fight. Everyone says you're an amazing queen, and they're not lying! You'd run the world if you could."

She watched him in growing surprise. "You mean all that…?"

"Every word. You're really special to me, Vania." He couldn't say anything else.

She floundered for words, but he didn't press her. When she finally had them, she took his hand. "Cole, I don't know what to say. I should be the one to say you're incredible! You're a hero– you're smart, a leader. You never give up! You've saved the whole world… you saved me. I can't compare to that." She ducked her head.

"You don't have to compare anything. I just want you to know what I think about you." He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand soothingly.

She smiled and looked down, the fact that she was smitten obvious to everyone but him. "I think a lot of you, too. You're my best friend– I care about you a lot."

Something flip-flopped in his chest. "I care about you, too." He wondered what it meant.

For a few moments, they didn't speak, but then she lifted his hand to her cheek and pressed it softly there. "I don't really know how to handle what I feel for you. I missed you so much when you were gone, Cole. Tonight's been a dream come true... I don't want to forget any part of it."

Cole took his hand from her grasp and cupped her cheek fully, as gently as possible, trying to impress how he felt without having to verbalize it, if only to make it easier to explain the unexplainable. "I don't either. I've never felt this way for anyone– I don't even know what it is. Maybe…"

"...Maybe we feel the same?" she finished.

"Exactly." He smiled, painfully sincere, hoping this was the moment. "Vania, you make me feel so many things I can't even name. I don't know what comes next."

"Me neither." She nestled into his touch. "All I know is that I want to dance with you all night."

"I think that can be arranged." Cole laid his forehead against hers, the little hiding space they inhabited so small he felt he could have heard her heartbeat if his wasn't so loud. "We have all night to talk about this."

"We do." She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm so happy."

"Me too. I'm happy being with you."

-----

The night was no longer young, but it didn't matter. With the moon high in the sky, the gala was less crowded, as even most of the young and fit had left, only the most dedicated revelers remaining. The holiday was passing, and celebration was still in full swing throughout the city, only visible through the great windows to the ballroom. Outside, people cheered and danced in their own spaces, lights and decorations strung all across the ivory flagstone streets.

After the a few hours of the gala, the live musicians had left, but music kept playing through speakers, so the dancing continued. Now the music turned more informal, switching genres frequently. Cole and Vania found themselves doing whatever suited them, whether it was waltz or swing or no choreography at all, just having a good time with the others who celebrated. The unexplainable feeling had somewhat subsided, but it clenched in their chests every time they came together in their dances.

At one point, the music shifted back to a sort of waltz, just a bit faster than the live music had been. Vania cried out in laughter as they spun, twirling in and out of Cole's arms fast enough to make her head spin, the music their only guiding star. The music rose and rose, and Cole couldn't help but laugh as they took up the entire dance floor, others stepping away to give them room. Neither took their eyes off the other, too transfixed to notice the small crowd that had gathered to watch them until near the end of the piece, when a pause came in the music.

When they noticed, they locked eyes. In moments, a silent agreement was made between them, somehow in perfect clarity. With no hesitation, they threw themselves into the dance in impossible synchrony and danced with yet more spirit.

The music crescendoed, and deceptively it seemed to reach its climax, energy building higher and higher. Cole put his hands on Vania's waist, and as the highest note was struck, he lifted her up and spun her. Her skirt flared out as he did, and she laughed. It only lasted a moment, and as she came back down to earth, the music began to swell again.

The final climax was coming, so the two came back to dancing hand-in-hand again, their movements ever more dramatic. The end came incessantly forward, and for a moment the music stopped, the sound of breathing and hearts beating drowning everything out.

Then the end came, and Cole dipped Vania deeply. She leaned against his arm, hands clasped tightly together, breathing hard. He leaned down, holding her safe and steady, for once happy that his father had made him take so many lessons. He held her low for a surprisingly long time, as their audience watched in suspense.

As the suspense slowly lapsed, some of those who watched them began to clap, appreciative of the show. Slowly, Cole lifted her back up to a standing position, gently supporting her. As Vania gained purchase and stood on her own, they slowly came closer together, and the others in the ballroom began to cheer rowdily as they stood only inches apart.

Cole grinned, and Vania grinned back. They looked around at the other people, some of whom were drinking some sort of fizzy drink and cheering without inhibition, and then back to each other. After a moment they bowed and curtsied to the group, and Cole chuckled quietly. "They liked the show," he said under his breath.

"So they did. Want to take another break?"

He grabbed her hand tightly. "Let's find somewhere private."

She grinned, heart racing. "I know the perfect spot. Follow me!"

Before anyone could follow them, they left the ballroom, and Vania led him into a side room and shut the door. Once inside, they paused, staring at each other in partial awe at what had just occurred.

Then they began to laugh. They laughed for a long time, only stopping when their stomachs hurt. As they calmed down, however, a heavy sense of reality descended upon them both.

Their eyes met, an unspoken question passing between them. They had felt that undeniable something during that last dance, but it seemed to have no name. What could it have been? Maybe it was the exhaustion and their emotions playing tricks on them, but maybe it was what they had been hoping for– maybe it was what they longed for– maybe it was a possibility.

It was a long time before either had the strength to speak.

-----

The sun peeked over the horizon once again in its own due time. Its pale light shone into the palace, striking the garden and illuminating the vibrant greenery. Rays passed through the crystal chandeliers, too, creating minute rainbows that slowly scattered across the ballroom, shining onto the faces of sleeping and waking revelers. Not many remained awake, but those who did smiled at the reappearance of the light. The holiday was over.

For the last few hours of the gala, the music did not play at all. Those that remained awake talked, laughed, and joked to pass the time. Some drank that fizzy drink that had lowered their inhibitions. Some drank too much, and there were many foolish moves that had been made, such that the beauty of the ballroom was marred by the chaos they enacted. None of the mess bothered those that did not slumber, however– despite it all, they still remained.

Cole and Vania found themselves sitting together in one of the vacated palace rooms, leaning against one another, with Vania practically in Cole's arms. They had spent the hours telling jokes and stories. At one point, they had each drunk some of the fizzy beverage, leading to a barrage of compliments and jokes, not the least of which could have construed as anything other than veiled romantic attention. However, nothing had come of them, and the drink had worn off. Now that the morning had come, they roused themselves from half-sleep, ignoring how they ached to stay next to each other and spend the day asleep.

As the morning came into its own, the hired palace staff began to tidy up the gala's mess, and it was time for many to go home. Those who had eventually slept were awoken, and all were slowly sent away with holiday well-wishing. Cole, however, stayed close to Vania, nearly hand-in-hand. As her obligations came ever closer, however, it slowly became clear that he would have to leave soon.

When they finally had to part, Vania walked with Cole to the gardens, hand in hand. Among the greenery and flowers, where they were alone, she put her hand to his cheek, stroking gently with her thumb, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"I'll miss you," she murmured. "Come back soon."

Cole put his hands on her shoulders, still bare from her dress, and no less distracting. "I'll miss you too, Vania. Maybe next time you can visit Ninjago."

"I'd love that." She smiled at him, her eyes heavy but her heart full, and his just the same. "Show me everything?"

He chuckled. "That'll take more than one visit, you know."

"I'll just have to come more than once."

"That sounds good to me." He took her hand away from his cheek, and for a final time he kissed it, like he had so many times that night. "Thanks for the dances, Vania. I'm not gonna forget this anytime soon."

"Me neither. Have a safe flight home."

Vania watched as he slowly walked away from her, trying to memorize the moment. When he was at a safe distance, he summoned his earth dragon, its form becoming corporeal just as he jumped on, despite his tiredness. From his vantage point, he waved to her, and she waved back. Moments later, he took off, his dragon launching itself off of the ground.

Vania watched him go. He disappeared slowly, and when he was but a speck in the sky, she put her hand to her lips and kissed it softly where he had, already telling and re-telling herself the moments from that night. The next time she saw him, she'd tell him how she wanted to share something with him. She'd find a way to explain that mysterious feeling, even though she already thought she knew. Then it was his game... then she would wait for him again.

As he disappeared over the horizon, she smiled. "I'll see you soon, Cole… maybe I can tell you then."

-----

When Cole returned to the Monastery, he landed his dragon in the courtyard, the weight shaking the building. He sat on its back for a few moments, gathering his energy, and then dismounted, letting it dissipate back into nothingness as he entered the building, yawning widely.

As he passed the dining room, a voice called out to him. "Cole, you're back!"

Cole ducked his head in to see Zane, decked out in his old pink apron and making breakfast. "Hey, Zane." He yawned again, trying not to let his exhaustion show.

"You look exhausted. Why have you returned so late– or should I say, early?" Zane asked, blunt and to-the-point as ever.

Cole shrugged. "The gala lasted all night. Why are you up so early?"

"It is seven in the morning. Is that not a respectable time?" Zane asked.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm gonna go to bed. See you later."

"Sleep well." Zane smiled graciously, a twinkle in his mechanical eye, and Cole took that as a ticket to go straight to his room, avoiding the others.

After changing quickly into something more comfortable and far less formal, Cole laid down. He stared up at the ceiling, replaying all the moments from that night over and over in his mind. He put his fingers to his lips, trying to remember what it felt like to be with Vania, and smiled at the memories.

Maybe there was a chance for them after all. He knew what he had been feeling, even though he'd never felt it before. One day, he'd tell her– he'd tell her that he'd come back to her every time.

After that, anything could happen. All Cole knew was that he was looking forward to it.

[spacefinch]

MSB rambles: locations

As anyone who’s watched the Magic School Bus series knows, the show is mostly set in Walkerville, a made-up town. However, they never specify where it is, except for “in the USA.” They don’t specify what state, or even what region of the country it’s in. But here are my observations.

In “Gets Eaten,” Ms. Frizzle drives the class to the beach, while the bus is in normal bus mode. The beach looks like a California beach to me (based on my experience going to beaches there), and a sea otter makes a brief appearance. In the US, sea otters are only found along the west coast.

In a few episodes (Getting Energized, Rocks and Rolls, etc…), it’s shown that there are mountains/foothills just outside Walkerville, and that there’s snow on top for at least part of the year.

We know it snows during the winter in town as well. (Source: MSB Holiday Special)

There is a swamp with alligators and blue jays within driving distance of town, as shown in “Butterfly and the Bog Beast.” The whole vibe of the swamp feels very southern to me. (Note: “driving distance” might not necessarily mean said swamp is near town. Could just be that anywhere is driving distance on the Magic School Bus.)

In “Gets Swamped” we see that there is a more marshy swamp in town. The main vegetation is reeds and small shrubs, and the animal life consists of species such as snapping turtles, muskrats, wood ducks, harriers (marsh hawks), bullfrogs, red-winged blackbirds, and dragonflies. This suggests a more northern location for Walkerville.

In “Goes to Mussel Beach,” the mussels are described as “Mytilus californianus” aka the California Mussel, a species only found along the west coast. Again, we have no idea how far away the beach is from town, but it’s a different beach than the one in “Gets Eaten.”

In “Kicks Up a Storm” the outside temperature gets to a high of 99 degrees Fahrenheit— which, judging by the kids’ reactions, is too hot for them. As a Californian, I can sympathize with this.

In “All Dried Up,” the bus (in plane mode) must fly over a mountain range to get to what looks like the Sonoran Desert. Which mountain range they fly over is not specified.

In the book “The Truth About Bats,” it is stated that in order to see bats in Yosemite National Park, the class must fly to California— thus implying that Walkerville is not located in my home state.

In “Goes to Seed,” there is a Ruby-throated hummingbird (at least that’s what I think it is) in the garden at Phoebe’s old school. The Ruby-throated hummingbird lives mainly in the eastern half of the US.

In “In a Beehive,” Tim mentions a “big frost” approaching. Again, this suggests Walkerville is somewhere Up North. (We don’t get a “big frost” where I live— just a few smaller frosts.)

In “In the City,” we see that some of Walkerville’s urban wildlife includes peregrine falcons, red foxes, opossums, raccoons, and nighthawks. It is also implied that bears live in the woods outside of town.

In the book “The Wild Whale Watch,” the New England coast is a short drive from school, which directly contradicts my observations about coastal locations in the show.

The woodpecker in “Meets the Rot Squad” is a red-bellied woodpecker, a species found in the eastern US.

In the book “Rocky Road Trip,” Carlos says that he collected some of the rocks in his collection near “the Saddle River.” I looked it up, and in the real world, Saddle River runs through New York and New Jersey. (But for all we know, the Saddle River in the book could be made up just like Walkerville.)

In “Ups and Downs,” we see that Walkerville is located near a good-sized lake— large and deep enough for a submarine to dive in, and with plenty of underwater vegetation.

In terms of continuity, there is no continuity when it comes to where the heck Walkerville is. This sometimes frustrates my overanalytical brain. So, I leave it to you, fellow Magic School Bus fans, to answer the question:

Map for reference!