#silver steelhead

[wispisstillverybored67]

Stainless Blooms

Kagami yo kagami kotaechatte Who's the best? I'm the best! Oh yeah Namami no mama ikeru toko made To the next, to the ichiban ue

"Good Morning, Amazake."

"Mornin', Fluff-chan." Exchanges like these are common in these days. 

Would you believe me if I tell you that I'm living in a library? It’s technically in the basement, but yeah. It's a town... populated entirely by food. They aren't actually food, but they're all so convinced that they are. The lady I'm stayin' with is named Marshmallow Fluff, MaFlu for short for some. Her hair looks just like her namesake, which she said was what happened the year she came here. But as I investigated last night, it sure as hell doesn't have the exact texture of marshmallow paste. I thought she would be someone with a good head on her shoulders, but no. She's just as delusional as the others...!! It certainly grew FAST. And as I stayed, I learned about the insane yet intricate rituals the people do, so damn deep in their delusions. It was neck-length when I arrived, and as I found out, it was because of the fact that a neighbor, Candy, is wholly addicted to, well, candy and sweets. So, in exchange for her life (a cannibal??? wow~), whenever her hair reaches past the floor, she'll cut it off and give it to her. Maybe I'll try some later. I mean, probably just hair, doesn't taste like marshmallow. Certainly enough to warrant a teenager that apparently ate whoever thought of themself as a sweet in this town to enjoy all the same, so that's that. 

I'm just here for some field research. When I displayed an interest in this world, Wild drilled me on the context based on the game she played. Then, she demanded I slip into a "cycle" without many troubles, whatever that means. I've kept my 5 don'ts that've served me well, and I think that it's due time for some in-depth field research. Let's go over it to start... Fluff-chan's currently getting ready for some event with the other residents. 

#1: Don't make assumptions about them on the first day.

This should be obvious. This helps make sure there aren't any unneeded fights right off the bat, nor no sour feelings onward. Because you know how hard it is to work with someone that you hate, or hates you. As I figured out in earlier, there's greater risk of throwing the task away if someone hates someone. And, just in case someone's hatred is actually beneficial to me, I can just drug them with an FFoid. Here's to hoping the Law is on MY side that time...!

It's November, but as I've seen, the weather is somehow perfect every time. It had rain, and snow from what I heard from my host. When I first arrived, I think they drugged my food. Wild told me about that. Of course, I gave my eyes a re-do to keep up a certain level of polish that would come IF I was able to be effected by it. 

In any case, I'll keep the people at arms length as I compile everything about them. Depending on her mood, she might ask me to go.

#2: Don't make assumptions about them on the first day.

This is also self-explanatory. In this line of work, you have to first learn everything about your host, until you springboard off of that to the others. At least one thing remains for sure: MaFlu just wants to live quietly. She works at a library in the Sweets District, and no one has the balls to ignore her if she shushes them. I guess she really is more reasonable compared to the others, but... Why would a perfectly reasonable person live life thinking you're food? Makes no sense to me... Ah, but I guess I'll figure out that secret later, hmm?! This is gonna be good! Hahaha, yeah! I'll squeeze the secrets out! Today, Fluff-chan... TOMORROW THE WORLD!!! 

I can just interact with the outside world through the library just fine. It's surprisingly a little busy. But typically, I just observe from a distance. There's one resident that I haven't seen, though. She's been talked about occasionally, and her name is apparently Chili. Wonder what's her deal? I ought to investigate that later on. And she handles it with her top-notch maturity. Ya don't hear that often. I'm sure when she hears my research plans, she'll be fine with it. It's been a work week, so I think I'll be fine now. Marshmallow Fluff just wants to live a quiet life. 

#3: Don't hurt anyone unprovoked.

Partially spring-boarding off the first one, but this should be obvious as well. Bitterness never helped anyone, and judging from what Wild told me, the people are surprisingly bitter, aha~ They might do anything to be able to spin me as the one in the wrong, so just to be safe, IF needed, we take them to the woods, knock them down for an opening for another attack, and call all my underlings to beat the shit out of them, and wipe their mind of most of the event. ...Hypothetically, of course. Honestly, I have nothing else to say about this. It's a boring rule, but a practical one. 

"Hey, Ms. Amazake... I'm sorry for not telling you this sooner, but today is the anniversary of Food Town's founding, and we'll all be celebrating later tonight at the Last Supper over at the Fruits District. Do you want to come along also?"

Oho? A party? That would make a damn good opportunity for field research. 

#4: Don't trust them if they don't know your name.

I think this speaks for itself. It's just common knowledge. When cutting deals with others, it's for the best. They don't know the first thing about you, what makes you think you can trust them on handling potentially dangerous work? Of course, a fake name should suffice if needed, but I do hate lying, so let's see. 

For a party, you'll be mingling with others, so your name would be tossed around a lot. But the "Last Supper"... I never heard of something like that. Was there even a restaurant with that name before? How odd. ANYWAYS... Think of all the deals you could cut with others! Mingling with such nice, easygoing, pliable people... Ain't it fun? To fantasize about the possibilities? No? Oh, YOU'LL understand soon enough... I can collect aaaaaannnnyyyyything I want on them, and they can't do shit about it! Let's hope to God they aren't boring. 

Fluff-chan is chatty despite appearances, so most know my name already.

#5: Don't abandon your friends. No matter what.

I'm alone, so...

"Yeah sure, why not." I finally responded. A good joint requires 3 things: Men, meat, and myself. I've seen men, nothing that would catch my eye, but men are men, and I'll take it. It's a restaurant, so it would realistically have meat, but we'll see for sure. I'm going, so that's all 3 on the list, it's a good joint.

She seemed relieved a little when I said that. Heading back to her room, she came back with a bow. It matches the one she wears, but the white stripe is red. I am NOT gonna wear that up, but...

I yanked it from her hands, and wore it like a tie. Shrugging, she then picked up her telephone.

"Hey, Passion Fruit. I'll be bringing another guest with me, so plan accordingly... Yes, thank you. Goodbye."

Wait... Who the hell is Passion Fruit?! Another variable... but this won't be a fatal error. Just a variable.

[hunn1e-bunn1e]

First Act: Episode One

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In which, [Name], the one and only son of Sakamaki Richter strives to make his dearest cousin's lives a living hell. Or; In which yearns for what can never be his own and will do just about anything to yank it within his reach.

First Act | Ep. One | Ep. Two

                                                                                                   

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"Father? They're Uncle Karlheinz's boys, aren't they?"  

A boy with steel-grey tresses that faded into a pale silver asks his father; his soft voice catching the older man's attention.

The boy was seated at a beautifully carved, dark wood dining table; his father on the opposite side. Atop the table sat a lovely white, silken tablecloth with lace edges; and atop that sat a beautiful porcelain tea set. Said set was from France, according to what his father had told him, a gift from some noble in a futile attempt to curry favor with him some time ago.

Under the glossy varnish finish was painted a breathtakingly intricate pattern in the color of glacial blue. The rims, handles, spouts, and flat bottoms of the set were dipped in gold that shimmered whenever the light caught it. A lovely piece indeed, but certainly not the boy's favorite by any means.

The amber liquid inside the cup was telling enough, It was Darjeeling. Tasteful but boring. 

Perfect.

The boy lifts his teacup to his lips; taking a quiet sip and taking in the taste as it rolls over his tongue. His large, round e/c eyes looked up at the man across from him expectantly; clawed fingers drummed gently on the table with impatience and curiosity that bubbled just under his pale skin.

"You are correct. Why do you ask, dearest [Name]?"  

The charcoal-blonde-haired man answered, turning his tired eyes from the book in hand toward his beloved son. 

[Name] smiled eerily, the corners of his mouth stretching so far it almost looked as if his face was split in two. He leaned forward, sitting the teacup gently onto its platter and leaning on his forearms.

"Can I play with them?"  

He asks cheerily in his saccharine voice, innocent eyes wide with hidden depravity.

The man's sharp burgundy eyes narrow at the steel-grey-headed child. He really is just like her, isn't he? The joy they got in tormenting others, the twisted grins and psychotic glint that hid just behind their eyes was so similar, sometimes far too similar. 

He closed his eyes; now is not the time. 

"I suppose you can. Don't break them, though. Karlheinz would have my head."  

The older man warns, picking up his teacup.

Ah... the tea is cold.

[Name] now sat in his favorite spot, a large tree overlooking the Sakamaki mansion. Far enough away from the structure to where he won't be noticed, yet close enough to observe. He sat on one of the thicker branches; choosing this one in particular after making sure it wouldn't snap under his body weight. The steelhead came here fairly often; every day. He would sit and wait and watch. A repeating cycle that he never grew bored of.

Out of all the ones he liked to watch, there were preferred ones by now. The eldest two's one-sided bickering was always a small threat, the triplets fighting over various objects in the residence was another endeavor, and then there was the youngest, Subaru. 

The snarling, hollering, wall punching, fight-instigating youngest child of the Sakamakis. With snow-white hair, dazzling sorrow-filled scarlet eyes with thick lashes overhanging them, and pale skin. A true figment of melancholic beauty. A white rose.

Subaru was by far his favorite. Definitely.

Poor, poor Subaru. [Name] always thought that he'd gotten it the worst. Inbred, scorned and ignored. All culminating in violent outbursts to keep himself afloat. The air of suffering just radiated off of him in waves and the vampiric boy found is simply intoxicating.

It was all just so funny. His cousin's suffering was all so fun to watch. It's not [Name]'s fault that his uncle was a child-abandoning whore of a man. He just so happened to stumble upon their residence on his nightly stroll and had some intense sadistic tendencies.

Just like her... just like—

A sudden light caught his eyes. A car? No, a taxi. The vehicle pulled in front of the rundown mansion and slowed to a halt.

The back right door opened after a few seconds and out stepped a girl. The light from the car bounced off her brown hair and lit up the side of her face, displaying her prominent scowl and narrowed almond eyes.

She walked around to the trunk and pulled out a few suitcases as it began to rain. The girl groaned in annoyance and dragged her luggage into the building, seemingly before anyone answered the door.

[Name]'s e/c eyes stare into the door intensely.

Just who was that girl? Surely not another child of Karlheinz's, right? Do they get a sister now too? That's so... unfair.

The wind blew violently through the trees, and [Name] disappeared with the sway of branches; a scowl on his face.

[Name] had always been the curious type. That was something Richter had known since the boy had been birthed. But now.... he couldn't help but be concerned about his only child.

When he was young, [Name] was so gentle and meek; a quiet and impressionable boy who kept to himself most time. Though, that may have to do with the fact that Richter kept his existence from everyone. Almost everyone.

[Name] was only ten years old when Richter introduced the two, but he didn't expect his son to grow so attached. The young boy liked her so much, that he had turned to his father and asked him, "Papa, is this my mother?". And the look of utter despair when he had to tell him no. That she was already wed with her children that she had with the boy's very uncle. [Name] looked so utterly defeated. His heart completely shattered into millions of tiny pieces.

The charcoal-blonde-haired man tried his absolute best to comfort his son. He should've known not to let them meet; [Name] never had a mother figure after all. He had a mother, yes. A beautiful vampire noblewoman of the family Lucifuge whom Richter had fallen head over heels in love with. One he had made sure not to introduce to Karlheinz for fear that she would be taken by his status as the king and his promiscuous ways.  

The two had a long-running fling, though it ended shortly after his love became pregnant and birthed their child. She had then informed him that she was promised to someone else, that the two would be wed the next year and he would certainly reject her if he had discovered that she had carried and bore the child of another man.

She rejected her newborn son, "If only he was never born, we could continue our forbidden union. But with pity, I shall grace him with a name.". That's what she said to him as she gathered all of the gifts of lavish gowns and glittering jewels that he had once so selflessly given her. "[Name]. That is what he shall be called." Were the last words she had ever uttered in their general direction.

Richter thought he would never love again, but he always was quite faint of heart and it continued to beat longingly as it hung on his sleeve.

There's something glittering in the trees...

A key....How interesting....

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🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.

Return to the Cathedral?

[zaptap]

249 wouldve been gold lol. i couldve slept in today. that's fine, it was fun playing non-freelance and i know i helped the rest of that team get gold (even before the 261, we got 247 at one point which was a record for everyone else)

also getting 249 purely from freelance means i technically earned gold in freelance. i sure have had some amazing luck with it these past 2 years. got 999 on all stages (some multiple times now), 217 egg shift back on marooner's bay gold rotation, top 1% eeltail big run, top 4% big big run, top 3% grand run, several hlm triumvirate clears. all playing with randoms. sometimes freelance is good

now the only things left that feel achievable are scales (mainly because of the bonus ones) and gold boss badges.

i just passed 300 gold so i'm pretty close to earning a banner, but i'd want at least 110 or whatever more to buy all of the gear too. if i only get 1 gold per rotation that would take almost 8 months, which isnt bad (especially as a worst case estimate--realistically it'd happen sooner, with every 2-scale bonus and xtrawave gold scale that i get bringing it closer)

for gold bosses, the next highest after maws (which after reaching 10k half a year ago is now 13.6k) are flipper-flopper at 6.9k, steelhead at 6.4k, scrapper at 6.2k, and slammin lid and fish stick at 5.9k. drizzler, stinger, flyfish, and eels are all above 4k. big shot is lagging behind as always at 1342 so i don't expect that to ever happen (though i did get over 100 of them this eggstra work) but i feel a lot of the rest could get there

also i do still need 8 joe for the silver badge, but that's only a matter of time (and probably not a whole lot of it)

i probably want some kind of break between s3 and s4, and since we have no idea when s4 will come it's hard to know when i should start that. i feel like at the latest maybe i should stop if i'm still playing when s4 gets announced (i really hope that's years from now though. they gave us enough stuff to do in s3)

[5oclockcoffees]

I'll tell you what did my father in. The third thing was Dummy, that Dummy died. The first thing was Pearl Harbor. And the second thing was moving to my grandfather's farm near Wenatchee. That's where my father finished out his days, except they were probably finished before that.

My father blamed Dummy's death on Dummy's wife. Then he blamed it on the fish. And finally he blamed himself — because he was the one that showed Dummy the ad in the back of Field and Stream for live black bass shipped anywhere in the U.S.

There weren't many places you could fish for bass in our part of the state. There was rainbow mostly, a few brook and Dolly Varden in some of the high mountain streams, and silvers in Blue Lake and Lake Rimrock. That was mostly it, except for the runs of steelhead and salmon in some of the freshwater rivers in late fall. But if you were a fisherman, it was enough to keep you busy. No one fished for bass. A lot of people I knew had never seen a bass except for pictures. But my father had seen plenty of them when he was growing up in Arkansas and Georgia, and he had high hopes to do with Dummy's bass, Dummy being a friend.

It was after he got the fish that Dummy started acting peculiar. The fish changed Dummy's whole personality. That's what my father said.

Just yesterday I read The Third Thing That Killed My Father Off, Collected Stories, by Raymond Carver, and now this post affects me on a completely different level.

MOST BASS ARE JUST FISH BUT LEROY BROWN WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL

[sikariatech]

Cowlitz River Fishing Report

Cowlitz River Fishing Report

The Cowlitz River, located in southwestern Washington, is renowned for its salmon and steelhead fisheries, attracting anglers seeking a rewarding fishing experience. Here's a general guide on what anglers might find in a typical Cowlitz River fishing report:

Seasonal Variations:

The Cowlitz River offers year-round fishing opportunities, with distinct seasons for different species. Salmon and steelhead runs are major highlights, drawing anglers during specific times of the year.

Winter Steelhead (December - March):

During the winter months, steelhead fishing can be productive. Anglers often target the river's upper reaches, using techniques such as drift fishing, side drifting, or float fishing with jigs or bait.

Spring Chinook (March - June):

Spring marks the arrival of Chinook salmon. Anglers look for fresh springers, and popular methods include back-bouncing, trolling, or casting lures. Check the fishing regulations for any specific rules or restrictions during this season.

Summer Steelhead (June - August):

Summer steelhead fishing picks up as the weather warms. Anglers may use a variety of techniques, including swinging flies, drift fishing, or using artificial lures.

Fall Salmon Runs (September - November):

Fall is a prime time for salmon fishing on the Cowlitz. Coho (silver) and Chinook (king) salmon return to the river. Techniques like drift fishing with bait, back-trolling, or casting spinners can be effective.

Water Conditions:

Fishing success is often influenced by water conditions. Monitoring river levels, water clarity, and temperature can provide valuable insights into where fish might be holding. Local fishing reports typically include information on water conditions to help anglers plan their trips effectively.

Bait and Tackle:

The choice of bait and tackle can vary based on the targeted species and fishing technique. Common baits include cured salmon eggs, sand shrimp, or artificial lures. Tackle choices may include spinning gear, baitcasting setups, or fly fishing equipment, depending on angler preference and the fishing method employed.

Regulations and Limits:

Adhering to fishing regulations is crucial for conservation and sustainable fisheries. Fishing reports often include updates on any changes to regulations, including size limits, daily catch limits, and selective gear rules. Anglers should familiarize themselves with the current regulations and check for any updates before heading out.

Local Guides and Charters:

For those unfamiliar with the Cowlitz River or seeking a guided experience, local fishing guides and charters can be valuable resources. Experienced guides often have up-to-date information on fishing conditions, know productive areas, and can provide insights into effective techniques.

[chenzou]

Time Capsule Part I Chen

Pokémon is a childhood memory of mine, and it has been with me since I was in kindergarten. Although this card was a replica obtained at a McDonald's event after I came to the U.S., I actually have a stockpile of close to 10,000 cards in my home in China, and this was almost completed as a child, so you can see that my allowance sacrificed a lot for me. Before there were any Pokémon related video games children almost established class status among themselves through cards! Who has a rare card will be revered. And many in the absence of pocket money to buy snacks when such cards can be traded as hard currency among children, almost like the status of the dollar as a savings currency among children, and can be bartered. Although growing up I found that I may have suffered a childhood investment failure resulting in my current lack of dollars and gold, because it reminds me that life also has its moments of glory.

You can see that he is a gorgeous guy, he shines with a mysterious luster, he is my old comrade, a steelhead that sold for thirty dollars. He has accompanied me on a lot of sea battles, and he has had a lot of success and a lot of success. My first target was an island reef near my hometown, where in September every year there are powerful yellow-striped amberjack as big as a bull, there are dark currents, no one on the boat dared to be careless, I used it to search in 30 to 60 meters of water, due to inexperience eventually I was careless, it was a heavy guy, the model of my rod did not match it very well, I lay on the deck exhausted and sunbathing, while the boat The experienced anglers continued their work. To my surprise after most of the day's search no one had too good a catch, the catches were almost all small fish, as I was about to head back I tried to make one last attempt but I suddenly found I couldn't retrieve my line, I thought I had hooked a reef in the sea but my line kept pulling out, I had hit the jackpot! I retrieved my little fish with all my strength, this tug of war lasted for ten minutes, the silver light flipped on the surface, this was my first prey over twenty pounds, I was so excited, it followed me to many waters after that, I also took it to challenge the bluefish off Long Island after I came to the US for graduate school, you can see it lost its eyes, but it was unbeatable, it was my mascot!

This is a bracelet with a Buddhist theme, because of its length it is usually placed in the hand to finish coiling. I used to like to collect some Chinese literary objects during my college days, I have many treasures including jade, amber, bone products, etc., but due to the convenience of travel I only brought it with me, it is actually made from the seeds of olives, I value it more for its subject matter than for the material. The eighteen Luohan are traditional Chinese gods and goddesses, which can be understood as the guards of Buddha. They have different expressions representing the joy, anger and sorrow of the earth, and it helps me to comprehend some thinking when things are not going well.

This is a book about traditional Chinese theater costumes, which I participated in editing during my university days. Although the main editors are teachers, it also contains my heart and soul, I am mainly responsible for data collection and picture taking, if you have a deeper understanding you will know that this kind of costumes are not washable, and it is troublesome to carry, there are too many small pieces need to split and organize, countless trips between the theater and the studio, how difficult it is to compile a book!

[mel-smeld]

5 species of salmon + steelhead (ocean going rainbow trout that is like a salmon but not).

-Pink salmon (humpys): have a dogtooth pattern on their bellies,large hump develops on their back during spawning. Small scales and small teeth. Commonly used for canned salmon. Spawn in lower rivers.

-Coho salmon (silvers all salmon are silver before they return to spawn but coho are the brightest compared to other species): spawn in smaller coastal streams and upper stream reaches. ID by looking in their mouth, if they have a white gum line it's a coho. ESA listed species

-Chinook salmon(king): largest of the salmon species. Turn a greenish/brown during spawning. Threatened species/ESA listed in most of their range. Black gum line. Spawn in mainstem rivers.

-Chum salmon (dog salmon). Large teeth develop during spawning. Purple stripes on green body. Spawn in lower reaches and side channels of rivers.If you see roe or cheap "caviar" this is the fish it comes from (caviar is from sturgeon specifically). ESA threatened in parts of Oregon

-Sockeye salmon: this is the most well known outside of the PNW because they can be stocked in land-locked lakes (kokanee salmon). They are the salmon usually bought frozen in stores from Alaska (when you buy wild caught Alaskan salmon this is them). They are abundant in the Alaska fishery and are striking to look at (overrated imo but an important to their ecosystems). ESA listed/protected in parts of their range.

SPECIAL MENTION

-Steelhead (chrome salmon): an ocean going rainbow trout. In the same family as Pacific salmon but have a weird lifestyle quirk where some go to sea and return to spawn while others never leave freshwater. Their mouths are completely white.ESA listed/ protected in some of their range.

If you live in the PNW (or anywhere really) you should know these fish. They are incredibly important to the ecosystem! Many are facing population declines. It is possible some of these populations will go extinct IN OUR LIFETIME. The historic range and populations of all these species has declined drastically over the last century and it is directly affecting the health of PNW river and forest ecosystems.

Salmon are also incredibly important to the indigenous communities of the PNW, historically and currently. Many of these communities can no longer fish for them and/or no longer have access to cultural sites where salmon were historically fished for (Celilo Falls is the most well-known example).However, indigenous communities are some of the most vocal on salmon decline and continue to fight for both their cultural rights and fishery sustainability (and often go overlooked! The Next Perce,Klamath,Yakima, and Yurok tribes are all fighting to save Salmon in Oregon and Idaho). Salmon were once some of the most abundant fish in the PNW and they are disappearing due to habitat destruction, dams,overfishing, climate change, and honestly,apathy by people who don't know or care about their ecological and cultural significance. The loss of salmon is directly tied to colonialism and the genocide of native people and their cultures.

Save the salmon,save the PNW.

(illustrations from wild salmon center, all other pictures are mine).

did you memorize the 5 species of salmon in the pacific-northwest using a mnemonic on your hand? or do i gotta teach you?

[wispisstillverybored67]

Die Heilige Sinfonie

It's almost cake time? Could say we're cutting it fine.

(You're NOT ready)

(Weak, unsteady)

(Is it petty?)

(Let me set this real...)

(You done lost it)

(Victim? No shit)

(Yet you claim I)

(Don't know how you feel?!)

Oh... It's Iggy. That's where he ran off? I wonder what for? The others are probably worried about 'em.

"You... What was all that about?" Best not make it weird 'til he inevitably snaps.

"Bahahahaha! Nothin' a human should know! Seriously, nothing to worry about!" He's... bad at lying. Or is he only good at lying when it's not important to him?

"I'm unconvinced. If it really were nothing, you wouldn't have shooshed out your brothers and sister like that. And not to mention you storming out like that... Is childhood really that embarrassing?"

"Again, Sil-chan... IT'S. NO. THING. Now shaddup about it!" Blegh... "Sil-chan"...

"Aw... Now I'm curious. Wait, don't tell me... This is about your... attitude changes, yeah?"

"My WHAT?! When did ya hear about that?! Ahahaha!" Now that was a more nervous laugh. He's cracking. I KNOW IT.

"Heh... I had a hunch you did. Don't think that because I used to never leave my room, that I didn't know anything."

"Oh really? Like what?" You're pushing your luck, Iggy. But if you insist...

"Lot's, actually... Let's see... Morton knowing how to bake, Ludwig not liking cats, Larry owning porn magazines, Lemmy wanting to express sadism in battle like the others, Roy viewing Wendy as his biggest weakness, Wendy not knowing how to swim... And you being-"

"Shove it already, Sil-chan! I told you to shut up about it!" Oh hey! He's actually pissed off at me! That's good!

"If you're that mad at me, you wouldn't be using that nickname. Though, I really don't see what's got you so ticked at me an' my curiosity. Is it really that bad?"

"..." Heh. Was only a matter of time before I got him to shut up. It's really that simple.

"As I thought. Hahahaha! ...Tell you what, though. We could strike a deal for this information." I told you I'm now curious.

"What's in it to you?" He snapped at me rather quickly. This anger radiating off of him... I like it. But I have one more wish... Will you cry for me, please?

"I do love my secrets... And for a dear friend's secrets? Mm! Delectable! Tell me... What do you think about letting me ask my questions... in exchange for tight lips on this? We could reach a mutual agreement... IF the feeling is mutual."

"Nope! No chance!" *sigh*

"As expected... Well, what do you suggest as favor? In exchange for this, I mean? I'm trying to help you, you know..."

"Fine! Tell me what's YOUR biiiiiiig secret?!"

"Hmph... Fine. Let's see... MY personality change didn't come from a day, either. Do you know that I'm also an accomplished explorer? Yes... One such treasure at the end of these excursions is what gave me this brand. It was a mask that reverses the wearer's personality for a day... But I hated being your laughing stock... Why, I was too shy, enough where all of you would make fun of me. So I provided some adjustments to it... lo and behold." Sounds like I was just pulling that outta my ass, but it's true. Heh...

"Really?! I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!" Oh my... Yelling already? That's what I like to see...

"Listen...  May I clarify and remind you that I'm interested in learning partially because YOU'RE so guarded for it, and because I legitimately WORRY what happened to you?"

"EVERYONE WORRIES YOU IDIOT!!" Woah. "Everyone's ALWAYS wonderin' 'What happened to you?', but they never EVER stop 'n think that they're part of the problem! Help you I'll help you I'll help you... Everyone says that, so WHY couldn't they help me?!" I... wasn't aware of this half of 'em.

"What's goin' on over there??" Oh god, that can't be Lemmy... WHY NOW?!

"Phew! Iggy I was worried about you! Why'd you-Oh hey Silvy-lady."

"We're in the middle of something here... Do you mind?"

"Well... What WERE you doing?" Fuck.

"Well..." Iggy you bastard! Keep your mouth shut! He thus brought the little one to tell him what happened last until now. "Really?" Yes Lemmy. Correct answer. Ugh!

You people are SO protective of each other it makes me sick! Why can't someone be violently protective to me too? Boring boring boring!

*bzzt* *klunk klunk* 

"Okay then... Silver." Flatly using my first name only... Ehe. "What do you think the secret is?"

"Hmm... Your dearly devoted little brother's room elephant is... How he was just too shy and pathetic as a child, am I right?" Again, I can hardly fathom why you two insist on keeping this a secret?

Lemmy was just stumped. Never saw his shocked look before. Iggy, meanwhile, was just... blank-faced. No anger, no bitterness, no sorrow, just... perfect stoicism. Hey... Maybe now my questions can be answered...! Oh man, this is really gettin' me excited!

"Couldn't you have guessed? Maybe you knew..." Nope, never mind.

"Never mind him... Come closer, be nice, and answer me, please... Just why are you so protective on this...?" Press up against your target. Look for any gaps in discomfort among participants.

"Honestly... Why the hell are you so interested in me...? It's so embarrassing, ya know? Hahaha..."

"I just know you're gonna falter... Heyyyy... How 'bout ya answer this question~?"

"?"

"You said no one cared 'bout you enough for that problem... Yet Lemmy seemed to know. 'Course, knowing and caring are two distinct things... So tell me... Does your little buddy care~? He's someone... so he counts under everyone...!"

"..."

"Of course... This doesn't follow if you were thinking of... something else. Were you and I thinking of the same thing...? Or maybe... You were thinking of... something else ENTIRELY~!"

"WHAT THE SHELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?! *woopsh!* Sorry!"

"...Aw. You broke my neck. I'll have to fix that later... How could you do a thing like that? How could you do a thing like that? How could you do a thing like that? How could you do a thing like that?" Make your way back to your target. Get. Out. Of. My. Way.

"*shove* When I was just trying to help your brother. When I was just trying to help your brother. When I was just trying to help your brother. When I was just trying to help your brother. When I was just trying to help your brother. When I was just trying to help your brother. I thought we were friends." And again, we meet our target.

"Listen, retard... If you're gonna be like that... Then I have ways of making you talk, Ignatius~ Your siblings are over there... yeah? How would you feel... if you had your nasty secret ratted out to the others...? That's gonna be your fate of mockery, if my guess is right. So why don't you just hurry up and tell me?! Why are you so into keeping this a secret anyhow?" His face was shadowed. He was facing downward, he was quaking a bit. That'll teach 'em...

"Fine."

What?

"Go an' tell 'em... Do what ya want... Just LEAVE ME OUTTA THIS...!"

"hEY-! IGGY SLOW DOWN!!! COME BACK!" Again... What? Just like that... Voice cracked, and BAM! He ran outta here! He's FAST.

"Well... Can't really say I told you so-"

"Lemmy?"

"Yeah?"

"Why couldn't you have just stayed out of this...? Or at least told ME something." I wasn't really mad, per see. Okay, I was a little mad. But no one has kept a secret away from Silver and LIVED. She's intelligent and charming enough to find it out.

"A secret stays a secret! What else was I gonna do?"

"Keep quiet about this? All I saw was him storming out of the fancy kitchen. Never the conversation content that was the tipping point."

"Uh... Sorry about the neck."

I just ignored him.

"Aren't you curious on why his childhood embarrasses him so...?"

"...I mean, I wouldn't hate knowing-"

"See? I'll wring him outta the secret if it's the LAST thing I do here..." Off to the castle indoors! I have a camera to see! Run run run! Ehe.

Why did I say okie doki to this?

[cameronkarsten]

Chasing Silver's "Washington's Iconic Wild Steelhead Need a Path to Recovery"

Chasing Silver’s “Washington’s Iconic Wild Steelhead Need a Path to Recovery”

Written by Gregory Fitz. Photographed by Cameron Karsten Any day on the river with Gregory Fitz fishing, learning, exploring waterways and discovering how best to save this iconic species is a wonderful day.

[emrldwtranglers]

August 22, 2019 - Fall Rising

Here we are coming to the end of August and yet, the mornings and evening already feel as though fall is upon us.  We don’t actually have a problem with that what so ever and here is partly why. First, nearly every fishery in the state is predictable, approachable, beautiful, bountiful and fishable at this time of the year.  As of now, Pink salmon are all over the place paving the way for Coho salmon to begin arriving on our local beaches.  If you have never attached yourself to a Coho on a 6wt in the saltwater, well, it is about as good a tug of war as you can have here in WA.  These should be going on until mid to late October if we are lucky so come in, ask questions and get out there! By mid September of the Yakima will be back down to fall and early winter flows meaning walk and wade anglers will have plenty of water to safely step into and water temps will begin to cool, igniting all the fall hatches we love so much.  BWO and October Caddis are on the menu! All of this being said, for us, it really means we get to really focus on spey casting, both for trout and steelhead.  NOW would be a great time to begin your sojourn into taking a steelhead on a skated fly and for those wanting to begin their steelhead pursuit, now is a fabulous time to pick up that new two hander and get our free spey class we offer with it.  Learn the basic casts and discuss other equipment and approach with one of our professional guide/instructor staff and get these skills honed for winter! Creeks have some time left as well.  Water is crazy low and later starts to the day will be a thoughtful way to ensure you are seeing trout come to the surface for your fly.  Caddis, Stimulators, Parachute Adams, Humpy’s and Wulff patterns are all great options as these trout know their time to take in calories is now before winter water temps put the hatches to bed for the season. As always, we are here to ensure your success so please come in, call or email with any questions you might have.  Thanks for reading, now go fish! 206-708-7250 shop@emeraldwateranglers.com

[butchdarling]

[ID: The first image is an anonymous ask: Can you draw butch lesbians steelhead to go with maws. Steelhead has always been butch to me

The second image is a digital drawing of a Splatoon Steelhead as a humanoid fish. They have mostly human features and proportions. They are a short, stocky butch with grey spotted skin and fins for ears, one of which has been partially torn. They have short, bluntly cut black and teal hair. They are wearing a white t-shirt, dark green overalls off their shoulders, black boots, black gloves, and a black respirator with green filters. They stare at the viewer with a bored expression, resting one hand on their hip and holding a large green plastic bag in the oither. "Steel Head" is written by their shoulder.

The last image is a drawing of a humanoid Flipper Flopper; they have warm grey skin and larger, more upturned fins along with wild shoulder length orange hair. They have a thinner, lanky build. They are shirtless and wear green overalls, black heeled boots, green rubber gloves, and a silver gas mask. They have their hands on their hips. "Flipper Flopper" is written by their leg. End ID]

:shy: can u draw flipper flopper and slammin lid as lesbians for lesbian visibility week?

okay no more fish bc im tiredddd

[clear-dapple-dualies]

It’s hard to think I’ve killed 1k Fish Sticks over any other bosses (other than Steelhead and Maws)

[forbidden-horror]

Chimera. Hybrids, Hardfang, and Steelhead.

[namu-the-orca]

Strange salmon So after the Pink salmon I promised some bonus fish, and here they are! These three were also featured on the poster. They’re all a bit unusual; they’re either a salmon but don’t behave like one, or vice versa. In order they are:

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) Also known as: Rainbow, redband (trout)

Steelhead are the anadromous form of the Rainbow trout. Meaning they, just like salmon, live at sea but are born and return to spawn in freshwater. However, unlike salmon, they don’t die afterwards. After regaining their strength at sea they may return multiple times, and Steelhead as old as 11 years have been found spawning. Unlike regular rainbows these fish develop very salmon-like heads when spawning, with long faces and slight kypes. Their beautiful spotting is very fine and unusually regular on the tail. This unique patterning is always present and can be used to identify them even at sea. Thanks to the rich marine environment, Steelhead grow big: 48" (122 cm) and 55 lbs (25 kg) is maximum, but 20-30″ (50-75 cm) and 5-20 lbs (2.5-9 kg) average. 

Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) Also known as: Sea-run cutthroat, Harvest (trout)

Coastal cutthroat are the anadromous form of the regular Cutthroat trout. Unlike Steelhead and Pacific salmon, Cutthroat do not make lengthy migrations out to sea. Often they just hang out in estuaries for a few months, spending much of the rest of the year in freshwater. Not all upriver migrations are to spawn either; sometimes they just want to overwinter or feed. When fresh out of saltwater Cutthroat can be quite silvery, with pale throat slashes. But as they approach spawning they become more and more yellow and the slashes that give them their name more pronounced red. Coastal cutthroats don’t grow very big: 24″ (60 cm) and 8 lbs (3.5 kg) is the recorded maximum, but average is 10-16″ (25-40 cm) and 1-5 lbs (0.5-2 kg). 

Kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Also known as: Kennerly’s salmon/trout, Kokanee trout, Silver trout, Little redfish, Kikanning, Walla Kokanees are the landlocked form of the Sockeye. Instead of venturing to sea, they spend most of their time in lakes, swimming upriver from them to spawn. Their pocket size and habitat should make identification easy enough. Interestingly, they often bear spots on their back and tail, something Sockeyes never have. The red on their gill covers can also be more extensive. The comparatively nutrient poor lake environment keeps Kokanees at an almost dwarf size compared to Sockeyes. Maximum size is 20″ (50 cm) and 6.25 lbs (3 kg), but don’t expect more than 9-12″ (23-30 cm) and 1-3 lbs (0.5-1 kg) on average.

[ohlsteelheads]

Haven't been liveblogging because I'm paying attention to 3 games and twitter plus a gm rn

[akishyff]

How Rose Became A Supervillain

I was bored, so I wrote this fun little story. Enjoy!

“Mnggggh...”

“I know, rosebud, I know.”

Rose straightened up in her hospital bed, reaching weakly for her phone. “But I gotta tell Juleka I’m okay...”

Her father seized the device, wagging his finger sternly at her. “No texting yet. You need bed rest.”

Mama grinned teasingly and held out a box. “Behave and we’ll give you a present!”

Rose’s eyes went wide and she sat still.

The box was handed over. Rose opened it and grinned at what was inside- a pair of... what, brooches? She wasn’t overly familiar with fancy jewellery. But they were pretty. Once was shaped like a butterfly, the other a peacock tail.

Mama smiled. “They’re a matching set. Maybe you can give one to that pretty girl you-“

Rose threw the lid at her, blushing madly. Papa laughed. “Alright, we get it. We’ll pick you up tomorrow, rosebud.”

Her parents left. Rose idly picked the butterfly brooch out of the box. It really was pretty. Maybe she could give the other one to Juleka?

She pinned it onto her hospital gown and was blinded by an eruption of brilliant purple light.

Understandably, she squeezed her eyes shut and screamed. “AAAAHHHHHH!”

“Wait, no, don’t be scared!”

She squinted ever so slightly, and... why was there a purple thing in the air?

She opened her eyes properly and was greeted with the sight of an utterly adorable purple moth fairy. “Greetings, mistress! I am Nooroo, Kwami of the-“

“SO CUUUUUUUUUTE!”

Rose seized him in a cuddle-hug, squealing. He was just so cute, she couldn’t help it!

“Ack! Mistress, please!”

She released him with no small amount of reluctance. “Sorry, sorry, you’re just so cute and tiny!”

The butterfly/moth/fairy blushed violet. “That’s alright, Mistress. Anyways, as I was saying, I am Nooroo, Kwami of the Butterfly Miraculous, which grants the powers of transmission and generosity. A pleasure to meet you!”

Rose tilted her head in confusion. “What’s a Miraculous?”

“The Miraculous is a magical jewel that will give you superpowers when its respective Kwami- me, for yours- inhabits it.”

“Huh.” Rose poked the peacock pin. “Is this a Miraculous too?”

Nooroo winced at that. “Well, yes, but it’s been damaged. I advise against wearing it- it’ll hurt you if you do.”

Rose frowned at the box. “Oh. Alright. Is there a way to get the Kwami out?”

“Only if someone wears it.”

“Well, that’s not fair! They should be allowed out, too. Is there a way to fix it so I can wear it?”

Nooroo frowned. “Well, we Kwamis aren’t allowed to know that information. If there is, it’d probably be in one of the Miraculous spell books.”

“Well, how do we find one?”

The Kwami perked up. “Oh, I can help with that! If you use my powers, you can give people superpowers, and-“

“Miss Rose?”

Rose’s eyes went wide and she pulled the pin off, hiding it under her bedsheets. Nooroo vanished in a puff of purple smoke.

The nice nurse poked her head in. “Sorry, dear. I thought there was someone else in the room.”

Rose shrugged. “Sorry! I was just thinking out loud.”

The nurse looked sceptical, but she nodded and exited regardless.

Rose sighed and put the pin back on. Nooroo popped back into existence. “Maybe we should wait until you’re out of... wherever this is.”

Rose nodded in silent agreement.

…

“Wait... so all of you are stuck in your Miraculous all the time?”

“Well, if we have an owner-“

“And if you don’t have one, you’re stuck in a box, unable to interact with the world at all?”

“...Mistress, I promise it’s better than it sounds-“

Rose’s eyes burned with blue fire. “It’s not right. You should be free to cuddle people and eat lots of snacks and watch movies!”

She turned on Nooroo. “Where is this box?”

“I- I don’t know, but Mistress-“

Rose tapped the pin. “Alright, Plan B. Don’t worry, Nooroo, I’ll free all your brothers and sisters so they can be pampered like the adorable little fairy creatures they are!”

“Mistress, really-“

“Nooroo, Wings Rise!”

A rush of light and power, and suddenly Rose was wearing a gorgeous purple and blackish-violet dress, with long silver gloves and a neat lilac domino mask.

The swarm of butterflies her transformation had created flapped around her, one nudging at her hand until she allowed it to sit eagerly on her palm. She cupped it in her hands and allowed power to flow. “Alright, my Lovely. Go find me a Champion!”

The now-purple Lovely flapped out of her window. Only a minute later, she found a connection. “Hello there!”

Oh, it was Ivan! Interesting. What the- who are you?!

“Oh, I’m... shoot, I didn’t think of a name... uh, Pixie! I’d like to help you! What’s wrong?”

It’s Kim! He won’t stop taunting me, and I’m the one getting in trouble for it! So I got a little confrontational, ignoring him wasn’t doing anything!

Pixie frowned. “That’s terrible! Can I do anything?”

I don’t think so.

“Well, I prefer to be optimistic! I can give you superpowers, so he can’t get to you anymore!”

...I feel kinda like I’m making a deal with the devil here.

“What? No! I only want one little thing in exchange- can you try to find some little creatures called Kwamis?”

What now?

“Or a big, ornate looking box-“

Um, yeah, sure, I’ll find your Kwamis. You got a deal.

Pixie smiled happily. “Alright! Good luck, Steelhead!”

…

Pixie, still transformed, stared at her television. Her Champion had, apparently, decided to kidnap a person.

She flared their connection. “Steelhead, what the-“ she said a word that most of her classmates probably wouldn’t expect her to use.

I told you, he’s been messing with me for too long!

“So you kidnap him?!”

Oh, right. I forgot.

Pixie pinched the bridge of her nose. She could feel a non-illness-related headache coming on... “That’s alright, just put him-“

I’m supposed to find those Kwamis for you!

“Wait, that’s not- put him down first-“

WHERE ARE THE KWAMIISSSSSSSSSSSS?!

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all...

…

Ladybug whirled her yo-yo as the butterflies Lady Wi-Fi had barfed up (and wasn’t that a disgusting visual?) formed the face of their adversary. “So you’re Pixie! You’re the one who’s been terrorizing-“

Eeeeeee! Oh my gosh, actual superheroes!

....what.

Oh, you must have Miraculous! That means you have Kwamis! Oh, can I meet them? Can I hug them? Ooh, what do they like to eat? I know this great bakery...

Ladybug exchanged an incredulous glance with Cat Noir.

This was their adversary? Their supervillain nemesis? The Joker to their Batman?

...oh, but I’d like a talk with yours, Ladybug, see if she could change your costume, it’s horrible-

That got her attention. “Pardon me?”

No offence, but one of my friends is a fashion designer, and if she saw you just running around in a polka-dotted onesie, she’d probably cry!

“...Cat Noir. Stand back. I’m ripping that face apart.”

Her partner shrugged agreeably, she split her yo-yo’s shell open, and at once went to work.

…

The once-again-white butterfly flapped back to Rose, detransformed, as she spoke animatedly. “Now I know they have Kwamis! That’s two I don’t need to rescue already!”

Nooroo sighed. “Mistress-“

The butterfly landed on Rose’s finger as she thought out loud. “But I still don’t know where the others are, and I’m not sure how to find them.”

“Mistress-“

It hit her and she triumphantly threw her hand in the air. The butterfly promptly left its perch, it and its fellows placidly flapping across Rose’s room. “I just need to get one of their Kwamis! I bet if I can talk to them, they’ll be able to tell me where the rest of you are!”

“Mistress, please-“

“All I have to do is get my hands on one of their Miraculous!”

Nooroo sighed. “You’re just going to ignore me, aren’t you?”

“Nooroo, Wings Rise!”

“Yes, I thought soooooooooooo...!”

…

Reflekta, I am Pixie-

“Hold up, Rose?”

Juleka stared at her wrist mirror, glowing purple with the butterfly possessing it. There was no way her girlfriend was the supervillain terrorizing Paris-

Yes, moonbeam?

...welp.

“Rose, please don’t tell me you’re a supervillain.”

It’s for a good cause! There are these creatures called Kwamis that are stuck in the Miraculous- I’ve been making Champions to find them so I can free them and give them treats and cuddles!

Yeah, Rose was Pixie. Only she would become a supervillain for the sole purpose of pampering superpowered familiars.

“Wait, so these Kwamis are just stuck in these Miraculous?”

They can only come out if someone wears their Miraculous.

Y’know what? This was a crusade Juleka could get behind. “I’m in.”

…

“Cataclysm- oh no, my ring!”

Cat Noir spun in sudden fear, powerless as Reflekta advanced, only for a butterfly mask to flare over her face. “Yes?”

Silence for a moment, then; “Well, maybe you should have thought about that before you gave me these powers-“

Silence again- this was weird to watch. “What do you mean, you don’t control it?! You’re the one handing out the stupid superpowers, how can you not control it-“

Ladybug’s yo-yo lashed around the villainess’s arm. “Talking isn’t a free action, Reflekta!”

The pink abomination was on the ground in seconds. “Miraculous Ladybug!”

Cat Noir sighed as his appearance shifted back to normal, before tackling Ladybug for a hug. “Thank you thank you those heels were nightmare inducing-!”

“Cat Noir, your timer!”

Juleka, purified, held up a hand. “No, no, let him stay.”

Cat Noir shook his head. “No, I’ve gotta go before I turn into a clown for real!”

His ears twitched, but he must’ve misheard what Juleka said next.

Surely she hadn’t just said, “Well now how am I supposed to get that ring?”

…

Lila snarled to herself as she marched angrily down the streets. How dare that pathetic little bug try and get in her way...

What’s got you so upset?

“What the-“

Oh, I’m Pixie!

“...as in the supervillain?”

I resent that title. But yes, and I’m here to give you superpowers! All I want in exchange is either Ladybug or Cat Noir’s Miraculous!

Lila needed more information. “Why do you want the Miraculous?”

They have cute little creatures living in them called Kwamis! But I don’t like that they’re all cooped up, so I’m getting them out!

...so the sole thing that this superpowered terrorist wanted to do with magical superpower-granting artifacts... was cuddle the tiny animals that came with them?

...well, who was Lila to question the person giving her superpowers? “Fair enough.”

…

Rose stared in glee at the news. “Nooroo, Juleka, this is amazing! A new heroine! And that means another Kwami is free!”

Nooroo sighed. He didn’t bother trying to talk Rose out supervillainy- she was just too enthusiastic about ‘liberating the Kwamis’ to listen to a word he said. And neither would Juleka, who was completely caught up in her girlfriend’s ‘righteous’ cause.

Juleka frowned. “Yeah, but she hasn’t made an appearance for those four Mr. Pigeon fights. Maybe she had to give the Miraculous back to Ladybug or something?”

Rose’s enthusiasm died quicker than D’Argencourt’s political ambitions. “Oh, I hope not. That would mean the Kwami is still stuck! We’ve gotta find some way to find out...”

Juleka hummed quietly, then a sudden mischievous grin sprang over her face. “I’ve got an idea. Lovelize me real quick?”

“Sure! Nooroo, Wings Rise!”

“Oh, here we goooooooooo...!”

…

Luka knocked on his sister’s door. “Hey, Jules?”

“C’mon in!”

He ducked under the doorframe. He hated that he had to have this talk with her, but he really was worried.

Juleka looked curiously at him. “What’s up?”

Luka sighed and took a seat, running a hand through his hair. “Jules, I’m getting worried. You’ve been turned into Reflekta a bunch lately-“

“Mr. Pigeon’s been Lovelized like seventy-two times!”

“-and you’ve been doing so much weird stuff! Why did you even let those zoo animals loose? Juleka, please. Is something going on?”

Juleka frowned. Then she shrugged. “Eh, she probably wouldn’t mind me telling you. Rose is Pixie.”

“...I’m sorry, your girlfriend, a literal angel, is a magical superterrorist.”

“It’s for a good cause! There are these little creatures called Kwamis...”

…

Pixie nearly squealed when her Lovely made contact. “Queen Wasp, I am Pixie! I’ll grant you superpowers to prove you’re exceptional, but in exchange, you must give me your Miraculous!”

What- no! I’m not giving this up!

“I can give you any other powers you’d like!”

That was a lie. Pixie had no control over what powers her Champions received. But Chloé didn’t need to know that.

Oh! Well, in that case, deal!

Pixie cut the connection, then opened her window. “I’m gonna get a Miraculous~ ack! Stupid impractical dress!”

Once she’d recovered from tripping, she ran a good few rooftops away from her home just in time for Queen Wasp to land. Her Champion smirked as she pulled the Miraculous from her hair.

Pixie snapped her fingers and freed her Lovely. Chloé smirked and handed the comb over. “One Bee Miraculous, as requested. Now, my superpowers?”

Pixie nodded agreeably and began charging a new Lovely- she may not have liked Chloe, but a deal was a deal-

Zip!

Ladybug landed on the roof. “Hand it over, Pixie!”

Pixie helped and hurled her Lovely right at Chloe’s hair tie. “Hold them off!”

She ran for it while Chloé, transformed into some bright yellow banana-themed monstrosity, lunged at the heroes with a shriek.

She leapt down into the streets and detransformed quickly, clutching the Bee Miraculous close to her chest. A whirlwind of red and black and pink exploded over the city a few moments later.

But Rose was grinning as she returned home, throwing the Bee Miraculous to Juleka. Her girlfriend let out a yelp, followed by a whoop. “You got it!”

“I got it!”

Juleka hurriedly threaded the Miraculous into her hair, allowing the Kwami her freedom in a burst of golden-yellow light. “Greetings, my Queen! I am Pollen, Kwami of the Bee Miraculous, which grants the power of subjection!”

Rose squealed. “SO CUUUUUTE!”

Juleka smirked. “Cuddle her later, sunshine.” She turned to the Kwami. “Hey, Pollen, two questions- where are the other Kwamis, and more importantly, what’s your favourite food?”

…

Marinette finished crying and looked up at Master Fu. “I’m sorry, Master, if I hadn’t lost the Bee Miraculous-“

Master Fu held up a hand. “Do not worry, Marinette. Pixie has already activated the Miraculous, but Wayzz says her intentions with it do not seem harmful. Pollen is likely not in danger.”

Marinette sighed. “Well, there’s that at least.”

“And perhaps we can track Pollen through purchases.”

At that the secret heroine frowned. “Wait, how are we gonna do that?”

“Well... Pollen’s favourite food is somewhat... distinctive.”

And that was how Marinette and Tikki found themselves spying on a supermarket to see who bought jalapeños.

Honestly, given what Pollen was the Kwami of, it made sense her favourite food would be what could bring most people to their knees.

…

Pollen sighed as she stretched out in a patch of sunlight. “Nooroo, your owner is so wonderful!”

Nooroo smiled weakly. “Yes, but I can’t get her to listen to me.”

Oh dear. Pollen tilted her head, now worried. “What do you mean?”

“I keep trying to tell her, it’s not a big deal that we have to stay in the box, but-“

Pollen held up a hand. “Wait, you want her to stop kidnapping Kwamis?”

Admittedly, it had taken her some time to come to the conclusion that yes, she had basically been kidnapped, but given her luxurious surroundings and that Miss Rose allowed her to gorge herself on as many peppers as she liked...

Well, could she be blamed for not caring?

“Nooroo, you’re aware this is paradise and I never want to leave?”

Nooroo frowned. “...well, I guess if you like it...”

Pollen smiled. “If it’s still bugging you, we can get another Kwami to give this place their approval!”

Nooroo snorted. “Right, because Ladybug’s just going to drop a Miraculous right into the hands of one of Rose’s friends.”

…

“Luka Couffaine, this is the Miraculous of the Snake, which grants the power of Repetition. You will use it for the greater good.”

Luka stared. He was being given a Miraculous.

Huh. Well, guess Rose is getting a third Kwami.

He donned the Miraculous, knowing full well Juleka was transformed with the Bee Miraculous, hiding in the shadows. “I’ll do my best, Ladybug. Sass, Scales Slither!”

Pixie’s latest Champion was called Desperada, and she had the heroes on the ropes, until Viperion started using Second Chance. That, and he was pretty sure Pixie was telling Desperada to throw the fight.

And sure enough, Juleka snuck up behind him as Ladybug cast her world-healing wave. “Jules, make it look good.”

“Venom!”

Ladybug spun- he did as well, doing his best to look surprised- just in time to see the stinger strike his back.

He woke up a minute later, staring at his bare wrist. Ladybug was grimacing beside her. “I’m sorry, Luka, I didn’t think she was using the Bee Miraculous!”

Luka tried to inject fear into his voice. “You mean...”

Ladybug talked for a few minutes about the ramifications of what had happened, apologized profusely to Luka, and ran off to detransform.

Luka made his way back to the Liberty, dealt with Jagged, snagged an opportunity to play guitar for one of his favourite music artists, and finally went to Rose’s house with Juleka.

His sister grinned triumphantly and allowed Rose to slid the Snake Miraculous onto her wrist. A burst of cyan light welcomed Sass back into the world. The Snake Kwami stared at him in confusion. “Luka? What is going-“

Nooroo flew out from the little Kwami theatre Rose had set up in an old dollhouse, looking utterly flabbergasted. “How did you get Sass?!”

Pollen buzzed out of Juleka’s pocket. “Finally! Sass, it’s so wonderful to see you’ve been kidnapped!”

Rose, naturally, let out a squeal. “SO CUUUUUUUTE!”

Sass spun in confusion, then looked at Luka. “Have I just been captured by Pixie?”

Luka sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. “Look, let me explain...

…

It only took a day in Rose’s Kwami paradise for Sass to crack. Unfortunately, it didn’t help much.

“And you can’t tell us where he is?”

Sass sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m completely certain he moved locations when you were able to bring me here.”

Juleka groaned and collapsed. “Well, we’ve gotten somewhere, but that somewhere isn’t getting us anywhere!”

Luka held up a hand. “Hey, what if we found a way to follow Ladybug to the Miracle Box? We could... I dunno, create a Champion powerful enough to force Ladybug to get reinforcements, one of us follows her really obviously to make her let her guard down, and another one follows her once she gets rid of the first tail?”

Juleka frowned. “It could work. But Rose can’t control what powers her Champions get, so there’s no guarantee that we get a powerful one.”

“Why not irritate someone who’s already become a powerful Champion?”

Five heads turned to Sass, who shrugged as much as a Kwami could. “If there is a Champion who has already forced Ladybug to bring in reinforcements, recreating that Champion could be the key to success.”

There was silence. Then Juleka picked up her phone. “Alright, I’ll get some paint balloons. When’s Chloe’s mom’s next fashion show?”

…

Ladybug gasped as she and Cat Noir ducked behind a knocked-over table. Carapace and Ryuko hid behind another, and Rena Rouge was out of sight, controlling her Ladybug illusion.

Apparently someone had snuck into the latest Bourgeois fashion show and decided to throw a paint balloon at Audrey Bourgeois. The conclusion was all too predictable.

Thankfully, she had an idea for how to deal with Style Queen.

Cat Noir pressed a darkly bubbling hand against the floor-

Style Queen tripped-

Ryuko erupted into Wind Dragon and blew the glitter woman apart, save for the flower on her crown-

Carapace fired Shellter as Ryuko blew away, leaving Style Queen trapped without her akumatized object on her-

And Rena Rouge burst down from the vents to crush the akumatized object under her heel.

Ladybug hadn’t even had to use Lucky Charm.

She grinned and hurled her yo-yo triumphantly into the air. “Miraculous Ladybug!”

It was the work of a few moments to collect the Miraculous she’d doled out and soon she was swinging back to Master Fu’s parlour when she caught a glimpse of something yellow-

She swung her yo-yo, and the Bee villainess who had been assisting Pixie sprang aside. “Ha! You’re not following me today!”

And with that, Ladybug wrapped the villainess up (not bringing her close, because she did not feel like being Venomed today) and hurled the Bee with all her strength in the direction of the Eiffel Tower.

She crossed her arms in a moment of brief satisfaction. Today was a good day.

And with that, she continued her run to return the Miraculous, riding that emotional high the whole way. What could possibly go wrong?

…

Master Fu had just retired for the evening when his door burst open, and a young girl walked in.

He recognized her pin at once.

“So the infamous Pixie has come to visit me.”

The villainess smiled cheerfully and did the last thing he expected from her. “Nooroo, Wings Fall!”

A rush of light spiralled away from her, and he was left staring at a girl wearing lots of pink, fumbling in her pockets for something. A girl he recognized from Marinette’s phone background. “Rose Lavillant?”

The girl perked up at once. “You know me?”

Fu shifted. “I’ve heard your name here and there.”

She smiled. “Well then I don’t have to introduce myself! Oh, do you have a Miraculous spellbook by any chance?

He ran a hand over his bracelet- this was getting too close for comfort. “Why do you ask?”

She finally fished whatever she was looking for out of her pocket. “Well, Nooroo says that this Miraculous is damaged and that a Guardian with a spellbook might be able to fix it!”

And she set the Peacock Miraculous on the table, blinking with wide, hopeful eyes.

Fu stared. “...very well, I suppose I can fix the Miraculous.”

Rose clapped joyfully. “Oh, thank you! Oh, one more thing.”

“Certainly.”

“Can I borrow the Kwamis, please?”

Fu got to his feet. “I’m sorry. You wish for me to give you the Kwamis?”

Rose pouted. “It’s not fair that they’re all cooped up in their box! They should be allowed to see the world! And play in the sunshine! And read books, and watch movies, and...”

Fu stared as the girl went on and on.

Had Pixie, supervillain, magical terrorist of Paris... only become evil to pamper the Kwamis?

Fu raised a hand. “You understand, I can’t just allow you to have access to the Kwamis without first ensuring they will be safe.”

Rose promptly stopped waxing lyrical about all the wonderful things in life the Kwamis should be allowed to experience. “Oh, absolutely! I’d never ask you to do that!”

Well, the good thing about this supervillain was that she was reasonable. “I will send my Kwami, Wayzz, to your home. Additionally, I will allow you to take a Kwami from the Miracle Box. Tomorrow evening, you will return here so the Kwami you select can make their report, and I will then choose whether to grant or deny your request.”

Rose smiled. Suddenly the entire world seemed warmer and brighter. “That’s fair! Can I leave this one with you, then?”

Fu agreeably pocketed the Peacock Miraculous. Then he opened the Miracle Box. “Rose Lavillant. Pick a Miraculous and a Kwami to pamper for all of tomorrow.”

Rose squealed. “Oh, there’s so many! What’s this one? Ooh, or this one! Oh, this one’s really nice- is the Kwami the same colour?”

Goodness, this girl was a ball of sunlight.

The Pig Miraculous was on her ankle a few moments later, and Rose squealed as Daizzi materialized. “SO CUUUUUUTE!

Daizzi squealed right back. “SO CUUUUUUTE!

Maybe he should offer her the Pig Miraculous permanently...

…

Marinette cautiously stepped around the street. “Tikki, do you think I’m doing the right thing?”

The Ladybug Kwami nuzzled Marinette reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Marinette! Master Fu said she’s trustworthy, and she’s returned all the Miraculous she took! I’m sure it’ll be fine!

Marinette nodded, let out a sign that took her tension with it, and opened the door.

Rose was in the hallway in an instant, the Kwami that must have been Nooroo flying over her shoulder, and Daizzi cuddling into her hair. “Oh! Marinette! You made it!”

Tikki cheerfully flew out of Marinette’s purse. “Greetings! I am Tikki, Kwami of the Ladybug Miraculous!”

Rose squealed. “SO CUUUUUUTE!”

Tikki was in a stranglehold before she knew it. Marinette stepped further into the house, entered Rose’s room, and-

Wow. It was a Kwami paradise.

An old dollhouse was set up as a little movie theatre. A table had been cleared off and a heating lamp set on it- Sass and Longg evidently liked that. A massive vase of flowers was inhabited by a giggling Barkk and Pollen, and Kaalki was having her mane brushed out by-

“Juleka?”

Rose’s girlfriend grinned and peeked up. “Hey.”

“You were that Bee villainess?”

“Yep.”

“...You kicked Gabriel Agreste in the groin!”

Juleka shrugged unrepentantly. “You delovelized Nino and Kagami before they could do it. I figured I’d pick up the slack. How’s that, Kaalki?”

The Horse Kwami sighed. “Oh, that’s lovely. Ziggy, you simply must try this!”

The Goat Kwami poked her head out of the movie theatre. “Once this is over! Now c’mon, the next episode’s starting!”

Kaalki zipped in with a cheerful neigh.

Marinette sighed and slumped onto Rose’s bed. Juleka patted her on the back. “I know, I know, we were under your nose the whole time.”

Marinette groaned. “How didn’t I see it? Of course Rose would be a supervillain dedicated to pampering Kwamis!”

“I mean, we never thought you’d be Ladybug.”

“Fair.”

Rose popped her head into the room. “Um, Marinette? Tikki’s buzzing.”

“Huh, Cat Noir must be calling me. Tikki, Spots On!”

She slid open her yo-yo the moment it formed. “Hey, Cat, what’s up- wait, slow down- what Eagle Miraculous- GABRIEL AGRESTE IS DOING WHAT IN NEW YORK?!”

Rose wordlessly held up a hand. “I’ll round up the Kwamis for you?”

Ladybug hung up, massaging her temples. “Yes,” she hissed, “please do.”

She had a fashion mogul to destroy.