#they could have been different parts of sonic team alright

[nonbinary-sticks-the-badger]

whoever downgraded sonic's shoes after the dreamcast era makes me sad like just look at his shoes in sadx and tell me they arent cooler

[watercolorsam-arts]

Why the Minecraft Movie looks so bad

Okay, let’s see if I can make this work

Hi, I’m Watercolor, currently a student learning animation and visual effects. I’ve got some more technical explanations for why exactly the trailer looks god awful

I’m gonna do my best to explain this in simple terms, but if I don’t explain something very good, let me know and I’ll explain more. Alright, this is gonna be a long post

Starting off with the obsession with backlighting. See how it doesn’t really match the environmental lighting? That’s one of the major things that makes it look so weird to a lot of people. It could have been done to better distinguish the actors from the background, but it does that a little too well and makes them look way too out of place. The environment has a very nice constant (most likely singular) light source, which is most likely an HDRI.

An HDRI (or high dynamic range image) informs the animation software on how the scene should be lit, and is often a weird panoramic image of whatever physical area you want to replicate.

In a reverse case, adding a CG character into a real set, you could take an HDRI of the physical set, and use it to apply similar lighting. Adjustment will most likely have to be hand adjusted by the lighting team (and tbh they add a lot of extra lights in anyway. It just needs to look right) but it’s a fantastic starting point for the compositing and lighting teams.

However, the McM’s live set has way different lights set up then what is seen in the environment.

Here, for example, the live set is most likely being lit by standard 3 point lighting, which are not only the wrong color (the lighting on the environment is much more yellow) but also washes out any shadows that would help define the actors. If this movie wasn’t obsessed with backlighting, you could fix that by lighting the actors and environment from the front, but because the sun is in the back, they have to make the front of the actors unnaturally brighter to see them more properly. I have a slight idea on why the kid in red looks especially “photoshopped” in, and it’s mostly because his hoodie doesn’t have a similar reflectiveness to everyone else’s outfit, and his hair is a more neutral color, causing the highlight to be even more washed out. Also, while we’re here, the cube is a physical prop, but it was not lit up during filming, and all the light output was tossed on after. And it’s really inconsistent and honestly, lazy. For the most part they just hit it with a blue blur effect in post, it doesn’t actually cast any light.

Another major issue is the color difference between the actors and the environment. The color balancing on the actors is particularly garbage, they’re somehow desaturated while also being too saturated, I don’t know how they managed that. But the technical issue on why it looks odd, is because the physical camera cannot physically pick up the same vibrancy as the “camera” in the CG world. You might have seen an example of this when trying to take a photo with your phone, especially of a very colorful event like the sunset. It’s also why “ugly sonic” looked particularly out of place, he was 10x more saturated than anything else around him.

Having the actors on a very low effort green screen stage also completely ruins any chance of getting the proper ambient light or ambient occlusion.

Ambient occlusion is basically the bounce light from other objects in your scene, gamers might know this as a form of ray tracing (ray tracing is live changes in ambient occlusion, games without ray tracing bake in ambient occlusion to get a similar result)

When everything is CG, (again art style aside) looks pretty darn good actually!

I attempted some edits to see if anything could make it look better (left is original, right is mine), and I don’t think proper lighting or anything could actually fix what this movie has wrong with it. They should have made the whole thing animated, I don’t think any amount of bullying would fix this, the studio basically has to scrap the actors, and make new CG characters from scratch in the same style as the rest of the world.

All of this is not the fault f the animators, or any of the vfx team, they did their absolute best with what they had, this is 100% the fault of the higher ups on this project. I have no idea how this good this far into production without ANYONE saying that it was a bad idea (Either that, or a lot of people got fired, which is unfortunately a likely possibility)

[pico-digital-studios]

Into, Across and Beyond! Scripting: The Ring Racers

During Tails of Trials, after the search for the SRB2 statue slipped up a bit, the Blur Gang and SRB2 Sonic's team were called over to Robotnik's base over at Sunbeam Paradise, where Tails was at.

SRB2 Sonic: Yo, Tails!

SRB2 Tails: Hey, Sonic! Glad you could make it!

OMT!Tails: So, what did you call us here for?

SRB2 Tails: Me and Robotnik had been working together on some new, more harmless tech that we feel could be of use to help stop this "EggOmega" creep. Right this way, everyone!

They followed Tails through to a room with a circular platform.

Mr. Needlemouse: Boy, it sure is dark in 'ere. Any of ya got a light we can use?

SRB2 Robotnik: Oh, heck. So sorry about that. Just... gather around, please, and we'll show you part of the tech in action.

The team did so as the central chamber lit up, revealing a huge chamber in the centre with a flashing ring inside.

OMT!Mina: So, what's this here?

SRB2 Robotnik: This, my friends, is the one and only High Voltage Ring! Me and Prower managed to make this as a marvel of our combined mindpower! This is where our work began, within this very laboratory. The power of 80,000 rings compressed into a single focal point! That said, it is still far from perfect...

CU!Sonic: It does seem like you're both doing great with creating something like this! Never thought I'd see the day where more than one Tails and Robotnik would be working together on harmless tech.

SRB2 Tails: And naturally, our progress has been amazing! The world really needs our work here.

SRB2 Amy: This is truly amazing work, guys! Well done!

SRB2 Sonic: Heh, yeah! Way to go, buddy!

SRB2 Robotnik: And, for once, I could use a power source that doesn't rely on uncooperative ancient forces.

Trip: Well, I'm sure they might not really understand your genius all that much, right?

SRB2 Robotnik: Haha... Very funny...

Antho: So, what's this whole shebang meant to power? An eco-friendly source for cities?

SRB2 Fang: A casino with the finest riches money can buy?

Mr. Needlemouse: A factory that produces chilli dogs and hammers that always fit in your pocket?

SRB2 Robotnik: Nope, none of those.

SRB2 Tails: Over the past couple of weeks, me and Robotnik have been working on some technology that could do wonders in the future, known as... the Ring Racers!

OMT!Tails: That sounds awesome! Do you have anything you can show us?

SRB2 Robotnik: You know, I may very well do. Let's go get a couple to show them, Tails.

SRB2 Tails: Alright, then!

They headed into another room.

D-Sides Mighty: So... Where'd the kids get to?

CR!Sonic: They went on ahead of us to another dimension to track down one of the statues in our steed. The place is kinda like... a schoolhouse?

CU!Sonic: Ah, that school endeavour, right? I kinda remember that.

OMT!Mina: So, what do you think those two have been developing under that "Ring Racers" name?

OMT!Tails: Gotta be something related to vehicles.

BK!Amy: Yeah, that should be the long and short of it.

The duo came out with a pair of (seemingly) regular go-karts as Mr. NM and SRB2 Fang were baffled.

Mr. Needlemouse and SRB2 Fang (unknowingly in unison): Go-karts?! Seriously?!

SRB2 Knuckles: Is this seriously the best thing you could think of after the Black Rock incident, Robotnik?

SRB2 Robotnik: Ah, these are no ordinary go-karts! You see, these babies are powered by the many rings you can find across dimensions, and with this ring power, they can get up to tremendous speeds!

CR!Sonic: Lemme guess; they're still slower than our running?

SRB2 Robotnik: Cocky as ever, I see. That said, these Ring Racers are capable of wielding different items that you can use to your advantage, either in races or when you're facing other enemies. Speaking of, there's something me and Tails really need at least one of you to go and investigate.

SRB2 Tails: There's a location over at Espresso Lane that's concealed away from a planned race track, and there's some kind of nasty activity going on over there. We tried looking into it, but the way to reach that area is a little... complicated, to say the least.

OMT!Mina: Sounds like we've got some work on our hands.

Antho: Where do we go?

SRB2 Robotnik: There's a teleporter back through in the other room that will take you straight there, though trying to get inside is a feat in itself. Here! One of you's gonna need this sheet for the exact specifications.

He passed them a sheet with some instructions to follow on just how to reach the closed-off location.

OMT!Tails: Man, this really does look complicated.

Ex-Prince Brian: No kidding there.

SRB2 Robotnik: Whatever's there might just be housing this statue you're trying to hunt down.

OMT!Tails: So who's gonna go and investigate it?

Antho: Leave this one to me and Trip, kid!

Trip: M-Me?

Antho: Yeah! Your wall-rolling could really come in handy for getting us up there.

Trip: Heh, fair point.

Nine: I'll guide them to the teleporter. I saw another one as we were coming into the place.

SRB2 Robotnik: Very well, then! As for the rest of you lot, it might be worth getting in some practice with the Ring Racers just in case you need them later.

OMT!Tails: Can't yet guarantee it, but sure!

SRB2 Robotnik: Excellent! The start of the training course is just down this hallway. Besides, we haven't yet nailed down what locations we should start advertising the Ring Racer tournaments at yet, but the vehicles should be all good to go.

Mr. Needlemouse: Still don't get the point of drivin' around in go-karts. We could just run wherever.

SRB2 Robotnik: ...Or you can feel that way, I guess. Well, no time to waste! Let's get started!

The group outside of Antho and Trip headed onwards.

SRB2 Tails: Is it me, or was one of them my own OC come to life?

SRB2 Robotnik: That's alternate dimensions for you, kid.

SRB2 Sonic: Yep. Crossovers happen so often here that I'm pretty much used to it. Well, let's see what these karts are capable of!

SRB2 Amy: Let's do it to it!

They entered the virtual training course where the crew got into their respective karts.

SRB2 Robotnik: Oh! Before you get started, there's some special spray cans you should look at.

Ex-Prince Brian: Seriously? You didn't invent spray cans. No Dr. Robotnik in the universe has ever done that.

SRB2 Robotnik: Oh, you are mistaken, lemonade hedgehog! You haven't heard about these Spray Cans!

Ex-Prince Brian: >:(

SRB2 Robotnik: These are miniature factories, each one a renewable supply of a nontoxic chemical that can cleanly adhere to any surface! When you have these on hand before actual races, you can safely dye your fur AND redeco your vehicle with the same spray can! Well, you know, considering we've been enemies this long in different dimensions, I've been left curious... What is each of your favourite colours?

He presented several for the group to look at.

OMT!Tails: Hmm... I'll go with green!

SRB2 Robotnik: Green? Really? Surely you've had enough of green and hills to last you a lifetime?

OMT!Tails: Well, what can I say, doc? I'm not the one with the job title of "rain forest ravager".

SRB2 Robotnik (mumbling): I swear, you nature lovers would kiss a plant if you could get away with it.

Nitro (whispering to Brian): Should we tell him?

Ex-Prince Brian (whispering back): Nah, let's let it slide here.

SRB2 Robotnik: What are you two babbling about?

Nitro: Eh, nothing.

SRB2 Robotnik: Anyways, next one!

CR!Sonic: I'm gonna go with the blue! Can't beat the classics!

SRB2 Robotnik: Oh, your fur colour? I thought you'd maybe go with something a little different.

CR!Sonic (smirking): Well, if this works like you say it does, I could always make YOU look like ME.

SRB2 Robotnik: And brandish the shade of my original biggest enemy?! Not likely.

Nitro: Hmm... I'll opt for purple!

SRB2 Robotnik: Purple, purple... Where have I seen you use that shade of purple before, Tails?

SRB2 Tails: The SS Tornado-EX, silly! You know, I don't think Blaze knows about our team-up yet.

SRB2 Sonic: Yeah. She'll probably understand, though... I really wish you hadn't gone to those measures back then, Eggy.

SRB2 Robotnik: If I had been nicer, you wouldn't've even MET Blaze at all!

OMT!Mina took note of one in a Platinum colour.

OMT!Mina: Hmm... I'm gonna go for this one!

SRB2 Robotnik (baffled): Hey, hold on. The Platinum one isn't supposed to be amongst those colours!

OMT!Mina: Nah, I like it! If it's meant to be a system error, then your systems are handling it quite well!

BK!Amy: And I'll go with violet!

SRB2 Robotnik: Ah, the fine hue of megamalatricarbo-sonichloride!

BK!Amy: Ew, yuck. No, it reminds me of the flowers I used to smell over at Little Planet!

EX!Alice picked up the white can.

SRB2 Robotnik: Oh, so you like the snow, eh? Maybe you'd enjoy visiting my hand-crafted biome; Robotnik Winter.

EX!Alice: Eh, no thanks. I prefer my white un-irradiated.

CU!Sonic picked up the pink can, looking longingly at it, which Robotnik took notice of.

SRB2 Robotnik: Something on your mind, Sonic?

CU!Sonic: Just thinking about the memories me and my wife used to share before...

SRB2 Robotnik: Right. Yes, of course. My condolences, Sonic.

Soon, everyone had picked out their colours of choice and decorated their karts.

Ex-Prince Brian: Well, looks like we're all good to go!

SRB2 Robotnik: Excellent! Time to see how you all do behind the wheel!

Mr. Needlemouse: Free chilli dog on me if I win!

Mini Sonic: Heh, you're on, NM!

SRB2 Robotnik: (Is he meant to be a rabbit, or a hedgehog? Strange...) Well, everyone, get into positions, and DON'T cross the digital line until you hear me say "GO!".

OMT!Tails: You got it!

Mr. Needlemouse: Well, what's stopping us from just crossing that tape anyway, doc?

He tried that, only to temporarily disappear and be plopped back into position.

SRB2 Robotnik: That's what. You actually have to wait your turn, you imbecile!

Mr. Needlemouse (pouting): You're no fun.

SRB2 Tails: It's just the rules of how it works, you know? Can't be fun if there aren't any rules in play.

CR!Sonic: Alright, we're ready!

SRB2 Robotnik: Alright! Ready your engines!

The groups did so, ready to start the race on the virtual training course.

SRB2 Robotnik: Three... two... one...

And as intended, everyone began their race on the word...

SRB2 Robotnik: GO!

With that out of the way, I'd like to mention here that the Ring Racers are going to play a VERY important part come the story's finale, and if you know about some special levels from Ring Racers, you'll know the whole deal in advance. And for those who know about the secret boss encounter in the game, you'll know where Antho and Trip are both headed.

Mr. NM: I will say, I wish there was a little more comeback potential. And by that, I mean, can they teleport me straight to first place? I swear I'd be a master at this if I got placed in first!

[solalunar-eclipse]

Sonic Boom - S3E15

Chapter title: Schrödinger's Hedgehog, Part 4

Summary: Mighton and Bolts appear with grave news: their sensors have picked up an incredibly dangerous weapon nearby. However, the one thing they fail to make clear is that their idea of "weapon" and Team Sonic's are…very different, to say the least.

AO3 Link

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Sonic sped through the forest, springing over roots and bushes with ease, the speed bringing a big smile to his face. Running without a care in the world was one of his favorite things to do. It always brought him joy, and in this moment, he felt as though nothing could possibly sour his mood—

—and then he slammed directly into someone, sending both himself and the stranger tumbling across the forest floor.

Once the world had (mostly) stopped spinning, Sonic righted himself, only to be met with an equally disoriented Sticks.

“I found you! Finally!” they cried, jumping to their feet. “You’re almost as difficult to get hold of as me, you know that?”

Sonic frowned. “Uh, I really doubt that, but anyway…why were you looking for me, exactly?”

“Oh! Right! Those two robots with the weird accents landed near my house and said they were ‘on a mission of the utmost importance’. I couldn’t get them to tell me what it was, though, but I figured you’d be able to. I woulda gotten Tails, but he’s cooped up in his lab with Shadow.”

“That sounds exactly like Tails.” Sonic snickered. “Alright, let’s get back to your house and see what Mighton and Bolts are up to this time.”

He grabbed Sticks’s arm and pulled them alongside him all the way back to their house, where his Roboken friends’ ship sat. Just outside it, Bolts was fiddling with a device that had a long antenna sticking out of it, while Mighton hovered beside him and offered mostly unhelpful advice. 

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Sonic asked, strolling over with his hands laced behind his head. “Not another robot overlord, right?”

“Sonic.” Mighton stood at attention at the sight of the hero. “Thankfully, this is not to do with a robot overlord. However, we are currently on an extremely dangerous mission to secure a machine that we believe has been discovered somewhere near your village. Its signal appeared only a couple of days ago, but this technology is unspeakably deadly and could threaten the lives of everyone on the island if it is allowed to remain out in the open and unguarded.”

The hedgehog’s eyes widened at that. “Geez, that sounds…bad. Really bad. Uh, you guys wouldn’t happen to know where exactly this machine of yours is? Like, somewhere more specific than ‘this area’?”

With a completely straight face, Mighton replied, “We don’t have a single clue.”

Sonic let out a long, tired sigh.

[The intro sequence is back to normal again! This time, Shadow actively participates in it along with everyone else, albeit with much rolling of eyes and smirking.]

[There is no villain reveal in this episode, once again, and so Dr. Eggman is introduced like an ordinary character (and yes, he would like everyone to know that he is still one of the main characters of the show, whether or not he appears in this specific episode).]

[The intro then continues on, before ending with the title of this week’s episode.]

Once Bolts had fixed his machine, the four set off towards the general area of the village. Sonic darted ahead of everyone else on occasion and then tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for them to catch up, clearly wanting to resolve the danger so that he could go back to his usual fun activities. As they drew closer to the town, however, Bolts frowned at the device and let out a hum that made everyone else stop.

“Oh, this thing better not be broken again!” Sonic complained, visibly drooping at the thought.

“No, it’s not that.” the smaller robot explained gravely. “I have simply pinpointed a more precise area for the signal, and it does not appear to be in the village after all.”

“That’s good, ain’t it? So why’re you looking so serious?” Sticks asked.

“Because it is located in the lab of his younger brother.” Bolts said, looking directly at Sonic.

Moments later, the four of them had vanished in a flash of blue as Sonic dragged them all along to Tails’s workshop. Bursting through the doors, he yelled, “Tails! Hold up!”

The young engineer, who had just been about to take a wrench to…some unidentifiable pile of scrap metal…paused and glanced over at the doorway. “Hey Sonic, what’s up?” he asked casually.

“Is something wrong?” Shadow asked, studying the hero curiously from his seat on the edge of the table.

“Guys, Mighton and Bolts are here, and—”

“—you are in possession of some extremely dangerous technology, old friend.” Mighton proclaimed, stepping alongside Sonic. “Please back away from the table immediately. It must be neutralized at once.”

Immediately, Tails skittered away from the table, eyeing it nervously. “Oh no! I-I swear, I didn’t know!”

Bolts gave him a kind look. “Don’t worry, that was never in any doubt. It is very difficult to spot unless you know what you’re looking for, after all.”

Mighton walked towards the table where Shadow still sat, the latter frowning down at the materials (and steadfastly avoiding the eyes of the two robots). “I’m sure there’s nothing dangerous in here…I checked very carefully.” he muttered to himself.

Suddenly, the taller of the two robots gave him a hard stare. “Well, you would say that, wouldn’t you?” he asked.

“What?” Shadow asked, bewildered.

“Hang on, what are you—” Sonic began, but he didn’t even get to finish his sentence before—

—Mighton smacked something onto the side of Shadow’s neck and the android fell lifelessly to the floor.

“Whoa, wait!” Tails cried, jumping back against the wall. But even that was nothing compared to Sonic’s reaction.

“What did you just do?” the hedgehog barked, his eyes narrowing.

Bolts darted over to Mighton’s side uneasily. “We…we neutralized the threat, just like we told you.”

“And now, it will be put into storage so that it cannot cause any further harm.” Mighton finished, pressing a button on his wrist. Suddenly, Shadow was encased in an oblong green container, which began to float next to the two conscious robots.

“It?!” Sonic growled. “What the heck, guys? Shadow’s our friend!”

“I understand how you might have thought that,” Bolts began, nervously tapping some keys on his device, “but it is not what it seems. It is actually an android, designed to mimic—”

“But we already know that!” Tails interjected, glancing worriedly over at his incensed brother. “He’s not a danger to us!”

“You know of its true nature, and yet you did not deactivate it?” Mighton asked, sounding genuinely bewildered. “I thought you were a person of logic.”

“We can discuss this later,” Bolts reminded his companion. “Right now, we need to get the weapon into storage.”

And before anyone could respond, the two robots rocketed out the door with Shadow in tow. Moments later, the sound of an ascending airship reached their ears, and Sonic and Tails dashed outside to see Mighton and Bolts’s ship flying off towards Roboken. 

“We’ve gotta go after them, Tails!” Sonic cried, his hands curled tightly into fists.

“You’re right, we do.” Tails said, steel beginning to enter the young engineer’s voice. “But first, we need to call up our friends.”

[Scene cuts to all five heroes riding on Tails’s plane. Knuckles is in the back seat, Amy and Sticks have each taken a wing, and Sonic is standing on the struts at the bottom.] 

“What I don’t get is, why did Mighton and Bolts only come for Shadow now?” Knuckles asked.

“I dunno…they said something about his signal only appearing a couple days ago, which is weird, because he’s been around for years!” Sonic frowned, clearly struggling with that himself.

Tails thought for a moment, before snapping his fingers suddenly (and yes, that did mean he was flying the plane one-handed for a moment). “That’s when the wiring on Shadow’s crystal was dislodged! Maybe it has something to do with that? It could’ve changed his energy signature enough to catch the attention of Mighton and Bolts!”

“We can talk about this later—right now, we’ve got something else to deal with!” Amy exclaimed, pointing off in the distance to where Roboken floated. She squinted at the city for a moment, eyeing the various airships that patrolled its borders. “The question is, how are five of us on a bright yellow plane going to get into a city that’s notorious for its security?”

“Last time, we used one of their own ships, but I don’t know if we can get them to come after us again.” Sonic called up to her.

“Plus, this plane can’t take the kind of fancy flying we’d need with all five of us on board!” Tails added.

“If you’re on a hunt, always go for the soft underbelly!” Sticks yelled, shaking a fist in the general direction of Roboken.

“I’m sorry, what?” Amy said, slightly taken aback.

“Wait…wait, that’s actually not a bad idea!” Tails exclaimed. “The underside is the only part of the city that isn’t transparent, and they don’t have ships down there, so they won’t be able to see us coming!”

The engineer frowned, adjusting a few dials on his plane as he shifted into position. “Okay, just warning you guys now, my scanner’s picking up a few cameras on the metal plating. I’m gonna send out a quick localized EMP to knock them out, then we’re going to have to fly straight up so nobody notices us. Hang on tight!” 

The other four barely had any time to adjust their grip before the plane shot into a dive, using the clouds as cover to keep from being spotted. Once Tails’s GPS informed him that he was in the correct position, he slammed the EMP button and pulled back on the yoke, dragging his beloved aircraft completely vertical as they blasted towards the city. 

…but they’d forgotten that there was no opening on the underside.

[cue a close-up of all five’s eyes widening, before Sonic suddenly seems to think of something.]

“Amy! Hit me with your hammer!” Sonic yelled, flipping himself onto the top of the biplane’s wing. As he revved up a spindash, the pink hedgehog pulled out her signature hammer and whacked him as hard as she could, sending him flying into the bottom of Roboken. 

He smashed straight through a piece of metal paneling, knocking it entirely loose and leaving a hole just wide enough for Tails to zip into the maze of pipes underneath the city and grapple his plane onto the nearest surface. Carefully, the entire team climbed out of the aircraft, taking care not to let each other slip. They weren’t about to have more than one friend in peril today.

Once they’d all gotten their feet on solid ground, Tails began to fiddle with one of his many devices, keeping his voice as low as possible. “Shadow’s energy crystal has a very specific frequency. That’s how Mighton and Bolts found him…but we can use it to track him down as well! If I can just pinpoint the location of that frequency, then we should be able to find him and make sure he’s okay!”

“Sonic and I will keep watch.” Amy said, a determined set to her face. “You just focus on finding him, okay?”

Immediately, the engineer got to work, while Knuckles and Sticks guarded him. Meanwhile, the two hedgehogs went to stand a little farther down the hall, ostensibly keeping an eye out for any robots that might be approaching.

Sonic shifted from foot to foot, fiddling with one of the bandages on his wrist. The silence felt so heavy he could hardly stand it, and so he said the first thing that came to mind.

“They’d better not have hurt him.” It was an embarrassing thing to say, but true nonetheless. 

To his surprise, instead of making a comment that sounded more like a motivational quote than anything, Amy simply nodded in agreement. “If anyone has, they’d better hope their metal’s stronger than my hammer.” 

Sonic looked away briefly, not at all to hide the small smile he most definitely didn’t have on his face. “Man, if I went back in time and told myself I’d be trying to help my broodiest rival, I never would’ve believed it.”

“I definitely wouldn’t have believed it either. You, helping people? Never!” she shot back, smirking at him. “Sonic the Hedgehog, local hero, rescuing someone from danger? It’s unimaginable!”

“Hey! You know what I meant!” he complained, rolling his eyes.

“Would you two quit with the banter already?” Sticks called out to them both, making the two hedgehogs’ quills spike up in surprise. “Tails just found where they’re keeping Shadow!”

Sonic was back with the group in an instant, Amy not far behind. “Really? Great job, bud!” he said, giving Tails a quick pat on the back. “So, where’re we headed?”

The engineer studied his device for a moment, before pointing off to his left. “That way. I have a pretty good idea of how to get there, but my maps are a little patchy this deep into Roboken, so I can’t be a hundred percent sure.”

“Eh, ninety percent’s good enough for me.” Sonic shrugged and began to walk off, spurring the rest of the team into action. Carefully, the five of them crept through the halls, for once actually not stepping on any conveniently creaky paneling or running into anything. It was almost impressive how well they were doing, really…

…until they ran into a giant chasm where the path should’ve been.

Tails glared at his device. “Come on! I thought it might be a little inaccurate, but this is just ridiculous!”

“And this is why GPS is evil and paper maps are better.” Sticks commented sagely, glancing towards the camera.

“Can’t you just fly us all across, Tails?” Amy asked him.

“Uh, well…I can definitely try…” he said, utterly lacking any kind of confidence whatsoever.

“What my dear buddy pal friend Tails here is trying to say,” Sonic cut in abruptly, “is that he gets tired if he has to carry too many people at once. Or really quickly one after the other. Or even if it’s just one person but it takes a while—”

“I think we get it, thanks, Sonic!” Tails cried, trying unsuccessfully to push the (incredibly self-satisfied) hero out of the way.

“Well then, how many of us can you carry, Tails?” Amy said gently.

“I could probably get you and Sticks across fast enough if I really tried, and I might be able to do Sonic, too, but…Knuckles…”

“Yeah?” the echidna asked, seeming genuinely curious.

“You’re just too strong! Muscle mass—it’s really dense, and you’re already the tallest person here. I won’t be able to do it!” Tails exclaimed, real distress on his face.

“Oh, that’s okay! I know how to glide across.” Knuckles said encouragingly. “Don’t worry about me!”

Everybody stared at him, speechless. 

“You know how to what?” Amy cried.

“Since when?” Sonic added. 

Tails managed to scrape his jaw off the floor enough to ask, “And why didn’t you say anything before?”

Knuckles shrugged. “It never came up.”

The entire team stared at him in silence for a moment, wearing identical expressions of disbelief, no less.

“Okay…I guess that means we’re all set?” Sticks asked, once they’d finally recovered.

“I think Tails just has to get Amy and Sticks across.” Sonic said. “I can run on walls—which was established previously, by the way.” he finished quickly, just in case his team decided to round on him next.

The fox looked much more relieved at that, smiling. “Well, if that’s all I have to do, then this shouldn’t take long at all!” 

He was absolutely right. While Sticks did flail around a little the first time they were picked up, they eventually managed to get used to flight just enough to get across (although they made it clear that they would not like to repeat the experience if at all possible). Amy, on the other hand, was a very good passenger, and Tails wound up being rather glad he’d taken her across second. 

Meanwhile, Sonic had, of course, zipped across the wall in ten seconds flat. Then, he did it a few times more just for the fun of it, until Amy told him off lightly for distracting Tails while he was flying. And Knuckles? He climbed up one wall, then leapt off it and glided diagonally across to the other wall, repeating the process in a sort of zigzag pattern until he made it to the other side of the chasm.

“How do you even glide?” Tails asked once he’d set Amy down, seeming more bewildered if anything now that Knuckles had demonstrated his skills.

The echidna, however, simply shrugged. “I don’t know, nobody taught me! I just sort of…learned how, I guess?”

“Oh man, now I have two friends to study! This is great!” The engineer beamed, clearly delighted at the prospect of more projects to fill up his spare time. 

“Yes, but maybe let’s focus on finding Shadow first?” Amy prompted, at which point Tails whipped out his device again. 

“Oh yeah, right!” he exclaimed. “Shadow should be…about four doors down on the left. We’re almost there!”

The five heroes rushed down the hallway, and it took Tails less than a minute to unlock the door. As it slid open, everyone held their breath, waiting to see what state Shadow might be in.

Inside the room, an array of weapons lined the walls—everything from guns to swords (and even a few gun-swords), as well as several unrecognizable pieces of technology were present. There were even parts of a mech like the one Sonic owned stored on some shelves. The heroes snuck past it all warily, everybody seeming far too overwhelmed by the circumstances to start any of their usual snappy banter.

And then, at the very back, there was Shadow. He was held inside a large tank, slumped at the bottom. His eyes were closed, but he wasn’t moving in the slightest. All of the little involuntary movements that marked something as being alive…none of them were there.

Before any of them could react, Sonic had spin-dashed the tank once, then twice, then a third time, until it finally shattered under the force of his whirling quills. Moments later, he’d pulled Shadow’s lifeless body out of the way of the shattered glass, settling him carefully in front of Tails.

“You can fix him, right?” the hero asked, his face turned carefully away from the camera and his voice oddly flat.

Tails fiddled with the gadget in his hands. “I’ll do my best.” he said quietly, already kneeling down next to his friend and connecting his tablet to Shadow’s systems.

“We’ll keep an eye out for you, Tails!” Knuckles punched his fists together, and then set about barricading the door to the room so that nobody else could get in. Sticks soon pitched in, while Amy watched over Tails’s progress nervously and Sonic zipped around the room in an effort to keep from going completely stir-crazy.

After a few tense minutes, where the team went absolutely silent anytime they heard footsteps in the halls, Tails finally sighed, drawing everyone’s attention. “I’ve done everything I can do…now we just have to start him up and see what happens.”

As he pressed a few buttons on his touchscreen, Amy silently stood up and walked over to Sonic, taking his hand. For once, he took it back. Sticks moved to Amy’s other side and put a hand on her shoulder, and Knuckles did the same thing with Sonic, both of them supporting their friends with their presence.

Slowly, Shadow’s fingers twitched. His face shifted slightly.

And then he shot bolt upright, his eyes glazed and distant. As he glanced around, his eyes slid directly over the team, not seeming to register their presence at all. “No…not here! I—I escaped!” he muttered to himself, and Sonic jumped into action.

“Shadow! Hey, Shadow, it’s me!” he cried, stepping into his friend’s field of vision and waving his arms over his head. “We’re gonna get you out of here, okay?”

“…Sonic?” Shadow hesitated, his eyes beginning to focus, and looked around. “Everyone? What are you…how did you get here? Why are you here? Wait—where is here?”

“Got here on Tails’s plane, here to save you from the Roboken jerks who think they can keep you in some dumb storage room,” Sonic explained, his energy fading in favor of venom on the last two words. “And ‘here’ is a room somewhere in the underground of Roboken.”

Shadow stared at him. “You…you all…came here to free me? From—from—”

“What did I tell you?” Amy interrupted, giving him a kind smile. “We’re not letting anyone mistreat you or lock you away ever again.”

The android hesitated, looking around the room once more. He shrank in on himself slightly, eyes flickering at the sight of the impenetrable metal walls…and then he looked over at his friends, who had risked their longer-standing friendships with the people of Roboken just to save him.

…his friends. 

“Thank you.” he said softly, giving them a small, but genuine smile. 

Sonic threw an arm around his shoulders, and Knuckles did the same from the other side. “We’re just glad you’re okay.” the echidna said, nodding sagely.

The other three looked like they were about to crowd in as well—when the door suddenly shook as someone tried to open it from the other side. The barricades held, but that just made the robot on the other side of the door yell for help, making everyone freeze.

Tails looked around on his device for a moment, before grimacing at what he saw. “There’s a lot of robots headed this way…including Mighton and Bolts.”

Shadow bared his teeth slightly, making Sonic and Knuckles step protectively in front of him. “We’re not gonna make the same mistake twice, Shads.” Sonic said firmly.

The door rattled once. Then again. But before the robots could try anything else, Amy shoved all of the barricades to one side and then opened the door, hammer in hand. Standing outside it were Mighton, Bolts, the five robot clones, and several other citizens of Roboken.

“…I feel like I shouldn’t be as surprised as I am.” Bolts said, sounding rather startled anyway. 

“Heroes.” Mighton began, stepping closer to the room. “You have saved Roboken, and for that, you are always welcome here. But while we do not have many laws, stealing is absolutely prohibited.”

“You can’t steal a person!” Sonic barked. “That’s not how that works!”

“Wait, hang on, you were keeping a person in here?” Robot!Sonic asked. “Mighton, I thought you said you were going on a mission to find a weapon!”

“That’s what they told our Sonic and Tails, too—and then they knocked Shadow here out and kidnapped him.” Sticks explained, her eyes narrowed.

“What?! Not cool, man!” Robot!Knuckles cried.

“You must understand, Project: Shadow was designed primarily to be a fighting machine, not a person.” Bolts cut in, attempting to explain. “It is a relic from a long-finished war that is no longer necessary.”

“Yeah, and you’re all relics from a dead civilization!” Tails snapped suddenly, making everyone jump. “The people who made you have been gone for ages—are you saying that every single one of you is doing exactly the same things as you were back then?”

All of the non-clone robots shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unwilling to meet the heroes’ eyes. “Not…as such…” Mighton admitted.

“Exactly! And neither is Shadow!” Amy insisted, stepping forward. “He was made with the same mental matrix as all of you, so it doesn’t matter what he was meant to do, what matters is what he wants to do!”

“What does he want to do, then?” Bolts asked genuinely.

Shadow looked up at that, looking the smaller robot in the eyes. The android flinched, but refused to break his stare. “I want to live with my…my friends. I want to help them protect their ridiculous village, and watch their stupid shenanigans, and I don’t want to have to watch my back nonstop thinking that you all are planning to abduct me again and lock me up.” he said. His voice wavered slightly as he spoke, but the presence of his five friends seemed to ground him.

Mighton and Bolts glanced at each other for a moment, and then the former nodded. “Spoken like a true hero, and a true friend of these five too. Very well, you may leave…but we will require permission to come and check in every once in a while to see how you are faring, living among the villagers.”

Shadow sighed. “If that is the price I must pay for my freedom, then I suppose I can pay it. But rest assured, you will only find your trips to be for nothing.”

Sonic put his hand on the android’s shoulder reassuringly. “C’mon, Shadow, don’t worry about them for now. Let’s get you outta here first, and we’ll deal with this later, okay?”

The six heroes left the room, and thankfully, nobody made a move to stop them. As they went, Robot!Tails called out. “Do you guys mind if we visit sometime? Just to, you know, get to know your cool robot friend…” He grinned sheepishly.

Shadow glanced back, the faintest, tiniest hint of a smile on his face at the clone’s familiar enthusiasm. “Yes, I suppose you may. Sometime.”

And with that, the six headed back to Tails’s plane, and flew away from Roboken. It was only once they’d touched down outside the engineer’s workshop that Shadow seemed to truly relax, his shoulders slumping. 

He stared off into space for long enough that Amy called out to him, worried. “Shadow? What’s wrong?”

“I could have been trapped in there forever…again…” he said softly, wrapping his arms around himself.

“But you weren’t!” Sonic interjected loudly, shaking Shadow out of his reverie. “That’s what matters, and now Tails can build you something that’ll keep them from using that weird gadget on you again—right, Tails?”

“I’ll get on it A-S-A-P!” the fox promised.

Shadow smiled again, but it was still faint. “I appreciate it. Before you do that, though…I still have yet to try that new game you told me about. Tomatopotomus Borders, was it?”

“They just released a new DLC for that!” Sonic exclaimed, suddenly beaming with genuine excitement. “You’ve gotta play it!”

“I think…I think I would like that.” Shadow said.

And with that, the six friends walked inside together.

[dyadhogs]

it had only been with a lot of persuasion and a few choice words that the nurses had let amy out of bed, and even more threats of possible violence from sticks before they let her walk around. though she was sure to apologize for her friend’s behavior, even if she was slightly grateful for it. but neither it nor all the reassurance from her friends had been able to prepare her for the obvious next step.

she didn’t know what she expected when she walked into sonic’s room with her team at her side a few days after the incident. but it wasn’t to see the speedster prone in that bed, connecting to half a dozen machines including a ventilator and paler than she had ever seen him. she had frozen in the doorway without even realizing it, and it had been a joint effort by the others to get to her to go any further. even then she found she couldn't tear her eyes from him. a few times the nurses had come in to check on him, and she had seen the bandages that littered his torso, to say nothing of the cast on his right arm.

be it because he thought it might help or just because he felt the need to break the odd silence, tails had finally explained the extent of the speedster’s injuries. amy only partially listened, but she got the gist of it. the speedster had been hit three times, and at least two of those had caused major internal injuries hence the surgery. his arm was in no better condition, and while it was hard to see his throat was severely bruised as well.

and all they could do was wait. that was one of the worst parts of all this. next to knowing that this was all her fault, amy could hardly stand not knowing if the other was really okay or not. the doctors said he was, but seeing him lying there like that…

it wasn't right, it wasn't him.

thus days were spent like that, sitting around in idle chit-chat, absolute silence or the occasional card game while they waited. usually it was in shifts, one or two would stay while the others went home to clean up or make sure everything was alright in the village. that was one plus, amy figured. eggman had been as quiet as the grave since the incident. and after learning that tails had picked up the crystal and put it somewhere safe, undetectable, the team knew they could relax with no risk of the scientist finding it.

there was only one thing on their minds anyway. one person.

time worked so differently in hospitals, and if it hadn't been for tails keeping track of the days none of them would have known how long they were there. it seemed like forever, and between dozing off because of her own injuries and simply staring at the bed on the other side of the room amy felt like she was in a trance. but one day, it paid off.

she was the one who noticed it first. who had caught the sight of those green eyes fluttering open, though they didn't move beyond that. they were glued to the ceiling, glazed and uncertain. she hadn't even realized she was holding her breath until she went to speak.

“sonic…”

the one quiet sound had drawn the attention of the other three in the room to her, then once realization hit all eyes went to the bed. it didn't seem the speedster had heard her, but that didn't matter. once they had seen what amy had there was no time wasted in going to their friend's side.

which did get a reaction from the speedster, namely in those very same eyes going wide if only just slightly. it was hard to tell if he really registered them or if it was simply the movement that spooked him but he didn't move beyond that. unsure whether that was because he was unable to or something else, amy did the next best thing and gently laced her fingers with his good hand before giving it a soft squeeze.

try as she did, she knew she couldn’t have stopped her voice from cracking as those green hues flicked towards her. there was some inkling of recognition in them, and that was enough. “it's okay, we're here. we're all here.”

it was all they needed.

their little family was going to be alright.

[dark9896]

Polar opposites [Zapp x Reader]

This wasn't normal, it wasn't natural! He knew he could do better than that stuck-up, pristine, everything-in-its-place a$$hole!

Zapp was stuck, laying in bed and wondering why the ever-loving f&%k he was thinking about them when he should be out drinking and partying. The new intel core operative was just a little b*tch!

And no amount of tight pants was going to change his mind.

~~~~~

Unfortunately, you didn't have a beef with Zapp, not yet anyways. You were doing your best to get along with everyone you could considering you would be a temp in the office. Being reliable and tidy was just second nature for you. Honestly, you were hoping to become a more permanent member of the team. Though you didn't have much fighting experience.

A full-time record keeper position would suit you just fine.

But, for whatever reason, Zapp was skirting you today. Whenever you got even remotely close to where he was, he would jump up and act like he needed to be somewhere else. It was getting on everyone's nerves, and hurt you a little just thinking about it.

"Trust me," Chain said, "This is a blessing in disguise. The last thing you want is that Monkey Brained idiot flirting with you."

"It isn't about flirting." You sighed, "It seems like all I have to do is look in his general direction and he's bolting to the next room. And I know it isn't my body spray, no one else is bothered by it. They've even commented on how Zapp tends to wear it himself so..."

"You are still lucky that he's like this." Leo piped up from the other end of the couch, "Given his pension for bullying the living daylights out of anything that moves."

The little Sonic Speed Monkey on the table in front of you made a noise as if he were agreeing, as well as nodding. You couldn't help but feel like it was impossible to explain why this hurt so much. Popular opinion around the office said Zapp was public enemy number one.

But you thought he was kinda cute.

There was no getting out of it this time sadly. Zapp was assigned to be your bodyguard during a mission, and he wasn't able to weasel his way out of this one. This was the seedy part of town, and you needed someone who both knew the place, and could fight properly in tight corners.

God Zapp was gonna regret this.

"Just stay outta my way when sh^t hits the fan, alright Noodle?"

Zapp was being more pushy and rude than normal, in all honesty, you didn't know what to think. You just shrugged and decided not to let it bother you. Certainly made Zapp less cute.

Sneaking around in the alley with someone this close should have been more thrilling, but with Zapp constantly bickering at something or other... You just had to hold out until you could hear what was going on inside this building. It wasn't long before you realized you had circled the entire outside of the building and still not found a decent entry spot. And with Zapp grumbling in your ear, it wasn't going to be a fun day.

"Will you shut up?" You hissed, "I can't f*&king concentrate with the endless hopeless commentary from the peanut gallery."

Zapp blinked, straightening up and holding both hands up in surrender on instinct. But he shut up. You stared up the side of the building, unaware of how Zapp was looking at you.

Had he been wrong this whole time? Or was this just stress-talking? He was known to be grating to most people, and he had been wrong about things before. It was all too likely he just didn't-

"In!"

Being suddenly shoved into an even tighter corner by you only strengthened his suspicions about just being wrong. Then the footsteps hit his ears. About as hard as your heartbeat actually. That level of rapid thumping was pumping Zapp's ego. If you were that scared, then if he did something to protect you...

Things could go very differently then he even thought was possible.

"Don't-"

Zapp was yanked even further into the dark corner before he could even take half a step.

"Are you insane?" You whispered, "They have guns! You'll be down before you can even draw a drop of blood for your own sword. Just lay low for a sec."

"Just gimme a sec to prep and..."

"Look, just because you don't like me doesn't mean you get to walk all over me dumb*ss." You half glared at him, "Just hold on 'cause they'll round the corner in a few seconds. And then we can sneak into that low window right there."

Zapp blinked down at you, "What gave the idea that I don't like you?"

"You avoid me, you keep calling me Noodle, you have been grumbling ever since we left today, and you refuse to give me the time of day to just listen to the simplest of requests like stay put for a minute so we can do our f&^king job."

Looking away and rubbing the back of his neck proved more difficult than he expected, but of course you'd be right.

"Okay, okay. So I haven't been the nicest." He admitted, "But to be fair, I thought you were just another stick in the mud."

"Because I want to do a good job and maybe not be stuck as a temp?"

Your voice was starting to raise, but Zapp covered your mouth. He knew you were right, but the footsteps had stopped at an odd time. While the grumbling was inaudible, there was a chance that those apes could hear you.

"Okay, so I made a bad judgment call." Zapp breathed in your ear, "It happens, I just. I'm kinda used to being the office punching bag, so another suit-wearing snob was the last thing I wanted to see. Once this is over with, why don't I make sh^t up to you with drinks? Deal?"

You pulled away, almost hitting your head against the wall, "Alright, deal. Now help me up into that window so I can plant a bug in the empty room."

"And remind me," Zapp was easily able to lift you by the leg, "What good does leaving it in an empty room do?"

"It'll seek the target like a living bug." You just needed to drop a small bug and crawl out the window, "And stick to him like a bad fart."

"Nice."

[saline-coelacanth]

Alright I'm in the mood to talk about my Sonic ocs so I'm just gonna ramble for a bit about different things about them

Scythe, Cyber and Zinzin are considered to be a team, although Zinzin isn't really a true member of the team since she mainly does her own thing and just occasionally helps the other two out

Scythe and Cyber on the other hand are almost always with each other

They both live together in Scythe's workshop. His workshop is disguised to look like a normal tree when in actuality it's fully metallic

Scythe is a cyborg and he made all of his cybernetic enhancements himself. It wasn't because of some accident where he needed to replace his limbs, but rather he just wanted to become a cyborg because he believed it would just be better in the long run

Out of the two of them, Cyber does most of the fighting since he was literally built for that kind of thing, but Scythe is able to fight as well if he needs to. He usually uses his retractable claws or one of his gadgets when fighting

Cyber is very loyal to Scythe since he's the one who rebuilt and reprogrammed him and also the one to repair him whenever he gets damaged. The two of them fight sometimes, but Cyber will always stay by his side

Cyber is unaware of the fact that he's based on another person. Even when he sees Shadow for the first time, he assumes that Shadow is the one copying him I think you're the fake hedgehog around here. I feel like even after he realizes that he was based on Shadow, he'd make it very clear to everyone else that he is his own person, which yeah makes sense since he has a completely different personality compared to Shadow

Zinzin, being a zeti, was born and raised on the Lost Hex, but ended up making her way to Sonic's world where she currently lives. If anyone asks her how she got here, she won't answer simply because she thinks it's funny to leave people confused

Zinzin is a being of pure chaos. She loves causing problems on purpose and messes with people purely for the fun of it

Being a zeti, she can take control of robots, which often causes problems for Cyber since she can just take control of him whenever she wants. For the most part she let's him be, but if she gets upset or simply just wants to mess with him, she uses her powers to control him

Zinzin really doesn't care about anyone but herself. Maybe eventually she grows genuinely fond of Scythe and Cyber, but I haven't decided yet

So yeah those are just some miscellaneous notes about my ocs. I haven't settled on a team name yet, idk maybe I'll make a poll to see what other people thinks since I have a couple of ideas. Or maybe if anyone has any name suggestions, you could let me know and I'll consider them as well. I really wanna do more with these guys, and I mean, I've been giving Zinzin some attention lately but I wanna give the other two some love as well.

[speedbooster]

Journey Through Archie Sonic - Part 2

The Rest of the Original Mini-Series

Making this a bit later than I intended, but life gets in the way sometimes-

Anyways, like I said a few days ago, I'm going to try to make this a weekly thing. If you wanna read the previous part just click the 2nd tag and you'll find it pretty easily.

This is going to be a bit disjointed until I can figure out a better way to do this, but that's enough stalling I think. So without further ado, let's jump right back in!

Sonic the Hedgehog Mini-Series #1 - Mar. 1993

This is honestly a pretty sick cover. I've never really been a fan of the western designs they used back then, especially with the stupid mohawk they gave Sonic which just looks wrong to me, but the way Robotnik is drawn here is... kinda awesome. He's very imposing, his hands reaching out to grab him while Sonic speeds off with Sally in his arms, not looking the least bit worried while the Princess is clearly not as certain they'll be making it out.

Solid cover. 8/10

Similar to the last issue, this is broken into a four issues in two parts. The first dealing with Sally trying to get herself roboticized so they can figure out how it works, and the second dealing with... fish.

Not going to summarize too much, but I do wanna go over a few things;

1: Apparently Robotnik is... actually a robot here??

Obviously, that doesn't stay the case since... well, that becomes an entirely separate character, but it's still really confusing to me because... he doesn't look like one?

Maybe they just mean he's a cyborg? Cause that would actually make sense given his design.

Idk, it's weird

2: Sonic, what the hell does that mean??

I mean, it's probably a reference to "Sonic Twosday," the promotional event they did in America for the release of Sonic 2, but it feels kinda forced-

3: WELL MAYBE IF YOU HAD EXPLAINED YOUR PLAN TO YOUR ENTIRE TEAM INSTEAD OF WORDING YOUR PROCLAMATION LIKE YOU WERE A COMPLETE IDIOT THINGS WOULD'VE WORKED OUT DIFFERENTLY

Like unless I missed something, there is literally no reason she couldn't have told them. They weren't being watched by Robotnik, and she left a note telling them she was planning to meet with him to discuss Robotnik returning the kingdom to her, so she could've just told them her plan, and asked them to retrieve her boots afterwards so they could've figured out how to undo it, but NOOOOOO

I get that this is during the gag era days and I shouldn't take this that seriously, but this genuinely irks me... so much.

#4: Sonic can not only swim but breathe underwater

Not going to give them too much flack for this, since this was still very early days... but it still feels wrong.

He also later on starts running out of air during a fight, and continues to talk which hurts my brain, but he does get it back by swallowing an air bubble, which is neat.

5: If this actually comes up in the main series, I will be very impressed

This could earn them at least 10 brownie points.

But that's it for Issue #1. Still a decent read despite my frustrations with the first story, though I think #0 was way funnier. Like no Swat Bots dancing in the fire this time, not as many dumb sign gags. You can really tell they were still trying to figure this out.

Anyways, time to move on to-

Sonic the Hedgehog Mini-Series #2 - Apr. 1993

This cover's alright. Doesn't really tie into anything going on in the story (At least the last issue had Sonic saving Sally, even if she didn't want to be saved), and the background is a little bland. But it's eye-catching and definitely has some charm to it.

I'll give it a C-

The story here is probably my favorite out of the whole mini, as this time we've got a story that spans all four parts of the issue, and has some nice attention to continuity which I did NOT expect.

The premise here is that Sally is about to be crowned Queen (kinda), hoping to use the magic of the emeralds atop her father's crown to keep them safe and maybe help defeat Robotnik.

Interesting that we're introducing yet another set of powerful gems here. I'm really curious to see if these come back later on.

Anyways, this is probably the only major issue I have with this story-

Whomst the shock are all these guys??? Since when does Antoine have anyone under his command?? Isn't like... the entire joke about him at this point that he's really full of himself but can't do anything right??? And literally every other issue in this mini has it be JUST Sonic's group in Knothole, so where did they even come from???

Anyways, the pig turns out to be a spy from Robotnik, who stole the Freedom Emeralds to scatter them around so they can't use them.

Also... apparently revealing you're a robot turns you purple??

(Insert William Afton joke here)

After this, the pig tries to blow them all up, but Sonic saves them with that bit of continuity I mentioned before.

They're actually referencing one of those joke pages from Issue #0, and they continue to do so throughout the rest of the mini. I really like this! It turns a one-off gag into actual lore, making it serve the purpose it was meant to by showing off his different levels of speed.

So now, Sonic has to team up with the other Freedom Fighters in each part to get the emeralds back. He technically worked with Sally in the first part, and now he's forced to work with Antoine here, Tails in part three, and technically Rotor in part four (though really he just repairs the crown after Sonic gets all the gems back). Still, it's a great set up, and it leads to two jokes that got small a chuckle out of me.

The first one being-

... like I wanna hate it, but I just can't. Especially with how Antoine is completely unaware of it for the rest of this issue. He genuinely was so lost in his own head that he never thinks twice about it.

And the second is during a revisit to that underwater cave from last issue (Meaning that either this is a different Chopper or they're never going to follow up on his report... which is sad)

Like I'd normally be questioning how they drew all that with only a green marker (when there's not even green on Sonic yet), but the "I should've noticed they only had four fingers" line just gets me.

... yeah, if you can't tell I'm not the target audience for this. I think way too hard about this stuff, so books that are just trying to have fun rarely work for me. But this is what won the poll-

Still I am enjoying these more than I thought I would. Even when the jokes don't land, they're usually so charming in the way they're told that I don't care.

There are a few more bits from part IV I wanna bring up that I liked.

Namely, RETURN OF THE STUPID SIGN GAGS

I missed you so much

Also, very cursed Sonic on the right there. Somehow they only miscolored one of his arms, and I hate it. But that's old comics for you-

AND THEY SOMEHOW DO IT AGAIN

And yet, I don't care because the swag on this Swat Bot as he deploys the trap is so funny to me. He even rhymes with Sonic's quip as he turns around to mock him! I love this guy!

I'm going to headcanon this is the same guy who was dancing in the fires of Uncle Chuck's chili dog stand in Issue #0. I shall dub him... Steve. Swat Bot Steve. My new favorite character.

Finally to end the issue we have this page which is just-

I mean do I even have to say anything? It's perfect.

He even popped in from underneath the usual THE END! thing on the last page so he could go on this rant. I love it

Finally, the last issue of the mini-

Sonic the Hedgehog Mini-Series #3 - May. 1993

This cover is... charming, I guess. Very Looney Tunes-esk, but still kinda... eh-

It gets ⭐⭐

This issue is also just kinda weird. The first two parts are extremely confusing-

Sonic gets cornered by Robotnik, falls off a cliff, and then has what I can only assume is a bizarre dream caused by a concussion because... I mean-

We start off with this, Robotnik curses him and his Uncle which then causes-

... I am so shocking lost rn. This doesn't even make any sense with the context from the rest of the issue

Chuck adopts Ivo after he loses his parents, and we get... this cursed thing.

I hate him. I hate looking at him. Please make him go away-

He steals some parts from Chuck's tractor, which causes him to nearly get run over by it, which he decides to blame Chuck for, even after his robots rat him out.

... I feel like Robotnik just invented a new form of cursing.

So he decides to make a mech out of every appliance in the house, Sonic beats him, and makes me even more confused as to how Chuck was responsible for any of this when the only thing he did was adopt him.

... I'm just gonna blame it on the concussion and move on.

The second story features Sonic pretending to be roboticized by wearing a bear trap on his face so he can trick Robotnik to do... something. I actually don't know what the plan was-

Something made even worse by the fact that both Sonic and Sally decide to trick Tails into thinking it's real, which he then decides to spread the word by making his own newspaper.

This feels completely unnecessary, and as it turns out-

IT ABSOLUTELY WAS

I can appreciate that Robotnik gave Sonic the job the Buzz Bomber wanted, and Sonic's little line here but like... WHY TRICK TAILS INTO SPREADING THE WORD IF YOU WERE JUST GONNA WALK RIGHT UP TO HIS FRONT DOOR SONIC!?!?

Like... poor little buddy did nothing wrong, and he gets to believe his hero turned on them for literally no reason.

Robotnik decides to test Sonic's loyalty by having him check out an alert at one of his factories, where we see a "Robot Chuck" being forced to make Crabmeats.

Now I was going to complain about this, especially since we later see Muttski who is DEFINITELY a robot-

But again, this is another way of showing continuity between issues. This is how Chuck looked in Issue #0, so this is how he looks here. And since I know this does get fixed in the actual series itself, I can give it a pass. It's at least staying consistent with its... inconsistency.

Anyways, Sonic runs back to Robotnik and tricks him into blowing up a Buzz Bomber Factory by telling him it was the coords for Knothole village, we get this little one liner as Buzz Bomber morns the loss of his entire family and Sonic leaves a bear trap on Egghead's rear, and that's the end of the mini series.

[FINIS]

Overall, this was a fun read even if it was kind of a mixed bag. Issue #1 kinda sucked, this issue was all over the place, but Issues $0 and #2 were a really good time, and gives me hope that this might not be as much of a slog as I was expecting

Next week, I start on the actual series. Hoping to tackle at least four issues, but we'll see how that goes. Thanks for sticking with me through this very long post.

Catch you on the flip side!

[hugsandchaos]

You got it!

You have no idea how excited I am, Chaos Deprived was my first Sonic Boom AU and probably my first Sonic AU ever!

Let’s start off with a few headcanons so that you understand some of the backstory better.

We have a lot of freedom with chaos energy since it’s close to nonexistent in the Boom Universe, so I changed it up a little bit. First off; Items can become “infected”, so to speak, by chaos energy. The item would then be able to grant the holder/wearer an ability, which can range from something small to something very big, but it needs time to recharge afterwards or the chaos energy inside would be spent completely.

Secondly, chaos energy inside someone can’t be as easily “pulled” as chaos energy roaming around or inside an object. This is because the person is able to Will themselves not to let go, and if it’s strong enough, then it stays! Not to mention because of the pretty unpredictable nature of chaos energy, who knows if the person would be injured or even die from having their chaos energy removed? Also, this is a pretty rare thing and most likely to happen if someone lives in a place with more chaos energy than average.

Third, it can be passed down through bloodlines, but if there’s not enough outside energy to help support it, the chaos energy will slowly die out through the generations.

Alright, onto the backstory! Which you’ve probably seen in my other posts but I’m talking about it anyways!

So Chaos Deprived takes in the “Shadow Was Created By The Ancients” idea, just to keep in mind. With enough chaos energy to not only need four inhibitor rings on him at all times and still be able to use a lot of power to do different things, he was definitely considered the most chaotic being on the planet, and some believed possibly the universe!

I was thinking maybe he was created by Lyric in his pursuit to understand Chaos Energy, and his Black Arms half was actually extracted from an old skeleton that no one really knows how it got there, with just enough DNA left over that we now have Shadow! And maybe since he was created by Lyric and used as a lab experiment, the other Ancients deemed him too dangerous, but they couldn’t kill him, so they put him in suspended animation.

But something happened to the emeralds.

One day, they just… disappeared. And over the course of a few weeks, all outside chaos energy went with it.

Now these people were adapted and used to feeling outside chaos energy around them, and it’s always been there, since the very beginning of their history! Now that it’s gone, people started to really panic.

Many cities fell, the chaos energy died out through generations, and before Shadow knew it, everything was gone. He just woke up when the power to his tube thing ran out and looked around to see everything in ruins and the chaos energy gone. This really made him uncomfortable, and he had no clue just how long he’d been stuck in that tube for.

Not feeling outside chaos energy was like being deprived of something essential for him, and in a way, it was, hence the name “Chaos Deprived”!

Anyways, so this takes a toll on his mental health (what’s left of it anyways) through the many, many years, which to make a long story short, was hell for him.

Bygone Island was just another place Shadow visited. He was going to leave, but then a meteor crashed near the island. It wasn’t very big or disastrous, thank goodness, but it had a crystal infused with chaos energy.

Team Sonic got to it before he did, and in an attempt to be friends with him, they offered him the gem. This brought more relief and comfort to Shadow than they will ever know.

Alright, onto the next part! This involves less physical hurt and more emotional hurt!

Shadow has come to call these creatures with no chaos energy, anthropomorphic animal or human, “chaos barren”. Team Sonic are all chaos barren, and that actually worries Shadow because now that he’s thinking they could be friends, he worries that a creature with so much chaos energy like himself might make them sick.

This hits even harder when they’re injured because Shadow can heal people, but he obviously uses chaos energy and worries that it’ll make it worse since their bodies aren’t adapted to it. He hasn’t tried healing anyone who’s chaos barren before.

Another thing is that Shadow still has that problem with eating, and Amy is trying to get him to eat something when she notices that he never does. Some of the others try to help out, casually offering to share food, but Shadow always declines.

A third part is that Shadow becomes really attached to the gem because he’s sure it’s the only thing that’s keeping him from diving further into insanity. To the point where he puts himself in dangerous situations just to get it back. There is a happy ending to this whole thing, though, don’t worry.

Turns out the Master Emerald just felt like it needed to move because of all the conflict with the Ancients, so it did, and the chaos emeralds and energy they both created obviously followed. The group will get their chance at seeing them, and I like to think that spending so much time around Shadow actually made their bodies used to chaos energy, but they still shouldn’t get too close or something might happen.

And that’s pretty much all I’ve got so far!

I had other ideas that I’m not sure how to include, and I actually have a much more peaceful AU of this called “Mistaken Fae” where the emeralds were found, all the Ancients accidentally turned themselves into Chao when they got too close, and Shadow’s able to travel between the two worlds easily. Except he thinks they’re the same world.

And this scene from the older version of Chaos Deprived where Rouge and Omega were also Ancients and during an expedition, they were both found in suspended animation. Lots of crying and hugs that last minutes from Shadow.

It’d be extra good if Omega had turned on Shadow and hunted him down thanks to the government or Lyric reprogramming him and felt incredibly guilty, but Shadow never once blamed him for it and just hugged him.

Is it so bad that I feel like traumatizing Shadow to hell and back and then dumping him on Team Sonic?

[im-in-vin-ci-ble]

Hello~ Can I request a Mark x fem reader who’s a lot like starfire and is very Powerful close to omni man and is also an alien princess but she lives on earth and they go to the same school and she’s also a solo hero who one day sees invincible fighting off a tough villain with the teenteam but is losing so she steps in to help and he recognizes her and starts getting all nervous since he has a crush on her and then after that they introduce themselves get to know each other and eventually work they’re way up to mark confessing and she says yes :3

(If possible can it be a slow burn im a sucker for slow burn tropes and stuff 😤)

A/N: I gotchu, this bout to be a lil long 😮‍💨 making the fem!reader a little more human, figured since she’s in an actual school for humans she’d need to adapt to the humor/culture so she doesn’t get suspicious

Pairing: Mark Grayson x Fem!Reader

Rating: M, some swearing and gross monster guts

Warnings: N/A

Summary: Mark is finally joined in battle by an alien princess who has caught his attention. Turns out she goes to the same high school, and if he can throw around 150-pound monsters across the street, surely he can confess his true feelings to a girl... right?

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?!" Rex Splode yelled as he wobbled up off the ground. "We've been on this thing for hours and it only has one damn cut!"

"Calm down Rex," Atom Eve said from behind, "You're gonna get even more tired from yelling."

The two watched as Dupli-Kate attempted to distract the scaly kaiju, replicating herself second after second to give space for Invincible to hit the monster by surprise. The kaiju's screech echoed throughout the city and shook the foundations of the surrounding buildings, forcing Rex, Atom Eve and Robot to move aside and save however many civilians they could.

"Invincible," Dupli-Kate shouted, "I can't keep up much longer!"

A sonic boom overcame the surrounding noise and Invincible appeared from the clouds. Dropping in at maximum speed, the young superhero balled his hand into a fist and took a deep breath. A loud battle cry escaped his mouth but it was cut short as the kaiju's heavy arm slapped him away just in time, throwing him through destroyed buildings until he landed on the pavement.

Out of breath, dizzy, and in a serious amount of pain, Invincible laid on the broken road for a second to regain his strength. The wind softly blew down on him as he focused his sight on a contrail leading towards him, and he watched as a girl in purple land right next to him.

She bent down and held him upright, "Invincible, are you okay?"

"Mmhmm," Invincible croaked with a defeated smile, "Totally fine."

His sight reverted back to normal and the first face he saw shocked him alive. It was her. They never talked in school and he was almost sure she didn't know his real name, but here she was, basically cradling him in her arms and calling him Invincible.

So she knows who I am. At least with the suit.

"Come on, that kaiju is about to be destroy the entire city," she said, helping him get back on his feet and flying away to the seemingly unbeatable figure.

He huffed, "Stay cool, Mark. She's here to help," and he followed suit.

This marked the first time he really interacted with the new superhero; he'd only ever see her on TV or read about how she saved people on the newspaper. He'd be lying if he said he didn't find her attractive — as do most guys his age — but watching her blast the kaiju with the green bursts of energy from her hands made her only even more appealing.

Invincible regrouped with the rest of the Teen Team. "I don't know what else we can do to this thing," Atom Eve admitted.

"I do," the girl spoke up. "Distract it as best as you can but stay far away from the stomach. When I tell you to take cover, make a run for it."

Robot replied, "That seems highly dangerous."

"Let's do it," Invincible quickly replied in a high-pitched voice.

Everyone looked over at him, surprised at the sudden change in his voice and just how fast he reacted in agreement. 

"Uh, it's a good plan," he nodded, causing the girl to shoot a warm smile his way. "I definitely think we should do it... if all of you... uh, think, we should."

Exhausted and out of options, the rest of the group followed her orders and took different corners of the monster. Dupli-Kate handled one leg, Rex Splode handled the other, Robot and Atom Eve took the arms, and Invincible went back to the head. The kaiju struggled to keep its focus on just one of the heroes, and while it remained preoccupied, the girl absorbed all the energy she could muster and flew straight for the stomach.

"Take cover, now!"

Invincible and the Teen Team moved away and they watched as the flying hero's eyes opened in a bright shade of neon green, both her arms extended out as a large ball of green formed around her hands. The rays exploded right through the kaiju and it shrieked in pain as she briefly disappeared into the stomach. The kaiju lost balance and slowly fell forward as the girl, her eyes still green, appeared on the other side and harshly fell down on the ground.

The kaiju landed on the street with a loud boom and the group ran towards the girl who was now covered in parts of the kaiju's digestive system.

"Okay, that's kinda gross," Rex Splode commented, to which Dupli-Kate quickly responded, "Shut up."

Invincible dropped down on his knees and wiped the blood and guts off her face. Subtly admiring her facial features up close, he couldn't believe (and almost felt stupid) that he never recognized her despite the fact that he almost saw her everyday.

The girl groaned in agony softly shook her head, her eyes fluttering open to the sight of Invincible's dark hair, goggles and yellow mask.

"Hey, hey," he whispered, "Are you alright?"

She sat up and hissed at her injuries, holding her head with her bloody hand. "Mmhmm," she gently nodded with a half smile, her eye one still shut. "Totally fine."

---

Mark had a hard time focusing on school. His body ached from yesterday's injuries and he suffered a few bruises from literally tearing through buildings. He made his way to his locker and rested his head on the metal door, dreading the fact that he still has an entire afternoon of classes to go. Closing his eyes in hopes to quickly recharge, his moment of peace was disrupted when a shoulder rammed into his chest and several books landed right on his toe.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry," a voice exclaimed.

Mark's head snapped up at the sound of the voice. It's her. He momentarily froze and watched the girl bend down to pick up her things, and when he finally regained movement a split second later, he also bent down to help her out. He kept quiet as he tried to think of the coolest possible response to make her think that he was actually the coolest guy in school, but all he could think of was how heavenly and badass she looked yesterday.

"Thanks," she said as he handed her the book. "I hope your foot doesn't bruise."

They both stood up and he shot her a nervous smile. "T-totally fine," he replied, clearing his throat afterwards.

She crossed her brows at his response and nodded, and a look of suspicion replaced her worried demeanor.

"I'm Mark, by the way," he cleared his throat again and reached out his hand, "Grayson."

"Mark... Grayson, huh?" she responded, scanning his face as her suspicion grew. Her eyes finally landed on the hand that was waiting, and she took one last look into his eyes before deciding to shake it. "I'm Y/N," she introduced herself with a skeptical smile, feeling his sweaty palm wrapped around hers. "I'll see you around, Mark Grayson."

She walked away and Mark's eyes followed her trail as far as he could see. He quickly pulled out his phone to send a text to Eve, who was actually watching their interaction a few classrooms down.

"Mark," Eve called out as she moved towards him. “So I’m assuming...”

"You knew?” he asked her in disbelief. “Why didn't you tell me Y/N was a superhero? I just introduced myself to her as Mark Grayson and I'm almost positive she knows I'm Invincible."

"First off, it's not my secret tell," she answered with a shrug. "Second, you guys didn’t trade secrets or whatever?”

Mark shook his head in a panic, "No, but I'm guessing she also knows that I know her secret the same way I know she knows my secret." He rested his forehead on the locker door once again and groaned, "Ugh, I'm so into her, it isn't even funny. And this whole superhero thing just made it even more awkward."

Eve laughed, "Look, I'm not going to force her to tell you if she isn't up for it, but if you want, I can ask her to hang out with us later. Maybe — emphasis on maybe — my presence will make her comfortable enough to admit who she is."

"Okay, okay," he sighed, turning around to rest the back of his head. "My insides are dying."

"After the kaiju yesterday, be thankful you don't mean that in a literal sense."

---

Where in the hell is Eve?

Mark pulled out his phone for the third time in 10 minutes. Still no call or response from Eve to his text. He was getting evidently nervous; his palms were sweaty again and it felt like someone turned up the heat in Burger Mart. His left leg jerked up and down in anxiety as he stared at his phone, looking at the seconds on the clock icon tick by. If he were left alone with Y/N, he'd have no idea what to say. What does she like? Should I bring up the kaiju yesterday and praise Invincible? No, she'll just think I'm full of myself.

"Hey Mark."

He jolted and saw Y/N standing by the corner of the booth. "Hi!" he replied in that irritatingly high-pitched voice. Mark's heart began to race and the thoughts in his head ran wild. "Um... Have a seat. Sorry Eve isn't here yet, she actually hasn't answered my calls or my messages. Teenage girls, huh? What can you do?"

She crossed her brows again and chuckled, "That's fine, we can wait for Eve. But I think I'm more concerned about you."

"What do you mean?"

Y/N chuckled again, "You seem... nervous.”

He faked an obnoxiously loud laugh, “Me? Nervous?”

She watched him from across the table in silence, waiting for him to regain his composure.

When Mark couldn’t hear Y/N laughing with him, he finally shut up and shook his head. “Yeah, I am nervous, sorry,” he admitted, shutting his eyes tight. 

She giggled, “Totally fine.”

Hearing her say those two words calmed his racing heartbeat. A smile crept on his face and she reciprocated, their eyes locking for a few seconds before both their phones buzzed.

“Oh, I just got a text from Eve,” Mark said. 

“Me too.” She opened the message and began to read it out loud, “Sorry, can’t make it tonight. Something came up.”

“Have fun, you two,” he followed, his voice faltering. He placed his phone, screen down this time, back on the table and sighed, “Sorry, guess you’re stuck with me. That is, if you do want to stay and... hang out, and stuff.”

"Why wouldn’t I?” she replied, her warm smile easing Mark back into a relaxed state. “It’s nice to have a friend who...” she trailed off, “understands.”

“Understands what?” he asked.

“This thing people like us call life,” she answered. “You know, it took me a long time to acclimate here. I didn’t think I ever would, then I met friends who made this place feel like home. And home is a feeling I hadn’t felt in a really long time.”

Mark rested his elbows on the table and leaned in closer, “Well, I’m always here. You know, a-as a friend... or an acquaintance, even. I don’t, I don’t want to push it.”

Y/N giggled again, “You’re a funny man, Mark Grayson. This planet is lucky to have someone like you.” She reached out and held his hand, “And I’m even luckier to have you as a friend, or an acquaintance.” 

He felt the heat rush to his face and he could swear his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. The afternoon flew by in a hurry as they engaged in lengthy conversations, fatty fast food, and childhood stories. While Mark was open to sharing every tiny detail — down to the color of the bleachers at the park where he played little league — Y/N kept hers pretty vague, leaving out descriptions of family members and even the places where these stories happened. 

Mark’s phone buzzed again, but the vibrating pattern indicated it was a phone call. He turned the screen over and saw the unknown number; it was time to suit up.

“Shit, I’m sorry Y/N, but I need to go,” he said in a rush. “I have a... uh, an emergency.”

You couldn’t have thought of anything more specific?

“It’s cool. Um, don’t worry about it,” she said, shaking her head with her eyes glued to the vibrating phone. 

Mark’s one leg was already out the booth before he decided to finally just go for it. Sitting back down with his now quiet phone in his hands, he took a deep breath.

“Y/N, I think you’re really cool. Can I maybe, like, call you sometime, or something?”

Her lips formed into smile that extended to her eyes, and it was enough for Mark to melt a little. “Of course. Yeah, sure,” she replied in excitement and typed down her number on his phone. She handed it back, “Now you know how to reach me if you’re getting your ass whooped again.”

His mouth fell open as his shaky hands grabbed his phone. “Wait—”

She smoothly slid out of the booth, “See you later, Invincible,” she winked, “Don’t get killed today.”

---

Luckily for Mark, no one got killed today. Maybe a few wounds here and there, but nothing painful enough that will land him in the GDA hospital. After spending an hour in the shower, he finally managed to lie down on his bed and rest his body. He sank into the mattress and closed his eyes, taking in the seconds of undisturbed peace that have become rare moments since he got his powers. 

As he replayed the events of today’s fights in his head, his mind drifted off to the hours he spent with Y/N. He pulled out his phone and mustered the courage to press the dial button, and the repeating sound of the ringing was making his pulse race. 

“Hello?”

“Oh good, you didn’t die today.”

Mark chuckled and sandwiched his hand between his head and the pillow. “It wasn’t that bad today, just took a few hits,” he explained. “So listen, Y/N, I was wondering, uh—”

She cut him off, “What are you doing right now?”

“What?”

“What are you doing right now?” she repeated.

“Um, nothing, just getting some rest” he sat up and looked around. “Why?”

“If you’re not too tired, do you maybe...”

Mark smiled, “Maybe...?”

“I don’t know, sneak out? My roof is pretty comfortable.”

Silently fist pumping, he fully stood up and nodded, “Text me the address.”

Just as quietly as he exited his room via the window, he softly landed on Y/N’s roof. Swiftly flying up and greeting him, she took the place next to him and crossed her legs. 

“You’re right, your roof is pretty comfortable,” Mark said.

She chuckled at his remark then noticed a gash by his right temple. Her brows furrowed in worry, “You have a wound,” she said, making sure not to touch it.

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied, softly holding her hand and placing it back down with his. “Totally fine.”

Those words brought her some sense of comfort as her eyes softened, causing her to unconsciously squeeze his hand. Mark’s eyes widened and he looked down at their tangled fingers, frozen for a moment.

“Is this... okay with you?” he asked.

She nodded. “Wanna lie down? Since my roof is so comfortable?” she asked with a smirk.

“Sure,” Mark chuckled, removing his hand from her’s and stretching his arm out as they lied down. Y/N rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her eyes up at the stars.

“Hey Mark?”

“Yeah?”

A moment of silence.

“Thank you for coming.”

He looked down at her as she met his eyes, “You’re welcome.” 

The two shared a smile, and Mark took a deep breath as he prepared himself for the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

It’s now or never, Mark. Now or never.

“Watching you kick ass yesterday was... really a sight to see,” he began. “You’re powerful and strong, but more importantly, brave. And you’re so fucking beautiful and kind and smart and...” Mark trailed off, sighing, “I never thought I would be in this position — with you next to me in a very comfortable rooftop under the stars.”

“Mark...”

“And I really like you. Like, really, really like you.”

“Mark.”

“It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way, but I just wanted to let you know. It’s important that you know—”

“Mark,” she cut him off. “I like you too. A lot.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and covered his eyes with his free hand. “Oh thank god. Thank god!” he exclaimed.

Y/N shushed him, “You’re gonna wake up the neighborhood, Invincible.”

“Sorry,” he giggled quietly, “I got excited.”

She laughed and faced her body towards him. They locked eyes again, and Mark didn’t know if it was gravity or just the adrenaline that pushed him, but he finally leaned down and met her lips. Static ran through his body as he deepened the kiss, and he felt an excitement that was even more exhilarating than the first time he flew.

She pulled away and Mark ran his hand through her hair, resting his hand on her cheek. “How was that?” he asked.

She smiled gently and placed her hand over his, “Totally fine.”

[cloudy-minded-idiot]

secrets

pairing: Shuri x reader

warnings: none that I could think of

word count: ~2,200 words

a/n: requested by @junajackson. sorry that it took me so long to write this! between uni and having to evacuate my appartment for a while, I really didn’t have a lot of freetime to write. I hope you like it :)

summary: shuri comes to visit the avengers compound, and your teammates dicover that you’ve been secretly dating the Wakandan princess for a while now. 

The sun was already starting to rise by the time you returned to the compound, bathing the sky in a light pink hue. It was a pretty sight for your sore eyes. You felt drained, the way you often did after a mission. You had been gone for almost a week without being able to contact anyone, getting very little sleep as you had to fight your way out of one mess after the other. Ultimately, the mission was a success but exhausted as you were, you didn’t have it in you to celebrate.  

You were welcomed back by an agent who briefly reminded you when your mission report would be due. You muttered out a confirmation and made a beeline for your room, stripping yourself from your dirty clothes and jumping under the shower. Cleaning up made you feel a lot better, and the warm water did wonders for your aching muscles. Dressed in something comfortable, you walked to your bedroom, ready to call it a day and catch some sleep. You had barely covered yourself with a blanket when a disembodied voice interrupted the tranquility of your room.  

“Mr. Stark has requested your presence in the common room.”  

Burying your head in your pillow, you let out a groan.  

“Do I have to?”  

Even to your own ears, your voice sounded whiney. The AI refrained from commenting on that, though.  

“Mr. Stark is giving you five minutes to get to the common room and advises you to make yourself look presentable.”  

Grumbling out some incoherent swear words, you stumbled out of bed and slowly got changed and pulled on some shoes. After assuring your hair looked alright, you made the small track to the common room. Tony looked up when you entered but, seeing your glare, refrained from making whatever stupid comment he had on the tip of his tongue.  

Silently he passed you a cup of coffee which you received with a grateful nod. Taking a sip of the dark fluid, you let its warmth and the caffeine wash over you.  

“How was your mission?” Tony asked tentatively, almost as if scared you would snap at him. 

“Long and exhausting. I had to ditch my phone and comms the first day and barely had time to sleep or eat,” you took another long sip of your drink before throwing him a side glance, “I really hope for the sake of you that this is important.”  

Tony was quick to assure you that it was, perhaps fearing that you would lose your cool otherwise. And yes, you were tired, but you were not irrational. The worst you would do is hit him in the arm and cuss him out, maybe prank him, later on, to get even.  

“Important visitors are arriving from Wakanda today. We’re doing a bit of collaborative work on a new suit, improve some of my technology, etcetera. I need someone to show them around while I’m at a meeting with Fury. Think you’re up for that?”  

You visibly perked up once you heard about Wakanda. You were more than familiar with their technology. After all, you were dating the head of their science and information department, although Tony didn’t know that. No one on the team did. After all, it hadn’t been until very recently that Wakanda decided to open up to the world and share its knowledge and technology. So, naturally, secrecy had to be part of the deal at the beginning of your relationship. And since then, you had just never found the time or the opportunity to broach the subject.  

“I think I'll manage.”  

Tony patted your shoulder with a grateful nod.  

“Good. I know you’re tired, but I'll owe you one after this,” he said, distractedly checking his watch as he spoke, “I gotta run. Can’t keep Fury waiting any longer. Tell the Wakandans I'll be back by lunchtime. Keep them entertained until then, alright?”  

At your affirmation, Tony thanked you and left you alone in the common room. You made yourself a second cup of coffee, already feeling better than before. That might also have something to do with the excitement of knowing your girlfriend might be coming to visit. After all, she was the head of the technology and information exchange program, so it would only make sense for her to be the one arriving today.  

When FRIDAY alerted you that the Wakandan jet was preparing to land, you were out of your seat and down at the landing lane in no time. Some agents threw you weird looks, but you couldn’t care less. The plane had just shut off its engine when you arrived, waiting a couple of feet away to leave enough space for the small boarding ramp.  

First to step off the jet, were two Dora Milaje carrying their standard sonic spear and serious expressions. The two warriors remained at either side of the door, eyeing the terrain with watchful eyes. Your own were fixed on the door while practically bouncing on the back of your feet in anticipation. As soon as you recognized the silhouette of your girlfriend in the doorway, you couldn’t help the big goofy smile that came to your face.  

Her eyes trailed over the small airport before finally landing on you. Face lighting up, she matched your grin with one of her own. It had been so long since you had last seen Shuri in person, your heart stammered a bit just at the sight of her. The Wakandan princess quickly descended the ramp, immediately engulfing you in a hug that you returned just as fiercely.  

“I was not sure you would be here when I arrived,” she admitted, releasing you just enough so that she could really look at your face, “I haven’t heard from you since you left for your mission a week ago.”  

She gave you a playfully reproachful look, causing you to grimaced sheepishly.  

“I just came back an hour ago. I would have called, but sadly my phone was one of the few casualties of my mission. Anyways,” stepping back a little, you cleared your throat and jokingly bowed slightly before your girlfriend, continuing in a mockingly formal tone.  

“Princess Shuri, I have the honor to officially welcome you and the Dora Milaje to the Avengers Compound. Sadly, Mr. Stark will not be available for the next hours. Until then, I can offer you a tour of the parameters, if you like?”  

You held out your hand in silent offer.  

She bowed her head in thanks, lightly putting her hand on yours.  

“Why thank you, we would appreciate that very much.”  

Unable to keep up the show any longer, you both started to giggle before you motioned for her to come along.cHolding hands, you walked her through the most important parts of the compound, ending the tour in the main lab that Tony liked to use. Shuri looked around with an appraising gaze, silently evaluating the different pieces of equipment and machinery as you leaned against the table in the center of the room.

“Not as good as what I have at home, but it will do,” was her verdict, and you laughed slightly.  

“Don’t tell Tony that, or he might be tempted to renovate again. He likes to pride himself on having the best of everything.”  

“Oh, but he has already admitted that I have the better tech, has he not? Or I wouldn’t be here.”  

“True,” you conceded, “So what do you guys have planned? You’re not going to make him a vibranium suit, are you?”  

She shook her head, joining you on your side of the table, “We were more thinking along the line of nanotechnology. Something like my brother's Black Panther suit. Easy to carry around, quick to put on. Much more practical.”  

You rubbed the back of your neck, trying to sound nonchalant as you asked your next question.  

“So, how long do you suppose this would take?”

She hummed, taking a couple of steps closer to you.  

“Two, three days at most,” she said, wrapping her arms around your waist and pulling your closer, “But for you, I might stretch it out a little. Give us more time together.”  

You smiled adoringly at her, leaning in to press a long kiss to her lips. She returned it eagerly, letting out a content sigh. You really had missed her, more than you could ever put into words. And obviously, that sentiment was shared. After a few moments, you pulled apart to catch your breath, resting your foreheads together, breath mingling in the space between you. You stayed like that for a while, just content to hold each other and be close again.  

“Almost forgot, I have something for you,” she whispered after a minute, releasing you to reach into her pocket.  

“Oh, uh, I didn’t get you any gifts,” you muttered out, a bit embarrassed. She dismissed your worry with a shake of her head. Taking your hand in hers, she slid something onto your wrist. Shuri watched you with anticipation as you slowly realized what it was.  

“You made me a Kimoyo bracelet?”  

Your eyes were probably wide as saucers, a finger tentatively trailing over the engravings on the vibranium beads. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw her nod.  

“It’s easier for me to contact you with this than on one of your old school grandpa phones, and I thought it might be useful to you on your missions. It’s no big deal, really.”  

She shrugged at the end, trying to play this gesture off. You looked up at her in wonder, quite aware that despite her words, this was, in fact, quite a big deal. For one, vibranium was really expensive. For another, Wakandans weren’t known for just handing out Kimoyo beads to anyone. This not only demonstrated how much she trusted you but also that she believed that the two of you were in this for the long run. Your adoration must have shown on your face because Shuri immediately groaned.  

“Oh no, I know that look. Don’t you start getting sentimental on me,” she warned you without any malice. You smiled at her softly, unable to do anything about your expression.  

“I won’t, I promise.”  

She rolled her eyes playfully, overdramatically throwing her hands up in the air.  

“You’re already doing it. Alright, I’m outta here.”  

The Wakandan princess turned to go, but you gently took her hand and pulled her back into an embrace.  

“I love you, Shuri,” you told her, your voice conveying all the emotions you felt. Her expression softened at your admission, and she leaned in to give you a small kiss.  

“I love you, too, you big sap.”  

“What's going on here?”  

Both of you blinked in confusion, slowly turning to look at the door without letting go of each other. In the entrance of the lab, staring at you with faces ranging from shock to confusion and surprise, stood Tony, Steve, and Natasha.  

You cleared your throat, feeling your face heat up, and slowly let go of Shuri, still keeping one of her hands in yours.  

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?”  

Steve was the one that spoke up, vaguely gesturing towards your girlfriend.  

“We came to formally welcome the Princess.”  

“Looks like Y/n has done enough welcoming for us all,” Natasha muttered, only snickering when Steve sent her a reproachful look for her comment. Tony was still regarding you flabbergasted.  

“You,” Tony took off his ever-present sunglasses motioning between you and Shuri, “And her? Since when?”

“Shuri and I have been dating for almost a year now.”  

“A year?” Tony repeated incredulously

“Back when Wakanda ‘s borders were still closed to the world,” Shuri sonfirmed, “With all the secrecy surrounding our technology, Y/n and I thought it would be best to keep our relationship secret too.”  

“And after that, I just didn’t know how to tell you guys,”  you added sincerely.

Tony looked as though he was about to ask more questions, but luckily Cap intervened, flashing you a smile.  

“Well, I’m happy for you two. You look like you're happy together.”  

Shuri squeezed your hand encouragingly, knowing how nervous you had been, not knowing how the team would react. Having the Captain’s blessing, even if you didn’t really need it, was appreciated.  

“Thanks, Steve.”  

“At least this explains why you’ve been having so many late-night phone calls. Good for you,” Natasha teased you, her words having the desired effect of making you groan in embarrassment.  

“I guess I’m happy for you, too,” Tony admitted reluctantly after being prompted byone of Steve's stern looks, “But I'll be much happier after your girlfriend helps me with my suit. So shoo, out of the lab. Play time's over, let's get working.”  

The billionaire made a motion for you all to leave, Natasha and Steve complying readily, saying their goodbyes to Shuri. Rolling your eyes, you followed his demand as well, but not without leaning in to kiss Shuri’s cheek.  

“I'm beat anyways. I haven’t slept in a minute.”  

She released your hand with one last small squeeze.  

“Get some rest. I'll see you later.”  

You were barely out of the lab when, much to Tony’s dismay, you heard Shuri brag about her own lab's much better equipment. You still had a fond smile on your face by the time you finally laid down in your bed.  

___________________________________________

taglist: @fireflyglass @madamevirgo @xxxtwilightaxelxxx​ @penparkz​

[rowanthestrange]

Alright. The interchangeability of the Doctor and the Master.

On one level it doesn’t need explaining at all, anyone with a working understanding of Doctor Who already knows that to be somewhat true. We’ve seen the Doctor fall prey to Masterish behaviour, and with Missy, we get a rare glimpse into a mind that very clearly works like the Doctor’s. If the Flux was invented as a Dead Man’s Handle in case the Doctor ever Day Of The Doctored but didn’t hold back, the fact that it’s the Master who actually did the killing almost doesn’t matter. We all know it could’ve been either of them depending on circumstance.

But let’s go deeper. Why would this be relevant now?

Well, because it might be part of the plot.

The entire reason me and @spoonietimelordy started talking about the idea of Whitaker!Master and Dhawan!Doctor was because the show seemed to be directly suggesting an element of this with the characters. Here we had a Master who doesn’t dress like a Master, but a Doctor - no black, mismatched patterns, the iconic trousers - and had Eleven’s floppy hair and mannerisms like the hand gestures and spinning. And in the other corner we had Thirteen, who from her first episode had a (sexy, intriguing) cruel streak, and an…increased desire for control, despite her words saying the opposite *cough* flat team structure*. Both actors could play the other’s role and you wouldn’t bat an eye.

I don’t think this is just playing into that conceit, I think it could potentially be signposting what’s happening beneath the surface of the story.

We have two Doctors. One of who has been mindwiped. While Thirteen tries to get us to jump to conclusions, given a nonlinear world and narrative we do not know for certain which one.

We have two Doctors because they both told us they’re the Doctor. We’ve followed Thirteen and know who she is. We’ve watched Martin!Doctor and her Doctory actions and seen her TARDIS.

But.

In their first episode, we have one of the only moments of physical contact Thirteen has ever had.

She holds Martin!Doctor’s hand.

No Blinovitch sparking, nothing happens at all, they just teleport into the TARDIS as if nothing’s happened. We have sometimes ignored the effect, but with so much recent canon leaning on it being immediately noticeable even with a sonic screwdriver (The Big Bang, The Day Of The Doctor - potentially an extremely relevant story), and Chibnall being a massive old-school nerd…that’s not a thing he’d miss or forget unless he was doing it for a reason. The handholding itself is not especially meaningful between them, therefore it is reasonable to assume the absence of Blinovitch Limitation Effect is.

It is implied in the Master’s Matrix Metaphor storytime that this mindwipe is not the first, not even close to it.

The Master leads us to believe the Timeless Child is the Doctor, but remembering whose telling the story is important. He never introduces the other child, the one who kills her. And historically the one child of the two predisposed to murder another…was the Doctor…who killed Torvic while trying to rescue the Master from the bully, and deliberately chose to make that memory the Master’s instead, so they’d both think he was the one who was the murderer, until the Master learned the truth centuries later (the famous ‘Master’ BFA).

If we assume that Tecteun would never just inject herself with regeneration energy without having a labrat first to prove it wouldn’t kill her, then we can assume the boy is effectively the second Timeless Child.

Now if you were mindwiping both of them, force regenerating both of them, especially when into kids, then what stops one from following their impulses one way, the other being their shadow and…swapping.

And Martin!Doctor and Thirteen could therefore be technically different enough not to Blinovitch.

But both the Doctor. ‘The Doctor’ is a choice, their background doesn’t matter, for all it’s eating at Thirteen. Martin!Doctor knows this. Thirteen still can’t quite grasp it, desperately trying to get validation right now even as her nuances fail, her manipulation and cruelty get higher, her relationship with her companions getting shallower until one is becoming more ‘Doctor’ than she is. And the Master? The Master was so unsure of himself he needed the Doctor to call him his name, kneel to him, before he could relax and immediately put himself back on the same level as her. Everything I am is because of you. That can mean so many things.

And it’s certainly not the only time the fluidity of archetype identity is played with for the two characters. Swarm plays ‘the Master’ whether he technically is or not. The vibes of old frenemy Gat. And on the Doctor’s side of course, we have Yaz.

I am inclined to believe the Timeless Child is the Doctor, the Adam to the Master made of the rib, the Master as Frankenstein’s monster. But that meta could easily be the Doctor too. And with all the wiping of memory and data…there is a good chance that he does not know which of them is which.

And it doesn’t matter. Their choices about who they are now is what matters.

[buttterknifeee]

An Introduction Pt.3- Teen Titans x Aquagirl!Reader

Pt.1 Pt.2

Requests for this series is now open!!! You can request for ships, episode inserts, and headcanons for this series!!! More info can be found here

Summary: You guys are like the "Friends" of the crime-fighting world. Robin's totally Ross and if this was one of those episodes, it would be called "The one where aliens get their asses kicked"

Ships: none, see info above

A/N: Once again this is a reader insert for the Teen Titans 2003 show season 5 episode 10 (the one where they all meet!) I also added an epilogue for funzies.

You found yourself in a dark bubble of Raven’s magic, floating up to the alien ship. You had offered to water jet all six of you up, but you weren’t even sure if you could create that big of a geyser. Besides, a quiet bubble is much better than a large geyser. Beast Boy, however, disagreed.

“That dark energy stuff gives me the--” He was cut off by a glare from Raven. ”Uh...I mean, it's cool!” He gives a guilty grin.

Robin tells us to go to the firing control room, and you all crept through the hallway in a single file line: Robin, the pink-haired girl, Beast Boy, You, Cyborg, and Raven, who you noticed was still near the entrance. Cyborg gave you a look as if to say Keep going; I’ll handle this. You nodded and continued walking forward.

You were walking near Beast Boy, when you noticed a cut on his arm, with that part of his suit torn open. You pointed at it.

“Hey, you alright?” you asked, referring to the gnash.

“Oh this?” He replies. “This is nothing. When you’ve been a part of the DOOM patrol, a little cut is nothing.” He smiles confidently, patting his wound. You realize that he was totally bluffing when a comical tear springs from his eye and his arm tenses.

“Here I can help.” you say softly. Concentrating on the air between your hands, you condense the liquid in the air, forming a small bubble of water. You move that bubble of water onto his arm and it begins to glow. You let go of the water, revealing Beast Boy’s arm to be completely healed.

“Dudeee,” he stares in awe of your handiwork. “That's so cool-” He’s interrupted by your stumbling; healing really does take a lot out of you. He lets you lean on him, and the two of you continued walking forwards. After a few seconds, he stops.

“Uh, guys?” he says. And that's when you noticed it too. The six of you were surrounded by alien soldiers, and they seemed really out for your blood. “I think they know we’re here.” The six of you charged at the fleet of soldiers. But Robin seemed to have an idea.

“Raven!” he yelled. “Take out part of the floor!” Raven looked at him with confusion, but then nodded and did as she was told. With a large SMASH, she removed the part of the bottom of the ship, revealing the water below. The water below you realized, suddenly understanding Robin’s plan.

“Aquagirl! Now!” he yelled, holding off a soldier with his staff.

“On it!” you yell, punching another alien out of the way. (Apparently with water powers came enhanced strength, which you found out at that moment.)

Concentrating on the water below, you raised your arms, allowing the ocean to shoot up from below. Instead of blasting the water through the entire ship, you carefully controlled it to grab onto the aliens that were attacking your friends, pulling them through the hole and causing them to fall into the ocean below.

You looked at the door to the control room, which was locked shut.

“I got this.” Robin said, placing something shaped like a birdirang onto the door.

As the bidirang counted down, you heard Trogaar talking from behind the door. “The Earth scum shall learn it takes more than six juvenile heroes to defy the mighty Lord Trogaar!” he said, most likely with a smile on his face. You all looked at each other, prepared to prove him wrong.

The door exploded, and Robin was the first to get through. “We’re not six heroes,” he declared. “We’re one team.” Him considering the six of you a team sparked something inside of you. You all split up to take down Trogaar and his guard, with Robin at the lead. You took on a guard, kicking him in the stomach and sending him flying towards a wall.

You noticed that Robin was on the shoulders of Trogaar, and you sent a jet of water to his face to knock him off balance. That didn’t work and he threw Robin across the deck. Luckily, he landed on his feet. The two of you joined to fight Trogaar, taking turns to land punches and kicks. However he overpowered you and Robin, throwing you both across the room. You landed on your back, but Robin hit the wall with the back of his head and fell to the floor.

“Robin! Aquagirl!” The alien girl yelled. You got up as quickly as possible and helped Robin up from sitting position as she and Cyborg tried to take on Trogaar, only to be thrown in your direction as well.

Still leaning on you, Robin looked at Cyborg’s arm. “Can you rewire that into some sort of weapon?” he asked.

“I can try,” he said, getting up. The four of you were in a fighting stance, despite being injured and surrounded by Trogaar and his goons. Suddenly, you hear a voice, as clear as day.

“Get away from my friends!” It was Raven, supporting an injured beast boy. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos!” she chanted. Part of the ship exploded, sending it crashing into the ocean.

You found yourself standing in the ship, the roof torn off and making a slow descent into the ocean. All of the alien soldiers were groaning on the ground, but Robin, Cyborg, and the alien girl were all unharmed. The four of you watched in horror as Trogaar aimed to attack Raven when BLAM! You turned to see Cyborg standing next to you with a smoking sonic blaster in place of his arm. He grins.

“Alright I’m only gonna say this once. Boo-Yah!”

“Yo, is it just me or are some of these guys starting to move again?” Beat Boy points out, still slumped in Raven’s arms. He was right; a few of the aliens began to twitch, making attempts to get up. You turn to the other 5 people.

“You guys don’t worry. They’re in the ocean now, meaning that they’re in my territory.” You cracked your knuckles, your eyes glowing blue.

.

.

It’s the next morning and you find yourself sitting with Robin, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, looking at a view of the bay and an island

“Thanks so much for the new suit Cyborg!” you say, fiddling with your brand new outfit. You were wearing a cropped short-sleeve rash guard and swim shorts, both with deep cyan and black patterns. He also gave you black gauntlets with curved spikes ‘To protect yourself from bad guys and still be aerodynamic!’ according to him. Robin gave you one of his old yellow belts, since he figured you’ll probably need something to carry stuff in. Finally, you found some black scuba shoes from the swimwear store that allowed you to walk and swim with ease.

“Its no problem AG! I figured you needed a new outfit if you’re gonna be a superhero now” Cyborg chuckled, calling you a new nickname that he probably made up just then. Superhero, you thought. I like the sound of that.

Raven had a far away look in her eyes.“That's quite a view.” she said, still staring that the scenery

“Somebody oughta build a house out there,” Cyborg agreed, his voice now softer.

“Yeah, if you like sunshine and the beach.” Beast Boy added, making an obvious dig at Raven.

“You know, you're kind of funny.” Raven said to your surprise, smiling softly at Beast Boy. This was obviously too much for the guy’s ego.

“You think I'm funny?” Beast Boy sat up straight, looking at Raven. “Dude! I know some jokes!”

You laughed at Raven’s face of pure regret, before a familiar voice brought your attention to behind you. It was the alien girl, now in a purple outfit similar to the one before, but this time it seemed to really suit her.

“I look .. nice?” she asked, obviously insecure. You took her hand again.

“You look amazing,” you reassured her, causing her cheeks to flush.

Robin stepped forwards. “I still don’t know your name,” he said.

“In your language, it would be ‘Star Fire.’” she says with a smile.

“Welcome to Earth, Starfire.” Robin said.

She looked at you all shyly, certainly different from when you first met. “ I thank you all for your bravery and help, and I wish to ask permission...to remain here. Where the people are most strange ...but also most kind.”

“You don’t need our permission,” Raven said calmly.

“But if you want our friendship, you've got it.” Robin added.

“I could use a new friend,” you say with a wink.

“Guess we could all use some new friends.” Cyborg agrees.

“Besides, we kind of made a good team.” Beast Boy says proudly.

“I thought we might want to keep in touch, so Cyborg and I designed these.” Robin fished out four black and yellow communicators. You, Raven, Beast Boy, and Starfire each took one and observed them. They were similar to flip phones, but they were circular and had no logo on the front.

“Made ‘em outta my own circuits, '' Cyborg said proudly.

“When there’s trouble, you know who to call,” Robin said. You all smiled at one another. You were a team.

Epilogue

While everyone else was still smiling at one another, you excused yourself and walked a few feet away. You opened your new communicator, dialing in a phone number you know by heart. You waited for the person on the other line to pick up, and began to speak.

“Heyyy dad. It’s (y/n); you must have been worried sick, I’m sorry… Yeah no I’m fine, really. I’m in uhhh Jump City and I made some of the coolest friends and I was wondering... if I could stay here? I’ve been spending the whole night wanting to go back home, but I think this might be home for me. I understand if- oh? Really? You’ll let me stay? Wow, thanks dad. I-I promise that I’ll be careful and that I’ll go to school here, I know there's this high school called Murakami School I’ll try to… I love you too dad. I’ll talk to you later.”

You flip your communicator closed, and walked back to your new friends. Raven looked at you.

“Are you alright?” she asked, noticing your change in mood.

“Yeah,” you say, a smile forming on your face. “I’m great actually. Just had to call home.”

“You're going home???” Beast Boy asked, a frown falling on his face.

You chuckled, “Of course not.” You lightly punched his shoulder. “Besides, this is my home now.”

“Awe Yeah!” the green guy cheered. You laugh, feeling extra cheerful. Now that you’re in a team, you really do feel like you belong. You looked at your new team.

“Anyone up for pizza?”

[birdsareblooming]

Infinite is connected to Solaris

This is gonna be a long one, strap in.

Infinite, Infinite, Infinite. The most recent in-game villain, and the most powerful in recent history as well. Despite being only around 3 years old, he’s become extremely popular. and half of that is because of the song.

Mephiles, Iblis, and Solaris. Villains over 10 years old that haven’t been used since their original game appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Or... have they?

Now I want to say before all of this, this all could be coincidences, me being delusional, or something otherwise. It is ONLY a theory, but for something as crazy as I’m claiming I need to preface with this for my own sanity. 

But i’m gonna cut the bullshit. You’re here to see how I am going to bs my way to saying that Infinite the Jackal is connected to a dead god from what is regarded as the worst Sonic game. 

And, like most of these, I need to start with some house cleaning, some things you need to understand.

1. Time Eater is Mephiles

You might have seen me meme about this before...

...But yeah that’s exactly the situation.

I had theorized this before I knew Ian Flynn thought the same thing. Their identical color-schemes, almost identical aesthetic, and completely identical power-set. 

Even the name Time-Eater, that was Mephiles, and Solaris’s goal. To eat time. 

2. Ifrit is Iblis

Now i’m going to assume you have two questions

If Time Eater is Mephiles, than where’s his counterpart, Iblis?

Who the fuck is Ifrit

Long and Short, 

But, more importantly, 

Ifrit is what caused Silver’s Future post Sonic 06.

Ifirit was their retcon for keeping Silver’s future the way it is (even though they defeat it at the end of sonic rivals 2, causing the future to not be that way, hence why Silver was 3 conflicting backstories. Thanks guys.)

So, when it comes to fire demon that destroys the world and causes the future that Silver the hedgehog lives in, that’s a good amount of evidence already, especially with the preface that Mephiles is alive in the form of Time-Eater. If Mephiles was reborn, why wouldn’t also Iblis? and Ifirit is so uncannily similar theres no other candidate. 

also, might I add:

(thanks @zorloser​)

For you who don’t know, Ifrit’s story ended being re-trapped in it’s pocket dimension with Eggman Nega. 

3. The Phantom Ruby

The Phantom Ruby... Oh, the Phantom Ruby.

A very new addition to Sonic, and yet very important. It was the leading mcguffin of two games, and is made out to be very powerful. 

yes I know that’s a lot up there, but you need to understand the Phantom Ruby to fully understand this theory. 

It’s also very important that Eggman didn’t create the Phantom Ruby as he claims. He created Infinite, not the stone attached to him. Despite there being prototypes, which does confuse me, but from what info we’re given from the wiki the Phantom Ruby seems to have come from Classic Sonic’s universe, even retreating there after the events of Forces. This is also confirmed in Episode Shadow:

Although, Eggman did name it, seemingly on a whim.

~Tangent Time~

Despite being CALLED a Ruby by Eggman, the Phantom Ruby doesn't LOOK like a ruby, despite being magenta.

Rubies CAN be dark even to the point of being Black, but never connected. They’re usually just one shade.

(And don’t you dare say “The chaos emeralds don’t look like emeralds bc they’re not green. They’re all TECHNICALLY emeralds, they’re part of the beryl family, and even if only green beryls are called emeralds, they are all the exact shades of beryl.)

But what the Phantom Ruby DOES look like, is obsidian. 

note this for later.

4. Infinite

For those who don’t fully know Infinite’s backstory, it’s expanded upon on the wiki and Rise of Infinite 

Now that we’re all on the same page, lets continue to him now. 

Lovingly referred to as the “Masked Clown.” Infinite goes about the entirety of Sonic Forces revealing nothing of himself, the only things we know about him are from Episode Shadow and Rise of Infinite. We don’t even see his real face in-game. 

Although we have enough to know that his personality changed post Phantom Ruby, it’s even mentioned on the Wiki. Although how much of that change was spurred on by being beat up by a 15 year old, we’ll probably never know. 

Although his goal has always been the same. Starting the planet over as a desolate wasteland. What a fun dude to be around. Probably the life of the party.

5. Connections

(i’m using Mephiles and Time-Eater intermittently, same with Iblis and Ifrit.) 

Alright, now we’re all on the same page. Let’s move on.

I’m going to play a game we’ve played before. I’m going to name something about Infinite or the Phantom Ruby, and add something that’s eerily simmilar to Solaris (Mephiles + Iblis)

All of this Info can be found on the Sonic Wiki

Phantom Ruby: -It is an interdimensional gemstone of incredible power- Ifrit: It is an interdimensional, demonic fire-creature of incredible power- (wow those are, the same description huh)

Infinite: -After Infinite's fusion with the finalized Phantom Ruby prototype, he acquired the ability to generate, destroy, and manipulate virtual realities, which he could turn into virtual reality projections to interact with reality.[32] Said virtual realities are illusions, which Infinite creates by exercising control of one's visual and depth perception by feeding the brain false information- Ifrit: -Described as capable of binding one's soul, the Ifrit can enslave others with powerful mind control powers.- -Ifrit, which manages to use some kind of mind control on Sonic and/or Tails (or Knuckles and/or Rouge, depending on which team the player is controlling), but is defeated by the other teams, and is destroyed.-

Infinite: -Infinite's newfound strength proved so great that he was able to effortlessly defeat figures like E-123 Omega and Silver the Hedgehog, and ultimately best even Sonic the Hedgehog twice. He was even able to single-handedly overwhelm the entire Resistance army during Operation Big Wave. His power was such that not even the Miles Electric was able to give an accurate reading of his capabilities.[31] Time Eater: -the Time Eater has demonstrated immense super strength; even in its incomplete form, it easily knocked Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic unconscious with a single hit. After being completed, the Time Eater was able to effortlessly repel both Classic and Modern Sonic's and knock them out using brute force alone-

Phantom Ruby:  Its powers can also warp the fabric of space-time,[1] allowing it to create pocket dimensions such as Egg Reverie Zone and Null Space, as well as teleport entities from place to place. When used alongside the Chaos Emeralds' time-space powers, it transported Classic Sonic and itself to another dimension, and later sucked Dr. Eggman into a rift- Time Eater: Its signature skill however, is creating "Time Holes",[8] spacial rifts that lead to any point across time and space, including alternate timelines and across different dimensions.

Infinite: When everything you know has come and gone (You are at your lowest, I am rising higher) Only scars remain of who I was (What I find in the ashes, you lose in the fire) When there's no one left to carry on (This is an illusion, open up your eyes and...) This pain persists, I can't resist But that's what it takes to be infinite Solaris: -Much like his two halves, Iblis and Mephiles, Solaris is immortal and virtually indestructible.- -As a transcendent life form, Solaris possesses a unique state of existence that lets him exist in the past, present and future simultaneously, making him omnipresent throughout time and virtually impossible to defeat unless he is attacked simultaneously in all eras-

Possible reach:

Phantom Ruby:

Solaris:

(I’m refering to the odd red-stone in the middle, also that the wings somewhat resemble Infinite’s sword.)

~Tangent Time~

remember the first tangent? Where I meantioned that the Phantom “Ruby” looked more like obsidian than a ruby?

Well someone else looks like a certain type of obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian to be exact:

Alright Reaching time over. 

Now you might have noticed that the Ifrit-Infinite connections seemed to fit just a bit more-Maybe it was just me- even down to the Phantom Ruby and Ifrit’s OPENING DESCRIPTION being almost copy/paste, which i’m still amazed at.

This get’s to the next part of my theory.

6. Where are they (Mephiles/Iblis) now?

Welcome to~ where are they now!

Mephiles, or Time-Eater, So far is undocumented. It’s said they were “Destoryed” at the end of Sonic Generations, but for all we know it was just the machine additions, and Mephiles was “destoryed” over 10 years ago and he started kicking again.

Iblis, or Ifrit, was locked in it’s own pocket dimention along with Nega, and hasn’t been seen since...or have they?

haha that’s a callback! Do you remember the beginning of this post or is it too mindbogglingly long for your brain to comprehend in one sitting? 

7. The Phantom Ruby is Iblis/Ifrit

let’s talk about the power set of the Phantom Ruby. Interdimentional, very powerful, capable of some kind of mind fuckery.

Ifrit is, Interdimentional, very powerful, capable of some kind of mind fuckery, immortal and is constantly on fire,

You may be wondering about this “Fire” thing. “Solaris was a sun god and infinite has no connection-” WRONG! 

sorry that was forceful.

Infinite used a very specific and strange method to destroy the planet. He made an illusion of the sun, and set it on the planet. Out of all the methods, and interesting choice to be sure. But not for a sun god.

also: “What I find in the ashes, you lose in the fire”

“What are you saying you dumb bitch?” You might be thinking. First of all, rude, second of all, I’m saying that the power inside the Phantom Ruby IS Iblis/Ifrit, hence their connection.

Before I get to timeline and other stuff, some minor things:

The decision to have Infinite take on specifically Silver, and showing Silver being able to withstand a fight against him for a good amount of time, as well as giving them a minor repertoire, which no other seemingly “unconnected” Resistance Fighters get. 

the name “Infinite” fitting the naming scheme if “Iblis and Ifrit” and you know how this franchise is about naming schemes.

Now, where we last left Ifrit he was trapped in a pocket dimension with Nega. 

Where we first find the Phantom Ruby is “In Sonic Mania, the Phantom Ruby appeared on Angel Island after a dimensional breach occurred in the atmosphere.” (via sonic wiki)

Now, it is kinda hard to connect those two lines, but the dimensional causation is there. 

(I could add an ENTIRE subsection of me trying to connected Mephiles to the time-traveling nature of Little Planet, therefore connecting Solaris to Classic Sonic’s world ((and “fun is infinite)) but this theory doesn’t need to be any longer and I cannot physically do any more research.) 

it’s possible Ifrit would be trapped, Mephiles was trapped in the Scepter of Darkness, so it’s more possible than impossible. 

But, Imma be fully honest with you guys, Most of this is because of the song.

If you haven’t heard “Infinite”, What is wrong with you. Go listen to it. Oh my god. 

But, some of the lyrics, don’t totally make sense knowing Infinite’s backstory. But it makes more sense seeing through the lens of the added Ifrit influence.

“And after all this time you're back for more“ (If talking about Shadow, it wasn’t a “long time” inbetween Infinite’s defeat and his rise. And Infinite has no stated relationship with Sonic. However, Solaris and subsequently, Iblis, do.) “When everything you know has come and gone“ “But that's what it takes to be infinite“

Even the name “Infinite.”

He chose that name after fusing to the Phantom Ruby and “ABAndoNiNg hIS pAsT SeLf” 

But, the Phantom Ruby has no connotations of immortality. None specified. it’s possible it’s power could be used to trick the user into immortality, but it’s never specified. You’d think he’d be called “Phantom” or, even, “Zero” (his working-and possibly true-name) But no. Infinite.

Now, think back to the connections earlier, and the info I took from Solaris’s wiki.

“Omnipresent throughout time and space”

Sounds pretty “Infinite” to me.

Am I saying Infinite is the new Iblis Trigger? Yes.

Ok my fingers hurt from writing this sorry it’s so long 

bye

[thecoolertails]

hmm. mixed thoughts on the combat.

positive:

it's a new direction for the series and some of the moves you can perform look fun. i think the best example is against those small humanoid creatures. i like how you can juggle them and it seems like you have a lot of different options

i also like the idea of fighting a giant robot and having to climb it to defeat it. i also like that it seems to have multiple ways to fight it, like you can climb it or you can take out the legs? maybe you're required to do both though, it's hard to tell

negative:

some of the fighting seems really slow, particularly the first two enemy types. ESPECIALLY the second one. maybe it will be more engaging to fight if paired with other enemies, idk.

i wish that circle attack he did on the ground was faster, actually in general i wish sonic was faster without having to rely on boosts. his top speed without boosts seems pretty low for the size of the areas he's in, and if they were worried about him being too fast during tighter platforming sections they could just make his acceleration slower so he has to build up that speed for a while by running or with a spindash. is there no spindash in this game?? i feel like it would be a really fun element to have to traverse an open world like this, especially if it worked similar to sa2 (not exactly the same, they could get rid of the somersault and make it so he starts charging sooner, but i wouldn't want it to be instant like sa1)

also as much as i like the concept, i'm not super impressed with the giant robot fight.. some parts of it are cool, but once you get on the arm it basically just shoots you up to the top instead of actually having to platform up to it... it REALLY seems like a missed opportunity. if you give me a giant to fight, i want to scale it. especially because it doesn't really seem like this game has very much platforming in other places. hopefully other bosses have more platforming involved.

i really don't love most of the enemy designs. i don't like the sleek minimalist art style for sonic robots-- never have, never will. i especially don't like that a lot of (or maybe all of?) the enemies are faceless, it feels like they have way less character compared to badniks or egg pawns, and having some personality in the enemies would help liven up the overworld a bit. this is minor since it's mostly personal taste, but still.

and i hate to bring this up again, but WHERE is the environment variety? the only new environmental type we've been given is the part with the water (that makes the game lag like crazy.... hm maybe they should've gone for a more simple cartoony art style instead of hyper realism)

final thoughts:

i don't wanna rag on the game because, still, it doesn't look terrible. but... ughhhhhh. i hate settling for scraps. i wish sega would stop trying to make sonic be this and make sonic be that and just let sonic be sonic. the biggest issues of this game would be fixed if they learned from the successes in their OWN series instead of someone else's.

Maybe this game will be alright, maybe it will suck, idk. But really I just don't think a "new direction" is what 3d Sonic needs right now. 3d Sonic needs a back to basics, made by people who understand what makes Sonic fun to play in the first place. Like 2d Sonic got with Mania. I don't know why Sonic Team feels the need to reinvent the wheel.

[chongoblog]

Zero Time Dilemma Review/Ramble

Okay, so if you’ve been following me, you know that I’ve gotten into the Zero Escape series, famous for 999 and Virtue’s Last Reward, streaming both games. I recently took the time to experience the last game, Zero Time Dilemma by watching cutscenes rather than playing it proper mostly because A) I heard it was REALLY dark and didnt want to risk it on Twitch and B) I wanted to experience it more freely like while I’m at work.

After experiencing it. I have......feelings about it. And because there’s MASSIVE spoilers involved, I’m making it its own post under the ReadMore below.

tl;dr LOADS of bullshit, flawed execution, and stupid decisions, but still REALLY enjoyed it

Okay so a LOT of this is going to be complaining, and like I said in the tl;dr I still legit enjoyed this game, so I’m gonna make this a compliment sandwich by saying something nice now, loading up on complaints, then ending with more compliments. Carlos is good. So is Sean. Sigma being voiced by Matthew Mercer actually makes him more interesting imo. I REALLY like Phi’s new design and the way they build on the initial concepts brought up in VLR more accurately portray the ideas that started all the way back in 999, that being the idea of taking thoughts across timelines, just like the player. From the beginning, the theme/gimmick was always “what if your character remembered information when you savescummed?” In 999 that began as flashes of information, and in VLR the characters’ consciousness actually time traveled at the very end. ZTD now uses the idea of the consciousness traveling across time and space and RUNS with it. I also think that Delta has a cool design.

I’ll be nice again later, but now for the things I Did Not Like.

Emo Moody Junpei makes sense from a writing standpoint, but that doesn’t mean I have to like him. Maybe I just got spoiled since Evan Wilson did a spectacular job with his deliveries in 999 and in ZTD it seems like his soul got sucked out. Not the fault of the delivery as much as it is the writing. Eric is bad, and I feel like that statement isn’t controversial. I don’t think anyone likes Eric, and if you do, then sorry for shitting on him so much, but god I just don’t like him. And the abusive childhood thing doesn’t give me a drop of sympathy, but then again I’ve always hated the writing trick that “this person is shitty and pathetic but it’s because abuse!” (see also Mikan). Diane is boring (sorry).

But I fuuuuuckin HATE Mira. I hate Mira so much. Like, at first I thought she’d be alright, yeah she’s definitely The Boob Character™, but I liked Lotus well enough and Alice grew on me significantly, so I don’t see why Mira won’t. Then she’s like “surprise I’m a serial killer”. Now if they just made her a serial killer, it would be kinda boring so I’m glad they TRIED something new. I just think the result was bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad. Like....”hmm I never felt any emotions so when my mom told me they were kept in hearts I just ripped em out of people :)” is some garbage I’d write in middle school when I felt especially edgy. Also yeah seems p ableist. I won’t go too deeper into Mira, since she’s a sociopath and I don’t know enough about the actual disorder to put a candle to the real thing, but....bleh.

I won’t touch on THIS aspect for too long because I’m aware that it had barely any budget and it wouldn’t have happened without a kickstarter (don’t know the details), but the animation is just....so stiff. It really takes away from the dramatic impact some scenes are meant to have. But even IF the animation wasn’t stiff, I still am not a big fan of the darker and moodier direction it went. Although that’s moreso down to personal preference. Final note about the presentation (which is by far the game’s weakest aspect) is that I noticed multiple points in the sound mixing got to nearly Sonic Adventure 2 levels of being unable to understand what people were saying.

Alright. Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Let’s talk about Delta. This is going to make up a MAJORITY of this post so strap in.

Delta is a meme. There’s no other way to say it briefly. He’s just such a huge fucking meme. Almost everything about him, from his plan to his “complex” motives to his backstory to his powers. I mentioned liking his design, but fuck it. That’s a meme now too. Delta is the stupidest part of the game, and as much as I kind of love it, I also need to complain about it.

First let’s talk about Delta’s plan (because it starts with the nicest part of this segment). His motives are “complex” which is actually greek for “he’s probably either a liar, an idiot, or both”. I said there was nice things, so I’ll start with those. The very ending’s “ah ah ah. I never killed any of you in this timeline. If you arrested someone for crimes of another history, there would be criminals everywhere” was something I actually legitimately enjoyed. Yeah, intent was still there and he’s still a bastard (plus there was kidnapping and non-consensual drugging involved so kind of a stupid take), but I still thought it was a fun attempt. And also the “I had to make sure I was born” thing is a mindfuck, and I love those. Basically the first retort is “well I’m alive, right? So I don’t need to make sure I was born with powers because I WAS born with powers, which means it happened in another universe. So I don’t have to.” Only to then realize that we’re just in the universe where he DID do that but then the only justification is “someone had to” right? Wrong. Let’s talk about the rest of his “complex” motives

So I give a pass to “I had to make sure I was born”, but now we see why he had to do this whole deal and what he declares at the end of the game. That there’s some religious fanatic who intends to blow up the world and completely end humanity. And he released Radical-6 in the VLR timeline hoping that it would kill the terroris only killing 4 billion people instead of 6 billion people. In the timeline at the end of ZTD, he says that they had used this experience to hone the skills of the Shifters that way they could use their newly honed take down the religious fanatic WITHOUT Radical-6 and save the world.

What?

Now......before I tear into this.....I have ONE nice thing to say. The “unleash radical 6 and kill 4 billion vs let a terrorist end humanity” gambit IS cleverly foreshadowed with the radical 6 decision game with Q Team. But also wouldn’t that have made, like 1800 times more narrative sense to give that decision game to team D who KNOWS the impact of radical 6, or team C who he explains this plan to later on? Damn, even my nice thing was backhanded. Alright let’s REALLY tear into it.

FIRST of all, this is the exact same plot of Virtue’s Last Reward. Only difference is that somehow Akane and Junpei are just as skilled at this technique as Sigma and Phi despite the latter going to do Moon Training (granted the moon training was also to give them enough of a jump to go back 45 years). Speaking of Virtue’s Last Reward, this game also reveals that Delta is Brother, the leader of Free the Soul. A group of religious fanatics. So I wouldn’t be especially shocked if the religious fanatic is working with Free the Soul. But for the sake of this argument, let’s just say they aren’t with FtS. How in the Flavor-Blasted FUCK does he know this? Did somebody Shift back from that timeline and then just get Mind hacked (and we’ll fUCKING talk about Mind Hacking dont you worry)? How would that be the only piece of information known about the end of the god damn world? And if there IS more, then why the fuck wouldn’t you tell them the information? How does he know that it’s inevitable when apparently a god damn snail can unleash Radical-6?

I call bullshit on the “religious fanatic” thing. Wanna know why? Because at this point, Delta had already founded Free The Soul. He started this shit in 1938. At this point in time, he and the rest of the Free the Soul had already kidnapped Alice’s dad to create clones of his dead brother. He was pushing for a new world order and then in the VLR timeline, tried to PREVENT this whole thing from happening by sending Dio to the Moon. So if he actually gave a shit about “honing their abilities” then why would he do everything in his power to stop it? There is ONE out that there can be, but it’s something not even HINTED at (and I’ll talk about this later), but I think that "religious fanatic” is a big ol’ lie that he made up to try and save face when he was faced with a consequence, but even that explanation makes no sense since he’s like “lol shoot me if u wanna I wont mind hack you”

And let’s talk about mind hacking. Let’s fucking talk about Mind Hacking. Adding Mind Hacking was stupid, completely pointless, out of left field, and actively makes Delta a worse character. For those that don’t know, Mind Hacking is an ability that only Delta has (and I guess the player character technically but that’s a whole meta thing from VLR that doesn’t get followed up on) where you can read people’s minds and also fuckin control them. Why? Why was this necessary, ZTD? You wanna know what I thought was really neat? When I saw that different timelines produced different X-Codes. I thought “oh shit, I know this is Game Stuff, but the sheer foresight of the villain to do that? That’s some Moriarty shit.” It would require some insane explanations, but we’ve had enough sci-fi that we could imagine with enough advanced tech, you could set up systems that could use conditionals to give certain responses based on certain outcomes. Like if someone dies after the decontamination room button is pressed, then the central computer outputs a different X-Code than if it’s after the initial vote. Just make up a new tech that accounts for Shifting (plus the QUANTUM COMPUTER you have RIGHT THERE) and you could make a villain with so much calculated foresight that he’s just a god damn genius. But no. Mind hacking. None of that interesting stuff, just “lol I read ur mind idiot”. No outwitting anyone, just “lol get mindhacked eric u scrub bang bang”.

Honest to god, honest to FUCKING god, do you want to know how cool the final cutscene would have made Delta look if he walked out and just KNEW what happened in another timeline because of his plans. Like everyone recognizes him as Delta and he just goes “ohoho I see you had a fun time in my other timeline” using that deduction alone. But nah, he’s just like “yo I just mindhacked y’all, nice experience y’all had” I hate mind hacking so much. There’s no part of his plan where he NEEDED to mind hack in order to succeed that could have been written without mind hacking.

Now there’s a bit of a missed opportunity here that could both make mind hacking relevant, made his motive not shit, and also maybe even developed him into a SUPER interesting character! I know this is a bit fanfic-y, but hear me out. Make Delta a VICTIM of the stable time loop/bootstrap paradox. For those who don’t know, the bootstrap paradox is when time travel makes certain events happen seemingly out of thin air since they are their own cause. Basically it’s this clip from Milo Murphy. This is something that seems like it’s KINDA there in the subtext, but if they actually dove into it, they could have a GOLD mine.

What if we keep the mindhacking, and before he even MAKES Free the Soul, he mindhacks someone who experienced the events of the “religious fanatic”. But not just anyone. An experienced SHIFTer who made it their goal to stop this religious fanatic. After hundreds of attempts, they still fail. Delta sees this and determines it to be inevitable. So he’s having fun, cursed by the knowledge of an inevitable apocalypse. Then he meets Akane, Phi, Sigma, or Junpei after they had undergone the events of VLR and ZTD. He learns that particular timeline. A bleak future, yes, but one single future where humanity is alive. He sees two futures, one in which all of humanity dies, and one where he is the leader of a religious cult that wipes out 4 Billion People with a deadly pandemic. And the idea of being that person disgusts him. He despises it. But he’s completely resigned to fate. He knows that things must go precisely as he’s seen at the price of humanity, too frightened by such a burden to even take a toe off of the predetermined pathway. His motive is that he’s so tightly bound to fate and so afraid to let it slip that he has no choice but to commit the atrocities, despising himself for it every step of the way, but considering it better than the inevitable alternative. It would give a purpose for the mindhacking powers, it would give him a solid motive, and it would make the ending SO much stronger, showing the contrast between a group of SHIFTers confident that they can change fate and the man who is completely resigned to his own. Fuck, I might steal this character concept because I REALLY think this idea would work to make an interesting villain!

Like I mentioned, this is KINDA there in subtext (with him quite frequently saying “life truly is unfair”) and this could be an interpretation of the character, but if ZTD had explored that theme, then holy hell what an interesting character Delta would be.

But even WITH this fix, holy hell, this plan is stupid. Because guess what, dingus. You just created like 30 new timelines that all end in annihilation.

He coulda said ONE line about “even if there is only one history that ends nicely, that is solace enough”, that might have been dark, but still powerful. You know, add some depth. But instead, he’s just like “hmm hmm shoot me”

And the Q Twist? I’m honestly not as mad at it as I should be. On one hand, it does that cute thing where there are little bits of foreshadowing so when you rewatch it, you notice little bits like shadows and stuff, but on the other hand, there are PLENTY of points where either the camera just straight up lies to you and doesn’t show him when he should be there or Delta’s just been fuckin SHMOOVIN on his wheelchair around the room constantly to stay out of the camera and everyone’s just been kinda chill with it. Maybe if they had been more careful with the camera it could have delivered a TOUCH better. Like, even if the shots are a bit off, that’s noticeable enough to be part of the hint, no? I don’t have as much to say about this, mostly because this post is getting long as fuck so I’m gonna wrap it up so I can move on with my life for a bit.

So even with ALL OF THAT, I still enjoyed playing the game. That’s right, compliment sandwich time. The three wards all being one ward was a really neat reveal. The fact that you can shoot Delta in one scene is creative with its replay value. I’m glad they touched on the philosophical idea of what happens to the people who made it out from the coin flip only to get SHIFTed into the exploding lab, and exploring that idea was fun. I absolutely lost my mind at the idea of the gun to sigmas head had a random chance of firing and then seeing it elaborated on in the dice scene directly after it. Gab is a good boy.

Cant wait to play AI