#t: broadcast the boom boom boom.

[n3ptoonz]

mk1 hcs: how the earthrealm guys react when you ride them

this broadcast is brought to you by getting inspired from @dirtymortalkombatconfessions tysm for fueling my raunchy mind 🙏🏾 outworld guys here

all the guys here are submissive in these hcs cause i don't see it enough!!! and reader is GN

Smoke

first of all it's his favorite position. nothing he loves more than holding his partner in his arms while they have power over him at the same time

HE. WHIMPERS. A LOT!!!!

CANNOT keep his hands still he's always massaging or caressing some part of your body

begs. he begs. if you stop moving? he will deadass start tearing up and whispering pleas all in your ear

hold his face while you do it. look him in the eyes and give him praise && give him kisses 😔 he's got enough shit from bi han and this the only way he properly relaxes 💔

Raiden

he's not very vocal at first, but he does sigh and grunt a lot

when he's vocal? he's not loud, but curses up a storm. his eyes get all hazy and glossed over too like you gotta tap him back to reality sometimes

he can get handsy but prefers to either keep his hands in place or have them restrained in some way

speaking of which if you do restrain his hands there's a good chance he'll start bucking once he's close and try to pull free. silly goose, we know how to tie knots around here!

if you get really close to his face like holding it or just looking at him he can and will just start mumbling about how good you make him feel/how you're the only one who makes him feel like this

Kung Lao

(turns on self indulgence beam) ahem taps mic is this thing on??

lao is a praise kink BITCH you understand??? and since he's full of himself he for sure will not shy away from whimpering and groaning loud as hell just to hear his own voice

you give him praise and BOOM suddenly it's upturned eyebrows and beads of tears at the corners of his eyes. he will ask you to repeat what you said over and over

once his pride wears out he's a begging mess like smoke. he's super handsy but in the way where he's acting like you're gonna disappear before he nuts. i cracking up at the thought of that

afterwords "did i do good?" or "was i a good boy?" AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHG hey im normal don't give me that look. ALSO PLAY WITH HIS HAIR he's a sucker for it (glad i can say that now he's not bald)(love you mk11 lao i swear)

Kenshi Takahashi

oooo this sensual romantic ass man. sensual romantic ASS man (he likes ass)

he's not a loud guy or it's just rare. his hands aren't gonna go anywhere but your ass though. MAYBE your thighs, but it's always back to ass!

less on whimpering more on grunting but there's occasional cracks in his voice when feels really good. he only full on whimpers if you go fast and gets closer faster from the pace

please for the love of god leave some sort of marks on this man's neck. it drives him CRAZYYYY he'll be cursing like he's never done before especially cause he WILL return the favor

like raiden if you give his face more love especially around his eyes it's up for him you're going to be told how perfect and how good only you can make him feel for the next 72 hours

Johnny Cage

BRAT. he's a brat. Johnny John Carlton Cage is a B R A T

you will have to physically shut him up and that was his mission accomplished. don't let his hands be free either cause he'll keep trying to take control (and keep failing every single time)(again, this was allll part of the plan)

when he's completely helpless at your disposal...bottom bitch alert! whiny whimpering grunting sighing giggling you name it CENTRAL. he the type to whine about being restricted when it was literally his own idea in the first place

he's a praise kink bitch too i mean come on THE johnny cage ik you weren't expecting otherwise. tell him he's a good boy but also call him your bitch oh how he loves it

and by the way... record. everything. he'll watch those tapes back like they're old school vhs memories

Liu Kang

how you got a god to submit to you is beyond anyone's belief. but who cares?! drain that mf (balls)

he absolutely positively loves loves LOVES eye contact. you look him in the eyes long enough it's like your souls are fuckin too (literally that scene with him and titan kitana except you're looking down at him everybodyshutthefuckup)

give him a bunch of kisses pls pls pls he craves it he adores it CARNALLY. very very handsy man there's no part of you that goes untouched.

he's too calm to be loud but he does grunt and will have dragged out moans that result in a higher pitched tone

surprise, even a god could use some praise every now and then!!! he blushes the most whenever you call him perfect or tell him he's doing great even with all that's on his plate on the daily <3

Sub Zero

this stubborn fucker. just pull his hair and give him the same look he gives everybody and he's all yours cause then he'll look like this (i cannot stop referring to this picture)

in the privacy of your shared room (idc if this is ooc this is tumblr god damn it) he's a stuttering mess and cannot keep his hands off your hips and thighs for anything so prepare for those areas to have frostbite

there are times where his hands slide up your back when he's close, and by this time his furrowed brows and sharp gaze are completely gone. he's looking up at you like you've descended just to give him the ride of his life (bc you did obviously)

if he whimpers it's raspy and deep. he generally grunts and groans and a lot of profane language coming from them lips

however comma it's rare he'll shudder and whine like a lil bitch if he can't touch you oooo and he's a bucker too

Scorpion

last but certainly not least this sexy mf. i fully fully believe that he would not hesitate to submit to someone he's in love with (you hahaha)

you don't even need to pull his hair just glide your fingers through it he's set for life. he sighs and just smiles, you're so good to him

he's not very vocal but he certainly whines and has shallower breaths when he's close. when he looks up at you he has to try his hardest not to bust right there cause damnnn you fine as hail

thigh man thigh man thigh man. oh, did i say thigh man? i meant to say HE'S A THIGH MAN. and neck, like kenshi don't even think about getting up off of him without a bunch of marks on his neck and shoulders if ya feelin freekie

if you pull his hair he will cum. and you heard that from me.

ask box is open! <3

[surelysilly]

bringing new (old) meaning to there being monsters under your bed

Two tiny spots of pressure trod hard on his side, and Danny squirms, frowning, and doesn���t even consider opening his eyes until the dull aches multiply, and an absolutely foul little breath follows needle sharp teeth on his nose. “What?” he groans, swiping an arm, and hits fluffy fur. Danny slits his eyes open to a strike of lightning — red flashes under the immediate roar of thunder. For a moment, his heart stutters, but — “T-Teekl?” The cat stares back at him, unblinking, and lashes her tail. Hesitantly, he reaches for her; she allows the pets for a moment, unfazed, before standing up on his chest. Ow. But… if she’s here, her master can’t be too far behind. Disgruntled, Danny sits up and Teekl’s displaced to balance precariously on the very edge of his bed. Outside, rain pelts his window. Danny blearily surveys his room, squinting into the gloom, but finds nothing quite out of place. At least not until the cat jumps down and highlights the mess of his floor. “What the hell?” Danny mumbles, brow furrowing. Those are… all his old shoes, old bookbags and mess, that’s lived under his bed for God knows how long. “Teekl, where’s — ” Light cuts through the darkness. The following boom shakes everything — the cat fluffs out, ears twitching, and then wriggles herself under his bed. Just on the edge of hearing there’s a whimper, something thumps against the wall and the bottom of his bed, the movement broadcast up to him. Huh.

[worldofkuro]

How would S2 Alastor react to reader dying in a random, freak accident? Like, he’s just in the middle of his broadcast, and reader is walking to the studio from visiting the parents, and then boom!, accident! Would he immediately know that something was wrong, would he sense readers spirit leaving him? How insane would he get?

I can’t really tell much without spoiling about how their connection works. But Alastor would try to keep your soul no matter what, he would try to trap your soul into a doll, his wedding ring or Eamon… But he wouldn”t let you run away from him.

Alastor is way too proud, he wouldn’t kill himself because you left him. Oh non, please. He knew you were amazing, if he managed to capture your soul, he would feel so elated. You were finally his, no one but him would be able to talk to you, to feel you… but he would miss your touch. Feeling and touching are different after all.

If Baron Samedi took your soul, which meant you fell to Hell, he would try to find a way to communicate with you. He would, after months, years or searching, finally summon you. He would ask you about your wellbeing, how Hell was. You both would agree that you would start your ascension through Hell while he would give you sacrifice so you would get stronger. 

So when he finally goes down there to meet you, no one would ever think about separating you two again.  Which might be sooner than he expected, after your death he became a little too messy so… Let’s just say your husband would soon join you in Hell.

[casual-praxis]

Rivers in the Desert [Rainbow Ranch AU]

Summary: Panicking is not an option, but man--Shadow kinda wishes it was. With only a vague location, a distress signal, and the dawning realization that time is waning; what do you even do when the resident desert expert goes missing in said desert?

Warnings: Swearing (thanks Blue), blood and injury (though not to a graphic extent), and depictions of what may be a panic attack. Please let me know if I missed anything!

Word Count: 4,301

--Start--

Today is the day, he's sure of it. Chat may be doubting him, but he's never felt more confident as he dances around the edges of the corrals, swinging his phone around precariously on a makeshift selfie stick.

The sound of mini-small-scale nukes, out-of-tune music boxes, and unbridled cheer is quick to bombard his microphone, but a quick adjustment of his audio puts an end to the horrid peaking issues. Or at least, he thinks it does. He really can't tell.

Oh well. It's probably fine.

"Alright y'all, listen up!" Shadow grins into the camera, holding it steady as his eyes subtly dart over his other equipment. "Today we're goin' hikin' through the Moss Blanket. There's a Gordo there who owes me money and it's had it too good for too long. So I'm gonna go poke it with a stick and see what it do."

Behind him, a pair of Red's Boom Rad Slimes leap with delight over his theatrics, despite not knowing what 'owing money' meant. He quickly covers his ear closest to the corral as the slimes, true to their nature, promptly explode.

Chat reacts accordingly, and he watches the small monitor on his wrist flood ten times over with multicolored words of all varieties. Some were encouraging, some near deaf, and some were thirsting over Blue, but that was neither here nor there. Par for the course, honestly.

He shakes it off easily.

That is, until his monitor beeps a cheerful, "da-da-da-daaaa" and promptly spits out a lovingly rude message about his navigation skills in its smug robotic voice.

Jostling the stick around for a new angle, nearly whacking it into the side of a corral post, he glares into the camera while walking backward.

"Hey now, bitch, I will turn this hike right back 'round if you don't ditch that cringe take," he says flippantly, raising a clawed, glove-bound finger to his viewers. "For serious--I know where you live."

More messages flood in, most of which are buried under waves of emote spamming and text-to-speech chatter, all the while Shadow slowly zooms the camera in on his face. Just to annoy them. No cute slime content for the traitors.

They had to earn that privilege back.

Preferably through donations, and lots of begging.

Maybe he'd even film the ground the whole way just to really drive the point home...

Either way, things were already off to a well-rehearsed start. A few more minutes of banter and they'd be on their way. This was expected. This was normal.

So you can probably forgive him for not immediately noticing when his communicator went off. The vibrating is faint, barely noticeable among the jittery movement he was already prone to. It took him a moment of nearly walking into roaming hen-hens and tripping on stray plorts before it finally registered.

He holds up a hand to the camera as if to say 'just a moment,' before digging around in his hoodie pocket for said source of intrigue. Out comes a phone-sized device most of his chat had never seen before, bright in color and pinging a soft chime.

"Huh. Well, that ain't good," Shadow mumbles, more so to himself than anyone else. His gaze flickers back up, almost nervously, and he laughs a half-hearted excuse. "Sorry y'all, we're gonna have to rain check this."

His chat isn't able to sway him for any further details as he speeds through his usual farewell spiel, hurrying through the motions of shutting down his broadcast and rushing back to the house. His normally relaxed and bouncy gait is swapped out right alongside his stream gear, left at the front door as he leaps down the steps back into the ranch. He can worry about it later.

Green is right where Shadow had last seen him, still standing off to the left side of the ranch, staring at their coop with mild exasperation and a defeated slump to his posture. His ear twitches at Shadow's approach, head tilting ever so slightly in his direction.

"Change of plans?" Green asks.

Shadow skids to a stop, kicking up dirt as he slides, prompting Green to sidestep to avoid it. That gets his full attention. Observant emerald irises pin him immediately, radiating concern (along with trace amounts of actual radiation, but that wasn't important).

"Problem?" Green not so subtly gives him a cursory once over, frowning when it didn't reveal the issue right away. Shadow would have made a joke about it, but now really wasn't the time.

Lifting his communicator up, he waves it obnoxiously--as if Green needed any prompting. "Distress ping from Vio."

Green's posture changes at that.

"Any details?" He asks, keeping his jaw set; standing a little straighter.

"Nah." Shadow turns the communicator back to himself, staring at it almost forlornly. "Just the ping."

Green's hand finds Shadow's shoulder, startling him from his worries before they could spiral. His eyes reflect back the same concern, but a small, reassuring smile is beginning to work its way onto Green's face, and he squeezes lightly.

"No worries, Vio knows how to handle himself." Green's eyes flicker off to one side briefly, and he raises his unoccupied hand to make the nearly universal 'come here' gesture, before returning his attention to Shadow. "We know his location, and our Firefly should be somewhere around the Ancient Ruins right about now. I'll shoot him a message and get him moving in that direction, kay?"

Shadow can only nod as another arm winds around his shoulders from behind, pulling him back against a much firmer chest. Green huffs out a laugh as Blue rests his chin against the top of Shadow's head, paying no mind to Shadow's near squawk of outrage and futile struggle.

"Sup?" Blue raises an eyebrow, tightening his grip on Shadow even as he begins trying to gnaw his arm. He covers Shadow's mouth with his free hand and a hissed, "fuckin' stop that."

Green lifts a finger as he pulls out his communicator, leaving Blue in the dark a little longer. The sound of flurried typing echoes over the bawks of the hen-hens, and Blue sticks his own fingers into Shadow's mouth in response to having his hand licked.

"We have--don't gag him--a situation," Green finally illuminates, clipping the device back to his belt.

"Good situation, bad situation? Blue asks, finally relinquishing Shadow's freedom to wipe the spit off his fingers.

Green's expression does something complicated. "A not good one."

"VeVe S.O.S'd," Shadow coughs.

"Seriously?"

"Red's en route, I'm going to meet him at our Desert teleporter. We should be able to find Vio within the hour, assuming he stayed within his intended radius." Green nods to himself, starting off towards the lab.

"And if he didn't?" Blue calls after. Shadow looks at him sharply.

Green pauses in his stride, inclining his head up in thought, before continuing at a slower pace. "In that case, it may take a little longer."

"Even with Red's help?" Shadow questions.

"He doesn't know the Desert like V does," Blue points out, moving to follow Green. "He told me he's been there like, maybe three times total. And one of those times he just sucked faces with V instead of exploring."

Shadow titters, jogging to catch up. The other's longer legs made for an unfair advantage, but the hurried march made sense. Blue glances between the pile of tech in front of the house and Shadow as they go by, but keeps his mouth shut and allows it to pass without comment.

By the time they make it to Vio's lab, Shadow's nerves are starting to fray once more. The yellow teleporter ("It's butterscotch!" Red would insist), loomed just outside the open doors to the building, allowing the fluorescent lighting to spill out onto the dry ground. It looks oddly empty, without their resident scientist mulling around inside.

Something about that thought made Shadow's insides twist.

"Are you guys coming too?" Green asks, a bit redundantly, given he already knew the answer. Shadow nods without hesitation, stepping up alongside him to face the teleporter.

"I need to grab something first." Blue doesn't wait for any responses. Ducking into the lab, shuffling boxes and metal dragging on metal faintly fills the otherwise still air.

Once he reemerges, Shadow briefly catches sight of something small being slipped into Blue's belt pouch, but he's quickly distracted again by Green stepping onto the teleporter. In a flash of brilliant gold, Green disappears, and Shadow isn't slow to follow.

The sun immediately begins to glare down on him from the other side, and he yelps, ducking behind Green in a fruitless attempt at shelter. Green chuckles despite the situation, and wordlessly readjusts to properly shield Shadow from the worst of the rays.

Blue appears shortly thereafter, raising one hand to block the light from his vision as he looks out across the shifting sand. He gives it a good once over, before dropping his hand and turning to Green. "The fuck are we?"

"North of the Warp Station, silly!" The three jostle slightly, turning just in time to see Red come bounding across the uneven terrain like it was nothing. His shoes barely even seem to sink in the sand as he draws closer, hopping onto a fallen pillar of some sort before kicking off with his hands outstretched in Green's direction.

To his credit, Green didn't stumble as he caught Red in his arms, spinning them both with the momentum as Red's infectious laughter began to spread. He places Red down--only for him to dart over to Blue, hugging him tightly and nuzzling his shoulder.

Shadow blinks, and Red materializes in front of him next, lacing their fingers together as he leans forward to peck him on the lips. It was chaste, barely enough to even feel, but the warmth behind it was enough to chase away the twisting anxiety that had wedged itself between his ribs, if only for a moment.

He tugs Red back to him as he tries to slip away, pressing their lips more firmly together and smothering Red's laughter between them. It's hardly enough; the warmth much too addicting, but he knows better than to push for any more.

Green's amused ahem backs up that decision.

Shadow pulls away, noting with smug satisfaction that Red tries to follow. And that smug energy only shifts to humor once Blue snags Red around the waist, dragging him into their own barely contained kiss. Making eye contact with Green, Shadow smirks playfully, and Green can only sigh.

"If we're all done making out with Red now," Green starts, clapping his hands to get their attention, "we do kinda have a reason for being out here if you'll recall."

Red pushes at Blue's shoulders, leaning backward in his arms to stare at Green from upside down. "I don't recall, actually. What're we doin' again?

"You didn't fill him in?" Blue intoned, letting go of Red completely and dropping him into the sand. Shadow only felt a little bad snickering at Red's exaggerated 'oof'.

"Hey, I didn't exactly have time to explain in detail," Green defends, though he does concede to Blue's glare, lowering his head slightly. "I figured I could explain as we go. It'll be faster that way."

Red jumps to his feet, brushing the sand from the folds of his pants with a tilt of his head. "If that's the case, then let's go! Where to?"

"West of the center point. Know where that is?"

Red hums, bounding past Green and towards an arch in the landscape's natural mountains. He stops before he gets too far, turning back to stare at them expectantly.

"If we're just heading in a direction, then I can probably lead us," Red explains, "but landmarks are finicky. I don't think anythin' actually has a name out here. Vi said no to all my suggestions."

"Right, well that's better than nothing." Green shares a look between Blue and Shadow, stepping forward and nearly stumbling as his boot takes on sand. "Let's--ah, talk while we walk. We still don't have a full scope of the situation, but we're hoping..."

Shadow stares after them as they begin to drift away, bumping shoulders with Blue as he moves past. It's clear from the proximity that Blue intends to stay close, likely as a preventative measure to keep him from wandering off. And he can appreciate that. After all, the last thing they need right now is two missing people.

He hopes Green has finished explaining by the time they catch up. Shadow's own anxiety about the situation had reached a tolerable simmer thanks to Red's bubbly aura, but he wasn't sure what would happen should that aura pop.

Thankfully, Red was the kind of guy to take everything in stride.

Everything would be fine.

They'd explain things to Red, he'd lead them to Vio, and Vio would be fine. Maybe it was just a misclick. Maybe they'd find him wandering about and he'd have no idea they were even concerned in the first place.

Vio would be fine.

Everything would be fine.

----

Everything was not fine.

Everything was so not fine.

They'd reached the area Vio was meant to be in without issue. Fairly straightforward. They had a vague idea of what to be looking out for, and the landmark was indeed very obvious, and just as Vio had described to Red the night before.

The actual problem was Vio not being there.

Sure, there were signs all around the isolated plateau that Vio had been up to something nearby. But none of it pointed to where he had gone, and to make matters infinitely worse, they had a brand new issue to contend with.

Apparently, the Glass Desert was named that for a very specific reason—one that, according to Red, was fast approaching and signaled by the dramatic uptick in heat.

So, yeah. By this point Shadow could safely say he hasn't been so stressed in literal years.

The plateau and its immediate surroundings were busts. Branching off was their only option, and that's how they found themselves in the stupid situation they are now: racing through unfamiliar territory in a frantic search for their missing link.

A lot of it's a blur.

Blue may have stayed back to check the sea (and Goddesses, he hopes Vio hadn't drowned), while Green had gone...somewhere else. And Red, well.

The speeds at which Red moves are difficult enough to keep up with even on more stable terrain, but with Shadow's shoes constantly sinking and sliding in the loose grains, he has no hope of keeping up.

He can only fall further and further behind as the impending fallout ticks closer and closer.

Firestorms were no joke.

Even the slimes, fearless as they may be in their element, tended to cower at the might of a solar anomaly, hiding away in crumbling ruins and under towering crystalline structures; existing testaments to the sheer intensity of the Desert.

And Vio was out here somewhere.

Lost, despite claiming this as his element.

Shadow couldn't help but wonder what had gone wrong. Did he really misclick after all? Had a slime caught him unaware?

...was he safe?

Shadow's foot caught in the sand, sending him tumbling to the rough ground below as if to spite him. Hot tears jostle to the corners of his eyes, barely comparable to the arid heat wafting around him, and he balls his fists into the grains with a frustrated growl.

He pushes himself to his knees, scrubbing at his face with his jacket sleeves. Goddesses, he hates crying. He was going to kill Vio himself for worrying him so bad. The stupid...smart bastard better still be alive for him to follow through on that delirious vow, or so help him...

Climbing to his feet, Shadow made it another few steps forward before a shrill scream tore through his very core like lightning. Distressed, unintelligible; less a coherent word, never mind a name, but Shadow knew it all the same.

It carried on the wind, reverberating in his skull. He was moving before he even had time to fully process it. The high cliff walls around him blurred together as he stumbled through a winding, weathered path, fighting the drag of his own weight through the unforgiving sands.

When the sheer cliff faces began to subside, pulling away to let him breathe, he was met with a sharp drop down into a clearing. His heart was hammering in his chest as he wobbled forward, vertigo kicking in hard as he'd already pieced together what likely lay below.

Red's stuttering sobs bounced off the rocks, piercing through Shadow like jagged glass, tearing at his fragile composure. He staggers, dropping to his knees at the edge of the drop, unable to keep his balance.

He peers forward over the side.

He stops breathing.

There, splattered along the side of the dry rock, popping against the craggy orange stone...dotting Red's hands...as he cradles Vio's still form to himself.

Blood.

So much.

He couldn't breathe.

...was Vio breathing?

Numb, almost unresponsive fingers move to his communicator, unhelpfully mashing down the distress button over and over, and over, and over...

Where were the others? Red was crying, couldn't they hear him? They need help.

They need help. They need help.

Vio needs help.

"S--!"

Help.

"--dow!"

Help.

"Sh-dow!"

Help, someone-!

"Shadow!"

Fingers dig into his shoulder, tearing his gaze away from the scene and hiding his vision away in the crook of someone's neck. His breathing was ragged, choppy. So loud in his own ears. What...

"It's okay." Green's voice. Shaky, wet. "It's okay."

A hand found it's way into his hair, carding through it with unwavering care. Green. Green was here.

"Is-" Shadow's voice shook. "...Vio..."

Green lowers his chin onto Shadow's head, resting it on his hand for a moment. And for once, Shadow can't find it in himself to hate it.

"He's...okay," Green murmurs. "He'll be okay."

...okay.

"We need to go."

He doesn't wait for a reply. Shadow closes his eyes tightly against the harsh, red light of the Desert around them, burying his face further into Green's neck as he's lifted. The world shifts, the sound of a jetpack goes off, and Shadow's just lucid enough to wonder if Green had his vacpack this whole time.

The feeling of burning hot heat lasts for only a few minutes more, before the drone of a teleporter hums loudly in his ear, and his consciousnesss fades.

----

He should be dead right now.

Vio is aware enough to admit that.

Miscalculations are common enough in his particular field of study to be expected. Accidents happen, no matter how experienced you are, so it wasn't too surprising.

He knew the moment his foot missed the ledge and gravity took over that he was dead. The fall was survivable, sure, but all those collisions he had with the cliff-side on the way down? Astronomically less so. He was dead. So, so so dead.

The others were going to find his half-charred, slime-eaten body at the bottom of some random cliff and conclude he was actually a fucking dumbass. Goddesses, he hopes they skip the mourning process and just chuck his body into the sea.

At least then he'd still be attributing to science. He's still morbidly curious after all; do corpses float in the slime sea?

Questions for another time, he supposes. The fact he could even think at all was pointing toward a conclusion much more curious all its own.

He's still alive.

He really shouldn't be, and yet...hm.

His body feels numb. Moving is proving to be difficult, but that's never stopped him before and won't stop him now. Scrunching up his face, he forces his eyelids open with some effort, wincing at the glaringly familiar white ceiling above him. The blurriness slowly recedes as he blinks back to steady consciousness.

More and more of his surroundings come into focus. A soft weight on his left side, shifting gently out of sync with him; another person. Then, a different, more noticeable weight against the right side of his body, blowing light, warm air onto his neck; no doubt, yet another person.

His eyes slip closed again as he allows himself to just breathe.

Breathe.

He really should not be able to do that right now. Or ever again, actually. Not that he's complaining. Though it probably sounds as if he is. Still fairly curious about the slime sea, after all...

But no, he's...hm. Having trouble thinking.

"You done defragging yet, Windows Vista?"

Oh, he knows that voice.

"...luuue..." he slurs, tilting his head towards the source.

There's an irritated clicking noise, before a chair squeaks, and one of Vio's eyes is pried open. He instinctively squints against the feeling, a whole three seconds late.

"Fucking hell...you are concussed, damn it." Blue's blurry face twists into a scowl before he leans away again, momentarily revealing Shadow as the person lying on his right side, and then he's dropped back into darkness.

"Mmm n-n-naah," Vio glitches.

Blue scoffs again. "Mhm, yeah, no. Try again when you can say actual words."

"Sh--hn tr..ee," Vio tries again.

"That one didn't even make sense."

Dull pain blooms behind Vio's eyelids, and he whines low in his throat.

Hurts. It hurts. His muscles are fighting him, he can't lift his arms. He needs...he needs to...hm...?

"...we're gonna need to talk about this."

Pain--

Painpainpain--!

Vio's eyes shoot open, and he gasps, instinctively clenching his jaw as the pressure around his wrist registers. Shortly after, Blue's face comes into view, twisted into a grimace. He has one hand wrapped loosely over the deep purple bruise of skin Vio calls his right wrist, the other keeping him propped up over the side of the bed.

"Fuck," Vio mumbles, forcing his body to relax. It's the first coherent thing he's said in days, and Blue's not exactly happy about that. "Let go."

Blue doesn't have to be told twice.

"You aren't phasing anymore."

"So it would seem." Vio shuts his eyes once more. "Are the others asleep?"

"Have been for a few hours now." Blue leans back, causing the mattress to spring slightly once his weight is off it. "Green's out working through his stress, the idiot. These two just don't wanna leave you be."

Ah, so the other person is Red. That makes sense.

"Sorry," Vio says automatically, "I didn't mean to worry everyone."

Blue emanates the aura of someone rolling their eyes, and it's a little impressive he's able to communicate that so well to someone with their own eyes closed.

"Shut the fuck up. You have a lot more to apologize for than just that."

Vio reopens his eyes to level a blank stare at Blue.

"Don't look at me like that."

Vio squints.

"Or like that!"

A soft chuckle escapes Vio, only to be immediately chased down by a wince as his ribs protest loudly. He curses his low pain tolerance silently in his head as Blue sighs.

"You're injured, dumbass. Fell off a damn cliff apparently." Huh. That does sound familiar. "You really scared the hell out of these two when they found you."

Ah. No wonder they were clinging.

"Green's coming up with a whole lecture on group safety as we speak. No more Desert trips alone."

Vio raises an eyebrow at that. Or at least attempts to. "There's no way he can enforce that."

"Yeah, well, he won't be the only one." Blue crosses his arms and nods towards the two cuddled up to Vio's sides. "Good luck going anywhere without at least one attached to you."

Fair point. It wouldn't be the first time he's had them nipping at his heels wherever he went, though it has been a few years. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. He didn't remember minding it back then.

Then again, his research efforts might drop dramatically in productivity. Both could be distracting on their own, but together? He'd never get anything done.

He's lured from that particular conundrum as Blue abruptly stands, stretching his arms over his head with a groan. Vio would probably appreciate the sight more if he weren't concussed and struggling with complex thoughts.

"M'kay, well, I'm gonna go let Green know you're kinda lucid right now. Don't think you're getting out of that conversation later." Blue does a few more stretches to fully wake up his joints (just how long had he been sitting there?) before heading over to the door. Oh, this is his room; no wonder the ceiling looks familiar.

Blue pauses in the doorway, seeming to think something over, then turns back with a smug grin and a flippant wave. "Oh, and by the way, one of your teleporters is in the middle of fuckin' nowhere now. Sorry not sorry."

"Wait, what--?"

Blue cackles to himself as he leaves, completely aware of how Vio's attempt to sit up was barred by Shadow and Red 'conveniently' choosing that moment to wake up and tighten their holds on him.

And it was about at that point, where he was being smothered by his two more affectionate boyfriends, that Vio decided, yeah, actually, slime sea theory can wait a few more years.

Or ten.

Maybe thirty.

That conversation could be a future non-concussed Vio's problem, too.

This is nice.

He should fall off cliffs more often.

Or maybe not. He really should be dead right now.

He wonders how many realities in which he did die there. He wonders which reality is he. Is there a true Vio out there? What quantifies as a "Vio", anyway.

...he wonders where they put his bracelet.

He's starting to slip again.

--End--

Please feel free to tell me what y'all thought! I haven't written anything to completion in years so I'm still a bit rusty.

I intended to address Vio's bracelet more, and there was a whole extra plot thread I ended up cutting, but hopefully I'll get to those some other time. This was getting a bit long and I didn't want to lose motivation before I finished it. I'm placing this in dubiously au canon for now. We'll see if it still fits in as I expand the au.

Thanks so much for reading this far! Hopefully y'all liked it!

Here’s a bonus: the in-game map with some of my notes on it. In blue, the area where Vio was supposed to be. In purple, the area they actually found him.

I like to think in this AU, one of the others put that cartoony danger sign next to the cliff.

As requested: @zeldathusiast

It’s done! :D

[pers-books]

Doctor Who 2024 series news

New information about the eight episodes in the Doctor Who 2024 series is revealed in SFX magazine 378. We’ve included contextual information from what we know from other sources and filming reports.

Space Babies

This episode picks up from the events that happen at the end of The Church on Ruby Road with Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) entering the TARDIS for the first time. The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby land on a spaceship occupied by babies who are very talkative for their age, a scary slimy monster called the Bogeyman (Robert Strange) — and no adults to be found. Space Babies introduces the series story arc of both the Doctor and Ruby’s foundling mystery.

The Devil's Chord

Ncuti Gatwa describes Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon) as “Such a delicious villain.” The Doctor and Ruby meet and chat with The Beatles in this episode set in 1963. Both Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson will sing in the story. The large recording room at Abbey Road Studios was recreated as a set at Wolf Studios Wales.

Boom

The Doctor and Ruby travel in the TARDIS to Ruby’s first alien planet — a war-torn world. The episode, written by Steven Moffat and described as “intense”, was filmed in chronological order with Ncuti Gatwa receiving praise for his performance from director Julie Anne Robinson.

73 Yards

The TARDIS lands on the Welsh coast and Ruby must solve a mystery involving a Welsh horror folktale legend. The TARDIS scenes were genuinely filmed on the Welsh Cost in Pembrokeshire. Dame Siân Phillips co-stars with Aneurin Barnard and Jemma Redgrave. Filming reports reveal that Barnard plays a Welsh candidate named Roger Ap Gwilliam.

Dot and Bubble

Gatwa and Gibson filmed their first Doctor Who scenes together on a pontoon inside entrance locks in Cardiff Bay Barrage for Dot and Bubble. The setting for Dot and Bubble is a colony with an out-of-control dangerous situation on an alien planet. Callie Cooke plays an influential person in the colony. The episode is described as very Black Mirror and touches on a real-world problem which will likely cause a good deal of discussion after the episode airs.

Rogue

This episode was co-written Kate Herron and Briony Redman. Set in the Regency Era in 1813, Rogue, described by Davies as “a proper Bridgerton episode with dances and waltzes”, was filmed in three different manor houses. Psychic earrings allow the Doctor and Ruby to period dance with skill. Jonathan Groff and Indira Varma co-star. Varma plays the villainous Duchess of Pemberton — who is not what she seems.

The Legend of Ruby Sunday and Empire of Death

These episodes, set on Earth, feature UNIT headquarters populated by Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford), Rose Noble (Yasmin Finney), Morris (Lenny Rush) and Colonel Ibrahim (Alexander Devrient). Russell T Davies calls this episode “shocking” and “The Most Devastating Finale.”

Doctor Who, starring Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson returns on 11 May 2024 midnight, 00:00 BST (10 May 7:00pm ET) streaming on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ with Space Babies and The Devil’s Chord. Both episodes will broadcast on BBC One in the UK and Ireland on 11 May immediately before Eurovision. The remaining six episodes will stream at 00:00 BST on the six subsequent Saturdays.

-- So it looks like Jemma DID film with Ncuti, despite what she said in a recent interview. Which is as it should be - she can't be in New Who and NOT appear with the Doctor - that ain't right and proper! AND she's in three episodes this series (that we know of!). Huzzah!

[ulkaralakbarova]

The adventures of two amiably aimless metal-head friends, Wayne and Garth. From Wayne’s basement, the pair broadcast a talk-show called “Wayne’s World” on local public access television. The show comes to the attention of a sleazy network executive who wants to produce a big-budget version of “Wayne’s World”—and he also wants Wayne’s girlfriend, a rock singer named Cassandra. Wayne and Garth have to battle the executive not only to save their show, but also Cassandra. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Wayne Campbell: Mike Myers Garth Algar: Dana Carvey Benjamin Kane: Rob Lowe Cassandra: Tia Carrere Stacy: Lara Flynn Boyle Dreamwoman: Donna Dixon Security Guard: Chris Farley Noah Vanderhoff: Brian Doyle-Murray Alan: Michael DeLuise Tiny: Meat Loaf Bad Cop / T-1000: Robert Patrick Alice Cooper: Alice Cooper Glen: Ed O’Neill Mrs. Vanderhoff: Colleen Camp Terry: Lee Tergesen Russell Finley: Kurt Fuller Davy: Mike Hagerty Ron Paxton: Charles Noland Elyse: Ione Skye Frankie Sharp: Frank DiLeo Waitress: Robin Ruzan Officer Koharski: Frederick Coffin Old Man Withers: Carmen Filpi Film Crew: Original Music Composer: J. Peter Robinson Screenplay: Mike Myers Executive Producer: Hawk Koch Director of Photography: Theo van de Sande Director: Penelope Spheeris Producer: Lorne Michaels Editor: Malcolm Campbell Stunts: Hannah Kozak Stunts: Alisa Christensen Associate Producer: Dinah Minot Associate Producer: Barnaby Thompson Screenplay: Bonnie Turner Screenplay: Terry Turner Casting: Glenn Daniels Production Design: Gregg Fonseca Second Unit Director: Allan Graf First Assistant Director: John Hockridge Second Assistant Director: Joseph J. Kontra Set Decoration: Jay Hart Camera Operator: Martin Schaer “B” Camera Operator: David Hennings First Assistant Camera: Henry Tirl First Assistant “B” Camera: Peter Mercurio Steadicam Operator: Elizabeth Ziegler Script Supervisor: Adell Aldrich Sound Mixer: Tom Nelson Boom Operator: Jerome R. Vitucci Additional Editor: Earl Ghaffari Assistant Editor: Ralph O. Sepulveda Jr. Assistant Editor: Ann Trulove Assistant Editor: Brion McIntosh Supervising Sound Editor: John Benson Sound Effects Editor: Beth Sterner Sound Effects Editor: Joseph A. Ippolito Sound Effects Editor: Frank Howard Dialogue Editor: Michael Magill Dialogue Editor: Simon Coke Dialogue Editor: Bob Newlan Supervising ADR Editor: Allen Hartz Foley Supervisor: Pamela Bentkowski Assistant Sound Editor: Carolina Beroza Assistant Sound Editor: Thomas W. Small Foley Artist: Ken Dufva Foley Artist: David Lee Fein Foley Mixer: Greg Curda ADR Mixer: Bob Baron ADR Voice Casting: Barbara Harris Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Andy Nelson Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Steve Pederson Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Perry Music Supervisor: Maureen Crowe Supervising Music Editor: Steve Mccroskey Set Designer: Lisette Thomas Set Designer: Gae S. Buckley Special Effects Makeup Artist: Thomas R. Burman Special Effects Makeup Artist: Bari Dreiband-Burman Makeup Artist: Courtney Carell Makeup Artist: Mel Berns Jr. Hairstylist: Kathrine Gordon Hairstylist: Barbara Lorenz Hairstylist: Carol Meikle Costume Supervisor: Pat Tonnema Costumer: Janet Sobel Costumer: Kimberly Guenther Durkin Location Manager: Ned R. Shapiro Assistant Location Manager: Serena Baker Second Second Assistant Director: John G. Scotti Property Master: Kirk Corwin Assistant Property Master: Peter A. Tullo Assistant Property Master: Jim Stubblefield Leadman: Robert Lucas Special Effects Coordinator: Tony Vandenecker Chief Lighting Technician: Jono Kouzouyan Production Office Coordinator: Lynne White Unit Publicist: Tony Angelotti Still Photographer: Suzanne Tenner Craft Service: Vartan Chakarian Transportation Coordinator: James Thornsberry Color Timer: David Bryden Negative Cutter: Theresa Repola Mohammed Title Designer: Dan Curry Second Unit Director of Photography: Robert M. Stevens Stunts: Tony Brubaker Stunt Double: Steve Kelso Movie Reviews: tmdb15435519: I wish I could dress the exact same every day and still be cool.

[jechristine]

I read this article today and thought it did a nice job of providing context for the WGA and SAG-AFSTRA negotiations.

I’m going to paste in some excerpts—

On the alienation of the creative laborer from his product:

“Television has turned into a hyperspecialized Model T assembly line where everyone does one particular tiny job,” says Schur. “You focus really hard on screwing this bolt into this piece of metal, and that’s all you do. And as a result, nobody’s learning how to make a whole car. The battle now is to figure out which patches we can put on the process so that in five or ten years, people will still know how to make TV.”

On the signifiers of “prestige” and their easy appropriation (I think this is a main problem of Euphoria, actually):

It may not have helped that some streaming services thought their recommendation algorithms could replace old-fashioned marketing, which made it easy for even great shows to come and go without causing a ripple. In an attempt to make their wares stand out among the glut, some platforms simply spent more money on them with mixed results. Over time, the expensive signifiers of prestige TV — the movie stars, the set pieces, the cinematography — became so familiar and easy to appropriate that it could take viewers six or seven hours to realize the show they were watching was a fugazi. “Premium and streaming have been chasing more of a film attitude than a TV attitude, which is making shows more expensive but oftentimes not as good as they used to be,” says Ryan. “You’re seeing ideas that should’ve been movies being elongated into eight episodes, and they don’t have the narrative engines to sustain them for that long.”

And this is super depressing. On the closing window for a diversity of voices:

One of the best things about the boom was that it created space for stories and voices that had usually been marginalized. But as Hollywood reverts to what it thinks are sure things, many fear that TV may lose some of that diversity. “I recently spoke to the writers of a show that would’ve featured a trans lead,” Nori Reed, a comic and writer, says in an email. “After years of development at a major studio, they were told they had to change the trans character to cis if they wanted the show to be produced. Another friend was developing a show at another major studio that featured a central trans story line. Their show was canceled. When their manager tried to shop it to other studios, they were told that nobody wants to produce trans-focused shows any longer, citing the need for ‘global appeal.’”

And on to the unsurprising but depressing future:

Many in the industry have conjectured that the streaming ecosystem may eventually shrink to four major platforms. If that’s the case, then we’d have sacrificed cable only to replace it with a broadcast-style monopoly. A world with fewer apps could have immediate downsides for both consumers and creators. A number of streamers have raised their prices recently, and less competition would embolden them to do so again. More significantly, anyone making shows would likely lose negotiating power.

Would love to read thoughts about this piece if anyone else is interested!

[le-sserafim]

230526 eunchae twt update

뮤뱅 언니들🍒❤️

Mubang* unnies🍒❤️

(T/N: *Music Bank shortened to just the first two syllables in the Korean pronunciation of "Music Bank" -> 뮤직뱅크. It's a reference to the print-outs behind Eunchae in the first two photos: Eve, Psyche, and the Mubang unnies who love Eunchae. Printouts in the last photo say: Boom boom boom, Mubang's heart pounds whenever we see LE SSERAFIM. If this is the last broadcast [of EPBW promotions], we fall fall fall)

Trans cr: Songyi @ le-sserafim.tumblr.com © Please credit when taking out

[ptbf2002]

Here's My Profile Picture (November-December 2023)

Harvey Street Kids/Harvey Girls Forever! Belongs To Alfred Harvey, Emily Brundige, Dave Enterprises, Digital Emation, Inc. NE4U, Inc. The Harvey Entertainment Company, Classic Media, LLC, DreamWorks Classics, DreamWorks Animation Television, DreamWorks Animation LLC, Universal Pictures, Universal City Studios LLC, NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Comcast Corporation, NBCUniversal Media, LLC And Netflix Inc.

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Sonic Prime Belongs To Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, Hirokazu Yasuhara, Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle, Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker Media Inc. Flixzilla Aura, SEGA Corporation, SEGA Sammy Holdings Inc. Man of Action Entertainment, WildBrain Studios, WildBrain Ltd. Netflix Animation, And Netflix, Inc.

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Pucca (TV series) Belongs To Boo Kyoung Kim, Calvin Kim, VOOZ Character System, Studio B Productions, Inc. DHX Media Vancouver, WildBrain Studios, WildBrain Ltd. MBC TV (South Korean TV channel), Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Toon Disney, Jetix, Jetix Europe N.V. Disney Branded Television, Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Disney Enterprises, Inc. And The Walt Disney Company

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Magiki Belongs To Eryk Casemiro, Cyril Deydier, Pegbar Animation, Animasia Studio, Rainbow S.P.A. Paramount Media Networks, Inc. Paramount Global, DeAgostini Publishing Italy S.P.A. DeAgostini Editore S.P.A. DeAKids, DeA Junior, DeAgostini S.P.A. DeAPlaneta Kids And Family, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Télé Images Productions, Zodiak Kids Studios France, Banijay S.A. Ketchup TV, KidsMe S.R.L. Gulli, TiJi, Metropole Télévision S.A. Groupe M6, Frisbee, Switchover Media, Discovery Italia S.R.L. Discovery Networks Italia, Discovery Networks EMEA, Discovery Networks International, Discovery, Inc. And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

The Loud House Belongs To Chris Savino, Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker Media Inc. Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Productions, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi Belongs To Sam Register, Renegade Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia, And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

The Powerpuff Girls Belongs To Craig McCracken, Rough Draft Korea Co., Ltd. Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. Cartoon Network Studios, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia, And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Teen Titans Belongs To Glen Murakami, Sam Register, DongWoo Animation Co. Ltd. DC Comics, Inc. DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation Inc. Kids' WB, The WB Television Network, The WB Television Network, Inc. Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC, Tribune Media Company, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia, And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

South Park Belongs To Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Celluloid Studios, Braniff Productions, Parker-Stone Productions, South Park Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Comedy Central, Comedy Partners, MTV Entertainment Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

The Amazing World of Gumball Belongs To Ben Bocquelet, Boulder Media Limited Ireland, Dandelion Studios, Studio SOI, Great Marlborough Productions Inc. Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe, Cartoon Network Studios Europe, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe Ltd. Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Television Studios UK, Warner Bros. International Television Production, WarnerMedia International, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

What's New, Scooby-Doo? Belongs To Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, Sander Schwartz, Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd. DongWoo Animation Co. Ltd. Lotto Animation, Inc. Hosem Animation Studio, Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. Warner Bros. Animation Inc. Kids' WB, The WB Television Network, The WB Television Network, Inc. Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC, Tribune Media Company, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

The Garfield Show Belongs To Jim Davis, Philippe Vidal, Infinite Frameworks Pte. Ltd. Tiger Bells Animation Pvt. Ltd. Paws, Inc. Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. Paramount Global, Dargaud Media, Mediatoon Distribution, Les Éditions Dargaud, France 3, France Télévisions S.A. Cartoon Network, Boomerang (TV network), The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia, And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Penguins Of Madagascar Belongs To Tom McGrath, Eric Darnell, Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley, Oktobor Animation, Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd. DQ Entertainment, Paprikaas Interactive Services DreamWorks Animation Television, DreamWorks Animation LLC, Universal Pictures, Universal City Studios LLC, NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Comcast Corporation, NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Productions, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

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Angelo Rules Belongs To Sylvie De Mathuisieulx, Sebastien Diologent, TeamTO, CAKE Entertainment Ltd. France 3, France 4, France Télévisions S.A. Télétoon+ CANAL+ S.A. Groupe CANAL+ S.A. Vivendi SE, Expand Drama, Super RTL, RTL Deutschland GmbH, RTL Group S.A. International Rheingold Productions, Cartoon Network (Middle Eastern and African TV channel), Turner Broadcasting System Europe Limited, WarnerMedia EMEA, Turner Broadcasting System International, WarnerMedia International, WarnerMedia & Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil Belongs To Sandro Corsaro, Mercury Filmworks, Disney Television Animation, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Branded Television, Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Disney Enterprises, Inc. And The Walt Disney Company

Big City Greens Belongs To Rob Renzetti, Chris Houghton, Shane Houghton, Sugarcube Animation Studio, Rough Draft Korea Co., Ltd. Disney Television Animation, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Branded Television, Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Disney Enterprises, Inc. And The Walt Disney Company

The Casagrandes Belongs To Michael Rubiner, Miguel Puga, Chris Savino, Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker Media Inc. Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Productions, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

The Fairly Oddparents Belongs To Butch Hartman, Yeson Entertainment, Sunwoo Entertainment, Co., Ltd. Elliott Animation Inc., Billionfold Inc. Frederator Studios, Frederator Networks, Inc. Wow Unlimited Media Inc. Nelvana Enterprises Inc. Corus Entertainment Inc. Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Productions, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

Craig of the Creek Belongs To Matt Burnett, Ben Levin, Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker Media Inc. Pipeline Studios Inc. Rough Draft Korea Co., Ltd. Cartoon Network Studios, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Phineas and Ferb Belongs To Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Rough Draft Korea Co., Ltd. Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd. Synergy Animation, Hong Ying Animation Co., Ltd. Elliott Animation Inc. Hosem Animation Studio, Disney Television Animation, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, Disney XD, Disney–ABC Domestic Television, Disney Branded Television, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Disney Enterprises, Inc. And The Walt Disney Company

[oceanremnants]

[LIVE BROADCAST]

PRIVATE - sibbing gruopchat [Booming Voice Quiet Temper, Keeper of Ten Trillion Beads; First Dewdrop of Morning, Fifth Sunrise; Three Small Feathers in a Lake of Quills; Three Mossy Stones; UPSILON; Winter’s Monsoon.]

--------

<FDM> i need a nickname for ea

<FDM> i can't just call her Eternal Anomaly every time i try to talk to her face t face

<TSF> use her acronym like a regular guy

<FDM> absolutely not?

<BVQT> Perhaps "short queen" could suffice?

<FDM> he isn't short!!!!!

<FDM> they're taller than everyone in this group but me!! and quiet

<TSF> "taller than average but relatively short to me queen"

<FDM> that's just a title

<TSF> huh???

<WM> I Concurr. If Malachite Thee Ascended is fitte for the title of an ittyrator, Taller Than Averatch Queene would alsso be.

<TSF> that's a slugcat name, though?

<FDM> yeah, a title.

<TSF> they aren't titles. they're just names.

<WM> They Arre.

<FDM> can we PLEASE get back to the issue at hand

<FDM> what do i call my girlfriend. aside from his title.

<BVQT> Perhaps take a leaf from Goldy's book and simply refuse to correctly say her name until something sticks?

<FDM> taking suggestions from everyone but quiet now

<UPSILON> You could simply nickname her based off of something she enjoys.

<FDM> ...evolution.

<FDM> .....

<FDM> beast

<UPSILON> Excuse me?

<FDM> I MEAN HER.

<FDM> i'm gonna call them beast

<UPSILON> ...Good luck, I suppose?

[b2bbusiness]

Esports Market: A Comprehensive Analysis and Growth Trends

The esports market has transformed from a niche community into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of players, spectators, and investors. With rapid advancements in technology and widespread digital connectivity, esports has become a lucrative industry, driving significant economic impact across the globe.

What Is the Esports Market?

Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where players or teams compete in organized tournaments, often for substantial prizes. Popular game titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike have created massive global audiences, making esports a mainstream form of entertainment.

The market encompasses:

Game Publishers: The companies that develop and publish video games.

Teams and Players: Professional gamers who compete at regional, national, and international levels.

Streaming Platforms: Services like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming that enable fans to watch live gameplay.

Sponsorships and Advertising: Brands collaborating with teams, tournaments, and content creators to reach engaged audiences.

Market Growth Drivers

Several factors contribute to the exponential growth of the esports market:

Digital Transformation Esports thrives on online connectivity. Faster internet speeds, cloud gaming, and high-performance gaming platforms have facilitated competitive gaming on a global scale.

Rising Popularity of Streaming Platforms Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have created vibrant communities where gamers and fans connect. These platforms are pivotal in driving viewer engagement and boosting esports’ visibility.

Investment and Sponsorships Major companies, including Coca-Cola, Intel, and Nike, are heavily investing in esports, recognizing its potential for advertising and brand engagement. Sponsorships provide a significant revenue stream for esports organizations.

Audience Growth The global esports audience surpassed 500 million viewers in 2023, with projections indicating further growth. Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe lead in viewership, driven by local tournaments and international championships.

Integration with Traditional Sports Esports tournaments are now hosted in iconic sports venues, and many traditional sports organizations are entering the esports market. For example, NBA teams have formed esports divisions, bridging the gap between digital and physical sports.

Key Market Segments

The esports industry is segmented based on revenue streams:

Media Rights: Deals allowing broadcasters to stream tournaments and games.

Sponsorships and Advertising: The largest revenue contributor, with brands targeting esports’ youthful demographic.

Ticket Sales and Merchandise: Revenue from live event attendance and branded products.

Game Publisher Fees: Income generated by publishers through licensing and hosting tournaments.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the esports market, with countries like China, South Korea, and Japan at the forefront. Government support, extensive infrastructure, and a large gaming community drive growth in this region.

North America

The U.S. is a key player in the esports market, with professional leagues such as the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League. Major universities are also offering esports scholarships, further legitimizing the industry.

Europe

European countries like Germany, the UK, and Sweden are rapidly expanding their esports ecosystems. High-speed internet and government incentives contribute to the sector's growth.

Rest of the World

Emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are witnessing a surge in esports activity due to rising smartphone penetration and affordable internet access.

Challenges in the Esports Market

While the esports market is booming, it faces challenges such as:

Sustainability of Revenue Models: Reliance on sponsorships and advertising may limit long-term stability.

Player Burnout: The intense competition and frequent tournaments can lead to physical and mental health issues for professional players.

Regulatory Uncertainty: Different countries have varying regulations regarding gaming and esports, impacting growth and operations.

Future Trends

Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) As VR and AR technologies improve, they could enhance gameplay experiences, creating new opportunities in esports.

Blockchain and NFTs in Gaming Blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may revolutionize in-game assets, ownership, and monetization strategies.

Expansion into Mobile Esports Mobile gaming is becoming a dominant force, especially in emerging markets. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire are leading the charge.

Increased Female Participation With inclusivity on the rise, more female gamers and teams are entering the competitive scene, broadening the market’s appeal.

Development of Esports Infrastructure Purpose-built esports arenas and training facilities are being developed to support the growing industry.

View sample report for additional insights on the esports market size projections, download a free sample

[synthy-sizer]

“Son of a bitch!” Violence slams his fist as Jordan cuts him off. “Focus on the bigger problem,” you scream, swerving madly to avoid a hailstorm of bullets! Violence grabs his cannon and starts carefully executing drones, one after the other. “I can't believe that didn't work! What were we missing?” Boom after boom explodes behind you, between each word he says. “No idea! Maybe it doesn't have to be a sustained signal? It just triggers the transformation itself?” You hadn't really considered that. “Do you think the broadcasting station had a shutdown signal we could have triggered?” “I fucking hope not!”

Without even realizing it, you find yourselves back in the neighborhood. You tear across the old gravel paths. At least it's a slightly less bumpy ride. It seems like you've outrun the drones for the moment, but you don't feel safe yet. You press your foot down on the gas even harder, taking advantage of the straight path. As you do, you make out the shapes of people in the distance, standing near a formal-looking building. You almost swerve around again, but realize they're not drones. They're wearing colorful clothes and don't have corpse-like skin. And most importantly, you don't see even a trace of metal. You slam the breaks and gravel goes flying as you skid across the path and finally come to a stop right nearby. You swing the door open. “Hey, uh…by any chance, are you Sofia Gardener's parents?” The woman nods. “Son of a bitch,” Violence groans. You smirk at him. “Guess you've gotta admit Jordan was right, huh?” “Yeah, yeah, yeah…” he grumbles, and hops out of the back seat. “Jordan said there was a bunker here, right? Any chance we can hide out here?”

You sit on a metal bench and look around the concrete walls. The room is illuminated by dim cage lamps. Probably emergency lights. Across from you, Sofia's parents sit nervously. “So, second time seeing some weirdos turning your world upside down today, huh?” They chuckle despite the nervousness. “I'm Lust, and he's Violence.” You pat his shoulder. “Try not to worry about the names. We're actually very nice.” Sofia's mom takes initiative. “I'm Rosemary. This is my husband, David.” You lean over and shake both their hands. “So…were you responsible for the big plume of smoke in the distance?” Violence speaks up, now. “Yeah. We couldn't exactly just turn the signal off, so we had to be a little more….drastic. That and the station didn't really resemble a station anymore.”

Flashes of the things you've seen return to you. A giant metal lotus sprouted from the earth, reaching for the heavens, had all but entirely consumed the broadcasting station. The antenna rose from the center, taller than could ever be built with human engineering. And around it, what did Violence call them? The steel forests? Rows and rows of power lines, sirens, lamp posts, fractalizing at the ends. When he saw it he just started shooting and didn't stop until it was a flaming husk. You think sometimes about what he saw before this, what Apollo did to him…

“Uh, well…I guess you deserve answers. Heresy was vague, I presume?” They look at each other, confused. He sighs. “Did she call herself Jordan Bernett?” David speaks up. “What's with the weird nicknames, anyway?” “Fuck, is that ever a long story.” You hold his shoulder. You spend a while after discussing the finer details of your situation. A lot of it is hard for them to understand. Luna doesn't have things like corporations or generators or monsters. Well, until recently. Apollo's corruption caught up to their paradise. But by the end they seem to understand. “The tricky thing is that although we don't agree with Jordan, it seems like she's right about a lot of things. And it seems like that includes Sofia being special. I'm afraid you might not see her for a bit.” They look sad. It's not like you don't understand. “We were practically done processing the grief, you know? We accepted she died, she came back, and just as soon she's saying she needs to leave again.” You lean over and hold Rosemary's hands. “I know, and I'm sorry.” “It's ok, Rose,” David says as he wraps his arm around her shoulder. “It's like she's grown up. She was going to leave the nest anyway, right?” You suppose that's not entirely wrong. But you still can't help but feel guilty. It's like you stole some of that from her parents. Or, maybe it's more accurate to say you were an accomplice to Heresy's crime.

The walkie crackles. “Violence, Lust, you there?” Violence is quick to answer. “No thanks to you. Guessing you didn't die?” “Indeed we haven't,” Heresy says through the shrieking of the speaker. “Sofia had a bit of a conversation with our friend, the megastructure. And thanks to that, the transformations should have stopped.” You stand up. “What the fuck?” “Yeah, I know. We can explain later. You need to get back to the launchpad now.” You and Violence start packing up. “It was lovely to meet you two. I'm sorry things have been a bit awkward.” They nod awkwardly and see you off. The walkie crackles once more. “Oh, one more thing. You're going to have to be careful. Most of the transformations have stopped, but some…”

The bright sunshine is suddenly blotted out.

“...are evolving.”

NEXT

PREVIOUS

[justactgaussian]

Happy Moon Day!

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the moonlanding, I highly recommend checking out Apollo 11 in Real Time

From the instructions page:

This website replays the Apollo 11 mission as it happened. It consists entirely of historical material, all timed to Ground Elapsed Time--the master mission clock. Footage of Mission Control, film shot by the astronauts, and television broadcasts transmitted from space and the surface of the Moon, have been painstakingly placed to the very moments they were shot during the mission, as has every photograph taken, and every word spoken.

(There is also a transcript of everything said).

You can start at T-1M to launch or at the current date and time in 1969. If you want to skip straight to the First Step, it's at 109:24:26.

I'll put some of my favourite moments under the cut:

109:41:29 Aldrin: Okay. Now I want to back up and partially close the hatch. 109:41:47 Aldrin: Making sure not to lock it on my way out. 109:41:51 Armstrong: (Laughter) Particularly good thought.

110:13:43 Aldrin: Alright. You do have to be rather careful to keep track of where your center of mass is. Sometimes, it takes about two or three paces to make sure you've got your feet underneath you. 110:14:07 Aldrin: In about two to three or maybe four easy paces can bring you to a nearly smooth stop. ... change directions, like a football player, you just have to to ... foot out to the side and cut a little bit. 110:14:41 Aldrin: So called kangeroo hop does work, but it seems that your forward mobility is not quite as good as - it is in the conventional - more conventional one foot after another.

114:00:04 Mission Control: Roger. Just want to let you guys know that since you're an hour and a half over your timeline and we're all taking a day off tomorrow, we're going to leave you. See you later. 114:00:14 Armstrong: I don't blame you a bit.

157:53:39 Mission Control: Hello, Apollo 11. Houston. Buzz, you brought the surgeon right out of his chair. We see you exercising. Over. 157:53:50 Collins: Say again. 157:53:52 Mission Control: We see you exercising. Is that correct, Buzz? 157:53:57 Collins: Yes, I'm sorry. Buzz is. 157:53:59 Mission Control: Roger. We've got his heartbeat way up. 157:54:05 Armstrong: Right. He's sort of out of shape. 157:54:07 Mission Control: Yes. That's what we thought.

157:56:42 Collins: Say the old White Team's really got a busy one tonight, huh? 157:56:45 Mission Control: Oh, boy. We're really booming along here with all this activity. Can barely believe it. 157:56:52 Collins: What are you doing? Sitting around with your feet up on the console drinking coffee? 157:56:56 Mission Control: (Laughter) You must have your X-ray eyes up. You sure can see a long way.

173:52:48 Collins: Houston, Apollo 11. We've been doing a little Flight Planning for Apollo 12 up here. 173:52:55 Mission Control: Roger. Go ahead. 173:52:58 Collins We're trying to calculate how much spagetti and meatballs we can get onboard for Al Bean. 173:53:07 Mission Control: I'm not sure the spacecraft will take that much extra weight. Have you made any estimates? 173:53:14 Collins: It'll be close. 173:53:55 Public Affairs: That last comment came from Mike Collins referring Al Bean who is the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 12. 173:55:54 Mission Control: 11, Houston. The medics at the next console report that the shrew is one animal which can eat six times its own body weight every 24 hours. This may be a satisfactory base line for your spaghetti calculations on Al Bean. Over.

[suploxinhh]

Week 4: Digital Community and Fandom: Reality TV

Social media platforms have proven to be popular and powerful in today's globalized world, reaching every segment of the entertainment sector, including reality television. In this blog, let's learn how Reality TV has shaped digital communities and fandoms. Specifically, we will explore one region - Vietnam.

In simple terms, a program features real people (untrained and/or ensemble actors) in real settings (not studios) acting out events based on their real lives or played by real people. The television creation created is called reality television, according to Kraszewski (2017) (Schneider 2018). In Vietnam, 2023 is called the year of the boom of reality TV shows because, after many years of silence, audiences once again have countless choices for entertainment, from music game shows to reality TV shows. Lively, humorous, drama reality TV, listed as: Masked Singer, 2 Days 1 Night, Rap Viet, The Face Vietnam, Vietnam Idol, Beautiful Girl riding the wind to break the waves, First to make a living, Having an appointment with youth, Hanging out and singing, Brilliant Journey, The New Mentor. (TRE 2023).

However, despite so many programs, quality still does not match quantity (Linh 2023). For example, in the program The Face Vietnam 2023, viewers are completely unable to focus on the talent, qualifications, and skills of the contestants but are often caught up in the never-ending battle of the coaches (Chi & Page 2023).

Like The Face Vietnam 2023, the same goes for The New Mentor program. Throughout all nine broadcast episodes, the audience did not clearly see the leadership talent and guidance of the contestants but only saw the coach focusing on "mouth" to compete for contestants or "complain" about the results of the competitions (Chi & Trang 2023). 

Thereby, it can be seen that television programs are increasingly noisy, lacking moderation, and building many dramatic confrontations despite the audience's reactions. As Pham (2013) argues, "Current reality TV shows are still mainly based on scandals, are not really creative, are still half-baked, and are unprofessional. Reality TV shows in Vietnam are mainly for entertainment and advertising purposes for sponsors but do not carry the true meaning of reality TV shows like in other countries."

Besides, there is also another side that is dramatic dramas and details that have created opportunities for reality shows to become more famous by attracting audiences and viewers to comment on social networking sites such as Facebook, Youtube. Program crews post drama excerpts of celebrities or contestants to attract passionate fan communities to comment, defend and debate a common issue. For Example:

Because those dramas create a community that can debate and share opinions with each other on social platforms, it can be concluded that reality shows in Vietnam have shaped the technical community. numbers and fan communities (Ozok & Zaphiris 2009). However, excessive drama brings negative things. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh (Youth Research Institute) said that conflicting situations on television are not only a war between stars but also a war between fan communities. “They argue with each other, even ready to insult and insult each other in cyberspace. These are uncivilized actions that need to be stopped immediately” (Linh 2023).

Reference list:

Chi, H & Trang, A 2023, Gameshow giải trí gây ức chế vì lạm dụng drama, chiêu trò quá đà, laodong.vn.

Linh, G 2023, Gameshow truyền hình 2023: Bùng nổ, lạm dụng chiêu trò, Báo điện tử Tiền Phong.

Ozok, AAnt & Zaphiris, P 2009, Online Communities and Social Computing, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer Berlin, Heidelberg.

Schneider, MA 2018, ‘Jon Kraszewski, Reality TV’, Film Criticism, vol. 42, no. 3.

TRE, T 2023, Truyền hình thực tế năm 2023: Đủ thể loại, lắm chiêu trò, TUOI TRE ONLINE.

[scloudsg]

Latency or Legacy? Cloud Gaming to New Business Dimensions

The gaming landscape is experiencing a seismic shift, fueled by the meteoric rise of cloud gaming. Forget bulky consoles and high-end rigs; the future of gaming lies in the cloud, accessible from virtually any device. This transformative technology is unlocking a world of possibilities for both players and developers alike, and understanding its key trends, challenges, and opportunities is crucial for navigating this exciting new frontier.

Soaring Popularity: Cloud Gaming for All

Gone are the days when high-end gaming was reserved for the privileged few. Cloud gaming empowers players of all walks of life to dive into AAA titles like never before. Whether it’s a smartphone, a laptop, or even a low-end PC, gamers can now access a vast library of games without the hefty hardware investment. This democratization of gaming is driving an unprecedented surge in popularity, making cloud gaming one of the most exciting trends in the industry.

Subscription Revolution: Owning Games is Out, Access is In

The traditional ownership model is facing a formidable challenger in the form of subscription services like Ubisoft+ and Xbox Game Pass. These platforms offer players access to a diverse library of games for a monthly fee, fundamentally changing how we consume and engage with gaming content. While some cling to the nostalgia of physical copies, the convenience and affordability of subscriptions are undeniably alluring, paving the way for a potentially transformative shift in consumer behavior.

Live Streaming Synergy: Showcasing in Cloud Gaming

The rise of cloud gaming is inextricably linked to the booming live streaming scene. Platforms like Twitch thrive on the accessibility and ease of showcasing gameplay experiences, and cloud gaming empowers streamers to effortlessly broadcast their skills and captivate audiences. This symbiotic relationship fosters a vibrant gaming community, further fueling the popularity of both cloud gaming and live streaming.

Technological Advancements: Smoothing the Cloud Journey

To truly unlock the potential of cloud gaming, overcoming technical hurdles is paramount. Advancements in 5G connectivity, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and network optimization are playing a crucial role in minimizing latency and ensuring smooth gameplay experiences. As these technologies continue to evolve, cloud gaming will become even more seamless and immersive, solidifying its place as the future of gaming.

AI: The Next Frontier of Cloud Gaming

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize cloud gaming beyond mere accessibility. Imagine dynamic game worlds that adapt to your decisions, personalized gameplay tailored to your preferences, and engaging non-player characters that react and behave with unprecedented intelligence. AI injects a layer of dynamism and immersion into cloud gaming, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and promising to redefine the very nature of gameplay.

Game Developers at the Crossroads: Embrace or Be Left Behind

While cloud gaming presents a world of opportunity, some developers may find themselves at a crossroads. Concerns regarding revenue models, creative control, and technical challenges are understandable. However, ignoring the cloud risks leaving developers behind in a rapidly evolving market. The potential to reach a wider audience, experiment with innovative mechanics, and tap into a growing revenue stream makes embracing cloud gaming a strategic necessity for future success.

Are Streaming Companies Facing the Same?

Streaming companies, traditionally focused on video and music, find themselves in a different position compared to game developers entering the cloud gaming arena. While both grapple with issues like adapting business models and content optimization, their concerns diverge in certain aspects.

Streaming companies already possess the infrastructure and expertise for delivering content over the internet, giving them a head start in the technical aspects of cloud gaming. Their existing subscriber base for movies and music also offers a potential springboard for expanding into game streaming, allowing them to leverage existing relationships and brand recognition. However, they face their own unique hurdles. Building robust list of high-quality games to broadcast and convincing game communities to switch stream over are significant challenges. Additionally, dealing with latency issues for real-time gameplay demands a specific focus on network optimization, different from the requirements of video and music streaming.

Key Considerations for a Cloud-Savvy Future

For gaming companies venturing into the cloud, careful planning is key. Understanding your target audience, crafting a sustainable business model, forging strategic partnerships, optimizing content for the cloud, and effectively communicating the value proposition are crucial steps towards ensuring a successful transition. By navigating these considerations with vision and foresight, gaming companies can leverage the power of cloud gaming to reach new heights and shape the future of this dynamic industry.

Conclusion

As the cloud continues to ascend, one thing is certain: the future of gaming is no longer confined by physical limitations. It’s a future where everyone has the potential to be a player, where the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds blur, and where AI redefines the very essence of gameplay. Cloud gaming is not just a trend; it’s a revolution, and those who embrace it stand to become the architects of a truly transformative gaming experience.

Source:

https://www.bgfashion.net/article/19104/80/Innovation-in-Game-Streaming-Platforms-Technology-and-Accessibility

https://bnnbreaking.com/arts/video-gaming/datchat-unveils-future-plans-promises-exciting-developments-in-ai-gaming/

https://www.xfire.com/ubisoft-game-ownership-revamped-ubisoft-plus/

https://insider-gaming.com/ubisoft-not-owning-games-comfortable/

Related Articles:

NVIDIA GPUs Power Local AI Revolution: Bane for Cloud?

The Pervasive Impact of Edge AI on Gaming, Streaming, and Ecommerce

This article is re-published from: https://www.scloud.sg/resource/latency-or-legacy-cloud-gaming-to-new-business-dimensions/