#the dog had to get additional training to help with adapting

[pincushionx]

Hunter with a service dog!

[buckets-and-trees]

The Only Way of Knowing You [Nick Fowler x Reader]

Title: The Only Way of Knowing You Characters/Pairings: leshy!Nick Fowler x curvy female!Reader Word Count: 7.8k

Summary: When you visit a cabin, you're drawn more and more to the forest, the flora and fauna, and a handsome stranger you cross paths with in the woods.

Content Warnings: explicit smut - nipple play, vaginal fingering, unprotected vaginal intercourse, initial consent to questionable/dubious consent ending, kidnapping, intimidation, implied stalking and explicit stalking, human to monster transformation, monster fucking

Logistical Notes: Very belated, but this is my addition to the Enchanted Birthday Fest and my humble gift to all of you who come around and read what I write. Incorporating Mania (obsessive love - stalking) for @the-slumberparty's Eight Types of Love challenge. Thank you @goldylions and @sgt-seabass for blasting this with your beta energy. It certainly benefitted from your poking, prodding, and polishing.

Narrative Notes: There's a lot of leshy lore that's evolved over time since differing versions existed across Europe and you've got modern media takes. I took pieces that stuck out to me as I combed through. The most significant trait I adopted was that a leshy king could shape shift into human or animal and would adopt disguise to hide, adapt, or even lure people into the forest.

↠ Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

You gasped and stopped on the trail.

“A dog,” you whispered to no one but yourself, a grin splitting across your face.

The wilderness of the forest around you rose into a small, banked ridge on the left. You had only just heard the rustle of leaves that drew your attention over to that side to see the creature. You couldn’t tell the breed for sure – all dark fur, pointed ears, looking something between a husky and a wolf – but with him being so calm and willing to come this close to the path when he’d undoubtedly heard you walking, you assumed he couldn’t be too wild or feral. He had piercing blue eyes that locked with yours.

You were so tempted to try to call him over, but if he was wild, it was probably better not to, and if he belonged to someone, you didn’t want to lead him away from where he needed to go.

So, after another beat, you continued along your path.

After the four hour drive to your destination with some of the team from your office, as soon as you had unloaded and eaten lunch, you had been eager to get away to stretch your legs and to have some time away from everyone else, and you had some time before the rest of the team arrived for the work retreat your boss had put together. You had six days of training, strategizing, and team bonding ahead of you with a professional consultant and facilitator flown in who had built the agenda. There were breaks built throughout the day, and as you set off for this first walk, you imagined both the physical movement and the time away from the group would help keep you focused, energized, and from actually strangling your co-worker Rachel who regularly burst into song during casual conversation. 

You saw the dog again as you took the same path the next day when your group took a mid-morning break. This time, he walked alongside your path, keeping his distance off to the side, but only kept pace with you for about five minutes before wandering off.

You were hopeful to see him when you headed out in the afternoon.

But instead of the dog, you encountered a man in almost the same area, approaching you on the path.

The man was dressed in sturdy hiking boots, dark jeans, a dark green flannel over a white shirt, and a tan jacket over that. He was tall, well-built, with short brown hair, and entirely too handsome a person to encounter in real life, especially with his devastatingly blue eyes – eyes that were the same color as the dog.

You groaned internally for comparing his eyes to the dog’s.

“Hello,” he said, nodding at you a few paces before you were about to pass each other.

“Hello,” you managed to return – it was mostly automatic, but the intensity of his gaze almost prevented you from the customary politeness of fellow trailwalkers.

After he passed, you shook your head. No need to be flustered by the momentary passing of a stranger.

You looked back over your shoulder, and then your heart thudded to discover that he was looking back at you, too. He smirked, turned, and kept along his way.

You shook your head at yourself and then kept on your way.

The walking path through the forest was narrow in parts, wider in others, and rambled on for a mile or so before it split, allowing its travelers to eventually circle clockwise or counter-clockwise around a still, blue body of water that was bigger than a pond but not quite large enough to be classified as a lake. The trees ran right down to the water in many areas, and the path, as it circled, sometimes came very close to its edges, and in other places only came within ten or fifteen meters of the shore.

On day three, you saw the man in the morning, and the dog in the afternoon.

The man, the same you saw before, came towards you after he'd done a circle around the lake. You reached the two forks before having to directly pass him, to which he waved and said hello, the same casual niceties. 

In the afternoon, the dog approached you slowly but directly, and you knelt happily and held out your hand to encourage him to close the gap. He did, and after a quick sniff, let you pet him and scratch his ears.

“No collar?” you asked as you pet and admired his smooth, shiny coat.

After a minute, you stood and said, “You seem pretty familiar with this forest, well-fed, and so friendly. I don’t need to worry about you, do I?”

He circled you quickly, wagged his tail, and you laughed. “You want to join me for my walk this time?”

He trotted ahead a few steps, then looked back at you and waited.

You laughed. “I guess I’ll join you for this walk then.”

The two of you kept pace with each other all the way around the small lake, and then shortly after you got back to the main forest length, he trotted off the path into the forest again with only a small look back and a happy bark before bounding away.

That evening, because you had gone on so many walks, the rest of the group at the cabin decided to take an evening stroll around the lake. The planked wooden path made an adventure after dark doable enough. You didn’t see either of the strangers – dog or man – but there were a few times you had the keen sense you were being watched. In the dark it was impossible to tell, but the feeling came and went.

The next morning, you made your way down the deep forest path without encountering anyone and took the right fork to make your way around the lake.

At nearly the same place the dog had approached you the afternoon before, the man came striding your way from off the path.

“Hello,” he greeted as soon as he’d stepped out of the trees.

It was evident he intended to speak to you.

“Hello,” you said, trying to be friendly, but unsure how this would unfold, and a little nervous over engaging with the stranger.

Your heartbeat sped up the closer he got, but not because he was still a stranger, but because you were reminded he was altogether too handsome of a stranger. This was made even more obvious than your brief passings the previous two days, as now you could only stand still and watch as he approached you.

You remembered he was tall, but today he seemed taller. Those blue eyes had you rooted to the spot where you stood, and his face had a small but easy smile. You tried in vain to keep your heart from racing the closer he got.

“I’m Nick,” he offered, once he was close enough for conversation.

You gave your name in response.

“Nice to actually meet you,” he said as he stepped up onto the boardwalk. “You’re not from around here. Staying in one of the vacation cabins?” he guessed.

You nodded. “And you are from around here?” you surmised. “Do you live here? Work here? Both?”

“I suppose you could say both.” A calm but crips breeze swept through the trees around you, rustling through the leaves. 

“Oh, are you the caretaker?”

“Guardian, caretaker, king of the forest,” he joked.

You laughed, and it was an easy laugh.

He echoed your laugh. “What, you don’t believe me?”

“No, of course, I do,” you said.

“If you let me join you, maybe I can prove my place here in the forest, share some of the history of the land, and some of my expert knowledge.” He raised his brow in a questioning look.

You were torn equally between hesitance and intrigue, but you were more unsure of how to decline, nor did you actually want to, so you nodded, and the corner of his mouth ticked up. He swept his arm to the side, gesturing at the path, and as you started walking, he fell right in step with you.

“So, what brought you to the forest?” he asked.

You explained how your boss had booked the large corporate retreat cabin for your team, planning many days of bonding and strategy conversations and leadership workshops with the consultant flown in from New York City.

As you walked together, he made good on his promise to tell you more about the forest and the lake. He pointed out some of the flora and fauna, showing his care and consideration for the wildlife and growth of the wilderness.

“It must be nice living out here.”

“You would like it.”

You looked over at him, finding he was already watching you, and then turned your head back to the path. “I think I might. Being out here the past few days has me contemplating quitting my job, selling off most of my stuff, and just finding a small cabin in the woods and writing or something.”

“You should.”His concentrated attention both unnerved you and put you at ease at the same time. It was a strange feeling. There was something within you that wanted more time with him like this, but it was silly to want. This was only your first conversation with him. You wouldn’t be spending day after day stumbling into walks with him any more than you would be abandoning your city life to embrace a secluded existence in a cabin in the forest.

But it might be nice, you thought.

“If only,” you finally sighed.

He was quiet for a moment. Then he cleared his throat. “When are you supposed to leave?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

He hummed in thought. “That seems like an awfully long cabin retreat for a team of colleagues.”

You laughed. “It certainly is. My boss has too much money and got very excited. It’s mostly a good office of people, and there are about ten of us here, but I definitely like my time away from the group – we’ve been encouraged to spend our breaks however we need.”

“And you took to your walks in the woods.”

“Mhmm,” you hummed and smiled softly. “Oh, actually, do you know about the black dog running around out here? I’ve seen him every other day, but not yet today.”

“He caught your heart, didn’t he?”

You grinned and nodded. “Does he have owners out here, or is he wild? He doesn’t have a collar.”

“No owners.”

“Not unlike you?”

“Oh, have I caught your heart, too?”

Your jaw dropped slightly, and you tried not to let your pace falter. “I–”

He gave a chuckle, but he also let his fingers brush against yours as you continued to walk side by side. “Don’t worry, if I didn’t want to see you, I would know how to go unnoticed by you in this forest.”

“Oh.” It was a small response, especially compared to the burst of warmth that bloomed in your heart, but you weren’t quite sure how to respond. You were flattered with the flirting and his insinuation that he did want to see you. A whisper in the back of your mind wondered how many years he must have walked these woods to know its secrets and be so confident that he could wander it undetected, but he gestured for you to listen to the faint call of a pair of birds nearby. He identified them as veery thrushes, and  then you were carried along into learning about them and some of the other animals that inhabited this area of the forest during the rest of your short morning walk. 

Nick came across you walking again in the afternoon. He told you more about the forest and its history, but more and more he started to ask more questions about you.

You liked that he asked about you.

It seemed impossible that this unbelievably tall (was he even taller than he was before? Surely he wasn’t), dark, handsome man was so keen on your company, but you couldn’t help but take to him, and to the warmth of the attention he shined on you like the sun that filtered through the leaves of the trees to bathe the rest of the flora in the forest.

It may have been silly to dream about him that night when you went to sleep, but you had no real control over that, and although this whole excursion was for work, a small, inconsequential crush on someone you would never see again when you went home was fine.

The next morning, you didn’t run into him during your walk, but you were happy to run into your furry companion again, and he stayed right at your side while you took the loop around the lake. You were only a little sad there was no sign of Nick, but even though he clearly spent a lot of time there, you couldn’t expect him to always be in the woods.

So, when you were just starting along the path for your walk and hear footsteps coming up behind you, you eagerly looked over your shoulder, only to see two men walking some twenty to thirty yards behind you. You sighed and kept walking. You hadn’t seen a great deal of people on the trail over the past few days, but these weren’t the first strangers, as it was an area with enough scattered cabins throughout the forest to merit the establishment of the sturdy planked path in the first place.

But as you continued on, the men seemed to keep pace with you, speeding up when you did, and slowing down and maintaining some of the distance when you tested it, and that made you nervous. You would feel better even just to see the wild dog so you could call him to you. You were sure he would deter the men. But there was no sign of him either.

As you approached the fork that created the lake loop for the path, you didn’t know which to hope for – that they would take the other path and you would have to potentially pass them, or take the same one as you and you could hope that they would keep their distance.

They went the same way as you.

And they started to close the distance.

You thought you were imagining it at first, but when you increased your pace, theirs quickened even more, and there was no more of the hum of talking between them.

You didn’t want to panic and run. They both had a height advantage with longer legs, and if you could simply continue to walk more quickly, you could at least stave off the need to run until there was no more choice – because you were sure the second you ran, they would follow suit, and you didn’t know how long you’d last.

Especially now that your heart was already racing.

“Hey sweet thing,” one of them called out.

You focused on keeping your quick pace and didn’t look back.

“Nice day for a walk,” the same gruff voice added.

Still you refused to engage. You expected this now and then in the city, but it wasn’t supposed to happen out here. You didn’t have a phone to suddenly get on and call someone or keys in your pocket to thread through your fingers for makeshift protection. 

“Nice day for more than a walk, don’t you think?” the second man chimed in.

“Yeah, maybe a little afternoon delight.”

Your skin crawled. 

“A little fucking,” the second one jeered.

Maybe you did need to run. 

And then suddenly at a bend in the path, you turned and there he was.

Nick.

Your heart leapt in relief, and you rushed to him.

He had to have instantly seen the panic in your eyes as his own blue eyes changed immediately into a dark storm, and he looked beyond you as he quickly strode forward to meet you. He saw the men immediately as they, too, turned around the bend, and you heard their footsteps slow immediately.

Nick pulled you into his side, wrapping a protective arm around you.

“Afternoon,” one of the men said, both of them nodding, trying to pass off casual greetings as if they hadn’t been closing in on you, making their intentions clear.

“Turn around, pack up, and leave this forest,” Nick said, voice flat and threatening.

“Hey! Look, man,” the other started, but Nick cut him off.

“Turn around, pack up,” he repeated, enunciating each word with more fury, “never come back.”

They stopped walking, putting them only ten yards away.

“Now,” Nick growled.

A ripple of fear shot through you at his tone, and it wasn’t directed at you. There was a sudden groaning and crashing of trees in the distance that only added to the tension of the moment, and then the two men turned around and retreated.

“I know where you’re staying. Don’t make the mistake of thinking my directions are idle or that I won’t check to make sure you’re gone,” he spoke loudly enough for them to hear as they got further away.

With them no longer in sight, Nick turned his full attention to you, taking both your hands in his. “You alright?”

You took a deep breath in then let it out to release the tension from the fear-driven adrenaline and nodded.

He murmured your name, pressing in concern, ducking slightly to gaze directly into your eyes.

You smiled softly at his worry, the seeds that bloomed earlier in your heart coming to life and blooming a bit more. “I’m fine now,” you reassured him, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

He narrowed his eyes.

“Really,” you promised. “Not the first intimidating creeps I’ve ever encountered.”

“Okay.” His face relaxed, but only a fraction, and you had the impression it was only to help ease your tension. “If you’re sure.”

You nodded. 

He dropped your hands, and you reminded yourself not to let your face drop as he did.

“Sorry I didn’t meet up with you earlier, I-“

You cut him off, “I wasn’t expecting you to meet up with me, and I don’t always get to steal away for these walks at the same time.”

He nodded. “I know. But I want to show you why time got away from me.”

“Okay.”

His face split into a bright smile. “Follow me,” he said, turning around and trekking into the trees. 

You trailed behind him as the ground gently sloped toward the lake. The trees and underbrush were abundant yet thin enough to allow the two of you to pass through. The wooden path varied in how close it was to the lake as it wound around, and here it was less than a minute before you could see the water’s edge. Nick abruptly stopped and put his arm out for you to also stop.

Since he’d been walking so quickly, you did bump right up against his arm with a small mumbled, “sorry,” and he turned his head to smile. Then he turned to look ahead and pointed to a cluster of rocks right at the shoreline.

You squinted to study them, and then you gasped when two little furry heads popped up over the top of the rocks.

“Otters!” you whispered.

“Yes,” Nick confirmed. “Freshwater river otters. I think we’ve got a clan of at least four that have only appeared today in the lake. Probably migrated down the river from the lake further up. They’ve been getting a bigger tourist draw up there, and I imagine they don’t want to be constantly disturbed by humans encroaching on their habitat.”

He took slow, measured, unassuming steps closer, and you tentatively followed. The two otters both perched up higher on the rocks, giving tiny yelps.

Nick motioned for you to kneel as he did. He held out his hand toward the pair of mammals.

“They’re a curious and friendly species,” he said, and even as he said the words, the two darted up and over the rocks, coming closer by a few feet before pausing. The slightly larger one gave a little trill and took a couple more hops forward. Its companion sauntered right up next to it, but then took a few more steps forward, bopped its nose against Nick’s hand, huffed and turned away, darting right down the bank and into the water, gliding smoothly away. The other came forward, gave Nick’s outstretched hand a little more of a sniff, then turned its head to you, and edged your way. You quickly but carefully stretched your hand out, received a couple of sniffs, and then this otter also snorted and trotted away and into the water, trilling as it slipped into the clear water.

“No fish, no interest,” Nick said, and the two of you laughed.

He moved to sit on the ground, and you sat next to him. The pair of otters re-emerged, swam up to shore, and dove back in and out of the water frequently as the two of you watched and talked.

You only stayed there for a short space of time, and then Nick seemed to sense without you needing to prompt him that it was time to get back to your walk. He stood and gave you a hand up. He held onto your fingers for just an extra moment, looking at your hands together, before letting go and brushing himself off. You did the same, and then fell into step with him, heading back to the path.

Easy conversation, just like the day before, continued to flow between you. He appeared to have endless questions about you, and again his rapt attention was its own warm, addictive rush, and that thing in your heart continued to grow, vines starting to sneak out of your heart and around your chest.

Suddenly he stopped, and you stopped another step ahead and turned to look back at him. “What is it?”

“We’re at the spot that leads up to the cabin your group is staying in,” he answered, a broad smirk on his face.

“Oh,” your cheeks heated, and you ducked your head to laugh. “Oops.”

You didn’t want your last walk with him to suddenly be over.

“You’re quite taken with all of this, aren’t you? The forest calls to you.”

You let out a wistful sigh and looked back up at him. Damn those impossibly deep blue eyes. You were overcome with a terrible ache that radiated from the base of your throat and the top of your chest, and you desperately tried to tamp down the thick emotion.

“But I have to go home tomorrow.”

“Come walk with me tonight.”

You bit your lip.

“Come on,” he urged you. “It’s your last night, and it’s a full moon. You have to see the forest bathed in the full moon's light. Come with me.”

“Yes,” you heard the word tumble out of your mouth, unable to deny him.

His eyes darkened and sparkled. “I promise you’ll see things you’ve never seen before.”

Though Nick wasn’t far from your thoughts, you focused well enough on your last evening with the group, engaging in dinner and the evening’s bonding activities. Wine and mocktails were poured for a final night looking up at the stars around a fire in the firepit on the balcony, and you made sure to enjoy that time, too. You had liked some of your coworkers before the retreat, but now you had a better understanding and appreciation for all of them.

However, once it got closer to ten, you anxiously started taking stock of the minutes passing away further into the night. Two of your group said goodnight at ten, but that was too early. You determined you would do well to stay with the balcony group until at least half-ten so you didn’t get too anxious about seeing Nick later.

At ten-thirty, a few more peeled off from the group, and so you retired to your room so that your timely departure didn’t seem unnatural to anyone.

You showered and messed with your hair for a bit but didn’t bother with makeup since it was after dark. You put on your favorite pair of joggers, a crewneck, and good walking shoes. You certainly hadn’t anticipated taking to the forest with so many walks each day, it wasn’t anything like how you were at home – busy with work and taking care of your life in the city – but it had been so natural to take to the outdoors while you were here. This final walk before your party went home in the morning wasn’t going to be like any of the others. You tried not to feel foolish for indulging in a walk at midnight with the hulking man with the most captivating blue eyes you’d ever seen who could easily take your breath away and whisk you off your feet.

But you had said yes because when else would you ever do something like this?

The answer was never.

And there was no harm in taking a handsome man up on his offer for a midnight stroll in the moonlight.

You put on the watch your grandmother had given you and the simple necklace you typically wore. They weren’t much, and you told yourself you didn’t need to dress up anyway, but they were small touches all the same.

Looking briefly in the mirror, you smoothed your hand down over the front of your shirt and took a deep breath. It’s fine, you thought. He’s seen you plenty before now, and it’s going to be dark, and it’s only a walk anyway. You checked your watch, and it was just a few minutes before eleven-thirty, which is when Nick had said to meet him.

You slipped quietly out of your room, down the stairs, and out the back door. The full moon was bright out here so far away from any city lights, illuminating the familiar path from the cabin that would take you down to the main boardwalk trail.

So many times Nick had simply appeared in the forest, but he was waiting for you right at the end of the path. Your heart raced just a little as his lips turned up in a smile.

“Hey,” you said softly.

“You came.”

He studied your face intently. You were unsure what he was looking for and simply focused on returning your gaze as unassuming as possible, telling your heart to settle and stop beating so fast. Yes, he made you feel things, but one of those things over the past few days had also been a sense of calm and safety in his presence, and you concentrated on that.

After another moment, finally, you responded with a simple, “I said I would.”

The corners of his mouth turned up. “Then let’s go.”

You fell easily into step with him, the trail so familiar now, though it had been less than a week, and knowing this ramble down to the lake and back, your chest started to feel thick in anticipation of missing it already. As you walked and talked, you thought you were keeping pace with Nick, but maybe you were more tired than you thought because it seemed like you were working to stay in stride with him as you hadn’t had to before. Either that or his legs were longer than before, but that – of course – was an impossible thought.

You shook your head.

Nick paused and turned. “What are you shaking your head at?” he asked. “I’ve lost you, haven’t I?” His tone was soft and teasing.

“Sorry, I got distracted, and my imagination got a little carried away with impossibilities.”

He cocked his head slightly. “Maybe more is possible in this forest than you might think.” His eyes danced with a hint of mystery.

“Is that so?” You played into his mischief.

He leaned closer. “This is an old forest, and it’s a full moon. Anything could happen on a night like tonight.”

Your body seemed drawn into him, leaning closer as well. “Anything?”

“Anything,” he whispered, and his eyes flicked down to your lips.

The moment hung between you. You tilted your head up, and your eyes fluttered closed. You could feel the warmth of his breath on your face.

And then he tugged on your hand, yanking you out of the moment. “Come on, pretty girl, we’re almost there.”

You sighed, letting out the breath you didn’t know you’d been holding.

But with how tightly his hand held yours as he led you off the boardwalk and into the trees, you didn’t feel too disappointed.

He was quiet now, but he also kept you close as he led you through this part of the forest. The trees were more thickly woven together here, with girthier trunks, and you couldn’t help but feel how they were older the further you wandered in. There was no trace of a path now, but Nick kept a confident pace, clearly knowing each inch of the forest intimately, and his surety allowed you to let yourself be swept away further and further along.

His steps were swift but nearly silent, and you tried to walk as quietly as possible. The sounds of the forest at night were soft but present – soft wind whistling through the trees, the song of nocturnal birds, and the chirping of crickets. The light filtering through the branches was minimal, and it had to be tricking you because you knew he was tall, but it felt like he was somehow taller tonight. It had to be the nature of how you were keeping so close just behind him, focused on the square of his shoulder and the gentle pull of his arm leading you.

He wasn’t taller now than he was earlier today, was he?

“Just up ahead,” he said, looking back over his shoulder at you, one of the easy smiles that made your heart sigh painted on his face.

His pace quickened, and your anticipation built as you hurried to keep up.

Seconds before the tree line broke, you heard the rippling sounds of water before emerging into a glade. Nick stopped a few steps into the clearing, and you came to stand right next to him. The first thing to draw your eye was a stream running into a small pool. The meadow on the side of the stream where you stood sloped gently down to the water, and it was covered in blankets of wood anemone, reaching right down to the bank and springing up and sprawling away again on the other side. The trees surrounding the glade were certainly some of the tallest you’d seen in the forest, and they rose as giant sentinels toward the inky black sky, which was studded with stars around the bright full moon.

As you looked up and around, the coupling of the simplicity and the majesty of it all had you enraptured, and you let out a soft sigh of contentment.

Nick brought your hand up to his face, pressed a kiss to the back of your hand, and your heart stuttered in your chest. You turned to look at him. His eyes almost appeared to glow an even brighter blue.

“I said it earlier, but this forest calls to you, doesn’t it?”

Your brows furrowed.

“Close your eyes,” he said.

You did.

He dropped your hand, and you let it fall to your side.

“Take a deep breath,” he whispered.

You inhaled slowly, letting the breath fill your belly and lungs, fresh, clean, and calm. You tipped your head back, your face craving the moonlight in that moment.

Although you didn’t hear him move, suddenly you felt the warmth of Nick standing behind you. “Now, listen and feel,” he murmured softly in your ear, his breath warm against your skin. You shivered but remained rooted to the spot. His fingers brushed along the backs of your hands and began to trail slowly up your arms. Your whole body was humming at his touch.

He pressed one soft kiss to your neck, and you sighed and let your neck fall to the side. When his hands landed on your shoulders, he pressed another soft kiss at the bottom of your neck, then turned you to face him.

“You should stay with me.”

Before you could respond, he took your head in both his hands, cradling your jaw. He searched your eyes for any hesitancy, but you knew you couldn’t summon any, nor did you want to. Instead, you pushed up on your toes, seeking his lips, and he met you halfway, claiming your lips with his.

Your hands came up to clutch at his wrists as he held your face, and you leaned in, longing to feel your body close to his. His tongue teased at the seam of your mouth, and you let him in, allowing the kiss to deepen, to sear into your very soul. His left hand moved, quickly coming to press at the small of your back, drawing you flush against him. One of your arms wound around his broad chest, and the other came up to mirror how he was cupping your cheek, feeling the trace of stubble along his jaw with your fingers. You stroked his tongue with yours, moaning into the kiss, and he reciprocated stroke for stroke. You quickly became so consumed by his kiss, feeling lightheaded but not sure if it was him or a lack of air, because you couldn’t tell if you were still breathing. It was a fevered kiss driven by something you’d never felt so strongly before, and you needed more.

Nick sank to his knees, and you went naturally down with him. He sat back on his heels, and you followed, perching in his lap. He held you there, your core over his groin, for a delicious moment, and then suddenly he lifted you up and laid you softly but swiftly onto the soft flowery bed of the meadow, his lips never leaving yours. You gasped and giggled against his mouth.

“What a lovely sound,” he said tenderly. He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, a satisfied grin on his face.

Whether it was smug or sweet, you weren’t sure, and you felt your cheeks growing warm under his hungry gaze and his soft praise.

“I wonder what other lovely sounds I can draw from you,” he added as both of his hands moved to your hips. He began kissing you again, having only given you a moment of reprieve, then his hands slid slowly up your waist, skimming up over your ribs, pushing up the fabric of your sweatshirt. When his thumbs brushed up against the underswell of your breasts, he pressed back and forth a few times, teasing you, drawing a little whimper, before he let his thumbs run up and over your nipples. They were both peaked, and you shivered in pleasure, the teasing through the fabric of your bra its own unique sensation, but you were eager for more, so you moved your hands to begin quickly unbuttoning his flannel. He took the hint, helping you by shrugging off his jacket, and when he leaned up for a moment to pull off his flannel and remove the t-shirt he had on beneath it, so you shifted beneath him to pull off your sweatshirt and reach for the clasp of your bra, tossing that to the side as well.

You hadn’t hesitated to rid yourself of your clothes, but you were hit with the rush of baring your chest to him now as – with his own clothing discarded – he froze and looked down at you from above. You flushed with heat, but as you moved one hand to tentatively cover yourself, he grabbed it in his, drew it up to his mouth, and kissed your palm.

You were aware of every imperfection as his eyes roved over your body, but when he looked into your eyes and said, “gorgeous,” his face was so serious, so hungry, you didn’t question that he meant it.

He lowered himself back down over you, supporting himself by planting one forearm on the ground next to your side, and this time his lips sought your chest. He kissed down your sternum, then took one breast in his mouth, and palmed the other with his free hand. You moaned as he sucked one nipple and rolled and teased the other with his fingers. You arched beneath him, your body responsive to his diligent ministrations. He switched to the other breast, flicking his tongue over the nipple before lapping and sucking at it. You hadn’t cum before from nipple play alone, but he had you wondering if you might as the pleasure mounted.

You trembled and whimpered beneath him, and as you began to writhe more desperately, he took his mouth off your breast with an audible pop. He moved back up your body, and his hand cupped your face again, his thumb brushing the apple of your cheek, urging you to open your eyes and look at him.

“Tell me you never thought about it, about staying here with me after I left you earlier today,” he said.

You were already breathless, or else the powerful drive in his deep blue eyes would have stolen your breath once again.

“You must let me have you,” he implored.

You couldn’t answer, but only because you were overcome by the desire in his eyes. For you.

Your name fell from his lips, and his voice was soft, deep, and controlled, but you could still feel the edge of the desperate plea as he uttered your name.

“Yes,” you keened, and you rocked your hips up against his.

“Say the words,” he said. “Say my name and tell me I can have you.”

He slipped his hand down, hooked two fingers into your waistband, and pulled teasingly along the edge from your hip to just below your navel. The torturous movement along your soft skin only drove the hunger that was building for more.

He had to know how he was mounting and playing with the anticipation. But if he needed you to say it, you’d say anything to get what you wanted right now under the light of the full moon from this inimitable figure of a man, nearly unreal in his beauty.

“Nick, you can have me!” You cried.

He wasted no time in pulling your trousers and underwear down in one go. You tried to kick off your shoes, but slightly struggling to do so, his hands helped remove your shoes and socks more deftly, and he was able to more easily toss it all away. And as your legs settled back down on either side of him as he knelt above you, you realized he was suddenly somehow as naked as you – though you didn’t know how he managed that so quickly, so quickly it felt like magic. Everything about tonight felt illusory, and yet it was all tangible and indisputable, and you gave yourself over to it. When else would you ever find yourself in such an enchanted set of circumstances like this ever again?

So what if it felt like a dream?

You took a deep breath and let your fingers tangle in the grass and the stems of the wood anemone. Your eyes traveled up his thighs to a cock so thick and long and hard for you, then up further, over his hips, defined abs, chiseled chest, and broad shoulders, and you whined. Every inch of him ignited heat through your body, and when your eyes met his again, your pulse stuttered.

You could dream like this for one night.

Keeping his eyes locked on yours, Nick settled back on his haunches and pulled your thighs up over his, drawing you up over him, angling your lower half up as an offering, and his piercing cerulean gaze moved to your core, fully on display. His fingers brushed over your lower stomach, the touch so light it tickled, and you jerked, but his other hand held your hip firmly in place. His fingers parted your folds without hesitation, and he licked his lips.

“Such a pretty, wet cunt, my little nymph,” he said, and you felt both shy being so exposed to him, and desperate for him.

“Nymph?” you couldn’t help but question, surprised by the pet name. 

“Mhmm,” Nick hummed. He traced your wet folds with one finger, in no rush. “You belong to this forest.” He spread your wetness along those lips with the attention of an artist to his canvas. Then he slipped two fingers inside your cunt.

You gasped, and your eyes fluttered closed.

He pushed them all the way in, then gave a few slow, shallow thrusts in and out.

You never wanted to wake up from this, but you needed more.

“Nick, please!”

He withdrew his fingers and then pressed them to your lips. “Taste your sweet nectar, nymph.”

The digits easily slipped into your mouth, and the urge to suck was a near primal reaction. He applied gentle pressure on your tongue as you sucked, and it only drove the craving in your core further. You were entirely lucid, and yet you felt thoroughly intoxicated by him, by everything around you.

“Open your eyes,” he said, and you did.

You swore he could see into your soul when he looked at you so intensely, but rather than fear, it soothed your nerves. It also more deeply stoked your desire for him, and as much as you wanted to linger in this moment, there was an undeniable pull you couldn’t ignore.

“Kiss me,” you breathed.

He shifted to lean down over you, remaining rooted between your thighs but shifting forward so you were nearly chest to chest. He bore his weight on his forearms, caging you in. As he settled, lips only a breath away from you, you felt the weight of his large, thick cock rest on your stomach. You lifted your head to pull him into the kiss you wanted. You ached for him to fill you up, but you also wanted to give everything just to this kiss for a few beats longer.

It was like he was drinking you in. One of your arms came up around his back, the other brushed up along the side of his arm, seeking and ultimately finding his hand, and your fingers instinctively entwined together.

He moved his other hand down briefly to guide the head of his cock to your weeping hole, and you gave a little moan into his mouth as his head entered you.

As he seated his cock fully inside of you, the tip nudging your cervix, you had to break off your kiss to concentrate on breathing. Nick dropped his forehead to yours, seemingly unable to refuse some form of intimate closeness as he rocked into you again. “You can feel it,” he spoke, the warmth of his breath still close to your mouth.

“Yes,” you panted. Your legs wrapped around his torso. He resumed thrusting, slow, deep thrusts.

“I can feel it, too,” he murmured along your jaw. “You’re answering the call of the forest.”

“Mhmm,” you hummed, hardly focused on what he was saying, but the deep warmth of his voice made the words swell through your mind.

He continued his unhurried thrusts, almost methodical in nature, and after a few more minutes, his cock began to swell inside you. And it continued to grow.

You moaned – or groaned – you couldn’t decipher if what you were feeling was real and whether it was painful or pure ecstasy. Your hand clasped his more tightly, and his answering squeeze was accompanied by tendrils of vines sprouting and circling around your hand and down around your wrist.

“What?” Your eyes flew open, and then you gasped. “Nick!”

He was transforming before your eyes. His face remained familiar, but a crown of horns appeared around his head, and emerald moss and glossy leaves intermingled and sprouted throughout his dark hair. Two enormous, magnificent antlers had emerged from his temple and were still slowly growing, just as he was still slowly growing inside you as he continued his steady thrusts. His shoulders broadened, and you knew he was growing in stature. 

You trembled beneath him, tears springing to your eyes, in danger of spilling over.

“I told you, my little nymph: I’m the king and guardian of this forest – it speaks to me like it wants to speak to you. You’re answering the call, and I can’t,” he paused to groan, and with a shiver, you felt the ridge of his spine shift from skin to a supple tree bark. “It’s midnight, and with you giving yourself to me and the forest, I can’t hold back my true form.”

He began to thrust more quickly in and out of your cunt, a few of the strokes a little erratic. You whimpered, overwhelmed, and a few tears spilled over your cheeks.

“No, none of that,” he scolded, but kissed away the tears. “You didn’t want to leave, and now you don’t have to, nor can you.”

His free hand moved between you and found your pulsing, puffy clit, applying immediate, furious little circles that refused to let you feel anything but pleasure in response to his ministrations. His lips reclaimed yours once again, and as your body continued to tremble, his thrusts sped up even more, your channel never more full, making the mounting wave of pain and pleasure so exquisite as the waves grew that you let out a sob as your orgasm crashed over you.

Unrelenting, as your cunt contracted around him, Nick more demandingly sought his own release. He moved both hands to grip your ribs below your wrists and railed into you with abandon, punching the air from your lungs over and over, and ultimately pushing you into a rushed second orgasm only seconds before he roared his own ecstasy, his hips stuttering as he spilled deep loads of his seed inside of you, a warmth you could feel permeating you.

And then Nick petted your face, showering kisses softly over your lips, cheeks, and eyelids before ultimately resting his forehead on yours, and gently caressing your neck.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you, for this, and now you're mine forever.”

↠ Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

If you enjoyed this at all, read the other two fics from the Enchanted Birthday Fest! They're both exquisite!

[zoeykallus]

What kind of dog do you think each of the bad batchers/clones would be? Like if Hunter was a dog I think he'd be a German shepherd/ Malinois

Love dogs! Cute and fun idea, thanks!

I mixed my own experiences plus some info from the internet with each breed I chose. Remember that it is the behavior of the particular breed, if it has been raised in a manner appropriate to the species and corresponds to the average value of the breed. Not every dog is born with the exact same characteristics, the breed is basically just a blueprint, a basic plan on which the gene pool and upbringing "build" the dog.

The Bad Batch - Dog Breed

Hunter

Okay now here me out. I think he's a mix honestly. German Shepherd is in there. They are great guard dogs, fierce hunters if needed with a strong character, protective instincts and actually pretty clever. But! There is another breed in there.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Let me tell you why.

Apart from his bad reputation which he had received through wrong keeping by humans, the "Staffy" has actually a completely different nature. Because of his patient nature, he tolerates children romping and playing all around him. He is also known as a friendly "Nanny Dog" or Babysitter Dog", which he certainly always wanted to be. With proper and loving training, he is a very friendly family dog.

In my mind, Hunter has all those traits as a dog. He'd be a mix of German Shepherd and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, their best characteristics mixed in one (the latter is also known these days as "Amstaff").

Echo

Intelligent, reliable, patient and hardworking. Echo is a Bearded Collie. This one has an impressive herding and protective instinct.

This is especially evident towards free-roaming animals and children. He is sensitive and dutiful. Under his supervision you can be sure that he will take care that his 'herd' is safe. He is calm and cool headed in tense situations.

You can always rely on him. Loyal and dutiful to the end.

Wrecker

Here is definitely a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the mix. Obviuosly because of his patient nature towards children but also due to his fearlessness.

An "Amstaff" may be fearless and brave on the one hand, but his basic characteristics are loyalty and good-naturedness towards his human. Once he has found his people, he is quite affectionate and cuddly.

I do think there could be a Dalmation in the mix too, because of his energetic playfulness.

Tech

King Poodle

He not only learns incredibly quickly and understands almost immediately what his two-legged friends want from him. He is also a patient and cuddly family dog, who is very relaxed towards children.

Despite its all-rounder nature, the Poodle is not a dog that should be left to its own devices. In order for it to develop its potential, it is happy to receive consistent training and occupations. He really likes to get brain teasers.

Not only the inner values of the Poodle can score points, low-hair dog breed group, coat care is uncomplicated (Tech's pretty hairless I think). In addition, the poodle is also a popular dog for allergy sufferers.

Crosshair

The ever more complicated batcher...

Czechoslovakian Wolfhound

A Czechoslovakian Wolfhound has special requirements and is suitable only for professionals who are willing and able to fully adapt to its needs.

The Wolfhound is closer to the origin of all dogs than other dog breeds. With its wolf-like appearance and behavior, it absolutely belongs in experienced hands.

Especially his enormous reaction speed, his extreme performance and his good sense of scent and orientation predestine him for the work as a service dog for military and police.

A healthy distrust and a certain reservedness are the basis of his nature if not trained otherwise.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfhound is a fearless companion that proves to be very docile and obedient in training. His loyal devotion to his master turns out to be very helpful (a little side blow here- or bad if he's blindly obidient).

His above-average intelligence makes him a grateful and good student even in demanding exercises. Provided that he regards these as meaningful. Because the intelligent dog is quite capable of critically questioning the tasks given to him.

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

[mummyofgoonpigs]

Part five

Jacquline entered the office, it was 4pm

“Ladies you can pack up for the day now, thank you for help and enthusiasm today, I’ll see you all in the morning”

The women all got their stuff together, wished their boss a good evening and left the office.

Jacquline turned to the four men, who were all on their knees and looking at her with some trepidation.

“You four follow me” she strode off with the slaves crawling quickly behind her.

They arrived at the room where Scott was secured and as the entered he was just being unbound by the two nurses, his gag had been removed and he was drooling from his mouth, one thing everyone noticed was his cock was still fully erect.

“You all kneel with backs to the wall” Jacquline gestured to the 4 she’d just brought with her “and you join them” she pointed at Scott. He got up from the bench and somewhat wobbly, joined the other 4 men.

“Firstly I want to congratulate you all, you have adapted well to your new rolls as office slaves” Jacquline started “now I have some more news for you, you’ll all be staying here from now on, your wives and partners have no interest in having you back since they have found out about your perverted internet shenanigans, not until you’re properly trained anyway, then we will see” the men all knelt looking at her with shocked looks on their faces. Sean didn’t have a wife or partner but thought it best not to point this out at this time.

“Now if you’d all follow me it’s time for your dinner”

They made their way to the lift, Jacquline turned a key and pressed ‘basement’ and the lift started to descend. As the doors opened its fair to say the men were ill prepared for the sight that met them. It was a large room, the size of the offices above, with a concrete floor and bare stone walls, there were several benches of different types spread around the room, crosses attached to the wall together with as much bdsm equipment as you can imagine. In the far corner there were two rows of cages stacked on top of each other, some already contained naked males.

The two women that had been with Jacquline early were also in the room, but now instead of smart business suits they were kitted out in pvc and thigh boots.

Jacquline looked down at the five men below her.

“As you can see you boys aren’t alone” she gestured to the cages, these are our ex husbands and some additional ‘friends’ we’ve picked up along the way”

Out of the 16 cages there were five empty ones which were obviously meant for Tom, Jason, Scott, Chris and Sean.

“Anyway” she continued “as promised its dinner time” she pointed to some metal bowls on the floor “I suggest you eat up as there will be nothing else until Breakfast, no hands, just get your faces in and be quick about it” the men all crawled towards the bowls containing what looked like cold rice and beans. They looked for a while and then one by one started to eat like dogs, heads in the bowls, arses in the air. The men in the cages looked on with some pity, know what life was going to be like for their new companions.

After they had all finished and had a drink from a larger bowl containing water and then Jacquline spoke again.

“Now follow me and I’ll show you your new homes” she made her way across to the cages, one of the pvc clad women opened a cage door on the bottom level “ok pop yourself in and get comfortable” she said to Chris. He crawled in and the door closed behind him. The cages were about 4’ long, 3’ high and 3’ deep, there were no mats or cushion on the bottom just bare bars, Chris soon realised he would be up close and personal with his fellow captives as the man’s arse in the cage above him was inches away from his face.

One by one the others were all locked up until all 16 cages were occupied.

Jacquline spoke again “very good, now myself and the girls are going for something to eat, we’ll be back a little later for some fun evening entertainment” and with that she walked to the lift followed by the two nurses and the two assistants, their heeled boots clicking on the floor. As the lift doors closed the basement lights went off and they were left in complete darkness. It was quiet for a minute or two then a voice said “hello I’m Dave, are you new guys all ok” there were a few mumbles and then Scott spoke “no I’m not ok, what the fuck is going on here, I’ve been tied to a bench and basically raped all afternoon and my cock is still stiff as a board”

“Oh you must be a bull” Dave answered “don’t worry you’ll get used to it, it’s not always like that, sometimes it’s a bit more normal”

“Normal!” Scott exclaimed “are there other bulls here then”

“Yes, with you there’ll be 3, the rest of us are locked in chastity cages as your friends are, I’m guessing we didn’t measure up” Dave responded

“So when will my fucking cock go down, it’s really sore and achy” Scott moaned

Another voice joined in “it won’t go down pal, you’ll be injected everyday and it’ll be hard all the time, and with all the increased activity you’ll find your balls getting bigger as well”

Scott fell silent, taking in what he’d just been told.

Tom then spoke “so how long have you all been down here”

Dave replied “we were shipped in last night, this place is all new to us, we were moved from another facility where we’d been for months”

“Months” Tom said “they can’t do this to us, it’s got to be illegal”

“Oh it certainly is illegal, but Jacquline has something on everyone of us we wouldn’t want getting out, the two women you saw in PVC, they’re her cyber team, they’ll have been through everything you’ve ever looked at, signed up to, everyone you’ve spoke to online, pictures you’ve sent and received, basically we’re all perverts and she knows it”

The room fell silent again, all 16 men seemed to be contemplating their predicament as they shuffled around in their cages trying to get comfortable.

Eventually the lift pinged, the lights came back on and the doors opened.

Jacquline and the 4 other women all entered the room, now all wearing PVC, they all marched across to the caged men and Jacquline spoke “time for our fun now, get the bulls and secure them to the wall and then get 5 of the betas out”

“Any in particular” asked one of the women

“Some of the trained ones then the newbies can see what’s expected of them”……….

[companyofanimals]

Dog Training Near Me: Finding the Right Trainer for Your Dog

Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It's not just about teaching your dog tricks; it's about building a good relationship based on trust and understanding. Proper training can help prevent behaviour problems, improve your dog's well-being, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Whether you're a new dog owner or looking to improve your dog's behaviour, finding the right trainer and knowing how to train effectively can make a big difference.

Every dog is different, with their own personality, needs, and pace of learning. So, it's important to adapt your training methods to suit your dog's unique traits. This guide will help you find the right trainer and provide practical tips for effective pet training.

Choosing the Right Dog Trainer

When you start training your dog, finding a qualified trainer can be a great first step. A good trainer can offer the guidance and expertise needed to teach your dog important skills and address any specific behaviour issues. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a trainer:

1. Experience and Qualifications

Experience is very important in dog training. Trainers with years of experience have likely encountered many different dog behaviours and training challenges, making them well-prepared to handle various situations. Look for trainers who have been in the business for several years and have a good record of successful training.

In addition to experience, qualifications are crucial. Certification from respected organisations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) shows that the trainer has had formal education and follows industry standards. These organisations require trainers to prove their knowledge of animal behaviour, training techniques, and ethical practices. Choosing a certified trainer ensures you're working with someone who understands canine psychology and effective training methods.

2. Training Methods

The methods a trainer uses can greatly affect how successful the training is and how your dog feels about it. Positive reinforcement is widely seen as the most humane and effective method. This approach focuses on rewarding good behaviours with treats, praise, or playtime, encouraging dogs to repeat those actions. Positive reinforcement creates a friendly learning environment, strengthens the bond between the dog and owner, and boosts the dog's confidence.

Avoid trainers who use harsh methods, like punishment or dominance-based techniques. These approaches can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, damaging the trust between the dog and owner. When interviewing potential trainers, ask about their training philosophy and methods. A good trainer should be open about their approach and prioritise your dog's well-being.

3. Specialisations

Some trainers specialise in specific areas of dog training, such as obedience, behaviour modification, agility, or service dog training. If your dog has particular needs or goals, it may be helpful to find a trainer with expertise in that area. For example, if your dog shows aggressive behaviour, a trainer specialising in behaviour modification can help manage and correct these issues.

When choosing a trainer, consider your dog's age, breed, and temperament. Puppies may need basic obedience training and socialisation, while older dogs might need help with specific behaviour problems. Specialised trainers can tailor their programmes to meet your dog's unique needs, ensuring a more effective training experience.

Dog Training Tips for Beginners

Training your dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also have its challenges, especially if you're new to it. Here are some basic tips to help you get started:

1. Start with Basic Commands

Begin with simple commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." These commands are the foundation for more advanced training and are essential for good manners and control. Start training in a quiet place with few distractions so your dog can focus. As your dog gets better at these commands, gradually introduce more challenging scenarios.

When teaching basic commands, use clear and consistent cues. For example, always use the word "sit" when you want your dog to sit, and you can pair it with a hand signal if you like. Being consistent helps your dog understand what you're asking and speeds up learning. Keep training sessions positive and rewarding by using treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce good behaviour.

2. Consistency is Crucial

Consistency is key to successful dog training. Use the same commands, cues, and rules all the time, and make sure everyone in the household does the same. Inconsistent training can confuse your dog and slow their progress. For instance, if one person lets the dog on the sofa while another doesn't, the dog may get mixed signals.

Setting a regular routine also helps reinforce good behaviours. Set aside dedicated training time each day and stick to a schedule. Consistent training helps your dog know what's expected and creates a sense of structure, which can reduce anxiety and improve behaviour.

3. Short Training Sessions

Dogs have short attention spans, especially puppies. To prevent them from getting bored or frustrated, keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, several times a day, rather than one long session. This helps keep your dog interested and motivated.

During training, watch your dog's body language and energy levels. If your dog seems tired or uninterested, it's best to end the session on a positive note and try again later. Remember, training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog, so keep the atmosphere light and happy.

4. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Rewarding your dog for good behaviour encourages them to repeat those actions. Rewards can include treats, praise, toys, or playtime—anything your dog enjoys.

When using treats, choose small, tasty ones that your dog loves. Use them sparingly, especially if your dog is prone to gaining weight. As your dog gets better at a command, gradually reduce the treats and use more praise and affection as rewards.

Timing is important with positive reinforcement. Reward your dog right after they do the desired behaviour to help them link the action with the reward. Be enthusiastic and generous with your praise, as dogs love positive attention.

How to Train Your Dog to Behave

Training your dog to behave involves more than just teaching commands. It also means teaching good manners, setting boundaries, and dealing with specific behaviour issues. Here's how to guide your dog towards better behaviour:

1. Establish Rules and Boundaries

From the moment your dog comes home, set clear rules and boundaries. Decide on things like whether your dog is allowed on the furniture and stick to these rules consistently.

Establishing boundaries also applies to outdoor behaviour. For example, teach your dog not to jump on people, pull on the lead, or bark too much. Setting clear expectations from the start helps prevent unwanted behaviours and creates a more peaceful home.

2. Socialisation

Socialisation is a key part of dog training, especially for puppies. Proper socialisation means introducing your dog to different people, animals, and environments in a positive way. This helps your dog become confident, reduces fear and anxiety, and encourages good social behaviour.

Start socialisation early, ideally between 3 and 14 weeks of age, when puppies are most open to new experiences. Introduce your dog to different types of people, including children, adults, and people with different appearances. Let them meet other animals, like other dogs, cats, and even small pets.

When taking your dog to new places, like parks or busy streets, go slowly and use positive reinforcement. Encourage calm and confident behaviour, and reward your dog for staying relaxed. Gradually increase the level of difficulty by introducing more challenging situations.

3. Address Problem Behaviours

All dogs might show unwanted behaviours at times, like barking too much, chewing things, or jumping up on people. Address these problems quickly to stop them from becoming habits. Use positive reinforcement to encourage better behaviours.

For example, if your dog barks a lot, find out what's causing it and work on getting them used to it. Reward your dog for being quiet and teach them an alternative behaviour, like going to their bed or staying calm on command. If your dog chews on furniture or household items, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and redirect their attention to these toys when they start chewing on something they shouldn't.

Consistency and patience are key when dealing with problem behaviours. It may take time for your dog to stop bad habits and learn new, positive ones. Be persistent, and celebrate small successes along the way.

Quick Dog Training Tips

Here are some extra quick tips to help you make the most of training your dog:

1. Use High-Value Rewards

High-value rewards are treats or toys that your dog finds especially exciting. These rewards can be very effective when teaching new commands or reinforcing good behaviour in challenging situations. Use high-value rewards strategically, saving them for times when you need extra motivation from your dog.

2. Stay Calm and Patient

Training requires patience and a calm attitude. Dogs can sense human emotions, so staying calm helps create a positive training environment and keeps your dog focused.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice helps reinforce learned behaviours and maintain progress. Practice commands in different environments and situations to make sure your dog can respond well, even with distractions. Include training in your daily routines, like mealtime or walks, to consistently reinforce good behaviour.

4. Focus on One Command at a Time

To avoid overwhelming your dog, focus on teaching one command at a time. Once your dog has mastered a command, you can start teaching new ones while continuing to reinforce the old ones. This approach helps your dog build confidence and ensures a strong foundation for more advanced training.

Dog Training Online: A Convenient Option

These days, online dog training has become a popular and convenient choice for many pet owners. Online training offers flexibility and access to a wide range of resources, making it a great option for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person training. Here’s why online dog training might be right for you:

1. Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of online dog training is the flexibility it provides. Online training programmes let you work with your dog at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can access training materials, videos, and tutorials whenever it’s convenient, whether early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break. This flexibility makes it easier to fit training into your daily routine without needing to attend scheduled classes.

2. Variety of Resources

Online platforms offer a wide range of training resources, including video tutorials, articles, and live webinars. These resources cover a variety of topics, from basic obedience and puppy training to specialised areas like agility, scent work, and behaviour modification. The variety of available materials lets you customise your training programme to your dog’s specific needs and interests.

Many online training programmes also offer interactive elements, such as forums or live Q&A sessions with certified trainers. These features provide valuable opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and receive personalised guidance from professionals.

3. Expert Guidance

Online training programmes are often created by certified trainers and animal behaviourists with years of experience. These experts design comprehensive training courses that follow proven methods and best practices. By enrolling in an online programme, you can access expert guidance and professional advice, ensuring you receive high-quality instruction.

Online training can also be a more affordable alternative to in-person classes. Many programmes offer subscription-based access to a wide range of resources at a fraction of the cost of private lessons or group classes. This affordability makes professional training more accessible to a broader audience.

Conclusion: The Journey of Training Your Dog

Training your dog is a rewarding and ongoing journey that requires dedication, patience, and a positive approach. Whether you choose in-person classes or online resources, the key to success lies in consistent practice, clear communication, and a deep understanding of your dog's unique personality and needs.

Throughout the training process, remember that every dog is different. Progress may vary, and challenges are a natural part of the journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones, and don't hesitate to seek support from trainers or fellow dog owners when needed.

Ultimately, the goal of training is to build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog, ensuring a happy and well-behaved companion. With the right tools, techniques, and mindset, you can create a positive and fulfilling experience for both you and your furry friend. Enjoy the process of teaching, learning, and bonding with your canine companion, and cherish the special moments along the way.

[rediron123]

Personalised Stretch To Suit Seat Back Chair Covers At Pro

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Waits recorded his eighth studio album, Rain Dogs, on the RCA Studios in mid 1985. Waits referred to as the album "sort of an interplay between Appalachia and Nigeria". Keith Richards played on several tracks; Richards later acknowledged Waits's encouragement of his first solo album, Talk is Cheap. The filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Mondino directed a music video of the Rain Dogs track stretch chair back covers "Downtown Train". The track was subsequently lined by Patty Smyth in 1987, and later by Rod Stewart, where it reached the top 5 in 1990. In 1985, Rolling Stone journal named Waits its "Songwriter of the Year", and in 2003 it would rank Rain Dogs among the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Shortly after the rescue scene we fast ahead six years and meet up with a now-adolescent Judith. After spending most of the season wandering by way of the barren landscape, Rick and his group encountered Aaron, a scout for one more established group. In this episode, they decide to trust him and let him take them to Alexandria, the place that might become home to many of them for the rest of the collection. The gated, self-sustained community has been lucky to not have had a lot bother with walkers or strangers so far. They haven’t spent much time outdoors the walls, although, and they don’t have the survival expertise of Rick’s folks.

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WHYY offers reliable, fact-based, native information and information and world-class entertainment to everybody in our community. Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY's PlanPhilly. Philadelphia’s sidewalks are so dangerous that a gaggle of people with disabilities are suing the city to get a plan for restore. “I assume integration between abled and disabled, that’s going to be the actual change that we see,” Fatale said, earlier than the settlement was reached. Fatale, the Roxborough resident, has experienced this firsthand. Her medical health insurance paid to put in a small stretch of sidewalk at her house in Roxborough, which her neighbors now use to usher in groceries.

During a mission to rescue an injured Eugene from a horde he believes to have evolved, Jesus covers the group’s escape in a foggy cemetery at evening. He takes out numerous walkers along with his knife but considered stretch chair back covers one of them abruptly ducks, spins around, and stabs him with it instead. Still a game-changer, just not in the way in which we initially thought.

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At the campaign event in Gwinnett, he advised familiar marketing campaign stories and lamented a “woke” army and open borders, whereas reiterating that he knew the distinction between a man and a woman — key Republican talking points. Still built just like the football player and combined martial arts fighter he was once, Walker reportedly does 2,000-3,000 pushups and situps every day. By the time he obtained to highschool, Walker would dedicate himself to health and reading, even turning into a member of the Beta Club, an honor society.

[haikyuuublog]

Haikyuu Characters As Theater Kids: Seijoh Addition

Oikawa:

ACTING PRODIGY

PLZ he is born to be on stage

Adaptable to any role

Fakes confidence over his crippling insecurities so he’s used to pretending to be something he’s not 😃

Beautiful singing voice and really smooth dancer with great rhythm

Charms people to come to their shows; he attracts a LOT of fangirls

Attention whore

Very competitive and always wants the lead role: When Kageyama first tried out, he thought he might be upstaged again and was ready to manipulate Kageyama into dropping out. He learned very quickly that Kageyama sucks.

Really helps the dynamic with his fellow cast members and keeps the show going fluid

Openly flirts with Iwaizumi on set

One time Iwaizumi asked him why he wasn’t nervous and Oikawa said, “My trick is looking in the mirror before a show. Because it reminds me that the sexiest person at Seijoh believes in me.”

Gives himself a standing ovation at the end

As he should 😌

Iwaizumi:

Works in stage crew; he helps move set pieces and helps the actors with strength training

Aggressively supportive; one time somebody lied about getting sleep when they were super tired and he yelled at them to leave until they were well rested. (It was Oikawa).

His love language is yelling and aggression, and I think that’s very sexy of him 😌

Very muscular so he really helps with changing sets and moving heavy props between scenes

Also helps train dancers and get them in shape

That also attracts fangirls because ✨arm muscles✨

Rolls his eyes and grumbles when Oikawa flirts with him, but it actually makes him flustered and he’s really not as subtle as he thinks he is

Does not refer to Oikawa by his name, only by Shittykawa

He put that as his official name in the programme that gets handed out to everyone before the show

All of Seijoh was on board with it. Truly the epitome of teamwork and camaraderie

Kunimi:

Sleeps through practice

Lazy as hell

Where is the effort? 🤨

Super low-effort and always sounds like he’s gonna fall asleep on stage

Does actually fall asleep on stage

Daichi was not pleased

Kyotani “Mad Dog”

Shoves everyone

Literally all the actors

Also everyone else

Including an old woman who “was asking to be pushed if she was just gonna stand in the fucking way like that”

He can’t help himself

One day tried to shove one of the crew members and by the time he discovered it was Iwaizumi, he was already screwed

Iwaizumi dropped the heavy set piece he was carrying on him

He swears it was an accident

It wasn’t

Yahaba:

Bitch slapped Kyotani on stage

Claimed he did it to improvise because he thought it would add extra emotion to the scene

Nobody bought that but everybody pretended to because seeing Kyotani get bitch slapped was incredibly satisfying

Claimed he did it the second time by accident

By the third time, he just admitted he did it because Kyotani had a punchable face

Honestly? Valid

Makki:

Cannot take this seriously, I’m sorry

Him and Mattsun send each other memes during practice

Quits because “who wants to see Oikawa’s ego gets stroked any more than it already is”

To be fair, Oikawa was giving himself a standing ovation and he was telling all of Seijoh to join in

Iwa booed him and Makki joined to keep Oikawa humble

Unfortunately, trying to keep Oikawa humble is an impossible task

A for effort though I guess

Mattsun:

Cannot take this seriously pt. 2

Him and Makki send memes to each other

Feel like he would sneak in snacks and eat them in the audience with Makki

He thinks he’s being sneaky but it becomes a problem because Nishinoya asks really loudly, “DO YOU GUYS HAVE FOOD?” Then, everyone rushes to them and steals their snacks. 

He decided to prank them next practice by bringing in really gross tasting snacks.

He forgot that he brought in gross tasting snacks and ate one himself. RIP to his tastebuds 😔

Quits because Makki quits. I don’t make the rules. 🤷‍♀️

Watari:

Bruh idk I couldn’t tell you one fact about this man besides that he’s Seijoh’s libero

An extra with Ennoshita and Company 😌

It’s ok: Remember, no small parts only small actors. :)

Kindaichi:

Tries to start beef with Kageyama

Kageyama literally says anything, and Kindaichi just scoffs and acts salty

Kageyama doesn’t give him the time of day

Makes him more angry

I will never stop the Kindaichi slander and I’m not sorry 😌

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

Do you any suggestion for Super Sentai?plz

*cracks knuckles*

Well first off, if anyone wanting to get into Super Sentai watched Power Rangers growing up, I’d check out the series whatever season you watched was adapted from to see how things went there in comparison to how they were in the United States. So if you grew up with the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, watch Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger. If you don’t know what the Sentai the season you grew up with is called, I’d check out RangerWiki, which provides a lot of information on both franchises.

I’d also recommend checking out a few episodes of the very first Super Sentai entry, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. Not all 84 episodes, mind you, but I’d just watch a few to see where Super Sentai got its roots from, because the team football attack gets referenced a lot further down the line. Yes, you read that correctly.

But for individual seasons for beginners, it’s harder for me to answer. Super Sentai has varied aesthetically and tonally across its 45 year run. Some shows are dark and gritty, while others are light-hearted and goofy. Some shows have a vehicle motif, while others use animals for a motif. So the seasons I’m going to talk about will cover all kinds of tones and themes across the years. I also haven’t seen every single entry, so these are the ones I’ve seen that I recommend for beginners.

Denshi Sentai Denziman (1980-1981, 51 Episodes)

Centuries ago, the evil Vader Clan conquered and decimated the Denzi Civilization. In the modern day, the talking dog IC awoke from his slumber when the Vader Clan began their invasion of Earth. So IC recruits five people to become the Denzimen to defend their planet and stop the Vader Clan once and for all.

The first three seasons of Super Sentai were very experimental, but Denziman was where Toei started to get an identity for Sentai down. Not only would the black visors and sculpted mouthpieces become a staple for Sentai’s (and by extension, Power Rangers) suit designs, but this was also the first season to really start a few Sentai traditions. It was the first season to have female villains, the first to use a transformation device for the heroes, the first time the monsters grew to fight the team’s giant robot.

The Denzimen, while not really going through any character development, are still very likable characters, especially Denzi Blue/Daigoro (played by legendary tokusatsu actor Kenji Ohba). The villains are also a lot of fun, a real improvement from the first three villain groups, who were all basically Earth-based terrorist organizations and/or death cults. The Vader Clan is full of villains who are just as entertaining to watch as the heroes, especially Queen Hedrian, played by the late Machiko Soga, who would later go on to play Witch Bandora, the character Rita Repulsa is adapted from in Power Rangers. There’s not that much of an ongoing for most of the series, and it can get pretty goofy at times, but it’s still a really good show.

Choushinsei Flashman (1986-1987, 50 Episodes). 

Five infants are abducted by the Reconstructive Experiment Empire Mess to use as test subjects for experimentation, but are saved by benevolent aliens from the Flash Solar System. They all spend the next twenty years in the system developing their combat skills and special powers until they decide to head back to Earth to fight Mess themselves as the Flashmen, despite the warnings of their alien caretakers.

The 1980s are usually referred to by fans as Super Sentai’s golden age, with a string of great seasons thanks to famed writer Hirohisa Soda. Flashman is no exception. While Denziman tended to have more stand-alone episodes, Flashman is more story-driven. Later on, there’s a really dark plot twist that I don’t want to give away. Admittedly, some of the special effects can be dated to showcase the Flashmen’s powers in addition to stock footage being reused a lot, but the action and camerawork are still fast-paced and rarely do the fight scenes get boring.

The villains are the kind you love to hate, and their actors all give great performances, especially the late Unsho Ishizuka (the Japanese voice of Professor Oak) as Great Emperor La Deus. This is easily one of the darker Super Sentai entries, but if you don’t mind that, I highly recommend it.

Choujuu Sentai Liveman (1988-1989 49 Episodes). 

At an academy for the finest minds in the world, three of the students feel their talents are being wasted on designing a satellite to conduct scientific research. They soon join up with Great Professor Bias, leader of the Armed Brain Army Volt, who takes them all under his wing as his students and generals. Before they leave, they kill two students, leaving their three friends traumatized. Two years later, Volt begins its plan to conquer Earth, but the three friends of the two victims developed their own technology to fight them as the Livemen in the two years since they last saw their former classmates. Bias’ students have developed their own abilities through mutating their bodies, starting a conflict between some of the most intelligent youths in the world while figuring out what Bias’ evil plan is...

Some Sentai fans consider this to be even darker than Flashman at times due to the themes discussed. Unlike earlier seasons, the heroes have a more personal connection to the villains, and act as foils to them in terms of morality. The show also has some surprisingly deep themes at times, deconstructing the harsh standards the Japanese have for education and the effects they can have on people. Seriously, the main villain, Great Professor Bias, sets up a competition for his generals as a way to advance his plans, treating it like a high academic honor. 

This series also has some amazing special effects for the time. This was the first Sentai series to have an animal motif, so they go all out by using one of the most complicated models for his giant robotic lion, a stunning innovation for special effects. It was also the first series to introduce the gimmick of combining two robots, which is a genius marketing tactic when you think about it, motivating kids to buy both robots to combine them. Even putting those technical aspects aside, this is still one of the most iconic Super Sentai seasons, and a must-watch for beginners.

Choujin Sentai Jetman (1991-1992, 51 Episodes)

An elite soldier is chosen for a top-secret military project meant to turn him into the leader of a team of supersoldiers called the Jetmen. After he gets his powers, the satellite base is attacked by the Dimensional War Party Vyram. Not only are the four remaining “Birdonic Waves” meant to empower the rest of the Jetmen scattered across Earth, powering four civilians instead, but the soldier’s fiance is killed in the process. So he has to recruit the rest of the Jetmen and form a competent team to stop the Vyram from conquering their dimension.

A lot of Precure fans view Heartcatch as the best series in the entire franchise, and many Sentai fans view Jetman the same way. It was a huge success in ratings and toy sales, which actually helped to save Super Sentai from cancellation after the disastrous sales and ratings of the previous series, Chikyuu Sentai Fiveman. It also had some elements that made it stand out from earlier Sentai seasons. While I’ve talked about how Marinette was forced to become Guardian against her will while the show doesn’t acknowledge it, this show actually does point out that almost the entire team is a group of civilians with no combat experience. Earlier episodes are not only spent assembling the team, but also training them to better fight the Vyram and pilot their giant robot.

The series introduced a love triangle for three of the Jetmen, and while controversial among fans, was very popular with Japanese mothers, who were rumored to find Gai/Black Condor very attractive and begged Toei to not kill him off. The love triangle, while arguably one of the weakest parts of this show (but still better written than the Love Square), was part of the main theme of the team being more conflicted, showing they weren’t all best friends all the time.

This extended to the Vyram, who also tended to fight with each other over their plans to conquer the Earth. Sure, there was the occasional villain in earlier seasons who tried to overthrow the big bad, but this was the first time we had a whole group of villains trying to one-up each other. The best way to describe the Vyram is if the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia were supervillains who were still competent at their jobs.

The series is also incredibly dark, and is often seen as the darkest Sentai has ever gotten. There’s a lot more violence and blood than usual, and a lot more onscreen deaths that aren’t just limited to the villains. Humans are actively killed or hurt in the crossfire, and it shows just how painful this war is. And because of all of that and many other reasons, this is seen as the peak of Super Sentai. If you have to watch a single Sentai series, watch Jetman.

Ninja Sentai Kakuranger (1994-1995, 53 Episodes)

During Japan’s Sengoku Era, a team of five ninja sealed away the leader of an army of Youkai, rendering their kind powerless. In the present day, one of the few surviving Youkai tricks two bikers, who are actually descendants of two of the ninja in the past, into undoing the seal and giving all of the Youkai their powers back. Another descendant of the ninja recruits them into taking on the legacy of their ancestors to fight the Youkai, becoming the Kakurangers.

The 1990s were when Super Sentai was starting to delve more into fantasy elements rather than just science-fiction, and also started to take on a more light-hearted tone. Kakuranger is no exception. It’s a lot more goofy than the other entries, even using comic book-style graphics during its fight scenes. There’s also a narrator who appears to explain the history of the Youkai of the week, a detail I really like. While this show is still unashamedly goofy, it still gets more serious in the second half, but never loses its comedic moments entirely.

Like with Jetman, Kakuranger shows the reality of drafting two civilians to fight a war against the supernatural, with only one of the first three Kakurangers knowing how to fight. That Kakuranger in question, Tsuruhime/Ninja White, is easily one of the best Sentai heroines of all time. Not only was the first female and non-Red to lead a Sentai team, but she was only fifteen years old while the other Kakurangers were in their twenties. Marinette could learn a lot from her, and no, that’s not an insult. Tsuruhime is a complete badass, and a team-up with Ladybug would be the coolest thing ever.

What was I talking about? Oh yeah, watch Kakuranger.

Kyukyu Sentai GoGoV (1999-2000, 50 Episodes)

The demonic children of the Grand Witch Grandiene begin causing natural disasters to bring destruction to Earth in order to revive their mother. In response, five rescue workers who also happen to be siblings are recruited by their estranged father to become a team dedicated to saving lives from the Psyma Family’s actions.

Did anyone ever watch Rescue Heroes as a kid? Imagine that show, but with the intensity turned up to eleven. This show is epic, with amazing action and some of the coolest giant robots in Sentai history. One of their robots is a giant train armed to the teeth with guns. Even putting aside the action, this show does a great job at highlighting all the dedication rescue workers have to their jobs by showing a lot of rescue scenes in addition to having GoGoV fight the Psyma. It even teaches the audience about firefighters from Japan’s Edo Period. There’s really not a lot of shows that explain what rescue workers were like in the past, which shows just how invested this show is in teaching people about rescue workers.

While this wasn’t the first Sentai series to feature a team of siblings (the first being the aforementioned Fiveman), I think it managed to capture the dynamic best. Family is a key theme of the series, with the healthy relationship between GoGoV contrasting with the more toxic environment the Psyma Family has.

This is easily one of the most action-packed Sentai series ever made. It is literally Fire Force twenty years before that anime premiered, and it is AWESOME.

Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger (2004-2005, 50 Episodes)

In the not-too-distant future (Next Sunday, A.D.), the universe has come together to the point where Earth has made contact with several intelligent alien civilizations. However, intergalactic arms dealer Agent Abrella starts to help out the extraterrestrial criminals on Earth, called Alienizers, by providing technology and giant robots to them because he enjoys profiting from crime, and dreams of a world without the police. In response the organization Special Police Dekaranger, or S.P.D., brings together a team of officers to apprehend the Alienizers.

You want to see space cops doing space cop stuff? Then this is the show for you. Admittedly, this isn’t the most story-driven show, but is instead carried by its characters, who go through a lot of development. The Dekarangers have one of the best team dynamics in Sentai history. All of them are very likable characters, and it’s a lot of fun to see them interact. But the best character in the show goes to the Dekarangers’ boss, Doggie Kruger/Dekamaster, a dog alien who becomes a Dekaranger himself, labeling himself The Watchdog of Hell. That has to be the coolest title any superhero has ever had. Dekamaster is another one of the greatest Super Sentai characters ever, taking down a hundred goons in his first battle by himself.

I haven’t even gotten to Agent Abrella, one of the coolest Sentai villains of all time. He’s obsessed with profit and chaos, and he’s easily one of the most sadistic main villains compared to his predecessors. He isn’t some evil emperor who wants to rule the world. He just wants to raise hell and make a quick buck from it. He’s also voiced by Ryusei Nakao, the Japanese voice of Frieza from Dragon Ball Z. That’s another appeal of Sentai, the voice talent. A lot of big-name voice actors have voiced characters, like Mao Ichimichi and Kotono Mitsuishi. Hell, the currently ongoing Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger has Yuki Kaji of Attack on Titan fame voicing one of the main characters.

Dekaranger is easily one of the most popular Sentai seasons out there, as it has a lot of additional material. Not only did the Dekarangers get a theatrically released film like many other seasons before it, they teamed up with two separate Sentai teams, some of them cameoed in the anniversary series Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, they got a reunion movie ten years after its finale, four of the Dekarangers guest starred in another Sentai series two years after that, Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, which served as a prologue to a team-up with another Toei hero, Uchuu Kenji Gavan, and then that led into the Dekarangers cameoing in another Kyuranger movie meant to be an epilogue to that series.

Yeah, this is why I haven’t talked about the Sentai movies in this post. You don’t have to watch any of these unless you really enjoy Dekaranger, which you should at least check out. It’s slow at times, but it’s still a lot of fun.

Engine Sentai Go-Onger (2008-2009, 50 Episodes)

The Banki Clan Gaiark have traveled from their home dimension of Machine World and chosen Earth as their new home, but they have to pollute the planet to serve as an ideal living space for their kind. In response, sentient animal-themed vehicles called the Engines choose five humans to partner up with, the five humans in question becoming the Go-Ongers.

Unlike most of the shows I talked about, Go-Onger is incredibly goofy, and I love it. The characters are all incredibly likable, both the Go-Ongers and the Engines. While Sentai had touched upon the idea of treating the mecha as sentient beings, this was one of the earliest series to actually have their partners talk, leading to some interesting character dynamics. The villains are also really fun to watch. While they’re about as competent as Team Rocket at times, there are moments where you actually feel bad for them, especially towards the end of the series.

It’s also really funny. Granted, comedy is subjective, so you may not find the same things as funny, but there are a lot of funny moments in this show, all helped by the actors giving amazing performances. Go-Onger can get extremely wacky at times, like in Episode 31. I’m not going to say what happens, you should watch it for yourself.

What makes the humor really work unlike the last attempt at a comedy-focused Sentai, Carranger, it didn’t really feel mean-spirited by portraying the heroes as idiots by claiming to be “parodying” Sentai. Yes, the Go-Ongers can be dumb at times, but they still take their jobs seriously when they’re not goofing around. There’s not really much I can say about Go-Onger other than it being a bunch of dumb fun. If you’re in the mood to start off with something more light-hearted, I’d check it out.

Samurai Sentai Shinkenger (2009-2010, 49 Episodes)

For centuries, generations of samurai have waged a war against a race of demons from the underworld called the Gedoshu. After their leader was temporarily sealed away for several years, the Gedoshu begin another invasion of the surface while trying to flood the Sanzu River, which grows through human misery. In response, the current generation of samurai, the Shiba Clan, assemble to fight the Gedoshu as the Shinkengers.

This was actually one of the first Sentai seasons I ever watched, as my first Power Rangers season was Samurai. And yeah, while Samurai is a really bad adaptation, I’m here to judge Shinkenger on its own. Admittedly, there are a lot of qualities that can be chalked up to cultural differences, like the whole honor code samurai have and certain plotlines you’d see in a jidaigeki film. The Shinkengers themselves are all very likable characters, and you can really relate to their struggles of being forced into this war (again, handled a lot better than what’s going on with Marinette). All of them have different responses to their situation. Some of them dedicate themselves to wholeheartedly following their lord (Takeru/Shinken Red) or being more vocal in their hatred of their duties.

The villains are also really interesting. Sure, the big bad is pretty boring, but the side villains are just so twisted they really steal the show. Takeru/ShinkenRed gets a rival who serves as a perfect foil to him, representing the idea of why one fights. Even the concept of the Gedoushu is pretty terrifying. Demons from another world hellbent on causing misery to flood our world with their water, which I must point out, is deadly to humans. They’re not my favorite villain group, but they’re a close second.

There’s also some clever plot twists that happen late into the series that I don’t want to give away. Sure, you might have a hard time getting used to the Japanese culture at first, but Shinkenger is still a great series.

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger (2011-2012, 51 Episodes)

The Zangyack Empire invades Earth and because of their army reaching across the universe, they become the greatest threat the planet has ever had. In response, the previous thirty-four Sentai teams unite to fight them. They succeed, but the attack they used to wipe out the battle fleet stripped them of their powers. A few years later, a group of space pirates come to Earth in search of “The Greatest Treasure in the Universe”. While the pirates couldn’t care less about stopping the Zangyack, they still have to deal with them while searching for the treasure, which is somehow connected to the previous thirty-four Sentai teams. Also, the pirates form their own Sentai team, the thirty-fifth Sentai team in particular, the Gokaigers, who have the ability to TRANSFORM INTO ANY OF THE PREVIOUS SENTAI TEAMS.

For Super Sentai’s 35th anniversary, Toei wanted to go big this time. While the previous two anniversary seasons only had movies that paid tribute to Sentai as a whole, this was the first season where the anniversary aspect was in the premise alone. 

The interesting thing is that the series was changed last-minute, and it was totally for the better. See, in March of 2011, Japan’s Tohoku Region was devastated by an earthquake registering at a 9.1 on the Richter scale. To this day, it was the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan’s history, and that’s not even getting into the tsunami it caused the same day. What does this have to do with Gokaiger? In response to the tragedy, several tokusatsu stars including Super Sentai alumni took to social media to encourage kids to stay positive, and even asked some of Gokaiger’s showrunners if they could reprise their roles in an episode. Originally, there were going to be some cameos from past Sentai heroes, but it would only be limited to the ones whose powers would upgrade the Gokaigers’ giant robot. After this, there were a lot more cameos from Sentai alumni in the latter half of the series. Out of Gokaiger’s 51 episodes, 24 of them were tributes to past seasons. And that’s not even getting into all of the cameos in the movies too.

This was another one of the first Sentai seasons I ever saw, and it really helped me get into the franchise as a whole. It manages to explain things to people who haven’t seen certain seasons, while paying tributes to said seasons and making clever homages older fans will understand. Admittedly, the show does spoil the endings of the older seasons like Liveman and Jetman, so keep that in mind before starting this one.

Even outside of the tributes, the Gokaigers are some of the most memorable characters Super Sentai’s had in recent years. While they aren’t exactly evil, they start off not really interested in protecting Earth and care more about getting the Greatest Treasure in the Universe. The only reason they fight the Zangyack in the first episode was because their lunch was interrupted. A team of anti-heroes in Super Sentai hasn’t really been done before. Even then, there’s an interesting dynamic where some of the Gokaigers have more of a moral conscience than the others. And as the series goes on, they start to care more about protecting the Earth, even if they don’t admit it.

It’s just a really good show, and even if it isn’t your first, I’d check it out.

Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger (2013-2014, 48 Episodes)

When the alien entity known as Deboss invades Earth during the prehistoric era, another bird-like alien named Torin empowers several dinosaurs into the mighty Zyudenryu to fight off the invading force. After a brutal final battle, Deboss was sealed away, but his army of followers was still growing. In response, Torin started to recruit several humans throughout time into the modern day to become the Kyoryugers.

While Gokaiger was the first Sentai I ever watched, Kyoryuger was the first Sentai I watched every week as it aired, so it has a special place in my heart despite its middling reputation. Yeah, Kyoryuger has been criticized for starting the trend of Red Senshi stealing all the screentime, and while that can easily be applied to later entries like Shuriken Sentai Ninninger and Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger (the latter basically made Red and Gold the only ones to pilot the giant robots while the others watched), I don’t think it's as bad as everyone says it is.

There is just an amazing cast of characters here. It’s the first Sentai to be composed of ten rangers (while Dekaranger also had ten, three of them were just one-offs), and it does a really good job at balancing them all out. Yes, Daigo/Kyoryu Red does get a handful of power-ups and can be the focus at times, but the other characters all have their own distinct personalities and are just a blast to watch. I’d honestly recommend watching a few episodes of this show to get an idea on how to do an ensemble cast. If I end up doing the whole “tokusatsu has better toy tie-ins than Miraculous” thing, expect me to talk about how Kyoryuger introduces its new characters and giant robots.

And then there’s the soundtrack. Oh my God, the soundtrack. Sentai tends to have banger songs for their seasons, and Kyoryuger is no exception. “Vamola! Kyoryuger”, “Solid Bullet”, “Kyoryu Gold! Iza!”, “Yuuki Bakuretsu”, “Chou Shinka! Kyoryu Beat”, “Houkou! Bragigas”, and “Senkou no Brave”. So many of these songs are incredibly catchy, and I haven’t listed all of them. The show has a bit of a music motif, so it makes sense for there to be a lot of insert songs.

The one major flaw I have to point out is that you kind of have to watch the theatrical movie (which is only slightly longer than an average episode), in order to understand some of the plotpoints for the season’s endgame, but other than that, it’s still a really good season to start off on.

Mashin Sentai Kiramager (2020-2021, 45 Episodes)

The Dark Empire Yodonheim attacks the planet Crystalia, with the king’s brother betraying him and siding with the enemy. The kingdom’s princess is sent to Earth to recruit five warriors to fight the Empire. The chosen five all possess “Kiramental”, a way of weaponizing their imagination, which they use to defend the Earth’s radiance.

Precure fans might remember this being the season where Cure Star met the Red to promote the latter’s season (actually referring to Cure Star as his sempai), and I can kind of see why. A lot of fans have jokingly compared this season to Precure because of the gemstone motif and focus on creativity, with Juru/Kiramai Red acting like a Pink Cure according to some of the comments I’ve seen in Sentai discussion forums.

This is the most recent season to finish as of this post, and it’s already gotten a lot of praise in terms of writing, characters, story, and managing all of these during the COVID-19 Pandemic and having to adapt to losing five episodes in the process. The characters are very likable, the Red is one of the better ones in recent years with him being more timid compared to the more hotheaded ones, and the villains are also amazing, and some of the best in recent years. Episodes can range from funny to tragic to just plain awesome in terms of writing, with seemingly innocent filler episodes being the source of major bombshells and plot twists. 

Honestly, there’s not much I can really say about this show other than check it out for yourself.

But these are just my recommendations. If you do some research and see a season you like, I’d go for it. If anyone else wants me to do these for Kamen Rider and Ultraman, I’d be happy to.

Sorry this took so long.

[tuiccim]

Terrigenisis (Part 4)

Pairing: Avengers X Inhuman!Reader

Words: 3151

Summary: After undergoing terrigenisis unwillingly your life is turned upside down when you are deemed too dangerous to return to life as a civilian. You are put with the Avengers team to train and rebuild. As you hone your powers and skills, you must also decide if you can find home and love again. Or is your curse to be a lonely wanderer forever?

Part 1  / Part 2 /  Part 3

—————————————

Two weeks after getting Dizzy you had learned to use her sense of smell and had adapted to her ability to hear higher pitched noises. She took to warging well and allowed you use and control of her body often. With some coaxing Redtail had formed a friendly bond with her as well. Everyone on the team loved having her around and she especially loved Bucky and Wanda. 

You were hanging out in Wanda's room with her and Nat when the topic of conversation turned to dating. Yet again. 

"So, really? No one?" Wanda asks.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Bucky and Steve. Neither of them?" Nat smirks.

You roll your eyes at both of them. "Just because you two are happily paired off doesn't mean I have to be. I'm fine for right now. I'm concentrating on becoming an Avenger after being an Average Jill for the majority of my life."

"You were never average." Nat scoffs.

"And things with you and Bruce are good?" You eye Nat.

"Yeah. I adore him." She says.

"Aw, Nat, you're so freaking cute." You giggle with Wanda.

"You are really cute together." Wanda says.

"Wanda! What are you doing?" You look over to see her calmly painting Dizzy's nails a bright shade of red. Dizzy looks at you and tilts her head.

"She wanted her nails done." Wanda smiles while continuing to paint.

"Really, Diz? You wanted your nails done?" You laugh as Dizzy just tilts her head again and then looks back to Wanda and slaps her unpainted paw down as if demanding the same attention be paid to it. Wanda and Nat both laugh at the dog's antics. 

FRIDAY pipes in just then asking you to meet Steve in the conference room. Your brow furrows and you look at your two friends. "Why would Steve be calling me to a meeting?"

Nat shrugs and Wanda says, "I don't know."

"I guess I shouldn't keep him waiting. Can Diz stay with you?"

"Of course." Wanda says.

You reach the conference room to find Steve, Bucky, and Tony waiting for you. 

"Close the door, please." Tony says.

Your stomach knots as you comply. "Is there a problem?" 

"No, not at all." Steve smiles at you. 

"Okay." You sigh in relief. "What's going on?"

"Starting today you're cleared for missions, Zootopia." Tony's nickname for you would usually cause you to roll your eyes, but your excitement far outweighs your annoyance.

"What? Really?" You look to Steve and Bucky for confirmation.

"Really, Doll." Bucky says.

"Welcome to the Avengers." Steve smiles. "Your hard work and initiative have proven you to be a great addition. You'll be teamed up for the first several missions but I have no doubt you'll prove more than capable."

"Thank you, Steve. Bucky, Tony, you too. I know I was flung at you guys. Thank you. I'll do my absolute best." 

"We know, kid. First mission is tomorrow." Tony says and exits. 

“Congratulations, Doll.” Steve says with a smile. 

“Thank you!” You jump into his arms for a hug and he chuckles. 

“My turn!” Bucky holds out his arms. 

“Thank you, Bucky.” You hug him and he lifts you off the ground. 

“Proud of you.” Bucky grins. 

“Get some rest. Big day tomorrow.” Steve says. 

--

You join the team for the briefing the next morning. The team was to take out a Hydra base and retrieve intel. You would go as a scout with Redtail and backup if needed. You understood your part being small for the first mission. It was a chance to get your feet wet. 

You were excited to see the team in action. You boarded the quinjet and placed Redtail in a specially made container for her. 

Wanda smiled and motioned for you to come sit by her.

"How do you feel?" Wanda asked.

"Excited. Nervous. Feels strange, ya know? I mean, a year and a half ago I was, I don't know, boring, average. Now, I'm an Avenger with Inhuman powers. Surreal! That's the word for it." You babble.

"You'll do great." Wanda squeezes your hand. 

"Thanks. I've had some great trainers." You catch Bucky's eye and smile. He winks back at you. 

As soon as you land, you release Redtail and warg. Flying above the trees you easily make out the base and do a quick survey of the surroundings. 

"What do you see?" Steve asks. 

"It looks quiet. There's two guards near the front and three, four patrolling. Wait… something's being unloaded on the north side of the building."

"Can you see what it is?" Steve tenses.

"Unlabeled crates. I'm sorry I can't give you more." You say.

"Find a perch and watch them. Stay on comms and let us know if you see anything more. Head on a swivel and keep your weapon at the ready." Steve directs.

"Understood. Good luck."  You pull your sidearm out as directed. 

The others move out. The sure-footed team of a thousand missions makes their movements seem effortless. 

You find a position for Redtail in a tree and watch the unloading hoping they'll decide to open one or hear them talking about the shipment. Unfortunately, the three men that are unloading seem to only be interested in talking about their need for female companionship and the lack of it near the base until a fourth comes out of the base telling them to hurry up. Moments later Cap's shield flies through the air knocking out two of the guards. A double tap rings out taking the remaining two men out of the equation. You watch as Bucky's metal arm rips open the top of one container to reveal a stash of guns. 

"Just a weapons shipment." Bucky informs Cap.

"Lay a charge." Cap orders, then looks up to Redtail. "Check the perimeter."

You have Redtail take flight immediately and circle above. The rest of the team checks in from their various entry points and the comms fill with sounds of fighting as each team encounters Hydra agents. You spot a convoy of three trucks heading towards the compound. 

"We've got company. Three trucks approaching the north entrance. Three miles out. They see those guards laid out…"

"Copy. We’re gonna need your help. Secure the jet and meet me at the west entrance.” Cap says.

“Copy.” You jump into action doing your best to shake off your nerves. You join Cap and Bucky and follow them to the north side of the building where the rest of the team sans Nat and Sam are gathered. 

“Where’s Nat and Sam?” You ask Bucky. 

“Securing the intel.” Bucky says. “Stay close to me, Doll. Okay?”

You nod and watch as the small convoy makes it to the entrance. The rest of the team had cleared out the agents left behind earlier. As the Hydra agents unload from the truck you watch them through Redtail. 

“Four in each truck. 12 total.” You let everyone know. 

“Let’s go.” Cap says. 

The team moves and spreads out to take out the Hydra agents. With a gun in each hand you follow Bucky into the fray and within seconds have made your first kill. You feel it with your whole body and don’t take lightly that you have just ended someone’s life. When the threats are neutralized, you follow Bucky to inspect the contents of the trucks. More crates of weapons means more charges to set and Bucky works through it quickly. 

Steve pulls you aside a few minutes later. “Are you okay?”

You nod. “I’m good.” 

“You’re on adrenaline right now. You might feel different later. Talk to me if you need to.” Steve says.

“Will do. Does Nat need any help?” 

“Nat, status.” Cap calls over comms.

“Heading your way.” Nat says. 

“What can I do?” You ask Steve.

“You and Clint get back to the jet and you continue to scout with Redtail. We won’t be much longer.” Steve motions to Clint.

You and Clint make your way to the jet. “Hey, you doing okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” You say.

“Adrenaline. You…” Clint begins but stops when you laugh. 

“I’m sorry. Steve’s already done the adrenaline spiel. I promise I will talk to someone if I need to. I don’t take it lightly that I just took a life, but right now I’m okay. Thank you, Clint.” You smile. 

“Alright. You keep guard. I’m going to get the jet ready to take off as soon as the team returns.” Clint heads to the cockpit. 

“On it.” You say. 

“By the way, Bucky being all protective with his stay with me was adorable.” Clint grins.

“Shut it, Clint.” You grouse.

“I’m surprised he didn’t make you hold his hand.” Clint laughs. 

“Get the jet ready, asshat.” You roll your eyes. 

Twenty minutes later, the team had regrouped at the jet and you had put Redtail back into her container. Bucky detonates the charges leaving the Hydra base in a swirl of flames and debris. As the jet takes off, he makes his way over to you.

"You okay, Doll?" He says, concern on his face.

"I'm good. The adrenaline is wearing off, though. I might collapse any minute." Your sarcasm coming out. 

"Steve gave you the adrenaline speech, huh?" Bucky smiles.

"And Clint." You say.

"How was your first mission?" He asks.

"I think it went well." Your brow furrows as you look to him for confirmation. 

"I think so, too." Steve says from your other side. "I think it went very well."

"Thanks, Steve." You smile at him.

Sam comes up and throws an arm around you, "I, for one, have no problem with you watching my six. And Redtail did great, too. Now, how are we celebrating your first mission?"

"How do you guys usually celebrate?" You ask.

"Go out, stay in, it just depends on who's deciding." Sam says.

"Then I request Mexican food and margaritas. Lots and lots of margaritas." You giggle. 

"Oh, this is gonna be fun. Tony!" Sam gets the billionaire's attention. 

"What did Zootopia pick?" Tony smirks.

"Mexican food and Margaritas!" Sam calls.

"I like your style, kid." Tony smiles.

When the team arrives back at the compound everyone gets ready for a night out. After checking in with Nat and Wanda to see what they're wearing you decide on a cute outfit, a little more makeup than you normally wear, and to let your hair fall naturally. Looking in the mirror you feel you've done yourself justice and make your way to the common room as Tony is having FRIDAY broadcasts that "departure is imminent." 

Tony had ordered a limo to take you into town because with Tony, why not? You are sandwiched on one side between Sam and Clint for the ride and listen as the two try to out joke the other. You are laughing hysterically at the two of them. Tony had reserved a large room for you all at an upscale Mexican restaurant and food and drinks flowed. You drank your first margarita in no time flat and ordered a second. 

"Slow down, chica. We got all night." Sam jokes from your right. 

"Don't worry. I'm not planning on getting white girl wasted, Sam." You laugh. 

"What exactly is 'white girl wasted'?" Steve asks from your left.

"It means to drink until you make a fool of yourself by dancing on the table and other shenanigans." You laugh.

"Let her drink all she wants." Bucky says from across from you.

"Not happening, Buck." You wink at him. 

Food came and went, drinks and conversation flowed and everyone was having a blast. Towards the end of the night you were laughing with Sam and leaned your head on his shoulder while you two flirted innocently. You noticed Bucky scowling at something and mugged a face at him. 

Bucky smiles at you, "So, when does the table dancing start?" 

"I second that." Tony pipes up. 

You laugh, "Haha. I'm not that wasted. Besides, you have to have the right music for it. I don't think this works very well." You point at the speaker with slow music coming through.

"Oh, I can fix that." Tony whips his phone out. "That's okay, Tony." You shake your head at him. "Maybe next time."

"You're breaking my heart!" Tony smirks.

"Better than me breaking my neck trying to dance on the table." You laugh. At this point, you're good and tipsy. The happy, relaxed kind of tipsy, but not drunk. Steve is kind enough to give you his arm as you head back to the limo. You sit between him and Bucky on the way home and try to fight sleep. You're exhausted. 

Steve sees your struggle and pulls you into his shoulder. "It's okay, Doll. I've got you." He whispers as you doze off on him. 

The next thing you know you've arrived back at the compound. Steve helps you to your room since his room is right next door. You manage to wash your face and brush your teeth before crawling into bed. Sleep returns swiftly.

A few hours later, a nightmare begins. The face of the man you shot flashes in your mind and then is replaced by Charlie's. Charlie lays on the ground, bleeding from your gunshot as you desperately try to stop it. He dies in front of you again and this time your hands are covered in his blood. 

You wake on a sob and sit up. Curling up into yourself, you cry. You remind yourself it was just a stupid dream. A matrix of your day's experience. Having known nothing of the man who died, your mind replaced him with the one person you had cared for the most and watched die in front of you. Watched as he crumbled under your hands when you tried to dig him out of the chrysalis. "Survivor's guilt" the psychologist had labeled your feelings.  

Dizzy, hearing your distress, jumps into the bed and nuzzles against you. 

"Thanks, girl. I love you, too. I'm okay." You reassure her. You look at the clock 4:45 and decide there's no use trying to go back to sleep. "How about an early run?" You ask. Dizzy perks up. You change and head out. 

Warging, you let a wide awake Redtail know about the run if she wants to fly along. 

"Hey."

You turn towards the voice to see Steve and Bucky approaching. 

"Whoa! Sorry, wasn't expecting your eyes to be yellow. Redtail okay?" Steve asks.

"She's fine." Your eyes return to their usual color as you drop the warg. "I was just letting her know Dizzy and I were going on an early run. What are you guys doing?"

"Going on our usual run." Bucky says. 

"Oh, I didn't know. Probably because I'm not usually up this early." You laugh lightly. 

"Why are you up this early?" Steve asks.

"Bad dream. Guess the adrenaline and alcohol finally wore off." You give a self-deprecation smile.

"Wanna tell us about it, Doll?" Bucky asks.

“The Hydra agent. I shot him and he turned into Charlie. I couldn’t save him.” You looked down as a tear rolled down your cheek. 

You feel yourself engulfed by the two men. Each of them wrapping an arm around you. Bucky’s metal arm around your waist and Steve’s arm around your shoulders. You felt a kiss press to your head. You leaned into them, wrapping your arms around each of them. You leaned on their strength and understanding, their friendship and kindness. It was a lifeline in that moment. A balm to a painful wound, reopened. 

“Thank you.” You whisper, giving one last squeeze and pulling away. 

“You okay?” Steve asks. 

“I’m okay.” You nod. “Dreams are just made of the things we remember. I know that. I’m fine.”

“You sure, Doll?” Bucky says.

“I’m sure. I’m gonna take Dizzy out. I wonder if she can keep up with you guys.” You smile. 

“We’ll have to see, huh, Dizzy? Come on, girl.” Steve encourages the dog along. 

You go out together, but you tell the guys to go for their run. They far outpace you in minutes. Dizzy starts to follow them, but you call her back and she obeys. Redtail calls from above as you run causing Dizzy to bark and you smile. You run the five mile loop you’d carved for yourself. The guys made it back shortly after you. 

“You guys look worn out. Man, I don’t know if you two can handle the runs you put yourselves through at your age.” You smirk at them. 

Bucky gives you an evil look before grabbing you and throwing you over his shoulder. “I could run it again carrying you and still be just fine, sweetheart.”

“Bucky! Put me down!” You shriek. 

“What’s the matter? You can dish it out, but you can’t take it?” Bucky taunts. 

“I don’t recall manhandling you!” You laugh as he jogs in a circle jouncing you. “James Buchanan Barnes!”

“Alright.” He chuckles as he sets you down. 

However, your relief is short lived when Steve immediately picks you up the same way. “Really!?!” you shout while struggling against his hold. 

“I believe you smart mouthed us both, so I guess we both get to manhandle you in return.” Steve laughs while spinning you around. 

“Steve, you’re gonna make me puke!” You squeal. 

“Am I?” Steve laughs as he spins a few more times. 

“Steven Grant Rogers!” You shout and land a resounding smack to America’s ass. Steve nearly drops you from the shock but manages to put you down somewhat gently. “I’m so sorry!” You stare up at him with wide eyes and your hands covering your mouth. “I just reacted. I didn’t think. I’m so sorry, Steve!”

Bucky begins guffawing at the two of you. He’s bent over double laughing as you and Steve stare at each other. It wasn’t until Steve cracked a smile that you were finally able to breath again. The three of you laughed at the ridiculous situation you find yourselves in. 

When the mirth is spent, you look at Steve and say again, “Really, I’m so sorry.”

“It's fine, Doll.” Steve throws an arm around you. 

“This is great. Now, I can tell everyone you spanked America’s ass.” Bucky begins laughing again. 

“Oh my God, you better not!” You laugh.

“Bucky.” Steve warns. Bucky merely grins at him. 

“Okay, guys. Time for training and then showers. Let’s go.” You announce.

“Look who’s being the drill sergeant now.” Bucky jokes.

“Looks good on her.” Steve says. 

“What doesn’t?” You reply playfully and twirl around heading to the elevator. 

“Hot.” Bucky says under his breath to Steve. 

“Damn right.” Steve says.

“I can still hear you.” You call back with a grin. They both just grin back without a care. You shake your head at the two of them. They still didn't realize you knew about them.

Part 5

Permanent: @bubbabarnes​ @badassbaker​ @thefridgeismybestie​ @strangersstranger​ @cherthegoddess​ @drunkbucky​ @sherlocksmanwatson​ @cap-n-stuff​

Masterlist

[justforbooks]

Ubbe Eert "Ub" Iwwerks was born on March 24, 1901. He was an American animator, cartoonist, character designer, inventor, and special effects technician, who designed Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse. Iwerks produced alongside Walt Disney and won numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards.

Iwerks spent most of his career with Disney. The two met in 1919 while working for the Pesmen-Rubin Art Studio in Kansas City, and eventually started their own commercial art business together. Disney and Iwerks then found work as illustrators for the Kansas City Slide Newspaper Company (which was later named The Kansas City Film Ad Company). While working for the Kansas City Film Ad Company, Disney decided to take up work in animation, and Iwerks soon joined him.

He was responsible for the distinctive style of the earliest Disney animated cartoons, and was also responsible for designing Mickey Mouse. In 1922, when Disney began his Laugh-O-Gram cartoon series, Iwerks joined him as chief animator. The studio went bankrupt, however, and in 1923 Iwerks followed Disney's move to Los Angeles to work on a new series of cartoons known as “the Alice Comedies” which had live-action mixed with animation. After the end of this series, Disney asked Iwerks to design a character that became Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The first cartoon Oswald starred in was animated entirely by Iwerks. Following the first cartoon, Oswald was redesigned on the insistence of Oswald's owner and the distributor of the cartoons, Universal Pictures. The production company at the time, Winkler Pictures, gave additional input on the character's design.

In spring 1928, Disney was removed from the Oswald series, and much of his staff was hired away to Winkler Pictures. He promised to never again work with a character he did not own. Disney asked Iwerks, who stayed on, to start drawing up new character ideas. Iwerks tried sketches of frogs, dogs, and cats, but none of these appealed to Disney. A female cow and male horse were created at this time by Iwerks, but were also rejected. They later turned up as Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar. Ub Iwerks eventually got inspiration from an old drawing. In 1925, Hugh Harman drew some sketches of mice around a photograph of Walt Disney. Then, on a train ride back from a failed business meeting, Walt Disney came up with the original sketch for the character that was eventually called Mickey Mouse. Afterward, Disney took the sketch to Iwerks. In turn, he drew a more clean-cut and refined version of Mickey, but one that still followed the original sketch.

The first few Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies cartoons were animated almost entirely by Iwerks, including Steamboat Willie, The Skeleton Dance and The Haunted House. However, as Iwerks began to draw more and more cartoons on a daily basis, he chafed under Disney's dictatorial rule. Iwerks also felt he wasn't getting the credit he deserved for drawing all of Disney's successful cartoons. Eventually, Iwerks and Disney had a falling out; their friendship and working partnership were severed in January 1930. According to an unconfirmed account, a child approached Disney and Iwerks at a party and asked for a picture of Mickey to be drawn on a napkin, to which Disney handed the pen and paper to Iwerks and stated, "Draw it." Iwerks became furious and threw the pen and paper, storming out. Iwerks accepted a contract with Disney competitor Pat Powers to leave Disney and start an animation studio under his own name. His last Mickey Mouse cartoon was The Cactus Kid. (Powers and Disney had an earlier falling-out over Disney's use of the Powers Cinephone sound-on-film system—actually copied by Powers from DeForest Phonofilm without credit—in early Disney cartoons.)

The Iwerks Studio opened in 1930. Financial backers led by Pat Powers suspected that Iwerks was responsible for much of Disney's early success. However, while animation for a time suffered at Disney from Iwerks' departure, it soon rebounded as Disney brought in talented new young animators.

Despite a contract with MGM to distribute his cartoons, and the introduction of a new character named “Flip the Frog”, and later “Willie Whopper”, the Iwerks Studio was never a major commercial success and failed to rival either Disney or Fleischer Studios. Newly hired animator Fred Kopietz recommended that Iwerks employ a friend from Chouinard Art School, Chuck Jones, who was hired and put to work as a cel washer. The Flip and Willie cartoons were later distributed on the home-movie market by Official Films in the 1940s. From 1933 to 1936, he produced a series of shorts (independently distributed, not part of the MGM deal) in Cinecolor, named ComiColor Cartoons. The ComiColor series mostly focused on fairy tales with no continuing character or star. Later in the 1940s, this series received home-movie distribution by Castle Films. Cinecolor produced the 16 mm prints for Castle Films with red emulsion on one side and blue emulsion on the other. Later in the 1970s Blackhawk Films released these for home use, but this time using conventional Eastmancolor film stock. They are now in the public domain and are available on VHS and DVD. He also experimented with stop-motion animation in combination with the multiplane camera, and made a short called The Toy Parade, which was never released in public. In 1936, backers withdrew financial support from the Iwerks Studio, and it folded soon after.

In 1937, Leon Schlesinger Productions contracted Iwerks to produce four Looney Tunes shorts starring Porky Pig and Gabby Goat. Iwerks directed the first two shorts, while former Schlesinger animator Robert Clampett was promoted to director and helmed the other two shorts before he and his unit returned to the main Schlesinger lot. Iwerks then did contract work for Screen Gems (then Columbia Pictures' cartoon division) where he was the director of several of the Color Rhapsodies shorts before returning to work for Disney in 1940.

After his return to the Disney studio, Iwerks mainly worked on developing special visual effects. He is credited as developing the processes for combining live-action and animation used in Song of the South (1946), as well as the xerographic process adapted for cel animation. He also worked at WED Enterprises, now Walt Disney Imagineering, helping to develop many Disney theme park attractions during the 1960s. Iwerks did special effects work outside the studio as well, including his Academy Award nominated achievement for Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963).

Iwerks' most famous work outside creating and animating Mickey Mouse was Flip the Frog from his own studio. According to Chuck Jones, who worked for him, "He was the first, if not the first, to give his characters depth and roundness. But he had no concept of humor; he simply wasn't a funny guy."

Iwerks was born in Kansas City, Missouri. His father, Eert Ubbe Iwwerks, was born in the village of Uttum in East Frisia (northwest Germany, today part of the municipality of Krummhörn) and immigrated to the United States in 1869. He is the father of Disney Legend Don Iwerks and grandfather of documentary film producer Leslie Iwerks.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

[koushisatori]

Surprise

kuroo x f!reader

genre: birthday fluff

warnings: none

word count: 2.3k

note: I made it !! Happy Birthday to you, Kuroo ! <3 - Also I’ll beta it later when i’m home from university, bc it’s 3 am here, oops x.x

Kuroo wasn’t jealous, really because logically there was no reason to be

You were his girlfriend and you did not mind sudden Hollywood blockbuster worthy kisses when he got a spurt of…possessiveness towards you

He is in no way overbearing or anything, both of you share the opinion that even though you’re a couple you don’t have to be together all the time, spend afternoons with your friends

Then again, you two spend quite a lot of time together, with you being the  Volleyball Clubs manager, always staying behind with your team when they practiced way past the official clubs' training's hours

But sometimes he woke up and felt the need to have you all to himself

On those days a slightly lingering gaze by other would irk him enough to    permanently glue himself to your side or back

Because of the rareness of that situation, you generally give into that specific mood and take him either with you if you had plans or adapt to whatever your handsome boyfriend seemed fit

(usually, it consists of getting snacks from the store to make watching movies more fun after you both finished your homework. And also cuddles. Lots and lots and lots of cuddling and kisses.)

Anyway, normally he’s a super laid back, relaxed, and ‘’the best boyfriend in the world, right, baby?’’

Kuroo was happy with being ‘’a bit (big times) nerdy’’ as kenma liked to remark, liked that things had their reasons and were logically intelligible

Well…he quickly realized that, while emotions were chemically explainable this also was as far as logic was helpful with them

Sooo…there was no reasonable excuse for him to feel that ugly burning in his chest watching you ruffle through Lev’s hair and giggle so cutely

But it was his birthday, and you should be all over HIM because HE was YOUR boyfriend and in general, maybe he had one of those not so great days bc not only did he get stuck in his bedsheets and face planted to the ground first thing in the morning but his breakfast toast also landed with its face on the kitchen floor just after he put away all the things he used

You were…not avoiding him but kind of distant with your thoughts

At lunch, he was telling you something you’d usually find at least funny if not hilarious because your humor was so fantastically similar to his, but all you did was smile lightly

You even whispered with Yaku instead of talking to him !! how dare you

Rest in peace, Kuroo (you will survive one day with a bit less attention of your s/o)

He wasn’t jealous of Lev or thought that you suddenly developed feelings for the younger boy

He was jealous because that tall child hoarded all of your attention, while you had looked at him maybe twice, three times tops, in the last hour

‘’Kuroo.’’ To the untrained ear the small setters voice as passive as usual. Kuroo though is able to easily distinguish the various different layers of Kozume Kenma’s very real, emotional bandwidth. The captain did hear Kenma and his questioning as well as slightly worried tone, he simply chooses to not react in favor of shooting (barely) decently hidden death glares at the to-tall-for-his-own-good-boy. 

‘’Kuroo.’’ The slight change in his childhood friend's voice was enough for the black-haired player to grudgingly turn away from you and Lev to look at Kenma.

‘’Yes.’’ Tetsurou huffs out, giving his best to not sound like a petulant child. ‘’You’re so dumb.’’ Kenma said dryly, definitely analyzing him. The questioning sound leaving Kuroo was close to embarrassing, a quick cough and back straightening later, he adds ‘’You wound me. Right here.’’ While pressing his hand flat against his chest. ‘’Where’s my understanding childhood friend to put balm on my hurting heart by sharing emotionally charged, empathic words with me?’’

Instead of offering the desired words, the smaller boy rolls his eyes before he averts them to his hand-held gaming console. ’’Can you put that thing away, we’re at practice Kenma.’’ Kuroo all but unintentionally whined. 

Everything was stressing him out today. Usually, his childhood friend at least stuck to the general rule of not using it outside the breaks. But obviously, there was a plot against him going on with the goal to annoy him more than usual because, of course, why not doing it on his damn birthday. Nice friends and their nice presents.

Just like Kuroo did mere minutes before, Kenma decided to simply…ignore his request half voiced as some kind of instruction. Well…things didn’t work like they were supposed to, he didn’t feel like arguing with his friend so he let him be for now. Rather than that, he turned back to you and Lev, who – for once – seemed eager to train his digging and passing game because you threw the volleyball for him to dive after.

‘’Where in freaking hell is Yaku…’’ Kuroo muttered grumpily, before repeating louder ‘’Yaku! Why am I the only third…Noboyuki!’’These definitely aren’t my friends, he thought while finally giving in to his deepest desire of ripping you away from the grey-haired future wannabe ace. 

‘’You truly are dense when it comes to (Y/N),’’ Kenma says, moving away towards the benches, before swerving around them to leave for the clubroom. ‘’The definition of tunnel vision.’’

The thing is, Kuroo heard Kenma say it, but his brain refused to acknowledge them, too focused on finally being in the spotlight of your focus.

 Meanwhile, you were watching your dark-haired boyfriend closer than he realized. You carried the whole plan. Or rather your ability to make him lose focus on anything that isn’t you, with just the right amount of addressing the slight possessive side of his and deprivation of your attention.

Even though all of this was just so the others could fulfill their part of the plan, you hate how it led him to mope around the whole day. It was so hard to not laugh about his stupid science joke at lunch and overall, not tell him all day how glad you were that he was born. This is his special day, why wouldn’t you tell him how much you loved his presence and his annoyingly attractive smirk? If not for the others and them begging and bribing you, you would smooch his kissable cheeks, nose, forehead, and lips all day long to honor this special date.

You are an amazing and emphatic girlfriend, so…of course, you realize that his mood in general is rather on the bad side today. He wants you close and to himself, and you did the complete opposite! Tetsurou would absolutely give you an ear full later when he finally understood the whole plan.

Nonetheless, it is kind of cute how he tried to hide that he was sulking. Your big baby of a boyfriend was currently trying to kill poor Lev with his gaze alone, staring holes into the back of his head all the while directing puppy dog eyes at you to relent and come over.

Usually, your Tetsurou was the perfect team captain. Attentive, clever, strategical, and just the right amount of authoritarian and approachable. But with his mind stuck on questioning why you were being weird to him on his birthday, he had yet to realize that through the whole time of today’s practice all of his teammates inexplicably went missing for about 15 minutes before they either sneaked back in (the first years and some of the second years) or openly announced a little too detailed information on how, for example, the bathroom visit has been absolutely necessary and could not be postponed.

The only problem: Lev wasn’t allowed to know of the plan until a second beforehand to not accidentally spoil the surprise out of pure excitement to surprise his Kuroo-senpai.

When you see your better half starting to approach the two of you, yelling for his vice-captain and the libero simultaneously, you whisper ‘’Lev, when I say now, you have to start running okay and call for Yaku. Ask him to practice your receives as loud as you can, and take off over to the clubroom as fast as possible, alright? Also, please don’t fall, we don’t need a bloody and broken nose, Tetsu is pissed enough already. Please do it for me, okay?’’ It was a bit unfair of you to look at him hopefully like that, but as the team manager, you posessed a certain power none of the other third years had over the younger players.

Just a moment before Kuroo got the chance to grab the clueless middle blockers shirt collar, you voice out a hushed ‘’Now!’’. You immediately look up innocently to your boyfriend and finally put the warm smile on your lips that wanted to sit there since your eyes fell on him the first time this morning. ‘’Tetsu...is everything okay?’’ - ‘’Yaku-senpai, please help me with my receives!’’

‘’Lev never asks for receiving practice...’’ is…not the thing you wanted your boyfriend to say. Panicking that he might find out now, still a bit too early, you do the only thing that you know WILL take his mind off of it. You cup his cheek with your hands and pull him down to press your lips against his. 

His reaction was immediate, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you so close to him that not even a feather would fit between the two of you. Getting into the spontaneous moment, you happily loop your arms around his neck, smiling softly into the kiss. 

Yeah...you definitely had missed that.

When you break apart, he pecks your lips a few additional times for good measure before he bends down even more to bury his face in your neck, enjoying how your fingers softly stroke through and play with his hair, in all the right ways, helping him to relax for the first time in hours. ‘’Baby,…’’ he murmurs against your skin ‘’…no one is training the way they should, let’s just ditch practice. We get a cake from the bakery down the street and eat it in bed, okay?’’

For the second time today, you feel bad. Your boyfriend's voice sounds tired and that was not how a birthday boy was supposed to sound. With his face in your neck, you were able though to watch the entrance. They should come in any second now. You feel tempted to give into Tetsurou’s wishes.

Can they hurry up?! 

The thought desperately shoots through your head, because even though he was currently not paying attention to anything but recharging and breathing you in, Kuroo is way too perceptive to not get behind the ruckus going on in the gym the whole afternoon.

‘’We can cuddle later, Tetsu, I promise my whole afternoon is all for you. If you want I can even sleep over.’’ Your soothing words made his invisible cat ears prick up and listen interested. You knew that, from the moment you both enter the comfort of his home, he would drape himself over you for permanent, never-ending cuddles. The only reason for him to let go of you - unwillingly so - will be you whining about having to use the bathroom. For everything else, you would have to carry a (nearly) dead weight of the size and weight of your boyfriend everywhere.

‘’I haven’t heard Tora for a while now….’’ The raven-haired middle blocker mumbles, and your heart picks up some speed again.

Looking for words you stammer some intangible syllables, which lead Kuroo to look up, suspicion swirling in his hazel eyes. ‘’Baby…what’s wrong?’’ he asks, cocking his head to the side, watching you like a cat its prey. Quickly waving your hands in front of you, you hastily answer a ‘’Nothing.’’ And try to smile away the panic.

Before he got the chance to repeat his question and pry it out of you, the gym darkens, and you breathe out a sigh of relief. Just on time. With the door opening a little source of light illuminates his teammate's faces with his closest friends at the front. Yaku holding a cake stabbed with 18 sparklers, and Nobuyuki holding an unholy amount of the ugliest birthday ballons you had ever seen. All of them together slaughtering the happy birthday song in such a passionate manner, that you could see yourself being able to forgive them the torture they put you through in the near future. 

‘’Come one, birthday boy.’’ You say with a loving smile, and grab his hand to pull him to the rest of the group.

The moment the lights flicker back on and everyone is cheering out loud one last time. You realize belated that Kuroo (intended) and you (unintended) were besieged with confetti and glitter. (You, until this day, suspect Yamamoto who looked a bit too innocent for your taste.)

‘’All of that…for me?’’ Kuroo questions, his gorgeous eyes shining tell telling in the remaining light of the sparkles. Following his words, Kenma takes a small step forward quickly handing over a small book – filled with birthday wishes, pictures that were taken with each and all of them, inside jokes and doodles - just to move out of the spotlight again as quickly as he jumped into it. ‘’Surprise, Tetsu.’’ You say with a sweet smile, that makes him move closer to you to gift himself a taste of your lips.

Before things get to turn mushy and emotional, a chant of Cake! Cake! Cake! – started by Lev and Tora, joined by everyone, disrupts the moment the two of you had.

‘’Okay, okay! I hear the will of the people, I’ll submit to it!’’ Kuroo gives in laughing. ‘’But…’’ a theatrical moment of silence ‘’I want to cut the cake with (Y/N) together!’’ Your boyfriend proudly announces, and, to his delight, you blush furiously. Yakus laughing remark of ‘’Oi, Kuroo, this is not your wedding, you know!’’ was followed by various joking wolf whistles and some hollering. You didn’t know how you ended up being in the center of attention together with him, but when Tetsuro easily replies ’’Well, I need to perfect this skill it for the real ceremony after party one day.’’ You knew that you wouldn’t want to be somewhere else.

[astro-rain]

delicate; b.barnes

chapter four - mri’s & other modern commodities

delicate masterlist

word count: 1.8k

synopsis: bucky faces his first day of treatment, and discovers some new things along the way: some scary, some awesome, some maybe slightly embarassing.

pairings: bucky barnes x fem!reader

[A/N]: not my gif

When he woke up, he scanned his room, making sure everything was the same as how he left it the night before. Making sure no one came in while he was asleep and poisoned his brain. Making sure he was waking up in his living quarters in Wakanda and not a damp cell in some secret Hydra base. It was just something he did now.

Some may call it paranoia, others may call it adaptation. Either way, once he stepped outside and made sure he was alone, he allowed himself to take a breath.

Today was the day, the first day of official treatment. He had no idea what to expect; he was just hoping to high heavens that it would end up working. Freedom. That's all he wanted. Liberation from the chains Hydra had had around him since he fell from the train all those years ago.

He was apprehensive for sure, but he tried his best to keep himself optimistic. Bucky was sure that Shuri was smarter than any Hydra scientist he once came in contact with. So, if they can tear apart his mind, perhaps she can put it back together. Right?

Her in addition to (Y/N). That psychologist woman. He had spoken to her the day before at the lake. She was funny, and she seemed decently easy to talk to. That's a good sign, he guessed. She told him that she hadn't minded relocating to assist in his treatment, but he honestly couldn't make out her true feelings. She was rather hard to read. Perhaps it was a psychologist thing; he tried not to look too far into it.

He waited outside his door until two Wakandans came to escort him to Shuri. Bucky noticed they were armed. Guards. He wasn't surprised nor did he blame them. However, that didn't make it any easier to trust. He hadn't had that luxuy in a very long time. The former assassin fought against the voice in the back of his head telling him to analyze their every move in order to ensure that he wasn't in any danger. That any minute they weren't going to strap him down and rip his brain apart the way it had been so many times before. So many times. He gave the slightest wince at the thought. His brain suddenly felt prickly, painful memories creeping up on him.

Not now, don't think about it.

Sometimes, if he fixated on the thoughts for too long, he would drive himself to this panicked state of fear and constriction. He wasn't sure exactly what this thing was. All he knew was that these things - these episodes - were extremely unpleasant, and utterly unnecessary at the moment.

He shook his head (somehow hoping that this would rid him of the prickly memories like a dog shaking off water), strands of long brown hair swaying quickly in front of his eyes, and fixed his gaze to the floor.

Floor. Floor. Floor. Floor. Just the floor. The floor. The floor. The floor-

"Sergeant Barnes!" Shuri welcomed him happily.

Oh. He was in the lab now. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Let's do this.

"Good morning," he smiled, "and just Bucky's okay."

"Of course, of course. This is my lab! Best place in Wakanda in my humble opinion. Today's only the first day of treatment, so nothing too intensive. But, we will be working all the same!"

He glanced around the lab. The guards were at the doorway and they didn't look like they were leaving anytime soon. Again, he wasn't surprised. Moreover, sitting at a table a few feet from Shuri, was a familiar face. This familiar face soon met his gaze.

"Hi, Bucky" (Y/N) greeted, offering a polite smile. "See! I remembered this time."

Bucky grinned. "Are you still (Y/N), or is it Dr. (Y/L/N) since we're in the lab now?"

"I'm always (Y/N)."

"I don't know, if I went to school for as long as you did, I'd make everyone call me Doctor," Shuri added.

(Y/N) laughed. "Well, if you want to call me Doctor you're more than welcome, Shuri."

"That's the spirit, Doc," she declared before turning to Bucky. "Now, follow me and we'll get a quick MRI done."

"A what?" He quickly caught up to Shuri who already started walking away.

"An MRI. It stands for magnetic resonance imaging. Basically, scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body."*

Yes, very basic.

(Y/N) leaned over to Bucky, explaining softly, "It's used to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body."**

"Oh."

"You just lay down and it scans you. Y'don't even feel anything."

"Thats... not too bad, I guess."

"It's a bit of a tight fit though, so I hope you're aren't claustrophobic."

Bucky rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, after cryo, I doubt tight spaces will be too much of a bother for me."

"Right," said (Y/N), "but it's still decently in your personal space. Just so you know - so there's no surprises."

He nodded. They didn't say anything until Shuri stopped short in front of them. She stood a couple feet from a shiny metal table which was lined up in front of an equally shiny and metallic semi-cricle arch. It was long enough to fit - well, would you look at that - a body.

"Oh. I guess there is a surprise," (Y/N) blurted, turning to Shuri, confused. "That isn't like any MRI machine I've ever seen."

"That's because you're in Wakanda," Shuri flashed a proud smile. "Tech's a bit... advanced here."

(Y/N) turned to Bucky. He thought he saw something resembling self consciousness flow across her features, but he wasn't sure.

"Sorry, I guess I was wrong. But, honestly this is way better than a typical MRI set up. It's much more open... and wide. Regularly, it would be like a super narrow tube with hardly any space inside. This way, you'll even be able to see us and the rest of the room."

That's good. More space. More freedom. And he'll be able to see her- them, see them.

Shuri clapped. "Alright! Shall we get started then?"

He had no idea how any of this worked; he was way out of his element here. He just barely learned what a damn MRI was, and had to hide his shock when he found out. Medicine has changed dramatically since 1945. Although it is helpful, he is completely clueless. Great.

"Do I jus-just lay on the table?" He asked, unsure.

"Yep! Just lie there and be absolutely still, and I'll do the rest," Shuri replied, reassuringly as she walked around to a control panel next to the machine, preparing to start.

Bucky took his place on the thin metal table, and he thought he was seeing things. Was it was levitating? Honestly, from what he's seen so far he wouldn't even be surprised. He stared up at the ceiling, getting lost in thought. A string of various questions and uncertainties fluttered through his battered mind.

Would the metal arm interfere with the magnet- oh. Right. No arm. Just a scan, no need to worry. (Y/N) said it would be fine. Can I even trust her Then again, can I even trust anyone yet? She's the best I got right now. Damn it, I wish I wasn't so wary of everyone.

"Hey," a gentle voice pulled him out.

He looked over to the left of him, the side with no arm. (Y/N).

"I can practically hear your brain whirring around right now - which is justified - but do you need anything?"

'Do you need anything?' He hadn't heard that phrase in a while.

He adjusted his body on the table. "I'm alright, just... a bit out of my element here."

She nodded, knowingly. "Honestly, me too. This lab looks like somethin' out of a sci-fi movie for me, so I can't imagine what it must feel like to you."

She was looking down at him. He felt vulnerable, exposed. It seemed like she noticed.

"Here, I have an idea."

With that, she turned and grabbed something from a nearby table. Rotating around to face him again, she displayed what she had taken: a pair of headphones... but without a wire? What the hell?

"Are they broken?" he asked, feeling perpetually confused.

"No, they're wirelessly connected to my phone. It's called bluetooth."

The look on his face was almost laughable.

"Bluetooth? What kind of name is Bluetooth?"

"The kind of name that I didn't invent nor should I be blamed for," she chuckled. "Do you want to listen to music while you're in there? It might help to keep you down on Earth with us."

Music. The thought was almost surreal. He hadn't been privileged with such a pleasure in longer than he'd care to admit. It actually seemed... nice.

"Y-yeah," he said, pondering. "That'd actually be nice."

"Awesome."

She leaned over him to put the headphones on his ears, causing him a very conflicting series of emotions.

First of all, close. She was very close to his face. His face, his eyes, his nose, his lips. It almost seemed a tad bit intimate. And then he realized he hadn't been this close to a woman in forever. A real woman, not some fellow assassin he had to take out. He hoped the shy embarrassment he felt didn't show on his cheeks.

Second of all, she was wrapping something around his head, his brain. He tried not to, but he couldn't stop the muscle memory of what he'd been conditioned to feel. Hydra's machine would wrap around his head and rip his psyche apart. His mind expected pain, the worst pain, the dehumanizing, out of body, mind splitting pain. He hoped the way he flinched ever so slightly didn't offend (Y/N).

She didn't seem offended, and her voice was soft. "You're good. Just music and a scan. Then you're done."

He looked up at her face, reassuring and calm. He took a deep breath.

"Good?" she asked.

He nodded. "Think so."

"If it's too much at any point just let us know, and we'll pull you right out. It's your comfort level, your choice."

His choice. Choice. Control. The prospect gave him comfort.

She gave him one last look before stepping away and signaling Shuri to start the machine. The seemingly levitating table began a smooth descent into the machine when the music started playing. It almost startled him, but he then he was pleasantly surprised by what he heard.

There were loud drums, guitar riffs with attitude, and voices that had so much emotion they were almost screaming. It was like no music he had ever heard before, and he loved it. In fact, he was so into it that he didn't even notice when the MRI had finished. That is, until he felt a feather light hand on his shoulder. His eyes opened, and (Y/N) had the biggest grin on her face. While taking the headphones off of him, she looked very pleased with herself.

She looked at Shuri but declared to no one in particular, "Bucky likes Rock and Roll!"

- - -

* = from wikipedia

** = from wikipedia

[thistangledbrain]

And here’s Day 23, a day late of course LOL

“Can’t live without”....

Firstly, my little family. My husband and sons are the most intriguing, brilliant, captivating, fascinating, funny, caring and kind, (insert other wonderful adjectives here) human beings I’ve ever met in my LIFE. Of course I’m biased...but...*flaps hands excitedly*....I seriously cannot even adequately describe how much I love my family. 😍 This one probably doesn’t have to be explained that much. ☺️ My friends, too - I’ve made some incredible friends through the years - and kept them. This was almost an alien concept when I was younger, so I am actively appreciative of my peeps who know my “weirdness” and absolutely love me for it.

I can’t live without dogs. Dogs are really the most excellent creatures. To know dogs - in my opinion - is quite similar to knowing most humans at their most fundamental levels. They help me understand people, as odd as that may sound. No other animal has adapted to our nature & understands us more than dogs, either, because we’ve co-evolved for thousands of years. (Similar arguments could be said for cats I guess, and I have both - but I’ve noticed only certain breeds of cat tend to be predictably loyal/affectionate to their people. MY favorite is the Siamese. ☺️)
Any time in my life where I’ve had to go without a dog has been a quite miserable time...any time I’ve had to be 100% animal free (like in the barracks), is positively horrid. (I’ll usually spend time helping train a friend’s dog or volunteering at a shelter in my free time, then. In apartments where it was “no pets”, I quietly kept a tank of fancy mice or a reptile & would hide them whenever I knew maintenance was coming LOL.) Dogs are the bridge between me and neurotypicals...and I have extreme difficulty being comfortable with someone who just doesn’t like them. It’s one thing to not want one of your own, but love your friend’s dogs or gladly pet the pooch at the park...it’s another to genuinely not like them. That is truly alien to me & gives me the heebs about what kind of person you might be - if you’re NT/not Autie. I do understand how dogs can come on too strong to some auties.

Nature. Seriously. I do not do well in the concrete jungle of a city. It’s fun to visit sometimes (but exhausting), but I need more than some little trees in planters along the sidewalk. The city was kinda fun to live in for a little while in my early 20s, but I quickly started to look for suburbs when my first kidlet was born, because parks just weren’t enough - and tbh, babies are loud and noisy on their own, so the additional city noise was....no thanks. When I see these subdivisions though, where it’s just row after row of similar houses and yards, hardly any shrubs or trees or anything at all, I cringe - that’s just as bad as the city. People right on top of each other, no real place to.... well, hide I guess. I’m a private person IRL, and don’t like feeling “exposed” to people all around my home.

My tablet (or phone), because that’s where I write, read e books, and watch stuff. (I think everyone in this day and age is very attached to their electronics too, though.) I escape into David Attenborough, animated movies, or music videos when I’m stressed. We have a nice big TV, but it’s more personal and private when it’s just me, my headphones, and a small screen. Sorta makes me feel like I have a little bubble around me.

Space to create/art. This one I can go slightly longer periods without, if I’m sufficiently busy, but I start to get restless & short tempered without somewhere to create stuff. I’m not one of those solely sketchbook-and-pens types (I was when I was young & didn’t have space/money for more art stuff though)... but now, if you can make something out of it, I’m interested in it. That doesn’t mean just paints & sequins and other typical art/craft stuff, either. It means rocks, lots of wood, bones, random bits of metal or glass or junk I found along the railroad tracks, junky old metal gadgets like cheese graters and spoons, and things like that. And then of course the workspaces and tools to do said projects...so like, I have studio space now, but also a whole ass workshop with things like bandsaws and belt sanders. (I’m relocating it all right now and quite disgruntled that it’s not operational yet.)

Edit: Google. I’m old enough to remember having to write all my questions down to wait until our weekly trip to the library. Now, even at 3 am, I can Google things like “mandrill skeleton”, “Tempest Storm”, “how long do hedgehogs live”, “Fermilab recent experiments”, and “what do baby possums eat”, and help identifying a bird, plant, or flower....and it’s instant gratification. BOOM. I think this is a big one, because I can’t tell you how often my brain is positively eaten alive with questions....and a set of Encyclopedias only gets you so far.

So those are my main ones, I guess. There are a few little ones...mainly my big blue stuffed tardigrade, Dempsey - I sleep poorly without him, and he’s the first thing I grab when I’m stressed...certain blankets or clothing, time to meditate, coffee...things like that, but they’re mostly things that just cause mild(er) discomfort or anxiousness if I have to go without (I haven’t had to go without Dempsey yet though...so maybe he IS a main one 🤔). I get very interested in reading about what others simply can’t do without, so feel free to tell me what yours are! ☺️

[monicawoe]

MCU Masterlist

(updated 3-13-21)

view all fics here: at AO3

Newest Additions:

A New Life - How Wanda brings Vision back (written post episode 5, Wandavision) | 1k, Wanda/Vision

Many Thousand More - For months, Venom and Eddie have been fighting back the unending swarm of biotech millipedes. But they just keep coming, and finally Eddie asks for help from a friend of a friend, Bruce Banner. | Venom/MCU crossover, 6k, Eddie Brock/Venom, T

Stumble and Fall Into You   -   Three months ago, Steve’s world shattered. SHIELD had been infiltrated by Hydra, people he trusted turned out to be enemies, and Bucky, who he thought he’d lost in 1944, had been alive this whole time. Steve tries to get back to some kind of normalcy, but Bucky is always on his mind, and lately he’s been seeing him everywhere. | 5k, Steve/Bucky

Older fics:

Bad Becomes Worse   -   Angsty Post-Zola Bucky and Steve. Good becomes great; Bad becomes worse. |  12K, Steve/Bucky;  NC-17

The Long Road to Lynbrook   -  Six years ago, Bucky left the hamlet of Lynbrook to battle against the Knights of Hydra. Steve has missed him ever since, and refuses to believe he's dead. One night, Steve finds a frog at the well— a frog with one metal arm. | 9K, medieval shrinkyclinks AU; art by @artgroves

The Future Started Yesterday   -  In 2011, the final S.H.I.E.L.D expedition searching for Steve Rogers found nothing.    In 2014, Hydra completed Project Insight and launched three armed helicarriers, killing millions.    In 2028, Tony Stark was killed *    In 2043, the Winter Soldier was decommissioned after 157 successful missions.   In 2111, Steve Rogers was found. |  31K, Steve/Bucky, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, Thor, Roberta Mendez; M

How They Make You a Weapon    -  How Hydra turned Bucky Barnes into the Winter Soldier  (told through the Winter Soldier’s eyes) | 39K words total, runs from pre-CA:TWS to post CA:TWS, R

includes side- missions: Control (1989), Juneau (1994), Siberia (1953), Woodstock(1969), Cathédrale Notre Dame (1991), Bucharest (2016)

How They Make You a Weapon — the Comic   - comic adaptation / art by @luckyraeve !  on AO3 | on Tumblr

more fics beneath the cut

Bucharest (2016)   -  Bucky finds a stray dog in Bucharest. | 2K, set pre- Captain America: Civil War, standalone fic in the How They Make You a Weapon series

All We Monsters   -  In 1957, one year after Howard Stark discovered the existence of the Winter Soldier, an injured Bucky Barnes comes to Howard for help. | 6K, Howard Stark, Bucky Barnes, Peggy Carter; M - sequel to Memories Like Bullets, set in the 1950s

Things To Remember   - Bucky’s apartment in Bucharest, what he remembers while he’s there, and what he wishes he could forget. | 3K, Steve/Bucky

Interstitial Light - After Thanos wiped half of life off the planet, the remaining Avengers find a way to reach out to those they lost, using a combination of Stark-Tech, magic and their own memories. Steve makes contact with Bucky, but they spent too many decades apart when Steve was on ice. But there was somebody else who knew Bucky during that time—who trained with him, who knew both the Winter Soldier and James Barnes: Natasha. | 6k, Natasha, Bucky

On the Ropes   - Part 1 - Steve takes a life-drawing class, Bucky is his model. Part 2- After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Steve wants to enlist. He asks Bucky to teach him how to box.  | 27K Steve/ Bucky, R

Though Death at Times Steps In   -  After a close brush with death, Steve is brought to Valhalla. He watches Bucky back on Earth, and misses him. Thor sees Steve’s pain and helps him perform a ritual meant to give closure, but things don’t go exactly as planned. | 5K; NC-17

It’s 3am and We Must Be Lonely   -  Steve and Bucky go on a motorcycle ride to Coney Island in the middle of the night. The amusement parks are closed but that doesn’t keep them from having some much-needed fun. | PG-13

Mending Iron   - Bucky is on a mission for the SSR, tracking the hulking Beast that roams the mountains, when he encounters an iron man. Tony was kidnapped as a child and has been raised by Isodyne. He’s spent as long as he can remember building machines for them so they can keep the peace. But his new friend, Bruce, is convinced that all isn’t as it appears. | 8k, Steampunk AU - words by @monicawoe art by @massivespacewren ; written for the Captain America Reverse Big Bang 2018

One Rogue Line of Code   -  Steve Rogers spent most of his time building robots out of scrap metal. It was the one thing that took his mind off of the past, and all he'd lost in the war. One day, he found exactly what he'd been looking for, and everything changed. | 7K, future AU, shrinkyclinks; written as a gift for @deandraws whose gorgeous art of Robot!Bucky and Scrap collector!Robot Repairer!Steve inspired this fic

The Monsters We Make   - The Winter Soldier escapes more than once throughout the decades. This is the story of what he searches for and who he encounters along the way. 1957 (Drangsnes, Iceland), 1972 (Los Angeles), 1986 (Brooklyn), 2018 (Wakanda) | 8K words; standalone fic in the How They Make You a Weapon series

System Override (fic set in luckyraeve ’s Winter Cyborgs AU)   - WS01 and WS02 experience malfunctions | 2K, AU, R

[eclecticanalyst]

Studying “A Study in Emerald”: Sixth and Final Post

Additional Thoughts: The Doctor, The Myth, The Legend(s)

Remember way back in my first “Emerald” post, when I said that the bit about the detective’s shoulders was the first direct hint about the identities of our “heroes,” but with a little asterisk? Well, this final post brings us back to my caveat. Strictly speaking, the shoulder description is the second direct hint.

If you know your canon inside and out, have internalized the defining features of the characters in their original form, you should have been tipped off about the twist on the very first page of “Emerald,” even before the detective and the narrator move into Baker Street. Because this story doesn’t just weaponize the canon (though it does do that quite well, as I have explained in earlier posts). It weaponizes the myth of Sherlock Holmes—the way he and his associates have come to be known as exaggerated and slightly warped versions of how they are in the stories.

Watson is not a crack shot.

It’s more accurate to say, really, that Watson may or may not be a crack shot, but we never get that as a definitive aspect of his character in the canon. In the popular imagination, when Watson is not reduced to simply standing around asking Holmes to explain his deductions, he is positioned as the guy with the gun, the man of action to Holmes’s man of intellect—which is a faulty conception. If you actually read the stories, then you know that A) Holmes has a gun with him fairly often, although not quite as often as Watson does; B) Watson is more often found threatening someone with a revolver than actually firing it; and C) when Watson does fire his gun, often Holmes is right beside him also firing off a round. In both The Sign of the Four and The Hound of the Baskervilles, Watson and Holmes fire at a target together, and it’s never made clear whether one or both of the shots hit the intended target, so we have no indication of the two men’s comparative skill level with firearms. The only instance of Watson both firing and firing alone is in “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches,” where he runs up and shoots the dog that is mauling Mr. Rucastle. I imagine this takes some skill with a revolver, as he manages to shoot the dog and not shoot the man, but as it was at close range and the dog is on top of Mr. Rucastle, I believe (based on my extremely limited knowledge of firearms) all that this tells us is that he is competent when it comes to gunplay, not necessarily a crack shot. The reason the masses picture Watson as the gun-toting one is because A) Holmes is often requesting that Watson bring his revolver or asking if he has it, so the image of Watson with a revolver in hand has stuck with people; and B) Holmes so obviously brings the intellectual strength to the pair that it’s easy to assume that all Watson has to offer is physical skill to complement it.

Yet that dichotomy—Holmes is the brains, Watson is the brawn—is quite inaccurate, if you take a look at the original stories. Holmes brings a good deal of his own brawn to the pair: he boxes and fences and is strong enough to bend pokers with his bare hands. Watson, for his part, is quite intelligent—the fact that he is a Doctor of Medicine is often overlooked in terms of its significance. This aspect of his identity—something only achieved through years of study, which he makes plain to us at the very beginning of A Study in Scarlet—plays a much larger role throughout canon than his aim. See how many times Watson mentions helping someone recover from their wounds or checking someone’s injuries. See how many times he mentions being busy with his medical practice right before he gets sucked into a case. Watson is many things (something which too many adaptations forget)—first and foremost, however, he is a doctor.

The narrator of “A Study in Emerald” bemoans his lost status as a crack shot on the very first page and brings it up multiple times throughout the story. It is the whole of his self-identity, and the fact that his shoulder is healing toward the end gives him hope that he will regain his “deadshot” status. Moran’s whole claim to fame is being a crack shot (“He was the best shot in India, and I expect that there are few better in London”)—therefore it should be clear, going off of the canon alone, that the narrator is Moran, and not Watson. But because Watson is enshrined in the popular imagination as the one most likely to fire a gun while Holmes is off being brilliant, that little hint slips through the cracks. If this were truly just “Sherlock Holmes in a Lovecraftian world,” and the narrator truly was Watson, he would not be preoccupied with his ability to fire a weapon. Also, you’ll notice that it is Watson’s training as a Doctor of Medicine that allows him to dispatch the Prince of Bohemia so effectively. His specialized knowledge is what makes him an asset to Holmes in this universe, in keeping with the fact that being a doctor is the one major thing that Watson has on Holmes in the original canon. Watson’s status as a doctor makes him just as deadly in “Emerald” as Moran’s marksmanship makes him in the original stories—and with “Emerald” Watson occupying the place of canon Moran as the associate of the genius criminal, that means “Emerald” is treating being a doctor as the primary aspect of Watson’s identity, just as Moran being a sharpshooter is his. Gaiman could have had the doctor kill the prince with a gun, staying perfectly in keeping with Watson’s established practice of carrying a revolver—but he chose instead to have Watson kill with knives and a medical professional’s precision. This highlights the major difference between the two men, an important thing in a story that hinges on their similarities. As I said in the previous post, Watson and Moran have a great deal in common, but Watson’s being a doctor sets him apart in a way that tells us he wants to help his fellow human beings—“human beings” being a key specification to make in “Emerald.”

The thoughtfulness evident in Gaiman having Watson’s murder weapon of choice be a knife rather than a gun runs throughout the entirety of “A Study in Emerald,” and I believe that is why I was so taken with this story. It’s very easy to make a Sherlock Holmes pastiche that is recognizable as such. An “elementary” here, a “game’s afoot” there, a smoke of a pipe and some rapid-fire deductions, maybe a mention of Baker Street, and the job’s done. But that often reduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to surface-level depictions of themselves, more concerned with the most iconic aspects of the characters than who the characters actually are. “A Study in Emerald” is a story where the characters’ identities are the whole point—if you take away the trappings most associated with them, and give them to their mortal enemies, are they still the same people? Gaiman explores that by employing both major and minor details from the canon, with those minor ones turning out to be the most important. And while he’s weaving these details together, deploying them at precisely the right spots in the narrative, he also manages to create a compelling alternate world that could host its own set of stories I would be eager to read.

[mirs1992]

Health In Addition To The Wellness  Test

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